Suburban Cliche

A little country...

2012-01-31T13:22:00.001-08:00

Don't judge me. I just got home from Houston. And this song is real purdy...

Our Last Visit to the Christmas Museum....

2011-12-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

The Pope Family

Too Much Living, Not Enough Blogging

2011-11-27T14:36:00.001-08:00

So I've been remiss in blogging. I blog to remind myself of the awesome things that happen in my day, my life, my world. And yet I've been too busy to write these things down lately. I love to write. And more than that, I love to go back and read what has been. Soon.

Soon, I'll write all about Thanksgiving and how yummy all the food was and how we got to see so much family. Soon I'll write about the pecan pie I made Pope for his birthday and the awesome lunch we had at Japiox drinking bloodies and eating sushi and laughing our faces off. Soon I'll write about Eliana and her super-sweet rendition of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town," and how she is refusing to wear the crazy cute plaid dress I got her for her Christmas pageant. Soon I'll write about how excited I am for Christmas and how all Parker wants is a set of "Spiderman Squinkies" that I had to order off Amazon two weeks ago for $42.00 as they were already sold out in stores and now they are running about $245.00. That's insane.

And soon I'll write about all of the joy and blessings and gifts I have been given in the form or friends and family and opporutnity that keeps me from a regular blog ritual.

Soon.

Date Nights & Girl Parties

2011-10-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

As we're back to the whole school season, which I will be "going back to" for the next 20 years, we've been crazy busy with all of the fun things that school and fall bring.

On one particular Saturday afternoon, with Ellie at a birthday party, I had the pleasure of taking Parker out to dinner. Solo. I don't think Parker and I have ever done something just for fun and just for us. It was awesome. He talked his face off, played with the other kids without the super friend big sister to pave the way for him, and drank my whole milk shake. He's a sweetheart. And an excellent date. I got lots of kisses but all in all he was a perfect gentleman.

You're welcome future grown-up Parker girlfriends. You're welcome.

Mr. Pope aka Mr. Baby

And as Ellie now goes to school four days a week, one of those being our Monday Funday, Derrick is able to stay home and sleep in with Parker while the girls get up and go to school. Eliana LOVES the girl time. She calls them our "Girl Parties." And she races out the door to make sure it's just us in the car and she'll get every ounce of my attention. She started a great tradition and now I love Monday mornings, too.

My Litte Miss

I love that my little buddies like each other so much, but I love my time with each of them on their own. They are big, smart, amazing people stuck in tiny little bodies. And they teach me something new everyday.

Funny

2011-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Kick It!!

2011-10-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Favorite Things

2011-10-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

@ Toast for Grandma Barbie's b-day

I have to write down the things that the little Popes love so I can remember when I'm 80.

Eliana:
Puzzles! She completed her very first one ALL by herself. She says she gets "distracted" from her other activities because she just wants to work on puzzles all the time.
Her friend Danika. Seriously. She has a BFF.
School. She loves it. She can't wait to bring Spinner the class pet home for the weekend.
Picking out her own clothes. This one has been a long-time coming as she's always been picky - but now she's out-grown pretty much everything all at once and I think I am actually going to have to take her shopping for the first time. How is this happening?
The library. She wants to go all the time. And she loves picking out Dr. Seuss DVDs.
Gum. She's old enough for gum.

Parker:
He loves music! He tells me what all of his favorite songs are. He says they're "pretty cool." His favs are LMAFO "Party Rock Anthem" (the Shuffle song) and Foster the People "Pumped Up Kicks."

One of my favorite things....

Veggie Tales. Oh gosh.
Spiderman! We've left the world of Batman and ventured over to Spiderman. He's Spiderman for Halloween this year.
Comic books
His Batman slippers. Okay, so he still loves Batman.
Jellybeans
Gum. He is not old enough for gum. He immediately says, "I put it in my tubby."
Asparagus. For real.

All That Happy

2011-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Lindsey's "Making Monsters" Cake!!

Somethings are better in your head. Others end up surpassing even your most optimistic expectations. Our trip to Missoula, MT for the premiere of "Making Monsters" fell into that latter category. Seeing everyone who worked on the show was amazing. As as one person summed it up so wonderfully, "everyone was so joyful."

It was true.

I am grateful for my part in the show. I'm partial to episode 103 with the Roswell Aliens. I can't wait to see it!! But all of the elements came together to make a great product. (OK, I'm partial to the entire thing, but that's what you get. This is my blog.)

For starters, I'm moderately in love with everyone on the crew. What can I say, I have a lot of love to give. I love talented people. And there are a lot of them on the crew. It was fun to see them with their families and girlfriends and lives outside the warehouse. I think I hugged everyone 10,000 times.

Ellie and Parker stayed at home with the grandparents and actually watched the show too at their own little premiere party at our house. Eliana loved it. (I'm a little worried what will come up at her Christian preschool this week....) and Parker told me it was "Pretty scary but the monsters are just pretend." Good job, little man. And thanks to all of our family who make it so easy for us to get away for a day or two.

And as always, Mr. Pope was my biggest champion. He always has been. He stood outside the room where I defended my Honors Thesis ten years ago just so he could be the first to congratulate me on being a big smarty pants and getting to publish a thesis at 21. And he's still the exact same way. That blows me away....

It all makes me "joyful."

The Customer is....big boned?

2011-09-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Like most folks, I spend a fair amount of time online. I'm home ALL DAY. This is how I get big stuff done. I order the kids clothes. I buy furniture. I use all of the cooking websites. I chat with Derrick. We keep Amazon in business...let it not be said that we aren't doing our patriotic duty to stimulate the economy.

And so, since I really want a new dinning room table and chairs I've been looked at some online. I'm not actually going to buy something new - I think I'll just re-stain the one that I have (and love.) But I've noticed that the art of buying furniture online comes with something both awesome and annoying: customer reviews.

If I look at new chairs online I might see something like, "These chairs are cute but they are flimsy and broke the first time I sat in one. I'd like to see them have much more structural support." This is good information from some lady in New York who shops at Crate & Barrel six times a year and is a 5Star reviewer. But what's missing is something very important. How much does she weight?

I think about this all the time and apparently I'm a jerk for wanting a little clarification. If I weigh less than 500 lbs and you, as a reviewer, weigh more than 500 lbs, well, then we have different needs in chairs. But how am I do know this if the information is lacking in the review?!?

In a world of information all I want is a little frame of reference, something to qualify all of said info. Everyone likes to blab about themselves all day long online, so lets make some of it useful.

If people want to review a restaurant in the neighborhood I want to know how often they eat out and how often they send food back. And if they've ever worked in the restaurant biz before I trust their judgement.

If someone complains about a mechanic down the street I want to know how often they change their oil and if they know how to change a flat tire. That should just be a standard qualification before you start complaining about people who know things about cars.

Complaining about a company you've worked for? I want to know how many jobs you've had, how often you're late, and how many days of work you missed while employed there before I believe that the management there is unfair in their personal-leave policy.

Let's start setting some standards here people! A little information goes a long way.

"Making Monsters"

2011-09-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had the amazing good fortune this year to get to work as a producer on the new Travel Channel series, "Making Monsters." I had the most fun with some of the very best, most talented people. I'm so excited to see the show and hope you all will like it too!

"Making Monsters" premieres Sunday, October 2nd at 9PM EST on the Travel Channel. Check it out!

More videos and information here @ the Travel Channel.

True dat

2011-09-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Source: sawdustcityllc.com via Amy on Pinterest

And this is cool, too:
"V is for Veronica"

The Good Stuff

2011-09-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

I come from a family that loves food. All good things include food. Good food. So it's no surprise that all of Ellie and Parker's favorite things of late are based on the quality of the food supplied at the event. Naturally the winners are 1.) The Wheat Ridge Carnation Parade (hello!?!? buckets of candy!!) and 2.) camping out in the backyard over Labor Day Weekend (S'mores!! And BBQ!! And cinnamon rolls!!)

Thanks Mom for the fun at the Parade. Thanks to Wendy & Cole for the awesome camp out. Thanks to all of our friends for taking such good care of us over the past few weeks. We needed a little love. And when the love comes in the form of Mt. Dew Cake, it's even better.

Moods

2011-08-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pope feels like this.....sans binky.

And since Parker looks EXACTLY like Mr. Pope we'll just say this is Mr. Pope's recovery photo.

I feel like this: old & thoughtful.

Parker feels like a smarty-pants. He's telling us everything about everything.

Next week the Binky Fairy comes for his binkies....

Ellie feels like an awesome big sister. She's been reading lots of books.

And we all feel better having the Washington Popes here to take care of us.

Quotes of the Day:

1.) "Parker - you eat so much guacamole, I'm gonna call you 'Parkermole!!'" - Elles Bells

2.) "I wanna watch the Batman Movie!! One more time." - Parkermole

3.) "I just want a little bit of water for the water table...." - Colester

4.) "People should ask me questions. I'm drugged and brutally honest." - Mr. Pope

Energy

2011-08-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm one of those people who is both religious and not. I suppose some might see it as non-conformist and others might see it as flat-out lazy - but that's okay with me. I find faith to be an incredibly personal thing. I know lots of people have to go to church and publicly confess their beliefs or discuss them openly with anyone willing to listen - but that's not me.

But, nonetheless, I'm frequently struck by the grace of God. And I feel the energy of our lives coming together in the little moments and the in-betweens. They say you should just keep moving. Waiting for your life to happen to you will leave you empty and lonely and with little to show for your time. So we just keep going. And I just hope our energy is keeping us from having regrets, or getting caught up in self-pity, or falling into anger.

Ellie is getting ready to go back to school in the next few weeks. Four days a week! I can hardly believe it. She's four going on 22. And she's decided full on that she's an awesome big sister. She reads to Parker everyday. Sings him songs and plays with him in a mostly awesome manner. And Parker's Batman obsession is just about the funniest thing our house has ever seen. I've started a photo essay tentatively entitled, "I'm Your Batman." More to come on that...

And Mr. Pope, version 3.0, is just now out of surgery. I'm waiting to go back and see his blue eyes gleam when he first sees me, just like they've done every time he's looked at me for last 10 years.

And we'll just keep going.

Blame it on the Rain?

2011-07-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Something cool that happened #1: I met this guy!

I'm feeling a little gloomy - and I don't typically like to put stuff out into the universe when I'm gloomy. One - I'm usually too honest and people feel the need to set me up for emotional interventions. Two - I'm not into bad karma. It's all about positivity - baby. But I kind of feel like my summer to date has been measured by checks; by mass of amounts of money floating out the door.

Don't get me wrong - they have gone to purchase some cool stuff. Well, maybe warm stuff - a new furnace and hot water heater. And a new roof. And now a refinished and re-designed back porch for my sunset-watching and wine-drinking enjoyment. And Mr. Pope's possible ongoing and possible improving health....

All good things.

Something cool that happened #2: Tiny Town

But the process of getting all the stuff done is always so much more difficult than the process of just enjoying the stuff. Enjoying the summer. That part is easy - we've hit up Water World already this year and had THE MOST fun. We've been to the splash park, visited the dinosaurs at the mall, built sand castles, been to super-hot summer birthday parties, fun trips around the city, and had great dinners with family and old friends and new friends.

And we're trying to figure out how to get new carpet in the house before the holidays - which means I'd also love to get Mr. Parker potty-trained before we invest in pee-free carpet. And we've got two or three trips on the horizon before summer actually closes it's doors for the season. So many plans - they should lift my spirits and give me stuff to work on. I'm nothing without something to work on.

Something cool that happened #3: Parker got a haircut.

And I'm thinking of our friends and family who could probably use some thoughts and prayers - for all of the stuff that life throws at us....the happy and the sad. I'm working on being hopeful and yet, content. And wish this for all of those who need it now, too.

More to come with happier stories and irresistible pictures of my adorable children, sure to turn any frown upside down.

Drive Me Crazy....

2011-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pope sent me this. It's pretty funny and I'm moderately convinced he wrote it himself. Plus, I think it's a sign...

A sign that we've been together for a very long time.

Please to enjoy....

6 Ways To Drive Your Partner Wild in Bed
via Aiming Low by DanielleH on 6/22/11

It seems like Cosmopolitan and other lady mags have advice on how to titillate your partner in bed every month. Try as they might, they often miss the mark.

Here’s the inside scoop on six surefire ways you can drive your partner wild in bed.

1. Be sure to wear your oldest, largest t-shirt to bed, the one with holes in it that hangs at an unflattering angle against your bloated, candy-filled belly. Nothing says “ugh, not tonight” like an improvised Homer Simpson costume. Nothing will drive them crazier!

2. Make sure their side of the bed is filled with books, headphones, newspapers, magazines and anything else that screams “I’ve been here for hours.” Your partner will go from zero to RAGE as you move things around for ten minutes, lights shining in their face as they try to sleep and you try to clean up.

3. Eat something that produces an unbelievable amount of crumbs while leaning over their side of the sheets. Watch them FREAK OUT and rip the sheets off the bed with passionate abandon!

4. If at all possible, develop a stress-induced sleep disorder that involves accidental and completely involuntary kicking and punching. Nothing says HOT like being punched in the back unexpectedly, or repeated kicks in the shins. The surprise sleep attack will keep them guessing, and add SPICE to an otherwise dull, sleep-filled evening.

5. Nothing says “let’s do this” like sleeping corner-to-corner. Take up as much room as possible by stretching your body diagonally across the center of the bed, forcing your partner into the fetal position. They’ll either sleep so soundly they’ll develop rigor mortis, or relent and roll over onto you. Hot!

6. You’re hot. You’re cold. You’re hot. You’re cold. You can’t make up your mind about the blankets because your sexy, sexy body has a mind all its own. It might be too early for perimenopause, but your partner doesn’t have to know that! Keep them guessing by throwing the blankets to the ground only to commandeer the blanket entirely moments later! Their blood will boil with excitement. You are a wild stallion!

Transitional

2011-06-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of doctor's appointments lately. Parker had his 2 year check up last month and Ellie had her 4 year check up at the beginning of this month. And yes, both of these appointments were late in comparison to when they actually turned 2 and 4. That's how I roll.

They are such good, strong, healthy kids. We know we are blessed. The docs always end up saying they are "small but mighty." I suppose it's true. Tough little guys. Emphasis on little....

But from both Eliana's (wonderful) Pre-school teacher and her (lovely) doctor we've heard that Eliana probably has a tough time with "transitions." This is another one of those, "Really?!? I hadn't noticed," moments for Mr. Pope and me. And that, my friends, is sarcasm.

It's obvious. She doesn't like to switch from one thing to the next.

But as I was scrubbing out the highly desired and overly-used gigantic bathtub in our bathroom the other day I had an epiphany. Yeah, no one really does well transitions, at all, ever, anyway. Mr. Pope had surgery and our life kind of stopped for 8 weeks. I still feel like I can't go do stuff all by myself with the kids because it's too hard when that clearly isn't the case anymore, they do great but I'm still a sissy. We've been in this house for over a year and I still feel like we just moved in.....

The list can go on and on. I guess we're not very good with transitions. Ellie came by in honestly, apparently it's genetic.

And now I'll be working for the next few weeks and we'll have to transition into that as well.

Parker will flip out and wake up all night long (like he needs an excuse). Ellie will ask every single morning, "Who's coming over today?!?" And then be sad when I come home for good and the grandma and papa visits slow down.

And then it will all be over and we'll have to transition into something else entirely...

Quotes of the Day:

"HaHa in the hole!!" ~ Parker, when he sticks the heads of all of his Batman figures into the holes in the coffee table. ("Haha" is Joker. "Hahahahaha Batman!!")
"Don't mind if I do!" ~ Elle when being offered some dip for her chicken nuggets.

Did You Ever Have a Dream?!?

2011-06-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Nailed It!!

Around the World

2011-06-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

We've entered the season of a million activities. Seriously. If we have one thing to do it's because we've had to turn down five other fun things to do. This is a combination of way too many friends and family members making great invitations and our general inclination to want to do everything and nothing all at once. Making the rounds is exhausting. And so much fun.

Our Memorial Day Weekend was fantastic. The kiddos and I joined my family in Boulder for the Boulder Creek Fest on Saturday morning. We had the BEST time with Grandma & Papa Jones and "The Girls." Breakfast at Turley's where the waitress said Ellie and Park could have whatever they wanted because they were just about the best little kiddos she's ever waited on. Good job guys. Babes, you made out with a yummy breakfast and a TON of new crayons as that was her gift to you. And I got a huge delicious latte and the gift of drinking it while it was still hot.

At the festival we bought super cute hats (Parker's has green TRUCKS!! and Elle's has a super-cute flower and a bee), danced on the HipHop stage, got Kettle Korn, ran into some friends, road the train and jumped in the Jumpy Castle, and got Bubble Shooters from Papa Jim.

Sunday was park day with Aunt Wendy & Cole. The Arvada slide park is too much fun. And the fountain park and the ice cream from Old Town was my favorite part of the day. Mr. Pope was EXHAUSTED after the trip...but it's good to start getting out of the house and doing some fun stuff again. And we loved our time with the Velez family.

Monday was dinner with the family. Uncle Chris, just home from the Philippines, brought Parker a "Jeepney" and Eliana a Korean doll. And I got some cat poop coffee. Really. It's a thing in the Philippines. A story for another day....

But really, these kids get the coolest souvenirs. Philippine trucks! Race cars from Japan. Mexican art. Canadian Moose and the much coveted Roots hoodies! Russian dolls. Kazakhstan tops. Our family name carved into the same stone that built the Kremlin.

We get love from all corners of the world. We are so very lucky. It makes me think of a song...

And I've been obsessed with Daft Punk since high school...so I have to post this one too as Parker saw it started shouting, "ROBOTS!!!"Ahhh, Robots!!" That little kiddo - warms my heart. (Watch until at least the middle. It is clever....)

Girlfriends

2011-05-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ellie is a little bit boy-crazy. I have no idea where she picked that one up....

Now I feel my Mom & Dad's pain when all I wanted to do was hang out with boys my whole life.

But she sure has some cute little girlfriends.

I hope we get lots of fun, girly play dates all summer long.

Quotes of the Day:

"I wanna go on the Choo-choo!" - Park @ the Boulder Creek Fest

"I'm totally soaking drenched," - Elle @ the Old Town Arvada fountain park.

"AHHHHHHHH" - Aunt Wendy @ the Slide Park

Old & New

2011-05-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

I was counting the other day in my head - as we drove in the rain to pick the kids up from Grandma Barbara's - I was counting grandparents. We had a lazy rainy movie day at the theater down the street from our house. Two movies sandwiched around a quick lunch with my Grandma Lola had me thinking about grandparents. We've got so many grandparents you couldn't throw a stick 10 ft without hitting one...but that would be mean.

Elle & Park have eight grandparents and five great-grandparents. (Two of them they have never met as they live in Washington state but they are more than thoughtful with their long distance cards and gifts.) And three of the great-grandmas live right here in town. Eliana calls Great-Grandma Doris and Great-Grandma Lola "The Girls" as they live in the same building and generally show up together at events, go on trips with us, and she must just think they laugh like girls. And great-grandma Mary lives just up the road in Greeley. She makes Ellie laugh with her stories about me when I was a girl and I think Ellie can hardly believe that they are true. Mommies were never little girls...

In the last few weeks I inherited a bunch of Grandma Lola's linens. This is a big deal. I'm obsessed with tea towels. And real napkins. I love them. So I got to pick through baskets of tea towels she embroidered herself 60 years ago. And napkins and tablecloths she made for teas and luncheons and bridge and other things that I know nothing about. It's a little piece of history I can use everyday.

And I've been asked to write my Grandma Mary's story. Interview her - not a challenge as I could talk to her for hours - and write it down in a book for all of time and history and (okay...more realistically) our little family to enjoy forever. I only hope I can do her justice.

And then tonight, when Mr. Pope came home from getting a haircut and straight shave, Ellie told him he looked "Brand New!!" He hadn't shaved for a month. He was a hairy old beast.

And now he's new.

Geek Chic

2011-05-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

I need to brush up on my geek knowledge. After hanging out with Mr. Pope for a couple weeks I'm afraid he's on to me and my recent lack of geeky intelligence. We took the kids to Free Comic Book Day (it's the first Saturday of May every year, y'all.) It was the first outing we'd taken as a family in over a week and was kind of Mr. P's dream come true with his "Avatar: The Last Airbender" loving little Ellie-Bellie and his little boy, Parker.

I know Pope always wanted a son. Someone to share all of his nerd stuff with. Comic books. Video games. And Star Wars. And EVERY superhero movie ever. And Parker pretty much came into the world with the same apparent loves. One of his first words was "Batman" after all.

But upon our return from our happy little outing I was asked to read said free comics. Over and over and over and over. And while Parker already knows who Batman, and The Flash, and Robin are he had a few questions about some of the other guys. And I didn't know their names. For shame, Veronica. For shame.

Parker was shocked, I'm sure, only because he thinks I'm some sort of all-knowing Madonna figure. Hehe. But Derrick - oh, he knows better. And he's not quite sure why I'm so out of the loop. He's not sure why I don't know anything about the "Thor" movie that just came out. (Or is it not out yet? See, I don't know.) And he's not too sure why I'm convinced that the name "Aqua Lad" sounds a little too funny to be taken seriously.

I need to brush up, I guess. Add some extra geeky boy knowledge to the old skill set. Both to improve my much loved comic book reading with my little man and to impress my sexy geek husband.

But really, Aqua Lad??

Flowers & Snuggles

2011-05-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

I spend time being grateful. It's important. It's too easy to get caught up in the negative. So this week I'm grateful for my husband and his mostly speedy recovery. And getting the time with him that we've had over the past week and half...even if it's not under the best of circumstances. And I love him because he's not down-in-the-dumps about his situation either. We were laughing and making jokes just minutes before they took him into surgery. He's a brave guy. And he's stronger than I give him credit for sometimes.

And I'm grateful for our moms for helping us so much during the early days when he was just home, on tons of meds, in lots of pain...and I was bolting up to Greeley everyday trying to pretend that I wasn't totally worried about what was happening in my little home.

But we've been reunited for the past couple weeks. And things are as normal as they ever really get around here. I wanted to cry Eliana's "Mother's Tea Party" at her preschool was so cute. The kids served us cookies and punch and made us all sorts of thoughtful presents and even sang us a song that Ellie continues to sing around the house...."I like the way you look, and I like the way you cook! So I just want to say, 'Happy Mothers Day!'" She's just big all of a sudden. We have real conversations about very important things. And she tells Mr. Pope he needs to call her if he needs anything. Very important.

And I'm glad we've taken away that blasted binky as Parker is much more fun to be around without that plug shoved in his face all day and night. He's talking so much too. The other day when Derrick told me Parker said something funny "out of the blue." Parker looked at him all squinty-eyed and said, "No, Dada. It was purple." Hehe. And just today he corrected me while we were playing horses that his was "A baby horse, not a big horse, Mama." He's putting 2 and 3 sentences together at a time. It happens so quick.

And I love the sunshine (now that it's back). And I can't wait to have the family over for Mother's Day Brunch tomorrow even though it involves and evening of cooking and cleaning. But I'm grateful. (And I'm posting this late. Updates to come.)

QOD: "I wanna tell Mama bye-bye." - My little Park

"This taint supposed to be happening to me!!" - My Mister

I have issues...

2011-04-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Not one to shy away from my own psychotic neurosis (is this the right word? I'm suddenly unsure that what I'm saying in my head is not this actual word. Ugh, now I'm off on a whole other psychotic linguistic tangent before I even get to the one I'm blogging out...) I have some confessions to make.

I have issues.

Having suffered from a bout of "stranger danger" while in junior high school I have a thing about locking doors. It drives Mr. Pope CRAZY. I will literally lock him out of the house when he goes to check the mail. And not even realize that I'm doing it. I lay in bed at night wondering if I've checked every door and window in the house enough times. I CANNOT sit in front of the windows at night without the shades drawn. I have issues. And this is just how I deal with my particular kind of crazy on a normal, daily basis. I'm okay when Mr. P travels. I'm home all the time with the kiddos and function as a fairly capable grown-up/parent/moderately mature adult figure.

But I can not venture out of this comfort zone for any reason without significant ramifications. Ramifications mostly affecting Mr. Pope...but ramifications nonetheless. Waiting for our delayed flight back home from the beautiful oasis of Roswell, NM (complete with aliens) we watched "Law Abiding Citizen" on Pope's iPhone. And I'm pretty sure I had an aneurysm.

I remember watching a movie with my mom when I was youngish. Maybe in high school. I think it was called "Eye for an Eye" with Sally Fields. She freaked out at this terrible scene and while it was terrible and it scared me I couldn't relate to the mother/daughter aspect because obviously I was just the "daughter" part of the equation at the time. But oh gosh. I freaked out seeing it from the "mother" perspective and now I can't answer the door. Ever. At all. That poor lawn-mowing kid will just have to stand on my doorstep in the rain cuz I'm not opening that door for anything, little dude. And Mr. Pope, you're sleeping with the light on for a month and getting up to check each and every little sound I hear at night. And I don't sleep much, so good luck.

It's rough, thinking about the bad stuff. Anyone hurting your kids. Being a grown-up. Sometimes I'm not a fan.

Quotes of the Day:

"I'm Batman. You're a cheese-ball." ~ Park

"There's no way in God's underwhelmingly brown earth that we're gonna make this flight." Mr. Pope as I drove 100 mph through New Mexico from Roswell to Albuquerque. And made the flight.

Pirate Paaargh-ty!!

2011-04-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet 4-year-old Eliana and my 2-year-old Parker.

We celebrated with all of those in our lives that make us happy and make us laugh. And make sure we always have a good time. Our best friends and ALL of our family joined us for delicious Baargh-B-Q, Grandma Judy's amazing Pirate Birthday Cakes!!, a pretty cool jumpy castle and a general good time. We are so blessed by the wonderful people in our lives.

We had about 15 little ones take turns in the jumpy castle. And then an adult jump where someone who shall remain nameless almost toppled the whole thing over. Great action shots provided by Uncle Chris and his awesome new camera.

We were so excited to have all of the uncles here for the big day. Uncle Chris was just back from India and Uncle Dan and Rylee got in from Florida the morning of the party. I was so excited to see the big guys that I apparently couldn't keep my eyes open for the pictures. This happens to me.

Mr. Pope did a great job managing the events. I'm the planner. He's the doer. I love it.

Ellie and Parker did a great job on the Pirate Pinata! They both took a few great swings before Big Micheal busted the poor thing to piece in one swoop and broke the hearts of Cole and Dylan, who had yet to take a turn, wide open as well. It was soooo funny.

Uncle Grabe (not a real uncle as we already discussed uncles. But he probably should be as he is entirely dedicated to the job) came dressed as a PIRATE. The jumpy house actually went still and silent when he walked up. It was the best entrance probably in the history of the world. And Pirate Gabe taught Parker is first joke: Q: "What does a pirate say eating beans?" A: "Arrgh! Pttttt (fart noise.) Parker will say the punch line. And laugh his little pirate face off.

And I got a little snuggle time with my niece, Rylee. She is about the cutest thing ever. And I stole these last two pictures from Wendy's blog. I should really download all the pictures we took of the party that are still stuck on our camera......

Oh, and I turned 31. I had sushi and waited with great people for a Rockies game to get officially snowed out and then ended up drinking some terrible whiskey and grenadine drink. Thanks, Nurni. Thanks. And Aunt Wendy celebrated her birthday yesterday. We missed her dinner as we've been cursed with the plague in our house this week, but we hope she had a great day.

Oh, Birthday Week!! (Or Month) I sense this whole thing will start to become more and more exhausting.

Happy Birthday Love Bugs.

Quotes of the Day:

"Dada, I wanna cheese ball." Parker (his first full sentence)

Doctor: "So, Eliana, you have a cough and a fever and runny nose. What is bugging you the most?" Eliana: "Ummmm....Parker!!"

Big Stuff

2011-03-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Derrick likes to sing me Micheal Buble songs. I think it's because he has a secret desire to be a lounge singer. Once, in a karaoke bar when I was pregnant with Parker, he sang me "Everything" and I cried my eyes out. I'm not a crier. I blame hormones. And Derrick's amazing eyes...

But these days I'm singing a particular Buble line myself. I think it goes something like, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me. And I'm feeling good." (Come on, you know you wanna sing along. Come on. Do it...)

But "irregardless" of the sing-song factor, it's true. I've been bowled over with the sentiment over the past few weeks. For one thing, I'm working a little bit on a new project and it has made me realize that my "baby days" are behind me. Don't get me wrong, our kiddos are little guys, but they're not babies anymore. It's actually possible for me to leave them for periods of time. Not so a couple of years ago. And having something that isn't directly related to their immediate needs is something I haven't experienced in four years. Even more than that, Little Miss & Mr. Big Stuff SHOW me that they're big - we're in a new part of our little family life - and that's amazing.

We went to the Zoo one weekend. And the swimming pool. And to the play land. And the park. And shopping. We can do things and go places and I don't immediately think "Why on earth did we think that was a good idea?" when we get home. It's moderately awesome.

My kids. They're big stuff. 4 and 2 in the next couple of weeks. Where has the time gone? Everyone tells you it goes by too quickly...but I'm feeling good.

Quotes of the Day:

"Okay, mama." - little P
"I need to hide these eggs from that mean old Easter Bunny! I don't want him to take them! And mom, you'd better lock the door so he can't get in" - Eggiana
"It's like 2012 inside my body," - Mr. Pope on whether or not he's dying.
"Mom, you look like a refrigerator with shoes." - Mr. Michael to his SKINNY mama Katie. ;)

Rock, Chick, Rock....

2011-03-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

A Day at the Zoo

2011-03-01T09:59:00.001-08:00

It's been too long since we had a trip to the Zoo. We love the Zoo. So our Monday-Fun Day trip included some running around the Denver Zoo on a particularly beautiful day. Grandma Barbie meet us downtown and walked around with us for hours. And then Parker slept for 4 hours once we got home. Gosh, I love the Zoo.

Looking at the Cheetah.

Parker kind of liked the carousel. Kind of.

Elle had to switch from the Giraffe to the Zebra mid-ride. Can't miss anything....

Quotes of the Day:
"Hi Grandma!" ~Parker
"But I don't like surprises!!!!" ~ Elle (being just like her mom....)

Play Date

2011-03-01T09:50:00.001-08:00

Nice face, love muffin.

So cute.

Little Reece.

Play House

Danika, Reece, Elle & Park (Parker was just a wee bit excluded from the girly stuff)

The play house floral arrangements...

It was a wonderful (almost Spring!) day and we loved the chance to play outside for a bit. Can't wait for more sunshine and more playing in the Pope backyard. We're almost to March....the month I cry a little because I'm done with Winter but Winter is not done with me.

I'm Not As Bad As They Say....

2011-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

I love this. The above picture is that of Sofia Vergara who plays the Step-Mom character on one of my newly adopted favorite shows, Modern Family. She is amazing. Well, she appears to be amazing, it's not like we're friends or anything and I get to bring personality into the equation. The photo of the left is here sans make up and hair and the one on the right is obviously camera-ready.

She's gorgeous. And funny. And sassy. And normal. And the above picture is proof of that. And I don't mean that in the "Haha, I want to ruin your dreams and prove that you're not as hot as you think you are" kind of way that some people get off on. I mean it in the "Oh, so you're a real person who just happens to look pretty much amazing most of the time," kind of way.

And I like it because it reminds me that we all try to put the best part of ourselves out there on a regular basis. And sometimes that's not real. Or true. Or maybe it is, but that's not the whole story. And people base envy and jealousy and probably more angry emotions than these on appearances. Like when I admitted to a friend with a job and a newborn and a three-year-old that I'm sure my kids watch more TV than they should (because I think they should watch none) and she was so relieved to learn that she's not the only one that feels bad about the TV monster. Or when I go other mom's houses and everything is so clean. I feel like my house is never clean...unless someone is coming over. So I spruce it up. But that's not really what it looks like on any normal day....

I like to be reminded of normal. It doesn't pop up that often.

Quote of the Day:
"When I'm big and Parker is big I'll take him for walks in the park. You don't have to come if you don't want to, Mom. We'll be fine." ~ Elle
"Fix Truck!!!" ~ Parker, about every truck in the house that has no tires because he has bitten them off.

In 'Da Club

2011-02-03T22:37:00.001-08:00

It's funny how the absence of something makes you appreciate it so much more.

Like this little face:

And this one, too:

The kids stayed with pretty much all of their grandparents over the course of one weekend while we jetted off to the land of $6 Steak & Eggs, Poker Jack and Gin & Tonics. I'm pretty sure they had the best time ever with their much adored Mamas & Papas.

Elle even held a tarantula and was quick to tell me that I wouldn't get a sticker at the Butterfly Pavilion because I'm too scared to hold a tarantula. She's smart, that one.

And Parker has run around the house squealing, "Mama! Mama! Mama! Mama!" for the last 48 hours. I think he missed me. A little.

The hubz and I had such a wonderful vacation, which wasn't really a vacation. Only because at this point in my life I need SLEEP and REST and those sorts of things in order to come home refreshed and energized and those things don't really happen in Vegas. But we did dance and laugh and eat. And had a really good time. We're cool like that.

And we did get to help bestow the joy of marriage on some very good friends. It's a little club, this marriage thing. And they got in.

Marriage is kind of like the club "Marquee" at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas. It helps to know someone in order to get in. All those married folks can show you the way and hold your hand if you get scared and walk you right to the front of the line without having to pay cover....

Hmmmm. Bad analogy. Okay so you don't really need an "in" to get married. But a happy, successful marriage is easier if you surround yourselves with other happy married people. It makes you feel a little less crazy when your idea of a good time is installing new shutters on your house and having everyone over on New Year's Eve to play "Life."

So, welcome to the club Mike & Erika. May your marriage be as fun as your wedding.

Quote of the Day:
"Mommy, I miss you sooo much when you're gone. You're my favorite." ~Elle
"Mommy, I want a new family...." ~ Elle, the next day, while sitting in time-out

"Veronica" has Style

2011-01-21T09:22:00.001-08:00

I've been blessed with a rather unique name. It's not completely uncommon, but it's not like I meet a lot of people in my day who say, "Oh, hi! My name is Veronica, too!"

What's funny is that while I've never been a "Ronnie" or anything like that no one in my life actually uses my name. EVER.

I'm "Ronca" to my brothers and close friends (a gift from my baby brother John growing up), I'm "V" to almost everyone else including my husband who also uses the little married pet names when he needs my attention. And of course I'm just "Mommy" to my kids. I think I probably hear Mrs. Pope more than I ever here my first name anymore. And that's cool.

But then, as I've been pondering the interwebs for cool new clothes for Vegas and beyond, I was struck by the sheer awesomeness of the "Veronica" name and all that it apparently implies. I love style hunting. I love fashion. I love putting it all together into something that maybe says a little bit about me. That goal is made pretty easy when the clothes are actually named after, well, me.

Check out all of the rock star fashion inspired by my name:

Kate Spade "Veronica" Sunglasses. (Top)

Anne Cole "Veronica" One-piece. (Above)
Sexy little Tart "Veronica" Dress. (Below)

Amazing Robert Rodriguez Black Label "Veronica" Gown. (Above)
Elie Tahari Leather Pin-tuck "Veronica" Jacket. (Below).

Frye "Veronica" Shortie Boots. (below)

What?!? The name is obviously working overtime to create some cool vibes and chill fashion. I'm inspired. And I must admit, I ordered the Tart "Veronica" dress. It should be here today. Watch out Vegas. I'm Veronica. And I'll see you next week.

Now that I think of it, my sister-in-law Wendy sings me the Elvis Costello song "Veronica" every time I call her...

Rock 'n Roll, baby. Rock 'n Roll.

Snooze

2011-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've been sleeping. A lot. This is a big deal for a couple of reasons.

1.) It means that my kids are actually sleeping. After almost two years Parker, aka The Sleep Terrorist, is finally sleeping through the night. 14-hour nights. It's amazing. And both kiddos are sleeping in until 8:30 in the morning. Ahhhh-mazing. I know this will not last. And even if it does we're enrolling Ellie-belle in morning pre-school next year so it will have to end there regardless of personal desire.

And 2.) I am actually able to sleep. All night. For Hours. This is a big deal for an insomniac. It could just be because the last four years of sporadic sleep has finally taken it's toll or I'm finally letting go of some of my crazy controlling, list-making, guilt-inducing nighttime tendencies that make it so hard to get a few winks. It's probably the former.

All I can say is that sleep makes the whole house a nicer place to be. I'm not so shabby with a whole eight hours under my belt and I don't think I've ever slept that much consistently in my life. EVER. Five or six hours was always pretty normal and usually enough. I'm going to guess that my need for increased sleep has expanded with old age just like my dress size. I'm okay with that.

Now if I could just make myself wake up before the kids rise and get in some of that much loved and much needed YOGA...

Nope, I can't do it. The sleep is too good. And when in my life will I get to sleep in until 8 o'clock ever again? I'm milking this for all it's worth.

P.S. I cursed myself with this post. Insomnia is back and kids are waking up in the middle of the night...Awesome.

The (Holiday) After Life

2011-01-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

There exists a black hole that opens up sometime late on Christmas Day and, for me, starts to close right around January 21st. The post-holiday black hole. The one that consumes me with the tiredness of holiday parties, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and so much joy and gratitude that I want to keep it all to myself for as long as possible. And then I get stir crazy and want out...

Kids do indeed make the holidays better. Pope and I were up at 7 AM on Christmas morning waiting for our kids to wake up we were so excited. And they did not fail to warm our hearts and make us smile all day long. If anything they showed me that I should probably rent them out to those in need of Christmas miracles and general lightheartedness as they so easily bring it with them when they walk in the room. But then, I'm fond of my kids...some days I'm not as sure as others but that's not the point...

And thus, with our latest family holiday season in our new house tucked safely away in my memory I am forced to start to move forward. And at this point I'm thrilled. Hello! Vegas? Yes please, and soon. And we're been setting up all sorts of fun play dates with new friends and old friends and the thing about it is they are all my friends too...I love that.

Our new year will also include some house renovations as we get new floors and make some other updates that I can hardly wait for. Round 42 of "Make this New House Feel like Ours" is in effect.

And starting this week, the Pope and I are training for the Tough Mudder event in Avon in June. I started an actual DIET last week that is really just me cutting out the gallons of sugar I still consume after carrying and delivering two little babies who only craved pancakes and jelly beans during their entire pre-life. I. Must. Stop. The. Madness!! (I don't even like pancakes!!)

Here's to 2011!! Hooray!!

A Peek at Christmas...

2010-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

First Words

2010-12-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Parker's Words at 20 months:

Dada
Mama
EEEEEE (for Ellie. I guess that's not really a word...)
dog
bear (and a bear just says "Bear")
hot
hat
Brrrrr
meow
woof
Moo!
Baaaaaa (sheep)
Maaaa (goat)
howwwlllll (like a wolf)
Raaarrrr!! (Monster & Dinosaur)
tweet tweet (birds!)
Bird
yeah
ugh oh!
no no!
yuk
yum
ouchy
that
Ho Ho Ho (Santa!)
ooh ooh ahh ahh (monkey!!)
Joe (the cat)
Grandpa
Truck! Truck! Truck!
Batman
Mickey!
Bubble
Balloon

Quote of the Day: "Mommy, if you have another baby you should name her Peaches. That would be a lovely name for a baby...." ~E

Haircuts

2010-12-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

The kiddos got their hair cut by my friend, Melissa.

They look super-duper cute.
But they still hate to have their pictures taken.....

Eliana got bangs. They make her look so grown-up.

And out of nowhere Parker is looking like a little man.
I mean, really, look at him in a sweater vest....

Outta the Box

2010-12-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time with transparency lately. Writing a blog is a.) a great way for me to post stuff about our little life and the kids for our family who are all over this great US of A and the rest of the world, and b.) kind of annoying when you're a relatively private person who doesn't really like to offer too much and gets put off when she learns too much about other people's lives via the "interwebs," as Dan & Alisha like to call this whole internet thing.

Oh, technology and that whole love/hate/curse/blessing debate.....

One of my cousin's wrote a blog about Facebook stalking a while ago and how much time people spend peeking into the lives of complete strangers. And others I know both offer and find out way too much private stuff online. As though we are all "snowflakes" who need shout about our individuality All. Day. Long. (Note to self: Go watch Fight Club, again.)

So I criticize and yet I am a part of all of it. What a lame conundrum. So with that, here's some stuff about me and what makes me awesome!!!

Derrick and I hosted an "Out of the Box" wine party where we blind taste tested a bunch of boxed wines and crowned a winner: Fish Eye Pinot Nior. It was super fun with the super best of people. Wine, snacks and tons of laughs = perfect Saturday night.

Also, I'm loving this song. It's angst-y and silly and makes me want to be as passionate about life as I was when I was 20. It also makes me want to dance my face off.

Thankful

2010-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you don't know what you want until you get something else....and that something is wrong. It feels wrong, it looks wrong, it's just wrong. Why is it that it can be so hard to be thankful for where you are in your life? In the moment. The here and now.

I'm one who focuses on the here and now. Don't get me wrong, I am also a planner, but I love individual moments and you have to kind of pay attention or those will pass you by without thought. And when I thought I'd return to work, on a part-time basis as I can't really stand to be away from the "babes" for too long, I thought it would all be great. And I'm sure there would be aspects that I would love. A girl can still enjoy the little things while being a grown up out in the real world. Such as hot coffee, the kind that is still hot...and not lukewarm and then cold by the time I get to drink it, and clothes that say "Hi, I'm amazing," as opposed to "Hi, I have baby boogers on my sleeve." You know, little things.

But when an actual opportunity was presented, it was wrong. And it made me think of all the things I would miss. And that I already had what I wanted. Even though I complain about it. Life is tough. On one hand, I like money. On the other, I love my kids. But we kind of threw the notion of having money out the window when we had kids...so I guess we just embrace the here and now. And dream about weeks long European vacations for somewhere down the road.

And until that day, thank you to everyone in my life who is so crazy as to support me no matter what I do and what I want. My amazing past-life co-workers (...and current great friends) who gave rave reviews of my professional life and my fantastic family who would do just about anything to help me achieve what ever it might be that I've posted on the docket for the day.....

Okay. I gotta go clean the house, take out the dirty diapers and give the kids a bath before preschool!! Hooray my life!!

They're Heeeerrrreee....

2010-11-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

And all of a sudden we find ourselves amidst the holidays. Leaves falling. Halloween. First snows. Before I know it I'll be recovering from New Year's and wondering were the last two months went. Our Halloween was wonderful if not a little different from years past...no big party but lots of cute little Trick-or-Treaters! Three wonderfully carved pumpkins! Lots of yummy goodies...and lots of fun.

And our first snow of the season was chilly and wet but P & Elle didn't seem to mind. They were dressed and out on the deck by 8:05 a.m. Here's to many more chilly mornings, hot cups of coffee (or cocoa) and fluffy warm coats.

Time Travelin'

2010-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Time goes by too fast. I found this the other day and laughed my face off. It's ittle Elle, somewhere around 2, telling me about her baby toes...

Ain't Love Grand(parents)

2010-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure you can never fully appreciate your parents until you have your own children. Only then with the late nights and the cold, neglected meals and the bare bank accounts do you get what they sacrificed, and worked for, and focused on just to get little old you to ripe old age of 18....and beyond.

My parents divorced more than 20 years ago and yet I've never felt like a "broken home" kid (and I despise that term). And now that I have my own kids I have more respect for the strict rules, the no-nonsense approach to teaching right and wrong, and the way they could make almost anything funny, which makes it a lot more difficult to throw a temper tantrum. They always did their best to be there even if it always looked different and they couldn't do it together.

And as I got to watch each of them find new people to make them happy and bring them into our lives (Jim is particularly good at eating Chinese food with Ellie, and Cherlyn is fantastic with a box of Crayolas and a coloring book,) I also get to watch them be grandparents, and bring new little people into their lives.

Today Eliana had a special Halloween Craft Day with Grandma Judy. Complete with "Lil' Green Meanies" and "Baked Bugs." The little Bug was all aglow when I opened the door as she stood with her tray of treats. She was so proud of herself and her special time away from her little brother (and me.)

And Parker stayed home with me while Grandpa Ron came over to fix the door that I ripped off the door frame with my massive muscles. Parker was Grandpa's Little Helper and made sure to check all of the screws after they were put in. Apparently Parker's no slouch and he doesn't appreciate shoddy work. Better watch it, Grandpa.

I've always felt lucky to come from such a great family. As I grow up (or try to, at least) the feeling only deepens. I love you, Mom & Dad. Thanks for being such great Grandparents (in totally different ways.)

Quotes of the Day:
"I'll love you always and forever, Mommy. Even when I'm big." ~ Ellie
"I just waited for 10 minutes to hear the announcers say 'Tacos!!' when the Nuggets scored 100 points. I guess they're not doing it this year. This sucks." ~ Pope
"Parker's" ~ Parker, when showing me his plastic pumpkin full of candy....

Sum it Up

2010-10-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today I have lots of thoughts and little time. So there's this because it's awesome:

The Sassy Curmudgeon: Should Morons Get a Voice (Even in a Shitty C-List Magazine?)

Sweet Dreams

2010-10-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

My darling husband has a beautiful voice. I'm not sure if that's what you say about a man's voice...I'm sure I should say "amazing" or "strong" or something but he doesn't really sing that often (seriously, that is) except for when he's singing our children to sleep.

It's probably one of the sweetest things I've ever heard and one of the memories I will keep with me forever. He would sing to Ellie for hours when she was a baby. And while Parker has been highly attached to a specific "Mommy & Parker" routine at bedtime he's missed out on some of the Daddy singing. Until the other night.

I listened to the song from outside Parker's bedroom door and didn't see the little man again until 14 hours later. Those Daddy songs. They do the trick. And I even sing and hum the song, too, and that's quite the feat as I was not blessed with musical talent. So here's a little song that makes a lot of little people in this house happy, sung by one of my favorites, Kristin Chenoweth.

The Deal-i-o (with Pictures)

2010-10-19T12:50:00.001-07:00

The fact that I haven't been interested in posting anything about recent events is probably a good thing. We've had really good stuff going on and I've kind of been all about enjoying said events instead of blogging said events. We've been having a rather wonderful fall and I'm in love with the cooler days, the turning leaves and little holiday projects and outings with the little Elle & Park.

So here's my book-report style run-down of all the fun stuff. Put to page more for my memory than anything else. Please to enjoy...

1.) My Cousin's Big, Phat Chicago Wedding: Oh, I had the most fun running out to Chicago for the biggest family wedding since my own family wedding, and that was more than 6 years ago. I loved the (brief) moments with my aunts, uncles and cousins and being a part of such a beautiful day. And I don't mean to brag, but it was nice being with kin with hair as good as mine. (Even if I don't actually know what to do with mine in the presence of humidity. I live in Colorado. I only encounter humidity when I travel.) That Sepsey hair. It's definitely a dominate gene.

2.) Eliana is a big girl: Eliana got to go to "Monkey Cheese" as her reward for being completely potty trained for over a month now. I'm pretty sure "Monkey Cheese" is her combination of Mickey Mouse and Chucky Cheese. I love to hear her say it. And I'm so proud of her.

3.) Pumpkin Patches: We had a trip to the pumpkin patch and had way too much fun. Have I mentioned that I love fall??

4.) Parker is a Talky-Face: Parker is talking so much! Among his favorite words of the moment are Truck, Grandpa and Batman. He LOVES batman. I have also decided that Parker is destined to be the next Usher. He could have his daddy's voice, he loves to dance and he'll probably only be 5 feet tall....

5.) Game Nights: We had our friends Nurni & Uncle Grabe (nicknames to protect the innocent) over for game night. We're hoping to make it a regular thing and even get a few more people involved (like the Smiths? So many aliases.) We love playing cards. And a few bottles of wine doesn't hurt, either.

6.) Breakfast: I had a baby-free breakfast with my forever-friend Penny on Sunday morning before Pope ran off to the Bronco game. Seriously. I think I've known her forever. And we're the kind of friends that no one thinks should even really be friends because we're so different. But that's what I love. Oh, and it was at Racines, and cup after cup of delicious coffee was enjoyed too. Can't get any better than that.

Next up, a trip to Central City & Halloween!

Come Back

2010-10-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

This album has come back into circulation in the old Pope house. Found it after being lost after the move. (How long do I get to blame missing things on the move? Months? Years?)

It just seems like a good one for fall....

Together

2010-10-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in blogging efforts lately as we've had so much going on. Trips to see the leaves change. Visits to local museums. Walks through the Gardens. All in good time, I suppose. But here's a sneak peak at what's been keeping us so busy.

Love you all, my family.

Just Makes Me Happy

2010-09-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

Birthday Girl

2010-09-20T19:59:00.001-07:00

So we hosted our little niece's first birthday last week and it was super sweet. And totally nuts. I think I may have woke up the next morning with a hang-over. And the strongest thing I had to drink all evening was a pomegranate Izze.

Happy Birthday little Rylee!!

The Gift of Guilt

2010-09-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I read things and the only good it does me is that I feel guilty for not being the person whom I just read about. I'm not talking about Cosmo cover girls or Playboy Playmates (because my husband swears there is actual reading material in there,) I'm talking about the proliferation of "Mommy" blogs and the armies of Martha Stewart wannabes.

I love them and hate them. Those mommies. (Similar to my feelings about fashion magazines but that's a dilemma for another day.)

Who are these women who never have a bad day home with their 12 home-schooled children? And when did they have time to make milk-jug jack-o-lanterns, a home-cooked meal, all of their children's clothes and a set of curtains?? I'm baffled. And sometimes it brings out "the guilt."

Besides the fact that these people might actually be robots it seems to me that there lies a bit of "I'm better than you" in a lot of parent conversation, internet-based or otherwise. And for what purpose? We're all in the same (poopie-diaper smelling) boat. (But seriously, I am going to make those milk-jug jack-o-lanterns. They are pretty cool. Link here.)

I was recently reading a thread about healthy snacks for toddlers (as I was informed by mine that the snack I packed for preschool pretty much sucked) I read about 50 moms try to one-up one another about the extremes they each go to achieve the coveted goal of "healthy food for kids."

"I only give my kids whole wheat crackers and natural yogurt with raw honey."

"Oh, whole wheat crackers?! Only whole GRAIN crackers in my house. And raw ORGANIC honey from virgin bees." (okay, I made that last part up.)

Why the guilt?? Isn't parenting hard enough without the one-ups and you-sucks?? I know people offer the information as quasi-suggestions but usually they just come across as bragging. And a little insane.

I give my kids organic hamburger. And sometimes Cheese-Its. Because they are awesome. And while I try not to keep Doritos in the house because I will eat the whole bag, it doesn't mean Ellie won't eat you out of house and home if you have them at your next BBQ. Because they are awesome.

I see it all as a balancing act. A little of this, a little of that. A generally clean house, mostly happy kids, usually smiling parents, frequently delicious home-cooked food. You know. Balanced.

And in my brief moments I am trying to be a better mommy, inspired by fleeting moments of guilt perhaps, but a better mommy is a better mommy. So Ellie and I have been doing some projects, rooms are getting painted and put together in this little house, husbands are being admired and adored, and kids are regularly being loved and squeezed.

Beat that. Hehe.

School Days

2010-09-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

Eliana started preschool last week. She was so excited. Always a little apprehensive at first, but quick to warm up and jump in the game, my little bug took off and flew happily into this next new phase.

Like anything I seem to do, I had been a little apprehensive, too. But I knew she would love it. And that it would be a wonderful thing for her. And it is.

She's talked all week about all of her new friends and her new teacher and the prayer they sing before they eat snack and playing on the playground. She's sad on the days when she doesn't get to go.

Good luck this year, my little Bug. Fill that brain of yours with only the best stuff. And know that I love you immensely.

QOD: "I love my new friends." ~ Ellie-Bellie
"Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot....." ~ Parker Pie (about the apparent condition of our back deck)

I'm the Dude

2010-08-31T12:38:00.001-07:00

My mind is polluted lately with all the things I want to do but haven't yet accomplished. The problem is that it's a long, long list of desires that are all completely and desperately mutually exclusive.

Such as...I want to play with the kids and take them to the park and the library and swimming and I also want to finish about 100 house projects.

And then...I want to create more fun family time when Derrick is here and I also want more solitary Veronica time.

And maybe...I want to go back and get that Master's (and be a Little Lebowski Urban Achiever) and I want to go back to work and I want to stay home with my babies (because it's finally getting a little bit easier!! Why would I give up my chance for the first "break" I've had in years? This is the hardest job I've ever had and I'm gonna "tender my resignation" as soon as I see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel?)

As the Big Lebowski, The Dude, would say, "Too many thoughts in the ole Duder's head."

As you might realize, there are a lot of difference between me and the Dude. But we have a lot in common. Okay so the Dude wasn't a stay-at-home mom but I feel his pain.

I'm stalled. I spend a lot of time waiting for someone to come "fix the cable" and with recent potty training efforts I'm quite sure that the rug has been micturated upon. Several times. I've got some growing emotional problems....beyond Pacifism.

And I'm looking for the answer by doing relatively nothing but waiting to see what information the world will provide me. I feel like I need to have a plan, because that's my thing. And a late-night fight between me and the Mr. a month or so ago revealed that I have to start doing more for me...just me. So I've started back to Yoga because I love it and stalking style blogs because I love fashion (and currently ignoring the fact that I have no where to wear a cute black French Connection mini-skirt) and spending a little time being me. And pondering my next steps.

Maybe I should just go bowling...

QOD: "Mommies don't work!! They stay home with babies!! And I'm pretty sure they don't go to school. That's a good deal." ~EKP

Adventures with Babies

2010-08-28T13:53:00.001-07:00

I keep referring to our children as "the babies" and Eliana doesn't really appreciate this anymore. She, of course, is a big girl. And here is our big girl on a fake horse in Steamboat Springs. She REALLY wants a horse. Really. She told me about ALL THE WAY HOME FROM STEAMBOAT. Some days she drives me crazy. But she's so smart and so aware of everything in her little world that it's actually more amazing than annoying. Most of the time....

I took the kiddos up to Steamboat with my mom and dad and my grandmas, the kid's great-grandmas, for a few days of vacation. Why is it that vacation never feels like vacation with babies?? Excuse me, "baby" and "big girl"?? My mom informs me that you have to do the "hard time" and travel with them a lot, take them out to eat, and make them sit through Church (and they never actually have to do that last one...for now...) so that they are sweet, well-behaved cherubs when they're bigger. And I do have to admit Eliana is AMAZING in restaurants. She's so well behaved it's shocking sometimes. And Parker....well, I guess I'm just doing my "time" with that one.

Sweet Parker is just a crazy little boy. I love the age he's at though as I can actually see him learning. He practiced saying "Papa" under his breath for two minutes while walking across a bridge so he could say it out loud when Papa Jim picked him up. He's also quite convinced that every animal is a bear or a dog and they all say ''Moo."

Of all the things that drive me crazy in my day and in my life seeing how much Eliana and Parker really, truly love each other makes it all about 1000x better. They play and hug and chase and give each other good night kisses. I love that we have been able to give them each other. They'll have each other (if all goes according to plan) for the rest of their lives. It's the best thing we've ever done.

Old School

2010-08-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 6 Year Anniversary, love.

Backyard Water Park

2010-08-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Day: "You have to turn on the hose, Mom. The sun said I could play in the water." ~Eliana

Lazy River

2010-08-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

With a house full of family and a what feels like a long, hot summer, my father-in-law, Jack, had the brilliant idea to go to Water World last week. We packed up the cars and made it for a whole afternoon. I had the distinct pleasure of riding along in a tube on the Lazy River with Parker. He LOVED Water World. What do you know!?! He might really be my son after all....

He waved at all the people, splashed in the water, giggled with delight, and when he snatched my sunglasses off my head and I playfully demanded that he give them back he cocked his head and gave me a big fat, "No!" He's 15 months old. And with that, I think, my baby Parker was gone.

He's acting so much older all of a sudden. He said "Blueberries" yesterday and "Grandma" this morning. He's paying attention to everything and he's learned he can actually tackle Ellie, knock her down, and pin her to the floor. He's 15 months old. Bye, bye Baby Parker. I love the little boy you are becoming. (Tackling Ellie included. I'm sure she deserves it.) How is it that a baby is just a baby for what seems like forever and then one day - not a baby. I'm glad I got the moment with him at Water World. It seemed like a little secret between me and him.

In other news we've got a list of things we still need to accomplish before these summer sands run out. Like a trip to Steamboat Springs with the parents and grandmas, a mountain retreat with all of the siblings when brother Dan and family get back from Japan, my cousin's wedding in Chicago and a few more house projects like painting the kids bedroom furniture. Not so lazy after all....

Quote of the Day:
"I love my Aunt Emma cuz she's all grown-up like me. And I love my cousin Cole because he's soooo handsome," ~Eliana

The Way Things Are

2010-08-05T12:59:00.001-07:00

If I know anything, and sometimes I think I do, it's that the world will sometimes disappoint you. Maybe you made the wrong choice, maybe you trusted the wrong person, maybe you did the wrong thing, or maybe something crummy simply left you a little disillusioned. It happens. Too often.

But these things ultimately result in something better. Somewhere down the road you end up making better decisions, or being more careful about who and how you trust, or trying to be a better person just for yourself. This too happens.

From this vein come some news and life lessons:

1.) We took Eliana & Parker to a Rockies game. It was fun. Parker really liked it and probably would have watched all day. But eventually things with Ellie became a bit trying and our stay was relatively brief. We stopped by the totally packed kids playground, walked out of the stadium for some Dulce de Leche gelato and were driving back home by the sixth inning. As we were leaving Pope said, "This is why my mom never took us anywhere." Hmmm. Indeed.

2.) The baby brother is in love. It's adorable. It is publicly known that I completely despised the last girlfriend. She was terrible!! I could write for days of my disgust but I will not. No one needs to see me be that ugly. But from her he learned what real love is supposed to look like. And it looks like he's been able to find it. I am so happy for him.

I'm also instituting a "Quote of the Day" for the old blog because I want to remember all of the funny things that are said on a daily basis in our house. So someday our kids will repeat them to their kids and I will be genuinely satisfied....

Quote of the Day: Ellie, on me presumably brushing her hair to hard, "Mommy, stop!! You're brushing too hard!! You're hurting me twicer and twicer!!" ~ What??

My Girl Likes to Potty all the Time, Potty all the Time, Potty all the time...

2010-08-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Immense success in our little world as Eliana is going pee on the potty all by herself all the time. Seriously. All of the time. Like 18 times a day. Either she has a problem or she really likes jelly beans. I'm going to guess the latter. Geez, jelly beans. I wish I'd thought of those little suckers earlier as they have obviously created some previously lacking incentive.

Interestingly, we also spend a lot of time going potty when it's nap time, lunch time, dinner time, bed time or any other "interesting" time. We spent 18 months just trying to get her to sit on the darn thing at all and now I'm asking her to just stop for a second, for the love of God, and eat your Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets and hummus! This is why it must not make any sense to be a kid sometimes. Because parenting just doesn't make any sense.

We also spend all day talking about pee and poop. ALL DAY. They are fascinating conversations consisting of what things we do and do not pee and poop on. I really should right some of her questions down so that when I look back on all this remember her as my sweet angel I'll have a more realistic log containing things like, "Mom, do we poop on the cat?" (Followed by rounds of uncontrollable little-girl laughter.) Um. No, Ellie. We sure don't.

So congrats to the bug for her great accomplishment and her ability to remind me that all of my "control" issues will not aide me in this life lesson. As retribution, I'll keep all of the pictures I've taken of her potty time and her "Book of Questions" for high school blackmail.

True Love

2010-07-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

And on a side note, I love these, too.

Everything I love about Summer

2010-07-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Summer has hit that crucial half-way mark where 1.) you feel 102 degree sunshine all week long, and 2.) you also start getting "Back-to-School" ads in your Sunday newspaper. So in honor of a season that seems to blast past a bit to quickly in Colorado here are all the things that make mine (briefly) fabulous:

1.) Vacation. The Mr. and I had four blissful days in Sarasota,FL. this week. Amazing calamari at the Crab & Fin on St. Armand's Circle. Hours and hours playing on the beach and loving the bathtub-warm ocean waves. Siesta Key and the softest sand I've ever felt in my life. Watermelon mojitos, two lounge chairs, and the man I still love to be all alone with. Perfect.

2.) Watermelon Mojitos. We liked them so much we came home and made more. We made gallons of them for our housewarming party. DELICIOUS.

3.) House parties. Our housewarming party was insane. I think we had 20 kids under the age of five. How did this happen to all of us? Well, I actually think I know the answer to that....

4.) The activity that has provided us, and all of our wonderful friends, with said children. Always more fun in the summer.

5.) All the Other Stuff. Popsicles. Ellie & Parker's blow-up pool. Day trips downtown (our kids just might be the best-ever well behaved kids in a restaurant. Just sayin'), the big, fun Lakeshore pool, 800 summer birthday parties (11% of birthdays are in August), BBQ's, beach towels, tan lines, and sunscreen. I love sunscreen.

A Little Brighter

2010-07-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

Last year my youngest brother almost died.

Actually, it hasn't even been a whole year yet. But I have to remind myself of this regularly when I look at him, and our family. It hasn't even been a year....

John has made an amazing and blessed recovery. So amazing, in fact, that I forget when people ask how he's doing that they probably expect to hear stories of rehab and surgery and perhaps assisted living centers and long-term care nightmares.

But we don't have any of that.

Last year was a dark year. I can remember being curled up on the couch at 4 in the morning during pretty much the whole month of October sobbing. Thinking of our family without him. The thought of my kids not being old enough to even remember him if he died. Watching my parents try to deal with loving him and losing him. Their child.

And 9 months later I'm up at 4 in the morning because we've got such a happy, fun 4th of July weekend planned that I simply can't sleep because of all of the blessings in our life. John has made such an amazing recovery that I rarely see him and think of the accident at all. And he is such an amazing part of our kids lives that he doesn't even mind when I say he looks like a pterodactyl while chasing Eliana around the house....

And if little brothers can teach you something he has taught me true and genuine gratitude. Something I guess I always thought I processed. But nothing is quite like seeing him share why each one of us is so special to him and how he fought so hard to stay with us. He sees more value in us than we could ever possibly see in ourselves. I want those I love to feel that from me, if only a fraction of what we feel from John.

We've come into a more hopeful and settled place this year. Things are brighter. Something to be truly grateful for. I'll even remember to think back to that first 4th of July with Mr. Pope, eight years ago, when we had just decided to "officially" give "us" a try. It worked out, I think. I'm pretty sure all those fireworks will be celebrating us, and our beautiful collection of family and friends.

But I guess I'm kind of a Narcissist. I get it from my Grandma....

Happy 4th of July!!

Dummy

2010-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I get taken for a dummy on a quasi-regular basis. Just this morning my husband questioned whether my brain was really hurting, when I claimed to have a terrible headache, as he is quite sure I lost it entirely quite a while ago. Mommy-brain? More like no brain. Blah.

But I'm a moderately educated kind of girl. Not smart enough to put my kids in daycare and go back to the world of designer suits, lattes and lunches, but smart enough. So it's obviously irritating when I'm treated like a dummy. (By someone other than my husband....that's just part of our marriage. I think we actually put it in our vows that we would tease each other relentlessly. And when I say "dummy" I say it like Joy on "My Name is Earl." See photo for inspiration.) But I digress.

We've been using the same plumbing company for all of our plumbing needs for about 5 years. Once our "guy" told me that toilets are only built to last 7-10 years and our 20 year toilet needed to be completely replaced....forget about just replacing the "hardware" as I'd requested. Um, No.

And then yesterday I was told to replace our very old (and blanket-wrapped) hot water heater for a measly $2,000. Sure! Whatever! Who needs to shop around or find out that this just might be a completely ridiculous bid. And you don't need to call your husband, he offered, we can just do it right now, while we're here fixing your leaking faucet. Thanks, you're so helpful, plumber dude.

So, I'm not a plumber, but I'm not a dummy. We'll find something that works better and possibly doesn't use up quite so much money.

And while we're on the subject, this whole thing is happening after some sales guy at the appliance store asked me if I had installed the oven racks in my brand-spankin' new, shiny, expensive, oven "correctly." They didn't fit. There was something wrong with the oven. It was replaced almost instantly once I called GE directly. But the sales guy asked if I had installed them correctly. Really? Oven racks? Yeah, I think I can figure it out.

Anyone treat you like a dummy lately?

Just So Big

2010-06-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how childhood works. Everyday is new and exciting and yet I feel like these little people in my life have always been exactly how they are right now....and always will be. But that's not true. They obviously grow and change everyday and will continue to do so. How is that I know everything about them and somehow nothing at all?? Watching them become their own little people is the best part. (Even if I know in my heart they will be mine forever.)

This week Parker started walking! He's not super-motivated about it. Crawling is apparently still faster and more convenient. But he's walking. And quite proud of himself, I might add. I like to think of walking as the birth of free will. Before "walking" they are a baby. After "walking" they are a little person into everything and fully aware that they have some sort of new power. I love it.

And Eliana, this week, saw her from movie in a movie theater. I'm not gonna lie, I cried. Really?!? Yup. It seemed momentous. How will I manage when she goes to preschool?? Or leaves for college?? I can't even handle a movie!! Derrick and I took her to see Toy Story 3 and I'm pretty sure she like the candy and slushie more than the movie.

At one point, when it got scary, she snuggled up to me and said, "I'm a little bit scary (her version of scared). Let's get outta here!!" But she did really good. Sat through the whole thing and loved her special time with mom and dad.

Oh, my little guys. Not gonna be little forever....

Some days

2010-06-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Some days are better than others. Like today. We've been up since roughly 4:30 a.m. Those little booger babies. Up so early.

And (as I'm getting more and more embarrassed to admit) we're trying round 348 of potty training. Why am I embarrassed that Eliana isn't potty trained? It's not like I pee my pants! (Unlike a few unnamed friends who may or may not pee when alcohol is involved. But I'm sure that's another post altogether.) But regardless of this I certainly feel her "resistance" is somehow my fault. That's what the handout the doctor gave us says. Not necessarily that it's my fault, per se, but that at three a child should be daytime potty trained and if not they are "resistant." Really? I think I've figured as much out on my own. And I'm also pretty sure the handout is implying that it's my fault. Somewhere in the subtext.

So, we'll work on this potty training thing. And we've taken to letting her put stickers on the actual toilet in her bathroom. Hopefully, when all is said and done, she'll be a big girl in her princess panties and we'll have a beautifully decorated commode.

Someday.

I'm Settled, Now Let's Go!

2010-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

I can be a bit of whiner. It's true. I'll blame it on being the only girl in my family of brothers, being an Aries, being a mommy to two little ones who keep getting sick (Stop getting sick, babies! I'm about to bathe you in hand sanitizer!!) But whatever, I can be a whiner.

This does not, however, negate all of the wonderful stuff in my life. For instance, my husband gave me a trip to Florida for my birthday, to be taken at our earliest convenience pending a lot of moving unknowns, and I'm ready to go. The house is fine. I'm settled. Let's go.

Marriage is a funny thing. The love I feel for my children is instinctual and automatic. But my love for my husband ebbs and flows (because I'm a whiner) while still growing stronger every single day. Some days I can't imagine being away from Ellie and Parker but every now and then all I want is to be alone with Mr. Pope and be the center of his world for a few days. It's a pretty nice place to be.

So, the painting and furniture-placing and shopping, and yes, the continued unpacking will have to wait. Now I just have to find our luggage...

(Oh, and I was about to post a picture of said much-loved husband during his "May Mustache Madness" competition but I just couldn't do that to the man. I'll have to wait till he posts the pics online himself...I'm not that mean. You can find them here.)

And Even More Pictures...

2010-06-11T14:13:00.001-07:00

We had family pictures taken last week. It was awesome! And exhausting. 3-year-olds. Hmmmm.

But the sneak-peak photos are beautiful and we're so very grateful to Annadee for working with us and capturing our sweet kids at this point in their little lives. (Well, mostly sweet.)

You can see a few pics by following this link.

Finally, some pictures!

2010-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Little Ballerina

2010-06-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

Eliana concluded her 5 months of dances classes with a little recital for friends and family. She was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. And I think I've already watched her video 100 times. Moments like these never last long enough, but with a little technology, they last a little longer.

Good job, Bug!!

It's not always rainbows and butterflies, it's Parker Pies

2010-06-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

Today was annual check-up day for both of our darling bambinos. It was actually kind of awesome to do them together at the same time on the same day. Mental note: Do this every year for the next 15 years. (Because I'm sure it will be completely appropriate when they are 18 and 16.....)

Our GIGANTIC babies almost broke the measuring equipment!!! Ha, no, just kidding. They are tiny. Eliana measured in right around 15th percentile for weight while Parker tipped the scales with a hard-earned 5th percentile for weight. They are both pretty average for height, so there's that.

Parker is reported to be at or just above the average developmental stages for his age as he's SO active if still not walking. (Just walk, Parker!!!) Great news for our little preemie babe who never needed any preemie developmental standards. What a champ! And Eliana is exceeding all of her developmental guidelines as she knows all of her shapes, colors, animals, and some numbers, etc. We just have keep working on those ABC's! (And we may have to eventually call in a speech pathologist as she seems to speak her own language. If you have cable, the closest thing we can relate it to is the kids TV show "Pingu." All normal at this point, but we've been put on warning...) We're super excited for preschool this fall and are glad to know that she won't enter academically behind, a victim of a stay-at-home mom. Hehe.

Our Memorial Day weekend also included a Kindergarten Graduation Party (Congrats, little Cole-man!), a Murder Mystery Dinner Birthday Party (Happy Birthday, Man!) a cookout with Mr. P's family on Sunday, a "We had a Baby but We're not Lame" Party at the Carson's (hahahaha. Thanks Mark & Jess!!) a cookout with my side on Monday, a trip to the water park....I mean "pool" and wrapped up with an evening solo with the kids and Cole as Derrick headed to a 50 Cent show (you heard it here, folks.)

What an awesome weekend! I'm exhausted....

I'm not that girl....

2010-05-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

So, I can be a little dismissive and intolerant about ridiculous stuff. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of really great stuff to be intolerant of. Such as enormous environmental oil spills, ongoing wars, crimes against humanity. And then there's the next tier of issues like your run-of-the-mill misogyny, racism, ethnocentrism, religionism (I'm sure that's a word) and so on and so forth.

But I get real caught up in issues nowhere near as noble as these. Once, I judged stay-at-home moms. I thought, "You crazy, uneducated, unsociable creatures! Like it's so hard to get out and get your hair done! Go get a manicure! Why do you always wear the same clothes everyday! Ugh."

And here we are. My intolerance slipping out the window as I eat my words...or rather thoughts. I would have never actually said these things to a SAHM!! But I always thought them.

I got my hair done for the first time in over a year last weekend. We're getting ready for some family pictures in the next weeks and I'm thinking, "Well, I probably shouldn't wear my cargos and wife-beater in the photo...what do people wear when they go out now-a-days??"

I feel guilty having dinner with my friends a few times A YEAR!!!

I'm a wreck.

I'm a SAHM.

I even hate the acronym.

I am committed to change. My husband is going to hate it.....

So I'm a Little Late to the Party...

2010-05-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is pretty cool. Mix of top songs 0f 2009.

Things That Are (Recently) Awesome

2010-05-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

1.) Our new house. It's a long way from feeling like "ours," but it's just soooo great even how it is right now. Boxes and clutter and filthy carpets included.

2.) The Washington Pope's visit and help. We moved and had fun. That seems illogical, but it's true.

3.) Parker sleeping through the night. Really? All we needed to do was spend a few $100,000 and he would start sleeping through the night?!? Why didn't we think of this sooner?

4.) Pope's Bath Tub

5.) Eliana's bookmark projects. I'll have bookmarks for years. And her saying, "That's a good idea." So cute. Everything is a good idea right now.

6.) Grandma Barbie coming home from the hospital.

7.) Time with our favorite nephew, Cole, and his parents. We've been so busy and we've missed them.

8.) Mom's successful eye surgery!! She can see!!

9.) Me and my not dying in my car while speeding down the highway when the ball joint decided to separate from my front passenger wheel. It happened in my driveway, instead. And that is awesome.

(Pictures of any and all of this coming soon. I have no idea which box holds the camera.)

Delly Bens

2010-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ellie has a stuffy nose. I actually think it's allergies, but who knows. Because of said stuffy nose she sounds really funny when she talks. She's hard enough to really understand under normal circumstances and it's even better now with a nasal overtone.

She keeps asking for, "Delly bens, Mommy. I wa delly bens."

"Jelly beans? Is that what you're saying??"

"Yeah, Mama. Delly bens. Peeeezzzz."

So cute.

Update

2010-04-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have nothing to say in my posts right now and that's interesting as I actually have a ton of stuff going on in our little old Suburban Cliche life. Because of this paradox, I'm compelled to admit that I'm being closed-off and introspective as of late. This happens. And for me, this happens a lot. (Not "alot." Please read here for more of that.)

I have a hard time sharing things as they are happening. I prefer to share after the fact because I know what happened and how to best tell the story. And I hypothesize a lot. I think I get it from my Mom. Go ahead, ask her if she would like chocolate or strawberry ice cream and you shall receive the world's longest answer that will most likely conclude with, "Well, that depends."

So there's my genetic pre-disposition for hypothesizing combined with my brother Dan's irrational hatred of poorly told stories leaving me feeling anxious about sharing too much too soon. But nonetheless...

We're almost ready to move into our new house. I think we close on the May 6th. And we're SO excited. Excited for the kids to have their own rooms. Excited for us to finally have a little space to ourselves. A laundry room? An office? What?!? So exciting. And the Washington Popes will be coming out to give us a big old hand. Can't wait to see everyone!

We're getting ready for the little bug's first dance recital. June 6th. She's practicing very hard. And we signed her up for preschool starting after Labor Day. Seems all too soon.

Parker is becoming a little person scrambling all of the house playing Peek-a-Boo with Ellie at every opportunity, laughing his face off, and getting ready to walk. (Please just walk, Parker.)

So much stuff. I'm sure I'll fill in the stories a little bit more as I figure out how they really go. More to come.

Get the Popcorn

2010-04-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

We love movies. We particularly like movies that come in little red Netflix envelopes because it means we can watch them while our children sleep blissfully in their beds.

Here are a few more to add to the old list:

100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics

Pope Family Circus

2010-04-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Eliana and Parker's birthdays are within two weeks of each other. They are our springtime babies. And as per Ellie's request, we hosted a Circus Birthday to celebrate both their big third and first birthdays. It was fun! And crazy! Our family and friends did their best to spoil the little suckers. They always go above and beyond. It was a great way to celebrate our last days in our little house, although with all the moving mess I am nothing less than appalled at myself for still not getting the Thank You cards out!!
Just appalled.

Mom and Uncle John blow up the circus balloons.

Ellie is really excited to blow out the candles. She talked about it for weeks and weeks.

Goof ball.

Parker didn't really like the whole "first sugar" experience.
Or maybe the crowd just freaked him out. Poor little dude.

Happy Birthday, little kiddos!! We love you. Tons.

Flash Forward

2010-04-07T12:53:00.001-07:00

My kids are both sleeping. At the same time. In the same room. In the middle of the day. It's amazing. Although, I'm sure it's because they are slowly coming down with the same pesky spring flu that hit me on my birthday. My 30th birthday.

Nonetheless, it's leaving me time to ponder the future. Our inevitable summer full of BBQ's and holidays and swimming suits. I'm excited. We'll be much more mobile that last summer. We'll be more fun. I'll be slightly more awake and slightly less fat so that whole swimsuit thing won't be completely lost on me. I'm thinking Water World & Slip 'N Slide and the sort.

We've been busy lately and it's wearing me out. Birthday parties (pictures coming soon!!), moving preparations, house-hunting, and just being here and now. It's exhausting. But someday soon it will be over...and we'll be sitting pretty. In the sun.

Full of It

2010-04-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

I'm full of amazing, thoughtful, insightful observations lately. Like our approach to home buying. No, we have yet to find dream house 2.0. And yes, we are fast approach the closing date of dream house the first, but do not fret. All will work out.

But home shopping has stirred some issues. Issues that I thought were long in the past... but does anything really stay in the past? I think not. Somehow I forgot about all the moving I did as a kid. I pretended like it didn't impact me. I moved a lot. I probably lived in six different houses before high school and 10 different places before Derrick and I moved to our first real place together, this little Owens house. So I've been crazy about wanting a place that feels like "home," because this little home has been one of a very few number of times in my life where I felt really stable. And comfortable. And home. I forgot what it felt like to start over and I know that I hate it and I want more than anything for my kids not to start all over all the time like I did. Funny how one can forget so easily. And how these things will find you again. And again. And again.

Oh, and Derrick grew up in a Ranch-style home. And despises the Ranch to his fullest capability. Hmmm. Somehow my story is more interesting.

Factcheck.org

2010-03-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, the national debate! In general, this article can serve as a guide to help sort out a lot of rumors/lies/falsehoods fairly quickly. Just something for everyone to keep in mind.

Article: That Chain E mail Your Friend Sent You Is Likely Bogus. Seriously.

Quackies

2010-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this.
I think it might just have to go in the bug's new room....

Political Perspective

2010-03-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Waterloo

March 21st, 2010 at 4:59 pm by David Frum

Conservatives and Republicans today suffered their most crushing legislative defeat since the 1960s.

It’s hard to exaggerate the magnitude of the disaster. Conservatives may cheer themselves that they’ll compensate for today’s expected vote with a big win in the November 2010 elections. But:

(1) It’s a good bet that conservatives are over-optimistic about November – by then the economy will have improved and the immediate goodies in the healthcare bill will be reaching key voting blocs.

(2) So what? Legislative majorities come and go. This healthcare bill is forever. A win in November is very poor compensation for this debacle now.

So far, I think a lot of conservatives will agree with me. Now comes the hard lesson:

A huge part of the blame for today’s disaster attaches to conservatives and Republicans ourselves.

At the beginning of this process we made a strategic decision: unlike, say, Democrats in 2001 when President Bush proposed his first tax cut, we would make no deal with the administration. No negotiations, no compromise, nothing. We were going for all the marbles. This would be Obama’s Waterloo – just as healthcare was Clinton’s in 1994.

Only, the hardliners overlooked a few key facts: Obama was elected with 53% of the vote, not Clinton’s 42%. The liberal block within the Democratic congressional caucus is bigger and stronger than it was in 1993-94. And of course the Democrats also remember their history, and also remember the consequences of their 1994 failure.

This time, when we went for all the marbles, we ended with none.

Could a deal have been reached? Who knows? But we do know that the gap between this plan and traditional Republican ideas is not very big. The Obama plan has a broad family resemblance to Mitt Romney’s Massachusetts plan. It builds on ideas developed at the Heritage Foundation in the early 1990s that formed the basis for Republican counter-proposals to Clintoncare in 1993-1994.

Barack Obama badly wanted Republican votes for his plan. Could we have leveraged his desire to align the plan more closely with conservative views? To finance it without redistributive taxes on productive enterprise – without weighing so heavily on small business – without expanding Medicaid? Too late now. They are all the law.

No illusions please: This bill will not be repealed. Even if Republicans scored a 1994 style landslide in November, how many votes could we muster to re-open the “doughnut hole” and charge seniors more for prescription drugs? How many votes to re-allow insurers to rescind policies when they discover a pre-existing condition? How many votes to banish 25 year olds from their parents’ insurance coverage? And even if the votes were there – would President Obama sign such a repeal?

We followed the most radical voices in the party and the movement, and they led us to abject and irreversible defeat.

There were leaders who knew better, who would have liked to deal. But they were trapped. Conservative talkers on Fox and talk radio had whipped the Republican voting base into such a frenzy that deal-making was rendered impossible. How do you negotiate with somebody who wants to murder your grandmother? Or – more exactly – with somebody whom your voters have been persuaded to believe wants to murder their grandmother?

I’ve been on a soapbox for months now about the harm that our overheated talk is doing to us. Yes it mobilizes supporters – but by mobilizing them with hysterical accusations and pseudo-information, overheated talk has made it impossible for representatives to represent and elected leaders to lead. The real leaders are on TV and radio, and they have very different imperatives from people in government. Talk radio thrives on confrontation and recrimination. When Rush Limbaugh said that he wanted President Obama to fail, he was intelligently explaining his own interests. What he omitted to say – but what is equally true – is that he also wants Republicans to fail. If Republicans succeed – if they govern successfully in office and negotiate attractive compromises out of office – Rush’s listeners get less angry. And if they are less angry, they listen to the radio less, and hear fewer ads for Sleepnumber beds.

So today’s defeat for free-market economics and Republican values is a huge win for the conservative entertainment industry. Their listeners and viewers will now be even more enraged, even more frustrated, even more disappointed in everybody except the responsibility-free talkers on television and radio. For them, it’s mission accomplished. For the cause they purport to represent, it’s Waterloo all right: ours.

Original Article here.

Fear & Loathing

2010-03-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Our house sold. It's not our house anymore. This is exciting and sad and moderately terrifying all at the same time. Nothing good in life is accomplished through fear. And yet I'm approaching this next phase from this unfortunate and worthless mental space.

"What if the next house isn't as good as this one?"
"What if we're too far away from the people we love?"
"What if the schools are terrible?"
"What if I hate it and I just want my old house back?"

This is not productive. And it's certainly not making the most of an exciting (and hopefully rare) moment in our lives. This is our next phase. Our new start. As parents. And grown ups. We're thinking about school districts and taxes and parks and recreation. What?!? Grown-up stuff.

And so I will not be filled with fear. And I will not look back in sadness. All of my happy memories from this little house can be packed up and moved to the next one. Once we find it.

A little muffin to go with that coffee....

2010-03-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to seem insensitive, but there is something that bugs me. It's this: moderately skinny girls don't get to complain about their weight after they have babies. There. I said it. I realize that weight loss is a fairly personal subject and the post-pregnancy flab affects lots of people in lots of different ways for lots of different reasons. But still, body identity is a huge part of how you see yourself and maybe even more so after you suddenly produce an adorable offspring and now have to learn how to see yourself as a mother, on top of all of your previous important roles. And somehow if you fall into the "you're not so bad" category you don't get to publicly lament the loss of your skinny self.

So I was made skinny. It's just how I am. And after two kids I kind of wondered if I'd feel like "me" again. I accept that pregnancy changed me. But I still wanted to return to feeling like me. Someday. Somehow. And so, today, I put on a pair of pants that I loved when I was working. That's pre-Eliana and definitely pre-Parker. The old-me pants. And they fit.

I'm not gonna lie. There's a little muffin-top going on. But not a ton. I'm on my way....

(Oh, and something else I must confess. I found the pants because my mom cleaned out my entire, huge, walk-in closet and put everything in neat, color-coded stacks. Amazing. She did it to help us sell the house, but I'm directly benefiting from the hard work. Thanks, Mom!!)

Mmmmm......Coffee

2010-03-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

First things first. Coffee is delicious. Uncle Chris made me a wonderful cup of cappuccino last week with rice milk. Yum. Here's to your health. And wishing I could make anyone in my house drink rice milk.

And today I'll be stopping by Starbucks for a nice latte as we clear out way too early in the morning for our little Owens Street house inspection. Here's hoping the old girl gets an "A."

So on that note, here are the best Grocery Store coffees.

And while we're talking about coffee, lets' ponder this.

Happy Tuesday!

Moving On...

2010-03-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

I don't really think anything ever changes. Nothing is really, truly different. Maybe circumstances change. Or you look at things from a different perspective. Or you grow fearful or angry or lose that youthful optimistic outlook. I'm feeling this as I age. But I don't want to. But all in all, who you are and what you are, are well, fairly static.

So selling our house will bring a lot of "news" but things will really just be the same. Us. A home. Friends. Family.

Moving is exciting. And terrible.

I'm seeking my inner-optimistic self and re-charging so that when we find the right one we will know it. We'll know it's ours. We'll know it's home. We'll see it. And even though everything will change, everything will feel the same.

The High Road

2010-02-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

I'm moderately obsessed with this song. Enjoy!

Sister

2010-02-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love boys. I love my brothers. I was boy-crazy as a kid (well, I probably still am). I adore my sweet husband. I'm kind of a daddy's girl. I wanted to have all boys when I had kids....

And then I got Ellie. And I love her.

But before that, I inherited a sister. I didn't know a girl needed a sister. And I love her.

Thanks for all of the love, support, patience and fun, Wendy. A girl is lucky to have a sister-in-law like you.

Lil' Bina

2010-02-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Ellie is a "bina." That's Ellie-talk for ballerina. She started classes earlier last month and just loves it. She's doing ballet and tap but her favorite part of the class is running around like a crazy person and not listening to her teachers. Hmmm....

Here are some of her new moves and her much-loved new tutu from Mark & Jessica.

Homemade Happy

2010-02-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Parker Pie is getting so big! His smiles and giggles are so funny right now. His favorite thing on the planet is playing "puppies" with Ellie and playing chase around the house. Gotcha!

And Grandma Barbie made Parker a special Valentine.
So cute!!

Recorded Live

2010-02-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things I don't know. Like what time, what evening or even on what channel some of my favorite TV shows air. Mr. Pope has them set to record on DVR and I get to watch them whenever I like. I love that.

So I don't even know how old the episode was, but last night we watched an episode of "30 Rock" where everyone hates winter. Well, Ms. Faye and your funny cast mates, I concur. I kind of hate this winter. We've been sick, in one way or another, since exactly Dec. 12, 2009. And I'm about to lose my mind!

It breaks my heart when my kids are sick. You just want to fix it and you can't. Not acceptable, as far as I'm concerned, but that's why I drive myself crazy. I love to hate things I can't control. So, today, as we roll through a stomach bug, I've watched "The Jetsons Movie" three times with Eliana. Eaten crackers with Parker for a full hour and a half as he's particularly slow...but loves crackers. And thought about how much I'd like to air out the house, go for a walk, see the sun and maybe even do something like lay on a beach and drink an adult beverage.

I think I'll have one anyway. Here's to your health and nice, early spring. And a little DVR on a cold, snowy night.

All you need is love....

2010-02-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

That's Great

2010-02-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Eliana tells me that everything is "great."

"That would be great, mommy!" she says when I suggest we make cookies. Or go for a walk. Or wipe Parker's nose. Everything is great. And she's right.

She's growing up so fast and she's just so darn smart. She's compassionate and sensitive and funny. As a little girl who is named Eliana....but frequently gets called "Ellie," she thinks that any name can just add "ana" onto the end when you're being serious. She calls me "Mommyana" when I'm not paying close enough attention. And when she's missing Daddy after too-long a day at work she asks when "Daddyana" will be home. It made me cry the first time she said it, I laughed so hard.

And she's taking very well to this "big sister" thing especially now that she can play with and help take care of Parker on a whole new big-kid level.

And Parker is SO close to walking. He's a mobile little monkey. And his smiles and his snuggles are just about the sweetest thing on the face of this earth. Derrick wants to bottle them and sell them and make us a million dollars.

Slowly but surely we're working on our house in preparation of trying to sell the ole girl and upgrade just a tiny bit. It's funny to see your home through another's (a buyers?) eyes. All the little fix-ups will help. And if it doesn't sell, I'll just love our little home even more.

Everything is great.

Right Here, Right Now? Thanks, Jesus Jones.

2010-02-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

So, there's a reason why there are expressions like "The grass is always greener on the other side," and "You don't know what you've got, til it's gone." (Well actually that's a song, isn't it? Insert appropriate 80's rock ballad singing here.) But sentiments like these exist because, by nature, we seem to long for what we don't have.

I've been whiny. And tired. And, quite frankly, overwhelmed. But that doesn't mean that what I've got right now in my life isn't exactly what I need right now in my life. In my frustrated moments I imagine all I need is change. But change inherently brings good and bad, not just the peachy-keen dreams of professional expression, a nice fat paycheck (yeah, right), and long, leisurely lunches. I pretend that just because things aren't perfect now they could be some other way. And we all know perfect doesn't exist. Not on this planet, anyway.

So I commit to not dreaming of "others" and being right here, right now. Even if that includes running noses, croupy coughs and some regularly timed tantrums. I love my kids. I love my Mr. And no one can give them what I can give them. Me.

Sweet

2010-01-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

Time for a Change

2010-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

I think I have to go back to work. I think despite all of the things I would miss about being home with the kids, the time has come for me to make a change. I'm not good at being home anymore. I have no patience. I have no zest. I have no creativity. I feel drained and tired and overwhelmed. And unhappy.

This is no way for my kids to spend their days. It's not good for them to be home with me if I'm miserable and resentful that I'm home with them. Most days I can hardly stand to make it through the day. When the crying reaches hour four...hour five....I lose it. I feel burdened and put-upon and feel that I take the brunt of all of the bad stuff just because I "have the amazing opportunity to be home with my kids." It's not an amazing opportunity if I can't stand it anymore.

So, I guess it's time for a change. Because if it's not working like this, it has to be able to work another way. Time for a change.

Donut Party

2010-01-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

There has been, for some time now, a phenomenon occurring at my house called a "donut party." I don't know how it started, except that somehow my Dad, Ron, realized that 2-year-0lds like sugar and started bringing donuts. Now, Papa Ron's name goes hand-in-hand with Lamar's Donuts, as far as Eliana is concerned, and about twice a month we get to enjoy my Dad, Cherlyn and sugary snacks and coffee.

Eliana adores the regular time with my dad and his girlfriend. Parker is much too jealous of the donuts. He really wants to join in. But he is beginning to love the visits just as much as his sister. I must say, I love them, too. One never knows the way life might change when kids come into the picture. I'm happy to report that it's only made my relationship with my Dad better. I love seeing my parents be grandparents. I love to see how they can't help but love every silly thing about their grandkids. I love knowing that the little boogers that drive me crazy all day are their ray of sunshine. ;)

Thanks for all the donut parties, guys! We love you.

Take Good Care

2010-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

So, we've moved Parker into "The Kid Room" (it can't very well be just Eliana's room anymore, can it?) tonight. And we have our bedroom back. I can read in bed. I can have a retreat. One that contain a 20 lb. sleeping/snoring baby. I can talk to my husband in a voice louder than a whisper. I can get up in the middle of the night and fear walking past his crib! How strange!

We waited too long for this, but Parker is my baby! I feel more hesitant to move on to the next big step with him, because I know now how short each phase really is. How exciting for us (for me!) that we've reached this one, however delayed. And how exciting for our kids that they will have this time together.

Eliana perked up excitedly as I lay Parker down in the crib that used to be hers, "Parker's sleeping with me!!"
"Yes, love," I whispered. "You can sleep better knowing he's here with you. He'll be your little buddy all night."
"Okay, Mommy!! I take good care of him," she says. And is asleep within minutes. (Although we suspect she got up once or twice to peek in at him.)

Sweet babies.

This is not my beautiful house.....

2010-01-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've been at this little experiment people call a "blog" for little over a year now. Observation (and a little back reading) has led me to conclude that this is not how I would have pictured my life say, when I was in college. Or traveling 18 times a year for business. Or winning an Emmy (which is still sitting here collecting dust.)

I'm concerned with things like babies. And cooking. And cleaning. (As for that aforementioned Emmy, it appears my cleaning skills could use some improvement.)

And I keep thinking about actually going back to work. But I can't imagine being away from my kids. I love how life can surprise you.

Surprise, surprise.

Me....young and ambitious and 22.
And already head-over-heals in love.

The Face

2010-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

Parker sucks on his top lip a lot now that his teeth are coming in.
It's super cute. He's adorable.

To Do

2010-01-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm a slacker. I have all of these very exciting things to do, and I keep putting them off for one reason or another. I get too comfortable. And even when the things I need to do are big, exciting, "next step" kinds of things I sometimes put them off because no matter what, things will be different when I'm done. And sometimes I'm not okay with different. I like things the way they are right now because at least they are familiar.

Nonetheless, I've got some things to do. No more sitting around and talking about it.

1.) Get Eliana potty trained!! Seriously! She's almost three! Just do it already, she's ready! (We've officially started this morning.)

2.) Move Parker into the kid room. He's done sleeping in mommy and daddy's room....he just doesn't know it yet. (To commence as soon as Mr. Pope gets back from Vegas next week.)

3.) Spring Cleaning! I actually love spring cleaning. And it's been a while since somethings actually got a scrubbing. But it's hard to do the extra stuff when you're just trying to make it through the regular stuff. So, it'll take me months, but it'll get done. I'm picturing a nice, clean, organized, airy, sunshiny house in about June. ;)

So much to do!