Jordan World Circus

My friend Carrie and I decided to venture into the world of underground circus performers and take the kids to see a low budget, low talent circus (kids were free). They had a blast and loved seeing the elephants, motorcycles, pink poodles and balancing acts - which was as about as technical as it got (unless you counted the three ring hoola-hoop act, because the hoola-hoops did sparkle).

I loved watching the mechanics of it and identifying the multi-tasking performers (i.e. the same guy who was scooping elephant dumpings was called "Asanti" while balancing on chairs). I also loved the titles they used to make it sound so great: "Vincent Vaughn Duke" was the lion trainer, the spinning thing was the "Wheel of Destiny," jugglers performed the "ancient ritual" of throwing things, and the motocross globe was the "Circle of Death." Fortunately no one actually died in it, though I was a bit worried about the less-than-stable braces it was set on.

Like I said, the kids loved it.

Adhesives

We started today with a new approach (or same old - but new visual) to potty training. My mom found this book with a story, chart, stickers, and fold-out "Zoe" to give Maggie a potty training buddy. We're still early in the approach...I'll let you know later if this was the winner. For some reason Eli felt a little left out in this new process, so he decided to stick up a couple of items next to Maggie's chart as well. You'll notice I stuck hers right on the bathroom switch plate to save the paint on my wall. Waiting for Eli to ask me to help hang his too, I was surprised when he told me to come see his picture because it was already up. Um...stuck to the wall with GLUE! And in case you can't read it, according to Eli, his picture says "Eli already went potty."

Our Little Man

Eli came home from school today with his mid-term progress report (so official for pre-school). Like all moms, I know my son is brilliant, so a perfect report on all the concepts didn't surprise me. However, my favorite part is his teacher's comment..."He is thoughtful of others." All the teachers he has had since starting school (even way back in MI) have said the same thing in their review of his work and interaction with others. I just love watching him grow and can see how much he cares for and helps his mom and sister at home too. We just love him...our little man.

Note: A bit of irony--I write this while hearing Maggie scream in the background because Eli is chasing her with his Nerf dart gun.

Snuggie

While Eli was watching an episode of Wow Wow Wubbzy, I heard him get excited and yell for me to "come see...quick!" He pointed to the TV while jumping and said, "Check out that blanket mom! You can be all snugglie while you read books, eat snacks and stuff. It has sleeves! That's so cool." Hmmm. In my day, snuggie's were something totally different and definitely NOT cool. I can't say I'd use that term for this one either. And I was questioning their media placement...

New Year

New blog look. New couches. New chairs.
New motivation to finally decorate.
New Calling. New Home Teachers.
New training schedule. New running shoes. New iPod mix.
New clients. New campaigns. New budgets.
New dress. New dates. New neighbors.
Same old Sara, Eli & Maggie jumping with both feet into the
New Year!

Way cute picture - but terribly deceptive!

The Last Lecture

My book club will be discussing
The Last Lecture in March, so I borrowed it from my cousin yesterday planning to read it over the next week or two. I opened it up to glimpse the contents and never put it down. If you have not read it, I would definitely recommend doing so. A good reminder of the basics, easy to read, and gives you something to consider at the start of this new year.

Bathtub Woes

How does more water end up outside of the tub than in?
How many wash cloths do you need to get clean?
How does an entire bottle of shampoo become empty in two minutes?
How do you rinse all that out of hair/body/toys/towels?
How can they stand to sit in a cold tub forever just playing?
...How fun is it to see them love being together?

Hardware Ranch Adventure

My family enjoyed one of our annual outings today...the sights and adventure of visiting Hardware Ranch. Monica and her children are in town and braved the experience with our crazy clan. We love having her family with us and the kids had a great time playing together. Because we couldn't find any great sleigh riding hills, we opted for a Chili (both definitions apply) picnic at one of the parks in the canyon. Fortunately there was a playground to semi-substitute for the lack of sledding.

WSU ProMotion Dancers

This weekend I got to enjoy getting together with some of my great friends from college - the oh so famous Weber State University ProMotion Dancers (who existed for only a couple of years before being combined with the cheerleaders after we had graduated...thankfully!). We were definitely short a few, but were thrilled to see those who could make it. It's been way too long!

Another week of Joy School

For those who know the Joy School program - you'll appreciate the week where Gunny Bag is introduced. It was a hit! The kids love the Gunny Bag song and cleaned up the toys faster than I thought possible. Unfortunately one of Maggie's tiara's didn't make it in on time, so Gunny Bag got to eat it. There were lots of tears. I hate to say it though...love something that works! Now just wondering how long the "eat your toys bag" will be affective. I've already caught her feeding it her toy foods and spooning pretend cereal into it's "mouth."

Now what?

While washing and folding clothes today, I told Maggie I was going to throw her underwear away since she wasn't using them - and that all she would have to wear are yucky diapers (we're TOTALLY STUCK right now in the potty training process). She took them, for what I supposed was to put them away so I would not chuck them. Yea right. She just took care of it herself. I will take this as a clear sign...Maggie is quite happy with smelly pants right now. Sparkly Hello Kitty panties apparently are not that great.

Naughty Corner

It's really hard to be upset at a naughty fairy taking her "time-out" in the corner when she looks like this.

My Little Monkey

I love this!

Baptism Day

Eli, Maggie and I enjoyed two baptisms today - one for our good friend Drew, and the other for cousin Anne. Eli always has a great time with Andy, Drew & Cragun...wrestling with the boys. He enjoyed watching Drew's father baptize and confirm him, and learning more about these ordinances.

Eli was asked to speak on the Holy Ghost at Anne's baptism. He did a great job coloring pictures and helping me put the talk together. Maggie also helped color. When it was time to get up to the podium, Maggie decided she wanted to join us - so I spoke while Eli and Maggie held up their pictures and smiled.

Happy New Year

Eli & Maggie didn't quite make it to midnight - but they sure had a great time with friends Drew & Cragun McCloy. This is the 2nd year we've been able to celebrate the New Year with such great friends and love spending time with them.