The Blattner Four

Snowballs, Pic 4 & 5

2012-01-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

The kids had so much fun in Flagstaff last weekend, they are still talking about it. I am having fun playing around with the pictures I took and found some fun overlays online. FREE of course, that makes them more fun!
Since we got to see some good, sticky, snowball and snowman building snow, I got some good, posed pictures.
Hayden is first with his "huge" snowball:

And Miss Maya with her "giant" snowball.

Handsome Hayden in the Snow, Pic 3

2012-01-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

I'm ahead of myself on my little photo "game". Woot!
The kids and I headed up the mountain to spend a couple days in Flagstaff with my brother and his family. It was nice to get away from the Valley and see a little snow. We saw more snow in Flagstaff than we did the entire time we were in Minnesota for Christmas. A smidge confusing for the kids.

Hayden begged to play outside in the backyard, so we bundled up and both kids had a blast. It is tough to get a good picture of Hayden at this age. He either makes too goofy a smile, wants nothing to do with a photo or has a good smile/look and moves before the pic is snapped. I finally got a really good one of him:

Before

After

I know, not tons of difference, but I like it. =)

Pic 2: Again with the helmet

2012-01-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

Picture Numbe 2:
Maya strikes this pose pretty much everyday she plays out front. She gets irritated with Hayden for not letting her lead. Or win. Or he goes too fast. Or she just needs to show a little drama. She doesn't really throw a fit, she just plops down on the curb ad pouts for a few minutes.

Before

After

Just a little overlay to this one. It didn't need much. =)

Playing with Pictures

2012-01-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

I love taking pictures and playing in Photoshop with them. I don't have the major Photoshop, just the itty bitty one. But, I found a great website with FREE textures and backgrounds, so I am playing it up!

I am going to try and make it a goal to at least post 1 photo a week, but hope for more. So, here is the first of at least 52.

The before: Buddy took this, so I can't take the credit there. But I just loved her little face!

And the After:

Merry Christhmath!

2011-12-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, I spelled that right! There was lots of wiggling in the past few months and the main event finally took place on Christmas Day: Hayden lost his first tooth! He has been waiting actually patiently for this day to come. Pointing out his loose tooth every other day or so. While packing for our trip to Minnesota he suggested we pack up his tooth pillow he got last month. I figured that would be fine, it doesn't weigh anything. We forgot it! So, the tooth is now safely tucked in Mom's wallet ready for the trip back home to Arizona to be placed carefully in his tooth pillow for the Tooth Fairy to officially pay him a visit!

What does the Tooth Fairy bring nowadays?!

Merry Christmas from The Blattner's

2011-12-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

From our little clan to yours, big or small,

Merry Christmas!

Santa came early!!

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Santa came to our house last night!! He left a note for the kids and some fun stuff downstairs for them. Hayden spotted this note hanging from a ribbon on the stairs. Pretty cool that Santa makes special deliveries for kids who will be away from their homes for Christmas. And they both got exactly what they wanted, a remote control Corvette for Hayden and a bike for Maya! We think Frank, our Shelf Elf, must have had a little something to do with it...

You can click the picture to read it better. =)

All in the Family

2011-12-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Family pictures were so fun this year! Not only did we have the four of us, but we had my parents and my brother and his family as well. 3 kids, ages 6, 3 and 1 and we got lots of fantastic shots. I even got a couch in this time! I've always wanted a couch in family pictures. Don't ask why, it's just because. So many fab pictures it was hard to choose, these are just a few of my favorites.

Just the four of us.

Our Miss Maya, striking a pose

Our Handsome Hayden. Like the tie? I made that!! =)

Jenn and Bud, eleven years and many more to come.

The Wagemaker family of four. It's been a long time since it's been just us four in a picture. 199?

The entire Wagemaker family. I know it's not huge, but we like it this way. =)

My babies. I LOVE this picture, it may be my favorite out of the lot of them. I can hear Maya's laughter when I see this and the love for his sister coming from Hayden. These expressions are ones I see alot and I am so glad they have been captured.

Me and Miss

Daddy and the Dude

Hayden's Kindergarten Picture, A Mystery

2011-11-29T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hayden had his first school picture taken sometime back in September. He wore a dark grey polo with white stripes.
In mid-October, he brought home the folder with the picture to be approved and a package to be ordered. I must say, holy fricking expensive for even the cheapest package! I digress. I chose to order just the CD so I could print them. Picture was fine, not "Oh my gosh this is the best picture ever", but it was good. It was his first school picture, so a little sentimental. I sent it back to school with him the day they were to be returned.
On Wednesday, Hayden came home with the disc. The disc with this picture:

Um...I didn't fill out the part for a retake, I didn't pay for a retake. I know what he was wearing on picture day and I know that this picture was not from picture day. It was from Orange and Black day the week before Halloween.

I am very confused, but okay with it. This is a better picture!

The Happy Gas

2011-11-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Last week I took the kids to the dentist. H is a pro, does great, sits there and lets them do their thing. The last two times I have brought Maya, she had to sit on my lap. I was a little nervous about this visit with her too, she HATES us having to brush her teeth and insists on doing it herself.
Well, she hopped on that chair like she's been doing it for years. The dentist got her work done, the teeth were cleaned and checked. Then, the moment of truth, the words I figured were coming, "She has two cavities. One that needs filling as soon as possible, the other is small, but we will get them at the same time." Crap. Not something I was looking forward to with a 3 year old.
Two days ago we got them filled. I couldn't believe this girl. She walked in like she owned the place, plopped herself on the chair and opened her mouth (before it needed to be.) Her dentist asked her what she was for Halloween, was she a princess? Maya said no, Batgirl. From then on, she needed to be called Batgirl. Dr. Cotton said, "Okay princess, we are going to put a mask on you." Maya said, "I'm Batgirl." Okay, Batgirl got a nose mask on that she took deep breaths from. The dentist said, "You're doing good pretty girl, keep taking those deep breaths." Maya said, "I'm not pretty girl, I'm Batgirl." Dr. Cotton didn't slip up as much after that.
Then, the gas kicked in and the work began. I sat in the hall looking through the glass doors watching. Batgirl opened her mouth with ease, didn't utter a shrill for pain, didn't fight off the mask, let all the hoses and tools in to do their things.
Halfway through, Batgirl got chatty. Here are a few things I heard her say:
I like your glasses. They have pretty pink sparkle. (As she reaches up and touches them.)
I have Twinkle Toes.
My Mommy painted my fingernails black. I was Batgirl, so they were black.

There was other chatting going on, but out of my earshot. I am just so thankful she did so good. Dr. Cotton said not many 3 year olds sit that still and some have to come back to finish. Batgirl's whole procedure lasted 20 minutes and she was in no pain at any point. She was a little loopy and walked a little drunkenly for a few minutes, but all in all it was a pleasent experience getting two cavities filled.
She lets us brush her teeth now. With only a little fight.

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

This was the first time I took the kids door to door. I'm usually the one handing out candy, but this year I wanted in on the action.

The Green Lantern, Batgirl and I ventured off for some fun about 6:15. It was so neat watching Maya so excited strutting around in her costume. Hayden is a pro, stands behind the mat or far back enough from the door where he knows he won't get nailed by it. Maya pretty much enters the house upon the door opening.

We just did a little loop around the neighborhood. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunate) there were alot of dark doorways. The kids took turns ringing bells, they both said "Trick or Treat" perfectly, and a couple houses gave them a handful (I mean huge man-handfuls). A couple houses scared the begeezus out of Hayden with their decor and music that he wouldn't go more than 15 feet from the door, but Maya went right on up ready for her goodies. One house even had a pretty scary Teen Wolf that scared her when she turned from the bowl. She jumped back, turned and looked at me and said, "Mom, that guy scared me." She definitely takes after Dad in that regard.

Daddy also took them to some more houses when we finished or loop. Then we sat and handed candy out as a family from the driveway. It was a fun night, both kids got their sugar high and then conked out when their heads hit pillows.

Yes, the ring gave him power!! You didn't lift his bag! =)

On her turn to ring the bell, she knocked too. She needs to be heard.

Ready to pack it in. Happy Halloween!!

It's Over

2011-10-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

Babyhood in our house, that is. Tuesday marked the two week, well, mark for no diapers for Little Miss M. Well, we still have protection at night, but for during the day it's a HUGE deal! It took a long time, it seemed, for Maya to finally "get it" and want to be a potty kind of girl.

So, it's kinda sad. We have no plans for baby 3. I re-did our headboard last week and in moving the bed I found 2 NUK's that had fallen behind. I think babies look cute sucking on those things. Not happening anymore here. There are no more bottles to wash, NUK's to locate, swings to be a focal point in the living room, high chairs to clean, strollers with infant seats attached, or little baby baths to give.

*Sigh* I don't really like endings. But I guess this is a good one.

It's a good day!

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Hayden handed me a yellow postcard from school inviting me to an Awards Ceremony today. I got a little excited! It seemed like something that not everyone's parents were invited and it was pretty cool.

Today, Maya and I went to Hayden's school and waited patiently for the assembly to start. K-2 grades were brought in and each teacher was called one at a time to hand out awards for her (they were all female) class. When Hayden's teacher was called, our attention was focused. The principal did the announcing and Hayden's name was called for the second award of the class. Student of the Month for September!!! Yay-ya!

He received a certificate (see picture) and a certificate for McDonald's. Also included was a write up from his teacher of why Hayden received this award:

"I am pleased to nominate Hayden Blattner for my September student of the month. Hayden is a very hard worker. Hayden has made great friends in class, and is alway willing to help others out. I can always count on Hayden to think of others before himself. He always puts forth his best effort. Hayden is a model student and I am so pleased to have him in my class this year. I can't wait to see how far he goes, because I know he is going to do more great things. Keep up the awesome work, Hayden!!"

This is a pround Momma moment. There are days when I am so frustrated with how he is at home; the way he acts, talks, and doesn't listen. Of course I know he is a good kid and is for the most part at home, yet I am so thankful to know he really is a good kid away from me.

And as a side note, Hayden stands about four inches taller than the next tallest kid in his class. =) Keep up the good work and growing, Dude!!

(I made the mistake of asking to see his award in the car and somehow he managed to dump his water on it upon returning it to him. He's going to ask his teacher for new one tomorrow.)

He's 6

2011-09-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

In approximately 2 hours, at 9:18pm Arizona time, this little guy officially turns 6. Where is the rewind button for me to push and just hold this little babe for a minute?

Today

2011-09-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

10 years ago today I was at my home in Payson, Arizona. I had flown back to AZ from Minnesota after being in a friends wedding the weekend prior. I woke up and turned on the Today Show as I did every morning. I just sat there in disbelief, shock and horror. I didn't know anyone involved in any part of what happened. My family was safe, my friends were safe. I couldn't believe the feelings that went through me. I could not fathom how something so horrible could happen here or anywhere. I don't understand why and no one can I don't think. We can just remember, hurt, pray, feel, grieve, and question.

All day I online and on TV there have been stories on what happened. Everyone is sad, remembering and grieving over ten years past. There was a story in the paper on the babies born that day, making it a day of celebration for many families. What I didn't see on the news, in the paper, online, was the bickering, blaming, feuding, back and forth political battles, and crap that we see everyday.

It is more saddening to think we live in a place where the only day we can all get along is a day of saddness and horror and constant grieving. One day.

God bless the USA! Today and everyday.

Comparing at 3

2011-08-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love to do comparisons of the kids at each of their milestone ages. Mostly because Hayden was always big for his age, never going below the 95%ile in height or 90%ile for weight. Maya is a little more average, which I like. She's staying in her clothes more than 3 months at a time and looks her age. Hayden was and is always guessed a year older than what he is and as a baby, about three months more than what he was. The last year and a half when we'd go to the grocery store when other kids were in school, we'd always get, "was it a half day today? How come you're not in school? Is there a break already?" And our reply was always, "he's only 4/5, he's in preschool." The response, "Wow! You are tall!" Yep.
And with that, here are pics of the kids each at 3. The stats: Maya, 37 inches tall and 29.75 pounds. Hayden at three: 39.25 inches tall and 36 pounds.

Both cute as can be, however. =)

Give me an answer

2011-08-17T16:47:00.001-07:00

M: Hayden, what did you do at school today?
H: I don't know.
M: You don't know what you did today in school?
H: No, I just don't remember.
M: Well, I saw you get on the bus and you got off of a different bus. Did you actually go into the building, into your classroom, see your teacher and learn something?
H: Well, yes.
M: Ok, so what did you do in school today?
H: We didn't have recess.

**Just about every day!

Sleepy Sleeperson

2011-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

I recently put in 100's of pictures (I'm just a little behind) into the kids' albums. As I was doing this, I realized just how many pictures I have taken of Maya just sleeping. I assume it is my subconcious telling me to take them, as this is pretty much the only way I am guarenteed her sitting still for a photo.
As I looked at them, I am glad I do take pictures of her sleeping. She looks so peaceful. She also shows how flexible and funny she is. Amazing I can still capture her personality even while she is fast asleep. =)

One of her last nights in the crib.

Very rare moment of her falling asleep during daylight.

One last one in her crib with all her bedtime pals.

Her first night cuddled in her toddler bed.

Not sure if this s an attack of the Lamb or if she was holding it and then moved.

I have so many more, but I don't think I need to overload it. These were only ones I found in a quick search of pictures. Soon, there will be pictures taken in a super big girl bed! She's starting to get a little big for the toddler one. =(

Sassy and 3

2011-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

My sassy Little Miss is 3! She's something you have to see to believe. She's non-stop, seriously non-stop, all day, from the moment she wakes up until her head hits her pillow. She's got a diva attitude, but she's a sweet little thing just as much. She is stubborn and goes at her own pace and way of thinking. She's beautiful, funny, cuddley, animated, shy and friendly, lovely and she's mine. =)

Minnesota, You Betcha, Part 2

2011-08-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

The second week of our trip was just the kids and I to my hometown. We were back and forth to the lake and town. It was fun, relaxing and a smidge on the hot side. The kids had a blast at the lake, even though the water was so high it was hard to swim. I always have fun just seeing the place I grew up; how it's changed and how the people have changed.

Starting off with some fun in the lake. Where Hayden is should be shore, but it's a good foot high.

Where the dock should be are just steps. So we sat on the lower steps waiting for boats to bring in some good waves.

That was a good one.

Thumbs up for a fun day!

Pool fun in town. They only used this once we were so busy. Still fun if only just once.

More lake time. The steps again playing with boats.

The kids and I at the lake.

We went to the Mall of America one day to the Sea Life Aquarium. It was really cool. The jellyfish were my favorite, Hayden's were the sharks and Maya wasn't sure, but she touched a starfish.

My flash has been acting up, but apparently Hayden wasn't in the mood for a picture anyway.

He was in the mood to check out the mini LegoLand. The kid was in his own little heaven.

Then Maya spotted Ni Hoa Kai Lan (I have no idea if I spelled any of that right) and made a beeline to her! She grabbed her hand, played with her hair, gave high fives and hugs. Hayden wanted nothing to do with her and would only be in the picture if I was. He couldn't get away fast enough and Maya pretty much felt her up again.

We went to the local little coffee shop and the kids got the Electric Blue Smoothie. She was still blue the next morning.

The golden eagle outside the bank.

One last day at the lake. Maya is dodging goose poop.

And Hayden finally got to ride in the kayak because it was calm enough. Not only did he go with Grandma, he got to do it all by himself too!

Such a fun time, such good memories of our two weeks up North. The pictures I posted do not do our vacation justice as I think my total was 368 taken. I am so thankful to have both of our families within driving distance of each other so we can spend time with both. It may be only one or two weeks a year, but we make it count. =)

The Big K

2011-07-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

His backpack was packed yesterday. We had a talk about the bus ride to and from. His clothes were set out on his dresser since Monday. He started Kindergarten today.
I was so excited for him, but at the same time really sad. My baby boy is almost 6 and heading off to a big kid school. I wouldn't be walking him to the classroom or even just dropping him off, he was getting on a big yellow school bus all by himself.

{ Waiting for the bus. The stop is right across the street and they drop him off right at home. Lovely.}

Hayden woke up with a smile on hs face. A big one. I said, "Good Morning, Kindergartener!"
He said, "Good morning, Mom." I asked if he was excited or scared and he simply said, "Excited," with a continued smile. He took a bath with no conflict. He got dressed, let me spike his hair and ate his breakfast like a champ. Then, when we were just sitting inside and waiting to go to the bus stop, he repeatedly asked when the bus was going to be here.

He is so ready to be in school and I am ready for him to be in school, but so sad he has to grow up. As the bus turned the corner onto our street, I started to get choked up. I am so flipping sensitive it sucks. Emotions just hit me hard. I bent over, gave him a kiss and hug as the doors opened and then I watched him climb up those steps and turn down the aisle. I had every intention of taking a picture of him getting on the bus, but trying to blink back my tears over took that thought. I saw him find a seat and then his little hand reached up and started to wave. I waved back as the bus slowly pulled away. As it took off, I repeated to myself, "This is great, he's in school, he'll do fine, he'll have so much fun." It helped a little, but the Mom that I am just can't believe she has a Kindergartener!

At 11:34 the bus arrived bringing him home and the smile on this kids' face just told me he had so much fun and is going to LOVE this year!

{He did have a better smile than this, but the sun got in his face just as I clicked.}

Hopefully I will do better tomorrow.

Minnesoota! Ya, you betcha! Part 1

2011-07-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

We recently got back from a 17 day trip to our home state of Minnesota! Buddy was able to be away for 10 of those days and it was fantastic! The following is a brief pictorial of our first week. We stayed at Buddy's brother's cabin for 6 nights. We were with his entire family for most of the weekend. That's four kids, their spouses, each with 2 kids, plus Grandma and Grandpa. Lots of fun, lots of laughs, not enough time in the days and nights to just hang because we were so tired by the end of the day from so much fun and laughs and, okay, alcohol! I wish we could do it every summer! Enjoy:The dock was long. Like, 400+ feet long. Maya had to take it all in: the dock, the lake. She wasn't quite sure about the water...

Then Daddy got her into it. She did have a little issue of getting from the dock to the pontoon. Basically she fell through the gap between the two. Twice. The life jacket got her stuck the first time. Just a minor scrap and bump from the second time falling completely through to the water. Eeeek! Makes me cringe each time I think of it. She fell through to the water and they couldn't pull her back through the opening because her head wouldn't go through. What?!?! She fell all the way through, head included, but they couldn't pull her back up. Luckily, she kicked to stay afloat and my nephew went under the dock to get her back to Daddy. From then on, she waited for someone to help her over. *cringe*

This girl has no fear. No matter what happens to her, her apprehension always fades and she's all about getting crazy!

And then there's Hayden. Sweet, apprehensive, watchful, leary, Hayden. It took him a little bit to get the life jacket on. Then to get him on the jetski.

But he did it! He was a little scared, he didn't like to go fast,

but he did it. More than once. Yay!!

Then when it came to actually swimming in the lake, he was not having it. Nope, not liking that at all. It took me some thinking (that's takes a bit), but I saw my nephew's feet and his water shoes. I figured, Hayden may just do it if he had something on his feet. The ground was lovely and sandy, but he did not like it.

Those things made all the difference!! Were it not for Grandma and Aunt Dawn out shopping, this never would have happened!! Thank you!

Me and my H. He had so much fun playing with his cousins. We live so far away and he used to forget who they were, where they were and all. Now, he knows and loves being by them. Even if for a short time.

My Miss and I. She had fun too. She may not remember it, but she has been talking about our vacation like crazy. She loves her sweet girl cousins and I think aspires to be like them one day. Yes, they are 7, but for her, it's idol status!
One day, we went mini golfing. I don't remember my score. Don't think it was great. But it was fun. The kids played together, the guys played together and us ladies played together. Hayden had fun. He had some words for me at the end of the game:

"Mom, you just have to get it in the hole. That's all." Thanks, hun, I did try, it just didn't always go that way. =)

Maya even got in on a little golfing. It was a pirate themed course. This is her saying, "Aar, Matey". She does it with one eye closed because she doesn't have a patch.

And me and Bud. Maya snuck in there too. I had a better one on here, but Blogspot is being a crapper and deleted it for me and then isn't cooperating with me to get it back on here easily. *Breathe* Sorry, I'm irritated. Anyway, we had a blast! I can't say much more than that. Long lasting memories for sure. These pictures don't get close to capturing our first half of vacation. I think the total at the end of 17 days was 368, so I had a lot to weed through.

Thanks for the fun everyone!

How to Scare the Crap out of Mommy, by Maya

2011-06-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

First, go to bed perfectly, with all your buddies you need in your bed and your blanket.

Next, look cute and perfect when your mom comes in to check on you when she goes to bed. Gather your buddies around you at some point so she takes a picture. She'll move them when she's done.

Now is the fun part. At about 12:57 am, scream for Mommy. Don't make it too loud, but sound scared, this will get her out of bed with only one shout out.

Then, when you know she's going to get out of bed, you need to get out of your bed and disappear. You've got a little time, Mommy is probably a little out of it. She's going to notice your door is shut, and she left it open. She opens the door and you are not in your bed. She will blink her eyes to make sure you aren't there (she hasn't put on her glasses).

Now is the part where Mommy will start to freak out. She will say your name repeatedly, each time sounding a little more frantic. She will look in the office, out in the kitchen and living room. After about 4 or five times, Daddy's going to get up. He will ask, "you can't find Maya?" Mommy says, "No, she's not in her bed!" Daddy will get up. "Did you check Hayden's room?" Mommy will check your brother's room, nope, just he and the dog sleeping are the only ones sleeping away.

By now, Mommy's heartrate is probably higher than when she is upstairs at the gym. But it looks like Daddy sees something.

Daddy lifts up the bedskirt and there you are! With a quick tug and pull, Daddy will get you back in your bed, tell you nice job hiding, but not funny. Mommy will come over, call you "Stinkerbell" and give you a kiss on your forehead.

Mommy's heart will slow down as she gets back in bed. Mommy and Daddy will have a little chuckle and chat about what just happened. When you wake up, you may or may not remember what happened, because you may or may not have been sort of sleepwalking. But, Mommy will just be thankful you were still in your room.

What's going on in her lil noggin?

2011-06-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week. Some of this reasoning is the whole trying to teach Miss the whole going to the potty thing.

This is what I think is going through Maya's head about this whole potty-training fiasco: "Seriously, this whole going on the toilet thing is a joke. If I sit on the toilet, do what I am supposed to, I get praised, treats and cheers. But, I am going to have to wipe MYSELF, flush MYSELF, pull up my own pants and to top it off, get to the toilet on time. However, if Mommy or Daddy put a diaper or Pull-Up on me, they: clean me up, throw the dirty goods away, help me put my pants back on and I get clean drawers. Plus, I can do it anywhere, in any room, at any time and I don't have to make a mad dash to any toilet. I don't get the praise I do like. I don't get a treat, in fact they seem a little upset when I don't use the toilet. But it's so much easier and I just wanna play."

And me, I'm tired, worn out, completely just don't want to do this anymore. Maybe going to Grandma's will help.

The Big P T

2011-06-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

We are potting training now. Have been for awhile. It's been slow going with this one. Very, slow, going.

Whoever says that girls are easier to train than boys did not meet my boy and my girl. Hayden was actually pretty easy. I chock some of it up to his best buddy doing it at the same time. I was also more forceful with it because preschool was coming up and Baby was on the way and there was NO WAY I was having two kids in diapers at the same time. Hayden's actual "training" was maybe a month. He loved hearing us say, "Good job!" and "I am so proud of you." This was a big influence on him. If we didn't say one of these when he was done he would say, "Say you're so proud of me!"

Once, after lunch at the Rainforest Cafe with my parents, we all went to the restroom before we left. Hayden insisted on going with Grandma. When he came out, he had a big smile. I asked if he went and he said, "yep." I said my, "Good Job!" When I came out, he asked if I went. I said, "Yes." He said, "Good job!" =) I haven't gotten a 'Good job' from Miss yet.

Maya doesn't really seem to care. By this age, Hayden was completely trained, in underwear during the day and Pull-Ups at night. Maya, is still in diapers at night, Pull-Ups day. She really doesn't seem to care. We do the "Good job!" and "So proud of you." thing with her too. She gets a big smile and says "Thanks" most of the time and then two hours later she's wet.

However, the last couple days, she has started realizing when she has to go, so I think we may be on the right track. My goal is to be done in two weeks because we are heading out of state for a couple weeks after that. Her goal is whenever, she just wants Minnie Mouse underwear.

Lil Miss Attitude

2011-06-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

This little one has been a BEAR lately. My fingers are tightly crossed that this is being caused by growing pains/teeth/being two. My bet is on being two and since that is about to end in two months time, I will try to cope.

Maya is loving the word 'No.'

Maya is not eating meat, unless it's in the form of a nugget and even then it's a struggle.

Maya is pulling attitude with hands on hips, head going to and fro, and eye rolling.

Maya does not allow others to pick her clothes.

Maya likes to tell us, Hayden included, that she doesn't love us or like us. Depends on the degree of trauma apparently.

Maya is addicted to Mickey Mouse and pals, meaning not just the show. Fit upon fit is thrown when it has to be turned off mid-show.

Maya insists on: buckling herself in the car; she's not strong enough. Closing her door from the inside; she can't reach. Putting the cover on her sippy's; it takes a while. Getting herself dressed; she's just a tad on the slow side when I need her on the speed side.

Maya is kinda mean to her brother. This girl hits. Hard.

I know these are all things that most kids and parents have to go through, I just don't remember Hayden being like this at 2. He was fun at 2! He loved to help, was kind, didn't care what he wore, ate everything, went with the flow of things. It has been a rough couple of weeks with the Shirley Temple twin. She is still so fun, does fabulous things, brings smiles to our faces every day, but the bad is kind of outweighing the good lately.

This too shall pass, but please pass quickly.

Class of 2011

2011-06-06T07:14:00.001-07:00

Hayden graduated on Friday! Okay, he graduated from preschool, but it was still a big thing for us! The class had a little ceremony for which he got to wear a hat, got a diploma and a little trophy, each child gave their mom a rose, and this momma got a little choked up. It was just like a high school graduation. Just on a waaay smaller scale.
So The Dude is going to Kindergarten in two months. AAAck! I knew he'd grow up, just didn't realize how flipping fast it would happen. He is very excited about going to a big school and I am too, it's a big thing. *Sigh*
My tough little man and the rose he gave me. This kid was the biggest in his little class by a couple of inches and by far the most handsome. Fact.

Memorial Weekend Campin'

2011-06-05T08:18:00.001-07:00

It was just us for the Memorial Weekend camping excursion this year. My brother, sis-in-law and niece came for one night. We had a fun time with just our little family. It was quiet, so we did get to bed at early hours. It was a great, although windy, time in the pines! First, a pitstop in Payson to fill up the RV with water and start the kids on their sugar.

Once arrived, unpacked and set up, Hayden wanted to take his quad for a spin. This is a MAJOR thing for us!! He's never wanted to drive it, only wanted to ride on it with Buddy. He used this thing more in one weekend than he has ridden it with Buddy in the year and a half we've had it.

He's a natural.

Miss Maya, innocently posing in front of the pines while Prada does some investigating of the land.

Hayden. Looking like he's about 7. He's 5.5. My giant boy.

Taking off on a little adventure.

The kids love taking pictures. I am liking this because when they are older, they will know that I really was there.

Maya does pretty good for just shy of 3, huh?

The first Rhino ride of the weekend. Maya would live on this thing if it was possible. She loves riding. What I really don't like about riding with her: I have to brush her hair at the end of the day. It's worth it though for the smiles and screams (happy ones) we get to see and hear from her!

My favorite part of camping; the FIRE!! Seriously, I'm a pyromaniac with the camping fires. Buddy cuts the wood, I stack it up, then build the fire and stoke the fire. I want the fire going all day and night. I may have a slight problem.

We have to get wood somehow. Tie a rope to a dead, fallen tree; hook it to the Rhino and pull. Viola! Firewood. With help from the chainsaw of course.

A nice break to play in the dirt. Only camping to I not mind the dirt. There is alot of dirt.

We went for a ride to find the lake. We did have to hike a little bit to get to the lake.

Just about there. Maya showed her independence a little and wanted to walk. She did pretty well considering the terrain.

A few from below of what we walked down. Then we had to walk back up.

Made it to the lake.

The kiddos threw rocks in the lake. That was about it for the lake. We did have that truck back up you know. Relaxing by the fire. See? Told ya I like fire. It's still daylight. Close to dark, but not that close.

Me and my Boy!

Buddy likes the chainsaw. He got a little bored and needed something to do. Why not get the power tool and make something in the forest?

A little chair for Miss.

Maya had fun riding on the quad too. She rode with me most of the time, but hopped on with Hayden for a little (slow) ride.

Earn it!

2011-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hayden has been begging, BEGGING for this Ninja Lego set thing for about 2 weeks. I am not one to just give in and say okay, let's get it. He typically has to earn it, by being good, listening, helping, etc.

Yesterday he brought it up again. Suddenly a light went on in my head (doesn't happen much these days), I thought hey, I should start paying him like a quarter to do little things around the house for him to be able to buy it himself.

I suggested to him maybe start making your bed every morning, clean the playroom when you are told, help clean up the dinner table, help take out garbage and recycling, help with some yard work and any other thing we could think of for him to help. He was so excited at the idea could buy himself something and earn the money by helping! Fantastic for me too!

I didn't bring it up anymore yesterday. I wanted to see what he would do today, if he would remember. When he got dressed today, he made his bed. I didn't even tell him. He just asked if I could check it and make sure it was right. Quarter number 1.

Before we left to go to the mall today, he asked if I could come downstairs and check the playroom to make sure it was good. Um, I didn't even ask or tell him to clean it up. 2 quarters for that.

When we got home from the mall, he asked when we were going to pick up sticks so he could get another quarter. Um, not an afternoon project, but good effort, Dude!

When I came home from getting an oil change, he had helped Buddy clean his truck. Bud gave him 2 quarters. I asked why 2? He says, "because he kept helping and asking to do stuff!" Saweet!

He really wanted to go pick up sticks for some reason after dinner. We just don't really have sticks to pick up and it was 100 degrees today, not really wanting to go outside. Ah ha! Go pick up the fruit that fell off the tree. Couldn't get his flip flops on fast enough. The excitement was burned quickly as he discovered how so not fun it is to pick things up off the ground in heat. With Buddy and Maya's (sort of) help, one more quarter.

The Dude earned $1.50 in his first day of allowance. And I am sitting here thinking I should have started with dimes cuz we'll be going to Target by Wednesday at this rate.

It may be time for a change...

2011-05-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

Miss is getting bigger and her bed is not. She has yet to ask for a big bed. Nor has she done the game of getting out of bed once put to bed. However, based on recent body positions, I am thinking it may, perhaps, be time, perhaps, to move on, perhaps, to a full size bed.

Peaceful with her new toy from Grandpa. (about 10 minutes after falling asleep)

What I walked into when I awoke about 6am.

And about 7:30am.

*Sigh* My baby girl is growing up.

"It just takes patience."

2011-04-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

At my Grandma W's wake in 1993, my dad got up to share a little story. (If you know my dad, you are not suprised he got up to tell a little story.) Anyway, I remember this one well. He was talking about how hard it was to teach my brother how to ride a trike when he was 2-3 years old. Andy (brother if you are wondering) would wear out the toes of his shoes because he would drag his feet.

When my parents went on vacation, Andy and I would stay with Grandma. When Mom and Dad returned this one time, Andy was pedaling his trike. He asked Grandma what she did to get him to ride it and all she said was, "Patience, Jim. It just takes patience."

I've often looked back on this story for guidance in trying to teach my kids to pedal, balance, steer, etc. Hayden is stubborn, wants to go at his own pace. Maya tries, figures it's not going to work and finds it easier to go a different route. I admit to getting frustrated while trying to get H to ride his bike without training wheels, I am in the mindset that he's 5 and should be able to. In my head I try to revert back to Grandma. Patience, Jennifer, patience.

Maya has become taken with the trike lately. She just used her feet to walk it, not pedal. I kept telling her, put your feet on the pedals and push. She'd try and realized her feet walking worked better. Patience, Jennifer, patience.

Hayden has become one with the bike. Although the training wheels are still on, they are bent so he has to lean awkwardly to use them. He is doing great balancing and riding!! He has trouble on the turns, but that will come soon enough.

Maya took off this weekend on the trike! All of a sudden she's pedaling like mad and going.

Just a little patience, some time, a little bit of frustration and a little more patience.

He's ready, I'm not

2011-04-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

This came in the mail yesterday:

He's all registered and has seen the school, but now it seems more official. We've gotten the invite to come and look at where my baby boy will be spending half days, every day for the next year and then year after year after that.

As much as I love and enjoy this guy:

I so wanna have this guy back in my arms:

Hold on to them tight. It goes by in a flash.

Miss Maniac

2011-04-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

A fun afternoon was not had on Tuesday. Maya, in all her adorableness, became a devil.

She looked so pretty in her Springy floral bubble dress that she has been begging to wear. She decided to color on it. With pen. Not all over, just a few choice spots on th chest.

Later on, she wanted something to drink. Particularily Grandpa's juice. This is what we call the Crystal Light concoction of lemonade and iced tea w/ lemon to create a diet Arnold Palmer, that was discovered at Grandpa B's long ago.

Before I could get to the fridge, Maya decided a drink was not good enough, better to take a shower in it.

She's a warm water kind of girl, so this wasn't the batheing experience she was hoping for. And yes I let her stand there crying while I got the camera.

Since I now had the chore of cleaing the floor and then cleaning out the refrigerator, the kids had to get outside. Just about done cleaning the fridge, on my last couple of door shelves, I hear a blood chilling scream.

WTF! It's Hayden. With H you kind of have to feel around the crying to see how serious it really is. I got him to calm down a little and notice a little scratch near his eye. I had heard Maya's name mentioned in the sobs, so came to the conclusion she scratched him. He already has scratches on the other side of his face from her last weekend. A scratch was not worth the scream I heard. THEN, after hugs and calming words, I look again at his eye. Not just a scratch, it was puffing up. I looked at Maya who is standing there holding an iron rod!!

Where she came across this is beyond me, but I finally figured out what the scream was for. She had whacked him with the rod right near his eye.

This is two days later, the lid is purple now, and the scrapes are healing. Thankfully it wasn't the actual eye and nothing was broken.

I have a rambunctious little diva on my hands.

Silent Sneaker

2011-03-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Maya has a small checklist of things that have to occur for her to go to bed: lamp on, Scentsy night-light on, sound machine on, sippy with a little water and ice, and lately, she wants her slippers with her too. We don't have to put them on her, she does that.

Tonight was no different, except for when I went in to check on her. I don't shut her door completely, just close it to where the latch hits, but when I got to the door, it was completely closed. Upon opening, I didn't hear a thing; the sound machine was off. Okay, maybe I didn't turn it on, but could have sworn I did; I turn it on, again. I then head towards her nightstand to shut off the lamp, which is the second reason I check on her, and I noticed her feet were bare and her flip-flops were nestled by her. I turn and see her slippers placed neatly on the floor and another glance up and her nightlight is off.

The little darling got out of her bed, quietly shut her door, turned off her sound machine and nightlight, took off her slippers, placed them quite neatly on the floor, grabbed her flip-flops and got back into bed. All by herself, without a peep.

Stinkerbell

2011-03-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is my name for Miss Maya lately as she has been quite a big stinker. I am having a hard time coming up with specifics, but here's a rundown:

She has an attitude, a big one.

She throws fits, almost once a day. Throw down, lay or sit on the floor crying fits. 2 last week were because I got the pop-tarts out of the box, not her.

She wants to dress herself. This takes forever!! Mostly because everything has to be done twice because it's backwards.

She is constantly taking my shoes out of my closest and not the flat healed ones.

She does not tell us when she poops and then gets her normal butt rash because it's been sitting so long and we haven't smelled it.

She refuses to potty train. We are not forcing it, but geez, it's time. And she wants to wear underwear. Just over her diaper or on her head.

She touches the TV screen constantly!! Man is this annoying!

Clean up? What? What's that?

She wants to be carried at unreasonable times. She will just sit herself down in the middle of: a parking lot, hallway, sidewalk, store.

She is addicted to gum.

She has stopped napping.

On the plus side, I think we are done with the Nuk. She refused it last night because they are now "too hot." She fell asleep just fine. (I'm using Thum on her Nuk's. It's a bitter tasting liquid used for nail biters, thumb suckers, etc. Did it w/ Hayden too and it worked great!)

She is very sassy, fun and becoming more outgoing. She is starting to like "dress up" and gets into her tutu's and legwarmers often. She is tough and dainty all in one.

You're Awesome

2011-03-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Buddy and I moved a tree today. This involved digging a hole, digging up a large tree root, moving the friggin heavy tree to the newly dug hole, filling in around the tree and filling in the old tree hole. Both kids "helped".

As Buddy dug the new hole a little deeper without my help because the ground was really hard. I mean really hard. My weight jumping on the shovel barely cracked the surface. Anyway... As Buddy was jumping onto his shovel and breaking up the dirt Hayden said, "Daddy, you're awesome."

Buddy says, "thanks Bud."

Hayden: Is that why you became a Dad? So you could be awesome?

Buddy: Yep, that is exactly why I am a Dad.

Hayden: Cool.

Yesterday, Hayden told Buddy that he didn't love him anymore.

Apparently I am not awesome.

How did you grow so big overnight?

2011-02-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

Have you heard this song? I have known it since November and I still tear up when I hear it. I first heard it in the slideshow our photographer put together with our family pictures along with a few others. The refrain started up just when it was flipping through pictures of Hayden.I completely started to bawl. Not cry, bawl. Luckily Buddy wasn't home so I didn't have to explain myself. I have since put this one and others on my ipod. The kids enjoy them as much as I do. I do have to keep my composure when listening to this one.

Now, before you click on it, get some baby pics of your first born or second, third, forth, all of them, whomever, and start flipping through them. You'll see what I mean. Seriously, I tear up every time. Every. Single. Time.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/frances-england/tracks/you-me--187707912

Four Wheelin'

2011-02-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

So the Dude is still on training wheels and it's kinda driving Buddy and I nuts. He has no desire to try the two wheel thing. The funny thing is, he had a smaller bike that he was totally on two wheels with and since we've had this one (last Spring) he doesn't want the trainers off. Ever. Literally.

Today I asked him if we could start practicing with two wheels maybe this weekend.

H: No, I think I just want to wait until I am 17.

M: 17? Your gonna look pretty weird being 16 and on a big bike like Daddy's with training wheels. Can we maybe start trying when you are 5 and a half? (He has a big think about turning 5.5. He's like super excited. I think he may be expecting a party.)

H: (insert big sigh) Fine, we'll do it the easy way.

Who grew the neck?

2011-02-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I took told of Hayden's neck and gave it a nice squeeze from the back. No calling CPS, it wasn't hard! Geez... Anyway, he asked why I squeezed his neck.

M: Because I made it and I can.

H: You didn't make my neck.

M: Yes, I did. How else did you get a neck?

H: You didn't make it. I just had a head when I was a baby and then my neck just pushed it up. Then, I had a neck.

M: Alrighty then.

I jotted this done on my facebook and then got to thinking and I remembered these pictures from when he was about 2 months old. He may be right:

It's funny how we can remember taking some pictures and can't place when others were taken. These I remember. Buddy was holding him and being the new mom that I was, I basically had the camera attached to my hand. I snapped the first one to take note of all the chins. Right after, he got a little wiggly and Bud held him up a little. All of a sudden, this neck appears.

And now he's five. Excuse me while I curl up into a ball in the corner and cry about how time nevers stops.

Such a Hayden

2011-01-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

Hayden had knee slappers rolling off his tongue today. I wish I would have had a pen and paper handy so I could jot them all down. However, I did not, so I only remember a couple pretty close to exact.

1. We picked the rest of the oranges and lemons off the trees today as I was pruning them. Hayden asked to make lemonade. I told him I really didn't know how to make real lemonade with lemons and sugar. He says, "just watch Ni Hao, Kai Lan and she'll tell you. She knows how, she'll show you."

2. I was cleaning up the kitchen as H and Maya are playing and being extremely loud and crazy. Then, he gets quiet and says to stop. "Maya, we have to stop playing like this, I'm allergic to sisters."

I may start wearing a fanny pack equipped with that pen and paper, there were a few more today that sooo needed to be documented.

Two Years Ago and Now

2011-01-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

Two years ago I had an almost 6 month old:

All she did was smile, eat, poop, sleep a little, poop and smile. She was so fun, so happy and so stinking cute!

Now, I have an almost 2 and a half year old that:

Smiles, eats, poops, talks back, sleeps, has a head full of curls, smacks her brother, gives amazing hugs, gives adorable kisses, poops, says she loves us, sings, dances, laughs, loves, is joyous, poops, eats, learns, never sits still, talks amazingly and just absolutely not matter what brings a smile to our faces every single day.

She is so fun, so happy, and so stinking cute!

Mr. Popularity

2011-01-20T14:04:00.001-08:00

I don't know what it is with my son, but he seems to have something about him that attracts other kids. I know he didn't get it from me. At the daycare at the gym, he has made so many friends. Most of them I don't know the names of and he doesn't either, but I see him playing and having fun with so many kids. He looks forward to going anywhere where kids will be, even if he doesn't even know them; school, daycare, soccer, camping, anywhere. He gets super bummed if we aren't going to daycare on given day, like Saturday or Sunday. He just has so much fun!

Last week, I over heard him ask one little guy if he would be his friend, the boy said "Oh yes, that's great." Monday a different boy asked if Hayden had to leave and yes we did but we'd be back tomorrow. Sure enough, the same boy was there when we came in, spotted H and just waited for him to come in. Every day we go there he asks if specific kids will be there.

Yesterday at school, this adorable boy was saying goodbye to Hayden and his mom says, "Oh my gosh, we hear about Hayden all day long at our house." (this was his fourth day.) She said she took her son to get his haircut and the boy said he had to get it cut like Hayden. It had to be spiked like Hayden. Then as we are getting to the cars, H's new little friend says, "can we have your phone number so my mom can call you and ask if Hayden can come over to play because that would be so cool if Hayden could come over and play with me." Seriously, didn't take a breath.

I LOVE that Hayden is making friends so easily. I am hoping this will help with the transition to Kindergarten next year (did I really just say that?!) I always had a hard time fitting in and making new friends because I was so shy and it takes me a bit to really "let it all out" I guess. I'm still a bit like this and it bugs the crud out of me. I probably come across as a big stuck up b*#&@, but really, I don't mean to! =) Thankfully, Hayden gets his friend magnet from his dad.

Anyway, I meandered a bit there, huh? I am just quite proud of my little guy and his ability to make friends of all ages! Way to go Dude!

No more Shirley, temporarily

2011-01-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Maya took an evening shower Saturday night. I don't like putting her to bed with a wet head because it's just a mess of tangles in the morning. She was sitting quite nicely when I was combing through her hair so I asked if I could braid it. She said sure. I was halfway done and she got wiggly, but I was able to somewhat finish and her hair was easy to comb through the next morning.

As I just started to comb through, I thought I would give in to the urge I have had for a long time. Since it wasn't in ringlets, I got the flatiron out and ask Miss if I could straighten her hair. She didn't seem to care. She plopped right down on my lap on the floor of my bathroom and let me get to work.

It is AMAZING how different she looked with it straight! Not only does it go halfway down her back, but her running and it flowing behind her was so weird. She would brush it out of her face with her hands like it's always there. I found myself just staring at her thinking how just hair can change a little face so much.

It was a fun two days with her long, straight locks, but her face and spirit was made for those curls.

Home for the Holidays

2010-12-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

Our little vacation to Minnesota came to an end on Sunday. We had such a great time will all of our family, it was very, very hard to leave.

The kids were worn out with all the fun they had. They have 6 cousins on Buddy's side, all older than Hayden by two years or more and both Hayden and Maya kept up. From playing outside, inside with toys, all eating at the same table for dinners (not always all 8), up and down stairs, opening gift after gift, Monday morning was so lovely for me to have silence until after 8.

Sadness hit me a couple times at my family's home. It was the first year there that my Grandma wasn't present. I felt her in spirit and through food, but it tugged at my heart a couple times missing her.

Christmas Eve mass was eventful with Maya unable to once sit in the pew. She was on the kneeler, on the floor, in the aisle, in the pew ahead, grabbing hymnals one after the other, playing by her baby cousin, Maggie, and she even belted out a few notes singing along with a couple songs. Hayden fell asleep halfway through the homily (holy longness) and was a great boy the entire service.

Christmas Day was the traditional brunch and relaxation, followed by saying good by to my family and traveling to Buddy's. Caos, cooking, cards, laughter and fun were had by all.

Presents were aplenty and great, the kids had a blast and we are all thankful we were able to be HOME for the Holidays.

I am rambling all over, but I am tired and wanted to post my two favorite pics of the trip. Both are from Christmas Eve. We tried for a nice picture of the two kids by the tree....

Nothing says Merry Christmas that strangling your sister and, well I am not sure what Maya's hand is doing.

Baby it's cold outside, but they love it!

2010-12-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

I made a trip to the Thrift store in Olivia today. I was on a hunt for boots for Hayden as he has been begging for some for three days! I lucked out and found some a little big, but he will be able to wear them next year, so all is good. I even picked up a pair of snowpants for Maya. $9 well spent.

After begging, whining, beggin some more, finally cleaning up toys and stopping whining, we broke out the sled. They loved it and I got a good workout in. Pulling over 70 pounds through snow covered streets isn't as easy as it may look. We had fun though. Totally worth it.

It's obviously not a fashion show here. Red jacket, light pink snowpants, dark pink boots. But do you see that smile?! She loves her little ensemble from head to toe!

Maya's hands were up like this through most of the ride. A few times I caught her with them on the ground shoveling through the snow.

See, I'm here too! Not quite the pic I was going for, but can you tell how cold it is? It was about 16 degrees when we were out. It's Christmastime and it's worth it.

A Snowy Day

2010-12-15T20:04:00.001-08:00

The kids literally begged me this morning to go and play in the snow! These two are born and raised Arizonans, but do have that Minnesota blood running through them. Hayden is pretty much begging for a pair of boots, but my little hometown has no clothing store and the little place that just might have them, does not. We may need to venture into "the city" (Willmar) to find some. :)
Surprisingly jackets, hats and gloves went on without a fuss and they could hardly wait for me to get my jacket on too. Both of them dove their hands into the white stuff. Their feet kicked at it and sprayed snow everywhere. They walked into the snow, threw it, jumped in, ran, and didn't want to go inside. I was freezing and they wanted to stay at it.
Then tonight, my dad had to do a little shoveling; he only had one foot in his boot when these two were standing next to him and begging to go watch. Bundled up again, they repeated what they did this morning. This was only day one. Tomorrow, we may take out the sled!

Traveling and backtracking

2010-12-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

The kids and I took off to Minnesota today. I'm gonna back up just a hair here and give a slight rundown of the previous couple of weeks:

The floors were finished in the new house, I finally finished up all the painting of the 7 rooms I wanted to complete, and I took a load of boxes/stuff/crap on every run to the house. I had to meet cabinet guys/electricians/plumbers/flooring guys everyday at the house by 8 o'clock when most of the time they didn't show up til 9 or 10. (Although through all that, everything looks amazing!)

We moved out of storage and the rental on Thursday. Basically, not everything in the kitchen is done yet, so it is making it very hard to unpack because without counters and drawers, there are NO PLACES to put things.

I came down with a cold Sunday and my ability and desire to continue to put things away went to a halt. I had to clean out the rental and it took me about 4 hours. Although it was nice without the kids running amuck, I wasn't feeling great and really just wanted to be on my couch. And had to pick up the cooktop because the counters we being put in on Monday.

Monday, had to sign H up for preschool, run to the bank/Lowe's/carwash, get gas, feed children, fight a cold all before 1 so the counter guys could put in the countertops. They show up close to 2 and low and behold, they cut the hole wrong for the cooktop and have to redo the dang thing! Still no drawers or doors on the cabinets. Oh and I don't have a sink!

I still have to pack for Minnesota for me and the kids, fight the flipping cold and clean up as best I can, which is very little considering every thing is just boxes and pictures and stuff thrown about.

Tuesday arrives and I am up at four for a 7:50am flight. Buddy gets the kids up around 4:30 and gets them dressed and we are ready to roll right when I wanted at 5:15am. I grab the computer to check the flight status and make sure all is good with weather and all. Then I realize what the *&#@ I have just done. I had looked at Buddy's itinerary the night before, thinking it was odd because I thought I had a 9 something flight but remembered looking at a 7 something flight when I booked.

Our flight was at 9:45! I was up a whole frigging 2 hours early FOR NO REASON! I am thinking I totally need this vacation...

We stayed at home for another hour and got to the airport in plenty of time. The kids ran amuck basically at the gate. I couldn't fight them feeling like crap. Hayden wasn't too bad, just pushing his cars everywhere and going a little to far at times. Maya, she is perpetual motion. Seriously, if anyone knows of something I can give her to just make her pause at times, I will pay good money.

Maya pooped right before take off. The one thing I dread on a flight most is this. Luckily we were in the very last row, so I just changed her there. Thankfully she fell asleep just after takeoff and slept for an hour and a half. She would not sit still in her seat at all. Up, down, up, down, seatbelt on, seatbelt off, slink out of the seat and get seatbelt stuck under her arms and freak, repeat, repeat, repeat, poop again (did she not realize where we were or what?!), and repeat the first parts over.

Hayden was awesome. Best flight with him, ever. He sat great, played, talked, slept the last 20 minutes, just was great.

Anyway, we made it. It's frigging cold here, there is snow over everything and it finally feels like Christmas!! I am feeling better too, the cold is making its way out just in time.

Ya, stop it.

2010-12-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

See that face? That sweet looking, adorable round face with the blue eyes and Shirley Temple curls? Well, that little face is about all that is saving her from being shipped UPS to Minnesota early!
I used the "b" word to describe her a couple times in the past week. Demanding, crabby, whiney, intolerable and annoying. That about sums it up. Maya's 2 year molars have decided to come at an inopportune time: moving/packing/painting/stressfilled time.
Hayden was never a bad teether. I hardly knew he was teething until I realized he wasn't quite himself, not crabby, just a little off and bam, there was a tooth. This girl is a bear (not the "b" word I used). She is constantly demanding gum or her NUK and I realize why, but if you could hear it, you would understand. And when you're driving and cannot find a darn thing or reach a thing, it's worse.
I know this phase will pass, as they all do, but this one is dragging on a bit too long for my taste. The only good thing that has come out of this week is she does want to snuggle at bedtime. She gets on the couch and says, "Snuggle Mama." I love when she calls me "Mama", she says it so cute. For Maya, who never, I repeat, never sits still, this is amazing. I am eating that up. The rest of the bitchiness can go back into hiding.
Oops, did I just say that?!

Things are coming along!

2010-12-02T05:31:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to do a quick house update since Facebook status is a little limited in space. :)
In November we (finally) closed on our new home! I think it was the 17th. It's been a long few weeks, hardly remember what I ate yesterday. Anyway, starting on the day of close, we started gutting the kitchen, painting, removing flooring and baseboards and knocking out a closet to make the laundry room bigger.
And wouldn't you know?! It's starting to look like a home again. No, we have nothing in the kitchen but a stud wall and the oven we have yet to get out. And the majority of the floor upstairs is dirty concrete and carpet pad. BUT, the wood floors were started yesterday, I finished painting both kids' rooms, the office, the hall, the upstairs living space, the kitchen and the entry; and I am almost done with the guest room, just started the craft room and have paint for the laundry when it's complete!
Buddy has gotten the laundry room wall built and is finishing up the sheetrock on the inside this weekend. He demoed the entire kitchen, so he has done more than just the laundry room walls. :)
Wood laying continues, carpet starts Friday, cabinets start Friday, countertops, not sure when but...
With the way things are heading, we'll be moving in next Thursday!!! Merry Christmas to The Blattner Family! We are two days ahead of when we thought we'd be moving. We just wanted to be in before we left for Minnesota and woo hoo we will be!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Enjoy your turkey, your stuffing, your taters, your bread. Enjoy your wines, your pies, your coffee, your rest.
Enjoy your family and friends. Be thankful. I am.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Someone's got baby fever!

2010-11-18T20:01:00.001-08:00

And it isn't me! Ha!

Hayden has been very inquizitive about babies lately. A couple months ago he asked where they come from. He knew Maya was in my belly, but he finally figured out she came out somehow. I was able to avoid the answer by saying I had to go to the bathroom. Whew.

Then, last week on the way to preschool, the question was asked again.

H: Mom, how was I born?

M: Um, well, you were in my tummy and then you were out.

H: How did I get out?

M: Well, I pushed you out.

H: Pushed? From where?

M: Mmmm, not ready to answer that quite yet, Dude.

H: What does the doctor do?

M: She helped take you out.

H: Did she cut me out?

M: No, Mommy pushed you out, but some babies are born where the Mommy's are cut to get the baby out.

H: You pushed me from where?

M: We're at preschool, let's talk later.

This week was this:
H: Mommy, we should have another baby.

M: Mm, ya, that's probably not going to happen.

H: But we need three. Amy has three, Ryker's mom has three.

M: That's what they want, but Mommy and Daddy just want two.

H: Well, I would like another baby. How do we get one?

M: Ask Daddy.

If these are the questions that are being asked at 5, I don't want to be around when he figures out that he's part me and part Daddy.

Soccer

2010-11-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

Hayden is coming up on his last game of soccer on Saturday. It has been a fun season, but our guy seemed to be more interested in his green shoes that the ball.

Buddy and I are hoping it's just his age, he is the youngest on his little team, so we are assuming there is just a difference in his attention because of this. He did have fun being with his friends during practice and games, so I guess there is a benefit there. Hopefully the soccer skills will develop a little more for the Winter/Spring session!

Eco-Friendly, whatevs!

2010-11-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Last night, we took a little road trip to pick a couple things up. Along the way I ran into the grocery store for one gallon of milk.

Grocery stores around here are pushing the canvas bags, which I use happily instead of plastic. This is a sort of recycle/eco-friendly thing to do, right? I didn't use a bag, by the way. So why is it, that when I purchase TWO things: my receipt looks like it has taken the life of a tree? 18 inches of wasted paper for a gallon of milk and cookies?
Can't ya print that other crap on the back instead of repeating the ads that I don't know who actually uses four times on one receipt?

Sigh.

Apparently my hair needs work...

2010-11-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hayden just saw a commercial for Natural Instincts hair color.

H: Mom, you should get that.

M: Why?

H: Because it changes your hair color.

M: You don't like my hair color?

H: No. It looks goofy.

I stared him down at this point with an evil look.

After a couple seconds he laughs and says, "I'm just kidding. It doesn't change your hair color."

There's one lump of coal added to his stocking.

A Very Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

I was dreading Halloween this year. Why? Because this

was my Halloween last year. Hayden hated his costume (which he picked) and cried the entire time. Maya was actually excited about it and had fun running around in her costume but she ended up eating the pavement just after going to the one and only house we went to and scraped up her nose pretty good. I took the kids by myself, it was hot (I wore a tank top and jeans and was warm) and I had just gotten home from a very emotional trip to Minnesota about 3 hours before heading out to t&t. Needless to say, it sucked.

I was so DELIGHTED this year!! Hayden picked his costume, Luigi, because it was green so he HAD to love it!! This was the third time he wore it and pretty much begged to be able to put it on. Success! Maya loved her wings and tutu and had a blast running around. She's getting to be such a big girl! Daddy was here to take the kids out, so I got to relax and hand out candy in the driveway. See the smiles? Even behind the mustache (which he kept on the ENTIRE night) there is a huge grin.

We were so lucky to have lived next door to these guys for a number of years before they moved last year. Since their neighborhood isn't huge, we invited them to come to our little temporary village to trick-or-treat! Kyle, Mario, is about 5 months older than Hayden and Clark, Luigi 2, is a year younger. They are all best buds and love to be together. Them coming over for Halloween may be becoming a tradition!

The troops lined up so good for a picture! For Maya to be in it is success. She was ready to go!

My Luigi!
We called her a fairy, but most people say butterfly. We just say she's stinking cute!

The wings were the start to the costume. Grandma W. had to get them for her. That left me to make the tutu and hair accessories. I think for the material used, I spent $4. Perfect.

Someone's Tired

2010-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Remember a few posts ago I mentioned Hayden falling asleep on the stairs? Here's the event of tonight:

He was again falling asleep on the couch so we sent him up to get PJ's on. Buddy and I were watching a movie and began to notice that we heard no noise and Hayden had not come back down. Buddy decided to take a break for ice cream, so I started to head upstairs to check on Hayden. I was picturing him lying on his bed, half dressed and passed out. Just as I move from the kitchen area to the next room with the stairs, Buddy says, "Now watch, he probably fell asleep on the stairs again."

At that exact moment, I burst out laughing because this is what I saw:In the twenty minutes or so he was here, he had moved his head; see the carpet imprint?!

Seriously, he was there at least twenty minutes! The Dude was out.

From Cute to Fab!

2010-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Family pictures are coming up and in July (ya, July) I start to ponder what we'll wear, what colors I am in the mood for and how we can coordinate, but not be the "look at the goons in the teal shirts" family. It didn't rule my thoughts for the next 4 months, but when I clothes shop, it's at the back of my mind. If you didn't catch it, the color I am playing with is teal. I got the idea from a shirt I found for Hayden this summer and which he will now be wearing for pictures. I found this dress for Maya and thought I could put a teal ribbon around the middle and it would be fine. H's shirt has white and black in it too, so it could work. I do like the dress...
I tried the ribbon thing and it didn't work quite right. So, I spent awhile online looking for something else. I found something, but it just wasn't what I was thinking. I went back to the dress and thought I could just get some teal fabric and make a skirt that could be sewn right in between the white and the black of the dress.
It worked! It's a satiny fabric and I think it adds just what it needs. Plus, I can take it out because I didn't stitch it completely in. Then, after I took this pic I thought, "Crap, it's crooked!" I started to look closely and yes, it's crooked, but it's not because of my intermediate sewing skills. The black fabric is longer on the (your) right side. Another idea came...
I cinched it! I figured it wouldn't look fabulous as is and I pondered a bow or a flower so I started checking out Etsy. Of course I found just what I was looking for!
What'dya think!? I think it looks better in person. :) The flowers came in a group of three, so Miss M is wearing one in her hair and I am even thinking of wearing one. Somewhere.
I think we're ready for our shots!

I don't make this up.

2010-10-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hayden in the car today:

H: Mom, when is Maddox's birthday party?

M: Next Saturday. About two weeks.

H: So it's not tomorrow?

M: No.

H: When are we moving to our new house?

M: I don't know yet, Bud. We've got lots of work to do on the inside, so it'll be a couple months.

H: So, not tomorrow?

M: No.

H: How come I can't see my eyeballs?

M: Really?

10-21-2000

2010-10-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

10 years!! Buddy and I got married ten years ago today! The day was perfect, warm for October in Minnesota, a little windy but lovely. Everything went perfect, except for me kinda crying up the aisle. Tears of joy, of course. This was the only day I have called Buddy by his real name with a smile on my face. (only called him Christopher John when he doesn't listen...HA!)

I love you, Babe! Thank you for the last ten years. I look forward to the next ten and more!! As your father-in-law said in his speech at the reception, "I am just tickled" (to be your wife)!
Man, we look young!! Oh the hair and makeup of the year 2000... Obviously the digital age had not arrived yet. :) My scanner is not compatible with my laptop so I was left with taking a picture of my pictures.

Sleeping Patterns

2010-10-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

I know my parents did this to me a couple times as a kid. They took pictures of me while I slept if I happened to be in a funny position. I used to line up my Cabbage Patch Kids every night on the pillow next to me and they would rotate every night so they all had equal nights sleeping by me. I remember doing this and I know there is a picture out there that proves it too.

My kids don't do this, yet. But I do find them in some funny/crazy/cute positions. Tonight Hayden fell asleep on the couch next to me and I woke him up long enough for him to make it to the landing on the stairs and fall asleep again. On the stairs!

Because of this, I thought about all the times I have taken pics of the kiddos sleeping and I think I have taken a good compilation of these throughout the year, the latest being Hayden last night.Yes, his room is pink and brown with red sheets. Don't judge, it's a rental and I am not gonna paint! I might add that the ceiling is the same lovely shade of pink. Not so lovely.

The other night I found Maya sleeping with her shirt half off and her legs tucked up as so. Her eyes started to open because of the beep my camera makes when it locks onto something.

Hayden often falls asleep before he goes to bed. Case in point:

Maya just looks so cute sleeping cuz she's still little.

This one looks like he's sleeping with an imaginary friend. His arm/hand are curled just so...Miss is all cuddled up with her bears.

I just can't resist taking pics when they sleep. They can't run away, they can't make a goofy face. They look so peaceful, serene and sweet. Plus, they are growing so fast I have to take them while they still want me checking on them!

Bowling for Hayden

2010-10-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY got to have a birthday party for Hayden! Moving at the same time as your child's birthday is happening is very hard! We typically do a party at home, but since this rental is a bit on the small side, we decided to do something super special and went to Brunswick Zone for a bowling party.

Best decision ever! All I had to do was bring a cake, a candle and a camera. Brunswick provided 2 pizzas (which were very good I may add), 2 pitchers of pop, plates, napkins, cups, balloons, glow necklaces, a special bowling pin cup (actual size of a bowling pin) for Hayden and a special real bowling pin that all the kids signed and gift cards for the arcade for all the kids worth $5 and one for Hayden for $10! Along with that, they get all the shoes ready, put everybody's name in the system and provide a Party Hero for the entire time. The Hero even cut the cake and handed them out. I could have just sat in a chair the entire time and watched it was so great!!

(Hayden is a HUGE Transformers fan. He had a Transformers cake last year and insisted on another this year. )

The kids had a blast cosmic bowling, doing two dances with the entire bowling alley (there were about 10 other parties going on) and hitting the arcade when bowling, food and presents were done. So fun.

Kyle, Ryker and Hayden in the conga line.

Best Buds! Kyle and Hayden

Hayden was very thankful for his special party and I am such a proud mom! He was such a good kid and I could tell how appreciative he was for his special day. All the kids invited to the party were super. All so well behaved and happy. Both Buddy and I were amazed at how good everyone was.

Thank you Kyle, Clark, Ryker, Chase, Max, Charlie, Gunner, Carter, and Maddox for celebrating with Hayden! He is a lucky kid to have you all as his friends!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, HAYDEN!!! We love you sooooo much!

Pretty girl, Naughty mouth.

2010-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Maya has picked up a new phrase and we have no clue where it came from! We don't say it, not to to say we don't say things we shouldn't, we just don't say this particular one.
Maya and I were in the car today, just us and it was quiet (for a second). She blurts it out.

Maya: "Piss off, Mommy."

Me: "Maya you know you shouldn't say that."

Maya: "Oh well."

Me: "Miss, you don't say that."

Maya: "I'm cute."

She got me there.

Maybe because it's Fall?

2010-10-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've caught the crafting bug. WOW! That's sounds very "country craft lady"! Anyhoo, I don't know if it's the Fall air that is finally blowing down here or if I'm getting a little more settled in our rented little bungalow. Either way, I am having fun.

A friend of mine took some tissue paper and those crafty carving pumpkins you can get at the craft stores and made some adorable Fall pumpkins. I have been thinking of these for the last month and wanting to do them. Do you know how hard it is to find fun, classy, decorative tissue paper that is not birthday/baby/wedding/crazy/holiday themed? It's HARD! I finally found it and finally made the pumpkins I have been wanting! Thanks for the idea, Shannon. =)

Without further ado here are the before and afters:

The other little one didn't turn out so good. Don't attempt stripes if you attempt this.

Then, I got the itch to do more mod podge tissue paper covered things. I took a peak around the abode and came across this frame that I was never really enthused about. The tan part is actually a suede and it was one of those "it'll work for now" finds. I think I've had it around for four years now...

Anyway, I like it alot better now!

Sorry for the last few crafty, kid free blogs. They are still being adorable and fun and fab I assure you. Mommy is just taking over for a bit.

Is there anything else I have done? Why yes, yes there is...

I have been looking for decent trick-or-treat bags and have yet to find them. There are cute ones out there, but I am not paying $9.99 for something used once a year for candy I will more than likely eat most of and then throw out the remaining 25% of. So, I figured I could make them. And I did.

Maya's on the left, Hayden's on the right. H's favorite color is green and he spotted the green bats. Skull Damask for Maya!! Fabulous!! I thought of actual handles, but thought a drawstring was more fun. I am not whipped on the ribbon, but I didn't have rope which I think might be a little better.
And, they are lined! They could be reversible if I wanted to. These will last until their trick-or-treating days are done!

And they only cost me about $3.00 worth of fabric each. =)

And the runner...

2010-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

The itch was just to big, so I had to scratch. =)

I sewed up a table runner for Halloween! I figured I could part with my usual runner on my console for the holiday. I had left over trim to make it even "fancier".

There is a great Scentsy warmer to complete this table! (a little plug) Go to my website to see it!! http://jblattner.scentsy.us/Home
This took basically one hour to make! Such a fun, easy naptime project while Hayden is at school. I think I need to get some more fabric. =)

Some holiday goodness!

2010-10-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt very creative lately. Being in this rental without my normal space is getting to me. But, yesterday I came across a picture I had grabbed a few months ago and got that creative mode back.
Today, I got an image in my head, some Halloween fabric (half off at Joann's I might add, that helps!) and some rik-rak, my tools out and got to work.
It felt good making something fun and festive. I'm not a huge halloween person, but I think they turned out great! Maybe a table runner is in order. Well, for next year, when there is an actual table it can go on. ;)
I couldn't draw a good picture of a bat (I wanted to use black), so I went for using our initials and tried to do a freehand "spooky" kinda font. The H, M and B turned out great! J is just a boring letter... Hayden was quite confused as to who B and J were. He gets it now.

A close-up.

The black is on the back. I had thought of doing some with black where the orange is to have them different, but I like the black rik-rak.

Now I am getting inspired for some Fallish/Thanksgivingy ones! See, the creativity has found me once again!

The Many Names of Maya

2010-09-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, Maya's hair has a slight curl to it.

Because of this, we have many different stages of curl. Along with the stages, we also have names.

Number 1: Fresh out of the bath or pool, it's the air dried, nothing done to it, Shirley. Shirley Temple.

Number 2: Nap hair or morning hair, either way it's pretty snarled and all over. This is Gene. Gene Wilder.

Number 3: This is a new one. In an attempt to just comb it a little, we got this. Roseanne Roseannadanna. Just in case you are unsure, look up Gilda Radner and Saturday Night Live.In a bit of irony. If Gene and Roseanne would have had a child, his/her hair would probably look something like this:

Half a Decade

2010-09-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

At 5:30am on September 20, 2005, I finally got the call I had been very impatiently waiting for. The hospital had a bed for me and they were ready to induce!! Freaking-A finally!

Woke up mom, called Buddy at work and got ready. We arrived at 6:30 and everything got underway at 8:00. By 3:00 nothing major had happened. Apparently baby just wanted to keep hanging out. Doc broke my water at 3:30 and that did it! The best man in the building came in at 4:30 to give me the good stuff (epidural). I even took a little nap after that. And then it was time to get things really going at about 7:30. At 9:18pm, our 8 pound 4 ounce baby boy was born.

I remember him being place on my chest. I remember watching him get cleaned up, weighed, measured. I remember the nurse bringing him over to me to show me how straight his spine was. I remember being so completely happy and shocked and overwhelmed and excited that I was a mom!!

There have been ups and downs of course, but this little man is seriously awesome. He is smart, sensitive, friendly, happy, playful, and the best big brother. I wish I had a baby picture of him to post, but the home computer with all his baby pics is packed up. We called him the "Cutest Baby Boy in the World", cuz you know, he was. He had a cueball head; completely round with barely a hair. From the back he looked just like his Grandpa B. He was always big for his age (still is) and grew out of his clothes so dang fast! He didn't look heavy, you'd pick him up thinking he's pretty average, but he deceived you and you had to use your muscle. He crawled at 7 months, walked at 10 and was a very happy little guy. I was so lucky to have such a good baby. Never an ear infection, hardly a cold; just a healthy, happy and hungry boy.

Happy Birthday, Hayden James!!! We couldn't have asked for a better little man!

The First Due Comes and Goes

2010-09-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

5 years ago today was a Thursday, I was a tank. I was retaining so much water that you could push your finger into my ankle and leave a half inch dent. I was on bed rest. I ate every two hours, literally. My face was so swollen you could hardly tell I had eyebrows. You will never see a picture of me like this. Ever. Today was my due date with Hayden.

We didn't know what we were having, only that it was a baby. I was very excited about becoming a mom, but extremely scared about, you know, how baby was going to come out. I'm okay with pain, I am not okay with needles and hospitals and IV's. The first time they took blood during my prenatal care, I came to on the floor with my head on a pillow, a juicebox next to my head and my legs at a 90 degree angle with my feet propped in a nurses thighs.

I went through the entire pregnancy thinking this baby would be early. Baby would just come early September. I ended up with mild preeclampsia with 6 weeks to go. I had just finished working and wanted to finish getting ready because baby would be here in a month. Scratch that, bed rest time. I checked my blood pressure three times a day, kept a record of each reading and waited. As long as baby would come after the first of the month and not before, I would be happy.

(This is me, but not with Hayden. Picture bigger belly, swollen hands, arms, fingers.)

My mom came down the Saturday before my due date, because baby was going to come early. Buddy picked her up from the airport. When she saw me, her eyes got big and then turned to horror at how huge and uncomfortable I looked. Seriously, it wasn't pretty.

Then, this day came and went. As did the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. Here is my opinion on due dates: Doctors need not give a due "date", they should give an estimated time of arrival. You know, like "You'll be 40 weeks here, so expect baby to come within this span of days/weeks." That whole due date thing just doesn't work with me.

Another chapter has closed

2010-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I apologize I haven't been a great blogger lately. I've been a little busy. Moving. We moved to a rental home while we wait for a short sale to go through so we can be homeowners again! We sold our house with hopes of a smaller mortgage, more land, a basement, a place to park the RV, a smaller mortgage, less in the power bill throughout the summer (9 out of 12 months), a guest room, a possible playroom, no "upstairs", a basement and a smaller mortgage. That's not too much to ask, is it?!
We found it. It needs all new floors, an updated kitchen and my painting skills, but we found it. It's got a larger yard, a place for the RV, a guest room, a playroom, a basement and a smaller mortgage! Now, it's just super tight finger crossing time that it is ours. We have our minds going into overdrive thinking of all the things we want to do to make it "ours", but it's still a huge wating game.
In the meantime, our house has sold. In this market, we were extremely lucky! I was upset about having to leave within the first few weeks of accepting the offer and starting to pack. We didn't think it would happen so fast. We built that house. I painted (literally) almost every inch of wall space. We brought both of our children home to that house. We were on our hands and knees putting wood flooring in the dining room. We always knew it wasn't our final home, we just didn't think about what it might feel like to no longer live there.
But then, we found something we felt was home. We had put in offers on other homes because we just had no time, we were starting to feel homeless. I am so glad those offers fell through because we would have put ourselves in something that wasn't home. It just would have been a house and a mindset of "what-if". For now, we are renting month to month just waiting to hear those magic words of: It's yours. You will close on ____ __. 75% of our things are stuck in a 10X20 storage unit waiting for the good news too.
I cleaned the floors and dusted shelves in our sold home on Sunday. I was shocked with myself that I didn't bawl through every room, remembering. I don't know if it was because I had cried so much throughout the last month knowing we were leaving or because I felt so good about what our future home could hold. I will miss that house. I will miss all the work we put into it. But I can take all the memories with me, those are in my heart, not in the house.

Sigh...

2010-09-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

I get homesick this time of year. Every year for the last 9 years, I've gotten homesick for Minnesota. Why? Because here in Arizona, we don't have Fall.

This time of year has a different smell in the air in Minnesota. It's a smell that tells you school will be starting soon, football season has begun, something is changing. I miss this dearly.

I get no smell here. There is no crispness in the night air. School has already been in session for a month. I really want to wear jeans all the time now, but I'd be kidding myself and sweat all day long.

I miss driving up to St. Cloud this time of year. The drive is always so pretty with the leaves changing and the Fall decor being put up. The grass is still green, but the trees, oh the trees! Apple orchard signs are out and the smell of cinnamon starts seeping from everything.

I get to rely on my Cinnamon Cider Scentsy fragrance or being smacked in the face by the overpowering cinnamon odor coming out of the craft stores, fake Fall leaves and wearing shorts and tank tops to watch a football game on TV.

It'll cool down in November. Gee, can't wait.

There is sweetness there

2010-08-20T21:48:00.001-07:00

Hayden has been a complete BEAR the last couple weeks. He will have a great day and then the next two are horrendous. It's been the cycle all summer. I am chalking this up to this: He's bored! He was in preschool for two complete years and now he's been out for 3 months and he's getting plain old bored.
He is signed up for a new preschool, but it doesn't start for almost another month! Fingers crossed the weather starts a little cool down so we can do more outdoor things cuz we are going stir crazy. And that's another thing, I think the heat is wearing on us all. It brings out the crabbies.
So my reason for this post... Last night, H threw a fit because I wouldn't let him watch his "show" before bed. Initially I was going to let him. But, when I was talking to Buddy on the phone saying good night, H gets up from the couch, heads over to Prada who is just laying there, chewing her bone, and he full on kicks her and heads back to the couch. Well, the channel is changed, Good Night is said and a fit blows up.
I tell him what he did was so wrong he does not get a show and does not get a book. Then it's a fit to brush teeth, go potty and get to bed. All this with poor Maya looking at him like, "Dude, just do what she says so she doesn't yell at you. You know that's not fun."
I get him into bed, explaining a dozen times why there is no show and no book and pretty much threaten his life if he gets out of his bed and I hear any sort of peep. Sorry, I hadn't mentioned, it was not a good morning or afternoon either, so the day was already a mess.
Then this morning, this smiling boy comes downstairs, AFTER 7, says "Good morning, Mom." in a most joyous way and tells me this: "Mom, I made my bed just like you showed me! I did it all by myself!"
He was so happy and so stinking proud of himself, I almost cried when I went up and saw that he did indeed make his bed. He put the shams on too. He pulled the comforter up and layed out the sheet. The Dude has a queen bed, it's not an easy task.
This little gesture, made my anger fade away. It was a good day today.

It's Love and Hate

2010-08-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Loved by H and hated by me.
Mario.
I am so stinking tired of hearing about Mario and Luigi and Bowser and Yoshi. Hayden lives in Mario's world. At least he thinks he does.
He will talk about them like they are his best friends. He talks about it with other kids and most of them look at him like he's crazy. Other's join him in talking about his LaLa Land.
This is what I hear EVERY DAY!! Even if he doesn't play the darn things!
"Mom, Mario and Luigi are in the backyard and they do this thing that...

Mom, Luigi is in the forest and he's...
Mom, Yoshi and Bowser are fighting and they...
Mom, Mario grabbed the star and it exploded...
Mom, Mario is running through this sprinkler and...
Mom, Luigi and Bowser take their car and they..."
I can't complete the sentences anymore because I tune out by the time the name is mentioned. Seriously, I am hoping he gets in big trouble soon so the DS and Wii are not available for at least three days.
His Grandma and Grandpa bought him (I wasn't there) a Mario t-shirt. It's his favorite. This is a kid who never cared what he wore, ever. I didn't wash it this week so we could go awhile without seeing it. He's asked me the last two days if it's washed yet.

(the ds + the shirt!)

Sigh, this too, shall pass.... Right?

Miss Maya is 2!!!

2010-08-04T07:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my BEAUTIFUL baby girl!! It's simply amazing that it's really been two years of laughter, joy, craziness, adorableness, and love. Buddy, Hayden and I are so blessed to have this little girl in our lives and hearts.
You could say that Hayden was very proud to be a big brother! He knew it was a girl the whole pregnancy and never wavered. Everytime we asked him if he had a brother or a sister coming, he always said it was a sister. I have precious pictures of him holding her, but this is the one where his expression is just too priceless.

Happy Birthday Miss Maya!

Baby JennBud 2

2010-08-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today at approximately 8:45 pm, I had just put away the laptop and was positioning myself to watch the rest of National Treasure with my mom and Hayden. Buddy had just started heading to bed when it happened. I felt something a little different. Sure enough, my water broke.

Buddy says to me "Seriously?" I say yea, I think so and headed to the bathroom. Yep, that's what happened.

My goal now: get to the hospital in time for the epidural.

I remember Hayden freaking out a little that Grandma would be putting him to bed and Daddy and Mommy were kinda just up and leaving him.

Buddy drove and called his parents as we were on the way. The hospital was 20 minutes away and things were getting down to business. By the time we got there, contractions were already 5 minutes apart and getting painful.

Into triage quickly, IV connected to get that one bag of fluid in me before the good stuff and we were off to delivery. By this time, it was about 10:30.

Our Baby JennBud 2 was soon to arrive!! We had a girls name all ready and set, but a boys name was stumping us. When the lovely and talented anesthesiologist sauntered in and did his thing, I asked my nurse what his name was, thinking, 'Hey, he does good work, maybe if it's a boy he could have that guys name.' The nurse replied that his name was Shamus. Fingers more tightly crossed it's a girl.

By 11:00 the epidural was kicked in and the doctor was on her way. I was feeling good and ready to meet our new little one.

Just over three hours after the start of this little venture at 12:02 am August 4, 2008, Maya Christine Blattner was born.

When Maya was ready to be weighed the doctor asked me what I would guess her weight would be. Thinking that she's a girl, she couldn't be more than Hayden was at 8 lbs. 4 oz., I guess 7 lbs., 9 oz. or so. WAAAAAYYY off, Miss Maya toppled her big bro at 8 lbs., 12 oz. and had a bigger head!

I can't believe it's been 2 years already. The laughter and happiness this little girl has given us is indescribable. I could make millions if I could just bottle the joy that oozes from her.

Happy Birthday Miss Maya!!!

It's just too soon

2010-07-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

2 years ago, I was hugely pregnant (ya, that's me!) and trying everything and I do mean everything to pop that little baby out in the month of July. I have a thing with August's birthstone, it's not that pretty, and really wanted that Ruby! Okay, I don't really want a Ruby, but it's so pretty! pair that up with Hayden's Sapphire and can you say lovely?! My due date was August 1 and I was just gunning for July 31 or sooner.

No luck.

Squats, countless spicy foods, pineapple and mandarin oranges, tea, some kind of drop that I just cannot remember the name of, walking, and the unmentionable didn't work. I wasn't about to do the Caster Oil thing again. YUCK! It was simply a waiting game. Waiting for something to happen. Waiting to find out what we were having. Waiting to find out if we had a Maya Christine or some boy we had yet to agree on a name for.

We just waited.

(our first shoot by jackie lindfors photography, brilliance. see side panel for more of her fabulousness)

Wash, Dry, Fold, Repeat

2010-07-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

Can I tell you about last evening and this morning? Well, I'm gonna anyway.
Yesterday was busy, fun, tiring and fun. I will skip the majority of the day as it was good. Got cooking done for Buddy's week, went to a birthday party and relaxed a bit. Then, after the party, I started the laundry. Here's the pileup of loads: whites, lights, jeans, darks, greens, rags/kitchen towels/pool towels, king sheets and bathroom towels. That's what, 8? I planned on staying up until they were all done, but decided to quit when I had one load left to do in the morning. So, 7 loads in one night.
Buddy had left for his week away, so it was fine with me to keep busy with this task. 10:15ish I headed to bed. I had let Prada (dog) stay in Hayden's room. I've let her before, she likes to lay on his bed. I just started to fall asleep and I heard some barking. She doesn't bark. Frick. It's raining, not storming, just a light drizzle. So, I trudged with her downstairs and put her in her kennel. Turning around to head out and I hear something not correct. She'd barfed in her bed. Geez. She basically inhaled a bone, so that's what she gets.
Another load of laundry. Had to put her bed cushion in the washer. Load number 8 for the day.
Prada locked up, I headed back to bed. 11:00 or so. 20 minutes later and I am fading off, I hear the pitter patter of Hayden. He's no longer in his pj's and has just a pull-up. My mind goes tracing back the the big gulp size of Gatorade he had with pizza. Shoulda known and put him in a pull-up right off.
Another 2 loads of laundry. Mattress pad=1 and sheets/pj's=1
As I am making H's bed, I notice dog barf on the comforter, then step in it in three different areas upstairs. Getting pissed, I get the carpet stuff and clean up all that. Luckily it's not messy stuff, thankful for one thing.
Got to sleep probably 12:30 or so and up at 6:30. Stepped in a piss puddle left by dog in front of the couch on the carpet and another barf spot next to it. What the Frick!! I haven't even let her out yet, so this is last nights leavings. No Bailey's for the coffee either.
This all cleaned up, two loads out of four done and third going in just before kids' bath.
Into the bath go kid one and kid 2. Hayden's out, off to his room to dress. Finish up with Maya, let her go and hang up the towels. As I am rounding the corner to get Maya into her room, I hear this: "MOM!! Maya peed on my bed!"
Sure enough, Maya went straight to Hayden's room, climbed up on the bed and let go. One more load of laundry added.
So, that's a grand total of 12 loads of laundry in less then one day. I am giving myself a HUGE pat on the back as EVERYTHING is folded, hung and put in it's proper drawer before 2:00.
I'm tired.

Stripper

2010-07-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's official. Maya can no longer go with just a diaper on. She strips. She is also able to shrug off her shirt and shorts if they are loose enough and have no hardware. Hayden never even attempted the removal of his diapers. Maybe it's a girl thing?

Case Number 1: See picture.
I had just left her pants off. Let's face it, sometimes it's just to hard to put them back on especially if you know you will not be venturing out. I saw her strip off her shirt. Ok, fine, she's hot, it's okay.
As I am loading pop in the fridge, she comes barreling down the hallway cheering, smiling and carrying her diaper. She drops it on the floor and gets herself into the fridge.
At one point, she turns around, presses her little tush against the drawer and says, "Mommy, cold!!"

Case Number 2:
Basically the same; too lazy to put pants back on, no shirt. But, this time she comes running to me with her diaper proclaiming, "Poop! Poop!!" As my eyes double in size and my mind starts racing, I see the diaper and it's clear. Whew!

Case Number 3: and I think the most important.
I put Miss M down with a shirt and diaper. It's been hot and figured it'd feel better than shorts on top of that. I was getting ready when Maya awoke from her nap. Hayden offered to go and get her and I said sure.
Then I hear it. Hayden's running feet coming back to my bathroom.
"MOM!! You have to get Maya she has poop!"
'oh crap'
I brace myself for what I could see. I am picturing a horrible mess, a horrible smell, just all around horribleness.
Man, was I lucky! Maya was just sitting there on top of her diaper, with it open and just staring at the happening in her diaper. She just looked at me, said "poop" and let me close it up and take her out.

HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF!!

The Pedals

2010-07-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to my brother and sister-in-laws house for an over night stay and a trip to Flagstaff. We left yesterday after dinner. Kids were excited, had the ipod tuned up and we flipped to our fun sing along songs that really only we like.

As we were singing and "dancing" along to The Black Eyed Peas, "I Gotta Feelin' ", my foot decided to slip off the pedal and fall back under the pedal. I felt a light scratch and continued on the way, singing, but not as jollily. After a minute or so, it was still hurting so I quick took a peek and saw blood. Holy cripes! The pedal cut my foot and pretty dang good too.

Called the bro and asked for a bandage and cleaning stuff for my arrival. That taken care of, we continued.

Ten minutes later, jamming to Nickelback, "This Afternoon" (I know, not the greatest band, but that tunes catchy) I see a tow truck completely stopped in the center lane. Now, I am going 70, in the far left, although not the carpool, lane. I see a white minivan stopped in front of the tow truck with a blown tire. So, I started to veer to the carpool lane to get around and also allow room for the other cars needing to get over.

This is the exact time that the van decides it's gonna slowly crawl over to the carpool lane. My thoughts at this moment: Um, Hey Stupid!! You are on a FREEWAY with cars passing you at 70 MPH! What the mother &$^@(#* heck are you thinking?!

Let's just say I have VERY good breaks and tires on my Flex. I stopped with probably 6 inches to spare and don't need new tires.

The front secured, I look in the mirror to see another white vehicle swerve over from the carpool lane to the right to miss smashing us in the back by probably a foot.

Thank you Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Grandma and Grandpa W. and Grandma and Grandpa B. You were VERY MUCH looking down on the kiddos and I.

My heart finally slowed after 15 more minutes of driving. I momentarily forgot about the bleeding of my foot and THANKED everyone I could think of for watching over us, including every individual involved in the building of my car.

All you need

2010-07-12T06:46:00.001-07:00

All you really need when you take a dip in the pool:

Swimmer, no suit

Bracelet

Big bow in your hair

Today I:

2010-07-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Slept until 7:10.
Made a run to the dealership to pick up Buddy after dropping off his truck at 8:30.
Shampooed the RV carpet 6 times and am sure I didn't get out all the dirt.
Gave the pup a bath only because Maya, Prada and I were all in the bathroom at the same time.
Snuggled a little bit with Maya and watched the first half of Beetlejuice while waiting for Buddy and Hayden to come home from Home Depot. This, was HEAVEN!!
Killed about 20 flies using my deep fryer spatula because the fly swatter broke and we have
about a gazillion flies in the kitchen.
Made sandwiches.
Put up a lovely fly tape/trap in the kitchen.
Stepped on the tack that comes with the fly trap to help attach it to where ever you'd attach it. Those things friggin hurt to step on. Right where the big toe bends. I haven't walked right all day.
Put Maya down for a nap and had to wake her after only and hour and a half to retrieve Buddy's truck from the dealer.
Helped Bud a little with RV fixes.
Painted a frame/board that Buddy lovingly crafted for me.
Swam in the pool with my family.
Danced in the pool with my son.
Had a nice dinner of pretty much unhealthy goodies.
Enjoyed a beer or two.
It was a nice, productive, painful, happy, lovely, humid 110 degree day in Arizona.

Excuse Me?

2010-07-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have to post this before I forget.

Hayden has been curious, thankfully not obsessed, about death since my Grandma died, little questions and comments here and there. Last week, as we are driving to the gym, he asks, "Mom, will you die when you're 90?" Just out of the blue asks. He knows Grandma Ginny was 90 when she died. I just reply with an, "I'm not sure, maybe." and hope that's the end of it.

Not so much. Going a different route, the next conversation goes like this:

H: Mom, when you die we won't have a Mommy anymore, just a Daddy.

Me: Um, okay, ya, I guess so. But, let's not talk like that because Mommy isn't going to be dying anytime soon.

H: It's okay though, we'll get a new Mommy.

Me: *mouth agape, eyes blinking

Lovely weekend

2010-07-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

We camped in the pines over the long weekend. Leaving Thursday about three, we made the four hour drive up the mountain to the loveliness of Greer (the area of), Arizona. Beautiful pine trees (I wanna say Ponderosa and Pinon, but I cannot be sure) and Aspen trees. The Aspens seriously sparkle when the wind comes through. Aahhh.

We stepped out of the truck and got shivers from the unusual feeling of a chill. We slept with the furnace on. We'd just been in 112 degree heat and are only 4 hours away with the furnace running!!

Couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. I don't think it went over 80. I'm not a human thermometer though, so I could be wrong. The kids played like crazy, we relaxed like crazy and all had a blast doing so.

My favorite thing I have found while camping is keeping the fire going. I LOVE putting logs on the fire, making the flames reach to the sky, warm everyone and light up the camp.

I wanna just point out, I loaded ALL the wood onto the truck!! (Buddy cut it.) :)

There were no emaculate highlights; the whole weekend was grand. It is so nice to get away from the house, the heat, the cleaning, cooking, TV, computer, laundry, the constant feeling of 'I should really be doing _____', and being together as a family non-stop with great people thrown in.

Happy Belated 4th of July!!! We didn't have fireworks, but we celebrated our independence.

For the Hub

2010-06-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

12 years ago, June 20, 1998 we went on our first date. It was the day before Father's Day, to Ciatti's for dinner and to "The Truman Show" for a movie.

(This was New Year's, 98. Hot weren't we? I know, you're jealous.)

We'd met April 30th, at "The Rox" in downtown St. Cloud. The biggest meat market of a bar in downtown. The dancing was fun, that's why we were there. With a dear friend of mine (Denise, who was in our wedding), we were heading to the restroom and I heard a "Hey" from a tall guy I had met before; his name was Shoe. He wanted to introduce me to his friend. I was in no mood for a pickup and a little put off by a guy with a goatee, a bright orange shirt and the name Bud. So, we said our hello's and left it at that.

A week later, wearing the same shirt of orange, we meet again. This time, with Paul (the bestman at our wedding.) Maybe I had a few more drinks than the week before, but I gave you my number and screened the call.

I had done a little checking and heard you were a good guy. A couple more run-ins at the Rox

and you got me. Took you two months, but you got me.

I knew I would marry you a month after that first date. I don't know why, I just did.

Love you, Babe.(Why, yes, we have improved with age!)

A Father can always improvise

2010-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Don't have an actual pool chair, one that you actually sit in?

Do not fret!! All you need is the following:

One foam pool floater, intact

One foam pool floater, ripped to shreds

One plastic lawn chair

Directions: Place intact floater under lawn chair. Take pieces of shredded floater and place them strategically inbetween chair and floater. Have son bring you another piece of floater for pillow. Keep balanced and relax.

Happy Father's Day, Buddy!!!!!!!

There's obviously something amiss.

2010-06-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday while I was making Maya a quick lunch, she was having a grand time doing something in the laundry room.

Our laundry room is a big room used for many other purposes than just doing laundry. It's my craft room, sewing room, cleaning supply room, pool necessities room, diaper changing room, Prada's kennel room/dining room and our refrigerator for beverages. So, lots of things for a toddler to do.

However, when Maya's lunch/dinner is ready, she typically comes running. I was calling her while making it (chicken nuggets, nothing major). She made some squeeks, figured she was just having fun with the dog and I continued on.

I called a couple more times, with a laughing reply. I cleaned up some, did dishes and didn't really pay attention to some other sounds generating from the laundry room.

I was kinda wondering why my normally ravishing toddler wasn't running into the kitchen to eat. Calling her again, I noticed a little change to her tone. More panic than happiness. Another call to her and more paniclike responses from her. Getting a little worried myself, but knowing it can't be anything major, I round the corner and find her here:
She had locked herself in. And, just so you know, this was not the face I walked in on. This was the face I got because she was ticked at me for leaving her there to get the camera to take this picture.

Gimme a drink!

2010-06-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

You'd think by the title that I would be the one wanting a drink. Ha ha, jokes on you!!

Maya, in all her cuteness, could not make up her mind as to what she wanted to drink.

Maya: (pointing to her milk cup from earlier) More.

Me: More milk?

Maya: Ya. No.

Me: Maya, do you want juice?

Maya: Ya

I give her her cup of juice already in the fridge. She takes one sip and says, "No."

Me: Do you want milk?

Maya: Ya, no, ya.

I go and get the milk. When she sees it says, "No."

Me: Okay, do you want water?

Maya: No, ya, no.

Me: Milk?

Maya: No.

Me: Water?

Maya: Beer.

Me: Juice?

Maya: Ya.

She's drinking her juice. Although not too happily.

Lucky in Love

2010-06-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I am seriously lucky to have these two little people in my life. Not only are they completely adorable, they are fun, happy, healthy and lovely. The days/weeks/months go by and I wish I could make it stop. Stop them from growing so stinking fast. Stop them from learning so dang quick. Just stop for a minute and let me take it all in.
I want to bottle up the laughter, smiles, smells (the good ones), the joy. But, sadly, I cannot.
Bring on our amazing photographer, Jackie Lindfors, and I do kinda get the bottled up feeling of their little personalities.
Some of these pics aren't even edited!! They were taken right in our development at the main drive in and in our neighbors courtyard. Seriously, she is amazing.

The Old and the New, together

2010-06-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

I am happily and sadly putting my Grandma B.'s treasures amongst mine own. My living room feels more homey with an end table and lamp. My stairs landing is finally complete with a black console table and my bedroom finally has a seating area with a recliner perfectly named, Hayden (seriously, it's a Lay-Z-Boy line; Hayden).

Tonight I was putting away the silver serving pieces I have. A huge heavy platter, cream and sugar bowls, teapot, relish tray and two pieces I have no clue as to what they are called but do know their purpose.

As I was laying out the pieces on my dining room table, I was picturing in my mind where to put each one. I know I cannot put them all out for the world to see, but I needed to put something out in the open. I have a hutch, it's small, but it serves it's purpose. I looked at the hutch and looked at my table and smiled. I have so many wonderful things from 2 wonderful families and am very lucky to have anything, much less everything I do have.

On the top shelf, I inherited VERY delicate crystal from my Grandma and Grandpa W. These champagne and water goblets have a beautiful floral/lace pattern that reminds me of my Grandma. I never saw them used, but I can picture her picking them out. They are so delicate, I was cleaning them once, and the stem just broke off. I don't dust them much anymore. Next to them are mine and Buddy's wine and water goblets we picked out for our wedding. We have used them for a couple Thanksgivings now. Hopefully we will do more elegant dining when the kids are older. Isn't it amazing how the years change the style? I figure Grandma's were purchased around the mid 1930's and mine are from 2000+. They don't make detailed like that any more.

On the middle shelf are the silver serving pieces I just received. A casserole dish, I am guessing, a relish platter: this has a glass insert for, and the tea/coffee pot. My mom and I polished these up when I went home in March. They were pretty blackened as they hadn't been used in many years, but they cleaned up beautifully. I am anxious to use some of these pieces for Thanksgiving this year.

In the middle of the shelf, in front of the tray are sorbet/ice cream cups in a lovely cranberry color. These are from my Grandma W. I remember these on display at her home dining room on the huge built in hutch painted pink. She had a thing for pink. I haven't used these yet, but they are really pretty.

And, the bottom shelf. The candlesticks coordinate with my Grandma W's crystal. These were given to me by my aunt and uncle, also my godparents, for my wedding. I was really touched that she remembered that I had received her crystal and wanted me to have the candlesticks to complete the set. I had also gotten a serving bowl and platter with the glasses, but they are so big, I have no space.

The two highball glasses I DO remember using at my Grandma W's. There were tall glasses and short glasses in this lovely cranberry color with a grape bunch etched twice on each. I can picture her holding hers at the table and enjoying having her family there with her.

In the middle of the bottom shelf is a new Mikasa bowl I received for my wedding in 2000. This bowl has been used many times. It is so pretty with the cranberry salad for Thanksgiving. Pretty on its own as well.

*sigh*

Hayden's new favorite shirt

2010-06-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

This picture was not one I had to pry a smile to get. I was getting a pic to send off to my Dad and Mom, but the excitement was not anticipated.
On Saturday, we headed to my brother's house to pick up all the things my Mom had shipped down to us. I was eager to get the things from my Grandma's home and some other things. Mom told me she was shipping some other things as well.
Other things included: my wedding dress (I knew this one was making the trip), all of my Little Women Dolls, other dolls (I colletected them as a kid), homecoming buttons, Dad's bronzed baby booties, music box, old sweatshirt (used as "packaging material"), my old baby shoes, Dad's baby blanket, a Brandt Electric plastic mug, Atlanta 1996 Olympic pins, cheerleading buttons (the ones with my picture on them), First Communion cross and a knit baby hat.
And to top off the goodies was the t-shirt upon my son. I probably had it somewhere between 1st and 3rd grade. It is 50/50 cotton polyester, so I think it will be around for quite a bit more time. Hayden put it on after pooltime on Saturday, wore it all day Sunday and asked if he could wear it today. Asked what his favorite shirt is? My new mom's school shirt.
I went to St. Al's Catholic School from 1st-6th grade. We wore uniforms, so what these t-shirts were for and why my Mom saved it, I am not sure. Mom was not a saver of clothes for us kids, so this is pretty special to have.
And, yesterday, he wore my Junior year basketball cheerleading button too. :)

If he only knew

2010-06-05T16:30:00.001-07:00

Forgive me for this post, but it was funny to Buddy and I. Some will get it, some may not, some may be offended, but we laughed pretty dang hard at our sons oblivious humor.

We were sitting around the table finishing up lunch. Buddy was trying to get Maya to say, "Hayden's goofy" and few other little two word phrases.

Hayden, more than likely thinking Goofy as a name and not a verb chimes in and says this: "Maya, can you say Mickey Mouse and Goofy in Clubhouse 69?"

Sorry, it was funny!

2 Years Gone By

2010-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

My little boy had his last day of preschool today. He has been going to Ms. Stacey's Circle of Friends preschool for two years straight; this includes 2 summer sessions.

Where did my little boy go?!?!?! This is H on his first and last day of school. It's taken by the same door. Can you tell how he's grown in the last two years?! He really was little at one time, huh?
Ms. Stacey is so wonderful!! She loves Hayden and he loves her. We were so lucky to have found such a great little school for Hayden to learn. Stacey teaches right out of her home and it is in our neighborhood, so talk about close! On mornings he had school, if things were not being accomplished as they should, the threat of not being able to go to school was plenty to get things into gear.

From counting to colors to letters to writing to shapes to READING, Hayden has learned more than I thought a preschooler could! He doesn't really like to talk about what he does at school, which is totally normal for his age, but just by watching him and listening to him, we know he's learning amazing things.

H is not heading to kindergarten in the fall. He turns 5 in September and so he's a couple months shy of the cutoff. But, we'd rather him be old for his class than young, so it'll be better in the long run. He doesn't seem to realize that most of his friends will be going to kindergarten, I am thankful for that.

I am still in the process of deciding what to do for him this fall. I am hoping to be working soon (anything out there in the Gilbert/Chandler area?!?) which will mean daycare. Once work is found, daycare is next on the list with a preschool/pre-k integrated in.

I thought this would be a more emotional post. I was on the brink of tears leaving Ms. Stacey's today. I think she was too. Our family has just been so blessed to send Hayden (oh ya, here's the water works) to such an AMAZING teacher. Luckily, she lives very close, we may just have to pay a couple of visits to her this summer. :)

Little Shirley

2010-05-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

I get asked this question alot: Are her curls natural? At the gym, out shopping, the park, every where.

I always reply with a simple yes. But what I really want to say is this:

Seriously? Are you seriously asking me if my (enter number) month old daughter's hair has NATURALLY spiral curls? Um, no. I always wanted my daughter to have Shirley Templelike curls, so I put her hair in rollers every night and she sits completely still while I do this. We talk girl talk the whole time and she flips through the latest issue of High Five. She sleeps soundly with the rollers in. Then, in the morning, while I take them out, and we gab over coffee and juice. I easily comb through them to loosen them just a little and add a barrett/flower/pony/bow and we are ready for the day.

Are you kidding me? Is her hair naturally curly?!

I am not upset by the question at all, but do ya really think she'd let me curl or perm it?!

Just what I need, another car guy

2010-05-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

If anybody knows my husband, you know full well he is a car fanatic. Knows headlights from far off distances, can tell the year by a glimpse, has an opinion on every make and model known to man (okay, maybe not every), he drives a truck, but he's really a car guy.

Hayden is turning into him. He spots Corvettes from afar, he spots the new Camaro like he owns stock! His love of Transformers has turned him onto the Camaro because of Bumble Bee and not only does nearly pee his pants anytime he sees a yellow and black Camaro, he can spot them in any color.

Today, we were running a couple errands and he spotted a truck the same color as Buddy's, big tires and black wheels but it was a Chevy. He pointed out that it was not like Daddy's truck at all. It was not a GMC, had different tires and wheels and Daddy's is better.

Then, as we pulled into a parking space, he sees a white truck and points out that they have the same wheels as Dad's, but not the truck or tires.

I honestly had to kinda get a picture in my head about Bud's truck and sure enough, Hayden's right. The differences were subtle, but definitely different.

I think we're creating another fanatic. Much to Daddy and Grandpa B's happiness.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

It's a low key day on Mother's Day here. I pretty much do nothing, as it should be. Buddy is in charge of kids, all day long! No diaper changes for me. I get lots of hugs and kisses.

I was woken up with a plate of banana and 2 pieces of toast and a cup of coffee and a loud "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" I got about three bites of banana and most of a piece of toast. Maya seemed to think it was hers and mine. I got a great card complete with a sticker that says, "1 in 1,000,000 Mom" which I am wearing proudly. Buddy said Hayden was REALLY excited about bringing me breakfast in bed. I need to find an actual tray for occasions such as this, even if it's only used once a year. The only tray we have, which worked well, was the removable tray from the high chair.

A quick trip to Target and I finally got my Garmin holder stand thing. It's the weighted thing that keeps it from sliding all over the dash. I've wanted this for a while. I also got a bunch of flowers. Hayden helped me arrange them in a vase when we got home. He told me Happy Mother's Day again.

The morning was completed with brunch out. Maya was a stinker and wouldn't sit still. Hayden told me Happy Mother's Day about 3 times without prodding from Daddy. That's the best.

It is now time to veg out by the pool with my book, son and hubby while my daughter naps. Pizza later for dinner and then the day is done.

Mother's Day needs to happen quarterly, at least.

What goes around...

2010-05-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

I got Miss M from her nap today and she had filled her pants for the 4th time today!! GEEZ!! Anyway, that has little to do with the story, but 4 times?! As I laid her on the changing table, she screamed. I could tell she/I had somehow twisted her arm and was mad at me for it. Oops!! I apologized up and down and kissed up and down and she stopped crying.
I was in the process of removing her diaper when she pointed at me and said, "Mommy, Owie!" with her bottom lip sticking out. (I need to get a picture of that one of these days.) Cleaned her up, kissed and apologized up and down again.
While doing the repeat of kissing and apologizing, I was walking out of her room. I was obviously paying attention to her, ran right into the door jamb and was snickered at.
Ya, back at you Mom!

I'm in Love with a girl named, Maya.

2010-04-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this girl!! She's sassy, she's a diva, she's sweet, she's loving, she's a stinker, she's joyful, she's silly, she's splendid.
There has not been a day that has past in the last 21 (almost, let's not age her) that this little one has not brought a smile to my face. She just has this personality and face that grabs me and others. Not a day goes by someone does not comment on her to me, say something to her or pass by her and comment to whomever someone is with. She says "HI" to anyone, "BYE" when we leave, gives a shy smile at the perfect moments and stares you down if need be.

She dances, sings, babbles, giggles, cries, whines, and mesmorizes. It is so dang hard to be mad at her for some wrongdoing, because she'll give you one of these:

Unless you have sat back and watched her go, it is really hard to paint you a picture. She is one of a kind and she is MINE!!

I am LUCKY!

2010-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I got a little upset with myself after my post two days ago. But, I've kinda been a single mom for the past few months, I wasn't (and still am not) feeling swell and it was just one of those days. I know everyone has them, just not everyone writes it down.

So here is my reason for thinking of this. I was going through my Facebook homepage and saw that one of my friends had to take her son, 5 months old or so, to Urgent Care and ended up with a diagnosis of a double ear infection. I have seen this on a few other's status updates in previous months and I always feel sorry for the parent and quite relieved as one also.

I have been so fricking lucky to have such seriously healthy kids!! No Urgent Care trips here!! Neither one of them has had an ear infection. I don't remember ever having one as a kid and Buddy doesn't either. I do remember my brother having one or two and drinking the pink medicine that smelled like bubblegum.

Hayden has never had what I would consider the flu, just a little stomach thing twice at night and he was fine the following day. Colds, yes, but never anything serious. I have taken Hayden to the doctor once, that I recall, for something other than the routine checkups. I thought he was getting an ear infection because he tugged on his ear once and was a little more crabby than usual. He was teething. He's never had a prescription, never had any aversion to formula or allergic reaction to food. We think he's allergic to cats though. That will be tested again soon. The kid hasn't had a fever since he was 1.

He has, however, been to the ER twice. Both for the same thing and something completely avoidable. Nursemaids elbow. He slipped in the locker room at the gym when he was 1.5 and he was holding my hand at the time. I pulled up, he went down, screaming from him and panic from me. The second time was from playing in his room. Him and I (of course, the one who's typically NOT rough) were just having fun, he was on one side of the bed, me on the other; I grabbed his hands, pulled and her the pop. Off to the ER. **Please don't pull your kids up by just their hands!! That's how this happens and I kick myself when I catch myself doing it to Maya!! (Which I hardly ever do!)

Miss Maya has had a few more colds in her shorter time. She had the flu once that lastest a few days. I figured out her formula issue myself. And she had a horrible cough that lasted for months last year, but it only affected her at night. Since she was otherwise perfectly healthy, the doc said to watch it, it may be allergies. Sure enough, Springtime came and it got a smidge worse. Got some sample packets of Singular and it was gone. Never a prescription for this girl either!!

Everyone around here (AZ I mean) and many on Facebook have kids that have had ear infections, nebulizers (sp?), pooping issues (with all three kids at some point for one I may add), asthma, other breathing stuff, colic, formula problems, double ear infections and that's what I can think of now.

I am so very thankful for my two extremely healthy, not to mention adorable, kids. I am such a lucky mom. I am so lucky to have both of them here, in my family, my home and my heart.

Lurking

2010-04-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on the couch doing my morning thing. It's 6:52 am.

At 6:28 am, Hayden got up. Last night I drilled, I thought, into him that he needs to stay in bed until 7:00. I tell him, seven zero zero.

He went back to his room for approximately 7 minutes.

He's now been sitting at the top of the stairs for around 15 minutes (it's too early for math!) and thinks I don't hear him. I'm playing ignorant.

He just spoke:

"Mom, it keeps not saying seven zero zero."

"Dude, you have to wait. It will take a few more minutes."

"Fine."

He's gone back to his room.

My day...

2010-04-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

I got out of bed at 6:24am. Did my business, opened the computer, turned on the news and got my cup of coffee. All that took, what, 5 minutes tops. I had just sat on my keester on the couch and heard the unmistakable footfalls of H. First thoughts in my head? "CRAP!"
Last night, about 2am, Maya started a coughing attack and couldn't get herself back to sleep, so I grabbed her up and plopped her with me. Typically, she will sleep past 7, but I don't know, she heard H or something and I heard her little run across my room and greeted H at the stairs. "DOUBLE CRAP!"
Seriously, my only "me" time is in the morning with my coffee, computer and news and I wasn't getting that this morning. Nighttime I am ready to sleep at 8:30/9. And, typically, when I am greeted this early by these two, it's not going to be a good day.
And it wasn't.
Getting H dressed was a fight. He has this thing about matching and it wasn't working this morning. Just because there is a speck of the color in the shirt that goes with a stripe on the shorts does not make it a matching combination. Maya would not sit still to comb her hair (have you seen it?!). I have been fighting some kind of cold/allergy crud the last few days; plugged ears, nose and itchy throat, yuck. Somehow we managed breakfast, a ride to the gym/daycare and home again. And that's when the &%^$ hit the fan. Hard.
Maya has this unbelievable capability of getting in the way of me or getting into something in the kitchen whenever I am cooking. She puts herself between me and the cupboard and latches. So annoying, seriously. It's never a playful thing, it's a crying because she's hungry and nothing is going to stop her until her dinner is served. Lunch ended up being frozen cheese pizza, black olives and oranges. While "making" it, she moves the kitchen chairs to any countertop I am not occupying and discovers every single thing withing reach. She does this all day, everyday. My table looks like a cafeteria during the mopping process. Chairs turned up onto the table with legs sticking up to keep her from making that obnoxious noise of moving the chairs across the tile. Man, does that tick her off!
Later in the day, while Maya was sleeping, I needed a nap. This cold thing is kicking my tush. I couldn't keep my eyes open and H is totally fine playing in the living room while I have a rest. He played with LEGOS with the "understanding" they needed to be picked up when I said so, "you should only take out what you need", I say. They are dumped on the coffee table and floor. LEGOS everywhere and it took him 2 hours of me (45 minutes of it in and out sleep) for them all to be put in the bucket. It's not that big of a bucket!!
Then another hour was wasted yelling to get the playroom upstairs cleaned up and things put away. Plus, he was a complete butt to Maya today. Takes/slaps the NUK out of her mouth, sits on her cuz she's in "his" spot, slaps her highchair tray while she eating and really just finds any way to piss her off; just a brat to her. She wasn't the super gem she could have been, but I give her a little break since her understanding of things isn't at H's level.
Throw in a tantrum by H about eating his peas, spilling milk and saying he didn't and him getting so mad that my birthday is now taken away and my day is complete.
Now: Glass two of Little Black Dress Chardonney and happiness has filled me again, except I can't hear, breath and my throat is a bit dry.

Super H

2010-04-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's tough being a 4 year old boy at home with a sister and mom. I have been sewing skirts and doing hair bows and bracelets for Maya. It was very obvious that Hayden felt a little left out. He asked for a bracelet, but Swarovski crystals are just not masculine. I did make him a necklace, but he seems less than impressed with it.

I follow a sewing blog whose author makes superhero capes. I figured I could find a pattern somewhere and make that for H. He was very excited about it.

With a little research, I came up with a pattern. I figured reversible was doable. He told me what he wanted on it and voila!

He really is excited about it! I got lots of Thanks, Mom's. :)

And, later that day...

I couldn't help myself. I had some leftover trim from her lamp in her room and a crown template....