Be Still My Heart

A few moments in mamahood have made my breath catch in my throat and stilled my heart for a moment:

The first tinkle on the little plastic potty.

The first spontaneous "I love you"

And now I give you...the first drawing of a face (recently preceded by the first written letter "H")

Listen Up

Fabulous. Listen to her here.

I *heart* Shorpy

October 1939. "Mrs. Sam Cates, wife of Cow Hollow farmer. Malheur County, Oregon."


Cincinnati circa 1847-1860. "Unidentified woman, half length portrait, seated with arm on table."

I've always loved photographs. I could spend hours (and I have) poring over photography books.

These photos are so haunting. I love to peruse Shorpy and see how people lived way back when...what they wore, where they lived and their wonderful faces that tell their story.

Dan In Real Life

This movie was impressive...not a single cuss word, no sex and no violence. I'm not sure why it's rated PG-13...except for some innuendo. Shane semi-enjoyed it and I definitely enjoyed it.

A First Time for Everything

This is long...read at your own risk. Also, note the pained look on Sage's face...I should have seen trouble coming.

Before I begin let me emphatically state that I do not enjoy taking Sage shopping. We take our monthly Target/Walmart trips and our weekly grocery trips but I try never to take her clothes/shoe shopping. I feel bad schlepping her in and out of stores at malls for hours on end...I prefer hanging out with Sage at the park or the beach. My best shopping is done solo.

That being said, today I took Sage to the Spectrum. Shane is at an all-day (9 AM-11 PM) chiro seminar so we have a whole day to kill. I really wanted to go to the Oakley store to pick out a new pair of much needed sunglasses (don't worry, we get them free) and take Sagie for a carousel ride.

We visited half a dozen stores and then on to the carousel. I should have seen the storm brewing....halfway through the ride Sage informed me that she was all done. We begin the long and hot (90+ degrees) walk back to the car. Sage sat down on the hot pavement and refused to go on. I gave her the choice to walk or be carried to the car...silence from her. I picked her up and then it happened, her very first full-blown tantrum...kicking, screaming, attempting to scratch (I quickly pinned her arms to her side). Into the car she went and screamed my name for the next few minutes. I was feeling pretty steamed on the ride home. As we drove I mulled over my options and then (thankfully) a scripture from D&C came to mind:

"Reproving betimes with sharpness....then showing forth afterwards an increase of love towards him whom thou hast reproved..."

Bingo. Just what I needed. We arrived home, I gave her a great big hug and kiss and "I love you" and we walked through the front door chatting and smiling. All's well that ends well.

Grandma Mia

My parents prefer never to be called Brother and Sister Schwab. It's just plain Jack and Maria, thank you very much. You can imagine their chagrin at being called Grandma and Grandpa; they came up with an alternative...Papa Jack and Mia.

Grandma Mia (I added the first part myself) just came for a quick visit and we had a fun time together. I love her sassy haircut...someday after Baby #2 arrives I'll get brave and follow suit. Love you Mom!

Listen Up

Love his folksy, mellow sound. Hear him here.

Adventures in Babysitting

The Monkey and I are back from Pasadena...and how good it feels to be back in my own bed and back in Shane's arms.

To make a long story short, Suzy lived with my family when I was a little girl and she was a missionary. She was our favorite missionary of all time...the coolest, funniest, most loving. So when she called recently and asked me to babysit her kids for a week I had to say yes. I am so happy I did so I could get to know her 3 cute little monkeys better.

Listen Up

I know...I said Tuesdays would be "Listen Up Day" BUT I am away on a week long babysitting adventure and the internet was out until yesterday.

Yael Naim has a lovely new sound. Hear it right here.

Why I Love Shane: Part 1

After completing chiropractic school he took his state boards in order to become a full-fledged, licensed chiropractor; they were long and difficult. Once he finished he had to remain at the testing site until everyone was finished (to prevent cheating). Shane brought a copy of Les Miserables to read during the long wait...the unabridged version....1500 pages (in case you wondered). It remains one of his favorite books to this day.

More Joy

A few days ago I realized that I need to be like Sage and find joy in the little moments. Children are naturals at finding joy in the small things of life...snails, swinging and silly words. So glad I have a lovely 3-year old to be my teacher.

Listen Up

Tuesdays are now "Listen Up" day.

Love Marie (Mah-ree-ay) Digby. Her first album comes out today. I'm still figuring out how to put a video in here...until then here is her song for a new Gap campaign.

Wild Weekend

Actually just the opposite...a mellow Conference weekend with our sweet friends Bryan and Paige and their little guy Mason. Lots of good laughs, a few tears and not enough sleep (too much catching up to do).

Mas and Sagie-Poo (his name for her) like each other more each time we're together. Tubby time with a buddy is always more fun.



Before heading home we explored the nearby hills and found some lovely homes and land. Someday we'll have our own little piece of heaven like this.

My Hero

I just donated many of my parenting books to Goodwill... I needed space on the shelf for all of my new John Rosemond books.

A New 'Do

Oh how I love this girl...and her little Pippi Longstocking braids.

Just Because..

No blogging material in this brain today.