A Tempest in a Teapot

In an effort to be PC at Conz school this year, they had a "Winter Concert" instead of a Christmas one. Kind of sad, but I understand. However it was after Christmas with no Rudolph or other innocuous holiday songs. Instead they performed "I'm a Little Teapot". Oh well. It was still cute as the dickens (just not Charles).
Tip me over and pour me out (and in case you are wondering, yes, that's a teapot on his HEAD)
They also performed the perinneal holiday favorite "One Potato, Two Potato"The Big Finish!
The program was very fun (including the after party in the dressing room with cookies and punch) and a good time was had by all. Especially Mommy, who breathed a huge sigh of relief that she could actually stand up out of the crouching position required to take these pictures.

He's My Sunbeam

I have been so negligent of my blog! I am sorry, it's just heavy things have been on my mind. However, all around me, lots and lots of happy moments. Here is one of my handsome new Sunbeam, his very first day:

Connor is doing as well as can be expected when, well, you're Connor. Here is an exchange I had with a lady at church (heretofore known as LAC) as Connor and I were walking down the hall a few weeks ago:
LAC: Oh! Is that YOUR little boy? He is so CUTE in Primary!
Me: Why thank you! I hope he is being so GOOD in Primary.....
LAC: (Pause) He is so CUTE in Primary!
Sigh. He does love his teachers. They are a cute young couple. Around our house, we like to play the "Name Game" as in "Connor, if you had a baby sister, what would you name her? - One recent response? "Brother Ellis"!

Little Red Riding Hood

Nope, I am not about to tell you a (horrifying, imho) bedtime story. I want to invite you to join me for an event this June (5th to be exact)! Little Red Riding Hood is an annual bike (as in bicycle, sorry my Harley peeps) ride up in the Cache Valley. It is an all girl ride to support womens' cancer research. I have gotten the word of mouth low-down that this is great fun in a beautiful setting. There are 5 different routes to choose from 18, 35, 57, 80 or 100 miles. There is the promise of "endless food" including a chocolate fountain at the finish line (if that ain't incentive....). If you would like to learn more go to: http://www.bccutah.org/lrrh2010/
If you would like to join me, let me know. I signed up for 35 miles, but may up that as race day gets closer. I have been hitting my spin classes pretty hard, so maybe I will feel sassy - but I won't do over 57 miles. Maybe. At any rate should be a good time, great cause. Lonny & Connor are going to cheer me on. They would be happy to cheer for you too!!

Pardon My Silence

Whew. Made it through January...tough stuff with a lot to deal with. Changes at work, the loss of my friend (you never know how much that will knock you through a loop and boy did it ever), a little bit (sometimes a lot) of discouragement but good things going forward! I will post more later, but the highlight of the month is that potty training may be finished! (for Connor, that is ha ha) This of course means we are planning our trip to Disneyland (my word is my honor). Also, we are working on a seperate blog on adoption, that will serve as a new profile for us and hopefully as a forum to educate. Very excited about that, but more later. I will be flying to California in March to say a final (earthly) good-bye to Gwen and spend time with my friends. Finally, working on bookin' the gigs for the summer...let's just say that it may be time to gear up for the Zoo again! So my focus has been all over the place. But I am grateful to everyone for their kind words and support...it is such a blessing to have all of you when the chips are down (dooby doo down down). And thankful for a husband who patiently endures. Love to all! And more blogging soon.

Saddened

Gwenda Marie Williams - February 23, 1967 - January 3, 2010

I learned this morning that a friend of mine has passed away, unexpectedly. Gwenda was one of my California friends, who had recently moved to Montana. She was my roommate for years and I loved her very much. She is a member of that family that I have created for myself and was the little sister I never had. She had the most infectious laugh (and we made each other laugh...hard) and a smile that surely would light up all of Big Sky country. She is the mother of a 5 year old boy, Logan, and I hope that Logan is always reminded of what an incredible person his mom is. My heart, to put it simply, is broken. I am devastated. I am sorry that we had lost touch since I moved to Utah, but we had reconnected in the last year or so, and I am so glad that we did.

May we remember that life is indeed precious and fragile. Please remember to tell the people in your life that you love them every single day. And to my little Nood, I am so happy that you are at peace. Peace did not come easily for you in this life, now may you know it in abundance. I love you. The world will miss you. Deeply.

UPDATE: To the Cali connection....Jimmy and I are putting a memorial service together for her in OC. Stay tuned for details, but will probably be the second Saturday in March - we were aiming for her birthday, but will just miss it. If you aren't in Cali anymore and can't make it, e-mail me your memories and we will read them at the service - probably will be at HB! Thanks

In Other News....

Connor started Sunbeams today. He looked so very handsome and grown up! Will post a picture soon (as soon as I figure out my new camera, that is)

New Link

If you have a minute, check out the link to a blog I came across...Because Adoption Matters. It is for anyone that has ever adopted, is hoping to adopt, who has been touched in any way by adoption or just supports it. I am looking into getting a link to our blog on there, I am so impressed! Happy reading!