We train 'em young

We decided it was time for Easton to drive the Tbird.



I even got some of the cuteness on video. And since I HATE embedding the darn things, I'm just giving you the link. View the darling-ness here.

On the mend

Why is it that men always think they are younger than they actually are?


And why does that always cause disaster?


Ronnie decided to play flag football this year with some buddies. In the first game, he tweaked his knee.


That tweak turned out to be a torn meniscus.

No need to worry. The surgery was yesterday and all went well. In fact, Ronnie is being a pleasant patient (which I attribute to my threats of "No service if you are mean!" before the fact).

I expect my weekend to be full of ESPN, filling water bottles and doling out the medication.

Pray for me.

After 18 years...

of living in my lovely home state, it finally happened.


If I were one to leave shoes out by the door, that area would look like this.

And I couldn't be happier.


Seriously, have you ever seen a cuter pair of boots?




Man, I love living in Wyoming.

Kara Alvarez

A few weeks ago, I had to speak* in church. I suppose I should say that I had the privilege of speaking in church--but who are we kidding?


First, when I got to church and looked at the program (a printed agenda of the religious service for the day), I noticed that I was listed as Kara instead of KaLee. No big deal. I told the bishop (who was conducting the meeting) and he announced my name correctly.


I finished my talk (which went pretty well, if I do say so myself), and sat down to listen to the two other speakers. The third speaker was an older gentleman. About five minutes into his talk he said, "And as Sister** Alvarez mentioned, ...." I looked at the woman sitting beside me, and then at the bishop and yes, he meant me. I chuckled to myself and continued to listen.


And then he did it again.


And again***.


By this time, I was openly smiling, (as was most of the audience) and for the rest of church, I was addressed as Sister Alvarez (by friends, who were joking--of course).


It was a funny day, but I hadn't thought much of it again until I received this package in the mail.

Yes, my name was crossed out and Kara Alzarez was written in its place.

And yes, my UPS man is LDS.

*Members are asked to speak during the first hour of church.

**Members of my church also address each other as "Sister" and "Brother." It helps us feel like one big family. :)

***The elderly gentleman did realize his mistake later and has apologized to me no less than five times. He is adorably cute in that wrinkly, old man, kind of way.

Enjoying a Game

We took Easton to the Wyoming game vs. Air Force. It was freezing, so we didn't stay long. As usual, Grandpa was the favorite person--and did the majority of the Easton-holding while we were there. I love his little hat--thanks Aubrey!

Easton Claps

Here's a little video for your enjoyment. Easton recently learned to clap and also entertains himself for hours by doing "motorboat" sounds. The clip shows both.

And since Google Video hates me, you can also see it here.



Also, at the doctor today, we found that we have a small boy.
16 lbs. 7 oz. (3rd percentile) and
27 inches (15th percentile).

9 months

Guess who is 9 months old?

I know, my questions are infinitely hard.

We will go to the doctor on Monday, so I don't have an official stats, but thought you might appreciate a few pics anyway.

Who am I kidding? You would always like a few more pics of this little guy.

Easton loves remotes. But not just any remote--the one that mom and dad are using at that particular moment.
He has also started to master crawling on his hands and knees (instead of army crawling everywhere). Here, he is trying to get my camera.

Pulling up on, and standing with furniture is another favorite pastime.
As are saggy pants. The boy is so skinny that even 3-6 month pants drown his little waist.
He has found that his car seat works as an excellent walker. He stands like this and then twists it around and scoots it.
He still concentrates very hard at any task he has. I tried for 5 minutes to get him to look at me for a picture, but didn't get even one turn of the head.
And finally a tooth! On August 24th, I felt it breaking through and now the entire top is visible. You may have to click on the picture if you really really want a look.

And since getting his tooth, he spends lots of time feeling it with his tongue. It makes for some pretty funny faces.
Ignore the crying face. Easton has taken to sleeping with his bum in the air. He comes by it honestly. I slept this way well into elementary school.

And then I explain that I struggle

I can't conquer the skinny headband.

You know the ones that look like this. That everyone is wearing while playing sports, working out, or even just as a cute accessory.

I can. not. wear. them.

I tried putting my hair up first and then adding the headband. This led to a bubble like phenomenon.

Then I tried putting the headband in first and THEN pulling up my hair. Gross--that is all I can say.

So someone. Someone with knowledge of the workings of hair (Lindsey?). Please, please please help me. I want to be cool. I really, really want to be cool, but the headband is working against me.

Getting to know you

You know how everytime you move into a new ward (term for congregation among the LDS) you have to fill out a "Get To Know You" form?


I know some people dread them--dread coming up with things to say about themselves.


I am not one of those people.


I thrive on trying to figure out something that I have never put down for the "unique" section. But we all know I have no shame. As evidenced, here or here or here or here or here.


I had to fill out another one a while ago and actually hit a wall as I sat and tried to think of something unique. Then it came to me.

I have never been stung by a bee. This would appear to be a good thing, but it has only served to make me deathly afraid of bees. (Fear of the unknown I believe).

Bees and Birds. Birds and bees. Oh help.

Let's look at wittle-bitty Ronnie

And now let's look at Ronnie.

Here we see little baby Ronnie. So cute.
It is while looking at Ronnie's baby pictures that I realize my son is almost an exact clone of him.

But, since Easton is still the cutest thing ever, I'll take it. See, another picture that looks eerily familiar.
This one is one of my favorites because of the belly shirt. If I can't find one for Easton's chubby belly next summer, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be making one.
Precious, just precious.

I have to say, little Ronnie looks mighty fine in a bow tie. Perhaps I should get some that will fit him now.

This is my favorite Ronnie kid picture of all time. The pose. The shorts. I just can't get enough. (but my belly can, it is sore from all the laughing--laughing with love of course).

Getting older.
Freckles are starting to appear.
The classic school picture, love it, love it.
Looking as tough as you can with a smile on your face.

All the seniors bleached their hair. Who knows why high school kids do anything they do.Just after graduation. Fishing it up.
At the top of Mt. Whitney. I think.

And this is my favorite notreallyakidanymore picture.
I just love him.