Randomness

Looking for a cure for insomnia?  Look no longer.  This one is long and random...

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I've been a total slacker on this blog.  Whatcha gonna do about it?  I think about it almost every day.  Just like I think about how I should probably clean my ceiling fans and baseboards more often (okay...ever); about how I should work out more and yell less; about how I should figure out when the heck to use "whom" instead of "who" (FYI, I think I might know); about how I should probably do something about my garage which is slowly looking like an uncomfortable episode of "Hoarders"; about how I am a complete and total idiot (please don't tell me otherwise or give me words of praise) for deciding that I could make my son's owl costume from a Simplicity ("simple", my @ss) pattern...I could go on and on, but I'll spare us all.

And if you've been to my house, you know what all this thinkin' leads to...not much.  (Please don't inspect my ceiling fans or look in my garage.)

Bottom line is I'm busy, like any mother of two, and as much as I want to chronicle it all (or at least some of it), I struggle.  I have a friend with three children who manages to do it regularly, and I am impressed!  I can hardly crank out one a month.  Wait, I just realized it sounds like I'm hosting a pity party.  I am not.  I am extremely fortunate for all that I have.  I only wish there were more than 24 hours in the day.  And that my children would sleep deeply in those extra hours. :)

Where am I going with this?  Not entirely sure.  But here is a look is a little of what we've been up to.  If nothing else, just to ease my mind.

Luke's graduation (Yes, this was in May.)...

Luke with his teacher, Ms. Kendall.  We miss her!

What he's graduating from, I'm still trying to figure out.  I guess his three-year-old class.

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A photo of items we placed on the table for the Teacher Appreciation Brunch at Luke's school...

Luke, if you're reading this years from now, please remember that I was the Event Coordinator at your preschool for two years, which involved lots of time, e-mails, organizing fundraisers and brunches, serving on the school's board, yada, yada, yada. 

Just want to make sure you remember.

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Photos from a night this summer when we played in the rain...

I was testing out (unsuccessfully, I might add) functions on my fancy schmancy new Canon, so they're all blurry. 

I kind of like how these turned out...

They should probably be wearing helmets, eh?

And I'll give you one guess what this kid is doing...

We are really classy around here, peeing in the front yard and all.

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First day of school...

Bad picture.

So I gave up on the kids and photographed their lunches instead...

Yes, I am odd.

We also buttered up welcomed our new teachers with these...

And I just found this pic of the token gift we have to the boys' Summer MDO teachers...

Both of these ideas I stole borrowed from somewhere in Blogland. 

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Picture Day at school...

Had to bribe Luke with a piece of candy just to wear this shirt. 

Got a call from the director that he had a freakout after not finding a piece of candy in his pocket (I told him he could have it when he got home, but I guess he forgot the details of when and where). 

Busted for bribing my kid -- rats!!! 

Have I mentioned on this blog that Luke has an extreme aversion to buttons?  Anything with buttons...pillows, toys, tufted furniture, people wearing button-down shirts. 

It's weird.

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Then there was Mud Day at school...

This is a day where the kids get to play in mud, paint, shaving cream, etc. 

The parents are encouraged to participate. 

I dread this day. 

It makes me twitchy just thinking about it. 

But I love my kids, so I joined in.  

(Shudder.)

This was Luke's first year to even get this close to any of the activities. 

He's not a big fan of getting messy. 

It's one of my favorite qualities of his.

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We also had this cutie patootie neighbor girl stayed with us for three days while her parents went out of town...

It was fun. 

It was exhausting. 

If we were ever thinking about having a third child, we aren't now. 

Not that we're not fond of the girl (because we are), but rather we're not fond of being out numbered.

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Now, I better get off the computer and get back to this...

Because, although I have finished cutting out 160 feathers (twice, due to my stupidity) and sewing them together to make 80 complete feathers, that only brings me to step 3 of this 43-step costume. 

(Sobbing.) 

I think I need to be saved from myself.

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Oh, and here's the biggest news from our world...

WARNING:  The following picture is naaaaasty!



Luke took a tumble.

Later the same night...

Recuperating in the guest room with a milkshake. 

Zach always makes out when Luke is sick or injured.

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After a trip to the dentist, this is what Luke looks like now...

He handled it like a champ. 

Better than I could have asked. 

I was the mess, actually.

Now if we could just get him to stop carrying his teeth around.

Phhhhew, I feel better now. 

If you made it this far, thanks for tuning into my randomness.

xo,

Jess

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? :)