Memorial Day

My friend, Kara and I decided to plan a little BBQ for Memorial Day and since they are house sitting at a gorgeous home, we had it there. When we got there, Kara's husband, Garrick was boiling water to put in a kiddie pool they had set up outside (it was a windy day, maybe the in the 80's, so it was a little too cold for the kids). We tried to get Oliver to go in a few times, but he didn't seem too interested, so we let it go and all went inside to chat while the kids played. About 10 minutes later, Oliver comes tromping inside, completely soaked, but only on the front side of his body. He let out a little wail when he saw us, calling us to his rescue. We tried to figure out how he got that way but we were stumped. It did get him in the pool, though. Here are a few pics of the kids playing.

Still not liking the idea...

Warming up...

Loving it...

These next few are a few random pictures of one day when Oliver discovered the colander and literally, would not take it off his head for hours.

Another day in the Land of Enchantment

I was at the airport recently, sitting on a bench at the baggage claim. I was sitting near the conveyor for special sized baggage, and noticed a big dog kennel come out and stop. A woman and her two kids walked up to it. The lady seemed a bit flustered and hurried. I saw her trying to cut something that was holding the kennel shut, but she wasn't getting anywhere so I approached them and asked it I could maybe help with my keys. My keys wouldn't cut the plastic ties so she went off to find scissors and I went back to sitting on my bench. She returned, cut the ties and freed the beautiful Australian Shepard. She still looked troubled, like she was in a hurry but couldn't figure out how to get all their baggage, dog, and kennel out to the curb, so I offered to help and carried the kennel. We talked about her dog for a second (It really was an exceptionally gorgeous dog). Upon reaching the curb, she thanked me a hundred times. Very nice lady. We still had so much to talk about, but she had to go, and I had to let her.

The place: Fancy New Mexico
The dude: Sharkman
The Woman:

Kids Korner

I stole that post title from Davis' blog. I just think it's such a funny name, especially when followed by gruesome pictures of animals that died by violent means. If you haven't showed your kids Davis' Kids Korner posts, you really should. I think you'd well there.

Also, go to my friend Layne and Jamie's blog, scroll to the bottom, hit "older posts" and watch the "New boot goofin" video on that page. Funny stuff.

Also, I know Jolynn and I are the only ones who enjoy a little classic Hip Hop, but just listen to this song and tell me it doesn't take you back to your hot summer days in Harlem, cooling off in fire hydrant spray, watching your sisters jumping double dutch, playing the fool for your buddies and watching the older boys ballin on the blacktop.
Go to
http://sharkmanbell.googlepages.com/home
and click on the Cool Song to download.

Finally, if you want to read a very funny post, go visit the Hass at http://hasselboff.blogspot.com/ and read "I can die a happy man." I love it because it combines a few of my favorite things into one post: fuzzy little David Archuletta, hilarious self-aware storytelling, creative initiative, and gay dudes. And by gay, I mean only happy.

Wow, wasn't planning on giving you all that awesome stuff when I started this post, but I'm feeling particularly generous tonight. Might have something to do with me seeing Iron Man and being fairly confident that his suit will be invented in the real world someday and find its way to me. I was born to use it.

Okay, onto my short Kids Korner question:

I'm looking for ideas from all of you on little games/activities/crafts I can do with Oliver. He's 21 months, so share stuff for that age, but also include some of your favorite things for older ages as well.

Mother's Day

Let me tell you something about me that might surprise you. Ever since I was a young lad I gave a good deal of thought to and had strong opinions about how I wanted to raise my kids when the time came. Weird for a little ADD boy to concern his simple, shark-haunted mind with such weighty future matters, right? Well, this concern for how my kids were raised continued throughout my dating years and I always considered what type of mom the girl would be. Probably went a a bit overboard. Was kind of a freak. Anyway, when I fell for Reba, one of the many attractions was that I knew she would be an exceptional mom to my many little river princelings. I knew I wouldn't have to worry while at work about the kids being loved enough, taught enough, watching things that might not be the best for them, being active and engaged, etc. It's a big relief to me to know that Ollie (as well as future Rudger, Shrewsbry, Hawk Eye, Cheetah Speed, and Lion Strength) is at home getting the best love and education a lad can get.

So here's to Reba for being a devoted, conscientous, loving, affectionate, fun, hot mom. Make no mistake, hot mom's are a rarity these days. There were only a couple when I was in Elementary school. So Oliver will someday have the misfortune, and his friends the fortune, of him having a pretty, fancy mom bring his puppy to school for show and tell.


Now onto the lady who gave me such high motherly standards. Me very own mum. I think my mom is the best person in the entire world. Not just the best mom, but the best person. The kindest, lovingest, selflessest, funnest, self-improvinest, rootinest tootenest person I know. Honestly. She's the flesh and blood person I think of when I wonder what Jesus would do. What Would Jolynn Do?
And she was and still is such a wonderful mother. She found a difficult balance between affectionately loving us, while holding us to high account and preparing us for an adult world. She's my example of hard work, venturing out of comfort zones, not gossiping or judging, being pure-hearted, having no ego, being devoted to people and causes. I used to think she was just boring old mom, but now she's one of my favorite people to be around.
And she was also kind enough to spare me the humiliation of my friends making hot mom jokes when I was a youngster by selflessly wearing parachute pants, sandals, and "I love chocolate" t-shirts whenever she came to school. Thanks mom. You're the best. Happy Mother's Day.

Now onto my goodly Mother-in-law. I have so much respect for Becky. If you look "Pioneer woman" up in Encyclopedia Mormanica, you'll find her picture. She raised 11 kids, much of the time by herself, as her husband had to frequently travel for work. She dealt with the teenage Reba, and both lived to tell. She lives for her family and the gospel. She has the patience of a saint, and the inner strength of a saint bernard. She's one of the best conversationalists I know. Always has engaging things to ask and would much rather listen than talk. She typifies the scripture that encourages us to "forget ourselves". She lives completely for others. I hope my kids inherit her horse riding genes and not Davis's. So cheers to Becky for being the mother and mother-in-law that she is!

Happy mother's day to all you devoted moms out there!

Quick Visit

Greg and JoLynn, Christian's parents came for a quick visit this last weekend. They arrived Friday afternoon and left Monday morning. It was so nice to have them in town- they are so easy to be around and talk with. We had a great time just hanging out. We spent one afternoon touring some beautiful neighborhoods in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (a small community in Albuquerque), then went to a park, ate dinner overlooking the city, and finally caught a flick. We also took them to a BBQ at some friends and then had another group of friends over on Sunday for homemade oreos and raspberry bars. We loved having them and hope they come back soon!

This was a the most beautiful little ranch and inn. I was dropping some serious "weekend getaway" hints.

We ate dinner at the famous tram at a little Mexican place that has the best view of the city.