18 months

My little boy is 18 months old. Which is sad because I remember when he used to look like this.
(Oh my--doesn't this pic just make you laugh out loud? Ah....)And that seemed like it was yesterday. Well, it was last year.
It's amazing how much they change (insert more cliche expressions, etc). But it's true.


On with the 18 month update. It's all about the tractors, trucks, balls, and puppies (which it has been about now for a while). His newest thing is apple juice. He'll wake up in the middle of the night and yell, with what I swear is the same decibel level as an adult and with perfect diction, "Apple JUUUUICE!" (fyi apple juice is really like flavored water). At which point, Rod and I grumble about who's turn it is to get out of bed and pacify our 18 MONTH OLD!!!...(shouldn't this have stopped by now?) He loves juice, fruit snacks, and pirate's booty. (must have gotten that from his dad...;)I wish he loved broccoli, whole wheat, and asparagus--maybe in time...

His new favorite sport is golf. I got him these $2 plastic golf clubs from target and he whacks every ball in sight. He's even learning how to hold and swing the club with 2 hands. He also loves to watch golf on TV with his dad (how boring...I know---I've also taught him how to get really excited for Oprah--he cheers and sits on my lap in the beginning and then 5 minutes into it begs for Dora the Explorer). He also loves it when he gets to go to the course with Grandpa, Aaron, and Rod.
I wonder what he thinks about.

L just came out of his Elmo phase, which is kind of sad, because I love Elmo. Now its all about Dora the Explorer. He says "Dah-wa" like she's Asian instead of Latin. He repeats any word you say to him and is now starting to string words together in sentences.
"We did it."
"What is it?"
"All done."
"Thank you."
"I want that."
"pay gahpf" (play golf)
"Hold you"
etc...

I am loving this phase, he is a lot of fun and becoming so independent. He's also starting to learn right from wrong, so he knows he's in trouble if he hits mommy in the face with his golf club---so we aren't fighting those battles as much as we used to because he hates time out (even if its only for 20 seconds).
He's also very expressive with his face. AND (best part) he loves to give hugs and kisses now. So I love that.
Lucky to be this little one's mama. I love you Landon and I'm grateful everyday!

A Garden Afternoon

I've been enjoying my garden lately. Quite a lot. The snail who took this picture was upset because I'm thinning out his forest to play in.
I'm dehydrating Kale chips. Blending up smoothies. Living the life, really.
Do you guys ever garden like this? Sometimes I just can't find the other Croc, and who has the patience for that now really... Rod made me promise I would only wear Crocs while gardening (the stay-at-home-mom in me is tempted to rock these suckers all day, they are SOOOOOO comfortable but SO u.g.l.y.). I can kind of imagine myself as an 80 year old woman rocking a church dress and some crocs on Sunday....Don't worry guys, I'll wait til I'm 80.
Isn't nature amazing? These voluptuous greens were just little seeds 2 months ago.
I'm so obsessed with my broccoli. OBSESSED.
I feel like I'm bragging.
A friendly hello to you from my favorite garden companion. Usually I glance over while I'm "harvesting" and he's shoving flower buds into his mouth. So far, they don't seem too harmful.
Once we are done in the garden, it's time to place catch.
Even if I think its time to water the roses. My boss has different orders and we must keep our deadlines or else there is hell to pay.
After our game of catch I get to watering those plants and 9 times out of 10 this is what happens to my little best friend. Soaked to his diaper.
So I grab him to snatch a little snuggle, because what idiot wouldn't want to snuggle a wet baby?
The prime minister objects.
Then I do the dishes, make dinner, and watch Oprah.
(curtsy)

2 Weddings and a Missionary (3 of 3)

It's a rare occasion when you find a true friend out in that Hollywood mayhem of living your dream business. I've found the longer you are there (LA) and the better jobs you get, the less creepy the people are... (I'm remembering reluctantly attending auditions for an "amazing independent film" in some creepy guys "common area" of some run-down San Fernando Valley apartments etc). Sure there are lots of acquaintances, nice people, and memories made with people of whom you think fondly, but a REAL friend--I only consider myself to have made a handful of those while pursuing Hollywood.

One of those real soul-sisterly friends I have is Mimi.
This is Mimi and I before dancing at the 2009 Emmy's with Josh Groban.
I remember meeting Mimi the first year I was in LA at an audition for "Show Me the Money" (which she booked and I did not) and thinking she was more friendly and kind than most girls at an audition. I forget exactly when we became great friends, it feels like we have known each other our whole lives. We went on to work on a number of dance jobs together over the years, which then turned into lots of double dates with boyfriends who were not right for us, which then turned into double dates with boyfriends who eventually became our husbands. (yay!)

There are many things to love about Mimi, including that she was once Pineapple Fanta of the "Fantanas (oh yeah!)." She artistic, non-judgemental, a great person to share a laugh with, and loving. I've never once, in the 5 years that I've known her, hear her say anything negative about anyone (seriously). That's why it's always especially wonderful to see a friend who you love, adore, and respect so much find their deserving match. I knew when she and Mike got engaged that I would be shedding many tears of joy at their wedding...and let me tell you, this girl is one hell of a wedding planner.

Here are a few pics I snapped over the few days we were there.

Flying from Salt Lake to Palm Springs, Landon learned how to say "cheese" at the airport. Now his pictures are so much more dignified.

The desert is so much more beautiful from above while sitting in A/C. Aerial shot of the Grand Canyon on our way down south.
Ah, sleeping baby on a plane. Perfect on so many levels.
On the night of the rehearsal dinner, it was 1500 degrees, important people were passing out left and right--the shade, however was nice. Loved the view we had for the ceremony.
This is one of the only pics I have of Mike, (my bad) he was a great master of ceremonies at the talent show.
How awesome were Meems' bouquets? I loved the combo of springy flowers with succulents. I had never seen that before and thought it was so perfect for a Palm Springs wedding.
Beautiful Bride.

Look at this set up. LOOK AT THAT. One of the most gorgeous weddings I have been too.
I got to have the honor of sitting at the wedding party table with my handsome husband because I was one of Mimi's bridesmaids. :)
I loved the dresses.
The ceremony was conducted by a Rabbi and was a very touching exchange of vows and familial acknowledgements by both Mimi and Mike. However, Mimi in the bouncing wedding chair was in a close rivalry with the ceremony for my favorite part of the weekend.
Growing up Catholic, I bet Mike didn't imagine that he would be doing this at his wedding someday--but I'm sure he's so glad that he did. :) A great tradition. So fun.
Did I tell you that Borat made an appearance?
Lots of dancing, So fun. Great live band. Perfect weekend.
Back with the babysitter--Landon learned how to turn the ice bucket into a hat. We're so very proud.
Looking forward to next trip. But probably not as much as this little guy.

2 Weddings and a Missionary (2 of 3)

Rod's younger brother Tod got married to Betsy on Mexican Independence day in the Bountiful, Utah temple. Arrrrriba! They were a very happy, handsome couple and I am glad we got to be a part of the big day.
I didn't get a lot of great pics but here are few I did happen to take.
I see three Mr. Bean's and one Creeper in this picture.
They had their reception where we did, at "The Point" and I have to say, I enjoyed their reception more than ours because I actually got to eat, relax, and enjoy the view. Not to say that I didn't love my wedding, but it was just kind of funny to be back in the same place I was married only this time toting the little Prime Minister Landon. Didn't the little PML look dapper in his prep-school suit?
Us, pretending like we have it together.
Married BABIES!!! Andie Marshall (Landon's cousin) and Landon . jk.
This is a little more accurate.
And of course we had to get the all testosterone picture. Luckily Landon learned how to "fold his arms" last week.
Congrats to Tod and Betsy!

2 Weddings and a Missionary (1 of 3)

We've had a busy few weeks, (thank heavens--something to keep my mind of the fact that we have to move at any given moment only we STILL don't know what city we will be in yet...) so yes, trips to Utah and Palm Springs to celebrate some great milestones of our family and close friends have been a welcomed distraction. I guess I'll start chronologically with the missionary.
I love little diaper butts. Landon has been on a few airplanes in his day but this was the trip where he realized that we left the Earth. He loved take-off but once the cars got a little too small, he was in my lap holding on to my neck for dear life with some worried tears. Luckily, he was a little more calm and introspective as the plane landed.
Next stop: The Ranch. These aren't pics from Christmas, that is May 3rd folks. This is the main reason I don't live in Utah, for anyone who is wondering. I feel for all who do in the winter time. Landon had fun with Grammy in the snow.
He also loves to bug his cousin Sophie. They have a good laugh.
Elder McKinley Smoot with the 3 Stooges. I can't believe my baby brother is old enough to be on a mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Oh, did I mention that Landon had diarrhea for 5 days while we were in Utah? That was especially awesome. We both survived the worst diaper-rash on record with a little help from Grammy and Grampy, along with cornstarch and butt paste.
He was a good little toddler when confined to his towel so we could "air it out."

My Dad is obsessed with Chuck'o'Rama. So that was the pre-MTC lunch spot. Unfortunately this was the best picture I had of the four of them.
It was a beautiful day in Provo when we dropped McKinley off. It's days like this that make be re-think the comment on the picture above. Landon loved the big lawn and the big lawn mowing equipment, and even whispered to me after chasing the missionaries around who were enjoying their P-day, "Mom, I hope they call me on a mission."
Now wouldn't that be something...
It really went more like this "Mama! Ball! Tractor! Kinlee. Bye bye. See ya."
Which I took to mean..."I hope they call me on a mission."

I dream in SUV's and Mini-vans

Rod and I both have small cars, we like them because of good gas mileage and no monthly payment. Rod's is a tiny girl car, (that he thinks is not a girl car--but it is) and mine is an old Lexus smallish girl car too.
This was fine when we were just two lovebirds in a nest (circa 2007).
But now that we are these people....
(even though we like to think that we are these people...But our self-awareness prevents us from really going there...)We need a bigger car. Like, NEED.

I think I was in denial the first 16 months of Landon's life. Why, we could fit everything we needed for a weekend trip in one car, even if Landon's car seat was surrounded with huge box suitcases and sharp objects. Unless Heir Rodney decided to bring the golf-clubs...then something important was definitely getting left behind. Once Landon started getting bigger and my back started hurting from having to get in all kinds of crazy positions just to get the kid in his car seat, I quickly came to the decision that the new car needed to happen.

Now most of my day is spent running errands and staring longingly at SUV's and Mini-vans. So pretty soon, it's going to happen.

What do you recommend?

Instant IQ booster

I got some specs today. Not just-for-funsies glasses either. These are must-wear-everyday glasses. Apparently I've had an astigmatism for 15 years and didn't know it--according to the opthamologist. I always thought I was mildly near-sided. My crow's feet from constantly squinting would beg to differ. Guess LensCrafters doesn't really know what they are doing after-all.

Oh, it's nice to see, btw. I have to say I quite like it. I feel like a different person in glasses. Like a different, much smarter person in a costume. And that different person kind of resembles if Lisa Loeb and the MTV V-jay (not to be confused with va-jay-jay) of olden days Kennedy had a baby...but I'm liking it. I'm really liking that I can see. And that I feel smarter. And that I feel like a new person, or the old person in a costume depending on the minute.

That is all.