The Gift of Time

December 29, 2013
2 years, 1 month & 10 days

A Christmas Eve dunk.

Somehow, among the chaotic bliss that is a house full of Malcolms, I was given the gift of time.  Thirteen bodies, 4 dogs and countless germs, I've had more time to myself the past few days than I've had in a long, long time.  I'm relishing it.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it's the start of something new.  After all, the New Year is only a handful of hours away.

To be perfectly honest, since we left for Alaska almost 4 months ago I feel like I have been constantly in "go" mode.  Packing, unpacking, repacking....journeying tens of thousands of miles in 4 months is fun but also a wee bit exhausting.  I wouldn't change it one iota.  When I have these precious moments to sit in bed, alone, listening to Pandora through earphones and typing on my computer (which I have been longing to do for weeks now), I feel so utterly and completely blessed.

Alaska, Sedona (three times), Mission Viejo (three times), San Diego, Ridgecrest...All since September 2.  I suppose we Malcolms get around.

Grandma and Grandpa rule.

Jumping waves with Uncle Dave.

As I sit here tonight, I feel the change of pace creeping up on me.  Sitting.  Reading.  Blogging.  Not packing.  Not unpacking.  Just being home.  It sounds splendid.  At least until 2014 ;).

A year ago today, Colter wasn't walking yet.  He wasn't talking.  Today he can run, jump and play with his older cousins.  He desperately tries to keep up with them - the youngest still 4 years his senior.  It's amazing to see him hold it together all day long.  He's a determined little man.  Running to Mama only when it is high time for a nap, I'm proud to say he is quickly becoming the loudest Malcolm yet.

Keeping up with the cousins.

Poppy and the grandkids...all 9 of them!

If you had told me ten years ago my son would be a rambunctious, loud, hyper child, I probably would have laughed.  I can't imagine a child any other way now.  He brings out the extrovert in the most introverted soul.  No one can resist a good laugh when he chimes in to join his cousins in fart noises. 

Open wide!

I am thankful that he loves the beach.  He loves the snow.  He loves trains.  He loves trucks.  He loves cookies.  He loves his family.  On most days, he loves his Mama. 

Scoping out some barnacles.

My little Patagucci Man.
 

Trucks. Enough said.

Tonight?  Tonight I am thankful for a few moments of peace and quiet.  That near the end of a beautiful year, I have time.  Time.  A small four letter word that can be so fleeting in my daily life.  But not tonight- tonight I have time.

Here's to an epic year - to the one that was and to the one that is.  A very happy New Year to you and to yours!

Just Me and my boy.

"Balk balk balk"

November 8, 2013
11 days until 2!

I really and truly love toddlers.  They are little, innocent people walking the earth looking to discover (and destroy) anything they can get their hands on.  At this stage in the game, they start communicating more effectively (50% of the time...).  Their interpretation of life is just extraordinary.  As CJ asked me the other night, "Wouldn't it be funny if we could remember what our minds were thinking when we were two?!" 

He loves airplanes and helicopters....Grandma draws them and he colors them in.

This morning seemed to fly by.  It is a blur of Super Mopi, Honey Nut Cheerios, play dough, the market and one ravioli-infused t-shirt.  I have managed to somehow get dinner in the crockpot (Eggplant Parmesan) and Colter has only been asleep for 30 minutes.  If all goes well, I should have at least another hour of peace. 

WOOHOO!

Colter cracks me up.  He exhausts me.  He makes me want to be a better mom.  He makes me laugh.  He makes me cry.  He makes me want to scream (and, sadly, I do on occasion). He makes me stop and listen.  He makes me run.  He makes me wonder.

Our little monkey.

The other day he wanted a peach.  So I sliced up some peach.  Then he wanted me to peel the skin off.  I peeled the skin off.  Then he wanted the skin back on.  I don't know about you, but I can't do that.  My mother never taught me that trick.  Which means my beautiful little 23 month old threw a tantrum.  My girlfriends tell me that toddlers think we are Superheroes.  Today was the first time my Bubba realized that I am not a Superhero.  I hope tomorrow I can prove him otherwise.

This morning all Colter wanted to do was sit up on the kitchen counter and play with play dough.  For, like, an hour.  Those of you who know my child know that sitting in one place is not his forte. I washed dishes and he played.  It was a peaceful time.

Legos and a salad spinner:  what else could you possibly need?!

I needed to go to the market.  It's cold out.  I can only tell you that by the time we managed to get my 23 month old in all his gear, it'll be Spring.  The lure of Super Mopi won out and we made it out the door.  Thank heavens.  (By the time we finally got outside, it had warmed up significantly and the layers had to come off...)

Super Mopi!

Colter brought me a bag of fruit snacks just before dinner the other night.  I told him to put it "back" please.  He looked at me with this quizzical look.  He took the bag and held it on his back.  His look was priceless.  Just like that he learned there are two definitions to "back".  So cool.

Fun with finger painting...

We sat down to dinner the other night - a yummy pineapple sesame chicken that Grandma had brought.  I handed my son some chicken and said, "Here you go, Bubba, eat your chicken.  Yum yum!"  He took it, looked at it for a second, then started "balking" like a chicken.  At the dinner table.  I burst out laughing.  Now every time before he puts a piece of chicken in his mouth, he makes a chicken noise.  Mental note:  don't invite any vegetarians over to dinner any time soon.  Some people may get offended by his quite realistic chicken noises.  I'm just happy he eats chicken.  Feel free to "Moo" when you eat beef too, buddy.

So darn cute.

Sabbatical

August 30, 2013
21 months, a few weeks or so

I'm taking a month or so sabbatical from my Dear Baby blog.  We head off for Alaska on Monday for 5 weeks.  Yes, 3 days from now.  72 hours.  Holy cow! 

That said, join us on our adventure:

http://malcolmjourneytoalaska.blogspot.com/

I promise to start back up sometime in late October.  When my baby boy will be almost TWO!!!

Ode to my garden (that my neighbors will continue reaping the benefits from for several weeks...):

Luscious green-ness.

Fruits.

Close-up.

Poop!

August 24, 2013

21 months, 5 days

Colter pooped twice in his potty today. 

I think that's worthy of its own entry.

Though with a massive road trip lingering just a few days away, I recognize our efforts may be delayed....

Nevertheless, my boy pooped in a toilet. Let a mother feel some pride!

iBlog

August 20, 2013

21 months, 1 day

We got iPhones. 

And we love it.

My husband has a love affair with Siri. I'm not sure what he did before Siri, actually. She's his personal secretary. He doesn't have to write anything down- Siri is just a button away. And always on-time reminding him.  I get a little jealous sometimes. But then I remember there is oh so much Siri doesn't do. And that makes me happy.

Siri and I are still developing our relationship. I use her to call people for me but that's about it. When it comes to lists, I'm a paper kinda gal. I've been told Siri can become a man. Intriguing.

What my iPhone has done for me today? I can blog from anywhere. At anytime. Fabulous.

I am currently sitting at ADOT. And I've become one of those people on their iPhones. So annoying. But I totally get it now. I can be efficient. I have access to the World Wide Web. And to the App Store.  Now this is a dangerous combination....

I just downloaded my blogging app. 

Watch out, world, Mama's gone viral. 

 

Family Garden Time: Year 2

August 16, 2013
21 months (in 3 days)

I love our garden.  It has been a labor of love this summer.  A test of our fortitude, to say the very least.  To sum it up?  In 3 days we caught 20 mice and 1 chipmunk.  Bring it.

I suppose you know you've killed a lot of mice when your 20 month old looks at an empty mouse trap and says, "Uh oh", with a tone that makes you cringe.  This beautiful little child has been exposed to a horrible act.  I know it's our fault.  But, dude, the mice were chewing through our screen door and crawling into our house.  There is a line.  And they crossed it.

Despite rodents, our garden has thrived!

 

The chipmunks got into our garden.  Our sacred plot of fertile soil in the backyard.  Man oh man, we tried everything.  In the early days, we hung CD's to scare them away.  Unsuccessful.  So we graduated to the Owl.  Biggest scam ever.  We double layered the netting.  We barricaded with rocks. We even trained Owen to chase after them.  Yet they kept coming.  Every morning at 8:00 am I would look out at my garden (in its youth, desperately trying to grow despite the daily onslaught by small critters) and see the two chipmunks munching away.

NOT scary.  NOT effective.

We worked with our garden daily and we are finally reaping the benefits.  Yum.  Sadly, our lettuce and cilantro never did come to fruition this year.  Our zucchini plants over compensated.  Fellow gardeners know that zucchini's take off.  We didn't check the garden for 4 days or so when we were off on a road trip and we came back to this monster:

Love my boys.  And LOVE that massive zucchini.

Intrigued by the growth popping up in the garden, Colter loves to hold our hand and take a mini-tour through the garden while we pick tomatoes, basil, potatoes and carrots.  His little feet have squashed several of our carrot tops.  And his little hands have squashed many a tomato.

Checking out a zuchinni flower.

Exploring a green tomato.

 

 



Baker Extraordinaire

July 4, 2013
Happy 4th!
19 months, 3 weeks plus or minus

Boys.  And their toys.

Some days I like to think I am a Baker Extraordinaire (BE).  I like to think I have what it takes to be one of those great bloggers conjuring up amazing pastries and sharing their masterpieces with the world.  Today is one of those days.

Most days?  I am quite content with my place in life.  Mother, wife, nurse, friend, gardener, baker, chef....ya know, what every mother is:  a Jack (or Jill) of All Trades.

But today I am feeling a bit spunky.  It's Independence Day and I want to be someone extraordinary.  I asked CJ if he wanted chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  He said he wanted swirl.  Bring it.

Because I am not typically a BE, I do not carry things in my house such a piping bags, buttermilk and self rising flour.  But because I am a Jill of All Trades, I can make these things.  And that makes me feel rather sassy. 

Sassy.

Piping bags?  Ziplocs all the way.  However, the thick freezer bags work way better than your average sandwich bag.  As I was piping my chocolate dough, the sandwich bag ripped and I ended up piping out of 2 different locations.  Nothing I can't handle.

Buttermilk?  Google is my lifesaver.  Colter is asleep and I can't run to the market.  My two "go-to" neighbors have run dry and I must find a solution.  Who knew a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of milk can do the trick?  I hear yogurt can too but I haven't been to the store in awhile.

Self rising flour? Baking powder and salt. With flour.  I mean, really people, why even bother buying self rising flour?  Geez.

Colter exploring powdered sugar....


Did I mention it is 94 degrees out and I don't have air conditioner?  Perfect day to bake.  When you're a BE you can overcome these temperatures.  

I have also determined the main reason why I could never become a full-time Baker Extraordinaire/ Blogger.  I am the not-so-proud owner of a $20 Target special hand mixer.  With only one functioning beater.  Those really cool Kitchenaid Mixers?  I didn't get one off my registry when I got married.  I am still a little sad about it.  Never the less, I power through with one beater and dream of the day when I don't have to use my hands to get down and dirty.

The end product?  Amazingly patriotic.  Though I'm not trying to win any icing contests.  I'm just a Jill of All Trades after all.

Beater (singular) on the countertop.

Getting serious.

Who starts whining after a nap because they are given a beater? 
My son.  See Tantrum Land blog, please. 

And after some time cookin' in the oven....

Marbled goodness.

Happy birthday, America!

"Why are you making me sit here and take pictures when all I want to do is eat frosting?" 
His "sign" for more...and a face that says it all.  Love this kid.

 

Red, white and blue FOREVER.

Scatter Brain Morning

June 21, 2013
19 months, 2 days

Weee!

Call me a bad mother.  But I am really looking forward to the day that I can turn on the boob-tube and Colter can sit and watch anything for 30 minutes.  Actually, I'd take 15 minutes.  It seems incomprehensible this morning.  Who am I kidding?  It seems incomprehensible every morning.

This morning, for instance, Colter has already managed to take all of Owen's collars and leashes and wrap them around my poor dog.  Owen lays quietly, eyes closed.  He looks up at me occasionally but I have no sympathy today.  I'm attempting to get a few things done.  (And blogging is so very important...)

He's thrown every ball of his under either the couch or the dresser.  And summoned me to "rescue" said balls.  Future children will not have the luxury of balls inside the house.  Mark my word. 

Poop count this morning?  2.  And it's only 9 am. It's going to be what we call a "High Poop Day".  We get a lot of those- naturally, he's a Malcolm.

A wise sister-in-law of mine once told me to run my child twice a day.  I run mine at least 3-4 times a day.  So, because he doesn't get enough exercise in one day (please note sarcasm here), Colter has already completed approximately 20 laps through our house with his Super Mopi (ride-on bike).  I've heard enough vroom-vroom's to last a lifetime. 

We call Colter the "Uh-Oh Man".  It's his favoritist word.  Ever.  I suppose it's better than "No!".  Between melon on the floor, a drop of water on the floor, Mom spilling some oatmeal and all the balls MIA, I've also heard enough uh-oh's to last a lifetime.

I put on my J.D. (John Denver) Wildlife Concert DVD and Colter stops for a few seconds at a time to stare at JD and the crew.  Some horses and eagles come on the screen every so often and Colter runs to me making his noise for a horse galloping.  It's so darn cute that for a moment I really don't care that my house is in shambles.

As I look out the window, I notice I forgot to put the cover on Colter's rad water table that Nana and Grandpa brought.  There is a chipmunk drinking the water.  Mental note: Change the water before Colter drinks out of it too.  Hantavirus is just what I need to top it all off.

Colter has already given me 4 random bear hugs this morning.  And just a minute ago he crawled onto my lap and is happily content sitting there watching JD as I type.  The planets much be aligned.

I'll sign off for now.  I have to savor these few moments of peace with my beautiful baby boy.

Tantrum Land

May 23, 2013
18 months, 4 days

My beautiful baby boy is 18 months old.  18 months.  I look at this boy my husband and I created and I can't help but be in awe: his flowing blonde locks, quizzical blue eyes, contagious laugh, speedy toddle...what a miracle life is. 

He doesn't talk much yet but I look at his face and I know he knows.  He knows what I am saying to him - knows when he wants to listen and knows when he really doesn't want to listen.  I can almost see his thought process in his eyes as he tries to determine if it's worth putting up a fight.  I patiently wait and pray for the former. 

A year ago....how far we've come!

When it's the latter?  Sigh.  He's a toddler.  What do toddlers do?  They through tantrums.  Marvelous moments where they have seemingly lost all control over their bodies and minds.  Colter?  He'll claw at me, slap me, bite me (if I'm lucky enough to be holding him when he doesn't get what he wants)....if he's standing, he drops to the ground in such a fury that it looks painful.  But a few seconds pass and his little head peeks up from under his arms to see if it's worth leaving Tantrum Land.  Priceless. 

I'm learning, slowly but surely, how to avoid these "precious" moments.  Prevention is key.  I made the rookie mistake at the grocery store of taking away a block of cheese from Colter and putting it on the checkout lane.  Toddlers need warning: preparation for these landmark events.  I gave him none.  Instantaneously my son began to throw a rather loud tantrum.  Seated in the grocery cart, he flung his head back and forth (while screaming bloody murder) until I had to pick him up for fear of seriously injuring himself. 

Take note:  at this point it is all but useless to offer the cheese back.  He's way past that now.  He's in Tantrum Land:  the magnificent land where a parent has no control.  I picture little gnomes in Tantrum Land running around with chocolate chips and gummy bears.  Chocolate milk flows in rivers and graham cracker bears swim in it.  The ride-on bikes have oreo wheels.  Some days Tantrum Land is the place to be.  Other days the milk runs dry and there are only gnomes eating carrots and zucchini. 

This terrifies me...but apparently toddlers like them.

Those rocks?  They're chocolate too.



I suppose I'd like to hang out here too.

At the grocery store? Colter's hanging out with the gnomes and chocolate in Tantrum Land.  There are no veggies today.  At home I could let it dwindle itself out.  Gummy bears have to run out eventually.  But I'm in public.  Oh God, help me.

Think oreo wheels...

Anywho, I pick up my child to try to calm him and I happen to glance around (as any first time mother does with her very first grocery store tantrum) and everyone is looking at me.  And they are all giving me the most horrible looks.  And all I can think is, "Come on, people!! I know someone of you are parents....and this has totally happened to you!  A little grace, please!!!"  Meanwhile, Colter is trying to slap my face and it is almost my turn to check out.  My mind is not working and I can't seem to get my child to come back from Tantrum Land. 

A few minutes pass (or eternity...) and by some grace of God, my child stops screaming and starts to giggle.  I think to myself, "He risked a peek.  The graham cracker bunnies ran out."  I risk a glance behind us and there is little ol' grandpa making faces at my son.  I wanted to run and give him the biggest hug.  But, I dare not risk doing anything sudden.  I check-out and give grandpa a "you are my lifesaver and I will remember you forever" smile.  He understands - he's been there.  Probably more than once too.

Go, little man, go!

Gardening with my boys.  So much better than Tantrum Land.

The Ranger Life

May 11, 2013
T-minus 8 days until 18 months....

Campsite...on the rim...not too shabby.

It's been one of those weeks where we have taken full advantage of living at the Grand Canyon.  I admit that sometimes a week or two (or three...) may go by and I haven't seen the rim.  I know it is a mere 20 minute walk or a 3 minute drive away, but that's just the way it goes.  Life gets busy.  I know you understand that.

This past week we have lived and breathed the Canyon.  It felt great to recharge on the energy of the Canyon.  It never ceases to amaze me.  You can look in the same direction for hours and still be entranced.  I feel so fortunate that I live at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

Spring at the Canyon is one of my favorite seasons (besides summer, fall and winter...haha!).  Warmer temperatures lend a hand to new growth - both plants, flowers and the birth of many new creatures.  We still get the occasional frost and we've been so lucky as to get a few hail storms with thunder and lightning early this year.

Colter stopping to smell the flowers.

"The Grey Ghost" as the storm approaches.

This is my first Spring with a toddler.  And it has been awesome!  Long walks around the neighborhood and hours spent in the out-of-doors digging and discovering.  Colter can't seem to get enough of it.  And either can I.  Toddlerhood is a marvelous adventure - discovering and rediscovering time and again.  It seems like the perfect time of year to be a toddler.  Every day something new creeping around or popping up.  The discovery?  It's contagious.

Our toddler enjoying the view from 1.5 miles down on the South Kaibab Trail.

On Cinco de Mayo, we ventured on a 14-mile loop through the Canyon with CJ while he was on patrol.  Tough job, I know.  Your wife and child come with you as you work.  And hike.  And get paid for it.  It was a new loop for me:  South Kaibab to the Tonto and back up the Bright Angel from Indian Gardens.  As we journey on the trails, I always have a sense of pride as people comment on the toddler on my back and the ranger at my side.  This is The Life.

Don't blow away!

Taking my first steps on the Tonto Trail.

Diaper change 7 miles in...

Mama loves on a break.

Mules rock.

Ranger and kid.

A few days later, CJ did an overnight canyoneering route around river mile 37 (again, working...).  Colter, Owen and I tagged along and set up camp on the rim.  My first solo camping trip with Colter.  A perfect prelude to Mother's Day: My boys behaved themselves and the trip was remarkably un-eventful.  No complaints here.


Flowers!

My baby looks like a little boy in this shot....I love it: The Road Less Traveled.

A long way down...

Our regal pup.

 

Sunset at camp.



I just can't get enough of that adorable face.

I'm the wife of a Ranger.  I hike miles and miles to spend quality time with my husband.  I live at National Parks around the country.  I host huge BBQs at my house  for my husband's work (our most recent one hit 75 people).  I suffer through painfully slow internet.  I have to drive an hour and half to go to a decent grocery store.  I do the majority of my shopping on Amazon.  Every day I wake in the glory of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  I wouldn't change a thing - I love the Ranger Life.

 

Me and my boys.  Doesn't get much better than this.