Before and After

So, anyone who knows James knows that his nickname is "The Beast" and that he wears it proudly. Part of the origin of the nickname can be attributed to his beastly head of hair. In high school, he says, he cut it once a year for rugby season, and he has been trying to relive his high school days for a while now. Well, it's been exactly (ok, give or take a few days) a year since his last hair cut, and he decided it was time. A few of his reasons:
1.) His long hair got in his eyes while he was running. Sweat and hair in the eyes = no good.
2.) He wants to give a more professional impression.
3.) When his grandpa saw him on Sunday, he said to him, "James, I'm going to tell you what I told my son many years ago: You look awful."

So, it was decided. Time for a hair cut. James's wonderful cousin Stephanie was kind enough to come over to our house and teach me how to do a basic hair cut so that hopefully I can keep James's beastly mane in check during the year, since the man hates to go to the barber. Anyway, here are some pictures of the event:

James's hair was longer than mine for almost a week!

Pretty long, eh? I actually liked it, but he was ready to be done with it. So, here's the chopping:

 Stephanie hacking off the longer parts so we could get to it with the clippers.

 And here's me, doing my best to remember what Stephanie taught me.

 Nervous face.

All the crazy hair clippings.

And here's the after. Not the best pictures, but you get the idea.

 Smirk.

 Creepy face.

Almost a real smile.

A Snippet #2

Another glimpse at life in the West home:


James talks a little bit too loudly about something... working for the FBI or something.

Me: Honey, I love you and I don't normally think you talk too loud, but Baby is sleeping... so, could you please just lower your voi...

James stares blankly at me, a hint of shocked offendedness on his face.

Me: ... you know, just a little...

James continues to stare at me.

Me: Come on, honey, I'm just asking you to talk a little quieter, you're looking at me like I'm asking you to chop off your arm or something.

James (Clearing his throat, finally deigning to speak to me): Now, here's a question for you - how many times have you asked someone to chop off their arm, that you know what kind of look they would give you?

Me (Interjecting with rueful laughter): I have an imagination!

James (Not missing a beat): Are you lying awake at night, imagining this scenario - (mimicking me) What would you say if I asked you to chop off a finger? Now, what would you say to an arm? Continues mocking me until...

Me: This is going on the blog!

Communication

So, Isaac is a little slow on the talking. So far, the only real words he says are "no," "uh-oh," and "whee". And yes, I realize I'm being a little liberal in my interpretation of word when it comes to those last two.

But still, Isaac has found many ways to communicate. He does know a few signs, and uses them mostly appropriately. His best one is "please," which he uses enthusiastically when chocolate is involved. He also knows "more," "drink," "milk," "sleep," and "all done," though I think he thinks "all done" means "pick me up." It accomplishes the same thing, so I'm all right with that.

The most interesting way Isaac has come up with to communicate, though, is what I like to call steering. He gets me to pick him up then he emphatically points in the direction of his heart's desire. So, if he wants to take a bath he aims me towards the stairs, then down the hall, then to the bathroom. If he wants to go to sleep (and yes, he frequently volunteers to go to sleep- probably because he knows he will get to nurse), he points me towards the bedroom. If he wants to watch a show (and yes, I let my child watch television. I am properly ashamed.), he points me toward the family room, then points up at the projector, then scrambles out of my arm and settles himself comfortably on the couch and stares at the wall while waiting for the projector to come on. It's cute. I tell you what.

It just amazes me how much he can understand and participate in what we are doing, and how well he is able to communicate his needs and desires using no words. Of course, I'd love it if he started chattering, but I'm sure that will come soon enough. :)

Spot the Blessings

Sometimes I like to play a game with myself when I am in an ordinary setting. I named that game tonight - I've decided to call it "spot the blessings." It's a really fun game; I'll tell you how to play.

You just sit wherever you are and think of all the blessings that are evident in what you can see/experience around you.

Here's an example: Tonight I was at our institute class at the church. Within the first five minutes I came up with these blessings, in no particular order:

1. The freedom to discuss religion in the open
2. Shoes
3. A nice big building dedicated to the purposes of worship and fellowship
4. A teacher who volunteers his time to lead a thoughtful discussion on the Book of Mormon every week
5. My husband, who went with me to Institute tonight even though he is feeling sick, because I didn't want to go without him
6. Warm jackets
7. The slightly warmish weather we've been having
8. Snacks
9. The prophets who sacrificed so incredibly much to write and preserve the words in the Book of Mormon
10. General health, horrible sinus pressure and leaky nose notwithstanding
11. Heat in the building
12. My new Android phone, which I could use to read the scriptures and then slip into my pocket at the end of class, not having to lug around heavy scriptures (there is something to be said for the written word in physical, markable format, but I was grateful tonight that the holy scriptures were so dang handy)
13. My friend Brad, who generously gifted me his in-perfect-condition Android phone
14. Pianos and people who play them
15. Wonderful, willing cousins at home watching Isaac (ooh, that was downright alliterative)

... And I could have thought up a bunch more, but I was getting interested in the discussion, so I had to stop thinking about blessings. But have you noticed how many of these relate to heat? I'll tell you, I'll be able to spot many more blessings once spring arrives.

But, really, it's enough to make you feel darn spoiled. Just sit and look around and realize how good you have it. And it's fun. And you can do it anywhere.

What about you? Any blessings you can spot from where you are right now?

A Snippet

A little glimpse at life at the Wests:

James: So, can I tell you my woes in life?

Charity: Sure, honey, just let me finish this text first...

Isaac and Daddy

James came home today and for kicks he put his coat on Isaac. Isaac loved it, and he refused to take it off. He was walking all over the living room in it, falling all over the place since, um, it doesn't actually fit him. :) He was so cute we had to take a few pictures:

And here he is one Sunday after church in Daddy's suit jacket. The way the shadows fell, he looks a bit like Dracula. A very cute Dracula. Please ignore the mess on the floor.

A Day at the Park

We took Isaac for a little jaunt in the park today. He had a blast playing on the slides and climbing up and down. But even with all the fun things there were to do on the playground, what he wanted to do was sit on the bench next to this woman and her 3-month-old baby. He just climbed up there and sat next to her, wiggling his little feet. It was hilarious. I have a funny child.

Pictures of the outing can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=555027&id=551240506&l=d2a3084638

 

When He's Helping He's Happy

Seriously, this kid just wants to be helpful. Today he helped Daddy take in the trash. Oh my boy. I hope you retain this desire to participate in family chores your whole life.

Isaac Helping Around the House

Isaac is a good little helper. Only 14 months old and already wanting to get in on the chore action. His favorites are scrubbing the tub and washing the dishes

 He's no shirker when it comes to yard work, either. He gets right in there and toils away.

 

He really loves that lawnmower.

 

 In fact, he may love the lawnmower a bit too much.

 

So nice of the neighbors to let him borrow one his own size. :)

What a sweet and helpful little boy we've got. :)

A Wilde Halloween

So, a week after West Fest, we had the pleasure of attending the Wilde Halloween party. This holiday is so much fun. Pretty much everyone came in costume, and what costumes they were! Let me tell ya - no, let me show ya. Here are some of the pictures from the event:

 Us again! This time James had his mask and Isaac had his ninja head band. 

And I... well, I had a seriously red ponytail.

 Isaac. Did we make a cute kid or what?

 He actually really liked his shell. And didn't mind his headband... for about half an hour. 

Then it was gone, baby, gone.

 Emily and Max - he was the house from Up and she was Russell. 

Is that not the cutest costume you've ever seen?

 The Up characters with Ron Weasley. Presumably, he's responsible for turning Max into a house.

 Jedis who mean business.

 Jedis who know how to have fun.

 Horses at the prom (otherwise known as Jacob and Valerie.)

 Isaac again. He's too cute.

 Maria and Hannah looking gorgeous on the balcony.

 Allison and Michael coming as video game/cartoon characters Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Isaac says, "Hey! I'm a video game/cartoon character, too! We can be a club!"

Ok, so we had a lot of fun this Halloween. We hope you all did, too!