You, Me, C and E

The Three Deaths

2012-02-09T11:08:00.001-06:00

I pulled this up from an NPR blog and thought it was really interesting. The full link is found here: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2010/09/08/129732261/stopping-time

{"There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time."

The stories children tell about their grandparents, great-grandparents keep those people glimmering, if only for a few generations. Then, like almost all of us, they wink into oblivion.

But, every so often someone comes along, a Loren Eiseley, or more emphatically, a Leonardo, and he decides to paint a picture of lady, the wife of a merchant in his town, Francesco del Giocondo. He paints the painting. At the Louvre, it is called Portrait of Lisa Gherardini and magically that lady – who lived modestly in the 1500s — escapes her third death because we still talk about her.

We don't call her by her full name any more. Mona, I have read, is a contraction of "Madonna", similar to Ma'am, or M'lady in English. In modern Italian the short form of Madonna is typically spelled Monna. But she's still "Lisa" and I think that counts.

So by Dr. Eagleman's definition, she is not dead yet. Not even close.}

Also see this one:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/02/07/146534518/rasputin-was-my-neighbor-and-other-true-tales-of-time-travel

E's Second Birthday

2012-01-18T19:41:00.000-06:00

We kept it simple once again - I see a trend with this girls post-Christmas birthday. Ugh, I think I am going to have to just pretend she was really born in January or February from here on out.

P.S. - she really does smile. . . just not in front of the camera.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-18T16:29:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T09:53:00.000-06:00

I was not very good with taking pictures this year, but here are some highlights.

C's Christmas program at school. She knew her lines, her friends lines, and ALL the songs.

Dressed up and ready to perform.

The cousins helping to cook. They are very good taste testers.

A little bit of sugar cookie action. Notice the shirtless, but aproned one to the left.

10 Year Anniversary

2012-01-11T09:45:00.000-06:00

We had big plans for our anniversary. We got a place up Ogden canyon, rented skis and emotionally prepared ourselves to fall - I mean glide - down a snow covered mountain. Unfortunately, there is even less snow in Eden and Wolfcreek than there is in SLC. Only 2 out of 22 runs were open. Ugh. So, we returned the skis and went out to Wendover instead. Ben won back all the money I lost, so we called it even and went home. I did get these cool shots of fog on the way back.

2011-12-21T15:40:00.000-06:00

I just got these back from work. It was a party we took the girls to there. It was a good time, but I swear E doesn't smile for any picture, especially when I make her take the sucker out of her mouth for this one.

I heart Sunday's

2011-12-01T12:51:00.000-06:00

Halloween crafts are great any time of year. It was a perfect distraction for me being about 45 minutes behind on dinner with everyone over.

Beautiful Hair and why I love cable

2011-12-01T12:49:00.000-06:00

Put the kid in front of the t.v. with a new cable subscription (Caillou Holiday, who knew?) and look at the great things that can be accomplished. Cute hair and no tears.

That's some outfit

2011-12-01T12:48:00.002-06:00

A Crafted Snowman

2011-11-22T12:15:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when your husband has been working on a remodel project a little too long. Notice the trowel, shovel, and other sculpting thingy.

Second Hand Christmas

2011-11-17T10:46:00.001-06:00

First we got a sweet bike for C from her cousin Mia. Then a friend at work offered to sell me his Wii for a good deal. Then an idea struck me - why not go 100% thrift this Christmas? I mean, it is totally suitable after doing a big old remodel on a 1958 house. It is good for the environment, the kids are so young they aren't going to care, and it will make us be creative and have fun.

So, no new ornaments from the local Waulmaurt. It is Kid to Kid, Good Will, and DI all the way.

Got Milk?

2011-11-08T14:53:00.000-06:00

This morning I dropped E off at my babysitter. She doesn't speak English very well. I don't speak Spanish very well. There have been confusing situations in the past, but I think this morning's tops them all. I was attempting to inform her that I have 2 extra 1/2 gallons of milk from Winder Dairy in my fridge that I would give her, because they need to be used soon. I simply stated "Tengo mas leche para los ninos."

She went on to tell me about how good it is that I give my children natural foods, that she feeds the kids oatmeal with fresh fruit every morning and they all love it. . . .etc. etc. etc.

I came into work and was explaining this weird conversation and how it is difficult because my babysitter talks to me for 10 minutes in full Spanish mode and I have a hard time keeping up with it. The a light came on and I realized what I intially said, "Tengo mas leche," which means I am lactating. Awesome! Can't wait to try and explain what I really meant tonight when I go pick up E.

B B B Bowler

2011-11-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

The ABC's of E

2011-11-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

I did this with C about this age and thought it was fun to have for later reference - E at 22 months can say:
Yay! (clap clap clap)
Rio (Rio - the movie or radio)
All gone
Clay Clay
Chloe (Cwowee)
Mamma
Daddy
Mi Mi
MiMi (meany)
Night Night
Baby
Again
Please
Thank you
Uh-oh
No
Puppy gog (dog)
Cow
Neigh Neigh (horse)
Grandpa
Car (Daddy's car)
Down
Come back (mack)
Pee Pee
Ew yuck
Mine!
On
Off

October 2011

2011-11-03T14:48:00.001-05:00

While there were a lot of Halloween activities done in the days and weeks leading up to the holiday, I only took a couple pictures for some reason. In fact, I'm not even sure that I got any of the girls in their outfits together!

Whoooo whooo - at Red Butte After Dark

Lagoon chainsaw show

The girls on a tractor at Wheeler Farm

Who doesn't love a kiddie cone?

Not so messy . . . yet

Mask we made at the totally random 'Cat Show' at the fair grounds.

Spooky Grandma!

First Snow Storm 2011

2011-11-03T14:44:00.001-05:00

Here are some shots that I forgot to post at the beginning of October, when we got the first snow storm. The girls were pretty excited to wake up and see it coming down.

Hogle Zoo August 11

2011-09-19T11:31:00.003-05:00

Red Butt

2011-08-22T13:18:00.001-05:00

I forget that Red Butt. . . I mean Butte, exists. Irena goes up there almost every weekend, and having been up Sunday morning, I can see why. It was the best place! It is pretty, mostly shaded, and best of all, totally uncrowded! We hadn't been since last summer and C remembered being there right when we turned the corner to the children's play area. It was crazy.

Only in the movies

2011-08-02T14:56:00.000-05:00

Below is an excerpt from this morning’s conversation:

Momma: Here is a special thing for you (it was a chip from a granite countertop that was sparkly).

C: Oooh. What is it?

Momma: What do you think it is?

C: It looks like a crystal. No, I think it is a star from the sky.

Momma: Yep, that’s right. It is a star.

C: Well, just a piece of a star momma. The middle part.

Momma: Right. Maybe you should make a wish on it.

C: Wishes don’t work momma. That is only in movies.

Momma: What? Of course they do.

C: No they don’t. Watch. (she rubs the rock and speaks into it) “I wish for a unicorn.” See – nothing happened. It doesn’t work.

Momma: Maybe you have to wait for your wish to come true. . . ?

C: No. Wishes mean that what you want grows and I didn’t grow a unicorn, so it doesn’t work. Only in movies.

Momma: Oh. But the star is pretty, huh?

C: Yes it is. Now my hand is very sparkly.

Another good reason

2011-08-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

A Few More Steamboat Pics

2011-08-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

Steamboat Springs 2011

2011-07-31T15:29:00.000-05:00

It was the annual Werrett family vacation this last week. It was tough to pull ourselves away from the house remodel, but it was worthwhile. Ben was exhausted the first two days because his body didn't know how to actually relax. Where last years desert vacation had 104 degree fevers, trips to the ER for bleeding eye brows, near drownings, and the stomach flu from Nevada to California, this years was much different. It was in the cool mountains of Colorado, described as a mellow Park City. There was a successful sprint triathlon, waterfall hike, and fabulous pool time.

Second Photo Club Submission

2011-07-19T16:53:00.001-05:00

These pics were taken on a team 'fieldtrip' up to the SLC cemetery.

This one actually won first place and a spot in the company breakroom!

Cankles

2011-07-19T15:47:00.001-05:00

A stud, a cutie, and busy busy times

2011-07-19T15:46:00.000-05:00

Busy days with the cousins in town. It is too quiet now!

This one is Trouble!

2011-07-19T15:44:00.000-05:00

With a capital "E". Her two favorite things to do are dump out all the cereal boxes and stand on top of high places, such as high chairs, tables, and couches. C never did crazy stuff like that.

Rollie-Pollies

2011-07-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks the cousin Syd, we love to collect potato bugs. Last night our collect consisted of "Chacho" "Turkey" "Remo" and "Sama." Each had their own little cage/house/enclosure to play in. Notice the poor guy in the plastic lid (C's pointing to it).

My Review of In Our Home Sign

2011-07-09T11:05:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at Acacia

It's your home, there's no place like it, and these are the reasons you love it so much. Part affirmation, part celebration, part permission for everyone to be themselves, vintage-look sign is a shallow wood box. Hang it like a canvas or lean it against a wall for a more casual, contemporar...

Perfect

By CEShopper from Salt Lake City, UT on 7/9/2011

I plan to hang this in our kitchen. I imagined it would be a little bigger, but it looks great and will work well. I am so glad I bought it.

(legalese)

My Review of Handcarved Bluebird Stool

2011-07-09T11:02:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at Acacia

A sweet and sturdy accent for your home. Handcarved, hand-painted stool features a bluebird on a branch with apple blossoms. You might use it as a footstool, extra seating for little ones, or simply as decoration. Solid acaciawood, made in Thailand. 11" diameter, 10" high; 4 lb.

Love it

By CEShopper from Salt Lake City, UT on 7/9/2011

Pros: Attractive Design

Describe Yourself: Budget Shopper

Primary use: Personal

Was this a gift?: No

It looked just like the picture and appears to be really solid wood and design. I am glad I bought it.

(legalese)

Summer so far...

2011-06-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

It is officially summer. Here are a few pics of what we've been doing:

Dance Recital #1

2011-06-24T11:44:00.002-05:00

Dance recitals for me where always extremely stressful events. I never liked getting up in front of people and being coordination impaired, I was always stuck in the back corner of the stage, next to the chubby girl two years older than everyone else in the class because her mom thought it’d ‘be good for her.’

So, when C joined dance class and the dance recital was drawing near, I starting getting a little ping of anxiety. She was measured for her costume and I felt beads of sweat form as I watched. Butterflies really started when the details of the rehearsal, pictures, and performance were emailed out.

It went south from there. I took the girls to Lagoon instead of dance pictures for C. I thought the rehearsal started at 6, but it started at 5:15, so C missed practice. And her costume was too small, so she was totally against wearing it.

But the babysitter put her hair in rollers for me, which helped relieve my stress. I took work off WAY early, so we wouldn’t be racing to get there. C was psyched to perform, so she was willing to overlook the itchy costume.

Her class number in the show was #20, so we had to wait, and wait, and wait. The anticipation about killed me off. My camera battery died. My tablet battery died. My phone battery was saying it’s last rites, but still willing to keep going for the sake of the show. Dammit – all this technology and not enough juice to power anything!! After what felt like a 30 minute blackout before she came on the stage, out they pranced, holding hands in a row. C knew right where to stand. She even did a pre-booty shake as she waited for the lights to come up. The music started and wow! She danced her little heart out. She knew the steps, she sang the song to herself, and she grinned the biggest grin you’ve ever seen. I was such a proud mamma!

I met her in the back with the rest of the parents. She was so happy. Not because she performed, not because she was done, but because they gave her a CHOCOLATE sucker. Whooo hooo!

On our way - the artist contemplates her routine.

She's the one in the front with arms stretched out.

Leatherby's afterward - goofy grandpas!

Grandma Werrett enjoying her milkshake.

2011 Chalk Art Festival

2011-06-23T15:20:00.001-05:00

Cool drawing Kris. Too bad it rained on Sunday and washed it all away. . . like Burt's picture. This too is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

For last years pic, see http://dewerrett.blogspot.com/2010/06/chalk-art.html

Moon Lake

2011-06-15T23:17:00.004-05:00

I took this picture with my phone on the drive up to Moon Lake. Pretty impressive I must say for it being a camera phone.

Life on Mars

2011-06-14T00:18:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to our new house remodel project blog I recently created: http://marsinutah.blogspot.com/

Crafty Cousins

2011-06-14T00:12:00.000-05:00

C had some growing pains in her leg this weekend, and since it seemed to be at it's worst last night, I ended up keeping her home today. Luckily, my fabulous sister-in-law was able to come over and hang out. She brought her kids, and they played played and played. Part of their day was spent constructing some, uh, interesting masks.

Oh Deer!

2011-06-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

I was driving home from Moon Lake yesterday when out of nowhere a deer decided to hate my car and plow it’s body against it as hard as possible. I was driving alone, with my two girls in the back seat. After the large thud and subsequent ‘AAAAAaaaaaauuuuhhhh’ that came from me, C woke up and asked if we bonked into something. I said ‘Yes, I think we did,’ as I checked the rear view mirror and saw a flailing deer attempting to stand up.

I slowed down, still a little shocked by what happened. The question came up in my mind – “Do deer attack, especially when injured?” I imagined this pissed off animal doing another pile drive into my car door. Maybe it’d put its hooves on the front hood, and attempt to ram its head through the window, cursing deer expletives at us, as my children watch in horror.

I saw in my mirror that it was getting up, shaking it’s head over and over again, as if it too was wondering what the hell just happened. “Hello! You ran into my car! There was nobody behind or in front of us for miles. Did you do it on a dare? Were your little deer buddies off the side of the road egging you on, calling you a chicken if you didn’t try and out-run my car? Well guess what buddy – that was dumb and now you and my car have suffered extreme damage. You are a stupid animal.”

So with the risk of getting into a bigger predicament that I was already in and the fact that neither child saw anything that had happened, and the fact I was alone in literally the middle of nowhere, I kept on going. I was thankful it was a doe and not a buck with antlers. I was thankful it hit my door and not my window, it hit the middle and not the front or backend, which would have spun us off the road and down the mountainside. I was thankful it looked to be able to walk away, and most importantly, I was thankful that I drive a Volvo and aside from cosmetic damage, my car took the blunt force very well and we were not killed! This is the second time I’ve appreciated what this car can do in a bad situation.

Stupid sorry deer.

A Dog Named Zuri

2011-06-07T15:53:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time there was lived a puppy named Zuri. She came from a happy home, full of love and tranquility. The more affection and kindness Zuri received, the more she literally overflowed with it. Zuri was a magical puppy who came from a magical land, where poodles have long snouts and the puppies never shed. When she was born, her parents gave her the ability to feel love 10 times greater than anyone in the land, and then to share that love with anyone she can into contact with.

But that same day, there was a storm that raged on and on for several years. Old texts revealed a prophecy that such storms would come and that there would need to be a sacrifice to make the skies be calm again. The puppies met to decide who was the chosen one. Zuri knew in her heart she was meant to be the one, and told her parents what she knew. They were sad, but were also feeling the same. They had blessed her with love and kindness and knew that she was determined to preserve her land.

So the said their goodbyes and gave warm embraces. As all the puppies in the town watched, Zuri slowly walked up to the highest peak on the mountain range surrounding their land. This was where the storm was the very darkest and most tumultuous and where the ancient texts said she should go. She was to jump off the peak and into a vast gaping hole on the other side. Zuri, so brave and courageous took a deep breath, whispered love to her parents, and stepped off the ledge.

Down

Down she fell.

It was dark, but also there was a small light peering through. The light grew and she heard the creak of a door. A girls voice, whispering. She saw now that she was in a cage, with smooth wire, all the way around. She stood up to see the giant standing in front of her. Her gift, for feeling love at such an accelerated rate, let her immediately trust this huge shadow in front of her. She understood she was to walk through the cage door. She hadn’t died, as she thought – or had she? Either way, she was elated at this new start. She was overwhelmed by it, so happy to see this thing called a girl and to be treated so kind. She coward and danced all at the same time, she couldn’t control her happiness.

She felt her bladder release and she shivered. Oh no – what now? “Will they hate me . . . will I be punished?” she thought. No, they only looked at her sad, then continued to love her, letting her out into the giant world to sniff and run and play. Again she was overwhelmed, and again her bladder released because she of the great love and happiness she felt.

You see, when her parents gave her this special gift, they thought she would be a puppy forever, assuming that she would stay forever in their magical land. Then when she found herself in her new world, with giants ready to give love, and she too began to grow, no longer a small puppy, but bigger and bigger still. Her magical emotions produced so much love and happiness inside as she matured, that her body could no longer contain it, and each time she was given even a small dose of attention, her brim overflowed and her heart reacted with emotion.

From there on out, she maintained a happy yet overwhelmed kind of life. She would be let out with the sunlight, and she would pee, rejoicing at the welcome from her new family. She would be told to go pee, and she would pee obediently. She would be asked to stay outside, to enjoy nature even longer, and she would pee at the opportunity for such a thing. She would be asked to come back inside and rejoin her new family, she would pee from happiness at being included. Even when her strange bald-headed ‘uncle’ rejoiced at finding a Coke in the fridge, she too rejoiced, entirely empathetic at his display of joy, and pee-ed. When he reached down to pet her, she was so excited at his presence, she would pee.

And she spent the rest of her days spreading her happy emotions wherever she went!

Watermelon - a visual narrative

2011-06-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

In a tu-tu and loving it

2011-06-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

What the REO?

2011-04-13T11:53:00.002-05:00

I had never heard the term REO before I started house hunting this time. In fact, I still don't really know what the initials stand for. I do know it means a house that has been foreclosed on and now is owned by a bank. The house that we're currently under contract on is an REO, owned by Fannie Mae. Adding to my show of ignorance, I didn't know that Fannie Mae outright owned houses either. But they do, and here we are, in a legally binding business deal with them.

The house is being sold as-is. This is both good and bad. The good is that it is in our meager price range, but located in Olympus Cove. 'The Cove' as I call it, was always, to me, a place for those people that took vacations to Disneyland that included a personal tour guide for $200 an hour and got plastic surgery for sport and out of boredom. I went to a party once up in the Cove as a freshman in college. It was at the dean's house and I figured this was a place reserved only for people older, richer, and snobbier than me. The other association with 'The Cove' was the fact that it rests on THE fault line. Now, whether or not this is actually scientifically true has yet to be been confirmed for me, but that has always been the assumption. I'd always imagined its residents, having recently returned from their glutton-ridden CA or FL vacation, sitting at their high-end granite counter top kitchen island, planning out their next unnecessary surgical procedure. All of a sudden their pure-bred prize winning Yorkshire or Pekingese starts running in circles whining incessantly. Suddenly the floor starts vibrating, and the house begins to rock. Before they know it, they find themselves next to Crown Pawn Shop on State Street. Their house has slid all the way down the mountain-side and although their house is in shambles they find their address has change to - heaven forbid - something on the West-side! If the earthquake didn't kill them, they'll die of shame for certain!

Now - given the realization that we may potentially and very realistically find ourselves living in 'The Cove', my attitude has change for all that. Are these people really so shallow, I mean really, wouldn't I get some nip and a little tuck here and there if I had cash at my disposal? Who wouldn't love to receive a history of the teacups found in Alice's Wonderland, while others watched me jump in line in front of them as I ooze with importance?

But, there is a bad part of our change of address in this particular case of home-ownership (uh, minus the potential for being swallowed up into the earth at some point, or running out of body parts to have stretched, augmented, or 're-done'). Logically, to get in the neighborhood, in our price range, the house would have to be in pretty shabby conditions. When normally the inspectors report is clean, with small notations of 'could use a better shade of blue in the bathroom' or 'the grass is too green and the garden could use some weeding', our inspection received yesterday for The Cove house was slightly more daunting. To summarize from the handy-man husband, "Well, all the plumbing and electrical needs to be redone." My reply was, "So he didn't find major issues with the water seeping into the foundation to the basement? That's good I suppose."

But, there I lay in bed all last night, fantasizing about which color blue I will in fact put on the walls of the newly plumbed bathroom, how I can get that grass a good green, and just how gorgeous my counter tops will look shimmering in the sun as my house slides west.

Death in the Workplace

2011-04-13T11:25:00.000-05:00

A co-worker of mine died last night. He was 45 years old and suffered an extreme heart attack Sunday afternoon. He was not feeling well at church, so he went home, while his 5 kids and wife stayed for the rest of the session. He was found later, and by the time he made it to the hospital, he had been deprived of oxygen for some time. They put him in a medically induced coma and he never came back.

He wasn't a close friend. In fact, I'd only talked to him directly maybe twice. One of those times he told me that the guys over by where he works with said I was a nice person. I made a joke or two, mocking the compliment. I didn't know if he was being serious or what exactly was meant by it. This is because the guys he works with are all very nice men, in their late 40's to 50's - all family men. But, they always compliment me on my 'boots' when I wear them, or my skirts. It would be sexual harassment any other place, but I take it as restrained and innocent. As my friend Jenny puts it, "If I found myself down a dark alley with any one of them, I would feel safe. Creepy Joe, however, I would be worried." Joe is a guy in the department that sits next to us, and is true to his name - just creepy.

Anyway, this co-worker, now passed, was distant to me, but very close to several veterans there, which is why I found it so strange that they were all at work this morning, as if nothing had happened. I mean, life does go on, no doubt, but so soon? When I read the email announcing his death, I imagined swollen red eyes across the floor, people calling in their absence because of overwhelming grief. But, as the morning progressed, there was none of that - not even from one of his closest work 'friends'. He was over by my desk talking to someone about getting a database server running to print letters appropriately.

All this got me to thinking about my own death, and more specifically my own early ending, still employed and interacting with my work peers. Would Ryan or Jenny, or my boss just go on with their days? Would they feel saddened by my loss, then go on to think about what that means for them professionally? My boss may consider the task of having to hire someone new and the monotonous hiring process he'd have to start. How soon would he put in for a replacement opening? Would my work be divided up and people get annoyed at having to finish up my projects in addition to their own?

When I moved to Texas and then back again, I was surprised both times at how easy it is to lose touch with the people you worked with, at how you could go from seeing someone everyday and sharing little antidotes about you life, and assuming you were creating a bond. Then you get a new job or change locations, and you find that without seat placement or common work, you really have nothing in common to keep you in touch.

I suppose that is how it is with any relationship - high school friends, college roommates, or ex-boyfriends. You always feel like you will have time to connect back with those people at some point, until, that is, a co-worker dies and you realize how temporary it all is and that maybe keeping connected to people isn't what it is all about. What matters is the impact they made on you at the time they were in your life and not how long they were in it.

Prayer Hope Wish

2011-03-22T11:27:00.002-05:00

Long story - ignore this post.

The Blanket Graduation

2011-03-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

E graduated to the big blanket my mom made when she was first born. It has been sitting in her closet for over a year now, tucked away and saved. To me, it signifies her hitting toddlerhood, more so than transitioning away from her bottle or primarily eating baby food. Bittersweet.

First Photo Club Submissions

2011-03-22T11:19:00.002-05:00

The themes were Food and Open. Too bad I lost my camera card with the pictures I took specifically for the contest!

Happy B Day to E

2011-01-12T14:07:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics of a very simple 1st birthday party for E. After the holidays and much family togetherness, and because E had an ear infection and 3 teeth coming in, we opted to keep it small. In viewing the second picture, can't you just tell she was having the best time of her life!?

Notice the sweet lipstick. . .

And Grandpa stuffing his face! Ü

Recent Things

2011-01-12T13:55:00.000-06:00

C decided to help by feeding her little sis. E wasn't so excited, but went along with it for a couple scoops.

We took a jaunt to the elementary school to ride the sweet new scooter Santa brough C. Too bad it was colder than Siberia! Freakin' tundra!

E has a new trick - Peek a Boo!

C showing off her 'Crazy Eyes'. She gets that from her daddy.

Miss Independent

2011-01-12T13:49:00.000-06:00

So C won't dress herself, wash herself, sometimes even feed herself, but, she has decided that she is now a big girl and big girls do their own hair! So next time she's on the pot yelling for me to come in and help her out, I am going to have to remind her that if she is big enough to do her own hair, she is big enough to take care of the wiping! Gross. . .

More Family Pics

2011-01-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

Pics

2011-01-11T18:05:00.000-06:00

I need to edit more

2010-12-30T10:41:00.001-06:00

A choice curse word popped out of my mouth as we were sliding down the hill in this morning's snow storm. "Sorry C. Didn't mean to say that."
"That's okay mamma. I know you are totally losing your mind."
Rewind 5 minutes before, as we are getting into the car. I told C to go around to the other side of the car, but she reminded me that her car seat was over on the drivers side. Then I mis-located my keys. "Ugh, I am totally losing my mind!" was my reply.

This just in:

2010-12-17T13:03:00.001-06:00

If Aliens come down from space, then Daddy would shoot them, because they take away little girls, moms, baby sisters and Clark. But, C has lots of hiding places, like the living room, the pantry and the closet. Maybe even the basement.

Tea at the Grand

2010-12-12T15:21:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of some 'lady-friends' and I at Grand America tea last Sunday. I had the pumpkin spice tea, others had chocolate cream, raspberry, and gingerbread. Yum! I think it would be a fun thing to go do for C's b-day in a year or two. There were also huge gingerbread displays and candy window displays done by the people who used to do the ZCMI ones downtown. Pretty 'sweet'!

E the chubby little reindeer

2010-12-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

E at ToysRUs with reindeer antlers on. She kept them on for a whole 2 minutes. It was awesome. We have to do what we can with Clay Clay at Aunt Bers (see pic below).

Actual Church Dress

2010-11-18T13:34:00.000-06:00

Here are the girls all ready to go to church on Sunday. I bought a dress for C last week (man, what is it with us and dresses lately?). While she was not totally keen on the idea of not wearing a long shirt underneath and the fact it didn't have an actual princess anywhere on it, she was willing to compromise. Notice the Wicked Witch! tights.

E holding her ears and her new love of the binky.

Pretty Princesses - SAH day 5

2010-11-18T13:28:00.000-06:00

True Story

2010-11-18T12:26:00.000-06:00

The last dress I bought was a maternity one for a wedding 4 years ago. Prior to that, I think it was my seminary graduation in high school. So, on Monday, I went to the mall with C and happened upon a really cute store. I tried on a dress, and since nothing was bulging, overflowing, or sagging, I figured it was a keeper. As I was paying, I asked the mall sales associate his opinion of it, just on a whim, and the following conversation ensued:

Me: What do you think of this dress?
Employee: Oh, yeah. I really like that dress. My mom just bought that same one last week actually.
Me: Oh. . . Just curious, how old is your mom?
Employee: She's 47.
Me: Oh. . . Well, maybe I'll get this purple one instead. (same cut)
Employee: It might be better than all the floral prints anyway. Actually, the black would be more slimming.
Me: Oh. . . Okay. I guess I'll get the black one then.

And that is why I won't be buying another dress for the next 10 years.

Death of a Tree

2010-11-18T11:59:00.000-06:00

Napping Dog-watcher

2010-11-12T17:01:00.000-06:00

Not a very good picture, but I thought I would post it anyway. E was looking back behind her to yell at Clay, who was outside. He was outside, because E kept feeding him her dinner, which is fine and dandy until he would get frustrated because she wouldn't let go of the food. He'd nibble off whatever wasn't clenched in her fist, then gently nip to get the rest. This didn't go over so well the morning before, so to avoid a mishap, we put him outside. ANYWAY, she fell asleep in between watching him and yelling at him to come over to her.

Day at home 3: The Path and Bad Mommy Award

2010-11-05T17:48:00.001-05:00

Today is the third day I've been home with the girls since I went part time two weeks ago. It was a lovely day - E slept until 9:30, I cleaned the house, C made a path with placemats, towels, and bounty. All was good until C wouldn't go down for a nap. I told her that I would let her make a gingerbread house after her nap, but when she wouldn't go down, I told her it was gone. She got so upset, she cried herself to sleep. I hereby give myself today's Bad Mommy Award!

So now the question is - since she eventually went to sleep, do I pull out the GBH and let her decorate it? Ugh, parenthood sucks sometimes.

4th Birthday Party

2010-10-27T01:12:00.001-05:00

So, we've been having really amazing weather for the whole month of October - like 80 degree weather. Summer hadn't ended yet. It must not have got the memo or maybe the fairies were on vacation and didn't bring in autumn like they were supposed to (clearly, we watch Tinkerbell A LOT at our house). Anyway, that coupled with the fact that I decided to do a big bash for C's 4th birthday that would absolutely require it to be outside was perfect cause for a big A winter storm to be a-brewin' all weekend. While I did contemplate taking the rest of the valium perscribed by my dentist, I decided that needed to be saved for my upcoming root canal - blah - and with my dear husband calming me down (while simultaneously thinking why the H does she plan this stuff . . . yes dear, I know what you are thinking. We've been married for way too long not to) we did a half in half outside party that turned out to be chaotic fantasticness (totally a word). However, I've decided maybe an every other year big party is the way to go. So, for E, since last years literal Birth Day was a big deal, we'll give her a box of tissues to mangle and we'll be good to go.

Bowling for the first time ever, and C got a strike. Yay!

Halloween Dress Rehearsal

2010-10-27T00:54:00.000-05:00

C is a WICKED WITCH! like from the Lizard D'Val

E is a butterfly. Here she is chasing a pink balloon. And yes, it is a hand-me-down costume of C at age 1. Sucks to be the younger sister, but I really don't think she cares much, as long as she doesn't have to keep the hat on very long.

2010-10-27T00:47:00.000-05:00

What the hair hawks!?

She gets that from Ben's side of the family. he he he

Follow-up to the P-Ness

2010-10-27T00:39:00.000-05:00

This here is a follow up picture to the p-ness picture I took of C around this age, dedicated to Uncle Jake. I dedicate this picture to my dad (and I supposed to John Denver).

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy!

Napa

2010-10-27T00:36:00.000-05:00

My sister Kris and I went to Napa for a weekend on a trip sponsored by Westminster alumni. It was absolutely amazing. Even though I was away from the girls for a couple days, it was really a lot of fun and so relaxing. To be there right at harvest, with HUGE grapes hanging on the vines, and to learn all about the process of wine making and actually getting to taste $130 bottle - ah, perfecto!

Warmer Days 2

2010-10-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

C's first hopscotch. . . she embellished some of the numbers, but has become quite the expert on the old school game!

Just an all around bad situation.

Warmer Days

2010-10-27T00:19:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of C and E about a month ago. C LOOOOVVVEEEES to hold her sister. In fact, she will not let her stand, crawl, move, etc. I think it is because she is so motherly and sincerely concerned for her safety. Drives me nuts, but E is making progress on the walking front, so I think she'll be able to run from her big sis soon.

Freakin' Computer

2010-10-27T00:09:00.002-05:00

So, my updates have sucked because my computer is ancient and stopped being able to read a memory card. Anyway, I'll be loading some updates of E, C, and all things going on at the Werrett's. I've decided this blog is my way of avoiding scrapbooking and yet still maintain some record of my kids growing up and our life. On that note, I am adding pics of Napa, which, shocker . . . contain images that may otherwise be found offensive to some. I say get over it, you might say what the? Life is too short and busy to worry about what everyone else thinks, right?

On that note, an interesting thing happened the other day. C was getting ready for church (yes, church) and I told her she had to wear a dress. First she asked "Why?" I said that is was because we had to conform social norms in a patriartical society. She asked "Why?" again, and I simply said because that is just the way it is. She said "Oh, okay momma, so I want to wear Cinderella. Okay?" Sure, sweetheart, sure.

But with the dress came the blue bead necklace, the plastic princess shoes, and the sparkle crown. Ben decided to put up with almost all but the crown, where he finally drew the line, a firm stubborn line. So, after about 15 minutes of tears and random attempts at reasoning to a 4 year old, the crown stayed home.

I asked my step-mom what her thoughts on the whole thing were, since she witnessed it all. She said she wouldn't have let her wear any of it. Her reasoning was based more on the mean-ness of children, which is totally reasonable, but I am pretty sure that in this case, a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds would be okay with the princess look. Besides, I said 'Well, people will talk to talk, so I guess if it is about that, I am okay with it.' Oh, so cynical am I. Maybe I'll figure all this religion stuff out one day.

Ponies and Cows

2010-10-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

We took our first trip to Thanksgiving Point's farmland. We learned that B thinks horse rides are as scary as the swing-set, that goats lick a lot, and that my baby has a bright future in equestrian sports. Thanks Shirene for helping me on being Utah kid friendly savvy!

C on a big A horse

Round and round we go - I get a workout!

That's right - the 10 month old is riding a pony

So happy on the cow seat. Say "Cheese!"

Take the picture already! My face hurts. (yes, that is a Cinderella dress)

Halloween here we come!

2010-10-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

Halloween is probably my most favorite holiday, and now that Christmas has totally squished Thanksgiving and is threatening to do the same to the end of October, we retaliated by celebrating it beginning in September. Actually, this was technically a 'harvest party' at Wheeler farm, but as you can see, it was more focused on pumpkins than cornstalks. The good and bad of it was that it was like 90 degrees that day.

Chloe at the craft table, painting pumpkins

My friend Laurel and baby E

The famdamly

Movie Night

2010-09-20T19:43:00.002-05:00

Who wants to watch "The Lizard D'Val" with C?

Red Butt

2010-09-20T11:52:00.001-05:00

Our first trip to Red Butt, I mean Butte, was fantastic. I can see why Irena visits it so often, with the sand toys, giant lizards, and water feature. Wore the kids right out! I'm going to have to make this a new spot to frequent. But what the H with my kid posing like a super model in the background? Yikes!

This is what happens...

2010-09-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

When mamma is out of town. . . C didn't have an ounce of sugar until she was 12 months old. E, being the second child and all, has moved way past that and onto golden fried potatoes. Naughty daddy!

Kids say the darndest things

2010-09-07T11:21:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple funny things I've written down recently from C:
C: Mama, you see that moon up there in the sky?
M: Yes. I see it.
C: Do you know what that means?
M: What?!
C: It means that Santa is going to come to my house trick-or-treating on my birthday. And then it will be snowing. Isn't that neat?

------------------
C: Mama, you know what I love?
M: What?
C: I love you.
M: Thanks C. I love you too.
C: Yep, and daddy can be loved by baby Emme. They can be best friends and we are best friends.
------------------
M: C, what do you want to be when you grow up?
C: A princess. And you can be a princess too when you grow-ed up.
M: Then what will daddy be?
C: He will be a prince.
-------------------
C comes up to me holding a big rock.
M: What's that?
C: It's a momet.
M: A momet?
C: Yes, and it is really really hot. It's 5 years old, so it is super old! It came from the sky really big!

Jumbo Thighs

2010-09-07T11:14:00.000-05:00

We are officially the meanest parents ever. Or maybe the funniest? E started crawling this weekend, though, so the chubbers will come off in no-time. Then we'll have to go back to making fat jokes about Clay Clay.

My Happy Little Angel

2010-07-27T15:37:00.000-05:00

Who didn't want to have her picture taken. How did she go from 3 to 16 so fast?

Chubbers

2010-07-27T15:35:00.000-05:00

Good thing we've introduced solid food so this kid can finally get some meat on them bones! She is just wasting away!

So Far this Summer for Chloe

2010-07-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple picture of some things Chloe's been doing this summer. . .

Sliding

Boating

Working in the yard

Balancing

Chalk Art

2010-06-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the Chalk Art Festival at the Gateway. Kris was a participant, making a magnificent drawing of Einstein. She is so super talented! I told her to start her own business doing murals. She said she'd do it for free - not the best for business, but at least it would be a lot of fun.

Ode to the Forgotten and Lost

2010-06-16T14:14:00.003-05:00

You came into our world as a gift, making our day brighter than could possibly be imagined. You travelled with us down the road of life, to the valley of the city, filling us with companionship and joy. But too quickly our attention was drawn elsewhere, to sprinklers and Barbie movies and baby sister. So quickly, in fact, that you never even made it into our most personal of spaces - a place you imagined to be full of warmth and light, with bedding and carpet, and perhaps, even similar happy objects as you. But alas, you stayed afloat in the garage, on the cusp of inclusion.

Over the next two weeks, the burden of being a forgotten one weighed heavy upon you until finally, submitting to an arms-reach loneliness in a solitary captivity, you no longer needed to be tied down to stay put. You began to resign yourself to your new environment. Your captors mocked you by coming and going as they pleased, at times not even realizing you sat there, craving their attention, desiring only to be noticed, mentioned.

And yet when all seemed lost, there was a glimmer of hope. A brother had made a daring escape of his own, a black metallic capsule soaring adrift above your caged existence. Higher and higher it went, up up up, and you saw at once where you wish you could be but had not dared to try for before. And as if your muted shout for release was heard, your captors reached for you, pulled you out of the darkness of your confinement into the slow grey of dusk.

But you were hesitant to let yourself go and be carried off into the optimism the starry sky held. Were you too weak, too beaten down by negligence to make such a risky task successful? And most of all, was this only a cruel trick played on you? So, you held back, laid low - a mistake, for you quickly realized that you risked a worse result - your captor to be re-engaged again with you, fall in love again with the possible world of entertainment and amusement you had been that day that now felt like so long ago, only to be cast out again but now so aged, you would be deflation by rejection and discarded as if you were no more than common trash. No! You knew what you wanted and where your destiny would lead, and in a flash of an eye, you let yourself be carried up with the breeze, above the outreached hands of a now tearful young thing. You crept carefully past the smooth ominous power lines, as if the danger they possessed energized your plight further.

At last, the thin air of atmosphere breathed on your cellophane a cool reminder of your drive for freedom. Having a final glance below, you saw the impact of your perilous flight, your initial hesitance leading to just enough time to create a reconnection resulting in deep regret. Letting you go was going to be an exciting event, as you could be united with your brother floating not so far above. But now you see a saddened hysterical blur below, realizing that your path was now vividly permanent, wishing with all her might that you would somehow reconsider and return to her for what she had promised to be a fulfilling and loving relationship you had experienced that fine day so long ago.

Summer Swimmers

2010-06-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

Here is a pic of C and her 3 cousins: Jake, Nikky, and Brylee. They were playing in the backyard during the weekly Sunday Dinner get together. Nik decided topless was the fashionable look this season - how brave! This picute will be saved for future prom-date showings. Ü

Thomas the Train in Heber

2010-06-04T14:39:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of our trip to Thomas up in Heber. It was like 40 degrees (is it May? Are you sure?), which was actually good, because it had all the makings to be really crowded, but it wasn't. The Heber Creeper was more creepy than I imagined, rusted out and clunky, but that made it all a little more exciting. As you can see, E has found her hands and mouth go well together. Chloe kept putting her hand up to E's face, and she'd automatically stick her tongue out. And is it just more, or does the sunglasses holding my hair back make me look just a little butch? More makeup - I need more makeup. Ü

2010-06-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

With Emme being 5 months now, we decided it was time to attempt to get her eating solids. She hasn't quite got the hang of it yet, but the kid loves to eat. I just know as soon as she figure out how to keep her tongue from sticking out whenever the spoon goes in, some happy blissful eating will ensue.

Smile!

2010-06-04T14:31:00.001-05:00

Here are some new-ish pictures of Chloe and Emme taken from the phone. The one of just E shows the girthy-ness of the child, with double chin and squishy cheeks.

Back in UT

2010-04-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

Well, we've officially been back in the beehive state for a month now. We decided to come home after I had Emme and having so many crazy things happen while I was on maternity leave. It ended up working out amazingly well, and it is great to finally feel like we are on the right path in life. My dad has very kindly let us move in to his house, Ben is working at Aspen, I will be starting a new job at the beginning of May, and we've found a fabulous place for the girls to go during the day.

While we haven't enjoyed the weather AT ALL, especially the snow this morning, it is nice to be back near the mountains, family, and all the restaurants we've missed. We've started C in swim, soccer, and gym to keep her busy and so far it's been okay. 3 year olds playing soccer is a pretty funny thing to watch. Mine was interested for the first 5 minutes of the game, then wanted to sit on the side-lines and play with her 'stuffies' we brought along.

I was going though some old pictures and found this one of Emme taken when she was about 2 months. Too cute. She is 4 months now and doing well. She's in the 95% percentile for weight, 75% for height, and 50% for her head. So, I have a big, kind of long, average headed baby. :)

E and C

2010-03-21T10:12:00.005-05:00

Park Pictures

2010-03-15T13:18:00.003-05:00

A good friend of mine has decided to start her own business as a photographer, primarily doing animals. Since we have a dog and cute kids (Ü) we thought we'd help build her portfolio. Here are a couple shots she got yesterday. Unfortunately, it was cold and Emme slept the whole time, so we kept her covered up and comfortable.

Emme 7 Wks

2010-02-25T12:13:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures I took of Emme last week. She is quite the model. Now to get some pictures of both girls together. . .

Throw-up Blogging

2010-02-17T17:28:00.008-06:00

This is what you'd call throw-up blogging. It is similar to when you don't go shoe shopping for months and walk into a store and buy 4 pairs. That would be throw-up shopping; also something I am known to do on occasion. Here, I've published several posts all in a row in one day. So much for using this site for 'in the moment' scenarios. Now it is 'in the moment several days later as I might remember it originally being' scenarios.

This situation is happening because both girls are shockingly asleep at the same time and have been for the past 2 hours and 34 minutes (but whose counting?). Instead of cleaning the house, doing the dishes, ironing, laundry, or starting dinner, I am posting all the things I've been trying to for the past 3 weeks. Seriously. I haven't had two hours daylight to myself in three weeks. Unofficially I did on Ben's birthday because he was home taking care of us, but I was sick with the flu and only wanted to curl up into a ball and die. That, by the way, is a totally different kind of throw-up completely unrelated to the shopping and blogging examples stated above.

ANYWAY, here are a couple more pictures of E. Two are sooo goofy, and the other is so sweet. These show her with the start of her Eczema, but she's all clear now and beautiful. :) And now I am off to check and make sure everyone is still breathing.

Them ur big, ain't they?

2010-02-17T17:15:00.005-06:00

First there was strep throat, twice. So I canceled the appointment. Then there was the flu. So I canceled the appointment again. Then there was the labor, the holidays, and the stomach flu, so I held off on making another appointment. Then there was more stomach flu, but it was short lived and no fever, so we were finally good on the third appointment. I called the ENT appointment girl so many times, I almost invited her in to watch the birth of my second child; we became that close. Well, third times the charm and the big fleshy drool causing snore arousing apnea making boulders in the back of C's throat were successfully removed.

The surgery center was amazing, like they had done one or two of them before and knew what a three year old would need to make it though without requiring therapy bills in her 20's (movies, wrist bands for your stuffed puppy, and happy juice - who knew!).

The worst part is getting her to take her medicine EVERY THREE HOURS, but otherwise, piece of cake. We are able to get really creative on our coercion tactics. I think at this point, Ben and I would be able to convince the president of PETA to fashion a lynx scarf and Ben's dad to chug a beer (ha ha . . . love you Paul.).

And then there is the slight bribery we've had to incorporate for the dreaded Pink Medicine. We love pink alright, but definitely not when it comes to medication. But the purple ones are all right. C on Loritab has been a fabulous thing, which is something I never would have imagined I'd type.

Now to get both the girls off this every three hour routine, and out of my bed!

Snow, Stories, and Naptime

2010-02-17T16:08:00.003-06:00

Below are some recent pictures.

Here is Chloe playing in the snow. That's right, SNOW. We got about 4 inches here in Dallas. She was able to 'play snowballs' and build a snowman. Unfortunately, we only had cotton mittens, not the heavy duty ones that actually keep the cold out, so our activities outside stayed frequent, but limit in time.

Here is Ben, E and C reading a bedtime story (thanks for the book G and G Werrett). Who knew Emme liked nursery rhymes already.

And here is an interesting picture. I was getting ready to vacuum the house, and C was helping me. We had to go do something else for a minute, so she put the vacuum to bed while we finished what we were doing. Notice that it even got a baby rattle to make it sleep better. Then she decided to take a little nap next to it too - but just for pretend, as she said.

Busy Busy Busy Blah

2010-02-16T19:56:00.007-06:00

So I've been trying for the past week to get pictures loaded to my blog, but I think my computer is on strike and is no longer cooperating.

So looking back over the past 8 weeks, here is what's been going on in general in our lives. . .

- C had strep throat twice

- C had Influenza once

- We celebrated Christmas

- E was born

- We celebrated New Years

- Family came

- Family went

- C had the stomach flu

- C and I had the stomach flu again (on Ben's Birthday)

- 3 parents went to the hospital for various reasons

- E got a wicked case of Eczema

- E got a not so wicked case of cradle cap

- C got her gynourmous tonsils out

. . . and Ben got 10 new gray hairs from it all. But, we are alive and surviving and that works for now. :)

Today

2010-01-20T12:52:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple pictures from today. First is lounging on the couch, then Emme with a smile, and finally, we are fixing our hurt leg. Apparently watching a movie makes our leg hurt. I don't know why, but that is what I'm told.

2010-01-19T11:38:00.000-06:00

And more pictures

2010-01-07T13:40:00.002-06:00

Because that is all anyone wants to see. :)

p.s. I put on my 'normal' jeans today and they actually buttoned. That's right - normal jeans. Yay! Now, there might be a little muffin top happening, but that isn't the point, is it?

A couple more pictures from the hospital

2010-01-03T22:08:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this world

2009-12-29T10:50:00.002-06:00

After 24 hours, we've agreed to a name: Emerson "Emme" Thais Werrett. She was born at 10:48 am, only 3 hours after being induced. She came out so fast! 6 big pushes and there she was, with her hand raised in the air on the way out. She is 8 lbs 7 oz and 19.5 inches long.

A little gingerbread with your frosting

2009-12-24T09:01:00.003-06:00

Last night our two little friends came over to decorate gingerbread houses and exchange gifts. It was such a good time! C's room looked like it had been picked up and shaken like a snow globe, but that just means all had fun. So glad we have the Creswells and Thieraults.

Camera Happy

2009-12-24T08:46:00.002-06:00

So she might not be the next Ansel Adams, but there could be a future in photography here. I had to share some pictures, since C is so into taking her own pictures lately. So artistic.

2009-12-19T06:18:00.004-06:00

It's been so long since I posted anything, but for good reason! We've had a lot going on I suppose. First we sold our house in Lewisville and moved to Grapevine while we figure out what we are doing. Then Ben changed jobs - still at Fidelity, but FINALLY on a day shift. It was C's third birthday, then Thanksgiving, and now getting ready for Christmas and a baby. C's been sick, which has been miserable, but I am confident she's had every virus possible the last 30 days and will have no choice but to feel better before Christmas! Oh, and two weeks until the baby's due.

Anyway, it is 6 am and I am up, so thought I'd post a couple pictures of the Flower Mound Christmas Parade we went to last weekend and a cute picture of C with her santa headband on (thanks Judy!).

Pictures of Chloe as she nears age 3

2009-10-13T21:33:00.002-05:00

Ghetto baby's Lazy Boy

Cinderella, starting early

Look Mommy, I'm a daddy!