Jelly Belly

Where is that horse dear God?

Absolutely random!  The other day when Ms. JB came home from school she wanted a pencil and paper right away in order to write this message:

Please give me a horse God.

3! 3! Look at me!

Buddy JB is officially 3 and as a slacker mom I am well over a two+ weeks late in posting anything regarding his birthday.  Bad...bad...bad! 

When Buddy JB turned 2 we had a grumpy boy who wasn't a big fan of the attention and was much more occupied with his toys...surprised?  Nope!  It was all about Spiderman this year and the costume was the icing on the Spider cupcakes.  Sadly he truthfully thought that once he had the costume, the web shooting device would work.  He even turned to me and said..."I think it needs new batteries mommy 'cause it isn't working!"

This year he enjoyed all his company, his cake, and all his new toys!  My favorite part is when he recollects his fun birthday bash and tells me everyone who came and how they all gave him his new toys.  His expression is darling and he speaks with this airy, whimsical voice that truly captures his awe of the whole birthday process. 

Buddy JB did get a new 'big boy' bike and he has mastered it already...although he is a little wimpy when it comes to riding down any sloping grade...guess we will have to spend some more time practicing!!!

I am particularly fond of this photo of Buddy JB and his careful eye on Pata....once he sees Pata laugh, he takes his turn to laugh as well.  Kind of funny!

Happy Birthday Big Boy...I am thankful for everyday that I have with you!  You are a gift!  Welcome 3 and bring on 4!

 

4 Days In...

Unbelievable...well really it isn't unbelievable, but 4 days in and with only 10 students in her class, Ms. JB already has a nasty cold.  Her first day was last Tuesday and she came home on Friday with the nasal voice and by Friday night the cold was full-blown.  Barking cough, stuffy and runny nose, low grade fever, the whole works.  Being sick is inevitable (especially when you are five years old), but I really did think it would take a tad longer.  The bug is moving onto Buddy JB and we have already had to adjust work schedules to accommodate sick kids who have to stay home. 

I think I could be a little more excited, wait... I SHOULD be more excited about the beginning of the school year and the excitement that circulates around having a new class...things aren't feeling that way though.  I know what the issue is...not gonna talk about it here, but I will say that 27 kids in my class with two of those being VERY HIGH needs is taking its toll...Day five for me and only my second day with the full load and I am already tossing around different career ideas...not a good sign.

Amongst this all I can't wait to be at home with my family, in my own space and our home...even with my sicky little kids.  When we get to do homework like this.....

...my heart melts.
(Ms. JB's family portrait)

First Days for Everything!

Today was a day of firsts for us over here at the Jelly Belly household. 

Daddy JB went back to work after a nice long vacation.

Mommy JB went back to a new crop of kindergartners.

Buddy JB went back to Connie's (daycare) after a long summer vacation.

Ms. JB entered her first year of kindergarten.

Truly a day of firsts!  Buddy JB bypassed hugs and goodbyes in order to get into Connie's and PLAY!  This summer he has been asking to go to her house regularly, and finally today came.

Daddy brought Ms. JB to school today and she was THRILLED about everything.  Her desk, her coat rack, her friends, her new teacher!  It feels so good knowing that she is excited about learning.  I hope her excitement for school doesn't toally fade come next week!

Look Out Kindergarten!

In just a few days the Jelly Belly household heads back into the "school" mode.  This usually looks like Daddy working full time, Mrs. Jelly Belly trying to juggle everything from dinner to daycare, and Ms. JB and Buddy soaking up the opportunities to reconnect with daycare providers and the little kids that they have made friends with.  It is rather hectic at this time...never enough time to get my own classroom ready...the frantic splurge to try and finish all the "planned" summer projects and summer visits before the "FIRST" day of school rolls around.

 I have yet to ever feel truly ready for this time of the year...

...until now!

Ms. JB is starting kindergarten this upcoming Tuesday and I am in awe.  I just can't believe that the time is finally here.  She is ready, excited, and looking forward to the new friends she is going to make and her new teacher.  Of course this makes my heart happy with a smidge of sadness that she is growing up so fast, but I will take a filled heart any day. 

I can honestly say that I have done VERY LITTLE this summer to keep up the academic gains that she has made since starting preschool.  Truthfully, I don't want to bog down on a regular basis to "play school" with intertwined teaching lessons spread throughout our play.  Maybe this will come back to haunt me, but I really just want Ms. JB to enjoy her summer.  Of course we do some "fun" learning activities, but not a rigorous home-schooling environment is happening over here! 

I have to post this video...only because I am get so giddy with excitement when I see Ms. JB so excited about her reading accomplishments.  The other day I introduced the -at family of words and she flew with it!  15 minutes later....she let me video her first READING! 

Here We Come 3!

Over a week and a half ago, we ventured into Potty Training Bliss once again at the Jelly Belly household.  I am not one to push this stage upon our kids and I am more under the plan that when the child is ready...we will go with it.  Buddy has been ready for quite sometime...probably since last April when his little daycare girlfriends were having great success at mastering the whole "potty" business.  Around June we tried a little dabble in the "big boy undies" and the poor child had an enormous POOP that scared the bejezus out of him and scarred him from venturing on the potty for awhile. 

On the Sunday night previous to this current regime...I hunkered down and printed off the potty sheets, pulled out the stickers, refilled the candy/treat tin with incentives and laid out the adorable "Lightening McQueen" unders with hopes that we could really dedicate the time needed for him to have success with this whole process.  Monday came and flew and he did it!  Pooping-not so much, but as for peeing in the toilet...he got it. 

After he mastered the initial potty sheet, we ventured onto the lengthier plan....by Saturday he had it filled.  We are currently working on Potty Sheet #3 and I am elated at how excited he is about his success.  We are nowhere in the clear, but I do see the "end of diapers" in sight. 

Of course he wouldn't allow me to turn the camera off without a goofy picture...my HAM!

Alas.... 5 Arrives!

A mere 5 years ago (which truly does feel like a decade ago) Ms. JB arrived and the gift of her has been one of our greatest blessings ever.  I recall vividly her arrival, her first trip home from the hospital, her first bath, her first everything.  Even when we got to sing Happy Birthday to her with Chuck E Cheese as her main companion, I couldn't help from getting a little teary eyed at seeing my little girl growing up.

Her birthday has been stretched out for three days and luckily we were able to have all of her family around to help her celebrate her birthday. Her birthday morning started off with presents from the parental units and Ms. JB was elated that she got ROLLER SKATES. (she has been asking for eons)

Luckily for us all, on the actual day of her birthday (the 30th) we were also able to gather and celebrate Nana's 60th birthday in true summer style...old restaurant with no air-conditioning on a nearly 100 degree day.  (hence the sweaty family photos in which we all have a glistening sweaty gleam to our faces.)

 

The bottom line is that Ms. JB is thrilled to be 5!  She can hardly wait for Kindergarten and keeps asking me when it is time to go back to school.  She wants to be so grown up, but little does she know that she still needs her rest time, she still needs her lovin', and I am more than willing to NOT give any of this up.  So often I hear people say, "Savor the moments because they fly on by."  I understand this saying...I can only imagine that it will be even more true to its word as each year rolls into the next. 

The Chuck E Cheese photos are darling but I will note that the last one of our little Buddy is of him socking the crap out of the Chuck E Cheese robot with his sister's new 'noodle.'  No kidding, you turn your back and you find the little man up a tree, or beating the bejesus out of the poor mouse!  (I fear what Disneyland may be like...:)

I love you Ms. JB!  I love being your mommy!  I love watching you grow!  I love all your nuances and your sweet disposition and your love for the world!  You are a BEAUTIFUL girl who deserves all the best that life can bring!  May you be eternally blessed sweet thing...Happy Birthday!

Hanging to Dry

Summer is...   
        leisure mornings...
        home-brewed coffee...
        sunscreen...
        adventures...
        swimming pools...
        sun dried clothes...
        blooming flowers...

   Happy Children!   

I installed a new drying line and I LOVE IT!  I often ask why I didn't do this years ago, but regardless it is up now and it is getting its use.  Nothing beats the smell of freshly laundered clothes that have dried in the open summer sun.   (yeah...call me weird I guess)   

Coffee is brewed daily, rather than visiting the local drive through for the fix.

Each day awaits a new place for us to explore.

The garden is coming into full bloom.

The Auntie's have a WONDERFUL pool that awaits us for play!

       

Summer is Here!

Tired of the poop?  Maybe I should keep it up front and center on the blog in hopes that Buddy will fulfill all wishes and become potty-trained....OVERNIGHT.  Pipe dream, I know!  I will say though that hearing his sweet murmurings every day when the Jelly Belly page is loaded by default, he comments, "Thers my poop mommy!"  Little does he know that it really belongs to a rhinoceros. 

Summer is here in full swing!  This last Tuesday was my first actual day of summer, as I have been working to close down my school year as well as get camp up and running.  We have had picnics in the park, bike rides, play dates, Smore's parties, and even a couple of pool rendezvous!  The kids are adjusting to having no school or daycare routine...which is taking some time, but regardless...we are lovin' these days! 

Here is to summer!!!  Amen!

We managed to have a pudding party the other night...forget the pudding...there was more fun to be had in who could balance a spoon on their nose! (Little did he know that he had the spoon backwards!)
 

Praise the Lord...AMEN!

Today was the first day of something HUGE in our house! 

Buddy JB has been no big fan of the toilet.  We have gotten to potty in the toilet many a times, but getting him to stand and pee...nope!  Getting him to poop...forget it! 

I am not one to rush him with it all and I try to save the summers as the time for us to really work on the "potty training."  Since he has been sick, as mentioned in an earlier post, our little man has been on steroids and hasn't had much of an appetite.  Needless to say, the pooping has been null and void around here.  Usually we will find him doing his duty while he hides somewhere.  He wants his privacy and he wants it all to happen on his own time...no biggie! 

Over the last few nights we have been hearing him complain that his bottom hurts...knowing full well that he has a RHINO poop that is about to be born after 4 days of incubation.  Tonight after bath, and naked I might add, he mentioned that he had to poop...so we hustled him to the potty.  After many a groans and grunts...nothing.  Another ten minutes went by and sure enough we heard, "Mommy I have to poop again."  So back to the potty for a long perch.  He grunted, pushed, you name it and finally it started to happen.  He didn't want to believe it so I tried to show him with a mirror.  He didn't like that and truthfully I don't think he could see anything.  Knowing that there was a turd hanging out of his butt, I couldn't let him off the throne as he had wished, so with some mommy coaching...the baby rhino turd was born!  He did it!  It wasn't such a joyous occasion for him because he was scared to DEATH and only wanted me to hold him while on the potty.  We wiped, danced, and who-rahhed, but all he wanted to do was have it flushed. 

Tomorrow he gets to pick out a special toy at Freddies for his major achievement, now lets hope that he isn't too detoured by the monstrous rhino poop experience.

Give me a bone...

OK...I feel a load of sarcasm coming on and a little bit of sassiness that could result in getting my mouth washed out with soap.  If you don't like offensive words, comments, or topics...turn away.  (This is my disclaimer...so read at your own risk.)

Lately I am feeling much like Debbie Downer off of SNL.  If one thing is positive, I have 5 negatives for that one positive.  Usually I try to keep Debbie Downer at bay, but every once and awhile she rears her ugly head.  If you don't know Debbie Downer...go visit Hulu for some SNL clips and you'll know what I mean. 

I am frickin' tired of sick people.  Sick kids, sick adults, sick everywhere.  If you are sick I really want to put you in a decontamination suit for a massive killing of all scummy bacteria that is festering in your body.  Many times I wish I could do it to myself and I would be cured of the stupid MS; too bad Obama hasn't come up with that tool yet.   My kids are sick....really sick.  Fevers are spiking to 103.  Whining prevails all the time.  We have been housebound for days....and there isn't really a whole lot I can do to make them feel better.  Please don't tell me, "enjoy being the parent"  or "you signed up for this."  Nobody signs up to be sick, NO ONE!

I am extremely bitter about everything PUBLIC schools.  I love what I do...most of the time I really do enjoy teaching.  I enjoy the little ones, their spirits, their independence and their curiosity.  I don't' enjoy parents who SLACK when it comes to parenting, being responsible and sending their kids to school with SPIKING fevers and really sick kids.  Come on people...common sense! We all make mistakes, maybe we aren't sure about just how well they are, but when a teacher (who is NOT their parent) can spot sick kids within the first 15 minutes of being in the classroom...no excuses. I am now resorting to taking off days with no pay and Daddy JB has resorted to dwindling down his vacation days in order to stay home with our kids. 

I am pist about poor practices in our schools in which people don't effectively communicate or justify their actions.  As a PUBLIC teacher I have to go through major hoops to explain, justify and rationalize my actions as a teacher.  Why I do what I do?  What am I doing?  I do understand...I am a Public Employee of the State and Federal government.  I snag all people's tax money and spend it frivolously on extraneous items that only beautify my classroom and "prettify" my teaching.  ::did you catch the sarcasm?::  Every person in the education system has a heavy load...I will not argue with that at all.  Educators work miracles, we truly do.  ...then why can't their be equal communication and actions from all people involved in education?  Morale is LOW where I am at, people are not happy, everything is just plain depressing.  Luckily my students still bring a smile to my face everyday.

This photo kind of sums up my feelings right now.  Its all in the shitter! 

Buddy JB is working hard on the potty training; well actually only for the photo shoot.  Waa Waaaaaa

All the downer blah blah was just lifted as my little girl held my hand tonight, while she frets through the 102.5 fever, toots and grins at me, and reminds me that "I have to buy her Trix yogurt from Fred Meyer" tomorrow.   

Peanut Gallery- Take 3!

Isn't this cute?

Grandma D goes through withdrawls every 2 to 3 weeks as she gets further and further from seeing the two Jelly Beans.  Blessings to us...the kids...and to her...she has her heart filled with little loves almost one weekend every month.  I know that both Daddy JB and I are very fortunate (and GRATEFUL) to have a Grandma and a LoLo who are so willing to open up their home, hearts, and spirits to our own little "spirits!"  The kids count down the sleeps, they mark off the calendar in anticipation...and when the day comes...it takes everything in me to keep updating them with how many minutes are left until Grandma arrives. 

The other day we got an email from Grandma photo-journaling her feelings towards the two Beans.  Ms. JB was immediately eager to write a letter and send it back to Grandma.  I jumped on the wagon and got her started on the sign and decided to just email her the "darling" photo of the two. 

Needless to say...this is what I got...two freshly bathed beauties who couldn't crack a serious smile if I tried!

thoughts and prayers

For anyone who reads this...please put 'Papa Peterson' on your prayer list....

My best friends Grandfather has been living a long and courageous life thus far...but he has just recently, and severely, broken his leg.  The prognosis is dim and right now he (and his family) could use everyone's prayers. 

God bless and thank you!
Mama JB

The Curse Must Be Reported...

The blogging curse exists...it really does.  When you write in hopes that something does not happen, it always does.  Unfortunately it doesn't work the other way around.  When we left TWO weekends ago to enjoy our weekend, we came back to an exhausted Nana who had been up all night with a little two year old who had vomited straight for 4+ hours.  Blessings to Nana for being here through it all...Where he got it from...we aren't sure, but from the sounds of it...the 'park' at the Golden Arches is most likely the culprit.  In total fear of contracting the VIRUS we bleached the house from top to bottom and things held off.  In fear of what was to come I didn't eat over the course of the week (and managed to lose 4 lbs.) and tried to keep our house as bland as possible. 

We made it through.  This past Saturday was beautiful here and we had full intentions of taking the kids to the beach for a full day of play in the sand.  Sadly the day before, we got the call from the daycare provider that Ms. JB puked....in the TOILET! The poor thing was miserable and spent the rest of Friday night vomiting every 20 minutes until 5 hours into it, things settled to every hour, then two hours, until it finally stopped.  We are nearing day 4 and she is just now starting to show her 'normal' side.  This bug has been brutal.  

Today Daddy JB came home not feeling well...attributing it to either being sick, working out too hard, or not enough sleep.  Hate to say it...I think he is getting the bug.  I hope not of course, but when he was left to just watch Ms. JB this evening (willingly I might add) while I took Buddy to the end of the road to 'play,' a mere fifteen minutes later I found a little girl in her pajamas, no shoes, and no coat playing outside, halfway down the road and venturing onto the street.  HELLO?  Once we got back home to get her appropriately dressed he was crashed out on the couch; clueless of her whereabouts. 

Viruses please leave our house.  I am sick of having sicknesses come and go every two weeks.  I am sick of Lysol-ing the shit out of our house.  I am sick of being a hand-sanitizer crack mama.  I am sick of juggling substitutes, lesson plans, and running sick leave down to zero hours.  Please just leave!  The Jelly Belly household would like some ounce of normalcy around here!  Thanks!

Sleeping Beauty

Incriminating photos will be the topic of our children's lives.  Down the road...I am sure we will hear the, "Mom...Why did you take that photo?" or "How embarrassing!"  I hope there is a plethora of photos that both our children can look back upon with enjoyment and frustration.  As my time-line is indefinite...as are all others...I want there to be photos...LOTS OF PHOTOS!  Of course I don't always want them of me, but I really want LOTS of my children and the people that surround me/us!

The other day I snapped one of my favorite photos of my LITTLE MAN!  He is such a cutie and even though we are in the "two's" phase...he still is one cute little stinker!  Luckily he didn't wake up from my flash!  A little sleeping beauty prince!

As an adult...I would falter with this kind of photo...gut hanging over the counter, but how can this not be an irrestible attempt to zorbert and tickle his little belly that "hangs" onto the counter!  If some of his Daddy's genes prevail, then he won't have to look for this in the future!

A Weekend Away

Every year we have made an annual trip to the beach in order to spend time with some old friends of ours.  We did this before kids were born and we still continue since we have had children.  Nana always helps us with watching the two ya-hooligans and we end up slipping away for two nights until we have to return to life as we know it.  We are so grateful for the help that my mom (and MIL) provide us...we are truly blessed.  This year things changed some...two of the four parties canceled and the other party decided to go elsewhere for our "Cinco de Mayo" swine flu weekend. 

Having the childcare already lined up...we really didn't want to lose our weekend opportunity.  We managed to line up a place to stay at the O'dysius in Lincoln City and our weekend has been very nice.  Beach walks, dinner out, outlet mall, etc....what is ironic about it all though (and I am sure for many other couples with young kids) is that both the spouse and I find our conversations tied around our kids, money, blah, blah, blah...  You would think we would have elaborate conversations about dreams, politics, life in Utopia...not so much.  As we both sit in the hotel lobby, accessing the free WiFi, we are both plugged into laptops...you could say that we have been married/together for awhile...17 years. Regardless we are relaxing, taking time out, and enjoying these moments of down time while we can.

Easter...(It is still April!)

I really have been a slacker on the Blogging end of my life!  Things have been busy...what's new?  Spring Break came and went...Easter came and went...and another 30 days floated right on by! 

Easter was great around the Jelly Belly household.  The kids really got in the spirit of the "hallmark" side of it all, and with our now constant Biblical teachings, it felt great to really focus on why Easter is celebrated...for something far greater than what Hallmark or the Bunny can bring! 

The kids loved being able to come downstairs to find the eggs and treats the "Bunny" had left them.  Treats, eggs, breakfast was all conducted in the quick morning hours, but we were able to have the kids participate in a "big hunt" at our church. 

Buddy didn't end in tears like last year when it came time for the Egg Hunt, instead he was an EGG HOUND!  He did great and really liked being able to put all his plastic treasures in his basket.  The "bunny" left Ms. JB a fancy PRINCESS Easter dress and she loved being able to wear it to church that same morning.  Being the shy, somewhat non-aggressive kiddo in crowds, she did very well for herself.  Needless to say...the plastic Easter eggs have been hidden and re-hidden in our house for over two weeks.  Finally the "bunny" took them away!    

Because it is still April...(by a day or two)...I think I can still put up an Easter post and some Easter photos!

MS Wrap Up!

It appears to be time to wrap up the fund raising efforts. (being that I am nearing a full month of no new posts!)

Tonight I just finished a 2 + hour infusion over at the hospital and while my spirits are happy, it is best that I type this message now, before the steroids kick in...the anxiety...the racing heart beat...the massively red skin...and the bouts of sadness/depression.  I really hate the first 5 days after the infusion...I just don't think I have mastered how to react to it all, at least not yet.

Great news is that our MS Walk was a great success.  The weather was beautiful.  Aunt Sara and Aunt Jenny joined us for the event and having everyone present for this one fills my heart with great joy!  Truthfully. 

In these time of anxiety driven Swine Flu, a faltering economy, job losses, budget cuts and the veering path that is leading us astray from our founding Father's principles, etc....I could go on...      I am reminded of how much support surrounds me and surrounds our family.  I know that I am blessed and I thank the Lord for that daily...may each and everyone of you be blessed in spirit as well.

THANK YOU!

All For a Cause...

Saturday, tomorrow, marks my second annual participation in the Portland MS Walk.  Nerve Nerds is in full swing and blessings to all my family who are supporting me and the cause.... most important is the support towards the hope of promising research and the results that may come from all that is being done.  To everyone...thank you!  Thank you for your financial contributions, thank you for your prayers, and thank you for being "that" person who stands beside me each and every day...in presence or in distance.  Thank you! 

I stand first as me, an independent woman.  Not a disease.
I stand as a wife.  Not as a disease.
I stand as a mother.  Not as a disease.
I stand as a sister.  Not as a disease.
I stand as a friend.  Not as a disease.
I stand first as me and I stand with MS. 
MS doesn't stand before me, rather beside me. 
May MS never take first place in my life,
and I can only hope it never finishes the race!

Little Stinker!!!

I recently moved some of the furniture around this past week and in doing so I have had to shift some of my "hiding" spots for some toys.  Originally the following item wasn't purposefully hidden, rather it was at the bottom of the TRAIN mound that hides behind the angled chair (love the Geotrax).

Buddy got this very cool wooden tool set for Christmas and was thrilled when it was out and about during the furniture change.  Things went pretty well until I heard some massive hammering coming from the stairway in our house.  I quickly ran to scope the situation and needless to say....the hammer is now in hiding while the rest of his tool box is fully accessible. 

Where is my spackle?    Good thing we are painting the stairway soon!

Peek-A-Boo!

Can you guess who is hiding? 

Little does he know that "all of him" is suppose to be hidden! 

What is in a name?

More meme madness for no particular reason...other than to laugh at!

1.YOUR REAL NAME:

Traci Lynn Vail

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)

Sue Claud

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad, or mother’s mother and father’s mother if you’re a female)

Edith Ladean

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)

Vaitr

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)

green duck

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)

Lynn Astoria

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)

The Yellow Latte

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)

Tril

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)

Mint Chocolate Chip Macaroon

10.SKANK NAME: (1st pet's name, street you grew up on)

Poncie E

11.GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of first name plus 'izzle')

Traizzle

12.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)

Black Sebastian

13. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, and fav candy:

Romance Cadbury Creme Egg

Spring Break 2009

Spring Break is here...Family is relaxing...and have just been chillin' out at the beach and around the house with family!  Sadly we were only there for a few days, but none the less, we managed to play at the 'Arcade, ride the carousel, have 'Fancy Nancy' parfait parties, and countless cups of coffee while kicking back in our pj's.  We managed to go exploring in the 'woods' with the glorious Ocean Mist!  The sandbox wasn't as enticing with all the moisture and rain, but we did have lots of fun exploring grandma's backyard.

   

 

We have started a tradition of stopping off at the Camp 18 landmark for dinner and a little stretch break from our long drive home.  The kids love the 'log cabin' feel and are always intrigued with all the wood sculpture that surrounds the restaurant.  I couldn't help but forcing the two to have their photo taken together.  Can you tell which one wasn't too keen on being forced? 

We are finally on the health mend...after two months of being SICK!  I am hoping the ocean air...purified their little bodies and rebooted their immune systems...not sure if it is the ocean air or if it is Grandma's and Nana's.  Either way...we will take healthy any day!

Once Upon A Potty...Revisited

Spring Break is here and the push to Spring Clean is here as well.  I have been sorting books, toys, and JUNK in an effort to minimize and ORGANIZE some of the fun stuff around the Jelly Belly household.  I am making headway in this area and today we sorted through some of our downstairs books and found our "Potty" books!  Ms. JB loved her 'girl' version and when I found the 'boy' version 2 years ago...I snagged it at Goodwill for 99 cents.  Buddy was in awe today of this story.  I think it has been read at least 8 times since it has been found and he has insisted on napping this afternoon with the book as well as falling asleep with it tonight.  As all children have the 'naked/body part' curiosity...Buddy is in full gear with this fascination.  I have managed to get him to potty regularly on the toilet before bath time, but he is NOT interested at pottying any other time unless we are at or near a public restroom and his sister has to go as well.   My next step is to check out the video from the library and then I can really hear him say, "dere his pee pee, Mommy, dere it is!"  Currently I hear this on EVERY page because little 'Joshua' is close to near nakedness on EVERY page. 

It really is priceless!

Excitement!

I have been encouraging Ms. JB for some time now to write down some of her needs/wants...or just write.  The kinder teacher in me comes out and I love that she is understanding the entire "concepts about print" thingy ma jig.  (yeah...the later part is my professional twist on it all!)  She knows her letters and sounds and she is solidly putting them together.  I have been able to get her to read some basis CVC words and when she stops and observes what she has accomplished...she is tickled! ...as am I!

One of the former daycare girls (there were three of them all the same age and counting Ms. JB) just celebrated her birthday this weekend.  Ms. JB was invited and unfortunately we were unable to go because I was going solo this weekend, due to auction season.  I informed Ms. JB about 'Sydney's' birthday and Ms. JB wanted to immediately write her a card.  (Morning Spongebob show was about card writing...glad that is what carried over...of all things!)  While I was writing my weekly menu/grocery list Ms. JB decided to take over and write her message to Sydney on my list.  Even with encouragement of using 'real' art paper...she wouldn't budge.  Once I had finally seen what she had written there was NO way I was going to have her start over. 

What is really funny....notice the start of my grocery list?  popcorn, oatmeal ? (trying to find steel oats), bag. pot. (chuckle, chuckle)  If you know me... I have never touched the illegal stuff in the past and I vow to forgo the wacky tobacee in the future...so when it dawned on me what I had written, I had to laugh.  Tuesday is POTATO day in my classroom in honor of St. Patrick's day...hence the bag. of pot. 

Another Meme

I  have a VERY DEAR FRIEND (DIDER) who does these memes all the time...I love to read them (and her responses), but as she knows I am always last to complete them.  I have a list of probably 15 + memes I could include here. 

Topic:  Things You'd Never think to ask/share

1.Have you ever been searched by the cops? Thank the Lord...NO!

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coaster? Oh hell YES! I officially hate roller coasters after riding the New York, New York in Las Vegas. 

3. When's the last time you've been sledding? Awana's....might of been 12 years old.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Alone means an uninterrupted night of sleep...Hubby or kids otherwise.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? not sure

6. Do you consider yourself creative? yes

7. How old were you when you lost your virginity? Omitting this question!

8. Who is your favorite actor? Sandra Bullock

9.Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? Yes,very much so...start me and I will tend to go on and on.

10. Do you know how to play poker? For the most part.  Do I win?  Too afraid to try it on the big tables.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yes...hello college!

12. What's your favorite commercial? The cell phone add where it highlights who is in 'your network.'  The little brother pipes out...Your friends are HOT!  Cracks me up every time.

13. Who was your first love? crushes. then came Jon!

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light? uh, no way...too chicken.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? I am sure there are a few.  Husband knows most everything though!

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Yankee sox?  Never heard of them... ;)

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Yes.

18. How often do you remember your dreams? VERY VERY VERY rarely

19. What's the one thing on your mind? needing to get off the addictive computer.

20. Do you always wear your seat belt? Absolutely...

21. What talent do you wish you had? There are so many.  Speed reading. extreme athlete.  the list could go on.

22. Do you like Sushi? Only vegetarian...does that count?

23. What do you wear to bed? Clothes....not a nakkey sleeper. 

24. Do you truly hate anyone? No

25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? Matthew M.  HOTTNESS!  I would never do it though...silly question.

26. Do you know anyone in jail?  not personally...students with relatives and parents in jail

27. What food do you find disgusting? eggplant

28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? No...What kind of friend is that then!

29. Have you ever been punched in the face? I have been swung at.(twice)...sports and big brother.

30. Do you believe in angels and demons? Yes

31. Do you ever talk to your ex? Nope

32. Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall? Spring and Summer.

33. How many vehicles do you own? 2

34. Ever been on a blind date? Yes.  one was with a professional racquetball player...very weird!

35. T.V. or radio? both

36. Are you a vegetarian? Well. Not totally. No. But not fond of meats.

37. Are you single, taken, married or divorced? Married!

38. Do you want to have children? Happy with the two I have. No more!

39. Are you a dog lover or a cat lover? both.

40. Favorite sport?  Like many of them...just not in excess...rather be in person than on TV.

Still Tickin' Over Here

I have been out on blogger's vacation and truthfully have been a total slacker in the blogging department.  So often I base a lot of my posts on some of the cute pictures that we end up taking or on some of the events that have been going on.  Since Christmas we have been in the routine grind of life...busy, busy, busy.  So much that I have laid the axe on a few things around our house.  Ms. JB now attends school three days a week, consecutively, and the poor thing is one pooped girl come day 3!  Swim lessons just concluded and we won't be signing up again for awhile.  Hopefully things will settle down and we won't always be on the GO!  Not only has the routine busy-ness put an idle on my blogging but so has my CAMERA.  Buddy absolutely loves playing with the camera.  I like for him to have the opportunities, but we made the mistake awhile back and now every time the thing comes out he throws a complete conniption fit and tantrums if he doesn't get the camera then and there.  It gets soooooo old... so I don't even bother bringing the thing out.  Here are a FEW of the pictures that I have narrowed down from his photo escapade...a mere 48+ photos. I thought I would spare you the 39 ceiling photos.

A Day Like No Other...

First off...Portland/Funberg weather....BEAUTIFUL.   Today was just a glorious day!  Blue skies, warm weather, good company...what more could one ask for? 

Blessings to Aunt Sara who hooked up our little Miss JB with a dream come true.  In case you don't already know...we have a true HORSE nut in this house.  Everything is about the horse...one must eat their snack like a horse, one must gallop from wall to wall in our house, anything horse related...she'll do it!  The girl loves horses with a passion.  We have had a few opportunities to foster this love with some pony rides and Grandma taking her to a friends house whom also has ponies.  The few times we have been around horses she has been a little intimidated by their size, but still eager to ride them. 

One of Aunt Sara's co-workers grew up with horses and still has one; Cinder.  Carrie (Cinder's owner) and her mother invited us to come visit their horses at their boarding stable.  With both kids we ventured out today for this fun endeavor.  Ms. JB was able to pet the horses, feed them carrots and apples, and most importantly;  RIDE!  Carrie walked her endlessly around the arena.  She taught Ms. JB how to get the horse to go forward, turn, and halt.  Carrie walked Cinder and Ms. JB outside to view the other horses and miniature horses.  She even had the horse trot for a few feet and Ms. JB quickly let her know that she didn't like that. Regardless of the trotting, Ms. JB was in heaven!

Buddy went without a nap which...as we knew it...would lead to some meltdowns.  He lasted awhile, but later we had to remove him from the arena because he was crying so loudly.  He eventually got a turn and Carrie carried him around for a quick jaunt on the horse.

We ended our special trip by saying goodbye's to our new horse friend and thanking Carrie and Sandi for the wonderful opportunity that our kids had today.  There was a school park, across from the stables that we played at for the remainder of our time.  Most everyone did some gymnastics on the play structure and a few of us even managed to run a few laps around the track.  (both kids completed this long feat)

Today memories were truly made.

Memories

Growing up was filled with numerous, if not countless memories of little tidbits about living that seemed so normal at the time, but when compared amongst some "other " members of society, they might find these memories a little quaint. 

Don't we all have these types of memories?  The weird holiday traditions, the particular arrangement of the kitchen or medicine cabinet.  Tricks and trades for laundry...they are out there, you know what I am talking about. 

I can say that my childhood and family was very normal...if not a little boring for some.  For me...I will take the normal ANY DAY over what I see on a daily basis.  I hope to keep school nights, quiet nights.  Weekends, eventful.  And traditions, our own. 

All except one....(I will refer to this at a later time!)

Growing up you could always find my Dad...busy...working on one project or the other in the garage or around the house.  My Mom would be quilting or completing a huge remodeling endeavor around the house.  My brother and I were either outside, in our rooms, or forcing my mom to tote us around in order for us to participate in the millions of school activities that we partook in.  Life really was good.  I have wonderful memories from my childhood that still make me yearn to be a kid again.  The innocence, the learning...I loved almost all of it.

Now I am in the role of my mother.  I love it....and as I mentioned earlier...there are times I would like to be a kid again and not have to worry about anything.  Too bad there is no such luck, so I am forced to live in the moment. 

My mother always kept a clean house.  I still haven't figured out how to keep my own home as neat and tidy...and de-cluttered as my mom did.  I remember she would turn on the radio or put on an LP (OK-totally dating myself) and start cleaning.  I would try to help her in some way, shape, or form.  I was usually found on the Hoover vacuum, singing my heart out to the "make shift microphone." Good times you all!  There was this one piece of art that my mom usually had out, an Asian inspired vase.  I cannot remember if it was brass or porcelain, but regardless, it was from my grandparents and I think it was an important piece for our home's decor.  There was one quaint fact about this beautiful vase...MYSTERIOUSLY it housed someone's nail clippings.  Gross, eh?  It really was the joke of our house.  It was emptied regularly, so don't go thinking if was filled to the brim with human tissue samples.

Remember how I noted earlier that most of our memories were normal...well I see the evolution of another quaint habit; take a peek for yourself!  Gross eh?

Still alive...making memories!

Still here...a mere three weeks later....

Life of course has been the normal "busy" around here...School, Work, Church, Swim Lessons, etc.  Kids have had rounds of colds...I have been doing my rounds of meds...we have been attending weekly swim lessons along with a cool "disciples" class that Daddy JB and I have started taking through our church. 

My motto for the year has been to "make memories."  I am hoping this inspiration will hold out until December 09, and as of now, things are going well.  Our January splurge this month was visiting the Portland Zoo and the Children's Museum.  We were there, between the two places, for a total of 7 hours!  The kids never grew tired of the fun and thankfully their little bodies slept well that night.   

Ms. JB and I pulled out one of her Christmas presents this past month and attempted to "easy bake" our way into CUPCAKE heaven.  Of course all Ms. JB wanted to do was EAT the frosting, but we managed to get some of the frosting onto the 30 second miracle cupcake.  The kit was pretty cool...but the instant food package ideas...Ack!  I should have taken a clue that with a little water, a little powder, and 30 seconds in the microwave...you will have a perfect little cupcake.  I am afraid to really know what the ingredients are....Ms. JB didn't care one bit, but I have decided that I will easily convert my homemade cupcakes and frosting into her little cupcake maker.  The kit came with some pretty cool accessories that we can utilize.  She was a cupcake/chocolate mess after our bake-a-thon was over...but I do know that some Memories were made.