What We're Into

Thought I'd hammer out a little post about what each of us is into and up to lately.  It's a great way to update!

First, Andrew: The good news, you all, is that I married Russel Crowe. The bad news is that he's not Gladiator Russel Crowe, he's Beautiful Mind Russel Crowe. Watch the movies and you'll know what I'm talking about. Andrew is into studying right now. Crazy, bleary-eyed, all-consuming studying. Here is a picture of what he's turned our bedroom into:

I look at it and laugh, then feel stupid because I understand 0% of it. Very grateful he's working so hard for us, though! Way to be dedicated, Roo!

Andrew is also into BYU Basketball. Sometimes he tries to combine his two loves. Just tonight, he told me his friend was coming over to "help him study for Neuro." Direct quote. As I'm upstairs getting Asher ready for bed, I hear enthusiastic voices and vigorous clapping and feel shocked but proud my husband is so passionate about Neurology. Atta boy!

It made much more sense, however, to discover they were watching a BYU game. But with open books. ;)

Finally, Andrew is into the Political Scene. He has been watching the primaries very closely, tuning in to most every debate and reading all kinds of articles. He is a big time supporter of Romney's policies (hence the "Mitt'08 sticker he refuses to remove from our car), and if ever I wish to engage him in conversation, have only to make brief mention of what's happening on the campaign trail.

 

Sarah: Dole's Ultimate Caesar Salad kit. It is the best salad I've ever eaten from a bag. Maybe ever eaten, period. This all-natural Ultimate Caesar takes this romaine-based classic to a new level. With shaved, authentic Parmesan and Romano cheeses, artisan-style roasted garlic croutons, delicious cracked pepper-herb seasoning and Dole’s Own Caesar Dressing, it’s a salad to savor! ...okay, I just copied that from their website, but it gives you the idea.

I didn't even know I liked Caesar salads until this little beauty entered my life. Yesterday, Asher (yes, even my two-year-old loves it) and I ate almost the entire 4-serving package for an afternoon snack. Say whaaaat? I felt both proud of and disgusted with myself. It's lettuce! Healthy, right? And I'm teaching my son to love leafy vegetables. Wait...creamy dressing. Cheese. Croutons. And you ate almost the whole thing? Sarah girl. You nasty.

But I digress. The bottom line is that you should make room on your grocery list for this stuff. But exercise restraint and share with a loved one. Who weighs more than 30 pounds.

Nivea Chapstick. Why? Because it is makes my lips feel super smooth and healthy. Like I'm applying pure moisture. I put it on every night before bed, and usually once before leaving the house. A word of caution- if I use it any more than that, my lips natural moisture production is thrown off and they seem to dry out more quickly. Someone check the science on that. Still, it's marvelous stuff. Everyone should own it, especially during these dry winter months.

Potty Training: Not me, Asher. I've been in the gold star club for a blissful 23 years. Asher, on the other hand...let's just say he's a work in progress.

Feel free to skip this part if you're eating or aren't a mom, but we've been potty training for 4 months now, with only modest success. Asher seems to enjoy going potty on the potty chair...and pooping in his pants. He went number 2 on the potty 3 times on Monday, due to the fact that I bribed him with new and exciting treats (from a party gift bag). But since I ran out of novel incentives, he's again waxed casual in his efforts. He goes potty in the toilet a few times a day, and then uses his diaper to do the rest of his dirty work. There are so many false alarms when he says "Potty!" and I rush him to the bathroom, frantically undressing him as we go, only to sit there waiting forever, then leaving with nothing to celebrate. I feel defeated.

Right now I'm studying up on different techniques (because when I'm honest with myself, I realize I'm totally clueless). I am going to have to take a more aggressive approach...I know a big rule is not to train until their ready, but if he can do #1, then he can do #2. There may be a lot of accidents in our future...but not buying diapers will be worth it. Anyway, sorry for the potty rant, and wish us luck!

Asher: First and foremost, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It started as an innocent distraction and has now blossomed into a full-fledged addiction. For months and months I tried in vain to get Asher to watch something - anything - for more than two minutes, but he never seemed interested. Now, all of a sudden, the child requests to "See Mickey House" multiple times a day. I will admit to loving the extra time for productivity, but have had to establish boundaries...parenthood is always changing. It's actually a great little show, though, and I love to see him learn and enjoy something so thoroughly.

"Ce-e-yah" - Cereal, that is. He requests it first thing in the morning, and I have come to love our little routine of pouring, blessing, and sitting down to share a bowl. He's gotten to be a total cereal junkie and honestly likes every kind he's ever tried. Especially the sugary ones we shouldn't buy. Some of his favorites are Honey Bunches of Oats, Cocoa Puffs, Honey Nut Cheerios, Kashi, and Mini-Wheats.

Green Eggs and Ham - Asher boy loves to read! He is finally sitting still and listening through entire books. He loves a lot of different ones, but his longtime favorite is Green Eggs and Ham. Tonight as we were reading it for the bahjilienth time, he actually quoted it in the voices we use for the characters. We heard him say, "...green eggs and haaaam? I DO NOT like them, Sam I am." So cute. We sure love that little chatterbox.

And that, friends, is what we're into and up to. Let us know your thoughts!