In honor of the men and women who faithfully served and still serve our country in the armed forces, thank you. Thank you to people like my Dad and my father-in-law and our grandfathers and uncles. For guys and girls I went to high school with and for husbands of friends who are still fighting today. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for believing that freedom was worth fighting for. Thank you for your courage and bravery in spite of your fears.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze;
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform,
So young, so tall, so proud;
With hair cut square and eyes alert,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought... how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves
No, Freedom is not Free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still;
I listened to the bugler play,
And felt a sudden chill;
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend;
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands.
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea,
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No. Freedom is not Free!
©Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
An Ordinary Day
In the midst of potty training, tball, end of school, and beginning of summer craziness, this is what I needed:
(It is a little long, but worth watching if you are a mom.)
(It is a little long, but worth watching if you are a mom.)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Grande Venti(ng)
This post has nothing to do with coffee.
I just need to vent.
But I don't want to sound like a brat.
Recently, several retail stores have changed their return and exchange policies. And I don't like them.
There's a store whose name I won't mention (but it rhymes with Hottery Darn Mids) that has a 30 day return & exchange policy. Thirty days. One month. Too bad if you change your mind. I bought a quilt for Luke's room in a twin size. Then we ended up getting a full size bed. I know some of you are thinking "well, you should have waited to buy the bedding." But I needed a starting point to figure out paint color and other stuff. I just assumed based on the size of his room we would get him a twin bed. Then I found this super cute full size bed on craigslist that is virtually indestructable even for a two year old so we got it (pictures soon). The quilt I bought is still in stock in the store. I just need a full size instead of a twin and I am happy to pay the difference. I called and they said there's nothing they can do because I purchased it more than 30 days ago. Now I could see if I bought it three years ago and I was trying to return it or if I had used it. But it is still in the original packaging and they still have the same one IN STOCK.
Same thing happened at a clothing store. Tags still on the shirt. I purchased it 37 days ago. But their return policy is 30 days. Same shirt still in the store. No merchandise credit.
Needless to say, I am very reluctant to shop at either one of these stores ever again. I need to be a better decision maker. What if everyone kept returning stuff. I know all of the arguments. It is just a small frustration in the grand scheme of things. But I remember back in the olden days when things were different.
I think I might send Kevin into the first store with the quilt to see what he could do. He has a way with people.
Ok. Rant over. But let this serve as a warning to you. Read those return policies. It will save you much frustration down the road. It seems as though several stores are doing this new "30 day" thing.
Anyone want to buy a twin quilt or shirt? I could make you a great deal.
I just need to vent.
But I don't want to sound like a brat.
Recently, several retail stores have changed their return and exchange policies. And I don't like them.
There's a store whose name I won't mention (but it rhymes with Hottery Darn Mids) that has a 30 day return & exchange policy. Thirty days. One month. Too bad if you change your mind. I bought a quilt for Luke's room in a twin size. Then we ended up getting a full size bed. I know some of you are thinking "well, you should have waited to buy the bedding." But I needed a starting point to figure out paint color and other stuff. I just assumed based on the size of his room we would get him a twin bed. Then I found this super cute full size bed on craigslist that is virtually indestructable even for a two year old so we got it (pictures soon). The quilt I bought is still in stock in the store. I just need a full size instead of a twin and I am happy to pay the difference. I called and they said there's nothing they can do because I purchased it more than 30 days ago. Now I could see if I bought it three years ago and I was trying to return it or if I had used it. But it is still in the original packaging and they still have the same one IN STOCK.
Same thing happened at a clothing store. Tags still on the shirt. I purchased it 37 days ago. But their return policy is 30 days. Same shirt still in the store. No merchandise credit.
Needless to say, I am very reluctant to shop at either one of these stores ever again. I need to be a better decision maker. What if everyone kept returning stuff. I know all of the arguments. It is just a small frustration in the grand scheme of things. But I remember back in the olden days when things were different.
I think I might send Kevin into the first store with the quilt to see what he could do. He has a way with people.
Ok. Rant over. But let this serve as a warning to you. Read those return policies. It will save you much frustration down the road. It seems as though several stores are doing this new "30 day" thing.
Anyone want to buy a twin quilt or shirt? I could make you a great deal.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Garden Update
Here are a few pictures of our garden. Amazingly enough, things seem to be growing even though I haven't spent nearly as much time "researching" everything this year. Fortunately, we've been getting alot of rain almost daily here in the afternoons so I haven't had to remember to water everything.
These are the tomato plants. The cherry tomatoes have several small tomatoes on them. These are Kevin's job since I really messed up our tomato plants last year (blight) and since I don't really eat tomatoes anyway. We are keeping them on the deck to monitor them closely. They are a little droopy in this picture because I took the pics late in the day and it had been sunny all day.
These are the tomato plants. The cherry tomatoes have several small tomatoes on them. These are Kevin's job since I really messed up our tomato plants last year (blight) and since I don't really eat tomatoes anyway. We are keeping them on the deck to monitor them closely. They are a little droopy in this picture because I took the pics late in the day and it had been sunny all day.
Those ridiculously tall things are Fletcher's sunflowers. He brought a tiny plant home from school and we put it in the garden along with a few other seeds we had leftover from last year. I have a feeling these are going to get huge.
These are our cucumbers with a squash in the middle (don't ask). Last year our cucumbers were the only thing that grew and they sort of took over the garden and were climbing all over the little fence. This solution may not work for the long haul. I couldn't remember how many plants we bought last year (3) so we bought some this year (6). Oops! I think it is safe to say we will have plenty of cucumbers. That's a crooked neck yellow squash in the orange pot in the back corner.
The plants in the green trellis are baby watermelons. They seem to be growing fine. The other plants between the trellis and the sunflowers are squash and a variety of pepper plants (bell and banana) and a basil plant. My cilantro is to the left of the green trellis. I am sad to say it isn't looking so hot. I love cilantro and was hoping it would take off. Our blueberry bushes are in the orange pots next to the garden. They do have lots of new leaves but no berries. I think I probably need to transplant them directly into the ground.
These are Kevin's jalapeno plants. I didn't want them in the regular garden in case the kids touched them. He accidentally whacked one of them with the weed eater, but I think they survived. You can see one single pepper growing in the very center of the photo.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Mr. Clean
Luke is fascinated by our vacuum cleaner (not that he sees me use it that often). When the people come to clean our house, he gets his little ball popper push toy (remember those) and pretends it is his vacuum cleaner. Well, the other day I happened to be walking by a kids consignment store and a lady was bringing this vacuum cleaner in to sell. I had never seen one like it before. I had to wait a few days for them to price it, but I gave it to Luke as a surprise last week and he loves it. Every morning when he wakes up, he says he needs to "vacuum up the mess we made" before breakfast. I think Kevin is just thankful that it isn't pink and purple!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Where Does The Time Go?
We've been watching old videos on the computer with the kids. Of course, they love them. This one is a few clips strung together. Luke is 7 weeks old in the first part, then he's about 2 months old when he is in the swing and that would make Fletcher not quite 4 years old.
Happy Birthday to my Dad (PawPaw) today! We love you!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Teacher Gift
Instead of more candles and picture frames, we decided to make a little memory book for Fletcher's kindergarten teacher as her gift. The kids each drew a picture of the thing they liked most and then they answered questions about their teacher. We then made it into a Shutterfly photo book. Their answers to some of the questions were so cute so I thought I'd share them:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bad Hair Day
Fletcher's kindergarten teacher sends out an email each week telling us the things they will be doing for the week and suggestions of what we can work with them at home.
She always closes each email with a few funny things she's heard the kids say the week before.
This was one of them last week:
After a VERY hot recess, as the kids came in dripping and with their hair plastered to their little heads: "Well, I guess my hair is ruined for the rest of the day!" This was from one of the BOYS! =)
I remember reading it and laughing and wondering which of the boys in his class would have said that knowing that Fletcher wouldn't have said it. He doesn't care one bit how his hair looks. Most days I have to remind him to comb it before he goes to school. I assumed it was one of the boys who has an older sister. He does get very hot and sweaty when he plays and if it is really hot his hair can get wet too.
Well, you know where this is headed. Imagine my surprise when I saw Fletcher's teacher at school on Monday and she told me Fletcher is the one who said that. He is so silly!
She always closes each email with a few funny things she's heard the kids say the week before.
This was one of them last week:
After a VERY hot recess, as the kids came in dripping and with their hair plastered to their little heads: "Well, I guess my hair is ruined for the rest of the day!" This was from one of the BOYS! =)
I remember reading it and laughing and wondering which of the boys in his class would have said that knowing that Fletcher wouldn't have said it. He doesn't care one bit how his hair looks. Most days I have to remind him to comb it before he goes to school. I assumed it was one of the boys who has an older sister. He does get very hot and sweaty when he plays and if it is really hot his hair can get wet too.
Well, you know where this is headed. Imagine my surprise when I saw Fletcher's teacher at school on Monday and she told me Fletcher is the one who said that. He is so silly!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
You Smell Something?
The four of us are driving in the car on the way to dinner after tball practice.
Luke: Mama, I smell sumptin'
Mom: You smell something? What do you smell?
Luke: I smell 'moke.
Mom: You smell smoke? (Not really sure where he was going with this since I didn't smell anything)
Luke: Yes. I do.
Mom: (to no one in particular) I wonder where that's coming from...
Luke: It coming from my bottom.
Oh that child. I guess bathroom humor is a built in gender thing.
So an update on the potty training front. He is doing great! He has really caught on quickly. We gave all of his diapers to our friend's baby. We've had very few accidents. He is even waking up dry after naps and nightime which is shocking. He is actually starting to tell me he needs to go instead of me taking him every so often. He is even p00ping on the potty too. Next we need to transition to the regular potty. He also said he wants to do it standing up. Oh my. I told him he had to be three to do that so hopefully that will give me a few more months. A big test will be tomorrow at preschool. Last week, he stayed dry, but didn't go the whole time he was there. Four hours. That's a seriously strong bladder!
Luke: Mama, I smell sumptin'
Mom: You smell something? What do you smell?
Luke: I smell 'moke.
Mom: You smell smoke? (Not really sure where he was going with this since I didn't smell anything)
Luke: Yes. I do.
Mom: (to no one in particular) I wonder where that's coming from...
Luke: It coming from my bottom.
Oh that child. I guess bathroom humor is a built in gender thing.
So an update on the potty training front. He is doing great! He has really caught on quickly. We gave all of his diapers to our friend's baby. We've had very few accidents. He is even waking up dry after naps and nightime which is shocking. He is actually starting to tell me he needs to go instead of me taking him every so often. He is even p00ping on the potty too. Next we need to transition to the regular potty. He also said he wants to do it standing up. Oh my. I told him he had to be three to do that so hopefully that will give me a few more months. A big test will be tomorrow at preschool. Last week, he stayed dry, but didn't go the whole time he was there. Four hours. That's a seriously strong bladder!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
It All Adds Up
I typically don't post on the weekends, but today is our anniversary.
1 boy
1 girl
7 months of dating
1 proposal
9 month engagement
1 wedding
890 miles - our move from Houston to Jacksonville, FL right after our wedding
4 cities - Houston, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, here
2 apartments - Portofino, Polos on Park
1 townhouse - Saintsbury
3 houses - Chapelwood Lane, Planters Ridge Drive, our current home
17 sets of memorable neighbors (the Tall people, The Witness Protection people, the Petersons)
5 vehicles - Honda Accord, Ford Bronco, Nissan Maxima, Ford F150, Honda Pilot
5 jobs for me - teacher, computer trainer, financial assistant, ministry assistant, college director, stay at home mom
2 companies for you - St. Joe, Newland
7 title changes, promotions, new business cards for you (I think - I've lost track)
1 dog - Sadie
8 churches - Second, Southside, Chets, Northwoods, TRBC, WCC, SB, FBCW (zoinks!)
3 small groups
2 foreign countries - Mexico, Costa Rica
5 mission trips - Missouri, Mexico, Mississippi, Costa Rica x 2
100 college students
600 pizzas
3000 miles - church van driving (you)
20 FSU football games and tailgate parties
2000 bowls of ice cream (you)
200 online purchases (me)
5 vacations without kids
6 vacations with kids
1 failed in vitro attempt
2 successful adoptions
2 little boys who light up our world
2100 bath nights (you)
40 pediatrician visits (me)
6 visits from Santa
8 birthday parties
4 bike/trike assemblies
5 lost teeth
5 middle of the night throw up clean ups
6 snow days
300 Saturdays "hanging out with Dad"
2 gardens
2 tball teams
1 basketball team
1 Coach Dad
1 pathetic soccer attempt
75 trips to the neighborhood swimming pool
2 trips to the emergency room (Kevin & Luke)
7 Mother's Day celebrations
6 Father's Day celebrations
4 new hobbies (surfing, guitar, electric guitar, blogging)
5000+ airline miles flying to visit family
2 trips to Stone Mountain
1 surprise trip to New York
1 less than stellar trip to the Biltmore
5 visits to Watercolor
1 trip to Baltimore with a rented convertible and amazing fireworks show
4 loving, supportive parents
8 fun brothers and sisters and brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws
10 nieces and nephews
3 great nieces and nephews
3 goodbyes (my grandmother, your grandmother and grandfather)
1 potentially scary health diagnosis
0 major surgeries or health problems
1000 decisions (or indecisions) about landscaping and home decorating
13 home improvement projects
4 craigslist adventures
57 nights away from home (you)
6 girls weekends (me)
50 "intense discussions"
500 dinners out
3000 phone calls
4300 good night kisses
1 commitment to God and each other
equals
12 years of a wild ride with an amazing, godly man. I still can't believe you picked me.
Happy Anniversary, Kevin! I love you!
*I'd love to say I came up with the idea for this post all on my own but I saw it on another blog from a husband to his wife and thought it was a fun idea.
1 boy
1 girl
7 months of dating
1 proposal
9 month engagement
1 wedding
890 miles - our move from Houston to Jacksonville, FL right after our wedding
4 cities - Houston, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, here
2 apartments - Portofino, Polos on Park
1 townhouse - Saintsbury
3 houses - Chapelwood Lane, Planters Ridge Drive, our current home
17 sets of memorable neighbors (the Tall people, The Witness Protection people, the Petersons)
5 vehicles - Honda Accord, Ford Bronco, Nissan Maxima, Ford F150, Honda Pilot
5 jobs for me - teacher, computer trainer, financial assistant, ministry assistant, college director, stay at home mom
2 companies for you - St. Joe, Newland
7 title changes, promotions, new business cards for you (I think - I've lost track)
1 dog - Sadie
8 churches - Second, Southside, Chets, Northwoods, TRBC, WCC, SB, FBCW (zoinks!)
3 small groups
2 foreign countries - Mexico, Costa Rica
5 mission trips - Missouri, Mexico, Mississippi, Costa Rica x 2
100 college students
600 pizzas
3000 miles - church van driving (you)
20 FSU football games and tailgate parties
2000 bowls of ice cream (you)
200 online purchases (me)
5 vacations without kids
6 vacations with kids
1 failed in vitro attempt
2 successful adoptions
2 little boys who light up our world
2100 bath nights (you)
40 pediatrician visits (me)
6 visits from Santa
8 birthday parties
4 bike/trike assemblies
5 lost teeth
5 middle of the night throw up clean ups
6 snow days
300 Saturdays "hanging out with Dad"
2 gardens
2 tball teams
1 basketball team
1 Coach Dad
1 pathetic soccer attempt
75 trips to the neighborhood swimming pool
2 trips to the emergency room (Kevin & Luke)
7 Mother's Day celebrations
6 Father's Day celebrations
4 new hobbies (surfing, guitar, electric guitar, blogging)
5000+ airline miles flying to visit family
2 trips to Stone Mountain
1 surprise trip to New York
1 less than stellar trip to the Biltmore
5 visits to Watercolor
1 trip to Baltimore with a rented convertible and amazing fireworks show
4 loving, supportive parents
8 fun brothers and sisters and brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws
10 nieces and nephews
3 great nieces and nephews
3 goodbyes (my grandmother, your grandmother and grandfather)
1 potentially scary health diagnosis
0 major surgeries or health problems
1000 decisions (or indecisions) about landscaping and home decorating
13 home improvement projects
4 craigslist adventures
57 nights away from home (you)
6 girls weekends (me)
50 "intense discussions"
500 dinners out
3000 phone calls
4300 good night kisses
1 commitment to God and each other
equals
12 years of a wild ride with an amazing, godly man. I still can't believe you picked me.
Happy Anniversary, Kevin! I love you!
*I'd love to say I came up with the idea for this post all on my own but I saw it on another blog from a husband to his wife and thought it was a fun idea.
Friday, May 14, 2010
352
352
That's how many books Fletcher and I (and sometimes Luke) have read for kindergarten this year. His class had a passport with two parts to it. In the first part, every 300 pages equaled one continent. So we made it to 2100 pages. In the second part, every 10 picture books (or chapters if it was a chapter book) equaled one state with the goal of getting 50 states. It seems easy enough because we own lots of books; we have a county library and a school library. However, we were limited to books that were on the school's Great Book List or the books in the school library or by the authors in the library. We were able to get all of our continent "stamps" and all of our state "stamps". Fletcher and I have always loved to read together ever since he was a baby. I hope that tradition continues even when he learns to read independently.
For posterity's sake, here's our list. In hindsight I wish I would have kept up with the authors too. Oh well...
Are any of your childhood favorites on the list?
Cat in the Hat
Katy & The Big Snow
Lentil
Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath
Puppy Mudge loves His Blanket
Mystery Ranch
Corduroy
Fox In Socks
Corduroy Lost & Found
One Fish Two Fish
The Velveteen Rabbit
Uncle Elephant
Owl At Home
Angelo
The Duchess Bakes a Cake
George And Martha
Mike Mulligan & His Steam Shovel
Henry & Mudge In the Green Time
Henry & Mudge in the Sparkle Days
Henry & Mudge in Puddle Trouble
The Horse In Harry's Room
The Napping House
Harold and The Purple Crayon
Green Eggs and Ham
Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm
Bread & Jam for Frances
The Bee Tree
The Doorbell Rings
Will I Have a Friend
The Amazing Bone
Brave Irene
Mirette On The High Wire
The Thanksgiving Story
Three Names
Make Way For Ducklings
Bedtime for Frances
Miss Rumphins
The Little Fire Engine
Roxaboxen
Winnie The Pooh
Amelia Bedelia Plays Ball
Scruffy
Little Bear's New Friend
Albert
The Rag Coat
Julius
Henry & Mudge The Funny Lunch
Alligators All Around
Sam, Bangs & Moonshine
Chicken Soup With Rice
The Little House
A Pair Of Red Clogs
Follow the Drinking Gourd
They Came From Aargh
Night of the Moonjellies
The Little Fir Tree
George & Martha - Tons of Fun
Madeline's Rescue
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Mike's Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Madeline in London
Mr. Grumpy's Motor Car
The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle
Blue Bay Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Mrs. Katz & Tush
Winter Days in the Big Woods
The Keeping Quilt
Rechenka's Eggs
Grandfather's Journey
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Giant Treasury of Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter Nursery Rhymes
Dr. Seuss ABC's
Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Rings (Ch.1-5)
Sam The Minuteman
Emma Kate
Stellaluna
The Little Red Lighthouse & The Great Gray Bridge
Arthur's Birthday
Arthur's Campout
The Pumpkin Runner
Blaze & the Forest Fire
Blaze Shows the Way
Blaze and the Gray Spotted Pony
Are You My Mother?
Madeline and the Bad Hat
Mousekin Takes a Trip
Water Dance
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
Corduroy's Christmas Surprise
Mousekin's Golden House
Mousekin's Mystery
Henry & Mudge & The Long Weekend
Henry & Mudge & Mrs. Hopper's House
Abigail Takes the Wheel
Young Albert Einstein
Eric the Red & Leif the Lucky
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Arctic Son
Buffalo Bill & the Pony Express
McBroom the Rainmaker
The Little Airplane
Henry & Mudge & the Bedtime Thumps
Blaze Finds The Trail
Blaze & Thunderbolt
And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street
Pioneer Bear
Now One Foot, Now the Other
Dance at Grandpa's
A Farmer Boy Birthday
County Fair
Prairie Day
Summertime in the Big Woods
Umbrella
Owl Moon
Thy Friend, Obadiah
The Littles Go to School
The Littles Give a Party
The Lighthouse Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Paddle To the Sea (part 1)
Blueberries for Sal
The Diggingest Dog
The Story of Ferdinand
Maybelle the Cable Car
Papa Piccolo
Snowflake Bentley
The Glorious Flight
Madeline
When I Was Young In the Mountains
Paul Revere's Ride
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Henry & Mudge & the Wild West
Winter on the Farm
A Little House Birthday
Santa Comes to Little House
Paddle To the Sea (part 2)
The Littles
Sugar Snow
The Deer In the Wood
Danny and the Dinosaur
Henry & Mudge & the Big Sleepover
Bill & Pete Go Down the Nile
When Lightning Comes In a Jar
An Orange for Frankie
For the Love of Autumn
Christmas Tapestry
The House at Pooh Corner
Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia
The Little Island
The Very Hungry Caterpiller
There's A Wocket In My Pocket
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
The Little Engine That Could
If You Take A Mouse To School
The Magic School Bus Inside The Human Body
The Littles to the Rescue
Mr. Brown Can Moo
Curious George Goes to the Beach
Henry & Mudge The First Book
Henry & Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers
The Lorax
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
Scruffy
Go Dog Go
Hop On Pop
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Nate the Great and the Monster Mess
Nate The Great on the Owl Express
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
The Chicken Sisters
Sherman Crunchley
Pierre
The Piggy in the Puddle
Amos & Boris
Horton Hatches the Egg
Mooch the Messy
Ellen's Lion
Katy No Pocket
The Nose Book
The Littles Go Exploring
The Log Cabin Church
The Tomten
Don't Cut the Lawn (Mahy)
The Magic Finger
The Mouse and The Motorcycle
Put Me In The Zoo
Caps for Sale
If You Give A Cat A Cupcake
Frog and Toad Together
Big Max
The Case of the Hungry Stranger
Red Fox and His Canoe
The Fire Cat
The True Story of Balto
Nate the Great and the Lost List
Two Dog Biscuits
Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory
Curious George and The Puppies
Curious George Makes Pancakes
Curious George Feeds the Animals
Curious George Goes to a Movie
Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon
Curious George in the Snow
Curious George's Dream
The Cat In The Hat Comes Back
Curious George
Curious George Takes a Job
Curious George Rides a Bike
Curious George Gets a Medal
Curious George Flies a Kite
Curious George Learns the Alphabet
Curious George Goes to the Hospital
Curious George Takes a Train
Curious George Visits a Toy Store
Curious George and The Dump Truck
Curious George and the Birthday Surprise
Curious George Goes Camping
Curious George Goes to a Costume Party
Curious George Visits the Library
Curious George in the Big City
Would You Rather Be A Bullfrog
When I First Came To This Land
Mei Li
Magic School Bus: Inside The Earth
Magic School Bus: Gets Eaten
Inch By Inch
A Story A Story
Curious George Christmas
The Little Auto
Earl The Squirrel
Happy Winter
Pancakes for Breakfast
Angus Lost
Ask Mr. Bear
Leo The Late Bloomer
Big and Little
Bears
The Carrot Seed
Maybe you should fly a jet
The Little Sail Boat
The Magic School Bus Spins a Web
The Magic School Bus Hops Home
The Tale of Three Trees
Inside Outside Upside Down
The Raft
Guess Who (Dick and Jane)
The New We Come and Go
The New We Look and See
Wagon Wheels
Ms. Frizzle's Adventures Medieval Castle
Amber on the Mountain
Nate the Great Goes Undercover
The Reluctant Dragon
Frog and Toad All Year
Hard Times On The Prairie (Little House)
Happy Birthday Danny and the Dinosaur
Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp
Nate the Great and the Boring Beach Bag
Big Max and the Mystery of the Missing Giraffe
Puppy Mudge Wants to Play
Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet
Nate the Great Goes Down in the Dumps
Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed
The Story of the Liberty Bell
Thunder Cake
Nate the Great and the Missing Key
Nate the Great and the Phony Clue
Bathtime for Biscuit
Ten Apples Up On Top
Buzby And The Grumble Bees (Lucado)
Bears On Wheels
The Snowy Day
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?
If I Ran The Circus
Nate The Great and the Big Sniff
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Just Plain Fancy
A Pocket For Corduroy
Blueberries for the Queen
The Smallest Cow in the World
Harry the Dirty Dog
No Roses for Harry!
Harry By the Sea
Blue Goose
You are Special, Little One (Tafuri)
Digby and Kate 1,2,3
One Saturday Afternoon
Buzby (Hoban)
Arthur's Honey Bear
Oliver
Who Will Be My Friends (Hoff)
Swimmy
Dandelion
Gregory's Shadow
Frederick
A House for a Hermit Crab
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle
Rooster's Off to See the World
How Tom Beat Captain Najork (Hoban)
Mr. Gumpy's Outing
Paddington Bear & the Busy Bee Carnival
The Tooth Book
Hooper Humperdink? Not Him!
Policeman Small
The Big Red Barn (Brown)
The Crippled Lamb (Lucado)
Just In Case You Ever Wonder (Lucado)
You are Special (Lucado)
Mrs. Mack
If You Give a Pig a Party
The Mixed Up Chameleon
The Very Quiet Cricket
The Rainbow Fish
Grizzwold
Sir Small & the Dragonfly
Welcome, Precious
Snow Globe Family
What Makes a Shadow
Hamster Chase
Starring First Grade
Nate the Great Saves the King of Sweden
Sleepy Little Owl
A Rhinoceros Grows Up
Moose Crossing
Moose Crossing
Fish Is Fish
Nate the Great Stalks Stupidweed
Harry and the Lady Next Door
Lost in Bear's Little Room
Turtle Dreams
Mice Are Nice
Blaze and the Lost Quarry
A Mama for Owen
Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?
Can I Keep Him?
Pearl's New Skates
On Noah's Ark
Night Tree
The Memory String
One Fine Day
Emma's Turtle
The Hat
The Three Snow Bears
The Snowman Storybook
It's Your First Day of School Annie Claire
Annie and the Wild Animals
Hello, Mrs Piggle Wiggle
That's how many books Fletcher and I (and sometimes Luke) have read for kindergarten this year. His class had a passport with two parts to it. In the first part, every 300 pages equaled one continent. So we made it to 2100 pages. In the second part, every 10 picture books (or chapters if it was a chapter book) equaled one state with the goal of getting 50 states. It seems easy enough because we own lots of books; we have a county library and a school library. However, we were limited to books that were on the school's Great Book List or the books in the school library or by the authors in the library. We were able to get all of our continent "stamps" and all of our state "stamps". Fletcher and I have always loved to read together ever since he was a baby. I hope that tradition continues even when he learns to read independently.
For posterity's sake, here's our list. In hindsight I wish I would have kept up with the authors too. Oh well...
Are any of your childhood favorites on the list?
Cat in the Hat
Katy & The Big Snow
Lentil
Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath
Puppy Mudge loves His Blanket
Mystery Ranch
Corduroy
Fox In Socks
Corduroy Lost & Found
One Fish Two Fish
The Velveteen Rabbit
Uncle Elephant
Owl At Home
Angelo
The Duchess Bakes a Cake
George And Martha
Mike Mulligan & His Steam Shovel
Henry & Mudge In the Green Time
Henry & Mudge in the Sparkle Days
Henry & Mudge in Puddle Trouble
The Horse In Harry's Room
The Napping House
Harold and The Purple Crayon
Green Eggs and Ham
Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm
Bread & Jam for Frances
The Bee Tree
The Doorbell Rings
Will I Have a Friend
The Amazing Bone
Brave Irene
Mirette On The High Wire
The Thanksgiving Story
Three Names
Make Way For Ducklings
Bedtime for Frances
Miss Rumphins
The Little Fire Engine
Roxaboxen
Winnie The Pooh
Amelia Bedelia Plays Ball
Scruffy
Little Bear's New Friend
Albert
The Rag Coat
Julius
Henry & Mudge The Funny Lunch
Alligators All Around
Sam, Bangs & Moonshine
Chicken Soup With Rice
The Little House
A Pair Of Red Clogs
Follow the Drinking Gourd
They Came From Aargh
Night of the Moonjellies
The Little Fir Tree
George & Martha - Tons of Fun
Madeline's Rescue
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Mike's Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Madeline in London
Mr. Grumpy's Motor Car
The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle
Blue Bay Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Mrs. Katz & Tush
Winter Days in the Big Woods
The Keeping Quilt
Rechenka's Eggs
Grandfather's Journey
Tigger Comes to the Forest
Giant Treasury of Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter Nursery Rhymes
Dr. Seuss ABC's
Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Rings (Ch.1-5)
Sam The Minuteman
Emma Kate
Stellaluna
The Little Red Lighthouse & The Great Gray Bridge
Arthur's Birthday
Arthur's Campout
The Pumpkin Runner
Blaze & the Forest Fire
Blaze Shows the Way
Blaze and the Gray Spotted Pony
Are You My Mother?
Madeline and the Bad Hat
Mousekin Takes a Trip
Water Dance
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
Corduroy's Christmas Surprise
Mousekin's Golden House
Mousekin's Mystery
Henry & Mudge & The Long Weekend
Henry & Mudge & Mrs. Hopper's House
Abigail Takes the Wheel
Young Albert Einstein
Eric the Red & Leif the Lucky
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Arctic Son
Buffalo Bill & the Pony Express
McBroom the Rainmaker
The Little Airplane
Henry & Mudge & the Bedtime Thumps
Blaze Finds The Trail
Blaze & Thunderbolt
And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street
Pioneer Bear
Now One Foot, Now the Other
Dance at Grandpa's
A Farmer Boy Birthday
County Fair
Prairie Day
Summertime in the Big Woods
Umbrella
Owl Moon
Thy Friend, Obadiah
The Littles Go to School
The Littles Give a Party
The Lighthouse Mystery (Boxcar Children)
Paddle To the Sea (part 1)
Blueberries for Sal
The Diggingest Dog
The Story of Ferdinand
Maybelle the Cable Car
Papa Piccolo
Snowflake Bentley
The Glorious Flight
Madeline
When I Was Young In the Mountains
Paul Revere's Ride
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Henry & Mudge & the Wild West
Winter on the Farm
A Little House Birthday
Santa Comes to Little House
Paddle To the Sea (part 2)
The Littles
Sugar Snow
The Deer In the Wood
Danny and the Dinosaur
Henry & Mudge & the Big Sleepover
Bill & Pete Go Down the Nile
When Lightning Comes In a Jar
An Orange for Frankie
For the Love of Autumn
Christmas Tapestry
The House at Pooh Corner
Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia
The Little Island
The Very Hungry Caterpiller
There's A Wocket In My Pocket
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
The Little Engine That Could
If You Take A Mouse To School
The Magic School Bus Inside The Human Body
The Littles to the Rescue
Mr. Brown Can Moo
Curious George Goes to the Beach
Henry & Mudge The First Book
Henry & Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers
The Lorax
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
Scruffy
Go Dog Go
Hop On Pop
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Nate the Great and the Monster Mess
Nate The Great on the Owl Express
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
The Chicken Sisters
Sherman Crunchley
Pierre
The Piggy in the Puddle
Amos & Boris
Horton Hatches the Egg
Mooch the Messy
Ellen's Lion
Katy No Pocket
The Nose Book
The Littles Go Exploring
The Log Cabin Church
The Tomten
Don't Cut the Lawn (Mahy)
The Magic Finger
The Mouse and The Motorcycle
Put Me In The Zoo
Caps for Sale
If You Give A Cat A Cupcake
Frog and Toad Together
Big Max
The Case of the Hungry Stranger
Red Fox and His Canoe
The Fire Cat
The True Story of Balto
Nate the Great and the Lost List
Two Dog Biscuits
Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory
Curious George and The Puppies
Curious George Makes Pancakes
Curious George Feeds the Animals
Curious George Goes to a Movie
Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon
Curious George in the Snow
Curious George's Dream
The Cat In The Hat Comes Back
Curious George
Curious George Takes a Job
Curious George Rides a Bike
Curious George Gets a Medal
Curious George Flies a Kite
Curious George Learns the Alphabet
Curious George Goes to the Hospital
Curious George Takes a Train
Curious George Visits a Toy Store
Curious George and The Dump Truck
Curious George and the Birthday Surprise
Curious George Goes Camping
Curious George Goes to a Costume Party
Curious George Visits the Library
Curious George in the Big City
Would You Rather Be A Bullfrog
When I First Came To This Land
Mei Li
Magic School Bus: Inside The Earth
Magic School Bus: Gets Eaten
Inch By Inch
A Story A Story
Curious George Christmas
The Little Auto
Earl The Squirrel
Happy Winter
Pancakes for Breakfast
Angus Lost
Ask Mr. Bear
Leo The Late Bloomer
Big and Little
Bears
The Carrot Seed
Maybe you should fly a jet
The Little Sail Boat
The Magic School Bus Spins a Web
The Magic School Bus Hops Home
The Tale of Three Trees
Inside Outside Upside Down
The Raft
Guess Who (Dick and Jane)
The New We Come and Go
The New We Look and See
Wagon Wheels
Ms. Frizzle's Adventures Medieval Castle
Amber on the Mountain
Nate the Great Goes Undercover
The Reluctant Dragon
Frog and Toad All Year
Hard Times On The Prairie (Little House)
Happy Birthday Danny and the Dinosaur
Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp
Nate the Great and the Boring Beach Bag
Big Max and the Mystery of the Missing Giraffe
Puppy Mudge Wants to Play
Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet
Nate the Great Goes Down in the Dumps
Sacagawea and the Bravest Deed
The Story of the Liberty Bell
Thunder Cake
Nate the Great and the Missing Key
Nate the Great and the Phony Clue
Bathtime for Biscuit
Ten Apples Up On Top
Buzby And The Grumble Bees (Lucado)
Bears On Wheels
The Snowy Day
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?
If I Ran The Circus
Nate The Great and the Big Sniff
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Just Plain Fancy
A Pocket For Corduroy
Blueberries for the Queen
The Smallest Cow in the World
Harry the Dirty Dog
No Roses for Harry!
Harry By the Sea
Blue Goose
You are Special, Little One (Tafuri)
Digby and Kate 1,2,3
One Saturday Afternoon
Buzby (Hoban)
Arthur's Honey Bear
Oliver
Who Will Be My Friends (Hoff)
Swimmy
Dandelion
Gregory's Shadow
Frederick
A House for a Hermit Crab
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle
Rooster's Off to See the World
How Tom Beat Captain Najork (Hoban)
Mr. Gumpy's Outing
Paddington Bear & the Busy Bee Carnival
The Tooth Book
Hooper Humperdink? Not Him!
Policeman Small
The Big Red Barn (Brown)
The Crippled Lamb (Lucado)
Just In Case You Ever Wonder (Lucado)
You are Special (Lucado)
Mrs. Mack
If You Give a Pig a Party
The Mixed Up Chameleon
The Very Quiet Cricket
The Rainbow Fish
Grizzwold
Sir Small & the Dragonfly
Welcome, Precious
Snow Globe Family
What Makes a Shadow
Hamster Chase
Starring First Grade
Nate the Great Saves the King of Sweden
Sleepy Little Owl
A Rhinoceros Grows Up
Moose Crossing
Moose Crossing
Fish Is Fish
Nate the Great Stalks Stupidweed
Harry and the Lady Next Door
Lost in Bear's Little Room
Turtle Dreams
Mice Are Nice
Blaze and the Lost Quarry
A Mama for Owen
Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?
Can I Keep Him?
Pearl's New Skates
On Noah's Ark
Night Tree
The Memory String
One Fine Day
Emma's Turtle
The Hat
The Three Snow Bears
The Snowman Storybook
It's Your First Day of School Annie Claire
Annie and the Wild Animals
Hello, Mrs Piggle Wiggle
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sleep Reading
At the risk of sounding incredibly weird, I'm going to go ahead and tell you something.
I think I might read in my sleep.
I said it sounded incredibly weird.
When Fletcher comes home from school in the afternoons, I put Luke down for his nap and then Fletcher and I read several books together. He has a reading passport at school so we've been trying to read lots of books to "earn" states for his passport. I know states are not technically part of the passport system, but work with me. (The book list will be another post for another day.)
Anyway, take yesterday for example. There were about 7 books sitting on the end table. I recall reading 3 of them. Fletcher said, "No, Mom. We also read Noah's Ark and Pearl's New Skates." I am not kidding when I say I looked through both of those books and they did not look familiar AT ALL (well, I know the general story of Noah's ark, but this one is from Noah's granddaughter's perspective). But Fletcher told me the plot of both books and looked at me like I was crazy since I was the one who read them to him. This isn't the first time this has happened. We've had other books that I started to read and Fletcher told me we had already read them.
It seems to happen when I am really tired. I took a nap right after our reading session (and apparently during it too). I was up early yesterday. Maybe I'm in some semi-conscious pre-sleep stage? Anyone care to diagnose me?
I do remember in college when I would look back at my notes from class on the days when I was really sleepy, that I would have weird stuff written directly into my notes that made no sense whatsoever. Like a sentence about a drugstore in the middle of my World Civilization notes. Again, I think I must have dozed off but kept writing.
Guess I need to get more sleep.
I think I might read in my sleep.
I said it sounded incredibly weird.
When Fletcher comes home from school in the afternoons, I put Luke down for his nap and then Fletcher and I read several books together. He has a reading passport at school so we've been trying to read lots of books to "earn" states for his passport. I know states are not technically part of the passport system, but work with me. (The book list will be another post for another day.)
Anyway, take yesterday for example. There were about 7 books sitting on the end table. I recall reading 3 of them. Fletcher said, "No, Mom. We also read Noah's Ark and Pearl's New Skates." I am not kidding when I say I looked through both of those books and they did not look familiar AT ALL (well, I know the general story of Noah's ark, but this one is from Noah's granddaughter's perspective). But Fletcher told me the plot of both books and looked at me like I was crazy since I was the one who read them to him. This isn't the first time this has happened. We've had other books that I started to read and Fletcher told me we had already read them.
It seems to happen when I am really tired. I took a nap right after our reading session (and apparently during it too). I was up early yesterday. Maybe I'm in some semi-conscious pre-sleep stage? Anyone care to diagnose me?
I do remember in college when I would look back at my notes from class on the days when I was really sleepy, that I would have weird stuff written directly into my notes that made no sense whatsoever. Like a sentence about a drugstore in the middle of my World Civilization notes. Again, I think I must have dozed off but kept writing.
Guess I need to get more sleep.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Endless Loop
Luke was eating his snack and singing away (unprompted). I grabbed the camera to catch some of it on video.
The first song is a Chris Tomlin song called "I Will Rise" that we hear on our Christian radio station. Luke is singing these lyrics:
I will rise when He calls my name/No more sorrow, no more pain (but Luke says paints - maybe there won't be paints in heaven??)
I will rise on eagle's wings/Before my God fall on my knees and rise (but Luke gets confused and says ankles instead of knees and cracks himself up)
The second song is an old kids' song.
Skidamarink a doo,
I love you.
Skidamarink a dink a dink,
Skidamarink a doo,
I love you.
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon,
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon;
Oh, Skidamarink a dink a dink,
Skidamarink a doo,
I love you! and you and you poopoopedoo (not sure if that was part of the original song, but that's how we end it).
The other day when I was singing it with Fletcher and Luke instead of saying "moon," I purposefully kept saying the wrong word like broom, balloon, room, zoom so he decided to do that too.
Unfortunately, as you can also see by the video, Luke loses his place in the song and just keeps singing the lyrics over and over and over again. Meanwhile, I'm thinking "Let's end this thing, buddy. Mommy only has so much video space on the camera."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
This was the Mother's Day gift Fletcher brought home for me that he made at church. Key words: at church. He claimed it's a "cutting board, I think." Then he said, "You're supposed to look at my picture and think of me."Perhaps his Sunday School teachers are trying to give parents a Proverbs 13:24 hint. Is this a Jedi mind trick?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mother's Day
Yesterday was Mother's Day.
I thought alot yesterday.
I thought about my mom who raised four kids without Dr. Phil or Oprah. Without playdates and Kids Eat Free restaurant nights. Without Chick-Fil-A playgrounds. Without Wal-mart or Target. Without Google or Facebook. Without hand sanitizer and chewable Tylenol. Yet we still turned out ok.
I thought about my mother-in-law, my sister, my sisters-in-law and nieces who are great moms to great kids.
I thought about the mom friends and family I have who have new babies. New babies with great names like Ezra, Charleigh, Sadie, Wesley, Evie, Emory, Hudson, Libby, Jordan, Jackson, Kincaid, Austin, Jonah, and Archer. (I have some very fertile FB friends! Most of them are from our college ministry days.)
I thought about my mom friend who brought her newly adopted baby home just in time for Mother's Day.
I thought about the moms who lost babies this year and had to say goodbye much too soon.
I thought about the moms who are watching their children die with ugly cancers that can't be treated.
I thought about the moms who wished they could still pick up the phone and call their moms.
I thought about the single women who dread this day. They would love to be married with kids, but the answer to their prayer has been "Not yet" instead of "Yes." I've been there.
I thought about the married women who dread this day. They want a baby so badly they can't explain it. But it is just not happening. Failed infertility treatments. Inconclusive tests. Disappointing news. Yet all around them, friends are pregnant. Baby showers are numerous. They are feeling guilty for not wanting to go and fake excitement while wondering "When will it be my turn?" Having to sit when the pastor asks all the mothers to stand in church on this day is almost unbearable. I've been here too and I still remember. I cry as I sit and type this because those emotions are so real and so raw.
I thought about my boys (who are not moms) and wondered what they will remember most about me and my mothering.
I thought about moms today and thanked God that they were His idea.
I thought alot yesterday.
I thought about my mom who raised four kids without Dr. Phil or Oprah. Without playdates and Kids Eat Free restaurant nights. Without Chick-Fil-A playgrounds. Without Wal-mart or Target. Without Google or Facebook. Without hand sanitizer and chewable Tylenol. Yet we still turned out ok.
I thought about my mother-in-law, my sister, my sisters-in-law and nieces who are great moms to great kids.
I thought about our two birthmoms who carried my baby boys for 9 months and because of their deep love for them, gave them life and gave us hope.
I thought about the mom friends and family I have who have new babies. New babies with great names like Ezra, Charleigh, Sadie, Wesley, Evie, Emory, Hudson, Libby, Jordan, Jackson, Kincaid, Austin, Jonah, and Archer. (I have some very fertile FB friends! Most of them are from our college ministry days.)
I thought about my mom friend who brought her newly adopted baby home just in time for Mother's Day.
I thought about the moms who lost babies this year and had to say goodbye much too soon.
I thought about the moms who are watching their children die with ugly cancers that can't be treated.
I thought about the moms who wished they could still pick up the phone and call their moms.
I thought about the single women who dread this day. They would love to be married with kids, but the answer to their prayer has been "Not yet" instead of "Yes." I've been there.
I thought about the married women who dread this day. They want a baby so badly they can't explain it. But it is just not happening. Failed infertility treatments. Inconclusive tests. Disappointing news. Yet all around them, friends are pregnant. Baby showers are numerous. They are feeling guilty for not wanting to go and fake excitement while wondering "When will it be my turn?" Having to sit when the pastor asks all the mothers to stand in church on this day is almost unbearable. I've been here too and I still remember. I cry as I sit and type this because those emotions are so real and so raw.
I thought about my boys (who are not moms) and wondered what they will remember most about me and my mothering.
I thought about moms today and thanked God that they were His idea.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Stages
For those of you with older kids (especially boys), can you please tell me how long the corny-jokes-that-make-no-sense-whatsoever phase lasts?
It. Is. Killing. Me.
Some examples.
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Chicken.
Mom: Chicken who?
Fletcher: Chicken, blicken, licken. Hahahahahaha (totally cracking himself up)
Fletcher: I made up this joke. Wanna hear it?
Dad: Sure.
Fletcher: What kind of star likes to fight?
Dad: I don't know.
Fletcher: Star Wars. Get it? Hahahahahaha.
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Banana.
Mom: (I think I might remember this one) Banana who?
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Banana.
Mom: Banana who?
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Apple.
Mom: Apple who?
Fletcher: Aren't you glad I didn't say banana? Hahahahaha
Mom: I think it is supposed to be "orange."
Fletcher: (blank stare) I don't get it.
This could be a long few weeks, months or possibly years.
Happy 1st Birthday today to my great nephew Wesley. My that year went by fast!
It. Is. Killing. Me.
Some examples.
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Chicken.
Mom: Chicken who?
Fletcher: Chicken, blicken, licken. Hahahahahaha (totally cracking himself up)
Fletcher: I made up this joke. Wanna hear it?
Dad: Sure.
Fletcher: What kind of star likes to fight?
Dad: I don't know.
Fletcher: Star Wars. Get it? Hahahahahaha.
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Banana.
Mom: (I think I might remember this one) Banana who?
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Banana.
Mom: Banana who?
Fletcher: Knock, knock.
Mom: Who's there?
Fletcher: Apple.
Mom: Apple who?
Fletcher: Aren't you glad I didn't say banana? Hahahahaha
Mom: I think it is supposed to be "orange."
Fletcher: (blank stare) I don't get it.
This could be a long few weeks, months or possibly years.
Happy 1st Birthday today to my great nephew Wesley. My that year went by fast!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Glad I Have a Large Capacity Washer
There are some things about parenting that are so incredibly fun: first smile, first words, first steps, funny conversations, watching your child play with bubbles, sloppy kisses, "I wub yous", etc.
There are some things about parenting that are not so fun: teething, middle of the night fevers, interrupted naps, stomach viruses, mean kids at the playground and potty training.
Yesterday was day one of potty training. I was going to wait until this summer, but thought it might be helpful to have some "positive peer pressure" at school since the majority of the kids in his class are either trained or training. I decided to adopt the all or nothing, now or never approach. He wears a pull up at naptime and night time otherwise he is in underwear. We had some success yesterday and several accidents. But he'll get there. We have piles of books by the big potty and the little potty. My backside is sore from sitting on the floor or the edge of the tub reading to him. His teachers at school said they will help him too - just pack lots of extra clothes. We'll stay close to home the next few days until he starts to get the hang of it.
He loves the M&M's or lollipop he gets to have if he is successful! I am sure Daddy loves the phone calls he receives at work too.
This is his "I'm so proud" face.
There are some things about parenting that are not so fun: teething, middle of the night fevers, interrupted naps, stomach viruses, mean kids at the playground and potty training.
Yesterday was day one of potty training. I was going to wait until this summer, but thought it might be helpful to have some "positive peer pressure" at school since the majority of the kids in his class are either trained or training. I decided to adopt the all or nothing, now or never approach. He wears a pull up at naptime and night time otherwise he is in underwear. We had some success yesterday and several accidents. But he'll get there. We have piles of books by the big potty and the little potty. My backside is sore from sitting on the floor or the edge of the tub reading to him. His teachers at school said they will help him too - just pack lots of extra clothes. We'll stay close to home the next few days until he starts to get the hang of it.
He loves the M&M's or lollipop he gets to have if he is successful! I am sure Daddy loves the phone calls he receives at work too.
This is his "I'm so proud" face.
My little guy is growing up!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Dial Up
Kevin has a Blackberry phone with that voice dialing feature when he hits a button.
It is a woman's voice. Somewhat monotone. Definitely annoying (kind of like the GPS woman's voice).
Sometimes he accidentally hits the button.
In the kitchen after dinner.
Kevin: (accidentally hits button)
Phone Lady: Say a command....say a command....
Kevin: Stop talking to me.
Rachel: Do you ever wish you could say that to me?
Kevin: Well, she doesn't really listen to me anyway.
Kevin: Plus, I found out if I ignore her long enough she stops talking.
Touche'
It is a woman's voice. Somewhat monotone. Definitely annoying (kind of like the GPS woman's voice).
Sometimes he accidentally hits the button.
In the kitchen after dinner.
Kevin: (accidentally hits button)
Phone Lady: Say a command....say a command....
Kevin: Stop talking to me.
Rachel: Do you ever wish you could say that to me?
Kevin: Well, she doesn't really listen to me anyway.
Phone Lady: Say a command...
Rachel: (speechless)Kevin: Plus, I found out if I ignore her long enough she stops talking.
Touche'
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I Can Relate
For those of you who may not keep up with pop culture, the following is a very popular video. It has become an anthem at weddings for all the single ladies.
However,some days I feel like this video is more my speed.
However,some days I feel like this video is more my speed.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Taking What We Can Get
Luke @ 33 months*
This post could be summed up in the following fourteen words:
"I don't care what you say or do. I am not going to smile."
But he sure is rockin' those pants!
*The whole month/age thing with kids has been weird to me as a parent. Saying that a child is "8 months" or "17 months" is ok I guess. But it gets weird after the 24 month mark. But I know there really is a big difference between a just-turned-2 year old and a 2-almost-3 year old.
This post could be summed up in the following fourteen words:
"I don't care what you say or do. I am not going to smile."
But he sure is rockin' those pants!
*The whole month/age thing with kids has been weird to me as a parent. Saying that a child is "8 months" or "17 months" is ok I guess. But it gets weird after the 24 month mark. But I know there really is a big difference between a just-turned-2 year old and a 2-almost-3 year old.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)