Jeff's Favorite Things

So, I asked Jeff to give me list of things that he's into right now so I could post about it. He thought about it for a second and said, "uhhhhh, flyfishing?" Umm, yeah, we know, Jeff. Could you be a little more specific? So, after some prodding, here is Jeff's list:



Cabela's. Most of you are familiar with this outdoor superstore. Jeff LOVES going to Cabela's. Unfortunately (of fortunately, I can't decide) there is not one near us. So, Jeff has resort to perusing the cataloug until we visit Utah. That is really unsatisfying to him as there is only about 3 pages dedicated to fishing gear. Actually, it's got everything outdoorsy that you would probably ever need at fairly reasonable prices. (At least the Cabela's Brand stuff it.) Also a plus, tons of exhibits to keep the kids occupado. Who was it that called Cabela's the "Dead Zoo?" That's how I like to think of it. Macbe? Maybe. Entertaining? Definitely.
Toyota Yaris. After 6 years of marriage we are finally buying a second veichle. Yeah! My enthusiasm is unmatched. Except for maybe Jeff's enthusiam. Finally we won't have to chaffuer each other everywhere. But this isn't about me, Jeff is a ridiculously thourough researcher. After a few weeks of research, I think Jeff has decided on the Yaris. He could pretty much tell you in detail about every stat and feature associated with this veichle. I am SO glad that Jeff get so into this stuff. It makes it really easy for me to not care and leave it all to him. SO, research away, Babe, I'll be on the couch watching "Idol."

Fruit Leather. Jeff informed me that other than salty snacks, this is his favorite. It is very nutritious and yummy too. Anybody know where you can buy these in bulk? The only place I can find them is at the checkout where you just buy them individually.

Politics. This is the big one right now. Jeff comes home from school and CNN in on. If the TV is in use, it's CNN.com. Jeff is really informed and loves to talk politics with anyone. It's often a topic of conversation with us, usually with Jeff explaining the finer points of the messed up political process of our country. Election years are fun.

Swimming. This is Jeff's prefered method of working out. We have a family membership to the YMCA. It's great because Jeff can go swim then lift weights all in one stop.

Trout Bum. Who knew watching people fish could be so exciting?! Pretty much anything asscoiated with fly-fishing is Jeff's favorite thing. I couldn't write the list without including a fishing plug! These DVD's actually are pretty fun. The make Jeff excited and sad all at the same time. One day, Jeff, you'll be able to go on amazing fishing expeditions, I promise.

Anna's Favorite Things

Little Einsteins, a.k.a. "Pat, pat," is Anna's favorite show. The characters ride around in a rocket powered by patting hands on knees. Anna loves the patting, music (all classical), and singing. I have to admit, it's a pretty clever little show.

Mickey's Birthday Surprise is currently Anna's favorite book. We must read it at least 10 times a day. The best part: I picked it up at a second hand store for $1.00. Money well spent.

Orange Juice. She would drink it all day, every day if I let her. Often I'll ask her if she wants milk or water, she usually thinks about it for a couple of seconds, looks up, and declares, "Juice, mommy."

Some Babies. Another favorite book of Anna's right now. The premise of the book is a mother trying to put her toddler to sleep. The baby keeps asking mommy to talk about "some babies." The mother talks until she can't stand it anymore, trys to change the subject to no avail, and eventually falls asleep. All the while the toddler keeps asking for "More some babies." Funny, though, Anna loves hearing about all the babies and I try my hardest to tolerate reading about them. We reflect the story a little too closely I think. The things we mothers do for our little ones...

Suckers. Lollipops. Dum Dums. She'll take anything she can get. Their lifesavers for me in the grocery store or restaurants.

Baby Stella. Way to go Grandma Marlene! Your Christmas gift has gotten much use since we've home. This soft, plush doll is so cute. Anna especially loves to bathe and change Stella. I love seeing Anna playing with dolls. It's the repressed little girl in me I think. (I blame Josh and Dan for smashing Alice's face in. I'm pretty sure it scarred me.) Thank goodness for living vicariously through children, right. ;)

Binkies. I know, I know, it's probably time to break Anna of this habit. She is SO attached. I only let her have them at naptime and bedtime. Ideally she likes to have three at once. That way she can juggle them, sucking each for 5-10 seconds and then switching it out. She even does this in her sleep. Hillarious, really, but potentially getting too old... In case you were wondering, you can buy the "Shilo Pacifier," featured a above, for a mere $17,000 on Fifth Avenue. (Named after Brad and Angelina's baby, of course.)

Hot Dogs. Another parental failure. The kid loves a good dog and I'm ashamed to say we go through them pretty quickly. Jeff is working on extending her palate to brats and sausages. So far Anna has enjoyed all tubed meat presented to her.

Jumping on beds. I know we shouldn't indulge, but it's just so cute when she comes in our bedroom in the morning and jumps all around us. Its just a memory I always want to keep. Jeff and I reluctantly waking up, light streaming in through the windows, and Anna, beautiful and bright eyed, giggling in the pillows.

The Tuckahoe Library. You would think we were heading into the parking lot of Disneyland when we drive up. Anna claps and yells, "Yeah!!! Yibary!!!!" everytime, without exception. I love it. Thanks goodness it's free. (Except for the fines that I inevitably rack up.)

Thanks for indulging me by reading these. I just don't want to forget...

A Series

Inspired by other blogs, and since nothing interesting ever seems to happen in January, I am starting a three part series of our family's favorite things. Oprah style, if you will. First up: Anna Mekel.

Swimming at the YMCA

Jeff had the day off for MLK Jr. day so after a yummy hot breakfast (thanks Jeff!) we relaxed and enjoyed just kind of hanging around. We originally wanted to take a drive out to the mountains, but after an 11 degree night and a projected 34 degree high, we decided it would be kind of pointless.

Instead we made plans with the Nelsons and Shermans. We first went to Cheeburger, Cheeburger, and got some dinner. Then we headed across the street to the Y to swim. Unfortunately Nate had to study so the Shermans stepped out early.

Swimming was a blast. I thought Anna might be a little nervous swimming since it's been since summer since she's had a swim. She proved me wrong, though, and jumped right in the deep end with Daddy. We spent the rest of the time jumping off the side, throwing Anna around, and giving many piggy-backs through the water. So fun!

Daddy and Anna

Just about to jump in.

The Nelsons: Stacie, Kevin, Lindy, & Maylie

My Favorite shot: The girls were laughing so hard while they splashed their feet.

Anna Mekel 21 months

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In a Tight Spot

I was determined one day to get Anna down for a "normal" nap while staying at my parent's house. Anna had been up late the last three nights and we had skimped on the naps. Needless to say, she needed sleep. After enduring her crying and calling for Mommy for about 45 minutes, and feeling quite defeated in my resolve, I caved and went in to try and convince Anna to go to sleep.

This is what I found:

Anna immediately stopped crying, held up her supposed accomplishment, and stated the obvious, "Diaper, mommy." Yes, I see that. After taking off her pants, removing her wet diaper, and attempting to put her pants back on, she found herself a little immobile. No wonder she had been calling out for me. Sorry, Anna. Next time, hold on to your britches, I'll be coming.

The Utah Children's Museum

A couple of days after Christmas Jeff, Anna, and I went
to the new children's museum at the Gateway with Jeff's sisters, their kids, and his mom. We had a GREAT time. I highly recommend the museum. Anna had such a fun time. Her favorite part was, surprise, the living room of the play house where the BOOKS were. She was so excited to find them. She gathered all the picture books up and then went through them one by one.

A close second was the water exhibit. It was only after Anna was wet up to her elbow and all down the front that we realized there were water aprons available to avoid exactly that. Normally not a big deal but when it's 19 degrees out...



At the end of the day it didn't matter because we had such a great time with everyone. We only wish we could make it a regular outing. Ahhhh, the woes of living 2000 miles away from family.