Good Deeds and Bad Deeds

I'm always on the lookout for worthy causes to support.  Especially those where I can get my children involved.  I've been meaning to participate in one of Craft Hope's projects for the longest time, but much like everything else in life, I've put it off.  I finally decided on one that I could pull off, along with the help of my kids, but sure enough they had such a huge response (probably due to the ease of the project), that we no longer were able to participate.  Bummer!  I vowed to tackle the next project, and thank goodness it was in my range of ability:  pillowcases.  Phew!  These pillowcases would be delivered to hospitals with terminally ill children via the ConKerr Cancer organization.  And because I refuse to go down by myself, I enlisted the help of my friends, playgroup (who for the record are also my friends -- I call them my "mommy friends", and they are some of the most incredible women I've ever met), and neighbors.

I became in touch with the contact person for Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin who was very excited and appreciative to accept our contributions.  Luke spent three days in this hospital with pneumonia two years ago, at which point I walked through the halls and visited the activity rooms where very sick children were playing.  It was never talked about and I never knew the severity of their illnesses, but I assure you it is one of the most heartbreaking scenes one can witness.  These are some of the testimonials written by those who have benefited from the pillowcases provided:

"I am a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital (Geisinger Medical Center) in Danville, Pa. We recently received some of your beautiful pillow cases to distribute to our sick ICU patients, and they are gorgeous. They are such a big hit and the kids love them. A very sick, 11 year old little girl who we will call "Lily" has been a patient on our unit for the past 3 months now, had such a hard time deciding on which pillow case she liked best. We have to sneak the pillow case away from her just so we can wash it!!!! The first pillow case we wore out from washing and now she has a second one. I want to thank you all for all your hard work and dedication. It may not seem like much.....making pillow cases, but this little kind gesture produces so much happiness. The smiles I see on the children's faces are priceless!"

"My 2 year old grandson has JMML leukemia He has been in Children's Hospital in New Orleans for 5 1/2 months of the last 7 months. He has received 2 pillowcases over his stay this time and I just wanted to say thank you. He loves the different colors and it brightens his days."

My first go-round was hosting a Girls' Night Out for the moms in our playgroup.  My "mommy friends" really came through and I might even attempt to sit Luke down at my machine to give sewing a try.  I really want for him to be active in donating his time and resources to worthy causes, and I plan to have him leave the house as a well-rounded kid.  Read:  this boy will know how to sew on a button, wash his own clothes (and well), cook a mean dinner, and so on.  I'm now taking applications for my future daughter-in-law.  Kidding.

The Craft Hope project is over, but this organization is ongoing, so please, please, please consider sewing, crocheting, or knitting pillowcases for these kids.  I will be hosting another night, complete with machines, materials, drinks, and desserts.  But please feel free to work on them on your own...the more the merrier!

Click here to find a ConKerr representative in your area.

Some photos from our Girls' Night Out...

Some of the completed pillowcases...

Something else we feel very strongly about over here is our love for animals. 

So when a juvenile one of these...

Screech Owl

dropped into our pool recently, we went into rescue mode.  Seriously, just ask the boys.  Steve scooped it out of the pool, and when we determined it was unable to fly we found ourselves on a mission.  (This is cracking me up.)  We called a local wildlife rescue center who asked us to bring in the owl, so I dubbed the boys Wildlife Rescue Heroes and we went to work finding an old box and towel.  Steve put on gloves and chased it around the yard (I'm still cracking up) before finagling it into the box.  We packed up the scared little guy and headed to Austin to complete our mission.  The boys were so excited and couldn't stop talking about the animals they might see at the rescue center.

Tempting...

We pulled up, filled out some paperwork, made a donation, and were sent on our way.

What?  No animals to see? 

So I asked if it was possible to see any before my children experienced major meltdowns.  We were directed towards a small crack in a fence where we took turns seeing a couple raccoons. 

Not enough. 

Then we saw a couple of turtles in a pond. 

Booooring! 

(Been there, done that.  Aunt Sus has a turtle.)

They were totally bummed so I offered to take them to Petsmart to see more creatures. 

Crisis averted.

Are you thinking, "Blah, blah, blah...Who does she think she is blabbing on about sewing for sick kids and saving screech owls?"

Well, here's something for you.  I made a last-minute decision to join some friends in Las Vegas for a weekend away from my husband and kids.  Steve had to take off work and miss a golf tournament, my Dad had to spend the night in order to wake up at the crack off dawn with my crazy kids, and I'm sure there were other people put out by my selfish request.  All so I could get an early flight to Sin City.  This behavior is so not me, but I am so glad I went.  We had a blast!  I ate too much, drank too much, gambled too much, and probably cursed too much (just because it seemed to fit).  It was so gluttonous but so. much. fun.  I'm a tad embarrassed what my in-laws will think if they read this, but in my defense (I say that a lot, don't I?) that's what everyone does there and you know what they say: 

When in Rome...

I didn't take my camera, but I stole these from my roomie's blog and from our playgroup's website...

Getting ready in our room...Lush!

A little Craps during the day.  Notice there's still a cocktail in hand.

Yep, we're dorks.

Can you say, "Tourist!"?

The flight home.

A big thanks goes to my roommate Arleen for doing my hair and makeup every day we were there.  (One of the stipulations if I agreed to go.) :)  I really enjoyed getting to know her better.  It's amazing the conversations you can have without two little ones clamoring for every bit of your attention.

Actually, I really did miss my family.

 Until a couple days after I got back, when I walked upstairs to find this in the boys bathroom...

I honestly wasn't sure whether to laugh, cry, scream, or gag. 

I think in the end I did all of the above.

Luke said Zach did it. 

Zack said Luke did it. 

They both said they "flushed the little ones". 

Great.

What did I do? 

I took a picture and said, "Just wait until your dad gets home." 

Not so much because Steve's the disciplinarian around here, but because I knew the boys could not properly clean it up themselves and there was NO WAY I was touching that stuff.  Ick.

After Steve got home and they started emptying the toilet, I was called up to take another picture...

It was jam-packed full of random toys.

Did you happen to notice Zach's toothbrush in the first one?  Double ick.

So there you have it.  We are not perfect.  We perform both good deeds and bad deeds. 

I don't think I would have it any other way. :)

xo,

Jess

Better Late Than Never?

Cute kid, goofy picture.

Dear Zach,

     You are without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to our little family of three.  I was so overwhelmed when we decided to try for Baby #2, but something kept telling me it was "now or never".  My hands were full at the time and some people thought I was nuts to take on another, but I knew.  I knew we would always wish Luke had a sibling, and I knew if I got a taste of sleeping through the night or of a life without changing diapers, I might never go back.  Sure enough, you came into our lives and touched our hearts.  You were such a sweet and easy baby, and you continue to be a sweet and easy toddler (knock on wood) :).  You've helped me with my confidence and I'm a better person for learning how to raise children with very different personalities.  I have so enjoyed watching you grow and interact with your brother and dad.  Thank you for being my "love bug" and for allowing me to smother you in kisses.

Love,

Mom

My little guy Zach just turned two.  (Okay, he turned two over two months ago, but whatever, cut a girl some slack.)  I hadn't written this post sooner, not because I was at a loss of things to say, but rather how to say them.  I am determined to keep things fair between my boys and to not stereotype them as "the funny one" or "the sweet one" or "the smart one", but let's just say Zach is pulling forward in the "not-so-strong-willed" category, which is fine by me!  I also have trouble writing something when I'm supposed to.  It makes me less likely to do it.  Hmmm, I guess the Luke Apple doesn't fall far from the Mommy Tree.

But back to Zach...

Daddy's lap is his favorite spot.

It's funny; I always teased my friend Barrett for gritting her teeth when she saw cute babies,

"Barrett, you are not supposed to want to eat babies.  That is weird.  Quit it!"

She'd reply with something like,

(In a very cute tone.)  "I can't help it!  They're so cute I just want to eat them up!"

I'd always think to myself,  Weirdo!

But I get it now.  Zach is edible.  And I want to eat him. 

Now who's the Weirdo?!

He's just so sweet and delicious.  (This is getting weirder, huh?)

Since his birth, he has been incredibly affectionate, always wanting to cuddle and nuzzle.  My favorite time of the day (with the exception of after the boys' bedtime of course) :), is when Zach wakes up from his afternoon nap and requires a little snuggle time.  We sit on the couch, his face pressed up against mine.  I absolutely love the smell of his breath.  I know this sounds crazy.  Some would call it morning breath (which is disgusting, right?), but I like to think of it as baby's breath (much better, eh?).  I also like to think that he enjoys my breath too, as he tends to place his forearm against my mouth and nose.  If I move, he moves to keep it there.  Apparently we have a fondness for each other's breath.  (Sorry, I'll try to dial down the weirdness from here on out.)

He is also the most agreeable child I've ever met.  Where many kids like the word "no", Zach is full of yeses.  Actually it's more like, "Ess".

Zach, do you want something to eat?

"Ess."

Do you love mommy?

"Ess."

Do you think mommy is the most beautiful and intelligent person in the world?

"Ess.!"

You may think I'm kidding, but I actually do this all the time.  In fact, the last question was pretty tame compared to some of them.  Yes, I need to get out more.  Perhaps I miss reviews and feedback from the career world and this is my attempt at getting some again.  Granted it's not exactly fair or honest, but have you seen the salary of a stay-at-home mom?  Zilcho!  So just try to argue with me on this one.

Hmmm, what else?  His speech is really coming along, and he continues to surprise us with complete (and not-so-complete) sentences, much to Luke's ("Uke's") chagrin:

"Uke is mean."

"Uke hit my tummy."

"Uke no share."

I think it's pretty natural for the big brother to see what he can get away with when Mom isn't looking, but Zach is definitely beginning to hold his own.   He's been known to peg Luke with a wooden block or train here and there.  Steve says Luke better watch out because, "Zach's gonna kick his @ss one day."

I don't know, Luke's pretty feisty.  It might be a fair match.

And in Luke's defense, Zach does some pretty nasty things.  Like take out elaborately built architectural specimens (aka buildings made of blocks) with one swipe of his hand...then laugh hysterically.  He's been nicknamed "The Destroyer" and Luke will get to the point of almost wetting his pants trying to protect his buildings, rather than go to the bathroom.

I'm sure this one didn't last long.

This one didn't have a chance.  Look at that guilty face.

And I wish I could report that he is a fabulous eater, but he's not.  Nowhere close.  If this kid had his way he'd eat Cheerios for every. single. meal.  I honestly can't tell whether his poop smells like Cheerios or if Cheerios smell like poop.  Regardless, I will never be able to eat Cheerios again in my life.  Ever.  Period.  I'm cringing just thinking about it. 
Steve (who refers to me as the Food Nazi) is always telling me that Zach is going to waste away (just what every mother wants to hear) if he doesn't start eating more, so I considered giving in to his desire for junk food.  I was this close (holding my thumb and pointer finger together) to succumbing to chicken nuggets and mac and cheese on a nightly basis, when I spoke to our pediatrician about it.  She confirmed I should stick to my guns. 
"He'll eat if he's hungry.  Don't give him junk."

Food Nazi: 1  Dad: 0, not that I'm keeping score or anything. :)


Zach is also doing very well in the Mother's Day Out program at the YMCA.  I've decided they should call it "Mother's Day To Go Shopping and Buy More Stuff Than She Needs",
 but it has been four years, five months, and 26 days since I have had regularly scheduled "me" time.  That, and Steve keeps bugging me to get the house finished so we can have that housewarming party we've been talking about since we moved in.  Yes, we moved in 2008, but whatever. 

(Whoops, off subject again.)

I could go on and on about this little guy, but my boys are all out of town and I'm supposed to be painting the bathroom and finalizing the colors for our cabinets, interior walls, exterior trim, shutters, and doors...blah, blah, blah...so, I better run.  At least my stalling led me to finally write this post.  There's that ADD kicking in again.

Until next time...

xo,

Jess

I was having a hard time configuring the pictures from his birthday party above, so here they are:

Our last minute cupcakes for his party. 

It was a good thing I made three since a neighbor kid dropped in to join us.

Love this picture!!!

"Hee Hee, Mom's going to let me eat junk!"

Not really -- it was carrot cake. :)

Opening Grandpa Tom's present, his first electric toothbrush.

He loved it!!!

A bike from Mom and Dad. 

I really wanted this very cute Radio Flyer tricycle, but lesson learned: if you're gonna be picky about your son's first bike, shop for it more than two days before his birthday.

Riding his new bike to the mailbox to pick up a package from Mimi.

Opening said package.  We love books!!!

Luke and the Giant Peach

Okay, so it's not exactly giant, but it seems humongous to us.

This is the first year our peach tree has produced anything even close to edible, and it has been soooo exciting. (I know, I don't get out much.) When we moved to this house in February of 2008, we didn't really pay much attention to the straggly little tree in our side yard. That summer it produced a few golf ball sized peaches that were quickly consumed by deer or whatever other varmints crawled up from the river. The same was true for 2009. We talked about maybe actually doing something to the tree, like pruning it or watering it, or something. But that didn't happen. So imagine our surprise this year when the peaches grew to normal size and actually resembled something one would find in the grocery store. We were skeptical, only bringing in a few at first. The kids waited (not so) patiently as they ripened, and we finally cut into them only to find the sweetest, most delicious peaches we'd ever tasted. (Okay, so maybe we're a little partial.) But who can argue with tasty, free, and organic? "Organic" might be a stretch but as I mentioned earlier, we do NOTHING to this tree...no pesticides, no chemicals, no water, no sweet talkin'...no nothin'. :) Granted they're not certified and we've yet to have a little man in a white coat show up with stickers to confirm so, but whatever. We've literally picked hundreds and have enjoyed sharing them with friends and neighbors, even packaging some in fun baskets with cute tags. Very "Martha Stewart", don't you think? Maybe I'm making a come back? With my lazily grown peaches? :) Maybe not. But I have caught the bug. I'm convinced next year we can start that organic garden I've been wanting. And by organic garden, I mean a couple of pots of tomatoes on our upstairs deck. Baby steps.

Look!!!  I finally figured out how to turn the flash off.  It's that incredibly obvious hidden little lightning bolt with a line through it. 

I have got to start reading my manual.

And yes, I am that dorky, adding branches from the tree.

We've yet to pick the peaches at the top of the tree, so if you live in the area and own a ladder, stop on by and help yourself.

And if anyone has advice on peach tree maintenance, I'm all ears.

xo,

Farmer Jess

 

PS-I'm in the process of changing our blog's name to gain some anonymity (as suggested by a friend). Any suggestions?

PSS-Some of you have mentioned that it is hard to comment or that your comments haven't shown up. I've made the commenting easier. Anyone can leave a comment by choosing "anonymous" from the drop down menu. No Google account necessary, no word verification. Just make sure to sign your name so I know who you are.  Do I sound like I'm begging for comments or what? :)

Look, Mom! No floaties!!!

Luke has officially retired his floaties (aka swimmies, floatation devices, etc.).  He's treading water like a champ, retrieving dive sticks from the bottom of the pool, and swimming around like a little fish.  It's just a doggie paddle for now, but he's taking lessons which will hopefully teach him some proper strokes.  I'm just happy he won't sink. :)  As the mother of small children, the pool causes me a tremendous amount of fear, so the way I see it, it's one down (Luke), one to go (Zach).  Phewww!

And it is absolutely filling me pride and excitement. Is that cheesy? It's the same feeling I had when I received my driver's license and when he potty trained. Completely unrelated, but whatever. That's the feeling.

Until we purchased dive sticks, Luke used a paint can opener.  Aren't we resourceful?

Zach is also getting more confident in the pool.  He can swim around in his floaties without assistance and is even jumping in, allowing his head to go under water.

Looks like we're that much closer to Steve and I kicking back on the deck while the kids swim on their own.  After all, that is the goal. :)

I honestly don't remember what was so funny, but I thought this was a cute picture.

This shot was taken before the floaties were retired.  I'm pretty sure we won't be able to squeeze him into them ever again.

In other random news, the boys are obsessed with the song "Yellow Submarine".  They first heard it on YouTube (a great time-suck for little kids, by the way).  Luke knows just about the entire first verse, and the boys love singing the refrain (or chorus?) over and over and over and over and over again. 

We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine...

In the tub, the pool, at the dinner table, in their beds, while getting in the car, while sitting in the car, while getting out of the car.  Over and over again.  I suppose it could be worse.  It could be a Bob the Builder song (been there, done that) or Barney's "I love you, you love me..." (cringe), but there's something weird about a toddler belting out Beatles songs, no?  And as a note, one must be very careful when leaving a four-year-old alone at the computer.  I walked up just in time to stop a clip entitled "Breaking Footage:  Man with Knife".  Um, no thank you. 

xo,

Jess

Obama's Cookies

Did you see the adorable cookies the president picked up from an Ottawa bakery for his daughters?

No?

Yeah, me neither...

Until I Googled "Canada maple leaf cookie".

Huh?


The kids and I were invited to a Happy Birthday Canada party and I wanted to bring something appropriate for the festivities.  Or maybe I just wanted to avoid doing laundry while making a ginormous mess in the kitchen?  Or maybe I secretly want to be a Canadian?  I mean really, have you ever met a Canadian you didn't like?  And that accent -- love it! 

I suppose we'll never know.


Back to the cookies. 



Hobby Lobby actually had a maple leaf cookie cutter but it looked more like a turkey to me.  So I went with a shamrock and rigged it.

Here are mine...

Here are the ones Sasha and Malia received from their Pops...

Pretty close, eh?

The party was tons of fun.  The kids especially loved the water balloon activity...

There was even a fun quiz of Canadian facts.  I failed it miserably.  Big shocker, right?  One of the questions was to name the "Honeymoon Capital of the World".  I went blank.  Nothing.  Crickets chirped. 

Are you screaming the answer at your computer?

Yes, it's Niagara Falls.  The place where my cousin is currently vacationing.  For her honeymoon.  Duh.

A big thanks to Alex and his mom Rebecca for hosting us!



Two days later we headed to Bardwell for a Fourth of July celebration.  Uncle David provided an impressive fireworks show.  I mean, seriously impressive.  I had no idea you could buy fireworks that showy from a roadside stand.  Wow!!!!

We ate tons of good food, worked on a puzzle, talked to the cows, and replaced six sets of blinds after Mabel skitzed out when we left her alone.

As usual, my camera spent way too much time in its case and very few pictures were taken, but here are a few...

Zach was a little spooked by the pre-show...

The boys loved the sparklers...

A shot of the main show...

We've all decided this needs to become a family tradition.  (Uncle David, are you reading?)

The kids loved the glow-in-the-dark necklaces Aunt Sandra provided...

I'm still trying to explain why they no longer glow.

I realize these pics are all of Zach.  I think Luke was too fast to be photographed. :)

Happy (belated) Fourth to you all!!!

xo,

Jess

Who's Their Daddy?!

Today I tried to run a few simple errands, and today the boys acted like a couple of fools.  So here I am, writing about it with the hopes that finding the humor (buried deep down in it) will make me feel better. 

Doesn't everyone do that? :)

On the agenda was Lowe's, Sam's, the post office box, and a shoe store. 

No biggie, right? 

They were all quick stops, and one even included "sanples" (samples).  Yep, I try to time my visits to Sam's during prime sample time.  Luke can sniff out those little ladies in hairnets and their sample tables from aisles away.  But today even the little ladies couldn't keep them occupied.  The boys hit each other, attempted to grab things off the shelves, and screeched some horrible screeches.  I had to provide extra samples by opening darn near everything we were purchasing.  They snacked on lunch meat, Frito's, and grape tomatoes.  I later found out that Zach was biting into the tomatoes, sucking the juices out, and then dropping them on the floor.  Nice.  I had to retrace our steps to pick up his tomato outards (you know, the opposite of innards).  Because I have all the time in the world to do that, you know.

As we were leaving, a woman stopped to comment on how cute they were (clearly she didn't see their little horns poking through).  She asked if they were "my little helpers". 

Yeah, if you consider they were helping me to lose my marbles! 

I think she sensed my frustration and said something like, "Enjoy them while you can.  It goes by fast." 

I wanted to answer, "Why don't you enjoy them." or "Not fast enough." 

But I didn't.

Next we went to the UPS store where I ran in to check the PO box.  It literally takes me eight seconds and I'm about ten feet from the car, so I leave them strapped in with the doors locked.  I know you're not technically  supposed to this, but whatever.  Don't judge me.  In the 15 seconds I was gone, Luke started screaming,

"HELP!  HELP!  We're trapped!  We're in JAIL!  HEEEEEEELP!"

 ...at the top of his lungs. 

Over and over again.

And of course Zach chimed in with him. 

And of course there were people walking by to witness it all. 

Fun times!

And last, but soooo not least, we popped into Famous Footwear to return a pair of shoes. 

This should have been simple. 

In and out. 

No problemo.

Nope. 

It started out innocently... 

Zach said to the cashier, "Hi Man!". 

That was pretty cute, right?

Then Luke said, "Hi Daddy!".

 

TO THE CASHIER!!! 

Over and over again. 

Louder and louder. 

Only changing it up with, "Hi Dad!" and "We love you, Dad!".

Then Zach started.

It was really loud.

Did I mention that it was over and over again? 

And that any attempt on my part to make them stop caused them to get louder.

And did I also mention that the cashier was about 18 and African American?

I thought about trying to convince the poor guy that they were indeed his children. 

Surprise! 

But figured he probably wouldn't believe the blue-eyed blondies were his.  Not to mention I could practically be his mom rather than his one-night stand.  Make that a two-night stand, two years apart.  What are the odds?

Okay, I feel better. 

Sure, I am way behind on all the things I'm supposed to blog about.  Like Zach's birthday, Ashley's wedding, and Luke's preschool graduation.  But if you recall, I have ADHD or ADD.  What's the difference anyway?  I'll have to go Google it. 

See?

So until I can get my act together to write those, I'll end with some current pictures...

Zach helping Daddy water the plants...

Luke's graduation day...

I'm pretty sure he was supposed to be acting out a skit with his classmates, but instead made silly faces at me.  Typical!

Zach in his Home Depot uniform...

If only I could get a discount. :)

We've been on a smoothie kick.  Don't you prefer your smoothies in the nude?...

On this day I snuck in some spinach.  I thought I was pretty clever.  Until about halfway through when the boys started making faces like this...

...and worse. 

Busted!!!

The dessert I made for my friend Dina's 25th (wink,wink) birthday party.  A couple people asked me for the recipe.  Here it is:  Layered Berry Trifle

I also made a couple mini ones for my mini-me's and their dad as bribery thanks for letting me go to the party...

With Teddy Grahams for the little guys and without blueberries for Luke.

Zach's first day of school...

We call it school, but really it's the Mother's Day Out program at the Y. 

He'll start at Luke's preschool in the fall.

And of course there's been tons of this...

Which almost always leads to this...

Snacking poolside.

And our little guy turned 2!!!  Can you believe it?

The last-minute lion cupcakes we cranked out right before the occasion...

Not my best work, but Zach seemed pretty pleased.

Happy Summer!

xo,

Jess