First shoes are Soft Star Shoes

Since getting his new toy, Emerson has been walking a LOT. We have typically just put socks on him to keep his webbed toes warm, but now that he is actually cruising, we thought we'd start putting shoes on him.

Of all the shoes that people have given us, my sister's Soft Star Shoes seem to be the only ones that will fit on Emerson's fat-pads. Here they are in action:

Time to Walk

Megan and Darrin gave Emerson a walker toy a bit early for Emerson's first Bday. They were in town for various reasons, so it was great to see them.

Within 5 seconds of playing with the toy, Emerson was off!

A box, a string, and a baby

We are in full planning mode. We just bought tickets to go to Nashville to kick off our east coast trip for our friend Mari's wedding. We'll hang in Nashville for a few days, drive to Virginia to visit the Red Door Farmhouse, will then fly up to Albany, NY to head to the wedding spot near Catskill, NY.

This is some of the plans for 1 wedding. We have 8 this season. As if planning for the weddings isn't enough, Kataneh is in a few of them meaning there is bachelorette and bridal showers to plan as well. My god!

So, if we aren't planning for those, we are in full swing getting things in order for Emerson's first Bday next month. We have locked in the location, food, his outfit, and some games. We still need to get our outfits, music, and decorations in order. We are really excited. If you happen to be coming to his Bday, please bring any outdoor games you may have.

Speaking of Emerson, his girlfriend and him have been having serious talks about the future. He also has a new method of getting around town the house:

RIP Uncle Ronnie

I got a call Easter Sunday morning from my mom with the news that Uncle Ronnie had died at home. Ironically, some of my fondest childhood memories were swapping Easter visits between my cousin's house in Tucson and ours in San Diego.

We were fortunate enough to see Uncle Ronnie this past Christmas. In fact, over that holiday break, we discovered that Ronnie and Emerson were Toe Brothers!

One time, we were visiting my aunt and uncle in Tucson, and I had brought my guitar. Uncle Ronnie looooooooved to sing tunes. I was shocked when he was able to free-style a verse about each of the 10 or so people sitting around the table as I played a blues standard. He loved to sing along when we played guitar.

I wasn't lucky enough to catch that on video, but this past Christmas, I did get a few songs on tape. Ronnie, my dad, and I stayed up late and played a few tunes into the night. Here are the two songs I captured. In the videos, you mostly see dad, but Uncle Ronnie is off to the right.

Long Black Veil:                                                               

Mercedes Benz:                                                                

We clearly didn't know all of 'Mercedes Benz'. In fact, I hadn't ever heard it! Behind dad to the right, you can see a pile of pillows and blankets which was Emerson's Rat's Nest.

Ronnie will be missed. At only 63 years of age, he was too young to go.

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Obituaries

Ronald Friberg (1948 - 2012)

Ronald Dean Friberg

September 16, 1948

April 8, 2012

Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife Bobbie, son Derryl, daughter Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer, grandson Trevor McEntaffer, and beloved dogs Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers Ed, David (Ettie), sister in law Ann, and sister Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins, and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents Morris and Vivian, brother Richard, and nephew Eric Friberg.

Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam, and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on April 13, 2012

Source

Ronald Dean Friberg

Ronald Dean Friberg Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife, Bobbie; son, Derryl; daughter, Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer; grandson, Trevor McEntaffer and beloved dogs, Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers, Ed and David (Ettie); sister-in-law, Ann and sister, Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents, Morris and Vivian; brother, Richard and nephew, Eric Friberg. Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel. Source

The Haft Seen is set for Persian New year!

Nowruz (Persian New Year) is tonight (March 19th) at exactly 10:14 PST! Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the new year in  Persian calendars.

After becoming a mother, I realize now that I am  accountable for teaching Emerson the Persian culture and keeping these beautiful traditions alive in my family. I try speaking to Emerson only in Farsi (although I forget sometimes!) and after 31 years of watching my mom set the Haft Seen (the traditional table setting for Nowruz), Emerson is now watching me set this meaningful table. Here is a brief overview of the Haft Seen and its symbolism:

Haft-Seen (Persian: هفت‌سین‎) or the seven 'S's is a traditional table setting of Nowruz, the traditional Iranian spring celebration

1. Sabzeh - wheat, barley, mung bean or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolising rebirth
2. Samanu - sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolising affluence
3. Senjed - dried oleaster fruit - symbolising love
4. Sir - (Persian: سیر‎)- garlic - symbolising medicine
5. Sib - (Persian: سیب‎)- apples - symbolising beauty and health
6. Somāq - sumac fruit - symbolising (the color of) sunrise
7. Sekkeh - coins - symbolising prosperity

The  Sonbol - the fragrant hyacinth flower - symbolising the coming of spring

Pardon me

Do you have this Fender guitar in lime green?

Mr Bear

About the same size.