Photo Tag

MONDAY, APRIL 27th - 2009

I was a slacker and didn't take any photo's today.  So, I decided to play photo tag instead.  A while back my friend Karen tagged me.  Here's how it works.  You go to your photo's, choose the 6th folder and pick the 6th image in the folder.  It's that simple.

I currently have over 85 folders holding over 13,000 pictures.  I didn't realize I had so many until I actually looked.  Hey, what can I say, I take a lot of photos.  So, going all the way back to the 6th folder took me back to over 2 years ago.

This is Joe at Disneyland (or California Adventure, actually).   It was in March of 2007.  Jared Ammon went with us.  This is one of my all time favorite pictures of Joe.  He just looks so happy.

I'm not going to "tag" anyone, but if you'd like to play along, feel free.  

Proud

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th - 2009

As a mom, today was a proud day for me.  Joe passed the sacrament for the first time at church.  He was very nervous before hand.  But afterwards he said that while he was doing it, he didn't really feel nervous at all.  I'm so proud of him.

Also, he found out today that is the second counselor in his deacons quorum.  He was pretty happy about that too.  All in all it was an important day at church for Joe.

I'm proud for other reasons too.  He's such a great kid.  He's imaginative and creative.  I swear I would like to spend just one day in his mind.  He is funny and has a great sense of humor.  He is honest and does what is right.  He is kind and sensitive to others.  I just feel like a proud mom today.  I'm so glad I have Joe.  I appreciate him so much.

This is the only picture I took today:

Hey, at least it's of Joe.

peek a boo

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th - 2009

My Saturday's lately have been pretty the same.  I get up early and go for my long run/walk (mostly walk) for the week.  This week I did 14 miles.  Then, I come home and shower and then go back to bed for a while.  Then, when I finally get up, I lay on the couch and complain about how my legs hurt and what the heck do I think I'm doing, I'll never be able to run a marathon and I should just quit now.  And then I decide that I'll try one more week, but if it doesn't get any better than I am definitely quitting.  

Today was more of the same.  By late afternoon Joe was bored out of his mind.  He needed to get out of the house.  He was complaining that it felt like a Sunday and he felt trapped in the house.  I decided that since tomorrow WAS Sunday, and he'd probably be trapped in the house all day, that we should get out of the house for a little while.  So, of course, he wanted to go to grandma's and hang out with the guys a while.

I was a slacker today and only took 2 pictures.

How cute is that though?  I know I take a lot of pictures of the little guys, but they are cuter and more fun to take pictures of than the big boys.  Plus the big boys always pull ridiculous faces when I try to take their photo's.  It's hard to get candid's, which I love.  So, today you get another picture of Joshua.  Oh well.

Courage

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th - 2009

Today Joe had the best day at school that he has ever had - EVER!  Those were his words.  Apparently the whole 6th grade had a "courage retreat" today.  A non profit organization called Youth Frontiers came to their school for courage retreat.  Youth Frontiers partner with schools to "create more positive school communities through programs that help young people realize the importance of living a life of character." (I took that description off of their website).  

They put on a bunch of different activities and games for the kids.  They also talked and shared their thoughts and feelings about courage.  They talked about having the courage to stand up for what's right, to stand up for your values when other's don't.  They talked about fears and being bullied and accepting people for who they are.  They talked about resisting the urge to follow the crowd and to act with moral courage even when they are afraid.  

Joe had such a positive experience.  He loved it so much.  

I was happy that he had such a good experience.  And as he gets ready to enter junior high school it's so important to know who you are and have the courage to stand up for your beliefs.  Hopefully this lesson will stick with him.  He already wishes they could have the courage retreat again.  It clearly made an impact on him.  

On a totally separate note, Brian brought home this very soft and comfy bathrobe today.  Joe immediately laid claim to it.  He disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes and came out looking like this:

He slicked back his hair and that is a pillowcase that he is using as an ascot.  He's so funny.  Everything is a costume and he'll use any opportunity to put on a show.  I swear he'll win an oscar someday.  When he first came out, I couldn't help but laugh.  It reminded me so much of the Saturday Night Live skit with Christopher Walken called "The Continental".  If you haven't seen it, here is what he looked like in the skit.  

I don't know how to add video's or links (me - technologically challenged and I don't care to learn).  If you are interested in seeing the skit just look up Christopher Walken on SNL, "The Continental" skit.  There are plenty of you tube videos.

SLOW

THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd- 2009

Joe and I went grocery shopping today.  As we were checking out, I looked to see how many checkouts were open - 4 or 5.  I gauged the number of people in each line, and picked a line accordingly.  Of course I picked the line with the least number of people/groceries in their basket.  As we were waiting (forever) Joe said: "Mom, you always pick the slowest line."

It's true.  I don't know what it is, but I have a unique ability to pick the slowest line.  I do it everywhere.  The last time I was at the movies, I had to pick a line for the snack bar.  There were about 15 lines open.  I picked the one with the fewest people.  It also happened to have the slowest person behind the counter.  ALL the other lines around me went faster.  

It happens on the freeway too.  I'll pick a lane, and it will be slow.  It doesn't help to switch either because if I do, then all of a sudden, that will be the slow lane.  I guess it's life's way of teaching me patience.  What can you do about it?  I've just decided to go with the flow.  Even if the flow is SLOW.

If you happen to go somewhere with me, and we have to wait in a line.  YOU pick the line, ok?

cheered up

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd - 2009

My mom called this morning and invited me over to watch Dancing with the Stars (her current favorite show).  I think maybe she knew that I needed to get out of the house and get my mind on happier things.  If that wasn't her intention, well, it still worked.  Spending the morning over there really cheered me up.  We sat on her bed and watched Dancing with the Stars and American Idol.  I love DVR and the ability to fast forward commercials and lousy performances.  We watched, critiqued, complimented, made fun of and generally had a good time watching the shows.  Also, she provided chocolate.  Peanut m&m's - you can't go wrong with that.  

Another upside of going over there was that I got to see this guy:

He gave me a huge hug and I gave him lots of kisses.

I miss...

TUESDAY, APRIL 21st - 2009

Today I miss Shadow following me every time I go into the bedroom, jumping on the bed and wanting to be pet.

Today I miss Shadow curling up on my favorite quilt that my grandmother made for me, finding a knot where the quilt was tied, and sucking on it like a binky.  Tiger sucks his thumb (not kidding) but Shadow always preferred the yarn on the quilt.

Today I miss Shadow putting his two front paws on my leg and stretching the one paw out further, trying to get my attention.  For some reason he liked to do this right when I would go into the kitchen to do dishes.  Almost every time, it was really weird.  

Today I miss Shadow running into the kitchen every time I got a drink of water.  He would hear the water and come running, knowing that if he came, I would get him some too.  

Today I miss seeing Shadow's paw reaching under the bathroom door.  He didn't like it that I was somewhere that he couldn't be.  

Today I miss seeing Shadow sitting in the window watching birdies and the other neighborhood cats.

Today I miss Shadow trying to sneak past me and run into the computer room the second I opened the door.  He had to be fast because he knew he wasn't allowed in there.  He also knew that I am a sucker and would let him stay if he could manage to get past me.  He had a favorite cubby hole in the china cabinet that he loved to sleep in.

Today I miss Shadow chasing the little bug that was flying around the house.  He would absolutely have loved that.

Tonight I miss the Tiger and Shadow crazy hour.  Cats truly are nocturnal.  Every night around 11:00, Tiger and Shadow run through the house like crazy, chasing each other and jumping around and playing.  Joe and Brian usually missed the show because they were sleeping.  I caught it almost every night.  The best was when Tiger would try to sneak up on Shadow.  Tiger is ginormous.  He never fooled Shadow.  Even though Tiger was bigger, Shadow would always outsmart him.  

The very worst part about today was watching Tiger walk around the house looking for Shadow.  He checked all of his favorite spots - the corner by the door, by the sliding door in the kitchen, the cubby hole in the computer room, the rocking chair in Joe's room.  It's really sad.  I can't explain to him what happened, and he is looking for his brother. 

 Joe has spent a lot of time with Tiger today, giving him lots of love.  I don't know if it's working though.  I think he misses his brother.  We all do.

I wanted to say thanks to all of you who have called, e-mailed or stopped by and expressed your concern.  We really appreciate it.  Yes, we realize that to some people, loosing a cat might not seem like a big deal, but it was to us.  He was part of the family.  A special thanks to Darrel, Trina, Addy and Rowan for bringing us some treats.  We really appreciate it.

Seeing Addy and Ro was truly the highlight of my day.  They are like little rays of sunshine and they really cheered me up.  Thanks.

Empty

MONDAY, APRIL 20th - 2009

Brian took Shadow cat to the vet this morning.  His breathing had been labored the last couple of days and I was really concerned about him.  I thought it would turn out to be some kind of respiratory infection and that he would have to be on medication for a while.  It turns out that he had cancer.  It was pretty advanced.  The doctors said that there was nothing they could do.  His breathing was labored because his lungs were filling up with fluid.  We had to put him to sleep.  

Wow, I totally did not see this coming.  It came as a total shock.  I cried and cried all day.  The worst part was knowing I would have to tell Joe when he got home from school.  His kitties mean so much to him.  He has wanted a brother forever, he never got one.  Instead he got two kitties that he often referred to as his brothers.  And we had to tell him today that one of them was gone.  

This was one of Shadow's favorite spots in the house.  It is in Joe's room.  Joe got this little rocking chair from his grandma on his first birthday.  Joe is very sentimental and doesn't like to give things away.  So, even though he outgrew the chair, he still kept it in his room.  It was one of Shadow's sleeping spots.  When Joe would go in his room to get ready for bed, sure enough, Shadow would follow and curl up on the chair.

It breaks my heart today to see it empty.  

Shadow cat

SUNDAY, APRIL 19th - 2009

I noticed yesterday that Shadow seemed to be under the weather.  He was more lethargic than usual, and his breathing seemed labored.  I had been worried about him all day today.  And so, tonight as I was getting ready for bed, I realized I hadn't taken a picture of the day.  For some reason, I decided to take a photo of Shadow.  I couldn't wait to get him to the vet first thing Monday morning so we could make sure he was ok.

It turns out that he wasn't ok.  We had to end up putting him to sleep.  This photo is the last one I have of him, taken about 12 hours before he died.  I am so glad that I decided to make him my photo of the day.

Nascar

SATURDAY, APRIL 18th - 2009

Brian called me from work the other day and asked if it would be ok if he took Joe to Nascar on Saturday.  I laughed for a good five minutes.  When I finally recovered I said "sure, if you want too.  Good luck convincing Joe to go with you."  All it took to convince Joe was to tell him that he could bring a friend.  Brian had 4 tickets.  Paul and Michael ended up going with him.  

Unfortunately all you guys get is a picture of the ticket:

Sadly, and regrettably, they forgot to bring a camera, and so there are no pictures of the spectacle that is Nascar.  

Brian had never gone to a Nascar event before and wanted to go once just to see what it was like.  He said that he thought he had mentally prepared himself for what he was about to see, but no amount of preparation would have been enough for what it really was.  He was utterly and completely shocked.  I was really hoping he would blog about it.  Some of the fans he described were quite hilarious.  Let's just say that there was a lot of camouflage, trucker hats, plaid, overalls and cut offs.  Oh, and beer - more beer that he ever thought imaginable - tons and tons of it.  Apparently you need to be stinkin' drunk to appreciate Nascar.  

One guy in front of them would jump up and shout "Whooo!" every time the car he was rooting for drove by.  Brian also said that the cars are going so fast that they pass by about every 10 seconds or so.  300 laps of this and the guy jumped up EVERY time.  

Needless to say, Joe and Brian had a VERY interesting evening.  I however, spent a quiet night at home getting some organizing done.  It was fantastic.

Finally Friday

FRIDAY, APRIL 17th - 2009

It has been a long week, for both Joe and I.  We have been stuck at home.  Normally after school and homework is done, Joe and I will go to my mom's so that he can run around outside for a while.  But because of illness and his dang history report that we have been working on every single day - not to mention tons of other homework(Have I mentioned I hate math?) we have been stuck at home ALL week.  

Well, it's finally Friday and he actually has some free time, so of course we headed over to my mom's house.  Joe wasn't picky about who he got to hang out with, he was just happy to be doing something other than a history report.  Here he is doing puzzles with Evan and Josh.  

On a side note, there were 2 things that happened today that really weirded me out.  First, my mom was texting on her phone.  It's her new favorite thing to do.  Also, she used the words "Eye Candy".  I guess I just was not expecting that to come out of her mouth.  It struck me as funny.  She had gone to see "The Fast and the Furious" (I guess that could count as weird thing #3) with her friend Kay.  I asked her if she liked it at all.  If you know my mom, you would know that it is TOTALLY NOT her kind of movie.  She said she liked it better that she thought she would, mostly because of the eye candy that is Paul Walker: I totally agree with her.  He really is eye candy.  It was just weird to hear those words come out of her mouth.  

And before any of you give me any flak about it, I know that he is NOT a great actor.  But when you are that pretty, you don't have to be. 

Trapped

THURSDAY, APRIL 16th - 2009

Normally I am a total homebody.  I don't feel the need to be out and about.  I am happy and content at home.  However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.  Joe was sick on Tuesday and Wednesday and stayed home from school.  I was feeling under the weather today.  So, consequently, I literally haven't left the house in 3 days.  I started to get cabin fever.  I'm feeling antsy and restless and a little trapped. 

I need to get out of the house.

playing catch up

So, I'm a week behind (slacker, I know), but I want to catch up so that the day that I post is actually the day that I am writing about.  So I posted 3 today, and will post 3 a day until I catch up.  That's the plan at least, I make no guarantees.

procrastinator

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th - 2009

Being that procrastination is one of my defining characteristics, this is what I did today:

Yeah, I'm a slacker, but I did finally get it done.  And they were filed on time.  The last possible minute of "on time", but on time nonetheless.  

The Thinker

TUESDAY, APRIL 14th - 2009

So, I was being a little bit stubborn this evening (shocking, I know).  Brian was telling me to cut it out and I said that I can't help it, that's how I am.  And then he came up with this amazing pearl of wisdom: "Just because that's how you are, doesn't mean that's how you have to be."

Think about that a minute.  Isn't that deep?  "What a great line," I said.  "You should be a motivational speaker."  He thought I was mocking him (which is understandable, because sometimes I do - sorry Brian).  But I was totally serious.  It is a great line.  

"Just because that's how you are, doesn't mean that's how you have to be. " 

It's genius I tell you.   I can't wait to use it on him.

So, for the photo of the day, I give you: "The Thinker".  The one on the top is Rodin's.  The one on the bottom is mine.

I should actually call mine "The Stinker".  It took several photo's and much laughing to get this shot.  He wasn't exactly cooperating with me.

new phone

MONDAY, APRIL 13th - 2009

As most of you know I am totally and completely anti-cell phone.  What is so freaking important that you can't wait until you get home to call someone about?  And one of my biggest pet peeves ever is when people talk on their cell phone while they are driving.  So, it may surprise you that today I got this:

Believe me, I did not ask for it.  Brian brought it home for me.  I'd say that I would probably never use it, but I already have.

I constantly tease Brian about his texting.  He's like a 13 year old girl with his phone - texting messages to his friends.  Apparently he is determined to turn me into a 13 year old girl too.  He has texted me many many times already, and I am ashamed to admit that I have texted him back and I liked it!

Oh, don't ask me for my number.  I don't know what it is.

Happy Easter

SUNDAY, APRIL 12th - 2009

Happy Easter!  The Saturday before Easter we always spend with my family.  Easter Sunday we visit Brian's family.  It works out nicely that way.  We spent the afternoon visiting, the kids hunted eggs and, of course, there was more eating.  

The difference between Lambson family gatherings and Horak family gatherings is huge.  At the Lambson family gathering there were 23 adults and 20 kids.  And we were missing quite a few who live out of state (what, you can't come visit for Easter?)   At the Horak family gathering there were a grand total of 10 of us - 7 adults and 3 kids.  

For some reason I didn't take as many photo's today.  Here is one I liked of Joe and D.  I can't ever get them to be serious, but I still liked how this one turned out. 

Here's Joe showing off his new basketball skill.

That's it for today.  

I'm out!

Easter Traditions

SATURDAY, APRIL 11th - 2009

Joe and I dyed eggs this morning.  Brian really wanted to help this year, but he ended up having to work.  He usually has Saturday's off, but had to go in today - bummer, he missed out on some of the Easter festivities.

He also missed out on the annual Lambson family picnic.  Usually we are at Grandmother's house, but this year Jared and Tricia hosted, and what wonderful hosts they were, I must say.  I was especially impressed that Jared was even able to walk, after having run 18 miles that morning (in the rain).  

We gathered, the kids hunted eggs, and then we all ate yum!  We only got rained on a little.  Everyone was complaining about how cold it was.  I was in heaven.  I loved every minute of the clouds, colder weather and rain.  It was fantastic!  

It was great to hang out and see everyone.  Having Kevin there was a nice surprise.  I wasn't expecting him to be in town.  We had a lot of fun catching up with those that we don't get to see as much.  Thank goodness for Easter and Christmas or I'd probably never see some of you guys.

I have to say, I missed having Tim, Becca and Mel there.  I also missed Jon & Jamie's family and Pat & Heather and Wendy.  And I forgot to ask, where were Cathi and Terry?   It wasn't quite the same without you guys.

My favorite pictures of the day:

Anna was thrilled to make friends with Bremen.  They had a lot of fun jumping and playing on the trampoline together.  When they noticed me taking pictures, they both kept playing, but they also both kept looking at me and smiling.  You can tell that they both have mom's who take a lot of photos.

Dad snuck off into the other room to watch the discovery channel.  Some of the boys followed.  When I peeked in to check in on them they were all completely absorbed in a show about ants.
I didn't take this one at the picnic, but it was still my very favorite picture of the day.  I'll admit, I'm completely biased.  I just happen to LOVE the subject matter.
It was a great day hanging out with family.  You guys are the greatest.

Xander's party

FRIDAY, APRIL 10th - 2009

Today was Xander's birthday party.  It was a surprise party.  Joe and I were assigned to keep Xander busy during the day so his mom could have time to set up, and all of the boys would have time to arrive.  We took him to see Monsters vs. Aliens.  It was pretty funny.  We all enjoyed it.

It was perfect timing too.  We had just enough time to get him back home on time.  Sheri had all of the boys waiting downstairs.  She then told him that Michael was down there and wanted to play.  He went down and was totally surprised when everyone jumped out.  Dallin took a video.  I was hoping Sheri would post it on her blog (hint hint).  

Anyway, here are some highlights of the party:

Laser tag - always fun.

Swimming - don't worry, the pool was heated.  
I can't resist this face:
Evan made a new friend:
The birthday boy blowing the candles out on his birthday doughnut:

There was also pizza and an ice cream eating contest.  It was a fun party.  

making friends

THURSDAY, APRIL 9th - 2009

Wow I am lame.  This is one of only 2 pictures I took today.  Michael and Josh are making friends with the neighbor's cat.  I don't know what Michael thinks he is doing, he is severely allergic to cats - whatever.

On a side note.  Today was the first day all week that Joe got to go to grandma's house to hang out with the guys.  We've been feverishly trying to finish his notes for his history report.  I say "WE" because it was a 2 part effort, he was taking notes while I was constantly on his back to stay on task.  Focus, Joe, focus.   We finished around 9:00 last night, he turned them in today, and this afternoon he was free!  Free, that is until next week when he has to write his rough draft.  

Easter.....yum!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8th - 2009

Two of my favorite things about Easter time:

I wait all year for these.

errands

TUESDAY, APRIL 7th - 2009

Brian had the day off today.  It is VERY unusual for Brian to be home during the week unless he is home sick in bed.  However, someone at work needed to trade days off this week, so here it is Tuesday and I have Brian all to myself - woo hoo!  

We ran a whole bunch of errands together and then went to lunch.  I decided I don't mind running errands so much when I don't have to drive.  

Happy Day!

history report

MONDAY, APRIL 6th - 2009

It's getting close to the end of the school year and Joe has a final HUGE history project.  It involves writing a report, making a display and coming up with a costume.  Each child in the class was assigned a chapter from the history book to do their report on.  They actually got to write down their top three choices and then the teacher would assign from there.  Sadly for Joe, he forgot to bring his paper back in.  So, instead of getting Ancient Greece or China, like he wanted.  He got stuck with Revolutions and Nations.  His teacher said she gave it to him because she thought he would enjoy it.  I think he got stuck with it because no one else wanted it.

Anyway, his notes are due on Thursday.  If this were me in school, I would save everything for the last night and then pull an all nighter and get it done.  I procrastinated EVERYTHING.  However, since I am trying to not pass that bad habit onto Joe, we started on the notes tonight.  

He has to have 5 different sources and only one of them can come from the internet.  Grrr.... Why is that?  Why does he have to go to the library when everything he needs can be found on line?  It's frustrating.  

He has to have a minimum of 10 notes from each different source.  There has been much whining and complaining and taking of breaks (from both me and Joe) but we are getting it done.

What did you do today?  I hope it was more fun than taking notes on the French Revolution.

my new favorite

SUNDAY, APRIL 5th - 2009

My new favorite scent:

I don't know why I am so obsessed with things that smell good.  Maybe it's because none of my other senses work too well.  I can't see and I can't hear, but my sense of smell is extremely acute. 

I bought this at Christmas time and have just gotten around to trying it out.  It smells fabulous.  I now walk around sniffing my arm all day.  

Lemon squares

SATURDAY, APRIL 4th - 2009

Sheri made lemon squares for Brian today.  It made him super happy.

It made Joe super happy too.

Thanks Sheri!  You really made their day.

Things that make me happy today

FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd - 2009

Today is a much better day!  A few things that made me happy today:

Chloe is home - woohoo!

Sitting outside with Joe watching how happy he was to be playing his guitar.

Clouds.

Happy Day!

Just Keep Swimming...

THURSDAY, APRIL 2nd - 2009

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like your drowning?  Where everything is too much to handle and you just want to give up?  That's how I felt today.  

Every time I felt like I wanted to give up, I would hear this little voice in the back of my mind:

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming..."

Dory from Finding Nemo is one of my all time favorite Disney characters.  One of my favorite parts in the movie is when Marlin (Nem0's dad) is really upset and frustrated and wants to give up.  The ever cheerful Dory says to him: "When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do?  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."

She says it in this sort of sing-song voice.  For some reason that has stuck with me.  It's become my motto.  I say it all of the time to Joe.  When he complains or gets upset about something he doesn't want to do, I respond with "just keep swimming."

So, I didn't give up (even though I really really wanted to).  I just kept swimming.  Some days it's harder to swim than others.

Max and Me

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1st - 2009

April Fool's Day is usually one of my LEAST favorite days of the year.  This year it wasn't so bad.  That's because I got to spend part of it with Max.

You all know that Max is one of my most favorite people in the world.  Today he came over to hang out for a while.  We did the usual:

The usual includes playing with Joe's action figures.  We get out the Castle Grayskull and put the figures all over it, and then we play.
The usual also involves popcorn and m&m's.  We turned on Spiderman 3, but we really were too busy playing to pay too much attention to the movie.

All in all it turned out to be a pretty good April Fools Day.  I loved it when I asked Max if he played his April Fool's Day joke on anyone.  His plan had been to get everyone with silly string.  When I asked if he followed through, he wisely told me "No, I didn't get anyone.  I just told them I was going to and then I didn't.  That was the joke."  He seemed pretty proud of himself for fooling everyone.

runnin' with the kiddo's

TUESDAY, MARCH 31st - 2009

This afternoon I went with Joshua and my mom to go visit Sheri, Max and Evan.  Afterwards my mom suggested that Evan come back to her house and play with Joshua for a while.  I couldn't resist taking their pictures as the ran back to her house.

Joshua is super serious about his running.  Perhaps he will eventually run track like Jared Ammon.  

Evan is just super happy to be outside.

i pod

MONDAY, MARCH 30th - 2009

Here is one of the best inventions of all time:

I've discovered I can't live without it.  For someone like me who LOVES and lives for music, it is the greatest.  It gets me through exercising EVERY day.  Just when I feel like I want to quit, a super awesome song comes on and it keeps me going.  

What keeps you going?