music monday!!

Tell me something, please. No, I really want to know what kind of world this is where the following videos get as few views as they do, instead of going viral all over the digital place?

1. Julia Easterlin - Go Straight Away

If I had known about Julia Easterlin before my own Julia was born, I would have proudly proclaimed that she is who I named my flesh and blood after. Listen to some of her other songs. With nothing but her voice and a loop machine she does a Pixies cover that is creative genius, and a version of Bjork's "Unison" that makes me tingle oh so pleasantly. She is clearly made of music. It is in her bones. And she'll get into your bones, if you're smart enough to let her.

2. Caroline Smith - All That I Know Is

This chick has got so much soul, it doesn't seem fair that she's THAT gorgeous as well. You're welcome, boys.

3. Grace Banks - Innocent When You Dream

Some of you might know what a huge Laura Marling fan I am (really, I'd marry the woman if it wasn't immoral and illegal). I can't say that I've come across a single female musician who seems to hold the same quiet power and innate talent for writing beautifully crafted music and lyrics, until now. Grace, I'm excited to find out what your future in music holds - I'll be paying attention.

4. Little Barrie - Free Salute

Summer jam, anyone? Mmmmm.

5. Beck - Unforgiven

Ummm, hello! The new Beck album is so smooth and mellow, it's like taking off work for no reason on a stormy Tuesday and going to sit by the seashore to watch the tides roll in and out. I think this is my favorite track, but not by much.

And may I take this moment to plug my own most recent addition to YouTube? A slowed down cover of a fun oldie. Hope you enjoy! (bonus: I look like I'm about to have explosive diarrhea in the still...)

spring is like a perhaps hand

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

 Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere) arranging
a window, into which people look (while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here) and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and from moving New and
Old things, while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there) and

without breaking anything.

E.E. Cummings

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

Spring is like a perhaps hand (which comes carefully out of Nowhere)arranging a window,into which people look(while people stare arranging and changing placing carefully there a strange thing and a known thing here)and changing everything carefully spring is like a perhaps Hand in a window (carefully to and fro moving New and Old things,while people stare carefully moving a perhaps fraction of flower here placing an inch of air there)and without breaking anything. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15407#sthash.4s5eKmfO.dpuf

The temperatures are rising slowly but steadily, the crocuses have added bursts of color to our yard, babies are being born, and there are buds on the trees. I believe we can say that spring has sprung! When the mercury rose to a gorgeous 73 F yesterday it all went to my head and I went shopping for bathing suits. Today a cold front is blowing through northern Utah ushering me back into reality, bringing with it the slightly embarrassed relief that I was unsuccessful in my quest. When the lush outdoors starts beckoning like that you can bet your behind that the Koots are going to be feeling sunny in spite of the occasional windy and rainy day. We are making plans for summer, organizing the yard, pulling the tshirts to the front of our closets, optimistically storing the snow boots in the garage, and hiking the trails. Our most recent hiking endeavor took us up our own Birch Creek Trail, which starts just a block from our home.

sorry Elliot...

Just found this little gem and thought it deserved sharing. This was taken a bit over a year ago in our previous home. We had set up an extra table to accommodate Christmas dinner and I remember so clearly how mad Elliot got at being refused a treat before dinner. He sat under that table and wailed for a good 15 minutes, hissing at any and all attempts at consolation. It angered him so much when I got the camera out and started snapping his priceless faces in a sliver of gorgeous afternoon light, instead of getting so frustrated at his hoopla and giving him the candy he so desired. I'd like to take this time to say sorry to him, and express my hope that one day he'll understand that when you have a little boy who is just so darn adorable even when he's having a conniption, sometimes the only available option is to immortalize the moment!

catching up with Sinterklaas

Last year's Sinterklaas celebration wasn't quite the roaring event it was in 2012 when we invited our Dutch returned missionary friends over to the party. Instead we got together as a family and were joined by one special returned missionary and his family. Spencer Sutherland made a big impact on Sander 14 years ago when he lived in Holland as an LDS missionary and taught Sander about the gospel once Sander decided he was curious. He also quickly became a good friend, and we have stayed friends over all this time. Then we got to know his wife Traci after we moved over here and quickly learned she is pretty great too, so we decided to let her in on the friendship. The best part: seeing our kids develop a new generation of friendship. It seems that especially Julia and Paige have found a kindred spirit in each other. Julia has stated several times that Paige's Birthday party at the Lion House was her favorite moment of 2013! 

As usual the wait to find out if Sinterklaas would pay us a visit this year was quite grueling. Luckily he didn't make us wait too long - there was a loud knock on the door as we were singing all the Sinterklaas songs we could muster and all kids (and some adults) sprang to their feet in excitement/fear. Sure enough, there on our doorstep sat the familiar burlap sack filled with the goodies only Sinterklaas could put together. All were spoiled, and many even received a personal poem written by one of the many helpful (and oh so naughty) Pieten. A few examples:

See what I mean about that naughty streak?

I want to make special mention of my friend Tom Kamstra, who played an important role in the success of our Sinterklaas celebration. Without me asking or even hinting, Tom went ahead and put a special Sinterklaas package together and mailed it to us from the Netherlands. It really made the night that much better to have things like 'strooigoed' there (the candy that Piet traditionally tosses around for the kids to scramble over). So from all of us a big DANKJEWEL to Tom! My dad was also very generous this year and ordered a bunch of traditional Sinterklaas treats for the kids (and adults) to enjoy. It all made for a night to remember! Now for the photos.

what i learned...

from taking the girls out on a little winter location photo shoot:

• if you do not tell children to wear socks in their boots, they will not assume that 'going to take pictures in the snow' might mean cold feet.
• there is a reason a photographer is not also the make up artist - once you've finished primping and prepping your models, you have effectively also finished your energy reserves.
• freezing temperatures make for silly conditions to try and create a staged backdrop
• all piles of snow and bushes are created equal. We really did not need to walk that long to get to a good location for a nice wintery setting, in hindsight the backyard would have probably sufficed .
• I must never assume that my models will understand intricate directions such as 'don't put your foot in that fresh snow in front of you', or 'move your chin down just a little'. 
• Any photo shoot that involves children and lasts longer than 3.42 minutes, is too long.
• Late afternoon and snow all over makes for some stunning natural light bouncing around everywhere!
• the absolute best way to conclude a photo shoot with professional models such as these girls of mine, is by going for a warm brownie a la mode and a huge slice of cheesecake with strawberry topping.
• I have the most beautiful daughters in the world. Okay, I didn't exactly learn that while taking their photos last Saturday, but I was sure reminded of it. I love those two girls, mainly because they are even prettier on the inside.

And now for the results of all this education!