I Will Put Things Away in the Medicine Cabinet

There is a reason for the Medicine Cabinet and I will put things away from now on. Yesterday morning I spent awhile in the shower getting the Vick's Vapor Rub out of Arian's hair. He rubs his hair to fall asleep and apparently rubbed his chest before working his fingers through his hair. His teachers got a kick out of the "gel" look that remained despite a thorough shampoo. You would think I would have put the Vick's away after that! No, I am lazy. Last night, Siamak said to me, "Did you leave the Vick's by the boy's bed?" Uh oh! The container was completely emptied and Arian's forehead and legs were completely slick...never mind the sheets, blankets, stuffed animals, pj's and his HAIR again. When I inquired about it he said, " I just put it on my forehead. Oh and my legs, I didn't want them to get sunburned." Of Course!

Entertain yourself for a few minutes

I have some work things at libraries around town in the evenings these days and I had to take the kids with me the other night. I found it amusing the way Setareh chose to entertain herself while waiting for me. We were in a large room with a raised step stage, when all was quiet I looked over to find my daughter whispering 22, 23, 24, 25...as she was doing crunches with her legs on the stage and body on the floor. "This is a great room for gymnastics mom!"

Are you sure you are a toddler? Last night I was asked to speak with his cousins riding on the roof of our car. Arian said, "Can you see them through that window mom?" When I told Arian, "No, I can't see anyone on the roof of our car."...he said, "Maaahhhm, they are betend cousins!" So I betended to have a lovely conversation with the crazy roof riding cousins. This is not as amusing as Arians other little (imaginary) playmates over the weekend. "These are my RESEARCHERS, well, they are betend." The pretend researchers were playing and I assume researching with Arian all afternoon.

So our children can fly!

I heard a beautiful statement on NPR and today I feel so much anxiety gone, I am filled with hope!

Rosa Sat

So Martin could Walk

So Obama could Run

So our children can Fly

Since Nov. 5th 2000 when I woke up 5 days over my due date and when I had gone to bed Al Gore was the President and when I woke up George Bush was President - finally, I wake up 8 years later with HOPE! I have been so anxious and even last night sick to my stomach until ...we listened to the words of hope..."Barak Obama is the President-Elect!"

We opened champagne, toasted with the an also very excited Cliff and rejoiced in the streets (picture on it's way)!!!!

Witness to history, witness to promise for my children and even a phone call from a cynical Bruce about the momentous occasion before us. Anxiety is waning and hope is dawning. It was scary to bring a child into the world 8 years ago but most amazing to see her see hope for her future in this country today!

Obama elected: America's historic choice for its first black president

By David Espo The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 11/05/2008


WASHINGTON - Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation's first black president Tuesday night in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. ''Change has come,'' he told a huge throng of jubilant supporters. The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states - Ohio, Florida, Iowa and more. He captured Virginia, too, the first candidate of his party in 40 years to do so. On a night for Democrats to savor, they not only elected Obama the nation's 44th president, but also padded ELECTION 2008 their majorities in the House and Senate, and in January will control both the White House and Congress for the first time since 1994. A survey of voters leaving polling places showed the economy was by far the top Election Day issue. Six in 10 voters said so, and none of the other top issues - energy, Iraq, terrorism and health care - was picked by more than one in 10. Obama's election capped a meteoric rise - from a mere state senator to president-elect in four years. Spontaneous celebrations erupted from Atlanta to New York and Philadelphia as word of Obama's victory spread. A big crowd filled Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.

In his first speech as victor, to more than 100,000 supporters at Grant Park in his home town of Chicago, Obama catalogued the challenges ahead. ''The greatest of a lifetime,'' he said, ''two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.'' He added, ''There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.'' McCain called his former rival to concede defeat - and the end of his own 10-year quest for the White House. ''The American people have spoken, and spoken clearly,'' McCain told disappointed supporters in Arizona. President Bush added his congratulations from the White House, where his tenure runs out Jan. 20. ''May God bless whoever wins tonight,'' he had told dinner guests earlier. Obama, in his speech, invoked the words of Abraham Lincoln and seemed to echo John F. Kennedy. ''So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder,'' he said. He and his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, will take their oaths of office as president and vice president on Jan. 20, 2009. McCain remains in the Senate. Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, returns to Alaska as governor after a tumultuous debut on the national stage. He will move into the Oval Office as leader of a country that is almost certainly in recession, and fighting two long wars, one in Iraq, the other in Afghanistan. The popular vote was close - 51.7 percent to 47 percent with 84 percent of all U.S. precincts tallied - but not the count in the Electoral College, where it mattered most. There, Obama's audacious decision to contest McCain in states that hadn't gone Democratic in years paid rich dividends. Shortly after 2 a.m. in the East, The Associated Press count showed Obama with 349 electoral votes, well over the 270 needed for victory. McCain had 144 after winning states that comprised the normal Republican base, including Texas and most of the South. Interviews with voters suggested that almost six in 10 women were backing Obama nationwide, while men leaned his way by a narrow margin.

The Halloween Fairy is "Awesome"

Setareh told me about the Halloween Fairy yesterday. She said, Rachel told her about the Halloween Fairy. "And it is really real Mom." You put your Halloween candy that you don't want outside your door on Halloween night and the Fairy takes the candy and leaves you a toy! Brilliant! We weren't sure if the Fairy would come after Halloween but we gave it a shot. Setareh filled a Zip-lock Gallon bag with candy and left it by her door last night. The 1st thing out of my daughter's mouth this morning was "Awesome"! The Halloween Fairy left 2 notebooks and a cool cup. Brilliant!!! Arian got a book and hasn't really noticed his candy has completely vanished (following a Tootsie Roll incident where he had spit a slimy half chewed Tootsie Roll in the garbage because mommy had already said, NO more candy 3 or 4 times). Thanks to Rachel and her parents for spreading the word about the Halloween Fairy. It's the craziest thing too - my office has a whole basket full of candy today!

November 2008

Trick-or-Treat

Bob the Builder Yes He Is!

Bob, the Vampiress and the Crazy Pumpkin Carver

Bruddr Revealed and I Missed Him

This morning Arian's Brudder was apparently visible and I couldn't see him. Intently in the car this morning, Arian pointed and exclaimed," Look mom! Look on that little mountain up there. My brother is there - do you see him up there?" He pointed to the same place and repeated himself 3 or 4 times.

Oh I tried so hard...I looked and looked and looked. Then Ari asked, " Can you roll my window down so I can say hi?" I went along - on the freeway and all, unrolled the window and my son yelled, " HI BRUDR!" Guess what? Brudr was too far away and couldn't hear Arian. ahhh. Then, he flew away with his skateboard in his very big pocket. If you are laughing right now, let me tell you what Arian would say, "IT'S NOT FUNNY, MOM!" I said, "I've just never seen a pocket big enough for a skateboard - I don't mean to laugh."

Chief

Here is Art Leo's Obituary, much of it covers what a sweet, fun man Art was but I have a few things to say too. I found it ironic that the 1st Rosary I ever attended was for Chief's memorial service. I don't know why Steve and Sia called him Chief - but they did, so I am using it here too, then again Duders Dad must have a unique name. The reason I found the Rosary so ironic was because it was so sorrowful, so full of guilt and such a contrast to Art. Art Leo embraced and celebrated life fully. He was vivacious, welcoming, loving and so much fun to be around. If he had a slogan it would be...JUST LIVE! Diane said to me, "Can you believe Chief, Gosh Darn him." I said, that's just what Chief would said - so Gosh Darn him!!! I feel lucky to have known Art, celebrated his 70th birthday, heard his jokes and to have hit the Casino and buffet in Laughlin with him and Kay.

Arthur Troseth Leo "Poppy" 1/14/1938 ~ 10/6/2008 Art Leo passed away peacefully in Bullhead City, Arizona, with his wife, Kay, and his son, Steve, by his side. He will be deeply missed.Art was born to Albert Leo and Josephine Pagano on January 14, 1938. He was raised in Helper, Utah, where everyone knew him as "Trossie." He loved Carbon County and always felt it was his home. He graduated from the University of Utah where he developed his avid love for the Runnin' Utes. In 1961, he married Nataleen Albo and they had five wonderful children. He later married Elaine Kay Curran, and they spent the last 26 years of his life together. They moved to Bullhead City, Arizona, in 1991, where he established a successful counseling business and hit more than his fair share of royal flushes at the casinos across the river. Early in his career, Art worked for the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. He later worked in sales, and even ran his own lumberyard business. But his passion was always helping people, and he spent the last three decades of his life counseling patients with alcohol and substance abuse problems. He was always willing to help others, and he spent many seasons coaching his kids' sports teams and lending a hand to those in need. More than anything else, Art will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. He was always the life of the party, whether he was telling stories and jokes, playing his guitar, or just sharing his love for life. Art is survived by his wife, Kay; his siblings, Alberta Liapis, Catherine Mueller, David Leo, Albert Leo, Robert Leo, and Kenny Leo; his five children, Steve (Tammy), Diane Kirkpatrick, Dave (Mindy), Jane Fullmer (Brett), and Jenny Tovar (Luigi); step-children Cory Curran and Sabrina Maxwell; 17 grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Poppy;" and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Nathan; and his brother-in-law, Pete Liapis. A memorial service will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Art's memory.

Oh Brudder 2.0

Ari: Where are you going mom? My brudder's work is the other way!

Me: We are going home.

Ari: No I need to go to my Brudders Work - I DON'T want to Go home!

Me: I am sorry, but we are going home - now stop.

Ari: Oh that's ok - I'll have my brudder pick me up - he is learning to drive.

Me: Come on let's go- give grandma and grandpa a kiss and let's go.

Ari: NO! I don't want to go! My brudder just got here!

Me: Well, he can come home with us. He can sit in sissy's car seat.

Ari: Uh NO he won't fit- his Tushy is REALLY big!

Mommy forgot her cell phone, purse, and Arian's clothes and SHOES. So grandma saved the day and bought Arian a pair of cowboy boots! Good thing too - Arian's brudder was riding his horse to grandma's that very afternoon.

I think AK might stand for Alex Keaton.

Me: Arian get over here - we need to get in the car! Now.

Ari: No!! And I like John McCain!

Me: Oh - well then I guess you won't be getting in my car.

6:30am Saturday!!!

Ari: Mom can I come in your bed?

Me: Ok - I guess it is morning. You have the perfect little clock inside you -you always know when it's morning.

Ari: Yep, see it's in my bellybutton!

October

October is my favorite time of year! I LOVE Autumn!!! Everybody gave me the perfect early birthday present. My mom and dad kept the kids all weekend, Sia planned a great bike trip to Moab, it rained and rained and rained (I love rain too). Rain is great except when you are planning to bike in Southern Utah all weekend. So we had the most perfect Staycation Ever!!! Siamak and I lived it up like when we were "young..er"! We went out for garlic burgers and beer at Cotton Bottom and watched a fun Independent film, "My Mexican Shiva". Although the 1st movie we saw together was totally mainstream -we have always enjoyed independent film going! Saturday we went on a gargantuan walk in the rain - it was awesome. Then we headed up the canyon to catch the leaves turning again -awesome!!! The Oyster Bar for great food and wine and feeling like grown-ups in the big city. Even SLC can feel like the big city every once and awhile. Then we went to see "Religulous"...made us laugh and laugh and laugh and even cry to say AMEN Bill Maher!!! I am happy to see the season change and celebrate the new year with a fantastic birthday celebration all weekend!! Thank you everybody!

Siamak: Look at all of these leaves Arian. First, nature makes them green, then in autumn nature turns some this beautiful yellow, and some red.

Arian: Nature sure does put on a lot of beautiful dresses.

Saturdays

Fall Saturdays used to mean scramble to soccer, be cold or hot and watch 30 girls run around the field, keep Arian entertained and worry if I was the treat or half time mom. AHHH I love our new Saturday mornings. Everyone is entertained, we are not hot or cold, and everyone is ready to eat by noon. Soccer workouts on week nights and gymastics on Saturdays is just so much better!

Flight of a Girl

Random Happy Thoughts

• Last week Setareh and friends had an "Art Sale" - they are way too high brow for lemonade!
• My 3rd grader asked another 3rd grader...,"Who are you for Obama or McCain?" the other child said, "I don't know what you are talking about?" (Happy that my kid knows what's up).
• Arian says, "We don't like John McCain he wants to undo Obama." (Arian listens to A LOT of NPR.
• When I tell Arian, "Only cheese and grapes with your whine"....he continues being fussy but now he wants to eat cheese and grapes and even an hour later looks at a menu and says, "Do they have cheese and grapes here?"
• Arian likes for me to pass him the air guitar from the front seat of the car so he can jam out in his car seat.
• Lunch with my husband on the patio of the Utah Museum of Fine Art.
• Agreeing with my husband about the purchase of a piece of art.
• Water Wise Utah has lead to new and exiting projects.
• This week I met other only working moms in their neighborhoods who: love their jobs, worry about paying for private preschool, and private kindergarten because they think that 2 hours of public kindergarten is LAME, diversity, time with kids and family, and the guilt of it all but wouldn't change a thing.
• Just some random happiness.

Angry Annoyed Relieved

I was lying in bed this morning trying to think of a title for this post. When several thoughts came to me. It seems like it was exactly a year ago that I posted about the firecrackers that woke us up at 3 am and ....and I tried to decide if I am angry or annoyed or relieved. I guess I am all of them. Friday night at 3 am I was awakened and had another big dose of adrenaline. Here's the chain of events:

I heard the garage door make a brief noise, then go all the way up....Alarmed I told Sia to go check it out - followed with the phone in hand...he tells me the Audi is gone and I call 911.

Sia stops to notice the neighbors garage door is up and both interior lights are on in their cars (both had been ransacked)...waited for the police, a report was made, fingerprints taken...too much adrenaline for 3am!!!!! 4:30 we are back in bed without our car, and the neighbors without a fly fishing pole, which was in a case that looks like gun case. Siamak kept telling me it was kids, this is a kids crime...still too much adrenaline for me to accept that theory or think calmly or let alone sleep.

The phone rang on Saturday morning at 7am...Sia answered and said,
"Yes, yes, yes, it was stolen last night, ok let me write that down - thank you."

A very nice man had called to say, " I was walking my dog on the golf course this morning AND there was this car sitting right on the 9th hole - I called the police AN HOUR AGO and they still aren't here so I found this paper with this very unique name and looked you up in the phone book."

Now, 24 hours later, we have our car (pretty trashed) and no thanks to the POLICE - I have put all the pieces together,with all the details that have surfaced(and I don't even watch CSI I am much more a Law and Order girl but my sleuthing took a little longer than a 1/2 hour) I know exactly what happened and who done it!!! We'll be keeping our eyes out for Sia's sunglasses and some cold, not too bright kids who left their JACKETS in the car!!!I am annoyed and relieved. This could have been A WHOLE lot worse.

Such a good helper

On Monday evening, I was preparing dinner, putting away groceries and talking on the phone while the kids were outside. Setareh was such a doll, she came in and announced she had cleaned the kitty litter box for me. What a good helper!! I hadn't asked she just helped out! The conversation a little later.

Me: Setareh thank you again for all of your help with the litter.

Setareh: I even emptied all the poop and pee out of the plastic bag and put the bag back where it goes.

Me: OHHH Thank you sweetie. Next time it will be just fine to leave it all in the bag and throw it all away.

Get out your tissue

Sooo cute! Arian had orientation for the 3-4 classroom yesterday and we had a little homework for today. Yesterday the teacher traced Arian's hand and we were to take it home, apply lipstick and kiss the hand. Then my little guy would have his hand with a kiss on it to keep at school all day. Today they read The Kissing Hand in class and had his little kissed hand to feel close to mom all day. It was the best transition ever! Arian took his little traced hand with my lipstick kiss on it and walked right into class! He was fine, I needed a bit of tissue.

Staycation

This is the 2nd Labor Day in a row we have opted to stay at home and again we had a great holiday! Friday night dinner with Lynn and Bruce was a perfect ending to the long week and beginning of a Holiday weekend. Saturday, we went for a nice bike ride and enjoyed a spontaneous Margaritaville evening with Cliff, Rosemary, Lisa and Dave until the wee hours of the night. I took Arian home about 10:30 to put him in bed...the next thing I remember I woke up after midnight with Setarh and Sia just arriving home. Poor Sia...Tequila again not his friend...sadly, he might need to remember to slow down with those yummy Margarita's Cliff makes. Sunday was a nice day for me, cleaning and organizing and encouraging Sia to suck down those limes to hurry and feel better so we could head to Alta. More fun...we went to the Gambles cabin/house in Alta for a great dinner party, visit with cousins, moose siting and to welcome a fantastic storm! Monday was another perfect "stay home" day. We drank coffee in bed, watched hurricane Gustav and politics on tv, went for a long walk, a soak in the hot tub, cleaned and organized and got to bed early! The perfect Staycation!