Another 5K Anyone?

I got a flyer in the mail for a 5K (benefiting the Hoboken Univ Medical Center) on the Waterfront Lawn of Pier A in Hoboken. Starts at 9 AM on Saturday, October 11. Anyone want to do it? We can register here.

Free Ice Cream

Who doesn't love free ice cream? Tonight from 5-8 PM you can get free ice cream at ColdStone Creamery. They're accepting donations for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Read For The Record

Do you remember reading this charming story of little Corduroy bear? I love it and so does my daughter. Well, now you can share the excitement and joy of reading with children who haven't discovered it. Jumpstart's Read for the Record is a campaign designed to bring attention to the importance of early education. By encouraging hundreds of thousands of children and adults to read the same book on the same day, Jumpstart aims to break a world record and to make early education a national priority.

Children and adults will read together at events nationwide on October 2, in schools, libraries, stores, hotels, playgrounds, offices, and homes.

If you go to their site, you can purchase books that will be donated to kids in need. You can create a book drive. You can also build your own reading event, or participate in one that is happening near you. You can also just register to Read that day with your own children. Join in!

I'm going to talk to Lexi's teacher about it today and hopefully will be able to spend some time in her classroom on October 2 sharing the joy of reading.

Death Cab For Cutie

October 6th at Radio City Music Hall.... and we'll be there!

Chili Cook-Off

Last night we had a ward Chili Cook-off. Last time I entered this contest, I got second place with a vegetarian chili that we like around our house. This time, I tried a meat recipe and was pleased with the results (and thanks to Megan for reminding me to season with salt...Oops!) I was really hoping for first place and that $50 gift certificate to Dinosaur BBQ, but I had to settle for third and a package of yellow cornmeal. Apparently I lost points because one of the judges thought it was too thick (but he's from the Domincan Republic, so I wasn't really offended by that- any Texan would agree that it was the perfect consistency for chili). I also lost a few points for flavor- and I would have to agree with that. I wish there had been a bit more tomato-ey flavor in there. The beef & beans and spices were represented well, though, I think. I did get the most points for appearance at least. Better luck next year.

The Judges: The guy in the middle is a professional chef... talk about tough judging!

Ella spent a large portion of time sitting and walking on these bales of hay. She helped make a huge mess by pulling apart the bales, too. Apologies to the clean-up crew.

The cook-off was followed by a rousing evening of square-dancing. Nothing quite like a hoe-down in the city! Here's little Ella trying to dance along (warning: it's a bit shaky):

My Heart Will Go On....

Last week, my mother was approached by a co-worker of hers offering her two tickets to the Celine Dion concert in NYC at Madison Square Garden (her first time in NYC in 10 years!) Mom called me and asked if I wanted to go, and although I'm not a die-hard Celine fan, but I know and love many of her songs and heard she puts on a great show. So I was excited about the chance to see her. My mother forwarded me the email with the tickets and we looked up the venue map to locate our seats and were ecstatic when we realized we were on the floor. In the fourth row. It was awesome. I have never been that close at any concert I have ever been to (and the number of concerts I've been to can be numbered on 2 hands).


At one point in the middle of Because You Loved Me, Ms. Dion stopped and told us a story about a girl Charice that she had met through Oprah a few weeks before. Here's the story. Then, Ms. Dion told us Charice was there and invited her up on stage. Celine gave her some advice to get over the nerves ("Just pretend all these people are your family and that you are singing in your living room") to which the whole arena cheered. Then they dedicated the song to Charice's mother. Celine sang one line and then Charice took over and "blew the roof off of Madison Square Garden" (Celine's words). I took some video footage, but during most of the song they had their backs to us, so you can see better footage of the song here. Charice's voice is absolutely incredible. And it's even better in person.

Of course, what's a Celine Dion concert without that song from Titanic, My Heart Will Go On? She sang that has her final encore of the evening. Here's some footage of that, if you're interested.


Montel Williams was less than 20 feet from us. (That's his wife's head just above the "76" and he's on her right side).
And we saw her husband/manager as we were leaving the arena:

Thanks to the lady from Pepsi who gifted us the tickets! It was fabulous.

Hermanita

This is Kari. She was one of my companions on my mission in Spain. I LOVE HER. And she was in New York last week with her husband to catch a Yankees game during the final season at the original Yankee Stadium (and see some other stuff, too). We got to meet up with them for dinner at Celeste and then cupcakes at Magnolia (in their new Upper West Side location). It was so fun to just chat and catch each other up on the past 6 years of our lives. Thank you, Kari, for getting in touch with me and for making some time to get together! And special thanks to Rebecca for reconnecting us!

PepFest

Grandma's cool job at Pepsi provided us another day of entertainment! Last weekend, we attended the employee PEPFest and enjoyed lots of good food, music, shows, jumpy houses, face painting, BINGO playing (I didn't win), a ride down a Super Slide (which even Ella joined in), and a chance to meet Harry from PBS's CyberChase.

Nuestra Senora

Our local market, C-Town, definitely caters to the Latin American crowd around here. It's hard for me to find things like basil there, but if I need a plantain (I don't), there's always an abundance. Lately, L has been drawn to the egg machines- you know, the ones by the checkout stands that you stick a quarter in, turn the handle and out pops this little plastic egg with some magical prize inside. The other day, I got a quarter in change and so I indulged her. The prize? A little Catholic virgin statue! She said, "Mom, what's this?" I was laughing so hard and answered, "It's a virgin statue!" Stupid mommy didn't think about the tumble of questions that would follow... Thankfully, I was able to nip them in the bud by answering her "What's a virgin?" with a simple, "a righteous lady." Thanks to those picture scripture books and primary, she knows what that means. And that was the end of the conversation.

Later that evening, after dinner, Matt walked into the kitchen and saw this:
The virgin's very own Rameumptom!

Hello, this is Matt for the first time. 4 years, 1 post. I'm prolific. A while back I was tagged (I have been desperately seeking this affirmation of popularity for months/years- but until now have never received it. I promise not to cry if you don't). The tag simplyasked what I was reading at present. There is a long story that makes this request funny but I will give the short version. Despite being the only third grader to now the concept of espionage (when tested for the gifted and talented program- I didn't get in) I had a reading ''problem" that required some attention. Fast forward 15 or so years: I am at BYU and practically failing out of school, so the academic office suggests getting tested. Result: (paraphrased) "you tested with the verbal IQ of a genius, you just read really slow. We don't know why. Try a speed reading class, take less courses and we'll see how you do."

In other words, reading is hard. I like reading new things but unless I have huge chunks of quiet time reading is totally ineffective for me. This more than likely explains my penchant for staying up way to late...no one can bother me then. It also drives Kendra crazy when I read over her shoulder and she has enough time to take a short nap before I catch up.

Anyway, lately I have been knocking out a few books at the same time, two of which I started a long time ago and finally finished. I think that is a habit of slow readers, helps us stay sane.
The first one took almost two years and two full California vacations: Michaelanglo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King. I really enjoyed this book but I have a feeling that hardcore historians would sneer at King from their pedestals of scholarly __________ (add your adjective here, I couldn't think of one). We take for granted that artists like Michaelanglo were craftsman, architects, designers, paint grinders and whatever else they needed to be to get the job done. Learning about the Popes of that generation helped me understand a little better how we have survived the vast majority of our presidents over the last 50 years.

The second book I read was the terrific graphic novel Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. What a wonderful, heartwrenching, terrifying, and informative book this sparsely drawn biography is. Want to learn the short history of why modern day Iran is literally ready to explode, read this book and Persepolis II (the movie is also great). It is also a touching family memoir. Just don't give it too your 8 year old. I am hoping to read it this year with my sophomores and try to open some eyes.

Lastly, while reading Persepolis I finished Eclipse. Yes, that is right, I have now read the first three of the Stephanie Meyer Twilight series. What can I say, everyone needs a book now and then, that doesn't require a ton of thought...especially folks with slow readers syndrome. I admit, I like the angle at which she reinvents the mythology of vampires and werewolves. I just wish I didn't have to hear so much about Edward's body of stone, like a Greek statue (seriously did the editors not count how many times she uses the same statue reference and tell her to find something else), or his amber eyes (oooh), touseled hair (must fight nausea)...on and on. We get it, your writing for 17 old girls, but tone it down. I just hope the movies have more action.

Up next, Ambroise's study of Crazy Horse and Custer. That one will probably take two more years, so until then tag me about music...

Changes??

So, I'm thinking about having a public blog again. Blogger limits you to 100 subscribers, and we're dangerously close to that number. I'm sure not all those people read us regularly, but maybe they would if we were public and they could put us on their Google Reader? (I'd like to think so...) I started this blog 4 years ago for a very few select people, but my readership has grown and that's exciting. I've found lots of friends via blog links on mutual friends' blogs, and wonder if I'm missing out on reconnecting with old friends because we're private and they don't know we're *out there*.

But, if we do go public again, I don't want to use our last name (or any names) at all and will probably just resort to our first initials when writing. I am thinking of just starting a new blog with a new domain name, but I'm creatively-challenged in the come-up-with-a-clever-name way. So who can help me? Suggestions? Anyone? There might be something in it for you, too, if I like the name you suggest.

EDITED TO ADD: So I just decided to go public again. I sort of hated the thought of not having the past 4 years of archived blogs inaccessible to new (and more frequent) readers. I went public largely because of my mugging and since she probably knows my name (because of the court case), I was nervous about her or her peeps stalking me etc. I may go back through and replace our names with our initials, but that could take forever, and really, I'm trying not to be too paranoid.

Photo Session

Recently, a friend of ours took some photos of the girls. I just love how they turned out! I envy anyone who has any sort of photographic talent, and I have been so lucky to cross paths with some amazingly talented photographers. Melissa blogs about it here.

First Day of School!

Yesterday was Lexi's first day of school at P.S. 210. She's in the Pre-K class and was so excited about it that she couldn't even eat breakfast. She has to wear a uniform and seems to really like it. After school yesterday she didn't even want to take it off! It sure made for an easy back-to-school-shopping trip and will cut back on our daily debacles over what to wear!

Her school is a dual-language school, which means they speak, read & write in both English and Spanish. Ideally, the language used each day will alternate from English one day to Spanish the next. There is a whiteboard at the entrance of the school & one near the office that says 'Today we are speaking _____". I'm hoping Lexi will pick Spanish up quickly. It's been difficult for Matt & I to speak it at home, because it's just easier to speak English. But I'm looking forward to supporting her Spanish language learning and discovering our most beloved books in Spanish and so forth.

I've heard lots of good things about her teacher from some of our neighborhood playground friends, and the school seems extremely parent friendly and encourages our participation. Cindy (her teacher) said that I don't even need to tell her when I'm planning on coming to the class- I can just show-up. She also said there's no problem at all if I bring Ella along, which is great for me! Being welcome at the school was really important to me and one of the reasons we chose to go with a school close to home.

Another bonus! I don't have to pack a lunch for her- the school provides breakfast and lunch everyday for the kids (but we actually eat breakfast at home). I don't know if that is because our school (and home, incidentally) are in a lower income neighborhood, but I'm happy to have one less thing to worry about.

So far, so good. Tomorrow is her first full day. Full-day Pre-K, you ask?! I know! I was a little hesitant about putting her in this program, but if you know Lexi, you know she is a bright little girl and really needs and desires a challenge. And she doesn't stop. No really, she doesn't! I get exhausted just thinking about it. Plus, if she had been born only 24 hours earlier, she would have been in kindergarten this year, which is full day also. So, I actually think this is a very good situation for her.

Labor Day

On Labor Day we ventured over to the Bronx Zoo to participate in the Teddy Bear's Picnic. Kids were encouraged to bring their bears and were able to help the zoo staff do a health check-up on the bear. Here Lexi and Dr. Tiffany are examining the thermometer after taking her bear's temperature.


The bear checked out fine (even though apparently her heart was racing a bit). Lexi got a certificate and a bear's nose.


And this was the first time we made it to the Birds of Prey exhibit. We saw this beautiful bald eagle. I'm glad he's the national bird instead of the turkey. Even though they're both great birds in their own spheres. Just something not so *threatening* about a turkey. (Plus the fact that we eat them every Thanksgiving.)

California Report

We recently returned from our annual trip to California. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure:

One of the first things we got to do was meet up with my mission buddy, Jenni and her 2 cute boys at the Los Angeles Zoo. We never served together, and we never even lived together, but somehow we came to be friends and I just love her to pieces. Lexi was chosen to help out with the bird show. You may recall that she was chosen last year, also...


Our next trip was to the Skirball Museum to see their giant Noah's Ark exhibit. It was basically a huge indoor playground based on Noah's Ark. All of the animals were made out of pre-existing materials (i.e. rats made of croquet balls, a rooster from a red boot etc). Lots of activities to do, things to play with, and places to climb. Lexi also participated in a drum circle.


We visited Olvera Street in old downtown Los Angeles, near City Hall & Union Station. After lunch at Phillipes, we explored the little street which is also the location of the oldest home in Los Angeles & the first Fire House. Lots of teeny tiny gift shops selling leather goods, random doodads and Lucha Libre masks.


We took our first trip to Hollywood. In all the summers we've spent in California, we've never gone down to Hollywood. Saw the Chinese Theater, El Capitan, Capitol Records and attempted a *walking* tour that we found on about.com which turned out to be NOT a walking tour AT ALL, but something you would definitely not do without a car.


The Museum of Natural History where we examined the insect zoo, saw a *real live* dinosaur and also dug for dinosaur bones, and walked through the butterfly garden.


Dodgers v. Rockies. Dodgers won! Thanks to our buddy's father, we had incredible seats in the shade on the field level. And after a day game, kids can go out on the field and run the bases! We didn't find out about that until it was too late to go, but otherwise we would have done it. Being a New Yorker, Lexi kept asking when the Yankees were going to play. That, coupled with the Yankees hat I was sporting, probably did not put us in the best light with the surrounding fans, so we made sure to cheer loud for the Dodgers. After all, they were the home team, and if they don't win it's a shame.


The rest of these photos are just miscellaneous from all our time with family and friends. We were able to see 5 out of Matt's 8 brothers, my grandparents and 2 of my cousins who have transplanted here (we missed another cuz due to scheduling conflicts- still bummed about that, K!), the Smiths, and the Russells, who made a huge effort to come down from Oregon for a few days to be with us (they rock).


Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for hosting us (and all our friends) and for taking such good care of us!!

Going Home

California Highlights

Things we've done that I need to post about:
*Spent the day at the zoo with Jenni (my mission buddy!) & her adorable boys
*Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball
*Time with the Russells (long-time friends of ours)
*Visit Downtown Hollywood (Chinese Theater etc)
*Lots of time with family & friends
*Eating at In-N-Out
*Swimming at night

Things we're still planning to do:
*Dodgers game
*La Brea Tar Pits
*DisneyLand (?)
*Swimming
*More family time!

We only have 1 week left of our *vacation*....

Lexi says....

I've been really lazy about recording Lexi's recent observations on life. Here is one, though....

Grandma & Grandpa have a storeroom out in their backyard. We've been storing some of the food that doesn't fit in the freezer in the house out there as well as lots of non-perishable foods. We've had to go out there several times a day to access many different items. Yesterday morning, Matt went out for some more paper towels and when he returned, Lexi asked, "Why do Grandma & Grandpa have a store at their house?"

California, Here We Come

Headed out for our annual trip to Southern California. Be back in a few weeks!

Weekend Upstate

Last weekend we had a wonderful time visiting my family in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. We did all sorts of fun things. You'll find some photos of our trip below. And things I don't have photos of? Our swim across Seneca Lake. Uncle Doug estimates that it's about 1.3 miles wide. Liz & my mother swam the whole way, while Aunt Barbara and I took turns watching Ella in the boat. I probably went about 3/4 of the way, though. And then? I waterskiied! For the first time in about 3 years. I was so tired from the swim, though, that I didn't last as long as I would have liked. Thanks for a most wonderful weekend "in the country."

Alexis helping Pop-Pop in the wood shop:
"It's a wonderful place!"
In this photo they are creating a *forest* with nails,
but their big project was building & painting a birdhouse.
We plan to set it out on our fire escape.

Liz, Alexis & Dad at the fountain at Elmira College:

Ella & Dad walking on the campus of Elmira College:

Frosting & decorating cupcakes with Great-Grandma:

Ella & Dad hanging out in the hammock:

Aunt Barbara and Lexi exploring the backyard:

The baby birds! Born a week or two before we arrived:

Lunch at the Ithaca Farmer's Market:

Riding on the boat on Seneca Lake:

Ella walks across the backyard. Nothing spectacular, but I realize I haven't posted any video of her walking since she took her first steps. She's quite the mover and shaker now!

Ella was really fascinated by Cassie the cat. She would just follow her around and pet her and want to snuggle with her.