tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57401045627800334032024-03-20T09:13:44.406-04:00Where's Momma?Welcome to the world of a mom trying to make a difference in the life of her beautiful babies!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-82480258874117442912010-08-27T10:25:00.002-04:002010-08-27T10:28:58.314-04:00You're Two!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8WcZvk34x6r1hg2xgaAQBfxln_9l_GngYff7Xce65_Dq6PmYE01DRyyZxsQpoVazL7t-qN-LvX3FJsg_APx3J9K9kwA9_nYOHeqpkKYjaxiN1f_NK-xJC3NCa8s9CeIi3bQnA9sHVQ/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8WcZvk34x6r1hg2xgaAQBfxln_9l_GngYff7Xce65_Dq6PmYE01DRyyZxsQpoVazL7t-qN-LvX3FJsg_APx3J9K9kwA9_nYOHeqpkKYjaxiN1f_NK-xJC3NCa8s9CeIi3bQnA9sHVQ/s200/IMG_4172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510096359160750658" /></a><br /><br />If you ask her how old she is she says, "CUPCAKES!" I guess I know what kind of birthday treat she wants.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-58368467000777803582010-08-25T14:17:00.002-04:002010-08-25T14:32:22.061-04:00Nature's CallingOur household has entered the world of potty training yet again. The Girl decided that it was time for the training to begin last week. Yes, she decided and now dictates <strong>everyone's</strong> bathroom visits including her baby dolls habits. I will say she is very reassuring while you are doing you business, even if the door is closed. It will go something like this...<br /><br /><em>Are you a big girl/boy, mommy or Elliot (baby #1) or Daddy or Jacob (Amish baby doll) or The Boy or Stella (baby #2), etc. Have to pee pee? Do you need help? Good job, insert name here. You are such a big girl/boy. Now flush.</em><br /><br />I guess she is just mimicking what I say. Maybe I need to back off a little. Things so far are going well with the training. We are down to only wearing diapers at bed time. It is so crazy how the switch just turns. The Girl showed no interest and is now going full force. Let it be know that her preferences are different than The Boy's were. She doesn't want to use the training potty, only the big potty. And, of course, she can do it without any help. She won't go if you don't make it seem like it was her idea. And, she has to visit EVERY public bathroom we pass. Here's hoping the novelty goes quickly and that she is trained within the next few weeks.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-68118870151448365162010-08-18T21:58:00.006-04:002010-08-21T13:03:00.911-04:00Kindergarten Is Here<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydVaAGAypGFzPxt5Jno48hVW9OXv3CyCLf2-6rZ1KHsRJOCtdoyzhUMAG4v49X6b7sDhL5MY2anQztPaX1yxQ2ZodKiNqCeqvXl8O7ii6HdTSA0WAT0BxoOlHr_9Ml203DFAPwrYz3Q/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydVaAGAypGFzPxt5Jno48hVW9OXv3CyCLf2-6rZ1KHsRJOCtdoyzhUMAG4v49X6b7sDhL5MY2anQztPaX1yxQ2ZodKiNqCeqvXl8O7ii6HdTSA0WAT0BxoOlHr_9Ml203DFAPwrYz3Q/s200/IMG_4140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507909238694930370" /></a><br />The Boy started Kindergarten this week. The Girl has decided that it is time for her to be potty trained. They grow up so fast and often on their own time schedule. This week has been a sort of evolution of emotions for me. I cannot believe my Little Girl is old enough to be out of diapers, let alone that my Baby Boy is old enough to be a kindergartner.<br /><br />This summer was one of freedom for me and it went by way too fast. I was just getting used to staying at home and everything has gone and changed on me again. I also didn't think that I would struggle so much with The Boy's journey into elementary school. Up until this summer, he has been in the care of someone else on a daily basis because I worked. How is him going to school all day any different? <br /><br />All I can say is that I miss him more than I ever thought I would. He is already changing. I am all about gaining independence, but I still like the thought of him wanting to hold my hand and kiss me goodbye. I have a feeling those days may be close to disappearing. I now have to adjust to spending my day with a little one who talks, but often in code and often to her babies and not to me. I wait for 3:45 to come around so I can have a two sided conversation with a five year old. Boy, I need a hobby.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-25148666103001174072010-08-11T20:23:00.004-04:002010-08-11T20:46:30.832-04:00The Great Smokies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYVvOYoGL-132CVBB9GjLnRGith5cWkzu8-xcvlaYVxb5bv3cULrRkx6mkYOJhUunijT5roi7avoHcRrUs5MY44AwIDCVtqioZ22feDStZ4bg6BDi8kNl4k_DiP7ck0l_B78-eVEoEQ/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYVvOYoGL-132CVBB9GjLnRGith5cWkzu8-xcvlaYVxb5bv3cULrRkx6mkYOJhUunijT5roi7avoHcRrUs5MY44AwIDCVtqioZ22feDStZ4bg6BDi8kNl4k_DiP7ck0l_B78-eVEoEQ/s200/IMG_4046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504317386567596450" /></a><br /><br />The Husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to get away for our first adult only vacation in almost seven years. We went to Asheville, NC and I highly recommend it. It was a great way to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We had so much fun despite missing The Kids soooooooooooooo much. We were gone for four whole days. The highlight of the trip outside of out accommodations (check out the <a href="http://www.beauforthouse.com">Beaufort House</a>) was our day hike at Mount Mitchell. We were on the top of the highest point East of the Mississippi. <br /><br />When we showed The Boy the pictures, he said, "You must have been high enough to touch God." I think He touched us. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1fEJj4mPKhkRYydYEgkjeLmexSlsFAxDKc6fKJzWCS9aZKra5T-MrFZz1nWeq_ZlfCxaOwGZIQM4ikXUdakAqjRA8n2OG4CeX1a4wWGP1T_411y_G3Dk2JmscRI1c8KQQvHV-GMq9g/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1fEJj4mPKhkRYydYEgkjeLmexSlsFAxDKc6fKJzWCS9aZKra5T-MrFZz1nWeq_ZlfCxaOwGZIQM4ikXUdakAqjRA8n2OG4CeX1a4wWGP1T_411y_G3Dk2JmscRI1c8KQQvHV-GMq9g/s200/IMG_4017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504317376639294018" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNBEuiOgko6pYDD0iiiS-ZS38VByqWXt4DktF6p-kE_z_kshOREfuBKWJbhV9QHvfHp73M2UZRGypRFuNFqzDDPP8I7PrssaCRcuuuwchMu3ZPIa61cXcTju3JRPky77BOE1UJ8kvfA/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNBEuiOgko6pYDD0iiiS-ZS38VByqWXt4DktF6p-kE_z_kshOREfuBKWJbhV9QHvfHp73M2UZRGypRFuNFqzDDPP8I7PrssaCRcuuuwchMu3ZPIa61cXcTju3JRPky77BOE1UJ8kvfA/s200/IMG_4022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504317393249889106" /></a><br />The Boy also asked The Husband if this rock was heavy. Hee hee!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-40692885880492647972010-07-23T15:16:00.006-04:002010-07-23T20:59:11.036-04:0025 Days, but Whose Counting?The summer is almost over according to the school system here. The Boy starts Kindergarten in 25 days! I cannot believe five and a half years have passed since God put him in our lives. This week we have turned in paperwork, bought school supplies and have timed the drive to place where The Boy will be going. <br /><br />Our journey to this point has not been easy. Unlike most school systems, your don't get to attend the public school closest to your house. Instead, you pick two school close to you end of town and two schools in the opposite end of town and the school system assigns you to a school. All in an effort to diversify the schools. Crazy, I know. We were initially assigned to a school 25 miles from our house. Hey, I am all for diversity, but 1 1/2 hours on a bus each way is TOO LONG for a five year old. We went through three different appeals processes prior to being granted a transfer to a school closer our house. We were lucky to get the transfer. Very lucky and relieved. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rxf3XkTWT2LtUWgx5fPMsG3d9tO_fgKfkVVWpc0Pba2t9mAATghqz9u8f-9dBhsDfjBks97JiRbLdepBle6hmJoGAn7utu4gnMJ07MgLBSxqh2rC9cXfQHqaG9CaheqlGXkpex8VSQ/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rxf3XkTWT2LtUWgx5fPMsG3d9tO_fgKfkVVWpc0Pba2t9mAATghqz9u8f-9dBhsDfjBks97JiRbLdepBle6hmJoGAn7utu4gnMJ07MgLBSxqh2rC9cXfQHqaG9CaheqlGXkpex8VSQ/s200/IMG_3930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497269108261066114" /></a><br /><br />The Boy couldn't be more excited about being a Kindergartner. We have even made a "Countdown to Kindergarten" poster. Thinking about my little boy going to school makes me happy and unsettled. School is a GIANT life step. So many new influences in his life will appear. He will start making more and more decisions for himself on a daily basis that we as parents aren't aware. Next thing you know, he will be calling from Stanford asking us to put more money in his account so he can study aboard in Fiji. <br /><br />Yesterday on the way home from somewhere (I honestly can't remember where we were...hmm), this was The Boyism.<br /><br /><em>"Momma, now that I am using a wallet </em> (this is a velcro "Cars" wallet that he got in his stocking this year or last)<em>will you treat me like an adult."</em><br /><br />All in good time kiddo, take it a little slower please.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-3262473618082213062010-07-14T13:07:00.004-04:002010-07-14T13:16:25.488-04:00The Boy and ThoughtsBoy thoughts for the week...<br /><br />Said while thowing water out of the blown up pool.<br /><br /><em>"I am just giving the earth a healthy drink of water, it needs it to survive you know."</em><br /><br />Said after I mopped the bathroom floors.<br /><br /><em>"I wish we had a wet floor sign like they do in stores so then I would know when my feet are going to get wet."</em>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-88717093285842938582010-07-13T14:10:00.004-04:002010-07-13T14:19:35.474-04:00Freezer HumorNow that I have been staying home, I have had more time (to my delight)to try out new recipes. Imagine my surprise as I pulled out pork for meals over the last few weeks. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh1LIKjSWMFaWyczUpBYw-LALMwzAuq7mMRNiRWglhy7_C3jMLiWdB-J2O80ZR1pvSEyLJLqmO_IOKqZuEWPhXgNB3V6Cg1n4Yeri4qmwIsn8AI8bActSHRzrQFscLSfPgtzWCfRsIA/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh1LIKjSWMFaWyczUpBYw-LALMwzAuq7mMRNiRWglhy7_C3jMLiWdB-J2O80ZR1pvSEyLJLqmO_IOKqZuEWPhXgNB3V6Cg1n4Yeri4qmwIsn8AI8bActSHRzrQFscLSfPgtzWCfRsIA/s200/IMG_3634.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493455676565308274" /></a><br /> (These say oink and wee wee wee, just in case you can't decipher)<br /><br />We often buy food in bulk because we think it is cheaper. It is The Husband's job to separate meat products because, let's be honest, who really wants to do that? Not me. I am glad he does. His humor makes my day. This one particularly hit my funny bone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kIug1huA0QcMBw0z7YNrR11EFNaWyaZnPvWX23xgGC7Wp0hOW2Whpu4o9ALCZy8ZqMMmcNEbO19asigtNNme11QKasSaWbOz9I_23oIH4h-6q2Hehm-_yC6v-9X5UBVwwNvqguCSAw/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kIug1huA0QcMBw0z7YNrR11EFNaWyaZnPvWX23xgGC7Wp0hOW2Whpu4o9ALCZy8ZqMMmcNEbO19asigtNNme11QKasSaWbOz9I_23oIH4h-6q2Hehm-_yC6v-9X5UBVwwNvqguCSAw/s200/IMG_3560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493455665497260386" /></a><br /> (Kermit did it with a knife in the study)<br /><em></em>Sorry about the poor picture quality, photographer I am not.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-44880451421344746832010-07-09T08:21:00.004-04:002010-07-09T11:05:53.350-04:00Long Time No Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3grXv2AvshBuIuDCnUX9PT_A30UBr-Q01C4kmfOTeuNSebYbrB0vBqJ1bVlYl1JUGhmTVA-g-Yh9u3ycuRaCousHzfbKuq2KJ_-IUUHHMwZp6UJGTO6o4palsVDsG3kd0GoRFZM1SA/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3grXv2AvshBuIuDCnUX9PT_A30UBr-Q01C4kmfOTeuNSebYbrB0vBqJ1bVlYl1JUGhmTVA-g-Yh9u3ycuRaCousHzfbKuq2KJ_-IUUHHMwZp6UJGTO6o4palsVDsG3kd0GoRFZM1SA/s200/IMG_3680.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491894045169154210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrOH_YNO8JYgFdRPJBb7J0FCNO94Uo2xnfebMKTNVGgHEtaMGI0-vAlOnYZA1YX-JCcnnE_tCyMOpErBFzrw7wKQ3fly_6oxelFkb-ufPOgJfTseYA1p0L45lQNaHy0IyqXNCmykPMw/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrOH_YNO8JYgFdRPJBb7J0FCNO94Uo2xnfebMKTNVGgHEtaMGI0-vAlOnYZA1YX-JCcnnE_tCyMOpErBFzrw7wKQ3fly_6oxelFkb-ufPOgJfTseYA1p0L45lQNaHy0IyqXNCmykPMw/s200/IMG_3661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491894035199311090" /></a><br />I don't know where the summer has gone. It has flown by and I haven't taken the time to sit down and write much about how life is going. It is going swell, just swell. The Family spend the holiday weekend at a family reunion for my mother's side of the family. We also got to spend some time with my favorite Aunt from my dad's side. I just love her and this was the first time the kids have met her and everyone else. It was nice to see that. <br /><br />The Boy went fishing all day at the reunion. He caught a total of 14 fish. He was very excited.<br /><br />The Girl was completely fascinated by the fishing worms. She spent a great deal of time looking at them and taking them to see various family members. I just love the fact that she is rough and tumble as well as interested in wearing dresses. I think it will be a great combination. <br /><br />Having spent a great majority of my life away from my extended family. I have only recently started to understand the value of knowing them better. I have been learning so much about our family history and where my family comes from and I hope to pass this along to my kiddos when the time comes.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-5103582170425572502010-06-23T14:33:00.004-04:002010-06-23T21:37:44.684-04:00Living It and Loving It<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaykJv1KtDmYpAjWtIFVioCQerjGrkfIIdkH9cb0JHACPzCQauZumzU9GnoErzPyaWg7Ej0inqMoyjEFN5MqnIJscYxa4JodrybbbLrWMH9a9no_gRZ8_YzysnhUtReRFhYbWW1vWWQ/s1600/IMG_3586.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486044244648589138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaykJv1KtDmYpAjWtIFVioCQerjGrkfIIdkH9cb0JHACPzCQauZumzU9GnoErzPyaWg7Ej0inqMoyjEFN5MqnIJscYxa4JodrybbbLrWMH9a9no_gRZ8_YzysnhUtReRFhYbWW1vWWQ/s200/IMG_3586.JPG" /></a> <div><div>Can I just say I was skeptical? Skeptical that I would be able to stay home all day, everyday with the Kiddos without going crazy. Well, I know I am only a month in, but I am loving it and am feeling incredibly blessed that our family was able to do this. It has been such a treat and now that we are in a definite routine, it has worked out better than I expected it would. Now if this heat wave would break...yowsah it is hot.</div><div></div><br /><div>Couple a things I have learned in my month as a non-"working" mom (as I have said before ALL moms work, location doesn't matter). . . </div><br /><div></div><div>1. No One, and I mean NO ONE, grocery shops at 8:45 in the morning on a Wednesday...loving the 45 minute weekly shopping with the kiddos. I have never grocery shopped so fast. So excited about that.</div><div></div><br /><div>2. The Kiddos eat A LOT! I mean A LOT. They are always hungry. I know that when they were at daycare and Preschool, they had set meal times, but they must have been able to eat as much as they requested at those times. It doesn't matter what is on the menu, they still want more. Oh, love this website by the way.... <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/">http://www.superhealthykids.com/</a> </div><div></div><br /><div>3. My kids really, really love each other. I knew this to be a truth prior to my leaving my job, but being able to see in every day never gets old. They hug and kiss each other. They share. They are sweet to each other. The teach each other. It is so nice. I know the day may come when they scream and slam doors at each other, but until then I will live in the sibling utopia that is our house. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486044234576871234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok2GX5hcZlAyegHtT3saUvSVUOD32qGD-T-24vfV30tOrDsxiu3SB__8F-sxkejQa-kUl_Dj-pta06M2xWu6E1uS14Dw8TaK3AkcLVFIbYnaBprIOKpxCkO3WhCikcJlEvCe6I9gvbA/s200/IMG_3583.JPG" /> <div></div><div>4. It sucks not being about to go outside due to heat advisory warnings...damn global warming. </div><br /><div></div><div>5. The Husband believes in women's lib and supports the working woman, but man does he like that the kids are happy, the house is clean, and that dinner is pretty much ready by 6 PM everyday without him having to fold laundry and cut veggies. I may need to rethink this one.</div><div></div><br /><div>Do I miss work? No, but that had a lot to do with the job I was in when I decided to make the transition. I do miss interacting with other adult people on a daily basis. There are some days when I only talk to my 5 and 2 year olds. I know other moms that stay at home, but they don't seem to do play groups or outings. Maybe I can convince them. Goal #1 for next month. </div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-1761980486841705582010-06-14T21:21:00.002-04:002010-06-14T21:43:45.934-04:00Hot Fun in the Summer!It is H-O-T...hot, hot, hot. It is June and the temperature is already 95 to 100 degrees, not counting the heat index. Crazy. I picked the hottest summer we have had in three years to choose to stay home and run around with the kiddos. <br /><br />So far, things have been great. I often find myself wondering what I did before I stayed home. My day is so full, every day...full to the max! Wait, I know, I worked ALL the time! I was looking back at my schedule from last year and I worked every weekend, in addition to every regular work day, for three months straight last year. RIDICULOUS! No wonder my kids are so glad to see me stay home with them. <br /><br />Pictures to come soon. I am having technical difficulties.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-6743541476375945012010-06-03T15:33:00.002-04:002010-06-03T16:01:53.370-04:00Staying Home - Week OneThe first week as a stay at home mom has gone by quickly. Granted, day one was Memorial Day and The Husband was home. I tried on Monday to work the schedule as I would if he were off at work, his day free of giggles and screams; mine full of dirty hands and art projects gone awry.<br /><br />It is funny, when I was a teen and even into my early twenties, I wasn't even sure I would ever want to have children. Now, here I am blessed twice over and I have given up my career to stay at home, filling my days with child-like play and raspberries on tummies. The Boy is so ecstatic that I am home with him. He wants to stay busy every minute of the day. So, I have planned them weeks for his enjoyment. The great thing is that The Girl has jumped on board. We have mini-preschool every morning. Since The Boy is WAY beyond learning his letter, I am sure to plan something special for him to do in the afternoon while The Girl naps.<br /><br />While I don't miss working "yet," I now have a better understanding of how hard stay at home moms work (I have worked harder this week than I did most weeks at any job I have EVER had, and I am sure it is just the tip of the iceberg) and of how blessed we were to have had a daycare/preschool that took such good care of our children while I was working. If you have a childcare provider, give them a little extra treat this week, they deserve it!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-11475213054719602112010-05-30T16:28:00.004-04:002010-05-31T15:25:11.975-04:00With Honors<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj3r1T_-SXUsRJ3QkD_tJORhDiq-pqmTGTj6yZ8R3RC9xlXWEcqeictOtBY4KHcV8_ofriscU_vOMc6fIpUbqC9yXO87SvQfimuNfhYmFK4YvAi3SM4c8CbEbxMOnFIbkzDebWnK5Vw/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477163686217629250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj3r1T_-SXUsRJ3QkD_tJORhDiq-pqmTGTj6yZ8R3RC9xlXWEcqeictOtBY4KHcV8_ofriscU_vOMc6fIpUbqC9yXO87SvQfimuNfhYmFK4YvAi3SM4c8CbEbxMOnFIbkzDebWnK5Vw/s200/IMG_3423.JPG" /></a> Aren't these caps and gowns cute?</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVnfCYjanneqI0lfB_qvlNK37aqE4uAOfocPptBV_704rxHkGc28kyPQizRLn5eKnvNauWqzH68A_TkPrm6udXPq0xHytOwsY4Kz_KLKaF9XHCRq04Ex5k3ZB2nd_Njo9A8plc98xsA/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477163677182862018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVnfCYjanneqI0lfB_qvlNK37aqE4uAOfocPptBV_704rxHkGc28kyPQizRLn5eKnvNauWqzH68A_TkPrm6udXPq0xHytOwsY4Kz_KLKaF9XHCRq04Ex5k3ZB2nd_Njo9A8plc98xsA/s200/IMG_3428.JPG" /></a> The Boy with his teacher Ms. Ashley<br /><br /><div align="left">The Boy graduated from Pre-K last Friday. He was very excited. He received an award (all the kids got some kind of award) for outstanding reading skills. He was so proud. So were we. We are waiting on Harvard to call.</div></div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-37817269037141136442010-05-19T10:08:00.003-04:002010-05-19T10:20:04.878-04:00Meet Fineas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhyphenhyphenXUexI7IcPcGamQoUQffFLECO1pgGfv4DK6-lEQKMuNlFPyGkIGvZkVDOHYhd2V53bcHx6NIL29aBY1ojyEszYDJovBZmIlY43HWq9pm2TY-94KHWGNpBZohduQKlcjr5BVIjzNUw/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472983579691152994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhyphenhyphenXUexI7IcPcGamQoUQffFLECO1pgGfv4DK6-lEQKMuNlFPyGkIGvZkVDOHYhd2V53bcHx6NIL29aBY1ojyEszYDJovBZmIlY43HWq9pm2TY-94KHWGNpBZohduQKlcjr5BVIjzNUw/s200/IMG_3403.JPG" border="0" /></a>We have a new member of the family. Meet Fineas, The Boy's new Beta fish. He is blue. We had some spare time yesterday before meeting The Husband for dinner and stopped at a local pet store. Thank goodness they didn't have any puppies at the store. They did have kittens. The girl proclaimed as soon as she saw one of the little gray tabby cats, "That is my kitty." Too bad The Husband is allergic. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472983572140449970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZhXKOKSC46jWGIPy3fkUyl4Zh4f3W9vO7iKJB7wBLsqPBpq1FrWrQcnknWuUp-8Af5Q4Vrq89ATD2Bvijlr9BJZy6xFqvu8lwv692Fwu0PvV4RbR6_89IV-WG9w0c6Aao_7xjD_Whg/s200/IMG_3401.JPG" border="0" />The Boy is very excited about a pet that just sits there. Last night, we had this conversation.<br /><br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>I think Fineas is cold.<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>He isn't cold, fish don't really get cold.<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>Well, my feet are cold right now, what if he gets cold.<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>As long as his water stays at room temperature, he will be fine. He won't get too hot or too cold. <br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>That's good, it would be really hard to put a blanket on himJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-57929391340246860082010-05-18T09:44:00.000-04:002010-05-18T09:45:20.759-04:00Taking the PlungeI am making a switch, one that I am very nervous about. This working momma is getting ready to become a stay at home momma in about 10 days. This is a decision I have been wrestling with for about 6 months. When The Husband landed his new job in December, we were finally in a place where my working wasn’t a necessity. We took a minute to thank God for our blessings and then began discussions about what this might mean for our family. <br /><br />I have not, by choice, been unemployed since I turned 16 years old. I have ALWAYS had to work and most of the time, have WANTED to work. I worked in high school so I could pay for my co-curricular activities and clothes for school. I worked in college to pay for groceries and housing, every day necessities. I worked during Grad School to pay for my wedding and life. I worked while The Husband was attending Law School, remaining the sole means of income for three years. I have worked and loved being an independent, well educated, hardworking woman.<br /><br />When our children entered the picture five years ago, I did question my employment initially, but never too seriously because I needed to work. I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever want to be a full-time, stay at home mom. I wanted to show my children that a woman can do both and do both well. I think I have done both well, but when things started to get less than fun in my job, I started taking a harder look a why I was working. The benefits of working for me at this point were just a few extra hundred dollars in the bank a month. SO NOT WORTH IT!<br /><br />The Boy is extremely excited about the change. He cannot wait and has already planned out the entire summer. We are booked until he starts kindergarten (we still don’t know where, yikes!) in August. Yesterday, I had a minor panic moment about staying home. I really thought I would never be able to do this or have the opportunity to, and yet here it is before me. My emotions are mixed. For my sanity, I couldn’t stay working where I was and I know my kiddos are going to benefit immensely from me being home, but what if I lose myself in the process of taking care of them. <br /><br />I am sure there is more to come when the transition actually begins. Until then, I need a new title for the Blog.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-67675457476139702512010-05-17T08:38:00.005-04:002010-05-17T09:07:18.439-04:00She's a Wild One, He's a Thinker<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtXeuUYrQqfN9VzMqFjzeamEg-BHeYqVHbDT-gujMJ3p_WKTQ-1OHV6jyEMDbwLftCmWbvJ9G-z9H39Kyy_R9ymbsLevRSvE2Q1hBqFc-yMq2ThfFdHzBgaA3B9-JLm_DaOU6QUzAzQ/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223639411316098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtXeuUYrQqfN9VzMqFjzeamEg-BHeYqVHbDT-gujMJ3p_WKTQ-1OHV6jyEMDbwLftCmWbvJ9G-z9H39Kyy_R9ymbsLevRSvE2Q1hBqFc-yMq2ThfFdHzBgaA3B9-JLm_DaOU6QUzAzQ/s200/IMG_3400.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa-URd1DrWVMPs9o1HVYaRYz6ARtNpZQsan_j50KNVJKATs1WhkB2BNq9Irzs0tzlmQ2OKKidy7zNUXQlbEKNMj1l62wb_Km9n0hHbpm81rmxPkFuKBmW0ydBgzA1KLXsF2yCowVLhg/s1600/IMG_3396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223633454210242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa-URd1DrWVMPs9o1HVYaRYz6ARtNpZQsan_j50KNVJKATs1WhkB2BNq9Irzs0tzlmQ2OKKidy7zNUXQlbEKNMj1l62wb_Km9n0hHbpm81rmxPkFuKBmW0ydBgzA1KLXsF2yCowVLhg/s200/IMG_3396.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-5QijILiSCDxD2zS8QLyvNSA6kRVeAjXDPzKs0goy_ioSkIF8oTJDrOX9ht8PhxZoMXDen9Q_z10JjKw894SoS352ozSBV1GkJd4dfrBHZ1c-ki9d8yeGqz0h1S9S-xD2A8Um4G7A/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472223622973912114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-5QijILiSCDxD2zS8QLyvNSA6kRVeAjXDPzKs0goy_ioSkIF8oTJDrOX9ht8PhxZoMXDen9Q_z10JjKw894SoS352ozSBV1GkJd4dfrBHZ1c-ki9d8yeGqz0h1S9S-xD2A8Um4G7A/s200/IMG_3395.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Girl bouncing on a balloon.<br /><br /><div align="left">People say that once you have two children, you realize how different they will be. It couldn't be more true for my two kiddos. The Boy is laid back, usually quite, enjoys one on one time, has only thrown two tantrums in his life and often times doesn't understand why The Girl has to be so loud. The Girl is rambunctious, she likes to make her presence known, enjoys being the center of the universe and throws at least one tantrum a day. Polar opposites. </div><br /><div></div><div align="left">The great thing is the love they have for each other. They may be completely different, but they are inseparable. They are concerned about each other. The Boy is the first thing The Girl asks about when she wakes up. If The Girl starts fussy, The Boy is the first one to comfort her. It is so sweet. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472224695919406690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSn4TuUoyzMCZRmBzMKrMSbFPzIRSZl3X_Z8Ot8s1Y47Gx7L6JHk1ae4xuIYvYRzKJaLU6dcjGFZHfm1hKMHZTKd_Q0xjhuJLi9OP4DYdXc4KKD8ulH977xzywMRCUzevmlkKH8YP6w/s200/IMG_3277.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-14741858645667189052010-05-11T15:18:00.003-04:002010-05-11T15:27:18.964-04:00Surprise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEtCmXWc3-Qhb5ahXiUvSnrtx25hRlP6yiq5Shyphenhyphenw6LZq5heW1ZH7CopHp62eejth4eXZleroKH09MmPvlHt-SKeRaYxNcC1JZrRBXbt7ziEpZDAYf-5_HT2pNLHWTsSYG-ZwLySYc7w/s1600/IMG_3359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470096081636671490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEtCmXWc3-Qhb5ahXiUvSnrtx25hRlP6yiq5Shyphenhyphenw6LZq5heW1ZH7CopHp62eejth4eXZleroKH09MmPvlHt-SKeRaYxNcC1JZrRBXbt7ziEpZDAYf-5_HT2pNLHWTsSYG-ZwLySYc7w/s200/IMG_3359.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Husband has been scouring Craig's List for months hoping to find a piano for The Boy. The Boy has been taking piano lessons for a year, still loves it, so we decided to try to find him a way to practice that didn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">involve</span> a keyboard propped up on a table from Pottery Barn Kids. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The scouring finally paid off. The Husband found an almost new piano for FREE! We surprised The Boy with it this weekend and every free moment is spent playing and making up his own songs. LOVE IT!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Is it wrong for me to hope that The Boy and The Girl will one day play and sing duets????<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470095615250751778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXrfV0XTZw-XbIoC25YQ-sPDJ3Afh3AghArRy9_bG9iydtL4r1Q3LH4mV8KYpsawtG-Cy8bRqeKSGbTFiY7X2pNxgRzi2jCNjrQz6Z8anvyNzb4uraEEu4xohSIZkLD6prS2kWVwAtw/s200/IMG_3360.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470095623922180226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYK1F1mIIGKFgPJfpkrk1nXYHoC77VZWgIFihOkDhhGcTsXOa0Ov_WjDxf7qR7PzLBgg7mBJmE3nz_qF_jswaNAXm5TU1nKomDhm7lTljqaDLpIak3MnytrqOvzcL99yFQRaNHNYP_w/s200/IMG_3362.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-64056624451840648362010-05-05T09:23:00.002-04:002010-05-05T09:31:20.345-04:00Deep ThoughtsEvery so often, I turn to look at The Boy and he is in serious deep thought. Last night was one of those nights. The kids and I were having dinner and The Boy was quieter than usual. <br /><br /><strong>Momma: </strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Whatcha</span> thinking about?<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>Did you know that one day, my great Grandma and Grandpa will be in Heaven?<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>Why do you think that?<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>They will die one day, right?<br /><strong>Momma: </strong> Yes, buddy, everyone dies one day, when God decides it's time.<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>They will like it in Heaven <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">because</span> God and Jesus are there. Well, God is everywhere, but he lives in Heaven.<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>That's true. <br /><em>I decided to keep the conversation going because I don't want my kids to be fearful of death, boy am I glad I did.</em><br /><strong>Momma: </strong>Heaven will be a nice place.<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>Why?<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>Because, you never get sad or hungry and you never feel pain.<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>That's because God has lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Neosporin</span> and Band-Aids. Plus, if you fall down, you won't get hurt because you will fall on all the clouds.<br /><br />Oh, the thoughts of children. Gotta love that childlike faith.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-41807610637701443562010-05-03T10:23:00.003-04:002010-05-03T10:27:33.717-04:00Bring ItThe Husband and I have decided to punish ourselves...we started the infamous P90X series this weekend. I don't think I have ever hurt so much in my life. Not even after I did the Avon Breast Cancer 60 miles walk in hot, hot Dallas. We are two days in and are both as sore as can be. I told The Husband that I will be very disappointed if we don't see results. <div><div></div><br /><div>The kiddos have loved watching our antics. They have taken part in some of the exercise. </div><div> </div><div>It is sad when your 5 year old can do more dive bomber pushups than you can. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467050086345005602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvedKOo6XRMvQrwp-4d47shXKbfTFhORkJEHYPS1xoDtsPaNMBVDg-9_geIOQ6GVpgJRUXYMqSLh5I-eVmqIBCZCNIz5Ivh9KsA6zG_JJnXsV5lfHM1GqolbV1LCfFG9YiEwuwEMEYyg/s200/IMG_3339.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467050079921276194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRsSGGZwdCNzVxFSXhYjQQTOQoPCiJfp7WF16czDfPahQqKqzEG8IYVgSHe1mOqCTiYBCIvGF0ypZ4pwZl6uyQEm2PKWmv6VZj0Y7WV7chtm-2oJKCVn2R1h7mg210mKdkOEoSmZKjg/s200/IMG_3337.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-15840115477238927572010-04-26T10:15:00.004-04:002010-04-26T10:25:31.774-04:00Ready to Pee PeeI think The Girl is trying to subtly hint something...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464451597058585570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuySBDRsJBLmFl90xJPvmKVpuuqigQZF5B-vjpaY9xNhcc-id5ZeuJ5u9iYAJmQGPZDM2aHncuU5REVBijH8943tut52c7piK-VZXTcpL12BNQk_uPLSkS8TwSb3laRmquov80FwGrA/s200/IMG_3323.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464451613944247026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFW4ApPCVgj3fMIszxgbhLCAxSBC5R8MqNGSDPE46NDlLgrcVEy6rmujlTleEbmV6yX42gJ19qLAsard_Q6Am48Vu6mijQTtRWoLB7IMIunNx-1rl_7Jc5c_9SJ7cjDENrHNRiBtWt6A/s200/IMG_3325.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Every time</span> we turn around she is lying on the floor on her diaper changing pad. Crazy! Maybe it is time to put the potty training into high gear. <br /><div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-62918904959573526182010-04-15T09:34:00.005-04:002010-04-15T11:18:14.074-04:00Don't Glare at Me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWJBJRdc5zaMoRtd3-y1TtlTmTZdAvYQnCCZxBs8vciUZ7UdPUm-doned1WMvzWH4zslIZC-3O6NhlmtTq2PGWF6XESVFYts9q-RBWNJsGMEjjtNhWsQWGybds9JqOHLuByWoNlAg9A/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460361516664177010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWJBJRdc5zaMoRtd3-y1TtlTmTZdAvYQnCCZxBs8vciUZ7UdPUm-doned1WMvzWH4zslIZC-3O6NhlmtTq2PGWF6XESVFYts9q-RBWNJsGMEjjtNhWsQWGybds9JqOHLuByWoNlAg9A/s200/IMG_3312.JPG" border="0" /></a> Monday was a fun day. I got three phone calls from the kids' school. Call one went like this...<br /><div></div><br /><div>"Hi it's The Girl's teacher, everything is okay, but I didn't want you to be shocked when you pick The Girl up. She has a black eye. She was running, tripped over the rug and hit the bookshelf."</div><div></div><br /><div>Call Two:</div><br /><div>"It's The Girl's teacher again. She was half sitting in the chair, leaned over to grab something and pinched her thigh in between the table and where she was sitting."</div><br /><div></div><div>For both of these injuries, The Girl didn't even cry. She is tough. </div><div></div><br /><div>Call Three:</div><br /><div>"It's The Boy's teacher. Everything is fine, for the most part, but he woke up from his nap with very swollen eyes. We are afraid his eyes might swell shut. You might want to take him to see the doctor."</div><div></div><br /><div>Damn pollen! </div><br /><div></div><div>I picked them both up, took them to the doctor's office. The Boy's allergies are just on high alert because this is the highest the pollen count has been in 10 years! The suggestion was to continue the allergy medicine regiment and put cold compresses on his eyes when they get really swollen. The Boy was the third child that the Dr. had seen per the request of daycare directors. He was cleared to go back to preschool, compresses in hand. </div><br /><div></div><div>So, both my children had at least one swollen eye. The Girl's eye was also purple. I had strangers asking me what happened to you kids, how did that happen, what did you do? Not what did she do, what did YOU do? Not all the looks were judging. And, I am thankful for the mom at the store who said, my girls do stuff like that all the time.</div><div></div><br /><div>Thankfully, The Girl's eye is fading fast and it is supposed to rain tomorrow...maybe that will end the pollen issues. </div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-67744258739101559292010-04-08T08:46:00.002-04:002010-04-08T08:59:45.017-04:00Does Everything Have an Expiration Date?'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tis</span> the season of allergy mania for The Boy. He didn't have allergies until we moved to the Ohio Valley. Lucky for him, as soon as spring sprung this year, BOOM! itchy eyes, runny/itchy nose, and phlegm, phlegm, phlegm! I don't know where he gets it. Neither the Husband nor I have allergies. I won't talk about The Girl, I don't want to jinx it. <br /><br />The good thing (silver lining) is that for The Boy, allergy season really only lasts about two months, mid-March-mid-May. But, throughout this time he is on an allergy medicine regiment. We have general over the counter allergy relief like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Claritin</span> and then two prescriptions...one for nasal spray and the other for eye drops. He never uses an entire prescription...the duration of need is too short. <br /><br />Well, we have been using the remainder of his last filled scripts since the itchy, sniffling mess started this year. Last night I called the pharmacy to refill his eye drops. He is almost out and we can't risk not having them. His eyes may swell shut. The last time the pediatrician wrote the scripts, she made sure to put 20 refills on each. I guess that doesn't matter. The pharmacy told me that since it has been a year since the prescription was filled, we would have to have the doctor REWRITE a NEW prescription. The window of opportunity had passed. I wonder, if I had called two days ago (the exact date the script was filled last year), would I have made it in under the wire. It is EYE DROPS for the love of Pete, not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vicodin</span>. Well, I am off to call the pediatrician...Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-26517109238663385402010-03-31T12:07:00.004-04:002010-03-31T14:15:36.483-04:00I'm Calling it the Party BusWe embarked on a step toward truly being defined by our parenthood this week. We are officially the owners of, wait for it, a dun...dun...dun... minivan. I know, so cliche, but it has happened. I am following in the footsteps of all my mommy friends who have already taken this leap, the one that says, "Look at me, I do nothing else but cart my kids to their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">over scheduled</span> lives." No more pretending that I can escape <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mommyhood</span> for a small time by just getting in the car.<br /><br />I have to say, I love it. The kids love it. Heck, even the Husbands likes it. The decision was a good one. All the room. The prospect of being able to fit more than just my kiddos in the van makes me giddy with excitement. The ability to take family trips with the grandparents has me overjoyed. We can all fit in ONE vehicle. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yay</span>! I am happy to be partially defined by this hunk of metal and plastic. I hope that it is still okay to fantasize about that sporty convertible...it is only 18 years away.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-54625297364916011762010-03-25T08:34:00.002-04:002010-03-25T08:35:56.691-04:00She's a TalkerThe girl has been talking non-stop since she could udder a noise. But this morning she woke me up by saying "I love my momma" as she bent down to give me a kiss. What a great way to wake up. And, what a great first four word sentence.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-55166110152852413082010-03-16T08:56:00.003-04:002010-03-16T09:06:42.222-04:00Daylights SavingsThe Girl is a mess. She will not sleep in her bed, by herself through the night. Last night was particularly difficult. The Husband usually gets up with her. I know, I am lucky, but he also knows that I am a bear when I haven't slept. I got up with The Girl last night. I volunteered thinking it would be sweet to cuddle with her on the couch in the family room while we both drifted back into a peaceful slumber. <div></div><br /><div>I couldn't have been more wrong. Between her crying out, the constant tossing and turning and wanting to play name all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">momma's</span> body parts at 2 AM, we may have gotten a collective 2 hours of sleep the whole night. We moved into my bedroom at around 4:30 AM, only to be joined by The Boy. Our bed is not a family bed...for just the shear reason that it is not big enough to hold two adults and two kids, with the kids sleeping <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sideways</span>. All parents out there know that kids don't sleep with their heads at the top of the bed and their feet at the bottom. They sleep sideways or diagonal or on top of you with their feet in your face. That is just the way it is.</div><div></div><br /><div>When The Girl finally decided that enough was enough at 5:45 AM and catapulted out of the bed, I gave in and let (or forced) The Husband to take over. *thank you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">onewhocanliveonlittlesleep</span>* I wanted to stay grumpy at her, but just look at that sweet face. I blame Daylight Savings instead. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449216805948097138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHOOcpgOOp67zaHCIWJK6hcY-_jgsKYdobdYYG8ApcneHswBXpIymkD3KcdLdeLFOZCwhsRZJIMmELiG7hboCl57G4lnbeg1CoIwxE7PHihfvePcRQdMvPdiZ0L4n37Zx44ppVQiJbQ/s200/IMG_3124.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5740104562780033403.post-51290973830226347272010-03-03T23:15:00.001-05:002010-03-03T23:16:59.700-05:00When I Grow Up...<strong>The Boy: </strong>Momma, do you know what?<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>No, what?<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>When I grow up, I want to be a golfer, a spy and a cheerleader.<br /><strong>Momma: </strong>A cheerleader?<br /><strong>The Boy: </strong>Yeah, those boy ones on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span> always get to pick up the girls. That would be cool.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299395452539507054noreply@blogger.com1