t h e d i c k e r s o n s

2011-02-17T10:33:00.000-08:00


22 WEEKS (5 days ago)

2011-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

This baby never stops moving.

2011-01-31T15:12:00.000-08:00

22 WEEKS

2011-01-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

21 WEEKS

2011-01-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

Brown rice. We eat it. I like it. I didn't used to, but I guess I've grown up. Except, I ran out of the bag of Trader Joe's Brown Rice that we had been using for a while, and I bought some Wal-Mart brand brown rice (because Trader Joe's is highly inconvenient for me now, and Wal-Mart is 1 minute from our house. I'm a sell-out). Big mistake. It was nasty, people. Like, tasted like a piece of cardboard that has been sitting in the side yard for weeks nasty. We smothered it in jerk sauce and ate it anyway, but the next time I went to the store, I bought the more expensive one, the nice, organic, 3 times more expensive one, and it tasted better, but it was weird. It was kind of mushy and wouldn't un-mush no matter how long I cooked it.

Do you eat brown rice? What kind do you use? How do you cook it?

2011-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

The last few days I have been feeling so hungry all the time. I'm thinking that probably means that Junior is going through a growth spurt. My belly has definitely grown in the last 2 weeks, but I still don't really fit into maternity shirts, and my regular shirts look really silly and too small. Awkward. I wish I could just go spend some money on clothes, but I know it's a phase that will pass quickly and I want to save money and not spend for now. It's amazing how much difference it makes to your self-esteem when you feel good about how you look, though. I love it and I hate it.

Junior kicks a lot now, and even though my placenta is in front of him, I can feel it. It took a little longer than it did with Jonas, but there's some serious swimming around going on in there. Single Ladies was on the radio in the car today (okay, it was actually in the CD player, I just wasn't going to admit that. I put it on a mix, and if Jonas hears me skip it, he makes me go back) and I swear that baby was dancing to the beat. Maybe he will have his brother's rhythm, which is some kind of crazy recessive gene, cause heaven knows Matthew and I don't have any, and the only one in both our families that I can think of that does is our very own anomaly, Sarah, who somehow knows how to get down.

I'm going to go fry an egg now.

Merry, Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from us!
(to anyone who might actually see this and hasn't deleted me from their reader yet! don't give up hope...I know I'm full of empty promises and exclamation points, but I just might start blogging again this year!)

Funny story about our Christmas card: A few days ago we got a Christmas card from some friends with a handwritten note inside that said, "When Isobel saw your card she said, "Hey! Jonas got bangs!" I'm still laughing about it.

giveaway!

2010-09-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

checkout the giveaway at ashlee's infertility blog.

read the blog, too. it's good.

let's start at not the beginning...

2010-08-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

i am hoping that Facebook will get smart and make a way for me to look up my former posts more easily. in the meantime, i will be starting at not the beginning, because it's a very good place to start. (that's not how the song goes? what?)

29 June 2009 - love two year old's prayers: ...thank you i could work so hard..." because being two is such hard work. i love you, Jonas.

10 July 2009 - love watching two year olds play hide and seek--especially when they are also pretending to be vegetables.

29 July 2009 - "Ahh! Don't kill me!"

thinkin'

2010-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

i've been thinking for awhile about blogging again. i think i quit because--for some reason--i can think just fine, i can speak aloud just splendidly, but when i sit down at a computer and start typing mine brain fizzles and i no make sense. at least that's what it feels like.

i've also realized that i have recorded a huge amount of important/funny/special memories and milestones...on Facebook...and nowhere else. this gives me massive anxiety.

so, i decided to begin again by transcribing Facebook status updates of consequence, as well as posting the new ones here to avoid future make-up work. i'm hoping that this will motivate me and create a habit of recording things here, even if i feel like i can't complete a coherent sentence when i sit down to type.

ready. set. go.

just sayin'

2009-12-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

would like this book, please?

by the way...

2009-12-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

my etsy store is finally up.

check it out here.

and keep checking for updates.

there's lots more to come in the next month!

can you blame me?

2009-10-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

the peacock lovely was stumbled upon on ebay today.
the rings look better in person, and they have been killing me for months.

also, i have a blister from making earrings.

not the update you've been waiting for, but at least i broke my silence.

ps. apparently i am obsessing a little over jewelry.

wishes

2009-08-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

seriously wishing i had a mandoline and a food processor right now.

how have i lived without these for so long?

restaurant.com: $25 Certificate for ONLY $2!

2009-08-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

this is a sweet deal!

i just got a $25 gift certificate to a cool thai restaurant for $2!

date night, here we come!

existential math and mary poppins

2009-08-21T17:11:00.001-07:00

when mom and dad were visiting in july, mom took a few videos of jonas. in this one, we were trying to get him to do some math for the camera.

just for clarification that was, "3 + 1 = mice"

there is a method to his madness. a few weeks prior i was teaching him some irregular (mutated) plurals, such as "one mouse" and "three mice". apparently he is getting his grammar and math lessons mixed up. i guess we can give him a break. he is only two.

in related news, yesterday jonas spelled supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

out loud. in the car. with no help.

that mary poppins was right about sounding precocious, but i think she said that in reference to saying the word. so what do you sound like if you can spell it?

i can think of a pretty good word, but i'll leave it to your imagination.

p.s. i hate when blogger messes up my post formatting and won't let me fix it! rude.

whatever

2009-08-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

a picture essay from our trip to henderson.

playing dinosaurs on the way.

at the dr.'s office with gracie.

chillin' in the 'tot spot'.

eating popsicles during the garage sale.

his preferred nose-picking method. both nostrils, and still leaves one hand free!

mom kissing 'moses' the bearded dragon at her office.

jonas kissing moses.

some of my favorite things found while cleaning mom's house:

the most perfect salt shaker ever created.

hand-made bubble-gum apron.

(note the cute little point at the top of the waist-band)

and this sticker on an old suitcase.

if finding that unexpectedly doesn't make you smile, i don't know what will.

not pictured: lots and lots and lots of cleaning, organizing, getting-rid-of, late night laughing, lowe's runs, painting, caulking, staining, garage sale-ing, sweating, and keeping 4 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat fed and happy.

thrift find

2009-08-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

wanted: play kitchen that isn't 1) plastic 2) pink 3) my monthly grocery budget.

found: play kitchen that isn't 1) plastic 2) pink 3) my monthly grocery budget.

for $11 at goodwill.

i will be expecting some help in the kitchen from now on.

this is the kitchen i have been wanting.

i am happy with my compromise, and happier with the price.

also, they finally have a play kitchen at ikea. don't let the price deceive you, it is actually $140 for the whole thing. the microwave hutch is an extra $40.

has anyone seen it in person?

dopplegangers!

2009-08-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

which one is my sister, and which one is ari graynor? saw her on fringe last night and couldn't get over how much she looks like my sister sarah.

sarah has been told in her lifetime that she looks like many people. (you can read about it here.)

well here's one to top your list, sare.

your ultimate doppleganger!

(i didn't have any comparable pics on the last two, but if you know her, you know how freakishly like her they look.)

Come What May & Love It

2009-08-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

giveaway

2009-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

check out the plasma car giveaway at gobs of giveaways.

trying

2009-07-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

i am trying (seemingly in vain) to get my life in order. this happens every few months. i feel on top of things, so i get lazy, and end up on the bottom again. it's a vicious cycle.

i am feeling motivated again by this website, which i have yet to really delve into, but strikes me as a more modern and simpler flylady approach to organization (love her book, but the website just kills me). here's to hoping.

also, i am trying to decide what to add to my teaching tools next month. it is so hard to only pick a few! this moveable alphabet set is for sure, but i haven't decided what to use the rest of the balance on. i may hit you up for opinions and advice.

also, just finished this book. it was a trip. i'm still trying to figure it out.

bibliophilia continued

2009-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

last week:

5 out of 5 stars to both.

can't get this song out of my head.

2009-07-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Hat - Ingrid Michaelson

that sweet arrangement - part one

2009-07-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

also known as: my big sister's wedding.

May 2009

the umbrella pics are easily my favorite.

alice in wonderland, anyone?

part deux: coming soon.

best preg announcement ever

2009-07-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

this is our friend brandon and his girls. hilarious!

congratulations, guys!

monsters!

2009-07-08T16:40:00.001-07:00

this is only a preview of the barraging you are in for.

months and months of pics and vids.

coming your way.

link love

2009-07-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

loving me some beauty and inspiration:

enjoy.

resolute

2009-07-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

preschool.

some say it's necessary, some say it's a waste of time. i'm kind of riding the fence on those opinions. i do feel like it's a parent's duty to teach their children in toddlerhood, but there is something to be said for their learning away from home from someone whose buttons they haven't mastered so skillfully.

after a long time wading through schools, tuition (!), information, and opinions, i have decided to go with something that has been very important to me throughout my life, especially in the realm of education and the love of learning. i have also decided to do something that i thought i never would.

i am beginning my journey in montessori homeschool (montessori being the important-to-me, homeschool being the never thought i would) i do not plan on homeschooling jonas outside of preschool. come time for kindergarten, he'll be there (choosing a school, however may be where that gets sticky) my wonderful and amazing sister rachel homeschools her children, and i don't know how she does it. but, as i like to put it, i am homeschool pre-schooling, also known as being a better mom.

so, here i go. i have been brushing up on and furthering my montessori knowledge, and preparing a "schoolroom" for j. i am working on virtually $0, so i will slowly be building up my arsenal of materials, and making as many as i can on my own. this is my favorite part of this decision...i will be able to use all of these things for all of my children. instead of throwing money out the window every month on pre-school, i will be able to invest in learning materials for all of my future children.

i have been putting a lot of time and what little brain power i have into preparing for this and locating/creating materials, so i want to share as much of it as i can. i will start posting flashcards and ingenious ideas (thought of by people who aren't me) for homemade learning.

i had no idea when jonas was born that i would have such a little learner on my hands. he's barely 2.5 and he's sounding out words. all he wants to do is "schoo". it's the best bribery tool i've got, which is awesome. in fact, it's pretty much how i got him to use the potty. "big boys who go to school use the potty. if you don't use the potty you can't go to school like a big boy." (which is true, aside from the fact that we are doing school at home) worked like a charm. i suppose the whole holding-his-own-head-up-from-birth/crawling-at-4-months/walking-at-9-months, etc. should have tipped me off that he would be a little eager beaver about, well, pretty much everything. but i wouldn't have it any other way. he blows my mind.

so here is my first investment. this one is really important for us right now because jonas loves writing, and he is surprisingly good at it (i wasn't planning to go there for a while, but in true form, j decided on his own what he was going to do, when to do it, and figured it out) but he has a hard time writing them correctly, which is so important at this stage. i didn't love any of the sandpaper letters i found in the montessori/education stores, but i was lucky enough to find these little beauties on etsy. fabulous. i got a set of uppercase, lowercase, and numbers, but had her customize the numbers to go up to 20, and to make custom boxes from the same material to store them in.

i love these so much because a) they are made of natural materials b) they look pretty (and that does matter...) and c) they have the dots at the starting points, which makes all the difference, and promotes self-correction. i dropped some coin on these ones, but it is worth every penny!

a day in the life

2009-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

this post from finslippy made me laugh.

Oh, six-and-half-year-old--you always know what I'm REALLY saying.
Please yell at me for waking you up. I deserve to be put in my place.
If you could slosh as much of your cereal as possible all over the table, that would be fantastic. Cleaning up after you makes me feel useful. When I ask you to help out, you know I'm joking, right? Hilarious!
Read you an entire book while you’re eating your breakfast? No problem—I secretly hate enjoying my coffee and breakfast in peace. Also I am DYING to know how this Magic Tree House book turns out. It’s never the same thing twice.
There’s no rush about getting to school. Put your shoes on whenever.
My raised voice is just an attempt to exercise my lungs. You keep not putting those shoes on, champ.
Of course I want to hear your story about the giant bug robots you invented! In fact I can’t wait another moment to hear it! I don’t want to hear it on the way to school, because then I’d be distracted by how on-time we could potentially be. Stand in front of the door while telling me. Don’t forget to take off one shoe, first!
Now put that shoe back on. But so slowly, it’s like you’re not even moving. You are so excellent at this.
While we’re walking to school, if you demand that you don’t want to go to school anymore, you might just convince me. Don’t give up. I will definitely see your point one of these days.
Now take off, without warning, because you’ve spotted one of your friends! Run and keep on running! Make sure I lose you in the crowd, because there is nothing I need more than to sprint the last few blocks to school. You are helping extend my life span, with all this exercise. Good for you!
While you’re at school, I will be filling your room with new toys and my pockets with chocolate. Or I won’t because I’m a heartless monster.
Well, hello! I trust you had a good day. I spent the day as I always do, watching Star Wars, eating hot fudge with my hands, playing with your Legos. But enough about me. Like you, I am so grateful the front of the school is surrounded by ice-cream trucks. It’s so convenient for me. For us! And I know I said you could only get ice cream once a week, but, you know, I say things. I don’t mean them. If you keep asking I will surely crack.
Do I want to hold your backpack AND your art project AND your jacket? Well,duh.
I can barely say “You can only watch two TV shows” with a straight face! You know that if you keep asking I’m going to admit that you can watch all the television you want. Why do I continue this charade? I guess it’s just fun for me.
That inflatable Spider-Man you got at the fair that keeps deflating? That I told you had a hole in it somewhere and probably needed to be thrown out? Another made-up story. I just want to inflate it every fifteen minutes, whenever you notice that it’s gotten all flat and saggy. When you’re not looking I let some of the air out again. Entertaining!
I lie about bedtime. I lie and lie and lie. I say it’s time for bed but we adults all know that sleep is completely optional. I don’t sleep at all, of course.
That’s why I love it when you call for me at 4 a.m. because your sheets feel funny. I get so bored, just before dawn.
I am truly sorry you didn’t get everything your heart desired, today. Try me again tomorrow. Your tactics are beginning to work. I have a feeling that tomorrow your every wish will be granted.

maxi-mum

2009-06-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

i NEED this dress.

in a medium.

(and maybe a large, too)

(you know, for future maternity needs)

(and no, that is not an announcement)

(just thinking ahead)

(plus, pregnant knees just aren't cute)

I have looked EVERYWHERE for a maxi dress with sleeves. And i just found this one on Overstock.com, but from DownEast Basics.

Go figure.

Early b-day present, anyone?

swimmingly

2009-06-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

he is finally swimming, as in actually propelling himself through the water with the movement of his arms and legs. we've still got a long way to go, but it's so nice to finally see him getting it and making some progress!

and all of that lovely and life-saving shade you see over the pool, that is thanks to my very own matthew. shade is a wonderful thing. especially when it's this pretty. he does good work.

happy birthday

2009-06-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

bicycle built for...

2009-05-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

check out this most awesome bike!

that bucket on the back...you can put your kids in it.

it has seat-belts and everything.

i saw one online a few weeks ago, thought it was cool,

kind of forgot about it, found out today that they are

GIVING AWAY 2 of them in july!

click the picture to check it out.

adjectives

2009-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

"adjectives are modifiers."

this is what my 2.5 year old says to me before bed.

i love you, jonas.

souns

2009-04-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

jonas has learned his phonics for about half of the alphabet! i am so proud of him, and he loves it. it is so rewarding to see him so excited about learning and growing.

now i really want a set of these:

CHOFFY FEATURE!

2009-04-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Check out my CHOFFY feature from the girls at

WE HEART THIS.

Thanks, Stef and Tyna!

Steak Tacos with a ZING

2009-04-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

This recipe is my simplified version of an Ellie Krieger recipe by the same name. I take zero credit for it, except for the marinating...that was all me...

Chili-Rubbed Steak Tacos

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• 1 1/4 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick

(or stir-fry steak)

• 12 small corn tortillas

• 3 cups shredded red cabbage

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves

• Lime juice, and 1-2 fresh limes, quartered

• 1 cucumber, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

• Guacamole

Slice steak meat into stir fry/fajita size pieces. Marinate steak for a few hours in pure or mildly diluted lime juice, according to taste.

(You can also combine the steak and lime juice and freeze for a quick dinner. Just remove the bag from the freezer the day before, and your meat will be nicely marinated in time to cook dinner.)

In a small bowl stir together chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks.

Grill on George Foreman Grill about 3-4 minutes. Remove from grill and keep warm.

Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, or over the stove, or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds.

Place the carved steak, warm tortillas, cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, lime and guacamole in serving dishes and serve buffet style.

Between the lime juice and the chili powder, this one has some zing! Enjoy.

(gluten-free & dairy-free)

the m says mmmmm

2009-04-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

check out Jenna's Cashew Chicken recipe.

i know what i'm making tonight!

i needed that

2009-04-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

a perfect friday

My Frog Does Not Waste Precious Time

2009-04-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

My frog does not waste precious time

just sitting on a log.

He's learned to use the Internet,

and now he has a blog.

It's filled with tips on how to hop,

and how to catch a fly,

on things that frogs can do to keep

their skins from getting dry.

My frog has hints on where to find

the finest lily pads,

and writes in great detail about

the latest froggy fads.

He tells of different ways to croak,

and how to act in bogs...

it's boring for most people,

but it fascinates most frogs.

-Jack Prelutsky

up to here

2009-04-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

what we've been up to:

fitness.

food.

fliers.

headaches.

haircuts.

easter egg hunts.

reading.

non-naps.

mosquito bites.

posts to come...

(not necessarily on all of those things, or in that order.)

burned out

2009-04-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

i am in serious need of

a babysitter,

a shopping spree,

and some thai food.

if only.

PPK BUTTON

2009-03-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

you may have noticed the PICKLED PEPPERS button on my sidebar.

i am finally getting around to posting the code, so ADD IT TO YOUR BLOG in time for your friends to get in on our SPRING event on May 4th-9th.

here's the code:

the proof is in the pork

2009-02-25T20:08:00.000-08:00

Matthew is not easily impressed by food. He is mostly indifferent to it, and wishes he could take a little pill instead of actually having to eat. So, when he reacts to something I cook, it's kind of a big deal. When I made this roast, he started eating it, and said something to the effect of, "This is really good, honey. Like, restaraunt good." And so it is named.

I have never had good luck with roasts (of any kind). But I figured out the secret...ditch the crock pot. Maybe my CP just isn't very good, but everything comes out nasty and dry and tasteless, no matter what I do. I decided to try it in the oven, and a new world was opened up to me. It turns out good. And we all know how satisfying it is to make a good meal, and be told it is good, and actually enjoy the fruits of our never-ending labors in the kitchen.

A certain sister of mine (sarah) called while I was making this a few weeks ago, and when I told her what I was doing, I heard laughter on the other end. Then a quick recovery, and, "I'm sorry. I just can't picture you cooking." I may have been the frozen pizza and burrito queen in high school, but I've come a long way since then.

Proof:

"RESTAURANT GOOD" Pork Roast

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tbsp dried thyme

1 teaspoon each garlic salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and crushed sage

1 tsp minced garlic

1 boneless pork loin roast (3-4 pounds)

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

Pierce the roast in several places and force the miced garlic into each hole.

Combine brown sugar, herbs, and seasonings and rub over entire roast.

Place roast in oven (fat side up) on a roasting pan.

Immediately reduce heat to 325 degrees.

Bake uncovered until internal temp is 160 degrees.

(gluten-free & dairy-free)

we didn't pass on grass!

2009-02-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

before: rocks, rocks, rocks, and rusty nails.

after: beautiful, lush, damp, green grass

{sigh}

mariposa

2009-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

i love this installation at the Museum of Arts and Design in NY.

they are made of old records.

(thru color me katie)

the price of freedom

2009-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Some of matthew's good friends (rob and mckane) wrote a musical production that will be performed at the Mesa Arts Center February 21st, and February 26th, 27th, and 28th. (and the website says it is being filmed for national television broadcast. sweet!)

"The Price of Freedom is a musical production about soldiers from WWII and the families they left behind. They use actual video footage, pictures, and letters from the war to tell the stories. It really is extremely touching, thought provoking, and helps one appreciate the price that was paid for our freedom."

Here is a link back to mckane's family blog, where you can read more, watch a clip, find the link to buy tickets, and a code for a discount.

Grosgrain: The Conservatory Overcoat

2009-02-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Check this out:

Grosgrain: The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

it's gorgeous and i want to win it.

here's to hoping.

feed your soul

2009-02-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

check this out!

free and art...two of my favorite things!

sweet!

25¢

2009-02-14T13:49:00.001-08:00

i really want this poster for future valentines decorating. (since it didn't happen this year, what with having a cold for the past week which turned into a sinus infection. blech.)

(found here)

for my valentine

2009-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

why don't they make conversation hearts like this?

now that's what i call a conversation.

make your own here.

tasty things

2009-02-10T12:35:00.001-08:00

this
[looks] and [sounds]

so good right now!

pretty things

2009-02-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

love this

[dress] and [photo].

[thru oh happy day]

confessions of a bibliophile

2009-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

right now, i have:

29 items checked out of my library

19 items on request from my library

10 items recommended to the library

7 books on my nightstand

and 92 books on my very conservative to-read list.

i am also pretty sure (and have been told) that i am the only person on the planet who checks her library account on a daily basis, and more maniacally, has her library card number memorized.

yes, i really do have my 13-digit library card number memorized.

birthdays? nope.
phone numbers? nope.
DL number? nope.
bank account? nope.

library card.

chocolate covered WHAT?

2009-02-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

BACON.

that's right, party people, bacon. we were invited to a fondue dinner party with some couples from our ward, and she asked me to bring some things for the chocolate. fruit was already covered. so i thought i would make a great first impression and shake things up a bit. apparently, chocolate covered bacon is trying to establish a name for itself in the world of treats. perfect. i ran to the store, got come nice thick sliced bacon, fried it up, and made a nice display of it along with some potato chips and pretzels to bathe in chocolatey covered goodness.

i, for one, didn't hate it. i wouldn't exactly crave it, but i had more than one piece. matthew thought it was 'rancid', as i think he put it. the others, i really can't say because i'm sure they would humor me out of kindness. i guess the true test is to see if they ever invite me to a party again, and furthermore, if they venture to ask me to bring something. time will tell...

p.s. in case you are worried about my social well-being, i also brought gummy bears and some delicious cheesecake balls. i'm not entirely socially suicidal.

p.p.s. two posts with bacon in as many days. i have no idea where that came from.

happiness is...

2009-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

eating hail fresh from the sky.

it hailed today, a first for jonas, so we went outside and discovered the wondrous little frozen pebbles hailing from above.

as jonas said, "it's like magic outside."

well said, son.

wake up and smell the bacon!

2009-02-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

read my blog with bacon!

fax me

2009-02-05T20:21:00.001-08:00

what we did today:

these are the days

2009-02-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

it's days like these i wish i could keep in a jar like fireflies, and open up on days that don't seem so magical...

reading on the back porch while jonas digs in the dirt

windchimes in the breeze

playing in the hose in swimsuits (in january)

digging carrots out of the mud at dusk

slipping in said mud and screaming every time i almost fall

laughing at others who laughed at me when the same thing happens to them

being asked by a three year old why i have boobs

discovering a family-owned used bookstore 1 minute from my house

watching bailey discover a loose board in the neighbors fence and sneaking into her friends backyard

discovering, naming, and playing with worms

jumping on the trampoline

eating breakfast for dinner (and sometimes dinner for breakfast)

...and all in a week's work.

i couldn't ask for much more.

zoom zoom

2009-02-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

nanobots

2009-01-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

"i have a robot in my nose." -jonas

Tenshon, Inc. Button!

2009-01-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

i made a Tenshon button for any of you who are sporting a Tenshon link.
it's in my sidebar and it's cool.
put it on yours.

the new site will be up very soon.
i'll keep you updated.

here's the code:

choffy giveaway!

2009-01-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

Simple Mom is hosting a giveaway sponsored by my sis Rachel.

Check it out and win some Choffy!

baby knows best

2009-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

-at target today-

taking off my jacket...

me: i'm hot!

jonas reaches out and touches my arm briefly...

jonas: (matter of factly) no, you're not.

me laughing...

me: well, no, but i feel hot.

jonas reaches out and touches me again...

jonas: no, you don't.

me laughing...

me: okay then, you win this one.

still laughing...

pinching MY pennies

2009-01-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

i went grocery shopping today.
here's how it went down:

1 box Orville kettle corn
6 boxes Quaker instant oatmeal
6 boxes Life Cereal
3 (BIG) boxes Cap'n Crunch
1 box Nature Valley granola bars
1 box Fiber One granola bars
1 bag Tyson frozen beef strips
2 bags Totino's pizza rolls
4 Activia yogurt
4 Dannon yogurt smoothies
1 bag Chex snack mix
1 bottle Kraft light mayo
2 bags Green Giant steamer veggies
3 bottles French's yellow mustard
1 bottle French's deli mustard
2 bottles Ken's lite salad dressing
1 box Yogos
2 tubs Daisy light sour cream
2 bottles Cattlemen's BBQ sauce
2 bottles Frank's hot sauce
2 cans Hormel Chili
3 loaves bread
2 packages q-tips

TOTAL=
31.00

(saved: 144.00)

yay!

in utah and las vegas - grocerysmarts.com
in arizona - pinchingyourpennies.com

the cherry on top

2009-01-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

the other day (a few months ago) we went to the zoo. i got a drink at sonic on the way, we zoo-ed, and then we headed home. on the way home, i finished my (mostly full) drink and opened it to enjoy my cherries, and this is what i saw:

i couldn't help laughing. i love the surprises of having a two-year-old. i have no idea when or how he pulled this one off, since the drink was in my purse, on the back of the stroller. (nevermind the idea that his dirty zoo-hands handled them into the drink, which i drank to the last drop. yum.)

creeptastic

2009-01-20T20:29:00.000-08:00

does this creep anyone else out?

Fablehaven

2009-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

rating: 4 of 5 stars

i have read about this book in several places for a few years, but i was never really interested. a friend in my ward just lent it to me, and i loved it. It was just fun and whimsical and meaningful all at the same time. The author is LDS and there are many gospel parallels in the story. I am excited to read the rest of the series.

Despereaux

2009-01-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
by Kate DiCamillo

rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2009-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

rating: 2 of 5 stars

a holocaust story through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy whose father is the Commandant at Auschwitz.

i guess i expected more because of the buzz about it, but it was just all right.

i enjoyed it, but i won't read it again.

my other car is a flyboat

2009-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

"this is the only thing worth watching on television. paisley."

originally uploaded by mrpittman

stolen by me

we've been wanting to get rid of tv for a long time, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to make the call and actually cancel service.

but then we moved. we didn't have cable service, and it turned into a matter of not calling to start service...not to mention saving a wad of cash every month. made the decision much easier.

so we took the leap and we have been television-less for a month and a half...and we love it. i have not missed tv for a second. we still have a tv (ironically, a ginormous 72 inch HDtv that came with the house, along with our old tv, and another one that was left in the house, the latter two just sitting in the cabinet getting dusty) and we still watch DVDs every now and then, but when it's not just there when you turn it on, it takes more effort to pick something to watch, put it in, queue it up, etc., and we've found we just don't even bother.

and for those of you worrying about our giant tv going to waste, don't. we still watch plenty of Wonder Pets on that baby.

it's a new year, people...stop watching and start living!

Watership Down

2009-01-03T19:18:00.001-08:00

Watership Down: A Novel by Richard Adams

My review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
if you'd asked me to rate this book before, say, page 200, i probably would have given it one or two stars. i am surprised i even stuck with it, but i will be forever glad that i did, as it was well worth it. The writing is beautiful, the characters are spectacular, and i will never look at a rabbit the same again. i love that Adams does not ever stray from a rabbits nature, never personifies them in a way unnatural to a rabbit.

i don't know what else to say, except that i might name my next child Fiver or Hazel...or maybe my next pet.

View all my reviews.

blurkers

2008-12-31T08:23:00.001-08:00

apparently, i have 17 people subscribing to my blog.

this is motivating, considering the lack of comments.

please reveal yourselves and perhaps i will post more often.

finally

2008-12-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

a new header.

it's about time.

and i kind of love it.

*thanks go to jonas - for taking a nap so i could dink around in photoshop.

the wells fargo wagon

2008-12-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

i love living in a place where the mailman is wearing tight jeans, a plaid shirt, and a cowboy hat.

is that even allowed?

if only he'd had a stagecoach - or a mail truck painted like a stagecoach - i think that would be even better.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T11:57:00.001-08:00

it's beginning to feel a lot like...

2008-12-22T19:56:00.001-08:00

life is finally settling down.

We are in the new house in Queen Creek, and we absolutely LOVE it here. It is everything we had hoped it would be, and a little more. Life just feels a little simpler out here and i just feel more sane, like i am not pulling myself in a million directions all the time. Our ward is great. We have fabulous neighbors who bring us treats and lots of people that we are excited to get to know.

The house is feeling like home, and we finally got a christmas tree and some decorations up, due in part to the motivation of a visit from our lovely friends the stouts. We loved having them here and getting to share a little of our new life with our old cherished friends.

I have a frightening amount of pictures and videos to catch up on, but they are scattered between three computers, and unfortunately, none of them are this one. i'll be working on that.

We spent thanksgiving in Las Vegas with my family, and had some fabulous turkey cooked by my sister's boyfriend, who became my sister's fiancee a few days later, and Matthew and I got to be there for the proposal. We are so excited for them and had a great time getting to know Joel.

Also, I finally got to have family pictures taken by my favorite picture-taker, Sarah Jones. They turned out better than I had even imagined. I will share more when I get them.

(Pictures hijacked from sarah's blog.)

the unfortunate bird

grandma lori and jonas

the super-cool couple

Grosgrain Giveaway!

2008-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Check out this giveaway at Grosgrain...

And go enter, tonight is the deadline!

halloween sneak peek...

2008-11-04T21:51:00.001-08:00

Jonas was his Uncle Tyler for halloween.

(that is not Tyler's costume, he really is a captain for Skywest.)

born musician

2008-11-04T21:44:00.001-08:00

i love how he sustains on the last notes.

i don't love how i can't seem to not talk when i am videoing.

phx zoo

2008-11-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

For his birthday, Jonas got a zoo pass from Matthew's parents. Also, i have an irrational love for the zoo. here are some pictures of the inaugural visit, and there will be many zoo pictures to come in the next year.

birthday dinner

2008-11-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

The Dickersons always have a Sunday night birthday dinner for whoever is having a birthday that month. Jonas's birthday was really on Sunday, and his Aunt Dee-nana has the same birthday as him, so they got to celebrate together.

birthday videos

2008-11-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

translations:

video 1 - "i'll be two!" (and a typical run with abandon until he crashes into something)

video 2 - "cheeeeeeeeese!" (and some funny chipmunk arms)

always moving

2008-11-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

another one from the party. it's just so him.

a happy birthday boy...

2008-10-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

and a tired mama.

a favor, please

2008-10-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Please click on this link and visit Tenshon's website. Tenshon is Matthew's company, and we need lots of traffic through links on blogs and other sources to help increase its search engine optimization. Please, just click on the link, browse the website a little (even if you just look at the pretty pictures) and if you are really feeling ambitious, link to it on your blog for us, and then tell your friends! We really appreciate your help!

pickled peppers

2008-10-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

all right, people.

it's time for the fall Pickled Peppers event, which means two things:

1. i am in las vegas and i want to see people, but i am incredibly busy with Pickled Peppers, which means...

2. the best deals ever on kids/maternity stuff.

so, i really, really, really, really hope that you locals will at least come to say hi, and if you're feeling a little ambitious, you could even consign, or better, volunteer! (because our volunteers get to hang out with us, and it's cool, and everybody's doing it)

i'll see you there!

pilobolus

2008-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

check out this video. jonas loves it! (and it's just cool)

hairpain!

2008-10-05T08:06:00.001-07:00

we're off to vegas!

toes

2008-10-02T20:18:00.001-07:00

jonas just told me that he has "fingers on his feet".

i love the child's mind.

mr. happy and a lunch date

2008-09-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

we picked up this shirt at target last week (on clearance, of course) because i showed it to jonas and he instantly fell in love with it. he was so concerned about 'mr. happy' and had to hold the shirt the whole time we shopped. today was the first time he has worn it, and the love is still there. he also told me a story about how mr. happy got an owie and was 'sad' and 'crying', and proceeded to kiss mr. happy and proclaim him 'all better now'.

(a better view)

after story time today we had a much loved lunch date at target. they have 'uncrustable' pb&j sandwiches at the food court, and jonas is very aware of this. he likes to point me in the right direction if i'm taking too long looking at other things. he sits at the table like a big boy and gets his own big boy water. we enjoy our special target lunch dates.

p.s. yes, his hair does always look like that. it's just so straight and pokey i have given up on combing it except on sundays.

pancakes for breakfast

2008-09-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

but not just any pancakes...mickey pancakes!

one is silver, the other is gold

2008-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

jonas has a new bud named benjamin (or benja-bin, as he likes to call him) which also means that i have a new bud named lindsay. the boys had a little swim party last week while lindsay (who is apparently pregnant, and was pregnant at the time, and i didn't know) and i sat in the nice cool house and chatted. no need to call CPS, we were watching them through the window. they had manly matching outfits of swim diapers and crocs. thanks, lindsay and todd, for the pictures.

observations

2008-09-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

thrifting the other day, i came across a children's book called "God Has Eyes In the Back of His Head". i think we have a major misinterpretation of the term 'god-fearing' here. i'm pretty sure that the idea isn't to make children scared of God.

needless to say, we didn't add this book to our library.

also, i love marquees. especially the good old-fashioned ones that often have letter substitutions in backwards numbers or upside letters. it's kind of like guerilla art. (because, in case you didn't know, i am somewhat obsessed with guerilla art.)

driving in mesa the other day, i saw a marquee at a flower shop that read:

"Exactly how mad is she?"

and all this marquee talk reminds me of this project in philadelphia.

this morning

2008-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

my stomach: grrowwwllll....

jonas: uh, ohhhhhh. mommy pooped.

me: [hysterical laughter]

birthday pie

2008-09-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

i need to check for bugs

2008-09-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Colorstrology

September 11

People born on this day are naturally kind and good-natured. You are charismatic and artistic. You are not afraid to work hard and often must be reminded to take a break. Partnerships are very significant to you and it is therefore important for you to form happy and healthy relationships. Your personal color aligns you with peace and perfection.

Is it just me, or is that kind of freaky right-on?

all grown up

2008-09-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

have you seen the new make-up lines at target?

i love this lip stain in 'purity'.

i can't stand wearing things on my lips, and i have tried stains like Benetint, but they just don't last. this one is like a marker so it's not heavy/sticky/glossy or stinky, and it actually lasts all day.

(i've tried the tester...more than a few times)

it makes me look all grown up.

but it's $18.

i just don't think i can do it.

p.s. don't you love how meaningful my posts are? I think i am starting to use my blog as a girlfriend substitution. i have to run these things by someone, so you'll just have to deal with it until i make some friends.

project obsession

2008-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

i think leann deserved to win (it was gorgeous), but i really wanted kenley to get it. her dress was so cute.

maybe i just felt more passionately about this episode since i spent 10 hours yesterday behind an industrial sewing machine tearing myself up on crazy not-even-fabric fabric on a major deadline (like the guy was there to get the stuff), and really feeling for those PR guys and the pressure (and back pain) they are under.

at least i had the huz on a machine next to me for a while (he stayed super late to finish ((love ya, honey)) and, yea, i didn't know he could sew, either.)

awesome date night, right?