Bode Kisses

My Bode is definitely learning how to work the system:

Bode: Mom, can I play on the computer?

Me: Well, I don't know.

Bode: How about if I give you a kiss?

**Who could say no to that?! Of course, I let him play, but after two kisses :)

Christmas Tree Decorating

This year we let the kids decorate the tree on their own. Outside of me hanging a few of the more fragile ornaments and helping Ian with the star, the boys hung them all by themselves. I tried to encourage them to not put everything on the lower-hanging branches and not bunch them together too much, but otherwise they directed themselves. It was cute to watch them eagerly place everything. At first I'd planned on rearranging the ornaments after they went to bed so things would be more evenly spaced out. After further reflection, we decided to leave it as is. The boys did a great job and I think their tree is perfect the way it is. It's the so-called imperfections that make our tree that much more special and perfect for us. The tree is also heavy in Alice in Wonderland decorations, which is fun for me :)

Here are the boys hard at work:

Our cute boys and our finished tree (except we forgot to turn the lights on):

Merry Christmas to all!

Stiefvater Book Signing

I just realized that I never posted pictures from this amazing book signing that Ian and I attended on October 21st. Maggie Steifvater is an amazing writer. I've read all of her books except the newest one, which is waiting for me on my bookshelf (can't wait to get to it).

I've read and own: Lament, Ballad, Shiver, Linger, and Forever.

I own and will read soon: Scorpio Races

She's not only a great writer, but also a great speaker. She kept us thoroughly entertained with her energy and enthusiasm. She also gave great writing tips which Ian wrote down for future reference. Even though Ian hasn't read any of her books, he was very inspired by her as a speaker giving vision to future writers. Ian is my new book signing partner and wants to attend them all with me. It's fun to have a partner in crime :)



Maggie thoroughly entertaining us :)

Maggie and Me

Can't wait to read it! (check out the horse doodle)



More books signed :)



Ian's list of writing tips from Maggie

Bode's Bathroom Quotes

As we're in the bathroom at Knott's Berry Farm...


Bode: Mom, I'm glad I'm a boy.

Me: Why?

Bode: Because I have a penis.

Me: Okay. Why's that?

Bode: Because it's more easier to pee.


(a very wise and practical child, lol)

Colorful conversation

I overheard part of this conversation that Ian & Cole were having:

Cole: Ian, do you think I'm pasty?

Ian: No, I think you're more pink.


(hehe, silly boys)

Bode's nose

(I hear Bode snuffing his nose over and over.)

Me: Bode, I think you need to blow your nose.

Bode: No, I don't. I think it's just your imagination.

Silly boy ;)

Bode & Muse

In the car...the radio starts to play "Resistance" by Muse...

Bode: Yay! This is my favorite song!

Cole: No, it's not.

Bode: This is my second favorite song!

(music playing)

Bode: This song is on my list.

Cole: What list?

Bode: The list is in my head.

Book Signing Fun

October 6, 2011

I had such a great time a book signing for Moira Young, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Elizabeth Miles. The only other book signing I've attended was for Christopher Paolini a few years ago with Ian. This one was all for me. I loved listening to the authors speak about themselves, their books, their writing process, etc. The ladies were so personable and engaging.

Elizabeth Miles, Becca Fitzpatrick, Moira Young

 

Becca Fitzpatrick was very sweet. I commented to her that I just started reading her books this week since I was unsure about the fallen angel bit. But I really like them so far. She and I spoke about how we both don't like scary books. She mentioned during her talk that the fallen angels in her book are more like mortals because she wanted them to have struggles like us and be able to redeem themselves. I like that.

Moira Young was such a confident presence. I loved her demeanor. I told her that Blood Red Road was one of my favorite books (what I meant was one of my favorite books this year but I was a little starstruck and left that out). She looked at me and said thank you and then said, "Haven't you read Wuthering Heights?" LOL, I felt a little silly and joked with her about that.

I felt a little bad that I didn't get Miles' book "Fury," but she described it as scary, and I'm a big wuss. Since it's going to be a trilogy, I think I'm safe to borrow it later or at least get some more reviews on it to see if it is nightmare material or not. If I read it later and like it, then I can buy the books later and attend her next signing.

October 13, 2011

I went to a book signing for Claudia Gray, Kiersten White, Anna Carey, and Amy Garvey. Ian accompanied me and we made a date of it. Ian read in the car on the way there. I thought he would read during the panel discussion, but he actually enjoyed listening to the authors speak about their books and answer questions from the audience. We had a great talk on the drive home about the writing process, outlining, etc. Ian said he enjoyed himself and would attend a book signing with me again. It was really great listening to the authors and meeting them, but Ian's response to the experience made the night even better. I wish I had a picture of Ian at the event, but he didn't want his picture taken with the authors. Oh well, maybe next time :)

Amy Garvey, Anna Carey, Claudia Gray, Kiersten White

Claudia Gray was a wealth of information and inspiration. I've not read her Evernight series, but after listening to her speak, I really want to. Plus, her Fateful book sounds so interesting, and it's not a series, which really appeals to me right now.

Claudia Gray

Kiersten White was super spunky, and came across close to how I imagine her character Evie comes across. She was full of energy, and makes her writing style sound like lots of fun.

Kiersten White

Amy Garvey is also an editor in addition to a writer, so she really brought a great additional perspective to the panel. It was interesting to hear her speak about her writing process, and how she came from writing Adult Romance to Young Adult books.

Anna Carey was really sweet and said she watched me during the discussion because I was encouraging (plus I was sitting right in the middle). Well, my goal while in the audience is to be encouraging to the speaker, so I'm glad I accomplished that. She was very sweet and brought a youthful energy to the discussion.

I've read a few of these books (White's, Fitzpatrick's, and Young's), and am looking very much forward to reading the other books from these fascinating authors. I also look forward to attending more of these signings. It is not only fun getting books signed, but truly the education is during the panel discussions. Hopefully Ian will be able to attend more events as well. Perhaps it will inspire his inner-author :)

Quotes from Ian

Ian during a random discussion about relationships...

Darin: There are a lot of ways that your Mom and I are different.

Ian: Like you're a boy and she's a girl, and Mom wears a bra and you don't.

Impressive Quotes

While hanging out at Ian's soccer practice, a sweet little cat came over to us to get some attention from the kids (and spent a good amount of time distracting the boys on the soccer field). On the drive home, Bode had some thoughts...

Bode: I was impressed by that cat.

Me: Bode, why were you impressed?

Bode: I was impressed because the cat didn't bite me.

(That is impressive.)  :-)

That Cole...

Cole: Mom, are you going to take a shower soon?

Me: Yes, after I finish getting lunch together. Why? Do I smell bad?

Cole: No. I just don't want anyone to come to the door while you're in your pajamas. I would be embarassed.

...Silly Boy, lol.

Kitten Quotes

As we're driving in the car...

Bode: I want a kitten.

Ian: He (Bode) can't play with it without my supervision.

Cole: I'll be the kitten's bodyguard.

Ian: But Latte (our fat cat) can't teach the kitten how to be lazy.

(I love my boys. So silly.)

Silly Bode Quote

As Bode is putting some Bey Blade toy rings on his fingers, I said...

Me: Bode, you're so silly.

Bode: I'm not silly, Mama. I'm a genius.

I'm Not a Beaver!

While I'm brushing Bode's hair after his bath, Cole looks at him and says, "Wow, like Justin Bieber."

Bode's indignant reaction, "I'm not a beaver! You're a beaver!"

LOL.

Bode's Quotes from Soccer

Today Bode had his first soccer game on a real team. He is playing AYSO U5 Boys. He's so excited to finally be on a team like his big brothers. I'll post pictures later, but here are some of Bode's quotes of the day:

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During the game, Bode was going to score a goal and one of his teammates took the ball and scored instead. Bode stomped around a bit. At halftime he had something to say.

Bode: I was practicing my angry face.

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After the game, walking back to the car, Darin told one of the kids on the other team that he did a great job. Bode thought otherwise.

Bode: I didn't let you score a goal.

(Yes, Darin talked to Bode afterwards about good sportsmanship.)

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Playing Pool with Bode Quotes

While playing pool with Bode, he had some cute things to say:

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Bode: The littlest person goes first.

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Bode: I like to be the solids.

Me: Why?

Bode: Because I've been the stripes before and it's really hard.

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Bode: It's on, like Donkey Kong.

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Me: Aww, I scratch every time I get to the 8 ball.

Bode: Just like Gramma.

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Cole's Birthday Party Fun

We celebrated Cole's birthday on Monday the 22nd (his actual birthday). I'm not a big party planner, so a few days before his birthday I contacted his friends to see who was available. Lucky for us his close friends were all available to hang out with him. Cole wanted to see Kung Fu Panda 2, which was playing at the cheap theatre, so we all met there. The kids loved it, and even the moms had a good time laughing. (There was also someone in the audience snoring, giving us added entertainment, and annoyance).

Our section of the theatre.

Then we headed back to our house for playtime, lunchtime, and cupcake time. Cole loved having his friends over. He's the real entertainer of the family. And we loved celebrating with his friends.

Yum! Happy 8th Birthday!

Say Cheese!

Now be silly.

Frosting...yum.

It's so peaceful when the kids eat cupcakes :)

Opening presents.

From Us

Gramma and Grampa also celebrated with us. We had dinner at Musashi the Friday before Cole's birthday. We had yummy food and great entertainment watching them cook in front of us. Then Tuesday after Cole's birthday, Gramma and Grampa came over and took Cole shopping for his birthday. He got Heelies, which he had been wanting for a long time. He's loving them and has been wearing them everyday.

Thank you everyone for celebrating with us. We love you Cole!! Happy Birthday!

Random Quotes from Bode

Bode: Mom, can I have $50 for my birthday?

Me: Why do you want $50?

Bode: Because I want to buy something expensive.


* Funny guy. His birthday isn't even for another 6 months, lol.

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole!

Eight years ago (yesterday) we were blessed with the birth of our second son, Cole. Cole has been keeping us on our toes since he was born. On my last day of work before my maternity leave (6 days before my due date), I was experiencing contractions on and off all day. That evening we went to dinner with my parents, during which I continued to time my contrations. Casually I announced that we'd have to go to the hospital after dinner. We dropped Ian off at my aunt and uncle's house and then headed to the hospital where my parents (and aunt and cousin) later met us. I was only dilated a few centimeters and the nurse was going to send me home, but I asked if I could walk around instead. The next day was going to be my mother-in-law's birthday and I didn't want Cole to have to share his birthday. So after walking around for an hour, I was much further dilated and they admitted me. I also declined any medications or epidurals because I didn't want anything to slow my contractions. I even told the doctor he had to be born before midnight. Time was ticking away. I got stuck at 9 centimeters and they finally broke my water for me. After that things happened pretty quickly. Cole entered the world at 11:29pm, August 22nd.

Cole has been a joy to watch grow up. He has a strong personality and is a natural leader. He's funny, carefree, adventurous, agile, strong, sensitive, curious, smart, cute, and confident. He learns things quickly and is a natural athlete. He's also very comfortable with himself. He knows that he's small for his age, but it doesn't affect him. He's also been keeping his hair on the long-side for the last couple of years, and is frequently called a girl by those not paying attention, but he doesn't let it bother him. We call him a monkey because he can climb anything practically. He is also a great snuggler and loves to have fun. We have enjoyed these eight years of having him in our lives and look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop.

Here's a look at Cole through the years:

Baby Cole at the Hospital
(I don't think hospital photos are meant to be flattering.)

Cole at 3 months, with very red hair.
(Reminiscent of Conan O'Brien or Donald Trump? lol)

Cole at 1 year old - now a blondie.
Where did the red hair go?

Cole at 2 years old - doing his two favorite things:
Sucking on his fingers, and holding his blankie (which he called an Ah-ja).

Cole at 3 years old - already our little Monkey!

Cole at 4 years old - with his brothers.
Gotta love that cheesy smile :)

Cole at 5 years old - It's fun to play dress-up.

Cole at 6 years old - The beginning of the long hair stage.

Cole at 7 years old - loving having long hair

Cole is 8 years old today!
And he has yet another hair style - still keeping some length.

Happy Birthday, Cole!! We love you very much and are so very grateful to God to have you in our lives. You are truly a blessing. Thank you for the incredibly sweet, loving, fun, and kind boy that you are.

Bode's Bee Lesson

As we're walking to the car from the library next to some flowers, Bode is walking behind the big boys and me. "Mom, I caught a bee," Bode said excitedly. I didn't realize he was serious until a few seconds later..."Oww!!!" cried Bode, with a stinger sticking out of his finger. Poor guy.

Bode's new lesson learned: Don't catch bees. They don't want to be caught!

Update: Bode has informed me that the first bee he caught didn't sting him. It was the second one that did it. LOL

Beach Trip - Leo Carrillo in Malibu

Last week, the boys and I enjoyed a lovely day at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, CA with some friends. It was slightly overcast, but the temperature was perfect. We tried to get there close to low tide to check out the tide pools, but we weren't able to get there early enough. But the boys had a great time hanging out with their friends, digging in the sand, collecting seashells (and parts of lobster shells?), climbing on the rocks, running an obstacle course, playing in the water, and just having a good time.