The Pegram Place

Pass out

2010-02-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

Here is what you dont want to hear when you are happily plugged into Itunes and (finally) starting to sweat on the treadmill...

Jack: Hey Mom! (as he yanks the headphones out of my ears) Mom! Can you help me show Ry how to pass out? She keeps trying but she is NOT good at passing out. And I'm TRYING to show her but she just keeps crying.

Me: ***** FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!*********
Run up the stairs. Thankfully she is not blue.

They were playing go fish. You know, the card game.
Apparently she doesn't know how to shuffle and deal. She kept handing him a handful of cards instaed of properly dealing (passing out) his hand.

Thanks to my kids for reinforcing my cardiovascular fitness. Small stroke.
I'm good.

Watch over us, Jesus

2010-01-24T22:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight Riley and her daddy were talking about Jesus. Since Christmas she has had a obsession with a Christmas song "Baby in the Manger look my way" and was singing it this afternoon. Steve asked her who Jesus is.

Riley: He's from the "Baby-in-the-manger-look-my-way" song.

Dad: Why is Jesus So important to us?

Riley: He just watches over us.

Dad: Why does he do that?

Riley: Because he loves us and doesn't want to step on us.

Martin Luther King Day

2010-01-18T22:02:00.002-05:00

Today is Martin Luther King Day. Last night at dinner Jack was so excited when he heard he had the next day off school. He wanted to know why and I told him it was Martin Luther King Day. I decided to ask him a few questions about MLK.

Me: So do you know why Martin Luther King, Jr. is so important?

Jack: He was the most famous preacher EVER. Well, except for Jesus, I think. And he wanted free-ness for everyone.

Me: So what did he mean by free-ness?

Jack: Well, he had a dream and he wanted his dream to come true.

Me: what was his dream?

Jack: That the white people could sit in the same seats as the brown people and the black people and everybody.

Me: welllll...(hey...it's a good start)

It is very interesting to talk to him about race and color. I think kids have a great perspective about it. Growing up in a predominately white community, he thinks people with "different color" skin are beautiful and interesting BECAUSE they are different. His first crush was a little girl in his class who had "lots of really pretty clippy-things in her hair" but he never did mention she was black.

We explained that MLK wanted equality for everyone. He wanted everyone to be treated the same no matter what your skin looks like, where you live or what church you go to. We explained that African Americans were treated very differently and were made to sit in the back of the bus, sent to different schools, not paid the same wages as white people...etc and he had the strangest look on his face.

"But why?" he said. Then shrugged and shook his head. "Well that's REALLY not fair.."

If only 1st graders were in charge.

"I have a dream that my children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

"Hatred paralyzes life. Love releases it. Hatred confuses life. Love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life. Love illuminates it."

Martin Luther King, Jr

1929-1968

The Great Pony Heist

2010-01-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

Help! Help! The ponies have been kidnapped!

Look at their big scared eyes! Help us! Save Us!

He IS a bit ominous, isn't he?

And would you look who is the boss in charge of the pony heist?

Guess who left his toys out?

Riley LOVES when Jack is at school! Ponies, remote controls and nobody telling you "that's MINE!"

(and FYI- she was just "giving them rides" I made up the kidnap part. It was the big scared eyes :)

Snow Days

2010-01-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

He Came...

He ran

He jumped

Whoo-hoo!

He conquered!

Who needs school when you get field trips like this?

2009-12-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Cincinnati NKY International Airport!

One of the firemen that Steve works with is a FF at the Cincinnati/NKY International Airport and invited them to come and visit. Needless to say, Jack was in HEAVEN! What is better than Firetrucks?

Airplanes AND firetrucks!

Can you see the mini-fireman driving?

The trucks all have remote-control-joystick-water-sprayer-thingys. HAHAHA. My husband will be so embarassed by my ignorance....

ANYWAY-Jack thought that was sooooo cool. He told me that you could shoot water "straight"or "like a tornado."

Jack in Command!

And what could be better than playing with firetrucks?

AIRPLANES!

The FD has an airplane that they do training with. They let Jack in and he was so excited!

Forget Fireman Jack. For the next few minutes he's Captain Jack, the pilot! What a great day. The kind of day memories are made of.

Be home by bedtime!

Random Christmas-ness

2009-12-26T00:10:00.003-05:00

Christmas at "The Greene" HUUUUUGE tree. Mom lying on the ground. People staring. NERDS!

Real Reindeer! Poor things have really heavy heads.

And here is Jack at "the Pub" riding the Manly Scooter. That is a sucker, by the way. My kids can't smoke until age 8 at least! KIDDING...I am a card-carrying member of the American Red Cross!

SANTA!!! The "real one" as Jack said. He was so sweet. He asked the kids what they wanted then told them that "I can't make any promises, but you know I'll do the best I can!"

Jack thanked him and said "I know Santa. It's OK! I know you are super busy" (mom's heart swells with pride...). But I REALLY want that DS..."(then deflates LOL)

Merry Christmas from the Pegramplace.Thanks for checking in!

Happy Hanukkah!

2009-12-25T23:42:00.002-05:00

I am sooooooo late on posting, but since the kids and the dad are sleeping...I'm catching up. We are blesed to spend the holidays every year with an amazing group of friends and family. We start it off every year with our Jewish friends who invite us to spend a night of Hanukkah with them. It is a fun filled (and educational for all of us protestants :) evening filled with candles, latkes, kugel and....PRESENTS!!!!

Everyone tries to be so patient!

Whoooooooaaaaaa!!!! The boys' faces are so great! Remote control ANYTHING is so cool!

Jack, Riley and Elijah enjoying the festivities!

There were at least 3 Mommies trying to take pictures and Riley was grumpy. Miss Mara was instructing on the proper papparazzi smile....wait for it....

CHEESE!!!!!

Happy Holidays to you and yours! And thank you for our Hanukkah Hosts, Billy and Teri for another great kickoff to a season of wonderful holiday traditions!

Gingerbread and boogers

2009-12-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

Gingerbread House Time! Which in my house means crying, yelling, cursing (all from yours truly...) We have tried and tried and I can't keep the walls from caving in. So this year we are doing Gingerbread "PEOPLE" Riley was upset that they were all men, so we had some angels, too. Gingerbread Girls!

Jack loves this stuff. He had a blast decorating, eating, eating, eating and decorating. I iced them and he put all the "stuff" on .

This one was not so much help. My visions of baking in the kitchen with my daughter have been erased after she spent most of the evening like this. She is a major picker right now. Sick. She is the kid that I stare at in the store and think "oh, how gross is THAT? Oh wait, she's mine!" haha

Those of you who recieved our cookies can rest assured that she didn't want to help,anyway.

hee hee

Guess Who...

2009-11-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

Having a cornfield in your backyard makes for some awesome hide and seeks! Unless you wear a bright blue hat. Then it's not so suprising.

Gotcha, sweetface!

I (heart) fall

2009-11-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

I just love fall...I have totally neglected posting anything, but we have been having a great few months. We love living out in the country this time of year...we (ok...I) are the big nerds who are fascinated by farm equipment and call everything the wrong name. Jack now corrects me.

"that is a COMBIINE, Mom. Not a "harvesting thingy"

One of our favorite things about where we live is a bike path that runs thru Ohio. So happens, it runs right thru our back yard.A creek runs along the trail and the kids love to take walks there and play.

And here is the princess that fell into the creek. Hmmmmm....I wonder why?!??? Could be the sparkle shoes. One size 10 and one size 8. On the wrong feet, no less. That's my gal!

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T22:11:00.001-05:00

I have copied this from my sweet blog-friend Elizabeth http://www.mybloggylife.wordpress.com/
She said it better than I ever could and I hope she does't mind me being a copycat!

Today I remember those that have lost their lives to fight for what they believe in.

Today I remember those that have died fighting for the freedom for the generations to follow.

Today I remember those that have spent sleepless nights worrying about those away at war.

Today I remember that the freedom I know, and too often take for granted, is not the reality for everyone.

Today I remember that I am lucky to have the chance to snuggle and kiss my children whenever I want.

Today I remember that I am lucky to know my grandparents, with stories to share of war-times.

Today I remember that I am blessed beyond measure.

Today I remember that all over the world there are still those that are suffering injustice and mourning the losses of those they love.

Today I remember and I promise to help make the world a better place.

Thanks, Liz! I don't thik anyone could have said it better...
:)

My Superheroes

2009-11-06T22:02:00.001-05:00

Superman (protecting the universe)

And Cinderella with ("My OWN big girl makeup!!!)

Henry!!!

2009-11-05T10:00:00.002-05:00

Please keep Henry http://www.babyboybean.blogspot.com/ and his family in your prayers tomorrow. He's having some surgery and will have to wear full leg casts on both legs for a little while afterwards. Needless to say, his parents (and his Poppie and Tee-Tee, too) are really nervous, I'm sure they would appreciate you thinking of them.

He is full of little boy energy, so I'm sure it wont keep him down too long!

...and he'll be back to helping around the house (and cleaning blinds) ASAP! haha

We love you Henry!

Mr. Conundrum

2009-11-03T22:50:00.004-05:00

Jack WANTS to be a crazy foot-loose knife-wielding 6 year old.

Then the sensible "safety-simon" comes out. When the time comes to put a candle in the pumpkin, only battery powered candles will do for this kid. He severely protested the real candle,(according to him it may catch the house on fire if the wind blows in the east-north-east direction tonight) so we went with batteries.

Finished products!
And my little man lost no sleep worrying about fires.

Swearing In the Fire Chief

2009-10-19T11:04:00.004-04:00

Steve was sworn in as the Goshen Township Fire Chief a few weeks ago, but didn't officially start until today. The house is on the market, hope we get some action soon because he is commuting an hour each way until we can move.

We thought Jack would be upset about having to move again, but he already has his sights on dropping out of 1st grade and being the assistant chief, so he's thrilled! Riley was confused about the whole thing. She was very upset that Daddy is going to be a Chief. "Mommy, she said, He is a FIREMAN! Not an Indian." hahaa

There were a lot of friends and family and colleagues (past and present) there to show their support and it was a very nice ceremony. And according to Jack the best part was that his Daddy didn't talk too long because there was CAKE afterwards. Here are some photos.(taken by Mary Danemiller Community Press Journal)

As you can see, Riley is THRILLED to be a part of the festivities.

Jack pinned on his badge. I had to help. I was sfraid he'd accidentally stab his Dad. He's a wee bit clumsy/accident prone. (See previous entry!) haha

Here we go again...

2009-10-08T19:59:00.003-04:00

So exactly how many times can you visit the ER before children's services gets involved? I can say 5 visits in 6 years with the same kid seems to keep you under the radar.

We really need to get some sort of loyal customer/ frequent flyer coupon for Children's Hospital Urgent Care center. Last weekend we were there (AGAIN!) for another head laceration. This one ended in 4 staples to his noggin (which has GOT to have some sort of brain damage at this point)And here is how it went down.

Steve took Jack to visit his new firehouse (new Chief job, post coming soon....)
It was their open house for National Fire Prevention Month. Steve thought he would stop in and introduce himself to some folks he hadn't yet met and brought "Action Jackson" along, too.

Jack found some new pals and they were chasing each other when one went under a gear rack, Jack followed and came up too soon. He came around the corner hand to his head and when he pulled his hand away it was full of blood and poor Jack nearly came unglued. Thankfully there were some paramedics there who stopped the bleeding quickly, so we just took him in the car to the Urgent Care.

We walked in and the lady asked if we had been there before, then looked at the computer and her eyes got really big and she said, "Oh! Never mind!" She told us to have a seat. Since it is flu season, anyone with respiratory symptoms are made to wear a mask. Jack took one look into the waiting room of all those masks and asked the lady, "uhhhh...we have to sit in there with all those SICK people?!???"

We found an empty spot by the front doors and waited 3 hours and finally saw the Dr. (it is always nice to read the badge of your health care provider and it says MOONLIGHTER...really?!?) but he was nice and efficient and didn't bat an eye when Jack told him he wanted "staples not stitches, please." He was a trooper and only flinched a little when they stapled him.

Thanks again, Childrens Hospital. Quality care, as always, but I hope we DON'T see you soon!

ewwwww, I mean mmmm!! Cupcakes!

2009-09-29T09:52:00.004-04:00

Riley wanted to "help" make her birthday cupcakes. She did a FANTASTIC job. She cracked some eggs (which means she banged them on the counter and crushed them in her hands, then I fished out the shells)***

Give it a little stir...

A little "Quality Control" ***

And adding the finishing touches!

***disclaimer***
Riley's hands were clean when we started.
MY hands were clean when fishing out eggshells.
The licking took place after mixing was completed.
350 degrees for 20 minutes surely killed any germs. Right?

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2009-09-29T09:35:00.002-04:00

We just celebrated Riley's 3rd birthday 3 weeks late, but who's counting?!? I don't think my kids have ever had a party on their actual birthday. This year Steve and I were out of town on her birthday, so we were a little late to celebrate. (And we wonder why our kids think their birthdays last for a month...)

Presents!!!

A spit cake! I decided to make her (ok, BUY) her own cake since she had a cold, so we wouldn't share the germs with the entire family.

My Girl

Later that night, partied out and exhausted!

Busted!

2009-09-18T14:30:00.004-04:00

We recently had a vehicle stolen on our property.

So we sent our police fireman/safety official out to investigate.

"No, I didn't steal it officer, it was just sitting here...and...hey! Look over there...

OH NO SHE DIDNT!!
The classic "distract and then sucker-punch move"

Assualting an officer of the law. And caught on film...

What does our future hold?

Family Friends

2009-09-03T21:37:00.006-04:00

If you ask my kids who their best friends are and they both will answer with the names of their cousins. What a blessing it is to have so many great friends all wrapped up into all the family functions. When you get tired of playing with one, another one is sure to be available...
:)
When Steve and I first married, we loved spoiling out nieces and nephews and we are amazed at how fast the clan has multiplied...CRAZY!
Recently we had a weekend full of cousin time and here is a glimpse into the madness!

"baby" Luke the youngest and most...um...vocal...cousin...Sweetest face EVER!!!! (God made babies cute for a reason:)

Jack and Daniel... Thank Goodness for Daniel and his Mama passing down those clothes. He is the fastest growing kid in the universe so we totally SCORED in the hand-me-down department!

Riley and "E" pondering the state of he union. Or the state of the onion. Or nothing at all, cuz that's how they roll.....

And here is Jack and E...
She's still thinking....why do I have a feeling Erin will be coordinating sit-ins in college?

Well, hey! Here is a good idea! Let's pull the midgets (sorry little people) around in the yard on a blanket. I do believe that was the idea of Miss "Sit in" ha ha

FUN! They had a great ride! And I had MAJOR grass stains in my quilt.

Gratuitous Photo-OP...

We have a bike path behind our yard and there a the perfect little hill. Just enough for crazy antics on bikes that are too small for you...I thought it was great... and Safety Simon (AKA Steve) was beside himself with visions of trauma and aircare helicopters...

Isn't this the best fun-face ever?!?

Here's to a great weekend...Be safe and be happy!

PS
There is one (USA) cousin missing...Miss Kayla seems to be at the age to be avoiding cameras...we love you, too Kayla! Stop sneaking away from my camera!

OH WAIT!!! Here is miss Pretty, now!

First Grade Instructions

2009-08-24T19:57:00.009-04:00

Jack will be starting first grade in a few days. The first year of all day school. I could post about how sad I am going to be when he is gone, but quite frankly I JUST CAN'T wait! Of course I will miss him like crazy, but at this point we are bored silly with this non-summerlike-summer and it is in BOTH of our best interests that he start soon!

So on his first day of "all day" school I'll be sending some instructions for his teacher (May God bless you, lucky lady...)

1. I practiced my reading, sight words and numbers all summer. I was really good at it until my Mom turned lazy about July 20th.

2. I can't quite be bothered to color in the lines, but give me a pen and paper and I will draw you the intricate inner workings of an F-18 fighter jet, the Millenium Falcon or (FDNY)27 Truck.

3. Don't get too close to me when I am playing with cars, jets, firetrucks, etc. I tend to spit on people when I make shooting, zooming, spraying sounds. I blame it on the loose teeth. I mean no harm. Remind me I am spitting on people, please.

4. I have ants in my pants. Really. I do. Can't help it.

5. When I am tired and can't take anymore reading my eyes cross a little and I zone out a lot. My tongue also sticks out and my feet turn in (even more then usual) and I fall a lot.

6. I am having a hard time believing that I will like all day school. I'm gonna miss my Mom a lot, and she is gonna miss me more. I may need a hug but please remember that I'll be too embarrassed to ask.

7. Even when I am trying your patience, not listening or just being a brat, please remember that I am really trying hard to be good (most of the time, anyway...but in my defense, I AM a daydreamer from the old-school)

8. I may be 100% boy through and through, but I have a sensitive soul and a great big heart, so please take very good care of me, OK? My Mom doesn't trust me with just anyone...

R.I.P. Spideymanpegram Crab

2009-08-10T22:01:00.004-04:00

Jack recently adopted a hermit crab (on our vacation to Ocean City) and gave him a most original name.
Hermit crabs are supposed to be hardy little pets, so we thought it would be a good pet for him. He was very excited to bring him home and was very dutiful about giving him food and water, although I may have seen Spideymanpegram chucked into a cup of water instead of the "gentle dipping" that you are supposed to provide a few times a week...and there was the fall from the bathroom sink (which he walked away from)...oh, and the run in with the cat..

Anyway, where was I?

Oh, yes...THE SMELL!!
So I went in the bathroom (where Spideymanpegram sleeps because crabs are nocturnal and noisy scraping around in their rocks) and thought to myself, "whew! Must have left a ripe pullup in here!"
Nope. Garbage can empty.
But there sat poor little Spideymanpegram on his sponge where we left him, um, 2 days ago. And he was officially DOA. I got the tweezers out and poked at him to be sure. And he fell out of his shell. Meanwhile Jack wandered into the bathroom and said, "MOOOOOM! It smells like stinky diapers in here!" I then had to tell him SMP was gone and we had to flush him.

Jack: MOOOOOOM! You can't just put God's animals in the potty. Me and Riley poop in there! Can we just make him a marker in the yard?

Me: "uhhhhh (thinking...it IS a little thing, no big shovel involved) OK, baby. You are right. Lets go out back and we will properly bury him."

Jack: Curled up on his bed crying.....Momentarily unavailable for comment...
"OH, COOL! Can I get daddy's BIG shovel?" (quick mourning period)

We opted for my little shovel and Jack scooped a little hole.

Jack gave a sweet little eulogy and then dropped SMP into his hole. The cat will most likely dig it up this evening. That thing is stinky!
Weird photo. It was swampy humid today...my camera fogged up.

Jack asked God to make sure Spidey went to a "nice room" because even if he pinched you he didn't mean it because that's how he protects himself. And he was a REALLY nice crab. (and maybe THAT's why my camera was foggy...sniff)

His grave marker is a hand crafted rain gauge (Thank you Lowe's saturday AM projects)and the funeral was also attended by the sister who decided it was "thsooo hot, can we juthst have popthichles?"

Ocean City Boardwalk

2009-08-07T16:59:00.003-04:00

Ocean City has a great boardwalk filled with the traditional fun...amusement park, caramel corn, t-shirt shops and mini-golf to name a few.
We stay on the opposite end of the boardwalk where it is quiet and peaceful(my IDEAL vacation) and I hope this doesn't qualify me for the meanest mom in the world, but if I could I'd stay away from the "carnival" end of the boardwalk if I could. Steve takes Jack every AM to play mini-golf and we do one family night and thankfully...that's all the excitement I have to take :)
The kids LOVE the rides. Obviously from these pictures, one of them likes it better than the other.

"Uh...Not so sure about this.."

"No, really...Hello??? Anyone??? Can I get some help, here???"

Wheeeee!!!!!

Not sure why, but my kids are oddly obsessed with "Mr. Taffy" He is a boardwalk icon and you would think the kids met Elvis...or Michael Jackson...anyway...
we even have a 3 ft tall Mr. Taffy (Um...thank you Oogah???) that lives in Jack's room (and apparently comes alive at night and tells stories)

Jack liked the ride but was mad when daddy wouldn't pass up and/or crash into the other cars. I'll admit he gets his "aggressive" driving style (read: road rage) honestly from his Mama...

Thanks for letting us share our vacation with you. It was a wonderful time that we look forward to all year, then it zooms by in minutes. Just how vacations should be, and just how memories are made!

Evolution of the Family Picture

2009-07-28T22:19:00.006-04:00

On our vacation we had dinner on the bay. It was a beautiful evening and when I saw Steve and riley walking along the shore I had to gather the troops for a family picture. (thanks Amy for your photo skillz...)

C'mon buddy, I will hold your shells...really quick...lets go!

LOOK AT THE CAMERA!

Put the seajunk down!

I said, LOOK AT THE CAMERA!

If you were cool like us, you would have worn sunglasses and wouldn't have to squint...

Finally! BTW...What's up with my pose? Dork.

How NOT to land a boyfriend...

2009-07-22T20:59:00.002-04:00

Riley: "Oh, Henry!! You come here often?
Henry: (thinking) "Bleh...Girls are so silly. I only have eyes for Mommy..."

Riley: "you wanna see my belly?"
Henry: (thinking) "she's so wierd. Where IS my Mommy?"

Jack: "RILEY! Put your dress down!"
Henry: "Mommmmmmmmmmy!!"

...and Jack is BUSTED for pinching...

Jack: "ugh...sisters..."
Riley: "Boys are so fuuuun!"
Henry: "Seriously. When is this nonsense gonna be over?"

Vacation!

2009-07-13T20:51:00.003-04:00

We are at the beach!
Be back soon...
Not too soon, I hope!

See you soon!

Gardening!

2009-07-09T09:43:00.004-04:00

Here is how it started...
I have neveer been able to keep a plant alive, so I decided to start small...and I still felt like this was a HUGE garden.

We got some tomatoes, onions, peppers(which did die and I yanked them) and some squash and zucchini ans planted them. Having no gardening experience, I misjudged how much room we would need, I didnt realize everything would get so big!

So here we go...c'mon, babies..lets GROW!

A little sun and a little water...(sometimes a LOT of water, thanks to my hired help)

And somehow...we have vegetables! (that is a cucumber haha!!)

See how crowded it is? Next year I'll probably either make it a little bit bigger or I'll just do a couple veggies.

And I am really proud of our corn. Ok, technically it's not OUR corn. It is in the field that backs up to our yard. I'm wondering if they would notice a few ears missing?

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

2009-07-04T11:09:00.001-04:00

What have we been up to?

2009-06-30T21:26:00.006-04:00

Obviously not blogging!

I have been horrible at keeping up with my posts. Sorry, folks, but its summer and frankly I just want to play. I will try to make an effort to post more often (for the 3 of you who read this)
We have had a busy summer thus far. It has been the good kind of busy, though. I can't believe it is already July and we will soon be headed for the beach.

I'll spare you too much reading...here is a "snapshot" of our summer so far!

Graduation! Look out 1st grade!

Hot Tubbin'!!

Celebrating! Fuzz, 70 PerryD,48 and Jack,6 having a joint fireman birthday bash!

Playing with our buddies
GOT RIBS?
(I SWEAR I am feeding that skinny kid)

Losing the first tooth

Playdough on the porch

Making "oogah-staches" and sporting new haircuts (when mom was out of town!)

Learning to drive...in PJ's?!?!? (again when mom was out of town...for the record)

Bobblehead Baseball

brrrr...cold pool!

Adopting furry things (Lucy thinks she is a dog. follows Jack everywhere)

Gardening???? Must be the right kind of dirt. I kill houseplants by looking at them, but we have veggies! Tomatoes, anyone?

So that's it in a nutshell. Summer fun with my favorite little people. I'll try to return to regular programming as soon as possible. Maybe.

Hope YOU are having a GREAT summer, too!

Happy Farders Day (as said by Riley)

2009-06-21T22:16:00.008-04:00

Happy Farder's Day! Riley got up this morning and greeted her daddy with this sentiment (say it out loud...thats hilarious and yes, I am a nerd)
Anyway.

When you first get married, you KNOW what kind of person you want for your husband. The tall handsome fireman was PERFECT for me. But you never know about the father-factor. He has a sweet and sensitive soul who gets teary at McDonalalds commercials. I had no doubt he'd be a good Dad. I have to admit though the fact that I kicked his tail in putt-putt, at the batting cages and he was NOT a baseball fan at all when we first met... worried me a bit, but what he heck,
We had us some babies and here we are.

I'll tell ya, (and probably not often enough)
I do thik I hit the jackpot.
Up until this past year, he had a strange shiftwork schedule. I am a nurse and have had a very flexible part time gig since Jack was first born which has been a huge blessing in the daycare situation. We decided early on that we would try not to do daycare and we would work opposite schedules while the kids are little. A bit of a bummer when you want to spend any time with your hubby, but it has been so great to see him grow into such a wonderful Dad. So when we had Jack, I went to work 2 days a week on the days that he was home from the FD. Steve was hands on from day one. He can change a diaper on the back of his truck, deal with projectile vomiting in a restauraunt and he can even do pony tails in Riley's hair like a champ!

I am a 'scheduler' from the old school and when I'm home we're up by 730, eat lunch at noon, we nap at 2...it works. On the days Daddy is home, they go to officer meetings, fire department training, swearing in ceremonies and even meetings with the city manager...but apparently that works, too! We have different styles of parenting, but I'd like to think we complement each other fairly well. Where I am impatient, he is calm and cool. Where I am controlling(um, only sometimes haha) he goes with the flow.

The older I get, the more I realize nobody really has the 'perfect' life or situation and as parents all we can do the best we can. I truly am so thankful for my husband and what a great Dad he is and what a great family we have.

I know 2 little people who would say he's a perfect Dad!

The (surprise!) TBall Coach

Showing Jack how to properly dress in the country... hahahaha!

Didn't complain when I went on a girls' weekend and left him with the kiddos.

Steve and Little Steve

Driving Instructor

....and he hasn't yet kicked out the kitten...

Happy Father's Day!

weekend fun

2009-06-09T20:48:00.007-04:00

Steve's parents were in town this past weekend. They are from Brooklyn, NY. We are always trying to find fun things for them to do, but they live in one of the most exciting cities in the world, so what do you do to entertain them....

Take them to the country! My own parents live out in the country (well, compared to NYC, anyway) and they invited us over for the evening.
Their property is next to a small county airport and the weekends are crazy at that place! I think it is slightly annoying to my parents, but it is exciting for their guests! Here is what we saw.

Balloons!

They were really low

My Dad's airplane-which I am COMPLETELY IRRATIONALLY afraid to ride in
(sorry,dad..nothing personal you know)

This is the "jump plane" It takes up about a dozen parachutes at a time...those people are crazy-in-the-brains as far as I am concerned.

Jack watching from his favorite spot...except for the co-pilot seat. And don't even get me started on that. My palms are sweaty thinking about it.

Hope you all had a great weekend,too!

What's this?

2009-06-07T23:13:00.005-04:00

Whoever can be the first to tell me what these pictures are will win a FABULOUS and AMAZING prize!!!!

haha.
Just kidding. No prize. Except my undying gratitude because you actually spend 5 seconds of your life reading my blah blah...
But really. Can you tell what they are?
I just thought these were cool pictures...Longer post about this tomorrow!

Torture...otherwise known as T-Ball

2009-05-26T21:31:00.003-04:00

For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing the exciting phenomenon of TBall, you have nooooo idea what you are missing. An hour long adventure of 4-6 year olds, most of which are waaaaaay more interested in wrestling, rock throwing, whining, drinking up all their gatorade in the first 5 minutes of the game...then searching for the porta potties, stealing each others' hats,rolling in the dirt...and this is just for warm-ups.
The last thing most of them seem to want to be doing is standing on a hot baseball field paying attention to the ball which may or may not ever make it past the pitcher's mound.

However, there are a few standouts. We do have some
Superstar athletes...(I happen to think this one is adorable!)

Hall of fame home run hitters! (I am partial to #6)

Experienced, world class coaching staff (heeheehee)

and each team has a "sleeper"
Can't blame the kid. It's a looooong hour.

GO BIG BLUE!

Thirsty Thursday

2009-05-21T21:48:00.004-04:00

Our first HOT day of the season. I LOVE IT! I was watering my flowers when Riley got my hose. She played happily for an hour with a hose and a bucket. The heat and all that water must have made her thirsty.

Whoops! That's not right.

OW! Right in my eyes!

I think I got this!

Aaahhhhhh...

The water must not have cooled her off enough. So she used the ghetto pool.
(sorry about the crackage...)

So excited for summer!

How can my baby be 6?

2009-05-18T21:28:00.008-04:00

Tomorrow my firstborn will be 6 years old. How can this be?

It feels like yesterday we were coming home from the hospital. I was sitting in the backseat hovering over his tiny little body strapped in the car seat, worried that his head flopping around would cut off his airway. We then spent a few weeks trying to figure out how to hold him right, how to put his diaper without getting peed on, worrying about how much he was eating and/or spitting up, watching him sleep,putting my hand on his back to make sure he was breathing (um...Ok, I still do that...)
Whew!
anyway...back from memory lane...

Tomorrow that little baby will be 6. Oh, my...do we have our days. He's a lot like his Momma and we can really butt heads. However, he is sweet, loving, strong willed and determined, but I am so thankful for every day I spend with him. Everyone thinks their own kids are great, but he really is a special little guy. He is an energetic, emotional and easygoing fella, and sometimes it's all at once.

Here in a nutshell is my boy.

Jack is:

A Worker

A helper

A Brother

A Cousin

A Runner

A Napper (thank you, God!)

A shooter

An adventurer (who else would bring a green pistol(stuffed in his shorts...because you never know!!)

An athlete

A Planner (that traffic jam was a day long adventure!)

And my Baby.

We love you, Sweet Boy! Thank you for 6 years of blood, sweat and tears.(ours and yours!) We are so thankful for you, and pray for many, many more!

Rollin' with my Homies

2009-05-13T22:44:00.003-04:00

Our house was the model home in the 'hood, so when we bought it, it looked great from the front, but the backyard was a mess. So lumpy and bumpy, you could hardly walk around it without twisting an ankle. So Steve decided to remedy this problem. We had done the same thing at the old house. He pushed a roller thingy over the yard and flattened it out. Well, when you live in the country all the tools are bigger, apparently. Imagine Jack's excitement when this pulled up out front.He decided to do a quick safety check. Inspecting the equipment

Giving orders. An expert, apparently. He can't help it. Know-it-all-ness is in his bloodline. hee hee hee...

It was KILLING him to have to standby and watch. Steve wanted to get used to it for a few laps before turning Jack loose with it.

KIDDING.

Aaaahhhh...must be a boy thing. Heavy equipment and/or machinery=happiness.

Looks like the big boy is happy, too. And that makes me happy.

Corey Nickell

2009-05-07T22:50:00.001-04:00

Please keep Corey and his family in your prayers. This story has really hit home for us and we just want everyone to keep them in your prayers, too. Corey is an amazing little guy who has been battling cancer for half of his short life. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, but from what I hear he is just that-a delightful, happy and brave little boy.
His Daddy is a fireman, his Mom is a nurse, so you see the parallels to our life and why we feel so much for them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as it looks like Corey's battle is coming to an end. God has already shown great miracles in his short life and we can never know His plans for little Corey, but our prayer is that his last days are filled with peace, comfort and happiness with his Mom and Dad.

Most of you are on facebook, so if my link doesn't work (that would be SUCH a surprise!) please search "prayers for Corey' on FB.

Here is a part of one of my favorite songs ever (Dixie Chicks, pre craaazy) and it is on my mind, so here it is.

God bless Mommy and Matchbox Cars
God Bless Daddy and thanks for the Stars
God hears Amen wherever we are..
And I love you.
God Speed, little man,
Sweet dreams little man.

Oh my love will fly
to you each night on angles wings.
God speed...
Sweet dreams.
God speed.
Sweet dreams.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/corey...

Why I am Thankful We Live in the Sticks

2009-05-05T23:32:00.004-04:00

Jack wears a uniform to school each day and I have to admit I take pride in how nice he looks when he goes to school each morning. All clean and shiny and wrinkle free. But he HATES it. He doesn't like collars and "stiff and crunchy" clothes. The first thing he does when he gets home is beeline for play clothes.
Thankfully we have been the recipients of many hand me downs and someone just gave us a new stash of clothes which included a bunch of tank tops. Unfortunately, Jack looooves the tank tops. He got home last week and Dad was cutting the grass...I mean weeds, so he went to change.

Well done, Jack. Who DOESN'T wear this getup while working in the yard? Cowboy boots, running pants and a tank top.

I kinda feel bad making fun.
The greatest thing is that he has no clue.I love that sweet innocence and I dread the day that he becomes self conscious.
And I hope he doesn't read my blog :)

I must give a shout out to Scott's Lawn Service
For our $65 a month, we thank you for the fastest growing weeds in the 'hood!

Workin' the system

2009-05-04T22:29:00.003-04:00

Riley and Jack and a friend had dinner together out on the picnic table. After dinner the boys ditched Riley. Since she was last, she was asked to carry in the garbage.

Whoopsies...

The famous pout, "I CANT DO IT!!"

Big Bro to the rescue.

And here is where she is workin' it. Notice who is carrying NOTHING. And sort of smiling...heh heh heh.

Easter 2009

2009-04-16T16:21:00.007-04:00

Here is the one who likes to have his picture taken. the other one as you will see, is a picture avoider...I wonder why...

Couldn't be because I stalk them with the camera.

As a matter of fact, Daddy took this one.

Easter Sunday. Back when Riley had long pretty hair. (that's another story...)

and I love this one because the sun is shining thru her hair, and his ears! HAHA

And....She's done. That's all. No more.
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Easter Egg Hunt Part 1

2009-04-13T20:55:00.008-04:00

We have an Easter tradition of attending an Easter Egg hunt put on by a local Fire Dept. Since Jack (in his mind, anyway) is a member at EVERY local FD (notice his jacket and collar brass) this happens to be our favorite Easter egg hunt. Fire Trucks AND candy?!? Little boy dreams are made of this...

The kids are split into age groups so it is not a stampede. Or so I thought. Jack was in the 5 and 6 year old group. This place was Craaaaazy! Here is Jack trying to look past the sea of GROWN UPS at the start line.

Come on! You send these kids off to school ALONE every day, right? Do they really need your help finding eggs filled with candy laying around a baseball field? I think not, but apparently I am in the minority here.

Some of these folks are throwing elbows. Check out the girl in the center bonking the little guy in the head. And the mommy in black almost plowing over her little boy...

And the poor little firekid running around aimless without his own parental assistance..

Yowsa! Run, little one! Run like the wind!!!

Jack managed to do OK. He held his own even without Mom and Dad hoarding his eggs.

Riley's group was next. These were the babies (0-3) so I did expect some adult "help" here. we were lined up and ready to go...listening to the rules. Here is what Riley heard.

blah...blah...blah...

"Hello...tap, tap tap...is this thing on... "

Apparently someone's little brat needed a head start...ahem...oh, wait. That one is mine.

Anyway, she decided she was done with Steve-O's rules and was ready. (I am not sure if you can click on this pic or not, but if you can, check out the lady in the White sweater behind Riley. She's HORRIFIED! hee hee hee...)

Ready, Set, GO!

Well cheating didn't help. She would only pick the "preeettty" eggs. Pinks and purples. Only.

We still got about 15.

There was a kid standing there crying who seriously got ZERO eggs because so many of these parents were actually running around collecting eggs to fill their TODDLERS' baskets with. I thought "oh how sad" and went on my way.

Here is when I am glad I married Steve. He took most of Riley's eggs and snuck over and tossed them behind that kid and said "hey, look! There's more!" He's a sweet boy. Don't tell him I said so.

A great time had by all with only minor injuries sustained.

More Easter antics on the way...

Monochromatic Children

2009-04-12T22:20:00.003-04:00

I have to be careful when I tell my kids to go get dressed. They both take "matching" very literally.
So when I told them to go get dressed, i shouldn't have been surprised with their respective choices...

Here is Mr. Man in his current favorite uniform. Reds hat, Reds jersey and Ohio State running pants (which are actually kind of a shade of Maroon). Very nice.
If you are staying home.
And here is Miss Priss in something (not) different. PINK! How many shades of pink exist? From this photo I can say there are 3, at least.
Sweatpants, crocks (UGHHH!!!) Abby socks, and a leopard trimmed fuchsia sweater to top it off.

Look for their collections this fall on Project Runway.

Every Hero Needs a Cause

2009-04-09T21:03:00.005-04:00

This was the Slogan for our big race.
It seems like yesterday that Jack was a baby. And this year we did our first 5K! Granted...we walked, and it may have been more of a 4K...but we did it!
It was a cold rainy morning.He ran into my room at 6:45 ready to go. I have to admit, if he weren't going with me, I would have pulled the covers back over my head.
But how could you say no to this?

We had so much fun!

Here he is explaining to the girl that he didnt win.
"Why are you giving me a medal if I didn't win?"
We had a blast!

He has had all kinds of "Daddy time" these days. From T-Ball, LEGO's and Star Wars. I have become the annoying one who wants to practice numbers and letters every afternoon when school's out. I have officially taken a back seat to the "Cool Dad."

I have to admit I feel a little left out.

So the big day arrived and we spent the day together and we both had a great time. I am so thankful to be his Mom. He is a happy fun-loving little dude and I have so much fun with him. We had a blast and laughs all day long. I hope my "Little Hero" still wants to hang out with me for many years to come...

oh how I love my 2 year old...

2009-03-30T21:55:00.003-04:00

I am a total blog slacker. It seems like my subjects are either fighting, crying or sleeping these days. Riley has turned into the "terrible two" that Jack never was. Don't get me wrong, he gave us some grief as a toddler, but he was more of a three year old terror, 2's were all good with that one. I never understood when other people complained about how bad their 2 year olds were. I thought I MUST just be a better Mom because MY 2 year old is funny and a good time and pretty much one of my favorite people in the world to spend my days with. No such thing as terrible twos.

Then came his sister.

Girlfriend lately cries at the drop of a hat.
Here are my current excuses.
4 molars all coming in at once.
Napping at will-don't kid yourself-she is in her bed for 2 hours each afternoon, but she TRIES to stay awake just to torment me over the monitor. (YES..I still have a monitor in her room...just in case she is choking on lego's that she stole from her bro's stash or hanging from the blinds, or jumping in and out of bed...or a million other things that could happen...)
Fighting a cold/allergies/big brother's school funk,
The sun not being properly aligned with the earth
Elmo talking about something that doesn't suit her....
OK, so the list(i.e. my excuses) is endless.
She is not a happy camper of late and I am PRAYING she will grow out of it soon.

The princess on her throne. It is a beat-down-juice-stained-stinky firetruck-themed chair that once belonged to Jack, but he finally got tired of this...

and here she is politely asking for assistance on to her swing. (after announcing that she will not "ride dat baby swing")

Drama...

Queen!

And I just have to throw this one in. Who Doesn't crimp their tongue? ALL the 2 year olds are doin' it!

Love you, Baby Girl. You are your Mama's daughter, fer shur!

I feel the love

2009-03-19T22:02:00.003-04:00

So we are cruising thru "the Walmarts" and Jack hugs me and lays his head on my hip.
Jack: "mama, I love you."
Me: How come? (because this is such a random statement in Walmart, where the usual conversation is all about 'can I get', 'will you buy me' etc...
Jack: Because, Mom! (sniffs deeeeeply my jeans pockets) "you smell gooood. just like Hot dogs"
****In my defense, or my grossness in this case, I made dinner the night before and used a LOT of garlic and must have wiped my hands on my pants a lot. Then wore the same pants to Walmart the next day. hahaha. As a rule, I don't wear dirty clothes(usually) nor do I smell like hot dogs (I hope)*****

So we continue to cruise thru the store where Jack keeps hugging on me and patting me on the bottom. I kept thinking to myself how great is is to have a boy who is so sweet and outwardly affectionate to his Mama.
So when we got home an hour later and discovered the 45 stickers thet the "welcome to Walmart lady" gave him ALL STUCK TO MY BUTT...I realized why he was such a darling at walmart.
Grrrrr....

And then there is my sweet baby girl.
Riley: Mama, you have baaad boo-boos.
Me: Where, honey?
Riley: (pointing to the lines in my forehead that I WILL apparently be Botoxing)
"you gots big cuts in yer head." pointing to my cavernous wrinkles.
She tossed me under the old ugly bus!

Feel the Love. I know I do!

Doughnut Nite '09

2009-03-13T15:32:00.006-04:00

We have a tradition in the family where we go to my gradndparents' house one Friday night and she makes a huge big batch of fresh hot doughnuts. Since they have moved to a small condo in a retirement community, there just isn't enough room anymore. We skipped a year or two and everyone missed it.
Well my Grandma (undeterred by her complete blindness) wanted to do it again. So we reserved the activity center on the campus and had doughnut night there.

Here she is playing the piano with Riley. Grandma Lois has a wonderful musical gift (that somehow I missed out on) She is totally blind but can sit down and play just about anything you ask. It's pretty amazing. I wish SHE could see how Riley looks at her when she plays the piano.

Grandma Lois made the dough, and my Mom, my other Grandma (Belle...who is pretty amazing herself) and our forever family friend, Jean. They were stuck in the kitchen frying all those doughnuts.

The babies love Papa Nick.
Baby Luke

Riley Belle and her Papa...(and she thinks he is HER papaw.Exclusively.)

This little activity center must be used for some senior citizen exercise classes. The kids made a HUGE discovery in the equipment closet.

A PARACHUTE!!

Here they are UNDER the parachute!

And I couldn't leave out the picture of my 80 something grandpa who has had 6 hip replacements/revisions, by the way, playing parachute with the kids.

And how great would it be to be 10 years old, twirling around the room without a care in the world? You go, girl :)

And during all this excitement, I forgot to take any doughnut pictures. DUH.
But what a great time. The kids will remember that parachute forever. And maybe even a doughnut.
So, anyway this is how we roll on a big Friday night out :)
What about you?

Tiny Twisters

2009-03-07T20:44:00.002-05:00

Riley: "LUKEY! You do it like 'dis." Notice he is laughing at her. Little brothers and cousins learn sooooo early!

"C'mon, Luke. You can do it. Follow me! Right hand Blue!"

Peek-a-boo!

Why you should pay for a Professional Pedicure

2009-03-03T23:14:00.004-05:00

I was trying to paint my groody toenails (thanks dad for that lovely trait...) and Riley was sooooo interested. I told her 55 times...dont touch...don't get close..."OK, Mommy, I not touch dem..."

Notice the smeared polish off my big toe?

WHOOPS! While "not-touching", she somehow fell face first onto my newly painted toenails. HAHA!

Next time I will just pay the 25 bucks for a real pedi.
:)
Oh and sorry for the ugly footphoto!

Dont Leave Me!!!

2009-02-27T16:08:00.004-05:00

This is an example of what happens to perfectly sweet, happy-go-lucky easy going 2 year olds when they don't take a nap.

I was headed down to the man cave to take some pictues of the boys wrestling. Apparently, Miss Priss forgot how to get down the stairs. Yes, the same stairs that she and Jack run up and down 59 times daily.

I went down before her, and she said, "Mommy, you carry me?"

"No honey, I have my hands full, you can do it."

Then she lost her marbles.

FREAKED OUT...MAJOR MELTDOWN!

And probably because I was laughing at her(and taking pictures) She turned into a mess. Mouth wide open, hysterical sobbing, fists clenched, snot pouring, HUGE tears dripping...all because I wouldn't CARRY her down the steps. Little Miss "NO..ME do it" wanted me to carry her. And she wanted it baaad.

NO MORE SKIPPING NAPS! It is obviously detrimental to the health and (mental) well being of 2 year olds!
...and, of course...I went back up to carry her sorry self down...

We have (had) a pet!

2009-02-22T21:34:00.003-05:00

Jack wants a pet in a baaaaad way. He really wants a dog or a cat, but Steve is so allergic, so that isn't gonna happen. We went to the pet store and he is kinda diggin the hamsters/gerbils/ferrets but I am not so sure we need a rodent. Steve grew up in NYC, so he is DEAD SET against the idea. They are all subway rats to him. We came home from church today and Jack never came inside. So I went out to look for him and he had taken up camp in the garage. Riley's old high chair is out there, and he turned it into the perfect home for his pet.
Just to clarify:

1. That isn't windex. Last time it snowed, I filled spray bottles with food coloring(thanks liz!!!) and he spray paints the snow...
2. Yes, apparently, I let my kids pick out of the garbage/recycle bin.
3. Sorry about my snort halfway through. He cracks me up and sometimes I can't help it. How sweet to remember that he may need transportation?!?
4. I'll tell you #4 after the show.

4. Mr. Hoppy died. I guess blue food coloring isn't good for crickets. Or maybe it was a car crash. We'll never know. Jack brought him some grass to eat and found him dead. The good news is that he wasn't too affected by his 'passing.' Jack came in and declared, "Mr, Hoppy is dead. I guess he doesn't need any supper, Mom."

So maybe we'll wait on the pet thing...

you can't see me, right?

2009-02-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

Riley, sweet Riley...

Girlfriend has had the Paci taken away. She can have it in bed and that is all. Needless to say, she is not good with this.
She sneaks them out of her bed.
Then she comes out of her room, covers her eyes and says, "Mommy you can't see me! Ok, Mommy? You CAN'T!"

Well, Ok, then.

Fun Dip isn't cool...

2009-02-16T21:39:00.003-05:00

Jack got some Fun Dip from a schoolmate at Valentines Day. He didn't even know what it was. I have never bought it for him. I am not a NO SUGAR NAZI by any stretch. Heck, my kids eat cookie Crisp for breakfast. But I do try to keep some limits on the junk they eat. (except at breakfast, apparently...)

But, really. Do they need to eat colored sugar with a stick made of sugar? Really? Why not just give them a big ole bowl of sugar and some spoons and straws?

So Jack got his first Fun Dip experience. He was over the moon. Heaven! "this is the BEST THING EVER" (Jack's signature statement)

It started innocently enough. Steve already had to walk away. He is wierd about gum, candy and condiments (a whole other post in itself...how do you raise a kid whose father hates ketchup and mustard?!?)
Anyway..he dug in and loooooved it!

mmm...good stuff...notice the drool down the front of his shirt.

Seriously, Jack! Starting to gross me out even.

OK. Now I hate fun dip, too.
Fun Dip has been officially banned from the Pegramplace.

Basketball Comedy

2009-02-14T22:55:00.003-05:00

Jack started basketball a few weeks ago. He missed the first game because he spent the weekend plowing snow and hangin' with his papaw, so was very nervous at the beginning of the first game. I wanted to pluck him out of there because he looked so nervous and out of his element.

Het got a pep talk from his coach...a sweet man, a grandpa of one of the other boys. He is so sweet and encouraging to each and every one of those kids. Even the *ahem* less talented of the bunch...

His best little pal from his class is on his team. He also happens to have the same exact FIRST AND MIDDLE name (which I thought was soooo original...) That makes it tough to cheer for your own kid. It's not like we named him bob smith...anyway...Here are the 'Jacks' in action...

UH-OH! Look out #6! there is nothin' but a sea of blue...

oh...look., We are gettin' this thing..Arms up, follow the ball...

Go Defense!!!

Now look. He's just showin' off!
Good thing he got his Momma's skills...

Earrings and other things...

2009-02-07T21:50:00.002-05:00

Look who got her ears pierced!
She somehow has become Mrs. Prissypants...still trying to figure out how.She picks thru my jewelry every day, so I told her we would go get her ears pierced, then she could have her OWN stuff. Well, her moral support (her 5 year old fave cousin...)backed out at the last minute, but she was already in the chair and the gals had their (ear) guns cocked, so as she started to cry, they looked at me and I told them to DO IT NOW! She cried and screeched a little, but got over it pretty quickly. She is a trooper. It's all good when you get a lollipop at the end!

In other news...
I am still working only 2 days a week.(thank the Lord!) Since we have moved an hour away from my job I have not found (um..or looked for) another. I have an easy schedule, a great boss and a lot of great friends there. The hour drive is nice and quiet. No kid music, no kid chatter and I can geek out to talk radio, or catch up on phone calls. That's good times, as far as I am concerned.

Anyway, we have had 2 "major" snowfalls (read: over 5 inches of snow and people forget how to drive and the region COMPLETELY shuts down)
Somehow, working 2 days a week, I have hit both snowstorms on work days. Last week I was stranded in Cincy. Ok, well I couldn't drive home, but made over the river and thru the woods to one of my best pals house. So, it wasn't so bad for me. We hung out, watched TV, I slept late(ish)heeheehee...(thank you amie)

Anyway, after I had been gone for 2 days, I finally got home and my darling hubby already had the kids to bed. I went to kiss Jack and he snorted something to me about pancakes and sleeping late and telling me a new joke...
Then I went to Riley's room and she shot straight up in bed and exclaimed, "Mommy you home!!!"
I snuggled her up in my arms and got the best hug EVER! We were rocking in her chair and she was looking adoringly up at my face. You ever get that feeling like your heart will burst because you are so in love with your kids? That's how I felt. Then she put her sweet little hand on my cheek and said...

"ewwww, Mommy. You got boogers up in your nose."

Nice. Thanks for ruining my moment.
Love you, too.

Snack Time

2009-02-05T21:30:00.003-05:00

Me: "RILEY! Are you eating markers?"
Riley: "No, Mommy. I not eat markers. I just color."

Me: "Riley Belle! Stop eating markers! Mommy saw you!"

Riley: "Mommy, I sorry. I not eatin' markers. I just lickin' them."

2009-01-28T15:07:00.003-05:00

More Snow fun. These were taken over 2 different days. We had such a blast playing in the snow. Although, it is a PAIN to get everones stuffed into boots and gloves and hats. And then inevitably someone says, "Mom, I have to potty..."

Anyway. We made it outside.
Riley is like a puppy in the snow. Every time we go in it, she lays down on her belly, sticks her nose in it and licks the snow. Weird child.

It is hard to find a good hill...I am not driving kids stuffed into snowsuits anywhere. We have an OK hill in the backyard. Here is Jack in action...

Or not...

Jack had made this cute little snowman. Worked for a while on him. Riley came over and I was gonna take their picture with it. She started to poke at his head.

Uh-OH, then his head fell of, and Jack's started to spin...LOOK OUT SISTER...

quick getaway...

Enjoy your snowday...Or enjoy the heat for those of you lucky enough to live in the Southern Hemisphere!

SNOW DAYS!!!

2009-01-20T22:50:00.007-05:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE snow. Most people hate it, hate driving in it, hate the inconvenience of it. I LOVE it. (did I say that yet?) I love how pretty it is, the eerie quiet of walking in a fresh snowfall (especially at night), driving in snow and sliding around, I just really like snowy days. We have not been hit with a big one yet this winter, but we got a few inches a few weeks ago.
So here is my first "snow shot" with my new camera. I am a total dork. A nature shot. From me. But I'm tellin' ya my camera is addictive. I really do want to take pictures. Of EVERYTHING!!!

My Snow Bunny. Funny how the snow makes her eyes even Blue-er. (more blue?) My own personal Photoshop.

Jack's creepy cross eyes...

Trying to climb the ladder, but her snowpants would only allow slight flexion of the knees, so she was stuck on the bottom step. Hey, I had a new camera in the snow. My hands were full!

He is really good at snow angels. I guess the key is to not have fat thighs...HAHA

Our next mission is to build a fort like this:

http://mybloggylife.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/through-the-years/

Hope you have a great (snow) day...and here's hoping for the big one!

(and Since I am computer illiterate, can one of you blogger people tell me hoe to insert a link?????)

Miracles...

2009-01-15T22:58:00.005-05:00

I hate air travel. My dad is a pilot of a small little plane, and I trust him more than anyone in this world, but I'd still rather have a root canal (or 10) before I hop on his little airplane. Every time Steve and I fly commercial, I get a sick feeling for a few days before we travel. It just doesn't seem right. Pieces of steel flying thru the sky??? Just makes me nervous. And white knuckled. With Irritable-Guts...

So when we heard about the plane crash in NYC today, my first instinct was to not watch the news. Too bad, I had left the TV on in the living room and Jack came running into the laundry room to tell me there was a plane crash. I thought he meant he crashed some LEGO's into a Barbie House. He said..."Mommy there is a plane in in the Ocean in Yew Nork"...He still has to concentrate REALLY hard to say New York.(thanks, Dad for sticking "Yew Nork" in his brain)

So when we started to watch I was struck with a few thoughts.

This was A HUGE airplane flying over one of the most populated places in the world and it managed to "land" without killing anyone.

By all accounts the plane landed on the water as if it were a paved runway.

The plane stayed above water just long enough for everyone to get out safely before it started to sink.

Where they "landed" just happened to be full of water Taxi's and shuttles.
And when they were out, we saw this picture.

People standing (walking) on water? Reminiscent of another miracle, NO?

It would AMAZE me if any of these people left the airplane NOT believing in God.

...and Then There is This One...

2009-01-08T20:36:00.003-05:00

I am constantly amazed at this one. I grew up as a twin. My sister was the girlie girl. I was sure that I'd be a boy when I grew up. I played sports, despised dolls, dresses and pretty things. i cut the hair off her barbies and sharpied moustaches onto them. I remember one Christmas when I was 6 or 7 when I asked for(and somehow got) an entire cowboy outfit complete with cap guns and holsters. Thank you Santa- Mom for knowing that I wouldnt turn out too wierd. (i wonder if she worried?!?) Even today, I am not the prissiest girl you'd ever meet. I still would rather go to a baseball game than go to the mall. (usually)

So the older my girl gets, the more I wonder how she is getting so...well..girlie.
pink scrunchies??? princess dresses??

Here she is dancing...and you KNOW I didn't teach her how to do this! (maybe her dad did)

The dramatic finish!

She said she is going to the grocery(???) Of course she's imitating Mommy who ALWAYS wears heels, short shorts and ever-present pink scrunchy (is that a side-pony?)

And sometimes, Her big bro even tolerates her snuggling up to him on the couch to watch some TV. She'll say "i wuv you, Jackie" and he'll growl something sweet like "K, thanks Ry, you, too...can you just get up?"

Yep. That's my girl, and I love her.

THIEF!

2009-01-05T14:01:00.002-05:00

Mom: "Jack...Do you have my camera?"
jack: "ummm...i don't know!!"
Riley: "Mommy...we has you camera!"

If Riley didn't narc him out, I MAY have just figured it out. The photographic evidence:

I think he has quite an eye for a 5 year old.

Self- Portrait:

The partner-in-crime:

Uh-oh. Busted.

This is a very artistic shot of me coming to get my camera, doncha think?

***BY the way...this was my old camera. I have threatened their lives if they even breathe on my new camera***

Sorry in advance

2009-01-03T14:20:00.004-05:00

I may not be a very good blogger for the next week or two. Being the best husband in the world, he TOTALLY ignored our $$ limit for Christmas, and he got me this...
(thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you times a million, Steve!!)

Therefore, I will be spending all of my spare time reading this...

I'll be back soon...hopefully with some puuurty pictures!

Thumbs Up!

2009-01-03T13:44:00.005-05:00

When looking through photos of the holidays, I noticed that Jack has developed a trademark pose for the camera.

Jack's signature sign!

Again...

Jack and Riley in Central Park (NYC)

Subway...Its good!

Jack on a date...Still all good!

Christmas morning...Good!

...good!

and still good!

Something different! (We took lot of pictures that day, he must have had a sore thumb)

With Dad on the Intrepid. Still using sign language..

Overheard...

2008-12-29T10:58:00.003-05:00

We are finally on our way home after a great trip to NYC for the weekend. More pics will follow, but I thought I'd share a quick story.

Jack and I were walking around the neighborhood and he decided he wanted some hot chocolate. We went to Starbucks where the line was OUT THE DOOR. So we kept going. There we stumbled upon a divine creation.
It is called the Cocoa Bar. Imagine a bakery/coffee shop chocolatier AND they serve wine.

Anyway, we went in and found a cozy little corner where we shared a piece of chocolate cake, Jack had hot chocolate and I had a glass of wine.

We were sitting next to a group of local mommies and their kids. They were talking about what HORRIBLE Moms they were
"I am the worst Mom in the world...I bought NON ORGANIC baby food."
"Gasp..NON-ORGANIC? Well, don't feel bad. I am weaning little Peter...and he is ONLY 3 years old!"
"Oh yeah, well johnny just wont let me carry him in the sling anymore" (Johnny is also about 3 and enjoying a cookie OFF THE FLOOR)

I was going to join in and tell them, OH YEAH...MY kids were licking the subway windows to see who could reach the highest with their tongues.

I was thinking to myself Hey girls, none of that makes you bad Moms. But 2 empty wine bottles between you at 300 in the afternoon? Not judging...I'm just sayin'...

Christmas Tree Hunting

2008-12-21T22:09:00.003-05:00

We have one single solitary Christmas Tradition. The annual Christmas tree adventure. We started this when my sister and I were probably 12 or 13. My parents would drive us out to east boo-hoo, and we would complain about the cold, and how far the drive was, and CANT WE JUST PICK THIS ONE?!? I even remember once when my sister and I had this horrible rash on our legs and arms from carrying the prickly tree 4 miles back to the car.**ok, the distance might be a SLIGHT exaggeration**
Anyway, I am glad we were forced to do this every year, because now that I have my own kids to torture...I mean my own little ones, it is nice to have this tradition. We still go with my parents and I think now we enjoy it as much as they do.

The last few years we have gone to Young's Dairy Farm just outside of Yellow Springs, Ohio, which is just outside of Dayton...I've lost you now, haven't I? You mention Dayton and eyes start to glaze over....
Anyway, there is a restaurant there where we have a HUGE breakfast then we set off to chop the tree. The good thing is, the farm isn't too big, so it isn't too bad of a walk even if it is really cold and snowy (which is was...YAY!!)and you have to lug around toddlers stuffed into snowsuits and boots.

They have these cool little sleds that you can pull the kids in. Then when you cut the tree you can throw it into the sled. (here is where the toddler-in-snowsuit-lugging begins)

We stopped for a picture, but SOMEONE couldn't keep her tongue in her mouth...and I forgot to take off my shades...

Jack helping daddy saw the tree

And finally after 5000 shots, we got a good one!

Merry Christmas!

Squabbly Clothes

2008-12-16T19:30:00.002-05:00

Jack and I always have the deepest conversations.

Jack: Mom, are "squabbling clothes" nice clothes or play clothes?
Me: Huh? What are "squabbling clothes"?
Jack: Sigh...you REALLY should know this, Mommy. Maybe you should ask the preacher.
Me: What?!? Where did YOU her about "squabbling clothes"?
Jack: Sigh...(again) Mom, you KNOW. Jesus had to wear "squabbling clothes" when he was a baby in the manger.
Me: That would be SWADDLING clothes.
Jack: Oh, yeah. That's what I meant.

While the Cat is Away...

2008-12-15T09:35:00.002-05:00

Every morning when her big brother leaves for school, she goes to his room. she will sit in here and play all morning. And somewhere off in the distance I swear I can hear him yelling ...."Riiiiillleeeeeyyyy")

It was especially quiet this morning, so here is what I found.
Not only playing with HIS leapster, but all cozied up in HIS bed, too.
That takes some nerve, sister.

Deep in concentration.
It is the only time of the day when she is safe. And relatively quiet, too. I don't have the heart to kick her out.
It'll be our secret.

Gingerbread Houses are Dumb

2008-12-10T22:55:00.007-05:00

Here is the innocent enough looking kit. Daddy was at school for the evening, so I thought the kids and I could kill some time.You know, the dreaded dinnertime-to bedtime-we-are-bored-what-are-we-gonna-do-all-evening-time. So we got the kit out and started. Looks easy enough, right? Here we have a good start. Looks sturdy.
NOT! Moments later, we had a total structural failure, and 2 kids devastated because (as Jack put it with his hands dramatically flung to his brow) "our house is just destroyed....waaaaahhhhhhhhh"

So after consoling the little ones who caused the collapse in the first place, we decided to take another approach.
Each kid got a piece of the house and a ginger-person to decorate. I covered them with the icing that was SUPPOSED to keep the house together, and they decorated them.

Well, Jack decorated.
Riley just licked what I stuck on.

Finished products:

And everyone was happy enough, But next year we are doing sugar cookies.

Humans (and) Nature

2008-12-07T22:38:00.002-05:00

Tonight Jack watched Alvin and the Chipmunks Movie. I wasn't watching it with him, so I am not sure where this came from, but when we were eating dinner he had a question.

Jack: "Mom, how come some Mommy chipmunks leave their babies all alone?"
Me: "Um....Well, Animals are different than us. Some animals just leave after they have their babies. It is just what happens in the wild. Animals are just kinda different from humans."
Jack: "Huh...(thinking)... I am glad when you had OUR new baby you left me at Nina and Papaw's house. That is a LOT better than just bein' left alone. I would have been scared all by myself."
Steve: No comment available****You know Steve, he was sitting there all sappy and teary***

So sweet. That's why I love them both.

Merry Christmas From the Dork family

2008-12-02T17:44:00.002-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Wii Cool!

2008-11-30T21:59:00.002-05:00

After we stuffed ourselves on Thanksgiving, we decided to go work off some calories...noooo, not out for a walk (like in the olden days)we wanted to play with the WII! But before I could play a leisurely game of tennis with my husband, I watched my wee little one kick his big cousin's you-know-hoo-hoo.
WHAAAATTTT?!?
BOXING?!?
Jack is the great "Air Boxer." He gets out of bed in the morning karate chopping the air and air punching my bootie every time I walk by him. Then apologizes profusely because he has hisdaddy's coordination and hits me squarely every time.

Look at the little guy. He's got no chance against the video game master of the cousin-hood. Jack has a Leapster. Big Cousin has the WII on a daily basis. NOT EVEN A FAIR GAME, right?

Uh,oh. The taunting has begun.The mouse is teasing the Lion...

Ahhhh...Sweet victory! He is hoisted to his victorious celebration by his girls...(the lion's little sisters...)
HAHA!

Any Ideas?

2008-11-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

Anyone know where I can get a haircut for this crazy mop? Oh, and they will have to use general anesthesia to come near her head with scissors. Or a comb. Or water.
So, yeah. Any Ideas?

Backyard Wildlife?!?

2008-11-20T16:38:00.006-05:00

We had our first little dusting of snow today....yay....(bring on the snowstorms!) and Jack and I were playing in the snow while Ms. Priss napped. Jack said look, Mom there are some horses out in the field. Someday, the kid will be ready to live out in the country....they were actually deer.

yes, those little blobs out there...ahem...NEW CAMERA, BABE...ahem...

Here they are (as close as I could get with my dinky little camera...AHEM...Honey- ya listenin'?!???)

...and one more super zoomed on my doody little photosmart software...AHEM....

Yikes! And the wildest of all the backyard creatures!
Can't wait for many more snowy posts this winter!

Yes, we know. Dad is soooooo coool....

2008-11-14T22:58:00.005-05:00

Steve called from "work" the other day and asked me if Jack was busy. Of course, he was busy. We spend every day after school together making AWESOME lunches, playing FUN games and learning COOL things and hangin' on the swingset and telling each other how much fun we have when Dad is at work and Riley goes down for a nap. So, yeah, he's busy having superfun quality time with his Mom, but what do ya need?
He asked me to put Jack in his turnout gear and have him ready to go in 5 minutes. OK, don't kid yourself. Riley was asleep. Daddy was offering to pick Jack up mid-afternoon....ummmm....let me think....OK! Can you be here in 3 minutes?!?

That afternoon, the firetrucks were having pump testing-sorry, Steve if I embarrass you by using incorrect fire terminology here- where all the trucks are checked to make sure all the pumping parts and valves and hoses and junk is working properly.
Steve was shuttling trucks to and fro and decided to take Jack along for a ride.

I told jack to put on his gear and wait outside and a BIG surprise was coming. His guesses were as follows.
1. A HUGE rocket ship was coming to take him to Ben's house.(???)
2. An Air Force jet was landing on our street to take him for a ride.
3. He was having a surprise birthday party.(6 months early)
A boy can dream!

Just then we heard a familiar rumble coming down the street...

So he put Jack's little booster seat in the FRONT SEAT (I know, right...gasp) of the firetruck. Because when your 5 year old rides in the front seat of a firetruck, you must make sure he is properly strapped in. I wonder if there are laws about car seats in firetrucks...I digress.
And off they went. And a gloriously quiet afternoon awaited me!

Here are some shots that Steve took at the rock quarry during the testing.

I REALLY need to find a cool hobby.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T15:49:00.002-05:00

It is Veterans Day and unfortunately for a lot of us, it is nothing more than an inconvenient day that the banks and post offices are closed and (if they are lucky) the kids are home from school.
I just wanted to take the time to recognize the day for what it is and to thank those who have served our country.
I am proud to say that my 2 Grandpas, my Dad and (currently) my cousin are all Veterans.
The current situation in Iraq/Afganistan and the recent election showed us that we as Americans differ greatly in our views on the war. Whether we agree with the cause or not, I think those who serve and protect our country deserve our deepest gratitude and respect.
Thank you, Veterans past and present. We appreciate the sacrifices you have made to keep our families and our country safe.

Losers

2008-11-07T21:10:00.003-05:00

Being the talk-radio-nerd that I am, my kids are probably over exposed to current events, news, pop-culture, etc. because of my (mainly conservative) talk radio addiction. I usually have on some form of it in the house and car, really out of habit more than anything else. I grew up listening to 700 WLW in the mornings getting ready for school, praying for Jim Scott to read MY school on the snow delays. He is still just as much a part of our mornings as OJ.(the juice, not Simpson)
During the recent Presidential election, Jack had a teeny-tiny 5 year old grasp on what was happening. Every time he heard Obama's name, he would holler "NOOOO-BAMA" and "Gooooo Mccain!"
So after the election and out of the blue, Jack asked Steve who won "the voting." Steve told him Obama won and McCain lost.

Jack: Awwwwww, Dad. Our teams ALWAYS lose.
Steve: What do you mean, Buddy?
Jack: We ALWAYS say "Who-Dey" and "Go-Bengals" and they ALWAYS lose.

Jack: And we say "Gooooooo Reds!" and THEY always lose, too.

So apparently living in Southern Ohio and being a Republican 5 year old is depressing.

Cheer up, little guy. You have your whole life to change the world!

Politics, Religion and Halloween Part 3

2008-11-06T20:37:00.011-05:00

We have come to the end of the Halloween 2008 extravaganza.
Steve and I, and our friends Steve and Deborah went to a Halloween Party. We were all excited to dress up...ok, me and Deborah were excited, but Steve and Steve just went with it. When we finally went to the costume store, it was slim pickins' but we did ok.My Steve HATES Halloween and it was a miracle he finally said yes. He would only go if he could go incognito. And he did. Even his boss didn't recognize him.
It was a great time! We had overnight babysitters(thanks for the MILLIONTH time, Mom and Dad), unseasonably warm weather and great friends. Even the "Steves" had a good time, and if you know them, that is hard work unless there is a firetruck involved. (Which in this pic, is just a coincidence)

The Priest, Monk, Nun and Rabbi

Myself and my Rabbi.

Here we are at the party.
Deborah:"blah...blah...blah...Obama...Blah...Barack...Hope...change...

The Boys:...."deborah..you DO realize we are in Greene county, surrounded by old school gun-lovin' Bible-Believin' folks. Hunters, farmers and even some Bikers...MUST STOP TALKING POLITICS...."

We love her despite her flaws. HAHA
You know I am kidding. And now (after the election) I HOPE she'll be happy! And I am also HOPE-ing she and SteveP will stop fighting about politics for a CHANGE!

Halloween...Part 2

2008-11-02T20:24:00.002-05:00

The Second night of the Halloween extravaganza landed us in Morrow at the cousins' house. Riley was a "pwinthess" again(that's princess for those of you who don't know toddler lisp-speak)
Jack and his on-again-off-again best buddy/cousin/etc decided to be superman and Supergirl. I guess the mommas should have discussed which generation superhero the duo was going for, because their colors were off a bit, but...oh well....

Mr. Muscles. He drinks lots of milk and he really watches his arms to see his muscles growing after he finishes his last sip.Sweet.

After looking at these pictures, I think he would have made a good Eddie Munster, doncha think?

The whole gang-minus Baby Luke. He was a little cow. I am not making fun. He really was a cow. HA!

To be continued...part 3 tomorrow...

Halloween Part 1

2008-11-01T11:00:00.004-04:00

We were so excited to hear that our new town does "Beggar's Night". I had never heard of it, but it is just trick-or-treating on the night before Halloween. The kids were so excited because we had already made plans to go to the cousins house on Halloween. 2 NITES OF CANDY! Our dentist will LOVE us.

So night #1...Beggar's Night in X-Town

Riley was a princess. Of course. Again...how did I get this girl? I think my first 10 Halloweens as a kid, I was a cowboy.

And the fireman...(a surprise, here, I know)

She ADORES him. Sometimes he likes her, too.

And here they were...BEFORE the festivities. Needless to say Riley didn't make it too far.

Mr Clean

2008-10-27T21:23:00.002-04:00

Jack loves to clean. (gotta love those firstborn 'mommy pleasers')
Especially if there is a gadget involved.
He is for hire...cheap rates.
Dependable service.
Skull cap included.

He's fast, too. He has to clean the floor after each mess, I mean meal, and he runs around that table like lightning.
References available upon request. But he may be busy. Cleaning his Momma's house!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T20:37:00.004-04:00

We took the kids on our annual trip to the the Pumpkin Patch last weekend. We go every year. This year we went early because last year we went after naps and the man in front of me at the farm's bakery got the last apple fritter. I WAS NOT letting it happen again!

So, my peeps are obviously sick of me constantly taking pictures, hence nobody looking at the camera and/ or smiling.

NOT LOOKING! NOT SMILING! But she does, however holler 'cheeeeeesse' at the top of her lungs while she stares off into space. WILL NOT LOOK AT CAMERA.

I finally got a few decent shots, but notice I had to crop out a kid in each one. I give major props to photographers who can get more than one child to look at the camera (and also look like they are having a good time!)

We told Jack if he could lift it onto the tractor, we'd get it for him.
Valiant effort, little lad...

...but his helper decided to quit early!

Good times.
Off to carve the great pumpkin. Well, his little brother, anyway.

Aw....Mom!!!

2008-10-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

I was enjoying a RARE moment of peace and quiet when I suddenly realized it had lasted waaaaay to long. I listened for the giggling and found them in the closet in Riley's room.

I stood and listened for a few minutes and DON'T I WISH I had turned on the video. They had collected all the dolls and furniture from the dollhouse and were playing 'night-time" in the darkness of the closet. Jack was being the Daddy and was telling Riley to "Turn the TV off and make me some ice cream and then it's BEDTIME!" HAHAHAHAHA...I was nearly in tears. Anyway, i jerked the door open and freaked them out. They shrieked and giggled. It was cute and it always makes me happy to see them playing together.

The funniest thing to me was the look that came across Jack's face when he realized he was ON CAMERA playing dolls with Riley. It breaks my heart just a little that he is growing up so fast, and I am sad that he is starting to be self-conscious about what/who he plays with even if he IS having a good time. I thought this shot said a thousand words. Most important....Aw...Mom....don't tell anybody...

NO, Steve...I don't let him play dolls all day long...

Hopscotch!

2008-10-15T14:12:00.004-04:00

I drew Jack and his cousins a hopscotch thingy (what do you call it? A board? A court?) hmmmm...
They were very funny. I don't really know how to play, exactly. A rock, some numbers, hopping...hmmmm...
Nobody seemed to mind. They did their thing and I got a few pictures. They had lots of fun. It was funny how serious they were. Lots of concentration on those dirty little faces!

Notice the tongue hanging out.

The oldest hopscotch-er!

"E" trying to get airborne!

Jack had another great day with the girls!

I love Fall!

2008-10-13T16:02:00.003-04:00

I just love the fall. From the pumpkinpatch to the apple farm, I could take a field trip every day. Last week I took the kids to pick apples. The problem was when we got there, they weren't picking apples that day. Well, who could resist Jack? Apparently not the little old lady who ran the farm. Jack said, "what...no apples to pick?!? But Mom, we came sooooo far...."(a 3 mile drive to WalMart is a looooong drive to Jack)But anyway, she took pity on us and said,"well, honey, I hate that you drove all this way and you have to turn around emptyhanded. You just go on back and pick them kids some apples!"
We were so happy she let us go! There is something about those big brown eyes that people just can't refuse.

Riley carrying our apple-bag like a purse. Such a priss.

I think there are a lot of apples laying around with one Riley bite in them.

He spotted a yellow jacket, his mortal enemy! He was a bit hesitant for a few minutes.

AHA! He thought he was being very helpful getting the high apples.

Of Course, I could NEVER get a shot of the two of them actually looking at me.

HAPPY FALL!

Tagged!

2008-10-09T09:07:00.004-04:00

UH-OH. Christy (www.mercyeverymorning.blogspot.com) tagged me. Here are 7 (un)interesting, but little known random facts about me.

I read the newspaper cover to cover every day.(someday I might be on Jeopardy)

My favorite food is a Mcdonalds Cheeseburger. Seriously.

I am a Nurse, but I wish I was a Meterologist.(I am obsessed with the weather)

I like to clean toilets more than emptying the dishwasher.

I hate talking on the phone. always have. Even as a teenager.

I play Webkinz.

I haven't made coffee since I got married. Steve makes it every day.

Now it's your turn. Consider yourself tagged. PLEEEAAASE!!!
But, hey, let's be different. just leave a comment with 2 RANDOM FACTS about yourself.

Unless, of course, you don't want to play. And that's just not nice. 8)

Livin' in the Country

2008-10-04T20:37:00.002-04:00

A few days ago, I had just stepped out of the shower when I hear Jack screaming my name. "Moooooooommmmmmm!!!!! Come out here....right now! You have to come quick....mommmmmmmmy...COME ON!!! Hurry!"

So I threw on a t-shirt and shorts and ran outside in a panic. I was expecting the worst. There is a bike path that runs against the back of the yard, and I was sure someone was out there having a heart attack. Riley was in bed napping, so I knew she was OK, but I wasn't sure what I would find.
Well, here was our emergency.

A combine in the backyard. Well, not really IN the backyard, but whoa-ho... it was close enough. Not just a combine, but a JOHN DEERE!

So after I got over my own adrenaline rush (and non-emergency) I took a few photos of Forrest Gump...I mean Jack...hanging out on the swing set in a trance watching the dust fly. And here is where I am a total dork, and incompetent Mother. Jack asked me what was being harvested. first of all, I am not sure that I even knew that a combine harvests things, and I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what has been growing in the field behind us all summer. I KNOW it wasn't corn. Other than that...um...hmmm...yeah. I'm stumped.

So here is how he spent the rest of the afternoon. who needs babysitters? Just move out to the country and your boys will be entertained all afternoon!

Crash...Part 2 (not for the squeamish)

2008-10-02T14:34:00.002-04:00

When we moved into our new house, the one thing that bothered me was the fireplace hearth. It is made of stone and I have imagined the kids crashing into it. Much to my surprise, it was Riley, not Jack who "broke in" the hearth.
She was apparently jumping on the couch(for the record, Mommy was at work. The hired help...ahem...DADDY...not Mommy...DADDY) was at home with the kids. She missed the couch and fell backwards onto the stone. Steve picked her up and saw that she had lacerated her head. Steve is quite used to this by now, I think Jack has had stitches 3 times as well as a few head x-rays, so we know when it is time to head to the ER.
So he left Jack with a neighbor (who we have known for about 3 weeks, now) and took Riley on her first field trip to the ER. She ended up with some staples and a headache, and we are very thankful it wasn't any worse. We decided we should get a punch card for the ER. you get a hole punched for every visit, your 5th visit is free!

DONT LOOK AT THE PICTURE IF YOU GET GROSSED OUT EASILY!

Crash! (again)

2008-09-26T22:17:00.004-04:00

One of the hardest things about our recent move was Jack finding a friend. He had a steady flow of cousins and friends the first week that we moved. People coming to help unpack and friends coming to see the new house, but as the "newness" wore off, the visits did too and here we sat looking for something to do. At our old house, we would call Brady or Sam or Jude-n-Lily or any one of the cousins, and we'd have a playmate within an hour. Well, school hadn't started yet so the easy convenient friends were not happening. As a Mom, your heart breaks a little when your baby tells you he's sad because he doesn't have any friends at the new house.

Well, our prayers were answered when we found out there was not just one 5 year old a few doors down, but TWINS! A boy and girl starting kindergarten, too!

So Jack finally got adventurous enough to wander down to their house where they were riding bikes in the culdesac. What we DIDN'T know is that the boy is an expert bike rider and motor cross rider(yes, a 5 year old with a teeny little motorcycle)whose parents don't make him wear a helmet when riding around the 'hood. (GASP!)

So Mr.Cool decided to chuck his own helmet in the bushes somewhere between here and there (a helmet is soooo uncool) and to "jump the ramp" at the twins house.
Needless to say, it didn't go to well and the girl twin came running down the street to tell us Jack was hurt "really bad." Steve ran down to find Jack sitting on the curb with the cool kids' Dad boo-hoo-hooing.

So much for being the cool new kid.

These photos were a few days later, so it doesn't look so bad, but he had a scraped up chin, nose and forehead.

Can't you just see him saying, "awww, it was no big deal"...

Oh, and of course school pictures were the next day.Do they airbrush Kindergartners?

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2008-09-22T20:42:00.005-04:00

Our baby girl is 2 years old. How did that happen?!? Where did the time go? She is a bright little piece of sunshine that makes everyone around her happy. I wish I could bottle her personality right now because I fear the teenage years. (Because I WAS a teenager about...um...6 or 7 years ago..) She is happy, healthy and beautiful and we love her to pieces.
Anyway, like all good parents we had her birthday party about 2 weeks late so her grandparents could come from NYC to celebrate with us.Needless to say, she had a ball.

She picked a princess cake, of course. All of her cousins(well the ones in the USA, anyway)were here to help blow out candles.

When I first found out I was having a girl, I will admit that I was a little disappointed. Of course, I was happy and thankful she was healthy, but What in the world was I suppose to do with a GIRL?!? I grew up cutting the hair off my sister's Barbies and playing football with the boys on recess. To this day, I am not really a "Girlie-Girl" and I wasn't sure I would be good at raising a girl kidlet.

Apparently, NATURE reigns over NURTURE in this case and somehow I have a very prissy girl. She received 2 princess/ballerina/Cinderella dress up thingys (see?!?) for her birthday and has worn one of them daily. It is a fight to leave the house without it.
Here she is trying to get in the Dollhouse (thank you teetee & oogah)She now wants to "live in theeuuur"

Eating a pretend ice cream cone in yet another princess dress...

And then, there is this one I took just yesterday when we came home from the hospital. Well it feels like yesterday, anyway. I love you Baby Girl. Thank you for making my life a happier (and more prissy) place. My prayer for you is many more happy birthdays filled with friends, family and love. (and PULEEASE stop screeching at your brother)

I'll never be as cool as Dad

2008-09-15T22:41:00.002-04:00

Here is why I'll never be as cool as Dad.

There was a parade in town this weekend and Jack got to ride in the fire chief's car with Daddy. So cool. He was over the moon. (Thank you Jeff for letting him put his dirty little paws all over your windows!) And thank you Daddy for making me be the "unfun" parent.

And here is the poor kid who got stuck watching the parade with (no-fun) Mommy.

At least she got some candy.

September 11

2008-09-11T15:29:00.003-04:00

September 11 is a day that will always be burned into my mind. We all know where we were and what we were doing when the news reported that a plane hit the World trade Center. Then watching the other events unfolding that morning. I remember the horrible feeling of fear watching the events in NYC, at the pentagon and the crash site in western Pennsylvania. I remember the sick feeling at the pit of my stomach for weeks whenever the TV or radio was on. And how surreal the whole event really was, almost like a sci-fi movie.

For those of us married to or otherwise related to firefighters, it was an especially hard time because it had such an impact on them. FDNY lost 343 firefighters that day. Everyone knows a firefighter's job is dangerous, but an event like this really put it into perspective, especially when some of the dead were friends and acquaintances.

We often take it for granted that they will be home safely at the end of the day, and thank God most of them do. I just wanted to post something short to remind us to remember the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11,2001 and to never forget the sacrifice they made that day as they chose to enter those buildings to help others get out, and to thank the firefighters who work every day to help keep our families and communities safe.

Thank You.

Gone Fishin'

2008-09-09T08:55:00.002-04:00

We recently discovered a small fishing pond in the back of the 'hood. apparently it is stocked full of fish, so we decided to take the kids out and try our luck.
Jack got a hand me down Spiderman fishing pole from his cousin, Daniel. He was so excited to use it.

Of course Miss "MEEEE DO IT TOOO" had to try as well. All she wanted to do was whack the pole on the water, throw rocks into the water and pick up duck poop so I decided to take her home and give the boys some peace.

Searching for duck poop and rocks. EW.

Finally Jack caught "The Big One"! Well, to him it was the big one. It was a litle bass that had to go back in, but it was exciting none the less!

Let's (not) Go Potty!

2008-09-05T17:30:00.005-04:00

I went to IKEA and found these cute little potty chairs for about $4. I figure Riley is almost 2, so we better start thinking about potty training. She obviously has other ideas.
"Wook at my hat, mama!"
Oh well....

(Yes, Mom, it's clean)

Dallas

2008-09-02T14:54:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, Steve took jack and his cousin Ben to our friend Dallas's "yard".
Dallas is a dear man who goes to our church. He absolutely LOVES every kid at the church and they all love him. He has a business which involves buying, selling, restoring huge construction equipment. About once a year Steve and Jack go see him at work. It is one of Jack's (and Steve's) favorite places to go.

And this next video is WHY "Brother Dallas" is one of Jack's favorite people. I thought it was pretty cool that he got to drive a little dump truck. He's steering with his hands (I think)with Dallas' help. Too cool! Then the camera panned out the window and my mom-ness kicked in and I freaked out just a little. He's going sorta fast. And he's really high. And Dallas is kinda not paying attention while he is getting his camera out!! OK...here it is.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I mean, is that a boy's dream, or what?!? Steve had just as fun as the little boys. Thanks, Dallas!

Bathtime

2008-08-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

Riley's head was dirty, so we gave it a bath.

The rest of her is in there somewhere.

UH OH It's time...

2008-08-25T21:37:00.002-04:00

Jack starts Kindergarten tomorrow.
My friend dianne, who has sent 7 children to kindergarten, gave me this book to read to Jack before his first day of school. It was hard for me to get through. I know in my heart he will be just fine at school, but he is my BABY BOY and it is hard to see him growing up so fast. I was just holding his fat little newborn self just minutes ago, it seems like. Now he's headed of to school. My heart is breaking, but I am so proud of him for being so excited and brave.

As I was reading this book to him and choking up the whole time, he looked at me and said, uh...Mom...why are your eyes leaking?" That boy does crack me up.
Steve took our picture...only because he wants proof that he isn't the only one crying.

Have a good day baby boy. I promise I won't call you that in front of your class.

ps..I'll miss you.

Cool Cousins

2008-08-25T21:23:00.003-04:00

I found these pictures this weekend and had to post them. This is my sister's kids with Jack (minus baby Luke and riley) in 2006 and then a few weeks ago at the park.

These kids have been the best of friends/worst of foes (depends on who needs a nap that day) through their lives. Jolie and I were just saying yesterday that they treat each other like siblings. As far as I am concerned this is a good thing. Jack and Riley are so blessed to have such close cousins, I am sure he would call them his best friends, and even Riley names her stuffed animal and babies after them. I hope they are friends forever!

2006 (Atlanta, Ga)

2008 (Loveland, Oh)

Quiet Time...

2008-08-19T08:33:00.003-04:00

Jack has long since lost the afternoon nap, but he always has to go to his room for 1 hour of quiet time. Actually this is MY quiet time. Yesterday I was laying on my bed reading a book...I mean I was cleaning the house...and I still had 30 minutes of quiet time left. I must have dozed off from all the hard work and was startled awake when this jumped on my bed. I really almost had a heart attack.

Here is the whole getup. Spiderman apparently wears shin guards to protect his legs from climbing injuries. He wears Daddy's big gloves to "get the bad guys and stuff."

Aha! Spiderman unveiled. He told me not to worry. He is just the GOOD spiderman. I asked him what spiderman does and he said, "uh, Mommy...Spiderman kills spiders."
haha. My Hero!

Another quiet time spoiled again. Oh well...my house needed to be cleaned, anyway.

OOOOHHHHH Henry!

2008-08-15T22:00:00.003-04:00

I had to put our new friend Henry's pics here for you to see. He is so cute. We went to see him and his mommy (and BIIIIGGG dog, Mac)

I ALMOST caught baby fever. That sweet baby-head smell...the tiny little fingers...the angelic little sleeping face....

Ahem...where was I....

Here is Jack with the baby. Jack is laughing because if you notice his hand wrapped around little Henry's arm, he was pretending to wave Henry's arm at the camera. Whatever...but VERY funny if you are 5.

UH-OH...He must have poo'd

And here is Mac about to eat Riley.
Kidding.
I told Jack he was half horse, half dog and the poor gullible child believed me. Oops. Sorry kindergarten teacher. You'll have to explain that when you get to animals.
Seriously, this dog is GINORMOUS. But he is as sweet and gentle as that baby. Very cool dog.

We love ya, Henry! See you soon!

Fire and Safety Inspection

2008-08-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

I am always glad to have a fireman living in my house, but imagine my suprise when the doorbell rang and this was on my porch.

YOU need to have your saftey inspection, ma'am. I am checking for safety violations. (something he does quite often)

He obviously takes his job very seriously. He gets his "serious face" fom his Dad.

Thankfully we passed with only minor violations, but I'm sure he'll be back....