Ski School Reunion

Matt was involved in competitive and show skiing when he was in high school, and this past weekend the ski school he attended every summer had a reunion. Brian, Janet and the boys, Steve and Debbie, along with Brent, Ashley and Olivia met us in a very small town that held a beautiful private ski lake. We watched some cool skiing, ran after our kids, and grilled out around a bon fire. It really was a good time.
The next day, we all convened at Steve and Deb's lake house, where we spent another afternoon boating, swimming, and skiing. We stuffed Noah in an infant life jacket and then in his swim floaty. He looks absolutely hilarious. Very reminiscent of the kid in a Christmas Story. OK, enough writing. Here's the good stuff...

Janet, Parker, Brian, Tyler, Ashley, Olivia, Brent, Matt, Evie and Noah

Matt is trying to make Parker smile.

Ashley and Brent have the cutest little girl!

Nana and Papa with the boys

Miss Diva

Pop Culture Got Me Again

Twilight

I saw all the press and craze this movie received when it first came out; however, I felt no inclination to see it. It seemed to be close enough to a horror film to disinterest me I suppose. Four nights ago though, as I stood in front of a Red Box ($1 movie rental vending machine), I stared at the lack of good films available. Twilight caught my attention as I passed through the new releases, and I walked back to the car to ask Matt if he had any interest. He declared his apathy towards the subject, and I figured a wasted $1.08 was the worst that could happen. We popped it in after getting Noah in bed, and within the first 10 minutes, not only was I hooked, I was loving this previously passed on love story. Love story? Yep, shocked me too. Perhaps if I had paid any attention to all of the previews I may have realized this sooner.

I knew that some sort of relationship would be formed between the two main characters, I just never figured it would be so intriguing and unusual. The story line is about a vampire (initially quite unappealing to me),but the route the story takes and honestly the charisma of the main actor, make it one of my new favorites. The way the male lead, Robert Pattinson (Edward), was characterized was simply stunning. I can't fathom another actor having attempted the part. He was dominant, yet gentle, in pain but managing it, and for someone with entirely too much pale powder on, he was beautiful. Kristin Stewart (Bella), the female lead was not as memorable or talented, but she gives an average performance.

I believe the movie is comparable in many ways to the modern Romeo and Juliet. The male lead astonishing, and the female lead, falling a bit short of her counterpart. Both are addictive films in that I want to watch them again and again, the love story in each is irresistible in its passion, and the cinematography is interesting and uniquely done in both. In addition, they both hold just enough mystery that keeps viewers longing for more.

This film got me. It reeled me in. I even bought the book and have already finished it. (Although, the book naturally was more detailed, it didn't surpass the movie like most books usually do.) Thankfully there are 3 sequels (that I'm quite anxious to read regardless of their literary deficiencies), and the next in line, New Moon, will be in theaters November 20. You can watch a trailer of the new movie at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/.

Noah Went Out for Sushi

The great "they" encourage us as parents not to throw away our social calendars just because we have a baby, right? Well, following that principle, Noah went out for sushi Friday night. It was Todd's birthday, and we celebrated at the Drunken Fish. The reservation was at 7pm, aka, Noah's bedtime. He was a bit fussy, but overall did pretty well.

Following dinner, we headed over to one of my favorite St. Louis spots...The Cupcakery. There are no better cupcakes in all the world.

The birthday boy enjoying his Tuxedo cupcake. He would not approve of this picture.

Saturday evening, we met Jen and Joe at church, and then we headed to Anthinino's for Joe's birthday get-together. It was super casual and fun, and we were able to catch up with the Donley's and Metzler's.Jen and Claire...can't believe how old Claire is already. Seems like they just had her.Noah, sadly, could not handle a second late night. He was quite out of sorts, and he ended up falling asleep in his daddy's arms. So sweet. I took him home shortly after, while Matt hung out with the guys a bit longer.

On Sunday, Matt, Noah and I took a long walk in the park. It was a beautiful afternoon, and oh so nice to spend time as a family.

A great weekend all together.

Granola and Almond Butter

Made more granola today... I'm stuck on having it over organic vanilla yogurt with a tablespoon of chocolate chips and a tablespoon of organic almond butter. So delicious!

This is my favorite almond butter. OK, so I've only tried a total of two brands, but this is better than the first. I love the ingredient list on the back of the jar.

Another Trip to the Airport

I just got home from dropping mom at the airport. Long distance grandparenting is for the birds; and before I go any further, I must warn any readers that I'm in a total state of self-pity right now.

I've missed my parents since they've lived in Florida, but having Noah adds a whole new dimension of sadness when we have to leave each other. I've always wanted my children to grow up around my mom and dad, and it's a heart-breaking realization that it will probably not happen. Although this is cliche and whiny, life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I miss my parents.

Anyone else deal with long distance parents/grandparents? How do you keep your kids close to them?

Noah and Those Other People He Lives With

Apparently, Matt and I are of absolutely no import to my mother. Only Noah. He is the only one who matters. Case and point...she would never sit in the front seat with me. Always in the back with Noah. What's up with that mom?!

Look-I have proof.
Check out the matching outfits. (OK, this one was my cheesy idea.)

Goob face!

This crawling thing is keeping me busy. If some other kid came over to our house, got into my magazines and ripped them up, I would have been furious! However, when my sweet little Noah, who of course means no harm does it, I play it cool. I calmly remove the ripped page from his hand that is quickly making it's way to his mouth and try to distract him with something else. Easier said than done however, and a bit of a power struggle ensues. This is just one example of his recent busyness. He is into EVERYTHING. Nothing is out of bounds. Take special note of the myriad of cords in this picture that I have yet to address. I'm a bad mom. Any ideas on how to hide cords people?

Illegal Roses

Matt is a good, good husband, and in his goodness he walked in the door one night with a handful of pretty pink roses. He had already been home and was returning from taking Teagan out, so I inquisitively asked him where he found these beautiful flowers. "The flower beds on the street" he calmly replied, and with that he went about his business as if his brain had made no connection between his gift and his illegal acquirement of said gift. Regardless of how they came to be on my table, I love them.

Photoholic

I once again subjected my innocent child to my manic tendencies to photograph him constantly. (Boy, that was a mouthful. Sorry.) Last week, we met Erica (http://www.ericarankin.com/) out at her "Spring Photo Session" at Faust Park, and she captured one of Noah's newest milestones...crawling. His little personality doubles in size daily, and his facial expressions are a reflection of the character and charisma he seems to have. I seriously laugh at him all the time. I'm gonna need help when I have to discipline this boy. My sister-in-law, Marsa`, called him a goober today, and I think that's exactly what he is. My little goob. Love it!

Stuck

Apparently when a child starts to crawl, he can find himself in places he didn't mean to go. Check him out. The crawling started on Mother's Day...what a sweet and ...um, busy gift it is.

Staying with Sarah and Mother's Day Weekend

Last week I packed the house and moved in with Sarah for 5 days. Well, not the entire house, but those of you with little ones know that it feels like you are taking everything you own when you travel. As you may remember from a previous blog, my bff, Sarah, had her little girl, Lula, three weeks prior, and last Monday Sarah's hubby had to return to work. That's where I came in. Noah and I helped Sarah with around-the-house chores, we ran a couple of errands, and we changed a few diapers; however, not as many as I expected to (perhaps I should have taken more initiative in that area!). Noah decided to start teething, walking (while holding my hands), and rocking back and forth on his hands and knees while we were there; all of which excited him beyond measure, so he wasn't quite the angel I was banking on him being. Sarah was lovely and patient with him though, although a fussy 8 month old doesn't exactly lend the peace a recovering new mother needs. Regardless, it was a good week, and I'm glad I was able to spend time with Sarah and Lula.

On Friday, I packed back up and headed down to Kimberling City to spend the weekend with the Stark's. Friday night, I hung out with Sarah G. and Janet. Sarah was sweet enough to treat Janet and I to dinner as late birthday gifts. Saturday night Brian, Janet and the boys came down and Brian and Matt cooked all of us moms a super nice dinner. I wasn't quick enough with my camera though, so I don't have any shots of dinner and only this one picture of the crepes Brian made for dessert. Matt was sweet enough to get me flowers and a massage! He also made a card from Noah with his little hand print on it. So cute! I also received a mom's day card from my mom with a Macy's gift card included, and my little brother sent me a sweet card as well. It's great being a mama, and it felt lovely to be thought of and appreciated.

Parker and Noah

Noah having breakfast with Nana.

This picture cracks me up...Noah looks so goofy!

Flowers from my sweet man!

Flowers from Parker and Tyler!

Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes that Brian made!