tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72792102011-10-08T07:09:18.396-04:00Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.comBlogger1481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-53130879473690343152011-07-23T20:27:00.002-04:002011-07-23T20:28:55.965-04:00

It's been ten years since we arrived in the Big Apple on the Fourth of July in 2001. In true kiwimommy fashion, I made this video to document the decade. Enjoy!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-75034495799398510162011-06-15T23:36:00.000-04:002011-07-09T23:41:49.005-04:00

15 on the 15th! He may have been the "Golden Boy" for this birthday, but exactly who blew out those birthday candles?? :-D

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-18341498610500574132011-06-10T23:35:00.000-04:002011-07-09T23:36:09.657-04:00

Kit was having his Golden Birthday this year. That means that he was turning the age of the date of his birthday: 15 on the 15th. {Did you get to celebrate your golden birthday? I did, only because I had an awesome hubby and was lucky enough to have a later-in-the-month birthday - the 27th}. For his Golden Birthday, we decided to send him to the inaugural Jackson & Jimmer Basketball Camp in Utah.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-39499011773493462022011-01-10T00:45:00.004-05:002011-07-09T22:59:43.646-04:00

Today was our baby's 4th birthday!  Yesterday's party was cupcake-themed, and of course I went overboard with the sewing.  In addition to her birthday dress and matching baby's dress, I whipped together little aprons for her party friends (to protect their party dresses while they decorated the cupcakes).  I also sewed little birthday crowns, which they each decorated with adorable

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-56555305808681407272010-12-31T20:12:00.000-05:002010-12-31T20:12:43.398-05:00

The last day of the last month of 2010. I liked saying "twenty-ten".  I hope to hear the trend continue with "twenty-eleven".  I cringe just a bit whenever I hear someone utter "two-thousand and eleven". So here's to a FANTABULOUS twenty-ten, and all best wishes for an incredilicious twenty-eleven!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-67119214141139888062010-12-23T20:49:00.000-05:002010-12-23T20:49:58.792-05:00

Another Merry Christmas is my wish for you.  May you enjoy a blessed holiday.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-10054721211021353452010-12-17T12:00:00.016-05:002010-12-17T18:45:53.492-05:00

Just over a week ago, there was an early-morning knock at our door. (Okay, "early-morning" is relative, but it was before 8:30am which is early for any kind of courier delivery in domestic Manhattan.) It was the arrival of Chrome's CR-48 - the new Google notebook. I had answered the "Would you like to test drive a Chrome notebook? Apply now" link at the top of my Chrome browser, not even 36

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-19908946076288018592010-11-23T19:36:00.006-05:002010-11-24T01:12:04.975-05:00

This link to a NY Times article was emailed to parents today by my son's school principal. It's all about today's generation of teens (with focus on a specific high school) and the effects of constant media in their lives. Always multitasking. Immediate gratification. Constant visual and intellectual stimulation. Distraction. Absence of time for cerebral rest to process and assimilate

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-23622761490931323522010-11-01T22:27:00.003-04:002011-02-03T00:08:14.405-05:00

Another pic from our fun and full Halloween weekend. This is Kit as a Cullen, dressed up for a YM/YW's party. He had the most fun riding the bus to the event, and laughing at the stares and comments he received. We also had fun taking some last-minute pics and turning them into this short video.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-80406889011486093762010-10-31T23:33:00.004-04:002010-10-31T23:38:21.157-04:00

From our family, to yours.Wishing you a wonderful kick-off to the holidays.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-32678027895462605642010-08-19T04:39:00.006-04:002010-09-08T06:26:40.267-04:00

I just alighted from a little piece of heaven, into the balmy air of Japan. My flight was in Business Class - and I'm telling you, the business was comfort! Just LOOK at the amount of legroom I had! Now, I am an economy girl. The last time I flew internationally in business class was when Supertrav and I emigrated back to the USA, and Kit was all of 22 months old. We flew United Airlines,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-61165179577524226012010-08-16T16:08:00.002-04:002010-08-17T11:12:50.467-04:00

It can't be the end of summer. It's only 16 August, and the equinox isn't until 23 September, and it was barely spring the last time I blogged. Nevertheless, for me summer is over. I leave for Japan in two days for another NABUCCO, and by the time I get back, it will be hours before October.I guess that's what happens when you spend five weeks in SUBURBAN PARADISE. The kids and I trekked out

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-20783595891993411022010-04-05T14:22:00.014-04:002010-04-06T13:29:08.123-04:00

I love Easter. I love all that the spring season represents (rebirth, renewal, awakening), as well as the surrounding beauty which usually accompanies the time of year. I love to commemorate the resurrection of our Lord with scripture and meditation, and most of all - MUSIC! Some of my favorite church hymns are Easter anthems! So when I am deprived of the chance to sing those praises on the

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-51087756557607718242010-04-03T00:08:00.002-04:002010-04-05T14:19:52.230-04:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. Supertrav and Kit were off to the Priesthood broadcast on Saturday night, and J-bird and I looked forward to our We-Get-to-Stay-Home-and-Make-COOKIES-Together-While-Dad-and-Kit-Are-at-the-Priesthood-Broadcast with sweeeeet anticipation. Contrary to my usual reports with loads of pics, I think this one sums it up, perfectly. :-)

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-45851853622849079502010-03-22T10:15:00.004-04:002010-03-22T10:17:26.639-04:00

With emphasis on the HAPPY!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-28069828899671928822010-03-16T14:39:00.008-04:002010-09-08T06:24:58.781-04:00

So what, I'm only going to post once a month, now? Perhaps. I think winter is like the dry season for me. I looked at last year's stats: January 2009 had six posts, February had two - and then dry until June. Seriously, I could've done that again this year and really, who would care? ha!I decided to blog a bit today, simply because I couldn't have my last post from February 18th be my most

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-69085122062986663062010-02-18T12:33:00.005-05:002010-02-19T12:54:13.466-05:00

This year's remembrance. Miss you, Mum. This WomanThis woman I love, but do not know,Whose touch nurtured and calmed me, had to go away.Her voice spoke my name, murmuring her love. If she called out to me now, would I recognize her honeyed tones?She is a woman of deep mystery. In her thoughts I will never delve; her mind I will never explore. She remains Undiscovered. Unseen.But, ah! yes,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-53759272319223128552010-01-09T23:04:00.005-05:002010-01-09T23:27:07.006-05:00

Come to our party!End of a long and happy day.Happy Birthday, J-bird! We love love love love you.Oh - and p.s.The mock up and the final outcome:

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-60418112905216503942010-01-08T22:52:00.001-05:002010-01-09T23:19:10.133-05:00

In keeping with the whole Winter Fun theme, I really wanted to create a "winter wonderland" feeling with the decorations. I started cutting out (with Kit's help, too) and stringing up snowflakes. I thought strands of snowflakes and blue balloons would create a fun atmosphere. This is the BEFORE pic:Work is under way.Then Supertrav came up with the brilliant idea of adding white fairy lights and

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-71434980173215911682010-01-07T23:49:00.000-05:002010-01-08T01:55:24.198-05:00

I've decided to go with a winter theme for J-bird's b-day party on Saturday - snow and snowmen in particular. Why not play up the whole January theme? While considering what to do for party favors, etc. I came up with the idea of making little monogrammed scarves for each of the kids. Only five were invited, so it didn't take *too* long - and the cost was minimal. Yay for minimal cost!! I

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-44924437101915799102010-01-06T16:10:00.004-05:002010-01-06T16:13:06.216-05:00

Yes, it's for her baby doll. I stayed up until 3am making it.I think I'm totally out of control.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-38958587370502825842010-01-05T20:47:00.003-05:002010-01-05T20:54:48.868-05:00

After a short hiatus, I decided to face the dragon and finish the dress. Last night, I must have spent five hours just trying to place the zipper. I completed it today, only because I was too mentally exhausted to finish it last night! HA!So here it is.Here is the lining.Here is the back.I am extremely proud of my efforts, and pleased with the dress. I'm glad that I didn't give up, and I'm

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-36988377120688080472009-12-31T18:02:00.004-05:002009-12-31T18:06:03.351-05:00

TODAY......I added the trim to the skirt.......sewed the panels together, and gathered them at the waist......and then basted the skirt into the bodice.I can see the end to this madness from here. The view is calm and serene.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-33908660131365723762009-12-30T23:54:00.000-05:002009-12-31T02:00:43.824-05:00

Close up detail of bodice.Skirt panels cut and sewn, and bottom hem added.Not a lot in the way of progress forward, but a lot in the way of hours worked. I won't even mention how many hours for the resulting pittance!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-45524117623158293222009-12-30T12:51:00.001-05:002009-12-30T12:52:14.201-05:00

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-11789650291706259172009-12-29T13:56:00.009-05:002009-12-30T00:40:20.229-05:00

I have already posted my ambitious sewing project for J-bird's 3rd birthday dress. Yesterday, I began sewing. I started with the collar, because I knew it would be the most challenging part of the dress. I was right. Adding that little bit of trim made it pop - but it nearly made me pop, too! Over three hours later, it's finally finished after finally resorting to hand stitching. I told you, I'm

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-81031488812208223682009-12-24T11:17:00.002-05:002009-12-24T11:19:22.769-05:00

'Tis the season! May yours be filled with love, joy, and humor.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-90145765184836333412009-12-11T12:44:00.002-05:002009-12-11T12:47:24.222-05:00

To your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ♥-- Oren Arnold.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-77178952299505113722009-12-08T21:56:00.002-05:002009-12-08T22:03:11.196-05:00

Me: (smiling) Are you sitting on the potty? J-bird: (nose in the air) Yyyyyyyyes.Me: Did you do anything, yet?J-bird: (nose still in the air, eyes closed) Not yet. Ya gotta wait.Looks like we won't be waiting much longer. Since Saturday, our household has been diaper-free, and today J-bird definitely turned a corner. Her satisfaction with her accomplishments have been a great reward for all of

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-38396505773102992552009-12-02T22:14:00.013-05:002009-12-08T12:41:14.538-05:00

Remember the birthday dress I made for J-bird's 2nd birthday? Well, 'tis the season once again, and I'm on the quest for new ideas.Last year was a little frock I whipped up using some gorgeous Amy Butler fabric I found while in Utah last November. It wasn't what I set out to make, but I fell in love with the design as soon as I saw it on the bolt. Amy Butler's fabrics are amazing - a good,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-84674397381060651272009-11-30T10:01:00.000-05:002009-11-30T10:02:09.537-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-26810959601630105732009-11-12T17:36:00.005-05:002009-11-12T17:39:31.101-05:00

This clip used to be five minutes long. It's now 37 seconds. Ah, Life!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-25180621136605151042009-11-11T15:23:00.015-05:002009-12-08T12:44:01.524-05:00

There are certain events in your life that become defining moments. They vary in importance - the birth of your first child, your first time on roller skates, holding hands with your first crush - the list goes on. My list would have to include the first time that I saw Star Wars. I was in elementary school, it was in the movie theater a few months after its release, and I had no idea what to

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-46445808512476455992009-11-10T11:03:00.005-05:002009-11-10T11:33:33.960-05:00

How could I not make a special post to wish Sesame Street a happy 40th? That paragon of the GenX childhood - now so far from where it started. But aren't we all, decades later?A couple of years ago, I posted a link to a NY Times article which cited the noted differences between Sesame Street then and now. My favorite line from the commentary? "The milk looks dangerously whole". HAHA!! That

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-62786517409521663452009-11-03T14:53:00.035-05:002009-11-18T14:45:14.954-05:00

Generation X.My bloglist has long included GenX blogs - blog numbers which seem to be growing every week. GenX is raising its voice. Fellow X'er Jeff Gordinier, in a recent TIME magazine interview, said,"I think Gen-Xers were feeling colossally invisible. All the mass-media oxygen seemed to be sucked up by baby boomers and millennials. The baby boomers were turning 60, and that's all you heard

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-73405663621778204582009-11-01T11:35:00.001-05:002009-11-04T11:49:15.314-05:00

Halloween this year was fairly low key for us. We had tentative plans to attend the Halloween parade mentioned in my previous post, but the weather was just too icky and wet to make braving the cold worth it. Instead, we stuck to the festivities at our church building, which provided trick-or-treating, games, and a costume parade.J-bird was a lovely little "Nose Wipe", as she calls the

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-20086368120307694912009-10-29T14:47:00.005-04:002009-11-05T10:14:12.046-05:00

Today, the love of my life turns 42. This man is a wonderful and caring father to our children, always putting their needs before his own. He is a sensitive and loving husband, who cherishes our marriage and me. He is a provider and protector - and my dearest and best friend.Happy Birthday, Supertrav! I love you.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-65093424858769493772009-10-27T22:25:00.002-04:002009-10-29T14:53:02.848-04:00

This was our dinner tonight. Frightening, isn't it??BOO!!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-80318033723581990862009-10-27T12:17:00.012-04:002009-10-29T14:53:17.743-04:00

This year, we're going to try something new. In addition to ( or instead of...haven't yet decided) our ward party, we're going to participate in a smaller, children's parade.HALLOWEEN PARADECome in costume and bring a lit Jack-o-Lanternand bag of candy to a very special event. Follow the path to south entrance of the park. Place Jack-o-lanterns on benches for trick-or-treaters to enjoy! Prizes

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-22894728337236619232009-10-26T10:43:00.003-04:002009-10-27T12:45:24.156-04:00

My mother would have been 65 years young today.Happy Birthday, Mum. xo

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-46463126123228282612009-10-19T11:25:00.009-04:002009-10-29T14:54:01.641-04:00

I believe most people are familiar with the term "inner child". I have long been interested in the profound and lasting impressions made by an individual's inner child - and especially how those early beliefs shape the adult they are to become. I regularly reflect on the beliefs I am instilling within my own children, and I do my best to be aware of the truths I am impressing upon them, as well

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-51811767742844276362009-10-04T22:27:00.000-04:002009-10-06T11:49:29.544-04:00

Conference Weekend - my favorite! I have really enjoyed the last two days, filled with messages of love and admonition. Elder Bednar's council for more diligence and consistency was a "head-nodder"! I was deeply moved by Elder Holland's passion-filled testimony of the Book of Mormon. My soul was inspired by Pres. Uchtdorf's charge for us to "be known as a people who love God with all our heart,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-84874435371857379792009-10-03T22:14:00.002-04:002009-10-05T08:47:07.792-04:00

Last year I decided to start a new tradition with J-bird, called the We-Get-to-Stay-Home-and-Make-COOKIES-Together-While-Dad-and-Kit-Are-at-the-Priesthood-Broadcast. Since it's October conference, this would make it the semi-annual We-Get-to-Stay-Home-and-Make-COOKIES-Together-While-Dad-and-Kit-Are-at-the-Priesthood-Broadcast edition. It is interesting for me to make particular notice of the

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-2796805242635156502009-09-28T13:44:00.003-04:002009-10-05T13:52:51.809-04:00

Every summer, Kit goes back to Utah to spend a month or so, just being a suburban kid. Last year when he was 12, he went on his first scout hike. He really jumped into the deep end by completing a 50-miler in the high Uinta mountains! Last night, our stake held its Court of Honor and Kit finally received the patch he earned last year. He also earned another nine merit badges this summer, but

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-40681769937326734402009-09-14T10:30:00.003-04:002009-09-14T23:00:04.202-04:00

One may or may not remember my post from a year ago, where I stated how nervous I get when singing in church. (Utter ridiculous-ness.) Yesterday - strangely 52 weeks exactly - I sang again. I was stunned by how un-nervous I was this time around. Maybe my dumping of feelings last year really was some kind of release? Maybe it was because I really, really, really loved the song? I don't know.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-26005797643945696132009-09-11T09:51:00.028-04:002009-09-14T23:40:27.664-04:00

We moved to New York City just months before 9/11. This pic was taken as we drove into the city across the GWB. You can see the towers standing boldly on the edge of Lower Manhattan.Supertrav was hired at his job only weeks before the tragedy. He was such a new employee that his supervisors didn't have his phone number to tell him not to show up at work on 9/12. He was the only one who did,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-85201240173852228072009-09-10T18:25:00.001-04:002009-09-14T10:29:18.770-04:00

I decided that today would be a good day for J-bird to have her first go at making bread. It's kind of funny, as I don't have many "goes" myself, but I faked my way through it. Besides, who doesn't love freshly-baked bread?She took to it like butter to honey - which was absolutely delicious once the loaves emerged from the oven.A nice day at home.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-79208861410746769222009-09-03T10:21:00.000-04:002009-09-03T10:22:19.514-04:00

Not the smelly kind, but a little cheesy nonetheless.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-60711965008730587012009-08-31T22:46:00.007-04:002009-09-01T10:14:47.962-04:00

I know...you've been on pins and needles since my last post from oh, this morning. Haven't you? Well here is the Big Reveal.Where once was lumpy, smooth.Where once was moldy, clear.Where once was inadequate lighting, well, er...lights.Where once were those horrible plug extensions which stretched around the rooms above the floor molding, sparking every time you plugged something in them,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-39346623247211034512009-08-31T00:43:00.004-04:002009-08-31T00:59:36.990-04:00

Remember when I posted the pics of our old apartment, taken after the place had been cleared out? The post was dripping with sentiment and sighs, and sentences about how much we'd miss it?You don't??Oh. Maybe that's because I NEVER DID.So here are some pics - but only because I have to make this post in order for my next post to have any impact!View of living room, and hall back to bedroom, taken

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-1011677923267259362009-08-28T12:22:00.005-04:002009-08-28T12:32:13.161-04:00

I've designed a new website for my voice studio. I hope to add some more students, and I figured this was the most cost-effective form of advertising.You can't beat FREE. :-)Check it out!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-1764718724471033232009-08-09T20:25:00.002-04:002009-08-10T09:26:26.048-04:00

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-58059250899406856542009-07-15T11:35:00.001-04:002009-07-15T11:42:15.087-04:00

Please check out http://blackfamilyfund.blogspot.com. This is a fund-raising effort for my brother Jake, who has Hodgkin's Lymphoma - a cancer which attacks the immune system.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-49258783999805290892009-07-15T08:46:00.004-04:002009-07-15T09:31:02.990-04:00

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHH!!(But he's pretty cute, so I guess I'll keep him.)

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-80367531015722700642009-06-22T13:54:00.006-04:002009-06-22T14:03:25.321-04:00

As is the routine on Mondays, I've been doing laundry. Even though Saturday was the big clean-up from Kit's Maine trip, sure enough Monday morning rolled around and he found more clothes stuffed in his backpack. They were dirty. And wet. Ew.Let's just say I insisted he put them in a bucket of water and Lysol to soak.Well this is the part that I just had to share - I just received this email

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-90343225311286854722009-06-22T12:16:00.010-04:002009-06-22T14:12:20.699-04:00

Kit returned home from a two-week school trip to Maine, on a Natural History of the Northeastern Seaboard course. He arrived back, safe and sound, late Friday night. The bus was due to arrive at 9:30pm, but didn't until nearly 11pm - so it was after midnight when I finally got to give my now-13-year old son a big welcome home hug.I wrote, "now-13-year old son", because he had his birthday while

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-31948010320794702372009-06-20T21:32:00.003-04:002009-06-22T13:01:37.408-04:00

I just had to post this snapshot of J-bird. Completely scrumptious, in my book!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-87458172598929714002009-06-16T15:25:00.008-04:002009-06-17T11:10:41.727-04:00

All right, I admit it. I have been avoiding the Blog. It's not that I have nothing to say, or that what I *do* have to say isn't worth blogging. It's just that . . .. . . things are so different now.In an nutshell, this is what has happened since my last post (cleeeeear back in February):1. We did our taxes.2. We cut up our credit cards. Every last one.3. My brother was diagnosed with

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-45644004112377540632009-06-15T10:40:00.008-04:002009-06-15T10:46:23.832-04:00

Happy Birthday to a son who is talented in all areas of his life, a great friend and buddy to others, a loving brother, inspires good, and is a joy to have in our family. The last 13 years have been truly wonderful (and so much fun) - and we look forward to your bright future!Have a GREAT day! xoxo

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-3284300040616458452009-02-18T11:44:00.003-05:002010-02-19T12:54:41.805-05:00

Remembering my beautiful mother today.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-52035674141658146722009-02-04T11:02:00.001-05:002009-02-04T11:02:44.841-05:00

1. I am creeped out by cracked mud.2. I've skinny-dipped in the Mediterranean. Twice.3. I sailed on a boat to America as a child. Okay, it was a luxury liner - but STILL!4. I have a stitch in the little toe on my right foot that keeps the tendon connected.5. I started babysitting when I was eight years old.6. I once thought that all of Wyoming looked like Jackson Hole. I still think my husband

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-9946996925768953642009-01-15T22:10:00.000-05:002009-02-03T22:59:19.469-05:00

On Inauguration Day, I was in Phoenix for another AIDA. Luckily we had the morning off and were able to watch the ceremony. There are blogs-ahoy about that beautiful event, which wax much more poetically than I could ever dream to write. So instead, I will share some of the photos I managed to snap while J-bird took in the broadcast. Some day, I hope she will treasure them as much as I!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-40980321015793652422009-01-09T22:03:00.001-05:002009-02-03T22:10:52.061-05:00

It was a beautiful day.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-62225244525050610452009-01-09T11:00:00.011-05:002009-06-22T13:57:40.019-04:00

Our two year old was on the Today Show with Al Roker! J-bird and I headed down to Rockefeller Center. We hopped on the subway with SuperTrav and Kit, as part of their going-to-school/going-to-work routine and SuperTrav was able to walk with me to the Plaza. Not one minute after I stood with the crowd, Meredith walked over and chatted with us off-air. You see, I strategically took along a sign

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-90150821069057440222009-01-08T07:43:00.000-05:002009-01-08T15:43:50.588-05:00

J-bird's birthday dress is finally finished. I am pretty pleased with the result - and the best part about it is that it will be worn by a two-year old. That means that the flaws on the dress will be motion-protected! heh heh hehPics with J-bird wearing the dress are forthcoming. I mean, she can't be seen in the dress before the birthday, right? That would be bad luck! (I did have to wrestle

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-7636349653179180472009-01-06T22:54:00.007-05:002009-01-07T00:23:20.142-05:00

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-73897936148278179202009-01-05T14:41:00.007-05:002009-01-08T22:07:32.113-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!The advantage of having a post-holiday baby is that it really helps to eliminate the imminent slump of spirit that usually follows Christmastime. The disadvantage of having a post-holiday baby is the tendency to put off the birthday preparations because one is so busy with Christmastime! Add to that my trying to get ready to leave this weekend for a three-week gig singing Aida,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-29427966416415675252008-12-24T21:01:00.000-05:002008-12-26T09:03:59.424-05:00

From our family to yours.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-17169365332451502082008-12-18T19:24:00.010-05:002008-12-19T01:24:53.023-05:00

...his company's Holiday Party goes fromAn all-you-can-eat buffet and open bar with dancing and a DJ - at CHELSEA PIERS (complete with a chartered bus to and from the office in the MetLife Building above Grand Central Station)toAn email memo saying the pizza is on the desk behind him and the soda is on the desk in front. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.Oy.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-23721329981819816272008-12-07T13:37:00.012-05:002008-12-08T09:59:27.680-05:00

"What's on your playlist?" - a question referencing mp3 players and their accompanying lists of songs. Quite often, my life feels like a giant playlist. I can't think of a time or event in my life without a concurrent song! Seriously. You name the year - the *moment* - and I'll name a song that was popular. The same is for the reverse: I can hear a song and rattle off half a dozen life

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-38968470771599249022008-12-04T21:55:00.004-05:002008-12-04T22:03:23.003-05:00

I have been looking for this for ages. AGES, I tell you! And now I have found it on YouTube.Ladies and gentleman of the internet audience, I give youThe Greatest On-Screen Kiss Ever.EVER.Prepare to swoon - and to be ever dissatisfied from henceforth with all others.From William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" starring Yul Brynner and Joanne Woodward (1959)

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-68169642988242211162008-12-04T14:50:00.004-05:002008-12-04T14:55:45.303-05:00

Regardless of how I would or would not have voted, had I been a California resident, I do think that the following is relevant.Scott Gordon discusses the impact of California's Proposition 8 on members of the Church and introduces a series of FAIR Web pages on the topic.The passage of California Proposition 8 during the November 2008 election has generated a number of criticisms of the Church

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-83850715707120977572008-11-24T23:29:00.002-05:002008-11-24T23:32:18.827-05:00

SuperTrav, holding up his left hand with his ring finger wrapped with a velcro twist, says:"Do you like my new ring? It's made of velcro - because I'm stuck on you!"Awwwwwwwwwww!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-54091255667116568642008-11-20T11:34:00.006-05:002008-11-20T22:09:39.965-05:00

Jena-bird took her tenth plane ride last week, back to NYC from UT. She was a trooper - but I'll tell you, the final leg of our trip from JFK-home nearly did me in. Since living in NYC for the last seven+ years, we've had three options regarding transportation to and from the airport.1. Cab2. Friend with a car3. MTA (public transport)Option #1 is by far the most expensive. From Upper

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-76063958715770146692008-11-10T15:01:00.007-05:002008-11-10T18:07:17.838-05:00

I had a life-altering experience the morning after I arrived in Utah.It was completely unexpected.It was shocking.It was exhilarating.It warranted an immediate call to Trav, back in NYC. To his direct line at work.It was actually a rediscovery. A re-experience, if you will.I ran smack into something I haven't seen in ten years.My cyber-friends, I give you Tim Tams.What are Tim Tams, you ask?

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-28671800366987370582008-10-15T23:01:00.001-04:002008-11-10T18:10:23.586-05:00

As long as I'm discussing the challenges of urban life, let me add transportation to the list. Sure, the subway is convenient and definitely cost-effective when compared to an SUV...but it takes planning and a lot of time. (I'm not even going to discuss the issues of crowding, crazies, or overall filth.) Just getting across town to our stake center takes as long as driving from Provo to SLC,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-76195857064199031382008-10-15T14:29:00.035-04:002008-10-16T00:17:16.623-04:00

Living in a small place in a big city has its challenges.Manhattan is prime real estate, so space is always an issue. Getting four people and two cats to fit into a one bedroom apartment in Upper Manhattan is an accomplishment worthy of blogging, in and of itself. (Especially when two of those four people are constantly in a growth spurt.) In our seven years here, we've learned a few things

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-82827983227082526032008-10-13T12:13:00.014-04:002008-10-15T16:19:37.802-04:00

Don't be fooled by the lovey-dovey turtles across her chest, nor the vintage crystal earrings. This is the face of an enforcer. No wait...The Enforcer. With a capital T and capital E. J-bird has firmly toddled into the age that loves routine. That craves routine. Oddly though, when I tried to perform a Google search of what I thought was a common attribute (I mean, her brother thrived with

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-39813417681826118242008-10-08T14:01:00.022-04:002008-10-08T15:15:41.439-04:00

You may remember that in my previous post I mentioned a particular style, for which I had no name. It involved beautiful, simple coordinating colors and items, etc. Well - it DOES have a name. And it's all official n' stuff. It's called:WABI-SABI decorWabi-sabi is truly in the eye of the beholder. A few great examples include - a handmade piece of pottery with bubbles and bumps, handcrafted

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-50998605377035555442008-10-05T10:31:00.023-04:002008-10-05T14:38:23.428-04:00

So answer me this: Have you ever gone "blog cruising" where you start at one (friend's) blog and click on a link to one of their friend's blog which leads you to click on another link to another friend's blog which recommends a link to yet another blog...and on and on you go? Before you know it, you've wasted your baby's entire nap-time getting closer and closer to nowhere.I have found myself

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-88416181211658930452008-10-04T21:26:00.015-04:002008-10-17T14:33:43.049-04:00

Tonight Trav took Kit up to the church, to listen to the General Priesthood Session broadcast for this weekend's conference. They left early because the deacons were having pizza beforehand. That meant that J-bird and I were on our own again - which she didn't entirely appreciate. She's always with me, but she's a Daddy's Girl at heart. Right to her very core.So I decided to start a new

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-69361947439298657622008-10-04T10:23:00.006-04:002008-10-04T10:58:43.505-04:00

Ahhhhhh! Conference weekend! My favorite as a child because it meant no Sunday meetings. Now my favorite as an adult because it means no Sunday meetings. It used to include a sleep-in bonus, but that no longer applies once you have children. However, I truly relish curling up on the couch to hear the Good Word delivered via internet with a blanket and cup of cocoa. Even if the blanket it

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-60600913680083223852008-09-30T01:56:00.008-04:002008-10-01T00:38:22.372-04:00

There's something to be said about the adage, "The night is darkest before dawn". Here it is, 1 am and I am blogging. Blogging because I know that once the morning sun rises, the feelings I'm having tonight will dissipate with the ray's light. I want that. I want to feel this heartache burning away. But tonight, this morning, right now - I want to record these feelings and remember them when

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-87399822080066150232008-09-24T21:09:00.007-04:002008-09-24T21:14:44.022-04:00

Since when is watching your own child called "babysitting"? I've always thought that taking care of your own was called "parenting".Huh.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-71597726969440148672008-09-22T07:44:00.009-04:002008-09-25T20:36:02.380-04:00

Daddy to daughter as he picks her up for a cuddle and a kiss, on his way to work:Have a good day, Baby. Take a nap. Eat good food. Be happy.Sound advice for all!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-30018802274672821192008-09-19T12:23:00.014-04:002008-09-22T14:49:00.039-04:00

Singers are an ardous lot - especially opera singers. Now, I realize that I don't always fit the stereotype, but I have developed a pretty thick skin. And a critical ear.As a result, it can be pretty hard for me to listen to "opera" sung in television commercials. I may wind up lamenting, "WHO is that soprano?! Couldn't they find someone to sing that properly? Why didn't they ask me, for

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-65823450287450714782008-09-18T13:53:00.008-04:002008-09-19T12:16:49.862-04:00

I am posting my first recipe! This is quite a monumental event for me, so consider yourself covered in virtual confetti and kisses.I've decided to share my recipe for Cinnamon-Chocolate No-Bake Cookies. These are a staple in our house, and have been since I was a newlywed. They're easy, quick, delicious, semi-healthy as far as cookies go, and the best part: they don't heat up your kitchen!My

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-73969218450273331382008-09-17T13:15:00.000-04:002008-09-17T13:15:59.544-04:00

I love that when Jena "reads" with a Dr. Seuss book in her lap, it goes from her waist all the way down to her toes.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-53353183527600391082008-09-17T12:18:00.012-04:002008-09-17T13:01:57.477-04:00

DD and I have some new favorites. It's especially nice that both of our favorites have to do with things that smell, well....NICE!Jena's new favorite is a game that I'll simply call, "Calling-out-with-a-loud-voice-the-owner-of-the-freshly-cleaned-garment-emerging-from-the-washing-machine". It goes a little something like this:(Blue school uniform shirt) Kit!(Blue school uniform shirt) Kit!(

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-57074825714121544532008-09-16T10:47:00.004-04:002008-09-17T00:56:27.852-04:00

It was about 1 am last night (this morning?) when I bolted upright in bed. I needed to go in and see my children.Yes, I was just drifting off into the Land of Nod, hours behind their own departure. Hubby was sawing logs for his own raft - so basically all was quiet (as quiet as a Manhattan street can be) and still. So why the sudden alertness, you ask? I don't know that I can explain much

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-58446250405096821332008-09-14T18:35:00.004-04:002008-09-21T23:34:05.249-04:00

Remember the closing line from my previous post? The whole, "And for that I will sing praises to our God"? Today I had to sing in church. If there's anything I dread more than singing in sacrament meeting, I've yet to encounter it.Why is that? Why am I so nervous to share my talents in church? Could it be previous experiences that bordered on sheer mockery from people in the congregation?

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-73226557411817084972008-09-13T10:08:00.037-04:002008-10-03T15:27:06.469-04:00

By now, I'm sure many of you have noticed the link on the lower right, "Nie Recovery" - a website dedicated to raising funds for a blogging mom, Stephanie Nielson. Stephanie, or "Nie", was in a plane crash with her husband Christian last month, which claimed the life of the pilot and left the couple in critical condition. This horrible accident is made more tragic because they are the parents

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-69718236827299025572008-09-05T23:52:00.010-04:002008-09-20T00:46:51.116-04:00

Sometimes it's good to have a little something - or someone - remind you of what's really important in life. What is it that truly matters, after all?I just had a really, really tough day. A tough day that arrived after a very eventful and promising week, however. It snapped me right back into my reality, and that's not exactly my favorite place to be.There is a long story behind this post,

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-30101714633640818272008-08-20T22:17:00.000-04:002008-08-21T01:21:54.224-04:00

My baby has braces on his teeth. He's a 'tweener at twelve and has tactile armory on his teeth! They were just put on yesterday afternoon, so today was his first day. He was SORE! Oh, I remember those days, and I pity the poor boy. I'm glad school doesn't start for another two weeks, because the boy needs the time to get used to the metal.It's a milestone, putting braces on your kid's teeth.

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-43460045930802425532008-08-09T11:46:00.011-04:002008-10-15T13:36:24.425-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!This year, I was upgraded.In a **BIG** waywith **BIG** being the operative word here.Look at this ring! Isn't it breathtaking??! My diamond was replaced, and all I'll say is that it's now bigger than 1 carat, but smaller than 2. My ring is - in a word - spectacular. Just like my man.I have to admit that it feels a bit strange to be walking around with a rock like this on my

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-92005866691454897422008-07-19T13:24:00.001-04:002008-09-19T13:28:39.053-04:00

Just a quick post, since it's been a long time since my previous. Aida is going very well. I just love being in Logan - enjoying the ease of suburban life with cool mountain air, trips to Aggie Ice Cream, swimming lessons with Jena, and a daily morning workout routine at the Sports Academy. What a life! What ever will I do when I have to go back to NYC?!

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-80228541573665282912008-06-16T13:17:00.003-04:002008-06-16T13:26:43.600-04:00

Yesterday was Father's Day, and I was able to spend it with my own dad. I can't remember the last I was able to do that! More than seven years ago, that's for sure. I really enjoyed the time. We had a picnic in the backyard (where the heart-breakingly gorgeous photo of Jena was taken by Olya - positively beautiful work, Oly!) and Jake and his little family joined us, too. Jonas is such a

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-69744523657133998642008-06-06T07:46:00.004-04:002008-06-06T07:48:17.289-04:00

Kit got a haircut! I can't believe how different he looks with it - and so much more fair. Look at my blondie!He leaves for Puerto Rico in the morning, six hours after my flight leaves for UT. What a kid! xo

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-1437237080100156672008-06-05T12:24:00.008-04:002008-06-05T12:44:07.845-04:00

Yeah, so like...uh-huh. I'm stressed. And I mean S T R E S S E D. I have 41 hours left, before I have to leave for the airport. Yup, that means I have a 7 am flight to Utah - giving me a departure-from-the-apartment time of approximately 5:30 am. Which means waking up around 4 am. Which is only 39.5 hours away.And I haven't practiced since Tuesday.Today is Thursday. Okay, okay, I did

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279210.post-25065455157661371862008-06-02T10:15:00.002-04:002008-06-02T10:22:37.229-04:00

My darling hubby saw this excerpt on the subway, and thought of me. He thought that I would like it, so when he came home, he looked it up and shared it with me. He was right. I LOVE it.-------------------------by E. B. Whitefrom "Here is New York" (1948)There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born there, who takes the city for granted and

Kiwimommynoreply@blogger.com0