“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” - William Butler Yeats

Trenton is his own person. I love this about him! I mean it can be exhausting on some issues, but overall this quality is fabulous!

Not long ago I was telling Trenton about "stranger danger". He is so friendly and outgoing I thought it was necessary. So as I am wrapping up my little stranger talk I could see Trenton had something to say. He looked at me so seriously and said, "Mom, there are no strangers. You just have not met them yet and become their friends." His wisdom struck me. I thought for some time and then told him he was right. But to never, never, ever leave with someone that mommy doesn't know. He seemed to think this was a better rule than the stranger-danger approach I first took. Funny I happened upon this Yeats quote today. And even funnier my four year old has the same idea. :) I hope he keeps his "insight" as he ages.

Vacation Pics Part 2

And a few more...

Vacation!

I love vacation. Mainly, for a new experience, but I also love getting away from the day to day! I can't say that this vacation was...restful...but it was so much fun! We went to my sisters boyfriends college graduation in Vegas and a mini-side trip to Disneyland.

Disneyland! I love Disneyland. I didn't realize how much! But I really do love it. Trenton thought it was grand! So much to look at, to do, people to meet! He loved it! Trenton was tall enough for the roller coasters and was all about it! He is such a brave boy. :) He was star-struck when he met Mickey, excited to meet Winnie the Pooh and friends, and ecstatic to meet Mr. Incredible. It was great fun. Here are a few random photo's from our week away! :)

Stories

Trenton just loves it when I make up stories. And I love that he is silently listening, his little ears hanging on every word that I speak. I can't say these stories are amazing, or world changing, but he does love them. And the best part is making him the star character. I mean...who doesn't want to be the star of the story? And as we ramble along the plot line I let Trenton throw in some idea's about where the story goes. Current theme: Trenton and his dog Pluto (who is very much like Kelso). I sometimes find myself at night, exhausted and eager to tuck him in quickly, and get on to my own list of things. But every time I seize the opportunity I am truly thankful for all the precious moments I have been given. (I hope to remember that the next time I ask him to do something and he looks at me and defiantly and says no). Ah...all the joys of parenting.

Memories

Parenting. Well...it's not for the weak of mind, will or heart. It will stretch you, hurt you, make you laugh, cry, ache and feel love. And my little one is only four.

I think there are lots of models, wrong ones, right ones, in between ones. And we need all the models to get all the different types of people that make the world go round. Lately I've been having all these memories of my own childhood. They are all soft and sweet and full of wonder. Wonder. Wonder. I loved that sense of wonder. I see that sense of wonder in my own child, and I can't stop the train of "destruction", but at the same time I want to fuel his fire of wonder. So that he will not be dismayed by the corrupt world around him, but instead be inspired, energized and wonderous enough to create goodness for himself and all those around him.

So, tomorrow, we will go to a park, and fly paper airplanes (in which I will no doubt make awesome ones in a four year olds eyes, but not perhaps in anyone other persons eyes). I think after that we shall go for a hike and listen for all the different birds and make up names for them (this will have to be another day, because, alas, I have to work and live in "reality"). I hope that in that not only will Trenton's sense of wonder be fueled, but that I may to rediscover the sense of wonder I knew I once had.

Don't let your dreams be dreams..

Trenton is "mowing the lawn". I do hope, that you all, can use your imaginations here. Can't you see it?

I remember being a kid and make believing I was doing adult things. Oh, the days of fairy tales and playing house. They pass by so slowly as a kid, but then one day it seems like you wake up and find that you are no longer a kid and fairy tales are simply... tales. When I think about that I just want to let Trenton be a little kid just a day longer than I remember. I know I cannot change the course of life and growing up, but the days of make believe really are where it's at. I guess as adults we do it too...it's just called dreaming. I hope Trenton grows up to be a dreamer. To dream big and never be discouraged- I hope that he chases his dreams, and maybe even makes believe with his kids that a dolly is a lawn mower.

Photo Shoot!

My dear friend Amanda did a photo shoot with me and Trenton! So far what I have seen is great. I wanted to share a few of her favorites. Hope you enjoy!

Summer time!

Koala rides with Omi!




Summer is here! Finally!!! I am enjoying all the warm days and sunshine. I love summer. I really, really do! Here are a few pictures of our summer so far!

Happy Birthday Karina- oh ya and Happy 4th of July

As tradition goes we all went canoeing at Sparks Lake. I have to say, this is one of my favorite traditions! I love, love, love canoeing! I was not all that great with my camera....I didn't even get on picture of anyone unless Trenton was in the frame. Next year I vow to be better! Here are a few pictures of Trenton and his Granny and Papa!

Randoms from March through May

Life is sweet

Life is sweet. Sometimes bittersweet, but really it is mostly sweet. I just have to take a second look. Three year old boys really know how to take the adult perspective and flip-flop it upside down. Trenton shows me the sweetness of life daily.

I am blessed. Beyond what I deserve. I have amazing family all around me, friends who would do anything for me, the most wonderful boy, a God who loves me-despite me- and privileges beyond. I can't say that this life isn't filled with challenges, but if I have these things I know that my life is sweet. Each sunrise, sunset, rainy day, helping hand, encouraging word, hug, kiss, snuggle from the dog, laugh with friends, good food with family, and of course crazy dance around the house with my three year old (like no one is watching) reminds me that this life is good. I hope tomorrow I am reminded again...and again, and again.

A few more pics of the party! :)

Friends!:

THREE!

Cristy and Cameron!
Trenton and I sledding!
Chad, Jace, Aaron and Trenton getting ready to race.
Me and Trenton going down the hill (and my dad's foot- he helped us get all set up! Thanks Dad!) :)
This is the cake I made.

Trenton turned 3! Well not today, but we had a party for him today! We went up to Wanoga Sno-Park and sledded away! It was so fun! Trenton loved it!

I want to "See-Attle"

My Mom and Trenton and I went to Seattle the weekend before Thanksgiving to visit Tuesday in her new home. Trenton was really excited. He was pretty great for the whole drive too! :) However, he insisted that it was not Seattle, but he was going to see attle and he was excited to see it.

Tuesday's apartment is in downtown Seattle and is really amazing! We went to the children's museum via the monorail (Trenton's favorite), ate at Serious Pie (best pizza ever), got lost in IKEA (Trenton thought this store was a big play house), and had some serious fun at Pikes Market (Trenton thought the fish were cool and would not touch the big, big spider "A.K.A crab"). And I even got a night out with Karina, Andria (Karina's friend from school) and Tuesday while my mom watched Trenton. Those are the "highlights" of the trip. Here are a few pictures! Hope you enjoy.

Lunch at Serious Pie

Tuesday and Trenton at Pikes Market Place

Checking out the Computer

Trenton is Bob the Builder at the Children's Museum

Trenton and me on the Monorail