Thoughts

Today I received some bittersweet news. My "Grandmother" Marian Harris-Kroutil passed away last night. She was 90 years old. Grandmother is in quotes because she isn't... technically... Marian and my mother met at a Kinko's 11 years ago while my Mom was copying the Christmas letter. She was admiring my little brother and sister, at the time they must have been 5 and 3ish. She never had children. My mother invited her to our Christmas Eve dinner, thinking that she would say no. She didn't. I don't think she has missed one since. In addition she has been to numerous violin and piano recitals and choir concerts , many Thanksgivings, Easters, birthdays, sporting events, and other family gatherings. She is an honorary member of our family.

Marian is truly one of a kind. Always counted on to make some feisty comment. Letting me know I could get the same effect with my ever changing hair color with wigs, scolding me for getting fat when I was pregnant with Zoey, telling me I should wear skirts if I wanted to be a lady and not look like a man, and one of the best backseat drivers I know... I could go on and on and on. No bigger than a minute, she maybe weighed 85 pounds. I remember how she always told me that she would go for a walk every day in her little retirement community, and walk the opposite way so she could give everyone hugs. Then she would lift her little 2 pound weights to keep her strong. She had such stories. Her little apartment was filled with things from all over the world, and stories to go with each. I hope she wrote some of them down.

Marian always kept busy. She volunteered at the Children's Museum, cooked dinner several times for Damon and I when we were newlyweds, and I am sure many others in her ward. (at those dinners, we always played rummicub while we ate pineapple upside down cake, and she always won, and she always would change the rules when she was loosing...)

A few years ago she married Russle Harris, and it was so sweet to see her in love. She was so happy, giving me a surplus of marital advice. I am so glad that they were sealed in the temple. She was anxious to get back to him, he died maybe a year after they were married...

I never thought she would die. I know that is so stupid, but she just was such a fighter. I miss her. I didn't think this would be as hard as it is, for some reason. I admire my mother through all of this. Her faithful friend. Always paying visits, making sure she was taken care of, helping her with anything she needed, for a woman she met in Kinko's. My Mom is such an amazing woman. Marian broke her hip late Saturday night, and quickly deteriorated and passed away at 10 pm last night. I feel so blessed that my mother invited her to Christmas dinner. Its so funny how the Lord brings people into your lives, and the enormous blessings you receive from them.

Marian Kroutil Harris. Truly, One of a Kind.

Everyday things...

I was doing Zoey's hair today. Her bangs are finally long enough that I can pull them back into a half pony tail, with some coaxing, of course. As I was combing them back into the ponytail she said, "Mom, I look like Aladdin."

Me: "What?

Z: "I look like Aladdin!"

M: "How do you look like Aladdin?"

Z: "Ya know, a genie! I look like a genie!"

I laughed. Then she got mad at me for laughing. I spent the next 5 minutes convincing her that she didn't look like a genie.

This is the 'genie' hair-do. I think she looks adorable

Today Liam displayed a new freak out. Gordon, his big blue train, got some syrup on him at breakfast. He ran screaming through the house with Gordon and a container of wipes, found me and said "Irrie! Irrie!" As I proceeded to clean Gordon with the wipes he did a victory dance, spinning in circles and saying "Yeah! Yeah!! Eean!! Eean!" Once Gordon was clean, he ran back to the basement where he was playing with his trainset.

All this happened in 30 mintues. I love having 2 small children. I never stop laughing.

We also have a birthday boy in the house. I'm making ribs for him tonight.

Oh yes, oh yes its Springtime

I. Love. Spring.

Pet Peeve

I go to the Y to work out. I have to say, EVERY TIME I GO THERE I AM VISUALLY ASSAULTED BY THE THING THAT TOTALLY IRKS ME. I AM IRKED.

V.P.L.

VISIBLE PANTY LINE. EVERY TIME. WHO THINKS THAT IS A FLATTERING LOOK?????

GROSS

BUT TODAY TAKES THE CAKE. I AM SORRY. FOR THOSE WITH A SENSITIVE GAG REFLEX, DON'T READ THIS.

A WOMAN. ON THE HEFTY (REALLY HEFTY) SIDE. TIGHT BLACK SPANDEX. THONG ABOUT 4 SIZES TOO SMALL. IT WAS LIKE THE THONG WAS
SLICING HER BUM INTO 4 BUMS. AND THEN THE SPANDEX. SERIOUSLY, THINK TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP. I COULDN'T STOP WATCHING. IT WAS LIKE AN ACCIDENT IN SLOW MOTION, BUT ON THE TREADMILL IN FRONT OF ME. RUNNING. BOUNCING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I GET OFF MY MACHINE TO SWITCH TO ONE WHERE I WOULD BE FREE OF THIS VISUAL ATTACK AND THE ELLIPTICAL AND SPIN BIKES WERE ALL TAKEN!!!

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I left. Having been visually assaulted and almost losing my oatmeal. I am irked.

My friendly workout tip. Go commando. Wear clothes (and if you must, underwear. but seriuosly. don't.) that fits. Seriously. No one wants to see your panty line. Especially me. Give yourself the once over before you leave, make sure all is well with the booty, and that it doesn't look like a road map.

Thank you.

Oh yes, oh yes its Springtime (sung to the tune of vivaldi's "spring")

Spring is a great time of year. Now if it would only start sometime soon. Snow on the 18th of April, and in two days its supposed to be 70 degrees. Colorado weather gives me whiplash.

Easter was snowy. Beautiful, falling snow with flakes the size of silver dollars, the kind you wish for at Christmas. We had a little Easter egg hunt (as was publicised on the blog) which turned out fantastic. Unfortunately I think I deleted the photos from it thinking that I had downloaded them. Poo. On Easter Sunday Damon and I spoke in church. I can tell you I have never been more intimidated to speak in church, about Jesus Christ, and the Atonement and Resurrection, on Easter Sunday. It turned out really well, I kept it together, and used a painting that my Mom gave me called, "Peace, not as the world giveth." Damon was amazing, using an experience he had rock climbing and tying it all in. I was happy after it was over.

(this is the painting, I'll leave the interpretation up to you)

After church, we came home, and hunted Easter baskets. Zoey and Liam were thrilled with their Easter ponies and train, and the gross amount of candy. As soon as Liam saw the train, he could have cared less about anything else. We had friends over for dinner, and I have been using the leftover ham and Au gratin potatoes all week. Easter dinner is Damon's fave. We go all out. Homemade rolls, spinach and strawberry salad, fresh fruit, honey baked ham, Au gratin potatoes made with expensive sharp cheddar cheese, cream and whole milk. It is a meal that you gain 5 pounds at. Totally worth it.

This Easter we took a bit more time talking with Zoey about the Savior and the Atonement. She really grasped in to the nails in his hands and feet, when I told her that he did that for her, she said, "Mom, that would really hurt... Jesus must really love me." Yes. He does. It is so rewarding to teach her about the Savior. I pray that I can do it all justice

The kids looked so cute in their Easter clothes. I will post some photos when I re-create the day for photos outside. Heavy snow and spring time dresses don't mix. Liam is to die for!!! He is so stinkin' cute. And Zoey. She looked so beautiful. I am so amazed that Damon and I made something as beautiful as she is.

Liam's 2 year photos were crazy. Liam did not cooperate too well, but I think we still got some great frames out of him.

I did do some of Zoey in her Easter dress, and I love the middle one. I did a photo like this in college of our niece Kaylin. It won awards. I have always wanted to recreate it. I think it turned out pretty well. Thinking about it makes me want to find it and scan it so you all can see it!

Zoey is my little model. She LOVES the camera. Liam looks so big.

I love spring. Yesterday I got out my violin and played Vivaldi's "Spring" from the four seasons suite. I think I am going to play in a community orchestra. I miss it. We went to the grocery store afterward and Zoey sang at the top of her lungs "OH YES OH YES ITS SPRINGTIME!!!" Thank you, little Einsteins. It was quite a chorus with Zoey singing that and Liam singing "Boo Boo Choo Choo" from thomas the train.

Damon has rekindled his desire to climb rocks. He bought Zoey a climbing harness and shoes. She is so excited to go to the gym with him, but has been sick. Poor girl. I hope that she realizes that she is going to climb. I think she expects Dad to swing her in the harness the whole time...We are counting down the days to summer so we can climb, camp, and ride again. I guess first I have to wait for spring to get here...

Its a GO

Bought the tickets. All systems go. I can't wait to see my little brother, and Russia, of course.

sneak peak

Liam's 2 year photos. He is so handsome. Just a little taste

EASTER EGG HUNT

EASTER EGG HUNT

WHEN: WENDESDAY, APRIL 8TH AT 12:15 PM

WHERE: WOLF RANCH PARK

PLEASE BRING 12 FILLED EGGS (ONE DOZEN) PER CHILD YOU HAVE HUNTING

IF YOU WANT TO COME A LITTLE EARLY AND PICNIC LUNCH, THATS AWESOME!

PLEASE COME! THE MORE THE MERRIER!!

My Happy Place

Arizona and spring break go together like peanut butter and jelly. Perfection. BBQ and playing at the park for FHE was actually chilly, but grandpa kept the kids entertained. I love that game.

Zoey discovered her inner migrant worker while she was there, and picked almost all of the rest of the navel oranges off my parents tree. Well, all that were within her reach. Grandma and Zoey spent lots of time peeling and eating a slice of orange, and then feeding Nixon the obese beagle a slice. I don't care what you say Corinn, your dog is fat fat fat.

This was truly a highlight. Playing at John and Kaijas, with their girls, and being able to snuggle little Benjamin, their latest addition. The slip-n-slide was a favorite of the kids, along with Popsicles and a picnic lunch.

Aren't these girls just breathtaking? I wish I lived closer to them for Zoey's sake, and for mine. I love to photograph them.

Quizno came out to play for a while, and then we had to put him back in his cage after Liam began to harass him. Poor little guy. He as this one toenail that looks like Nicodemus from 'The Secret of Nihm'. Can you see it in the photo? Its the back left foot.


Another highlight that I have ZERO photos of was a Pullman girls night out. Dinner at Oregano's and RENT. I have never seen the play, but I love the music, and now after seeing it, I can appreciate it, but I highly doubt I will ever see it again...And whoever choreographed that particular production, well, yeah, not your forte... It was fun to spend time with all of them, sans kids...And see the guys who originated the roles of Roger and Matt. Those boys can SING!

Chelsey and Seth's engagement photos went swimmingly. Take a look. Seth is a really great guy. Liam took right to him, and that is saying something. Although Zoey asked Chels if she would share her 'prince'. I was trying to tell Zoey about him, and she wasn't grasping the concept of a fiancee, so I said she was Chelsey's prince. Then she flew into hysterics. "I WANT A PRINCE TO MARRY ME IN THE TEMPLE WITH A PRINCESS DRESS!!!" He paid Zoey a lot of attention. He will fit in great.

We went to the Zoo. I think Mom said it best. It was cool and breezy, and over in two hours. Liam looks so cute in his hat!

Liam had his par-tay while we were down there. All he wanted was the balloons. And not the awful, noise making trucks my parents got him. He still sleeps with his Thomas the Trains that The Pullman Family gave him. I love them too. They are SILENT....

Corinn and I were two of the crazies that went to Wal-Mart at midnight to buy TWILIGHT!!! I was honestly shocked at how many people were there!!! The line went from the front of the store, all the way back to the dairy section and then some! What the WHAT?? We stayed up till 3 AM watching Edward Life Size on the projector. He has grown on me. Although Dr. Cullen trumps Edward, and James trumps Dr. Cullen... (I am so stupid) AND DAMON TRUMPS ALL!!!!

GO JOEY GO!!!! RUN!!!! THEN GO EAT SOMETHING!!!! Seriously. My almost 16 year old brother is a foot taller than me and out weights me by like, 12 pounds. Seriously. LOVE YOU JOEY! He also gave me a cello lesson while I was there. He is the best.

If a photo is worth a thousand words, do I need to write anything? ( OK I will. This is Zoey. After every shutter release, she changes position. These are in order, and literally a second apart...)

Happy Birthday Liam Boy!

Liam and Zoey. Liam, 2 weeks, Zoey almost 3

Liam Mark is 2. How in the world is my baby boy 2? What a wonderful addition he is to our family. He is a total 'momas boy', a fact that I absolutely relish.

(Mom and Liam, coming out of his room in the morning through streamers and balloons, a Pullman family tradition)

I love that you got my cleft chin, and Damon's smiley eyes. If there is any question where my son gets his looks from, just look at this photo... Three generations of Pullman Men...

Grandpa Pullman, Daddy, and Liam, 14 months old


I love that you are so mischievous.


(Liam 15 months)


I love that you tease the heck out of Zoey. We all know she needs it.

(Zoey 3 1/2, and Liam 6 months)



I love love love when I pick you up from the gym, you always say "Bye!! See ya yayer!! Tanks You!"

Liam 4 months old

I love how polite you are.

(Liam in the first snow of the season, 9 months old)

I love how expressive you are



The many faces of my suspicious 5 month old Liam



I love that even at 2, you still squeak when you laugh, so I can still call you Squeaker

(My Dad, Zoey, and Liam 1 week away from his second birthday, playing the favorite grandpa game "Don't kick my bum!".)



I love that you love trains so much, and cry when we leave the house because it means parting from your train set.

Grandpa Eddington, and Liam, 21 months, Christmas Morning 2008


I love how photogenic you are... I have too many photos to choose from.


And I love your eyes. They are so much like your Father's.
(Liam 16 months old)

At two you are talking more and more each day. You are so strong willed, it drives me crazy. You will not do anything unless you want to. I pray you will never loose that.

(Playing in the yard, Liam 1 week away from his second birthday. I love love love his tummy)

Happy Birthday Squeaker