e

Holes

2010-10-10T22:34:00.003-05:00

During a great message today I heard this, a little something I'll never forget.

A father needed to help his son with his outbursts of anger. He told his son, "every time you feel angry I want you to go out to the fence and drive a nail through it." So every time his son was angry he would go out to the fence and drive a nail through the post. His son found that each day he drove less and less nails into the wood.

The son came to his father and told him that he was rid of his anger. The father told him, "very good. Now everyday you don't feel angry go back out to the post and remove a nail." After all the nails had been removed he told his father.

His father said, "very good. (Looking at the post full of holes.) This is what your anger does, it leaves an impact in other peoples' lives."

In light of the many tragedies we've been hearing about, I thought this was fantastic. Just as a You-Tube message can leave an impression on us, this did me. E and I have been talking a lot lately about bullies. And I continue to remind him that, "hurting people, hurt people."

The full message today was from James 1: 19-27.

Everything That's Beautiful

2010-02-17T23:57:00.002-06:00

"Everything that's beautiful, everything that's wonderful, every perfect gift comes from you".

The other morning e and I wanted to "rock out" (thank you Janine for the lingo, it's cute to hear him say it). I put on a Chris Tomlin album and we danced and sang to Everything That's Beautiful.

e says to me: "Yeah, it can't come from US then it wouldn't be a great surprise!"

You're right e. You're a perfect gift, one that is full of surprises daily! And for this I give thanks.

Dinner Talk

2010-02-04T22:22:00.002-06:00

e: "I'm going to live with my Daddy when I'm older."

Me: "You are?"

e: "Yeah, I'm not going to live far away!" (said with a "gosh/dah" like attitude with a smile)

Me: "True, (with exaggeration) that's not far away!"

e: "It's south, actually I'll live in the south."

Me: "The south, like Florida, where Papa Joe lives?"

e: "Yeah, or southwest."

Me: (never hearing him refer to the southwest) "Oh, like New Mexico or Texas?"

e: "Yeah, Texas, you know where they have those things?" (he's now motioning with his pointer fingers and going poke poke)

Me: "e, are you talking about a cactus?"

e: "Yeah, those."

Not sure where Southwest - Texas - Cactus all came from but it's hilarious to me.

Well done e!

2010-01-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you were a 'good person' is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you’re a vegetarian."

2010-01-28T20:50:00.002-06:00

"We judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions."

Added To My Book

2010-01-23T23:25:00.004-06:00

Added more images to my Design set on Flickr.

This body of work, spanning from 2000-2010, are some of my favorites from their time. The work ranges from National brands to local St. Louis musicians. I also had to throw in the series of e's Birthday invitations, I love them.

I don't have a website but rather a Flickr site that houses my Design, Art and Photography. Now I'm happy to say that it's updated!

Enjoy!

Dinner Menu

2010-01-14T22:01:00.005-06:00

Our sushi favorites

e's:

Cucumber rolls

Avocado rolls

Hamachi kama (yellow tail jaw)

Seaweed salad

Tamago (sweet egg omelet)

Ebi (cooked prawn)

Mine:

Hamachi kama

Octopus or seaweed salad

Shiro maguro (white tuna)

Unagi (freshwater eel)

Spicy scallop

It's always fun to choose the rolls and we always finish with something sweet like: mochi ice cream. Flavors: red bean, chocolate, strawberry and mango...delicious!

Hungry?

Christmas 2009

2010-01-12T09:06:00.015-06:00

Aunt Celine and Lorianna's tree in FL.

This year e and I traveled to Tallahassee for Christmas and New Years. It had been since e was a year that we had participated in all the holiday traditions with the family. This year's recipe called for all the emotions and I'm still feeling the affects. (I journal this entry now before it's 2011 and I see that 2010 has only 12 entries.)

2008 was nice beginning the rituals of Santa's cookies and treats for his reindeers in our St. Louis home but I have to admit there is something so special about a house full of people and having time to visit with old friends in a town I called home for 20 years.

2008, our home in STL.

We traveled for an extended time to Florida to stay with Celine and Lorianna, they were the perfect hostesses. From day one of landing in the warmer climate we were super busy. Mornings started very early and nights lasted well into the morning, a perfect recipe for sleep deprivation.

Our time consisted of seeing Papa Joe, being with the entire family for both Christmas Eve and day and celebrating friendships I've had for 20+ years. Starting with Papa Joe, the time out on the farm was super special. e did his job helping Papa feed up the horses.

We also spent time out on the golf course with Papa Joe and Uncle CJ.

Golfing was super fun and I even got to try the sport. It felt good giving the ball my all but didn't do so well at it. e on the other hand, by the time he got in a few practice rounds in was doing rather well both at the sport and driving the cart.

Mentioning Uncle CJ, another special part of this trip was that Mom and Uncle CJ came too. It was a real blessing to have everyone together this year. Here is a great photo of the four of us on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve was just as I remembered with the Polish dinner before Catholic Mass. To finish the evening we played the game, Yankee swap. This game is always hilarious with 18 people. Aunt Mary's house was full of people and full of laughter. Christmas dinner needed yet another leaf in the table to house us all.

Christmas morning we all woke at Celine and Lo's. After waiting patiently for (Great) Gran and Aunt Celeste to arrive we tore into the thoughtful gifts. One very special gift e received this year was his very own and super nice camera. After presents we ate a great breakfast and rested until it was time to head out for dinner.

The trip was full (as I mentioned) not only with family but friends as well. After Christmas a few of us girls were able to get a night out since our travel dates overlapped. It was so nice seeing everyone. Nikki made a special flight in so that she could catch up (so thoughtful). It had been a long time seeing some of them and what was so fantastic was we picked up right where we all left off. True friendships withstand the test of time, this group is for life!

(Left to Right: Jeanie, Heidi, Carrie, Nikki, Anita and myself)

It was difficult coming back to an empty home. e's father was able to pick us up from the airport and immediately started his visit with e since we had been gone for weeks. I mourned the quiet a little and caught up on sleep. I truly enjoy a full home and all the commotion. Thank you to everyone who made these holidays so special! Now onward to 2010!

You can see a lot more photos of Christmas 2009 here uploaded to e's Flickr site.

2009 Handmade

2010-01-10T14:59:00.011-06:00

This past Christmas I decided to be creative and make some handmade gifts. In the eleventh hour, staying up until midnight, three days before traveling home to Florida, I made these Holiday Thank You Note Cards. The very next day I was able to get the design to my printer and they so thoughtfully rushed this job through to completion. I was happy to pack these cards on time to give as gifts for family and friends.

2009 was a year where creativity in handmade crafts made a presence. I was hopeful to get more pieces made but I'm happy with what I did accomplish. I am notorious for having lofty ideas and never generating one so several won out and for this I'm thankful.

The image close-up also shows a "Little Abbie" I blogged about her here. This is a gift for a my dear friend Andrea who we'll be seeing this evening for dinner.

Let's see what 2010 brings out as far as my creativity!

Enjoy!

Vintage Wedding Design

2010-01-09T18:12:00.006-06:00

Design*Sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design. I try and make it a ritual to visit this site which gives me creative inspiration. I've been making a list of things to redesign in my own home so I've been frequently visiting.

Today I caught this entry and I'm overwhelmed by just how stunning this wedding is in every detail! Immediately when I saw her dress I thought of my grandmothers dress. I have been blessed by my grandmother to walk down the isle in her vintage treasure. I hope that I can one day wear her dress and even more hopeful she'll still be with us when I do so.

The part of Arlene's dress that I love is her slip. It's simple, elegant and sexy. When I saw this dress I thought how perfect it would be to overlay whimsical flowers and lace over the top. In addition to the dress, each detail of this wedding is perfectly designed. The flowers in various vessels in an array of colors and textures and the little handmade details add a sweet final touch. I could really see myself in this family of photographs, the bride and her new groom look wonderfully happy.

I have high hopes to get back into this blog I share with e. I thought this would be the perfect first entry. Perhaps I will get Gran's dress out and take a photograph of it. I think it would add to this entry and I'd like to have a journal of it.

Enjoy.

Golden Dragon Acrobats

2009-09-29T21:49:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I took e to see the Golden Dragon Acrobats. This was the first time I have taken e to a Performing Arts Theater. The show was at the Touhill Theater on UMSL's campus. We had balcony seats in the first row so that he could freely move about without anyone obstructing his view.

I had talked to his Daddy about taking him prior to ordering the tickets since it would cut a bit into his time. He loved the idea and got him ready for me before to the show. I wish I had a picture to post of how handsome e looked when I picked him up. Daddy had spiked his hair, layered his clothes, put him in a pair of skinny jeans from H&M and (best part according to e) he got to wear Daddy's cologne. As e walked out of the house to meet me he was holding his shirt out, with a large grin on his face, for me to smell.

I had talked up our date and went to YouTube with him to get a small preview of the performance ahead. We were both ooohing and ahhhing over the acts. e: "look Mom, they're juggling!" me: "look e, it's with their feet!"

e was quite taken by the theater. He was ready for the show to begin and he found it more exciting to stand at the balcony and watch. At first he was still and quiet, then he went from exaggerated applause to (by intermission) getting a little too comfortable with the railings on the stairs. I was starting to notice his little gears working out how he could maneuver such moves/stunts. It was then I knew I was going to have to drill in his little (almost) 4 year old head that we don't attempt these "tricks" at home. The Acrobats are trained professionals and if little boys want to learn they have to go to Acrobat School.

We had a nice rest of our evening, after the show we went to dinner and then on home. After putting on our PJ's I told e how I could help him continue to learn some gymnastics. I have been teaching him a few skills sharing how I was a gymnast for many years myself and then moved on to teach little boys and girls his age. With great enthusiasm he wanted to practice and when giving him some direction I could clearly see that all he was interested in was learning to scale the wall or do a "flip". I'm not exactly sure why there weren't more disclaimers to that show, I'm definitely taming a little Acrobatic beast within him now!

I'm thankful for...

2009-09-23T21:15:00.002-05:00

At bedtime I encourage e to list some things he's thankful for during prayer. This evening we made a game out of it. He would say one and then when I would go to share mine, he'd giggle and interrupt me with another one of his. Our dialog went a little something like this...

e: I'm thankful for Jesus healing my elbow (he fell and scraped his elbow).

me: Yeah, that's a good one.

e: I'm thankful for Jesus healing my belly.

me: Oh yeah, how's it been feeling? That's so great e.

e: How does he talk to us?

me: He speaks to our hearts.

e: I'm thankful for Jesus healing my knee. Remember that one day...I can't remember, but he healed it.

me: Yeah, I remember you once having a hurt knee, that's a good one too, He's so faithful. Isn't it cool how he made our bodies heal?

e: Can our bones break?

me: Yes. And do you know our bones can grow back together?

(I then went into a description of how they heal using my hands and fingers to show a break and then how they come together/fuse back together. Then I told him it was my turn.)

me: (rushing while e was interrupting) I'm thankful for a nice dinner.

e: I'm thankful for Jesus healing your back.

me: (again rushing while e giggled to get his in) I'm thankful for you.

(And then I stepped it up a notch and started naming a bunch of people.)

me: Daddy, Janine, Pop, LaLa, Grandma, Papa Joe, Uncle CJ, Great Gran, Aunt Celine, Our Church Family......(by this time he's really silly and laughing).

e: I'm thankful for my Daddy creating my house.

me: Oh e! That's wonderful! I've gotta tell your Daddy that one, that's so sweet.

e: (very seriously) You know...we have bones and they heal. (Gesturing with his hands) they go like this and then we put soil with them and they grow back together.

me: (I said nothing but rather made mental note of blogging this entry.)

e: Why do you have that in your hair?

me: It's my barrette that keeps my bangs out of my eyes.

(And after a long pause and time of me convincing e it was time to go to bed e says this to me:)

e: I'll hold your hair back Mommy so it's not in your eyes.

e you are such a sweet boy.

love you son, good night.

A Short List Of Great Words

2009-08-22T21:03:00.003-05:00

E has been using some great words lately, he uses them properly in a sentence and can give me their definition.

Delicate
Participate
Similar
Disgusting

Just A Few...

2009-08-05T21:24:00.009-05:00

This recent photo was taken at his Daddy's. I love it.

Just a few things said and asked today:

Although I realize this question is inevitable, it still won't ever be an easy one to answer. On the car ride home from school today e asked why Daddy and I don't live together and that he wished we all lived in one home.
Tonight at dinner I was singing a silly song. When I couldn't remember the words e reminded me; "Daddy is a greater knower". Me: "your Daddy is a great knower, I'll have to ask him". (Hey Daddy do you know the lime in the coconut song? What are the words?) By the end of dinner e had made up the words, "you put the lime in the coconut and I don't know" (repeat). Pretty funny.
e and I took a walk after dinner. I pushed him in the stroller not the wagon tonight. We were going over bumpy sidewalks when he said, "we need to get Ewan here." I questioned what made him think of Ewan and he said, "remember Mommy how Ewan and I laugh when we go over the bumps in our wagon?" I love his little memory. Ewan and family we miss you.

The Start Of A Collection

2009-07-17T08:51:00.007-05:00

My Latest Design Experiment

2009-07-16T17:12:00.009-05:00

This is a photograph of my latest design experiment with fabric and paper. For my girlfriend Daniella, I made her a headband for her Birthday. Here is a close-up of the flower details of the second headband I designed.

I've decided to do more handmade gifts being inspired by so many new design trends and by my pocket book. With less money going into my "gift" budget I've managed to create two designs for two dear friends. The other design, that is still in testing after making a batch that only half survived, is the "Little Abbie". This feather barrette needs a little more attention to detail before going out to the masses (see below).

I'd like to say that I'll make lots of these and give Etsy a try but I'd rather keep my expectations low and surprise myself. I'm known to have lots of big ideas and not follow through, it's my design handicap.

I hope to follow this entry with many more designs along with a creative direction. I think it will be fun to get a group of girls together of all ages to do a little photo shoot with some of these pieces. While laid up in bed with a horrible cold I've managed to get quite a few flowers created so let's see where this goes...shall we? Instead of "see ya", I'll say "stay tuned".

This is me at Abbie's 30th Birthday wearing a "Little Abbie".

My table setting on HGTV

2009-07-08T00:11:00.005-05:00

By accident this evening I found this link:

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/table-setting-inspiration/page3.html

I was doing a Google search to see if you can connect to this blog by searching my name. I'm still learning all the in's and out's to Blogger and was wondering how easy others can connect if they don't have the proper URL. To my surprise was this little blurb on my table design.

On Flickr I have a few of my photographs and designs. I sent this image to a HGTV group I joined but didn't know it would be picked up and written about. I love what they had to say, it made me smile that they highlighted the design.

The Office

2009-07-02T23:36:00.005-05:00

Ummm, what? Huh? Is this a post?
...yes, yes it is! And after I share this story I'll post a long list of events I need to cover!

When I picked up e from school today I saw that this evenings teacher was a substitute so she didn't have much to report during her short shift, so I asked e how his day was.

After offering to hold his graham cracker he started sharing a story that quickly got him flustered. It started off with him saying he "didn't do anything wrong", or "bad" or "naughty" which I of course questioned. He then stopped at a little lounge area, sat down on the couch and told me, "me and Ms. Ann had a 'serious' talk today". He didn't want to share the details of this "serious talk". I got down to his level and told him how it takes courage to tell the truth and that I wanted him to speak from his heart. Yes, I seriously say those words to him for those perhaps giggling or taking notes.

The story jumped around a little but I did clearly get that he ran from Ms. Ann and had to go to the office. We passed by the office on our way out and I asked the girls up at the front desk if they knew anything about his bad behavior today. One woman with a soulful voice said, "ummmmm hmmmm, I know he did something but I didn't get the details". The other woman stopped and shared a bit more to help put his pieces together. Apparently children who jump from cot to cot in the classroom during nap time get to go have some "quiet time" in the office so they don't disrupt other children's sleep.

I told e as we walked out to the car that we needed to call and talk to Daddy, tell him honestly what happened, he hesitated at first then agreed. We continued to talk a little bit about what is the "right and wrong" thing to do. He told me he appologized and then decided to compare and contrast the "serious talk" he had with Ms. Ann to some of our "serious talks". Then without skipping a beat shared that at Daddy's he "doesn't have any 'serious talks' with Daddy"... I had to stop myself from laughing!

We had a great rest of the evening. e called his Father and shared the news (well, I did then he did). He's apologized not only to the teacher but to both his Father and I so I've laid it to rest. Nothing like getting called to the office for the first time. Can't wait to see Ms. Ann on Monday and get her version of the day.

Now for the list of blogs I MUST get to writing:
(Not in any special order and I'm certain I'm missing thousands in between)

Mother's Day
Our trip to England
A shift in our schedules
Your audition
Your theatrics
Easter 2009

Roast Beef

2009-05-04T08:23:00.005-05:00

I told myself that when I revived this blog my first entry would be titled "Roast Beef".
Entry no. 3 in 2009
Title: Roast Beef
Story:
There are tons of changes happening in our lives right now and in the recent past. I'll get to all of them one of these days but this story MUST be a priority. It's simple really but does need a little explanation up front.

e's father has sold his home and they are moving to a home that used to be his Grandfather's (a home he lived in when he was younger for a short period of time). e's father is looking forward to this new beginning and is ready to try on new things. One of those new things is gardening and perhaps raising a chicken or two. How yummy to have fresh eggs!!

Sharing the news with e, his father asked him what he'd like to name his chicken. Without skippping a beat e said, "Roast Beef"! "Perfect", said his father. I think so too, PERFECT! Now I'm just waiting for the move and for the purchase. I can't wait to go visit their new home and take a picture of Roast Beef. Be sure to look for that entry.

Giggles,
e's Mommy

Mod Sale

2009-04-27T21:19:00.005-05:00

Simple~thoughtful~handmade Design.
Recent finds at a Danish Modern Garage Sale.

Putting 2009 on the map!

2009-04-27T11:47:00.005-05:00

Easter 2009_We missed you.

This one's for you Ewan!

2008-12-17T17:23:00.002-06:00

It's getting a little old how I start off blog entries with "it's been too long", "this is way past due". I need to come up with another way of saying "sometimes it's impossible to find the time". Well, it is currently "impossible" to find the time to blog. I have so many I need to write, for example, 1. About our family the Scott's moving back to England and 2. I started a new job...well, new/old. Zipatoni is now Rivet and they offered me a job that I took back on November 12th. 3. Our trip to Tallahassee for Thanksgiving, 4. Crying about #1 and 2, ok, just a little bit of crying about #2, we are unusually busy for the season but I'm keeping a float!

So with all this said..."This one's for you Ewan!" This one is for you! I will be starting a label titled "Ewan" and it will be all the fun recordings e and I want you to hear. This one we did the other day cause we were missing you. Enjoy!

History and Grace

2008-11-07T07:08:00.003-06:00

I felt it was important to take time out to write about a day we recently had, this day will go down in history. On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 we elected the first African American President to the United States. I am so proud to be part of such history. I downloaded a transcript of his speech (making a word document out of it) and now I see I can not attach it. As I write, I will debate on including it as a whole or grabbing some of the many touching parts.

It was the very next day that I saw a man walking into the post office that sparked much of what I want to write in this entry. This man was probably around 75-85 years old, even without the best posture he walked with such pride and his skin was a beautiful shade of brown. As he walked by and we both smiled I got into my car and cried. I started thinking about all the reactions to this election. His, mine, and those who are angry. I've been listening either on the news or even on (this great way to communicate) Facebook and the responses are, well, alarming. These reactions started me thinking....

I'm not sure how many that read this are faithful and I'm not sure you even need to be to understand some of my thoughts and feelings. I think that it is important to write them down for many reasons, mainly for my little boy. However, if grace stirs in your heart...that's wonderful!

We before conception, I'm fairly certain, were not in heaven looking down and choosing our social demographic, color of skin and parents. So when we're born we are who we've been chosen to be (or for some the luck of the draw). Do we as humans choose to be a) a little girl with dark skin who will one day be asked to sit in the back of the bus? b) a little white boy who's father touches him inappropriately? c) a rich, brown skinned little boy who fights daily with his heritage because both sides are unexcepting? or d) a little white girl who's raised by her nanny rather than her parents because they are driven to the almighty dollar vs. loving their daughter?

Guess what Americans you didn't get to choose who you were. You do however get to choose who you are. And yes, you get to choose who you are regardless of how you were raised (another blessed choice). I believe we all were carefully crafted beautifully and placed just where each of us needed to be. I believe God gave us his son to cleanse us of our sins so that the sinful choices we do make have already been forgiven. His hope is that we learn from those choices and not live with blame but rather a soft heart that is full of forgiveness (and I'm not ignoring accountability). We need to learn what it is to be a "good person", for if you took a poll I'm certain you'd get slightly different answers or those from our commandments. And those who quote the commandments are especially interesting when they then decide that how we got those commandments are bogus, better yet some should apply and others not so much.

Where is your heart? Are you full of pride because you grew up in a large home and received everything you wanted? Are you full of anger because you didn't grow up that way? Did my son choose to be raised in a split home where his Mommy and Daddy no longer love each other that way anymore? Did your neighbor choose to be dark skinned only to have people hate him because of it?

I think I'll come back to this. It's time to get ready for tumble class with my boy. He's been wiggling around for me to finish so I will close for now asking any who read this to think about what I've said. I didn't write this to spark debate on faith but rather for you to stop and think about the very simple question, did you get to choose who you started out to be? The answer is NO. Let's give ourselves and each other some heart filled grace. I bet you'll see the world differently and feel lighter as a result.

(I'll post the transcript of details of it later.)

A Special Gift For A Special Friend

2008-10-29T15:08:00.008-05:00

e and Ewan just turned 3. As you see from the Birthday post the theme was trucks. On their invite I created out of construction paper a garbage truck. Here is one I created out of fabric.

This was Ewan's Birthday gift from e and I. I will be making another one for e soon. When Aunt C came to visit she brought e an iron-on to wear on his Birthday but it didn't quite come out as she had hoped. So on his gray hoodie I will be making another for him (covering up the iron-on). That picture is to come. We love you Ewan!

The Boys Celebrate Their 3rd!

2008-10-26T20:22:00.012-05:00

This is the invitation for the boys, Karl helped with the typography this year.

e and Ewan celebrated their 3rd Birthdays together again this year. We had a great time! This year was so special for many reasons, some I will share now and others I will share in a post at a later date.

We celebrated at the park with a few very close friends and family. The kids enjoyed the truck theme with hard hats and all! Louise and my Mom (Grandma) made really yummy treats. This year was super special because Celine was able to come in town and celebrate with us. Celine, my cousin e's second cousin lives in Tallahassee. She's Aunt C to e. It was a really fun visit. e continues to talk about his time with her. We will be seeing her soon this November along with Aunt Lo, Papa Joe, Great Gran and lots more family and friends.

Here are some fun pics from the day.
Thank you to everyone who was able to come!

Pumpkin muffins with cream cheese icing with trucks on top!

Thank you Celine for the hard hats! I made the trash cans with Oscar on top filled with Oreo dirt and gummy worms. P.S. The Oreo cookies were the healthy version, the worms...not so much.

Our handsome boys!

All the kids minus Poppi she didn't feel like getting her picture taken.

After the party we came back to the house and had lunch together. The boys continued to play, here are some videos of their fun.

E was doctoring Ewan. This video cracks me up...how he tells him how he feels and that he has a present for him.

The boys singing.

The boys drawing their birthday cake. Lots and lots of icing.

This year e celebrated his third Birthday a couple of times. Not only did we celebrate as a family with Ewan but his Daddy and Janine threw him a second party in the park.

e's Daddy surprised him that morning with a brand new bike, with training wheels! He does so well! On his actual day we celebrated again with Ewan, Louise, Anya, Grandma, John and Kara. It was a perfect day with those we love. And John was the perfect punching bag! The boys love ruff housing with him. Thanks guys for being with us!

Wheels On The Bus...

2008-10-09T09:28:00.004-05:00

go round and round, round and round, round and round the wheels on the bus go round and round all around the town. |E's version| The Mommy's on the bus go I love you, I love you, I love you, the Mommy's on the bus go I love you all around the town!

Great Weekend Started With A Happy Friday

2008-10-05T21:00:00.004-05:00

This week was the first of a new schedule at work. I am now working 4-day work weeks. This is truly an answer to prayer...many, many where I would hope for more time with my boy. Even though he is almost 3 (putting his father's and I separation at 2.5 years) I still struggle from time to time with the time we share. Knowing it's amazing time with his father, it's been hard not to have a day with E without any obligations. Our custody arrangements are not the typical every other weekend scenario, my days with E have always been with filled commitments.

Prior to Friday I looked into a tumble class for E. He loves the commercials by The Little Gym. So after doing some research I enrolled him into their gymnastics classes. Friday was our first day and he was truly thrilled. He did a great job. Nervous (only at first) of the tallest balance beam he ran to every aperatus and defeated any fear. He swung on the uneven bars, bear walked on the parallel bars. E did forward rolls with ease and walked the balance beam only having his one hand in mind, the other out and his eyes not focused down but forward. His skills caught his teachers attention. It was a joy to watch him. The rest of the day was spent with his best buddy Ewan. Louise and I look forward to sharing our Fridays and continuing to grow the boys friendship.

This evening after dinner E and I decided to make our own holiday decorations. E loves to get out his scissors.
Our creation:

It was a perfect evening with the house opened enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

E, I had a lovely weekend with you. I look forward to our Fridays together!

Where does one start?...

2008-09-26T13:08:00.005-05:00

With September over in a few days, I see that my last entry was September 2nd so I'm beyond overdue for a post. I think this is a record for the least amount of entries in a month. And truth be told, there was a lot this month to talk about but time escaped me and now I must get creative on what to share and where to start....

I'll start at the beginning of the month with our travels. Early this month e went on his first "Hunt Vacation". His Daddy took him to the lake, a place that holds special memories for him as a child so I know it meant a lot to take his boy there. e, Bull Shoals lake is a special place for many reasons. Not only is it a place that carries a lot of history of your father's family but I learned it holds history of mine as well. Your great great grandfather helped build the dam and maintained cabins there many many years ago. This was my father's mother's father. I'll never forget how excited your Great Gran was to know I was traveling there, she has fond memories of that place as well.

Your Daddy told me you traveled pretty well during the long 4 hour drive down. You were met with more of your family there, Lala, Pop, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Christy. From the photos and video taken it looked like you had an amazing time. Not to mention how you continue to talk to this day about how much fun you had. The wind in your hair, how the boat went fast, your new friend, everything spoken so quickly you can barely get it all out. Don't worry, I'm certain you'll spend a lot more time down at the lake.

While you were traveling I also made a special trip with Andrea to Boston to visit our friends Sara and Ana. It was a good visit, a healthy, blessed one supporting our friend who needed to be with her girlfriends. One day my boy you will have friends you care for so deeply that when they hurt you'll find the way to be there right by their side. It was such a great trip that it deserves its own entry titled "loving your friends" (I smile).

The time away was good and I was so happy to receive so many reports of how you were doing. You would jump on the phone and ask if I was still in Boston or if I was home now. You would share something fun from that day and then quickly jump off the phone to get to your next activity. My favorite call was one you left in my voice mail saying that you loved and missed me and good night. I thanked your Daddy for that one, I would listen to it every night while we were apart. I speak of this time apart because it was our first time being apart for that long. It was hard but it was great for the both of us!

It seems like the month went by quickly after traveling. We quickly got back on schedule and filled our weekends visiting with friends. Hence why I'm just now writing during a lunch break because it's the best available time. Some other fun September news would be:

You got a handsome haircut.
You went to a Balloon glow (second year, this year with fireworks...you love this!).
Had a candle light dinner with Grandma.
Started having private book time where you're enjoying reading your books alone.
Although your Birthday isn't until next month, you've starting sharing already that you are 3.
Your best buddy Ewan has been missing you so much that he walks around with an invisible e friend.
I received a final email at work stating that our office is going to a 4-day work week! This means I get a wonderful full Friday with you that we'll spend at The Little Gym in a tumble class and having great visits with your buddy Ewan. We'll replace the imaginary e with the real one!
You are definitely coming "into your own". It's been a difficult time with you but a memorable one. A time where I'm not only learning a lot about you but about myself as well. I'm learning to give you grace and patience. Yes, even when I'm dishing out the discipline I'm full of love and learning! I'm also learning during trying times with you that your father and I are truly on board together raising you. Although we don't live under the same roof, we connect daily keeping each other informed of behaviors and disciplines so that we don't confuse you with different methods. We're parenting together and several times this month I've shared that we're doing about as best as you can get for a "divided family". I hope e, you grow up feeling this togetherness rather than ever feeling split apart.

I'll work on doing better next month. It's going to be a busy a October. Birthday's, family visits and holidays. Love you e!

Momos

2008-09-02T21:28:00.005-05:00

Tonight was a special treat night with e.

Tonight e and I went to dinner together because tomorrow I leave for Boston. e and I will be traveling but this time separate. I will be traveling to Boston and e will be going to the lake with his Daddy. I know we are both going to have memorable times but I have to admit I've never been away from him for this long so my heart aches already.

We've been talking about our separate trips and he communicates the differences very well. He asked if I was going to be with him at the lake and I shared that I wouldn't be but rather traveling with Andrea to Boston to see Sara and Ana. I told him if he misses me he can always see me in his minds eye and he could always call me.

I forget if I've blogged about his "minds eye", I'll look for that entry and either link up to it later or write about it when I have more time. It's pretty cute and very effective. I want to write tonight about our dinner at Momos.

We went to Momos, a tapas style restaurant. He likes it there because of its Moroccan feel. Some of the booths are like couches (as he describes). We sat right next to each other and ordered the following: shrimp kabobs, hummus, potatoes and flaming cheese. For dessert we ordered chocolate ice cream. Not only did he eat that line up but he tried a katamala olive and ate two along with cucumbers and tomatoes dipped in his hummus.

When we ordered the flaming cheese he watched wide eyed as the cheese went up into flames. I prepped him for "op ah" but he ended up burring his head in my lap cause it was too much attention. Later he got to see someone else order it, he looked, listened and then asked me "what does 'op ah' mean?" Not knowing the answer I asked our waiter, he didn't know either so he asked another...it means "hooray" or "cheers". So e would take his cucumber dipped in hummus and "op ah" mine or our drinks or our shrimp...it was pretty cute.

After dinner we went to the bar to watch the fish in the big aquarium. Then we said good night to all the pretty ladies at the bar along with the wait staff.

e,
I loved our night together. I'm going to miss you very much. Have a wonderful time with your Daddy and family. I can't wait to hear all about it when we both return.
I love you bunches!
Mommy

Classical

2008-08-28T21:28:00.003-05:00

e has really taken to classical music. Ever since he was a baby I have been playing it in the car. I've always enjoyed listening to the music even though I don't know much about its history. e has labeled the channel, the violin station.

Lately when we've been listening I've been putting a story behind the music. As I mentioned I don't know the composers well so I use my imagination. To name a few examples...The high pitched, rhythmic sounds are mice or ants. The low, slow horns a fox, wolf, or bear. The stringed instruments can also take on an environment like a storm or sunny day. I will start the story and e will chime in adding in his little details.

One day I heard a piece that sounded very familiar, yet I couldn't figure out from where. I started my make-believe illustrations and then thought I was listening to Peter And The Wolf. I then shifted the illustrations to fit the story and when the piece was finished it was announced as being from Fantasia. Ah! I had recognized it but put the wrong story to it. I then got excited and told e what the music's illustrations really were and that I would rent for him the Disney movie. He thought it was pretty silly to hear about dishes, bubbles and brooms dancing.

The other day after picking e up from school he asked if I would turn on the "mouse" song. I didn't understand his request until he asked again calling it the "mouse and wolf" song. Ah, he wanted the classical station and immediately wanted to imagine the illustrations.

What is also so fantastic is that e will listen to the music and match the characters mood to the compositions. If the music sounds somber, he will ask why the mouse is sad. Or when the music is loud with cymbals and drums he will say that the mouse is scared cause the wolf is coming to get him. He pays close attention to the musical notes and generates an emotion that I believe is wonderfully fitting.

I recommend when driving with e to turn on the classical station. Ask him what he hears, perhaps help him with his choice of characters and watch/listen to his imagination grow. I look forward to our stories. I look forward to him playing an instrument one day.

Juicy e!

2008-08-25T20:54:00.008-05:00

This week you can visit: http://publicbroadcasting.net/kwmu/arts.artsmain

e had a great time with Daddy, Janine, Kris, Nikki and Poppi at Eckerts picking peaches. This was one of the shots I posted to his Flickr site and sent to the group KWMU, St. Louis Life. They selected it to be the photo of the week.

This shot of Ewan and e playing at Tower Grove was selected about a year ago.

Do you think he needs a portfolio?

Thanks KWMU!

Singing In The Rain At Grandma's House Part II

2008-08-25T09:51:00.002-05:00

Part II...yes, he's pretty Glorious!

Singing In The Rain At Grandma's House Part I

2008-08-25T09:26:00.009-05:00

e and I had a great weekend. He was super busy with both his Daddy and I. Saturday night we headed over to spend the night with Grandma. I can't quite seem to understand why as soon as I walk in the door I get an overwhelming feeling of LAZY! e and Gran headed off to play and I made my way to the couch to watch loads and loads of cable!

These videos are after e's bath. Gran taught e "Singing In The Rain". This is him being hilariously adorable singing his new song.

Enjoy!

(Just made the decision to make a Part I and II look at both entries!)

Note: These are large files. I don't have QuickTime Pro to downsize them for web. So grab yourself a drink while they upload.

Old Skool On Facebook

2008-08-19T16:59:00.003-05:00

It's been a lot of fun catching up with old friends on Facebook. So much fun lately because Brent James has been taking old mix tapes he's found and generating these podcasts. As he would post the notes he would tag friends that would enjoy music from the good-ol-days. It was fun to watch everyone post their thank yous and beg for more (my self included). As I read replies this image came to mind. It's my new profile pic.

It's been fun! Enjoy the music from my childhood.

http://www.brentalanjames.com/podcast25.mp3

http://www.brentalanjames.com/podcast34.mp3

http://www.brentalanjames.com/podcast48.mp3

Thank You Friends

2008-08-17T20:34:00.006-05:00

I realize that some posts (like the last entry) are more for me, "the mommy" than fun to read. I know his voice and see his facial expressions and am constantly amazed at everything I forget and wish I would have written down. Before I sat down and wrote that last entry I swore I had twelve more moments but they all slipped my mind. And for that reason is why I blog, I don't want everything lost in my memory.

This weekend was a great one spent with loving friends. It started Friday night with a girls night for me. e enjoyed his Saturday with Daddy in the park (our weather here has been crazy beautiful, highs of 80 and lows of 60) and I enjoyed spending time over at the Mowery's with Daniella too. Later that night Rachel invited us to stay for dinner and spend the night. The Mowery's somewhat recently moved to my old neighborhood the one that e's Daddy still lives in. I miss the neighborhood for the very reason that on Saturday I was able to walk over to pick up e from Rachel's house. I took the wagon and rolled him back for our slumber party.

Our last slumber party over at the Mowery's didn't go so well. At midnight we had to leave because e's molars were hurting him terribly. It was easier and more comfortable for him to go home than for us to run out to Walgreens making the slumber a success. This time we were free of painful molars. e, Ella and Simon played wonderfully together and the night was a great evening spent with great friends.

While observing the kids playing (e almost 3, Ella just turned 4 and Simon 2 in Dec.) I loved the imagination and imitations. I've been encouraging e to read on his own. We read a lot together and he does a fantastic job reading to me but the alone time is what isn't developing yet. Ella is wonderful at reading; taking several books, curling up in a corner and creating her own stories from memorization and from the illustrations. I was able to watch e do the same thing. At bed time after they were washed up I took e and Ella downstairs for story time. Story time consisted of both of them each with their own pile not only reading to themselves but each other. Finally it was my turn with The Cat In The Hat so I quickly jump over this word and that completing it in a timely manner.

They played monster imagination, they danced to (one of my all time favorite soundtracks) Pretty and Pink, read books and e even let Ella play beauty shop with his luscious hair. All the while Rachel and I had great adult conversation and catch up time. There is nothing like your girlfriends! There is nothing like friendship e! Thank you friends!

(As we left and were giving love to our friends, Ella hugged e and said, "I'm going to miss you"...we'll see you soon my friend!)

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2008-08-13T21:47:00.004-05:00

I'm overdue, it has been a busy couple of weeks. I have several entries I want to write but haven't managed my time to write them. So tonight before I go to bed I'd like to share some recent "favorite things":

Lately with great enthusiasm e will say, "I've got a great idea!"
I'm quite certain I've been over allowing e to watch the Bee Movie cause he's certain we have one in our home. Every morning he speaks of "the bee" he saw.
I got to go on a field trip with e for the first time to Grant's Farm. It was a fun day! We got to feed the animals and watch a elephant poop and pee...more to come on the outing.
I recently saw a cute pic of a friends daughter in the tub. The water was shallow enough so that she could lay flat and her hair made for fun/silly Medusa like pics. Why I hadn't thought of this for our bath time routine and rising e's hair...I don't know? He gets such a kick out of it. He'll let the water go, swirling it to help it down the drain. He'll lay back testing the depth and with patience wait for just the right height. Note: It's great for rising the soap out without water in the eyes.

As you can see they don't have to be big things, it's the little things that are repeated daily; new words forming sentences, imagination, adventure, poop and silly water play.

Love you e.

A Roman Original

2008-08-03T21:40:00.006-05:00

I continue to truly enjoy getting to know so many wonderful families at Jubilee. My friendship with Sara and Roman is growing. They have two adorable little girls, one close in age with e so they get to play from time to time. Roman is an Architect. Sara an Educator and amazing Mother.

I invite you to see their blogs here:
http://rowaz.blogspot.com/
http://thereshegrows.blogspot.com

My friend Karl sent me Roman's blog where he keeps his gallery of work. I fell in love with his artistry and I can now proudly say that I'm an owner of a Roman original.

Elevation III
If you couldn't tell, this is a painting of my dream home.

Thank you both! I will cherish it!

It's Complete!

2008-08-02T22:41:00.006-05:00

My other Craigslist find...a brand new Ikea bed (not the one I originally wanted) that I didn't have to drive to Chicago to get. I met a girl who was moving back to Japan and needed to sell her lovely new platform bed. It's perfect and completes e's room.

He was very happy to see it when he came home from Daddy's.

Lollipop, Lollipop!

2008-07-31T10:20:00.005-05:00

So last nights post was too lengthy, so I share this story today.

This is e and his special lollipop treat.

Potty training e was actually rather easy. I've written about this before. I was more nervous about it than he was, worrying about when I would find the time. I didn't have to reward him with special these and that's, for him it was more about the games we'd play on the potty.

What I did start doing though is giving him a special treat if he came home in the same underwear as he went to school in. I thought it would be a nice reward for an accident free school day. I bought these lollipops at Trader Joes. They are colored with natural ingredients like turmeric for the yellow and beet juice for the red. No yellow #4 crappies!

Anyway, he loves them... We also sing the song together... You know the song where at the end of it you make the pop noise in your cheek?

This photo is of him having his lollipop while watching The Bee Movie while I cook dinner. When I asked him if it was watermelon flavored he just looked at me and said... e: "Noooooo! It's not a watermelon Mommy!"

So What Do You Think About That?

2008-07-30T20:35:00.010-05:00

Tonight has been full of fun. So much so that this post will be a collage of it all.

First, I will start with the end of the evening. I'm doing this so that I can properly script our evenings prayers. When e and I say prayers we always start with giving thanks and end with blessing family, friends, pets or even perhaps his toys around the room. The routine is such that I say the thank you part and he names the names. Well tonight was different, e asked to say the thank you part and I say the names. It went a little something like this...
e: thank you Jesus for I like that I'm better, I feel better. And I took a nap at Daddy's house. And I saw a dinosaur. /saying to me/ your prayers? yeah? Okay.
me: Daddy
e: Good, okay
me: Mommy /his same response/Elliott.../and on and on/

See, last night was a Daddy night and when I give thanks I always say for a nice time at Daddy's house. So his version was remembering that he slept there and then taking it further to remembering (giving thanks for) the weekend at the Science Center and making a dinosaur at Build-A-Bear. And the "okay" part, he's been saying this a lot lately as to give confirmation that it was a good thought, suggestion, comment etc. And I always say "good" after he names a name so that's where he got that part.

It's just so sweet to hear him and then to know that he's caught on to giving thanks before we launch into our needs and wants. I'll have to record him sometime, narrating it just doesn't give it justice.

Earlier this evening was the first time I heard him ask me "so, what do you think about that?". It was to a line-up of the evening; when we were to play, eat dinner and so forth. He placed it all nice and neatly into his own order of favorites and then asked me my thoughts. Pretty cute.

After dinner he decided he wanted to take pictures. Not the kind on the computer but with my camera. It was sitting out, grabbed his attention and so I decided to coach him on proper handling and shooting. Here are a few he took...

Lastly, I had to catch on camera his maternal instincts. You would think I have another baby in my belly and I've been preparing him for a sibling. He's been taking to his animals and now a baby doll so much and caring for them so intently. I can't help but watch him and get a little melancholy that I can not give him a brother or sister now. I would truly love to e.

We can pray to Jesus, "what do you think about that" ? ; )

Art Camp Installation

2008-07-30T16:27:00.007-05:00

I believe the camp was a success. I am very thankful to all the OneBlazers who helped and all those behind the scenes!

This is a photograph of the installation (that is currently up for the rest of the week) along with the entire team of helpers and my students.

Once the installation is down, I will salvage some pieces to make a permanent piece. I will also complete the (ever-so-late) piece from last year. My hope is that every year we create a work of art that will forever hang on the walls of Jubilee.

Enjoy!

2008 Jubilee Art Camp

2008-07-24T21:19:00.009-05:00

I have had the fortunate opportunity to work the Jubilee Art Camp again this year. The camp started on Wednesday and will end on Friday. My days have been; work, teach and Mommy.

It's been a rather hectic week, e was sick at the beginning of it. I prayed I wouldn't catch what he had because I had no back up and 33 children on my roster. I've survived day two and am ready for tomorrow.

Here are some pictures I took today. The children seem to be truly enjoying themselves. Day one we worked on a large watercolor mural (which you will see in the background of some of the pictures). Today was a day of sculpture. Tomorrow will start with a sand sculpture project and end with an installation. We will take all of our creations and install them, leaving them up for two weeks. The children will participate in this event so that they understand the importance of presentation.

We not only create Art in my classroom but speak to the pieces and exhibit them. To be a true Artist you must be able to speak about the work you've created and present it well. I look forward to the pictures I will take tomorrow and meeting the parents. We've invited family and friends. The installation will be up for several weeks in hopes many will return to see it.

This camp was free but the work generated out of it....priceless! It's amazing to watch such talent in these children. I was even blessed with some children with special needs. Their approach to their crafts was truly amazing to watch. I continue to learn from the students I teach, thank you!

e Hunt Tooted

2008-07-22T21:09:00.002-05:00

(Click on the title...it will take you to the audio)

Ok, this was too silly to pass up.

e was home sick today and we were getting a little stir crazy. This is what we did for fun.

Enjoy!

P.S. I repeated it twice at the end if you missed it.

Fun Photos To Share

2008-07-19T16:07:00.003-05:00

This photo is of e after we set up Ewan Fish's tank. I asked him if he was happy he had a pet fish.

This photo is the first one e has ever took with my camera. I took a picture of him so he wanted to take a picture of me. He held it well and this is what he took.

Then e decided he wanted to take another photo so this is one he took of his horse.

This is our new armoire I found off of Craigslist. An amazing deal from a very sweet family I met who are moving overseas. I'm so happy to hide the television away now.

A New Addition To Our Family...

2008-07-18T09:41:00.006-05:00

...meet Ewan Fish.

Although e's Birthday isn't for several months, I have managed to finish his Birthday shopping and gave him one of the two presents yesterday. Ewan Fish is an early Birthday present. Because of my continued guilt of e not having a pet at Mommy's house (e has Lola at his Daddy's house, a miniature Dotson) I bought him a Beta fish.

Yesterday I had to go see my printer and next door is a pet store. I got in my car, thought about it, drove away discouraging myself and then backed up the car to go in and make the purchase. Yes, that pet store was going nowhere but I felt the need to buy him a fish.

I was able to pick up e from school early. Excited, I showed him his surprise in the car after he was unsuccessful at guessing. First it was "a special treat?" then "a shirt?" so wa-la I pulled out his new fish. After discouraging him to hold the bag of water in the car, I put it back in the front seat safely with me and asked him to think of a name for his new pet.

After awhile I asked him if he had decided on a name, he said:
"Probably I name him Ewan Fish."
Me: "Your new fish's name is Ewan Fish?"
e: "Yes, that's a very nice name."

So welcome Ewan Fish to our family.

Good Morning Acrobats!

2008-07-15T13:21:00.003-05:00

So this morning...guess what I woke to...

This morning I got up quietly, tiptoed to the shower and managed to bathe without a child peeping in. Shortly thereafter I heard a little voice "Mommy", I went into his room and there he was with a huge grin on his face. I went to him gave him lots of love and said "Good morning".

Just then he started doing acrobats, yes, a little leg here and kick-out there. I commented "Wow, those are some stretches!" He started to giggle and then arabesqued off his bed to show me another which was a leap on one foot. e: "Look at this one Mommy".

Now that's what I'm talking about! These are the mornings that erase a good week of disobedience!

Probably

2008-07-14T20:59:00.006-05:00

e has been displaying a lot of separation anxiety lately. I've noticed this "other personality" coming in along with the back left molar. I'm hoping I can just blame it on the tooth and once it's in say goodbye to the attitude...one can hope.

The truth is it just might be a phase that comes with the ever-so-close age of 3. If so I might be whining A LOT in my entries, I'll apologize now to those of you who pop in from time to time. Thankfully I am blessed with beautiful Mothers who will write me words of encouragement and send me to other blogs where my issues seem like a walk in the park. A little ruthless that we get pleasure from other Mothers with the same if not worse parenting issues but in all serious, to know you are not alone...so much comfort! (...hey, guess what, I'm winging it too!)

Tonight was a good night after I literally wrestled him to the ground in laughter cause all I was hearing was whining and for me to pick him up. "Mommy hold me!" It was either that or me in full on tears. We were home, him and me, home, me here going nowhere and yet I needed to "hold him" as I walked to the bathroom and even better, then he wanted to sit on my lap as I peed! e in full on tears mode as I tried to use the restroom. So I picked him up, body slammed in on his bed and began to tickle until he begged me to stop.

After dinner and a bath we crawled in bed early for plenty of snuggle/quiet time. This is where I truly enjoyed hearing all about his day, reading books and prayers. Story 1: Apparently today a little girl named Zarya "yelled" at him not to play with her house but he "wanted to". We read a few books one in particular where you have to find the set of items within a picture. e is really good at this, he is very detail oriented and when locating the images it went a little something like this..."this is probably going to be hard to find, ah! here it is" pointing to it correctly in 2.2 seconds. Probably is his new word that he really enjoys using. For another example: "I probably need to play some more" or "I probably can't clean that up right now". Perhaps I should speak to his level and tell him that "Mommy is probably about to loose her marbles if he doesn't do as he's told".

I love you e!

Almost Complete

2008-07-12T21:04:00.006-05:00

As I said I would, I'm posting e's finished room (well, finished until I make a trip to IKEA). I've also posted a picture of mine (which was e's old room). It's almost complete too. The only detail left for me to do is the wall decal. As seen on the other photo, this is Blik's Gerbera. It is in a true gold metallic and should look really nice on the dark chocolate walls.

I will make a trip to IKEA so that one day e's couch (couch bed) will be a real couch and he'll have a real bed. I'll purchase the twin size of mine. Then when we have guests they can take my room and I can bunk with e. I think the rooms are turning out nicely.

e was super excited to see his tent in his room. Although I'm sitting outside right now and could use a sweater, yes a sweater in the summer time (cold front)! It gets too hot for the tent outside. This way it will get played with lots.

Night, Night.

Sing, Sing A Song, Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong!

2008-07-11T11:52:00.004-05:00

Double click on the title of this entry to hear e singing his song...several times.

This is a test to see if I properly linked e singing his ABC's! Here it goes!

Sorry to Rant...

2008-07-08T16:19:00.004-05:00

but it's my blog.

There are days (like today) where I find it so hard to be a single Mommy and full-time professional. My morning went a little something like this...

Waking up a little late due to two 5 minute snoozes. Thinking I can jump in the shower cause e isn't up yet. Right as I'm about to step in I hear him (he slept in a little), I think I'll go ahead and jump in anyway and pray for patience with his morning milk. I'm in, he's at the shower not happy that he is without milk PLUS the water is ever so slightly touching him. I scurry only to get razor burn cause you can't scurry a good shave and hop out to get him some milk.

My getting ready time is fast, I think we're in good shape to actually get to school and work on time since yesterday I was way off. I get his shoes on. Why should I get his shoes on? Why should I put his clothes on? Why thread his belt? He is completely capable of clothing himself. BUT if I do this we will not hit our "time" to get out the door. He then continues to prolong potty time insisting that his body isn't "telling him". Which by the way, he is listening so well to his body (I know several people who could take note). His potty training is, well, perfect. He takes such ownership of it so I can't force the issue. Well, not forcing means off-schedule.

As we stepped to the potty our timing was already thrown and the kicker...I undid HIS belt. Melt down #2 (I'm calling no immediate milk #1). And this is what made me so sad, he SHOULD be allowed to undo his belt. He shouldn't be rushed to get from here to there. I'm all for schedule (as all of you who will read this know) so it's definitely not a case scenario where e is ruling the house. Times like "do it for him" vs. "let him do it himself" shouldn't even be in question but they are due to the reality that there isn't another I can beg to help while I work at getting presentable and e works on being independent.

Then in my rushed state opening the door, he yells from the bathroom "don't leave me Mommy", this isn't acceptable! NOPE! Never should these words ever leave his mouth. So I stop lean down to his level and ask him to come to me. Because he thinks he's in trouble he's dashing every other direction. After hollering about punishments and choices he comes so that I can stop to talk to him about understanding I'd NEVER leave him. I realize he's probably not meaning it the way it sounds but kinda is so I just strongly felt it needed some attention.

Then rain. Yes, after our talk he started crying about wanting to ride his bike and not going to school and then he saw rain. Are you seeing the sensitive pattern yet? Anyway, rain equaled running equaled me holding him equaled more crying cause he wanted to run himself and then all the way to school he whined about the entire morning and all I kept saying was for him to use his "big boy words". I had to ignore so much of the tantrum and this just made my eyes well-up even more.

They were all little things adding up between a Mommy and a little boy. A Mommy who is working full-time and a little boy who sometimes just wants to stay home and play. Me too e, me too, sometimes I wish I could just stay at home and play too!

I love you e!

Ok...so just as I finished this I received this from e's Daddy:
I know you've been comforted already, but.... he knows you're there for him even when things get rushed. It would be sad if your everyday was this way, but it's not at all. Routines get rushed at times and if anything it's a good life lesson for E to be flexible...

My reply:
You’re right. It’s not all the time and there are lessons to be learned even in the times of “rushed”. Good stuff...I am so thankful we are doing this together. Really, it’s not how we planned it, it’s not ideal...We’re doing good.

One Of My Most Favorite Moments...And Some

2008-07-07T21:35:00.005-05:00

The other day Grandma came over around lunch time and spent the day and evening with e. As you'll see later in the post, they had a ton of fun. After a full day of play it was time for bed. Grandma learned quickly e's routine and if there was a part she would stumble on he was quick to correct her. As she tucked him in he asked about me, he would ask "is Mommy home yet"? Grandma shared with e that she would see to me coming in and giving him a kiss goodnight when I came home.

When I got home I heard all about their adventures and after Gran left I tiptoed into e's room to give him the promised kiss good night. After watching him sleep I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. To my surprise this little boy of mine who was just in a very deep sleep woke with a big smile on his face, said "Hello Mommy" and then quickly fell back to sleep.

I have to say, although it was a very simple moment, it was one of my most favorite moments with e. It was so special.

Love you e.
____________________________________________
And some...

e had a great 4th with his Daddy where he took a boat ride in Forest Park and watched fireworks in Webster Groves, both "firsts".

The boat ride left quite an impression on e. A new game he played with Grandma was called "boat". It requires a quilt a bit of leg strength and if you fall out they'd holler "man overboard". e was quick though to share that you don't do that in a real boat.

Grandma tried teaching e some "knock, knock" jokes. It went a little something like this, "knock, knock, who's there, Mr. Hunt".

Decoration

2008-07-07T11:58:00.005-05:00

Ella Mowery: "What's that on your nose Jodi Hertz?"
Me: "Decoration Ella."
Ella Mowery: /as she takes off her princess ring and puts it on her nose/ "Look at my decoration."

Bryan (Ella's Father),
If you are reading this...I hope you are having a great time in England (while I'm having lots of fun with your family and inspiring your daughter)!
Your decorated friend,
Jodi Hertz

Happy Day!

2008-07-03T21:20:00.004-05:00

Today started an extra long holiday weekend for the 4th. We were given today off in addition to tomorrow so I filled our day with lots of fun!

Visiting with Louise on Tuesday we planned on getting the boys together. Although it's been quite sometime since I had a four day week, I still very much miss having a full day with e. We met Louise, Ewan and Anya at the coffee shop early. Louise and I had yummy lattes and the boys played with all the toys. Afterwards it was time for the library where they were having story time.

e and I occasionally read a great book titled "Library Lion". This was a fun book to reference going to the library. We reviewed all the rules of the library like, no running and no roaring loudly. Anyway, we arrived along with many other children Ewan and e's age and younger. They had not only many fun books to read but a parachute. We played games with the parachute and read a couple books aloud. I was so proud of how e participated and listened.

After all the fun at the coffee shop and library we went back to Louise's house for lunch and rest. She fed us well (as always) and after the boys went down we had fun sipping tea, eating yummies and catching up.

Ewan and e play so well together. I continue to feel so blessed that their friendship is growing strong. Being in a place in my life where a sibling is not yet in my cards, it's so fantastic to see a brotherhood developing within the boys...very special!

Thanks Louise, Ewan and Anya for making this day a happy one! Oh, Happy Day!

To Grandmother's House We Go

2008-07-01T10:45:00.003-05:00

You might want to grab a cup of tea or coffee it might be a long one...

So this weekend was quite special. e started off having a LaLa and Pop day on Friday and then Saturday I picked him up early from his Daddy's house to head to IL for a family reunion. The reunion was for my Grandma, my Mother's Mother. She had many siblings so it was a rather large crowd of people I don't remember ever meeting. It was a nice gathering with many thoughtful touches. They made sure there were activities for the children and for the adults a slide show of photographs that could be copied in addition to a scanner so that people could copy photographs that were not a part of their collection.

My Aunt Pat from CA and Uncle Charlie and Aunt Janice from FL made it putting a huge smile on my Mother's face. Her home was full of people just as she enjoys. It was e's first time meeting both Uncle Charlie and Aunt Janice. He took to them quickly and they both fell in love with his charm.

Now back to the reunion for some sweet e moments. The ride to southern IL was all the nap e got so with a not-so-rested boy and not-so-"organic" foods he wasn't the best boy ever. The sugar in his system along with lack of sleep made for many threats of "punishments". However the good always out weighs the bad because after a couple of adults made their way up to the karaoke machine e wasn't far behind them. I noticed him patiently watching and then he took Grandma's hand and asked nicely if he could have the microphone.

As the crowd settled down to listen and as I held the camera e began to sing his ABC's. After the cheer it was if he couldn't get enough so song number two was Jesus Loves Me, it went a little something like this..."Jesus loves me yes I do". His encore, ABC's again then he said thank you and ran into his proud Mommy's arms!

Sunday was a restful day because I couldn't shake this nasty cold. The family was kind to take e so that I could get lots of rest. Because the day was a lazy one, e was back on schedule with very good behavior. The day consisted of resting and visiting. After too many cough attacks I decided to take advantage of the additional helpful hands and called off from work for Monday. We spent another night at Grandma's house and rested again on Monday. It was great to lounge around and visit with the family.

Some additional fun moments this weekend:

After e didn't get his way to go play outside because it was raining he proceeded to tell me that he "needed his exercise".
For a majority of the weekend we were lions crawling around on the floor and roaring.
We got to watch cable. Tarzan is new on our movie list now.
I received a wonderful new film camera from my Uncle a Pentax Spotmatic which will act as a backup to my Pentax K1000.

I will post pictures after I get them developed...yes, developed...I'm still a fan of film vs. digital! I was anxious to use my new camera.

Thursday's Second Post: "What Are You Afraid Of?"

2008-06-26T16:55:00.005-05:00

Today I was asked the question (Partially not true because I was asked Monday and it’s now Thursday and I’m finally finishing “some” of my thoughts):
“What are you afraid of?”

My mind immediately warned me that this was not the time nor place to dive into anything philosophical/metaphysical/theological. So (knowing good and well it wouldn’t fly) I simply said “I’m not really afraid of anything”. Well, I was right and that answer didn’t fly. That person quickly responded back “well then it should be easy for you to answer the question”. He was right and it was easy for me to answer but the answer without explanation came out sounding like a cop-out.

All day today (remember I started this Monday) I kept revisiting the question. Although I am still a little stumped as to why it was asked, I like (in an obsessive compulsive way) how it made me think.

At first I was thinking about how complex the question is. Am I afraid of what is tangible? What is unknown? The definition of afraid has many explanations; fear, regret, unwilling. And biblically fear is presented/described as respect. So with all of these definitions how does one quickly answer such a question?

I recently made the conscious decision that I would no longer be bound by fear. And what is fear anyway, but a strong-hold/vicious power that keeps us searching, lazy, insecure, and unaccountable (just to name a few). Fear puts you at the center of your life and this in my experience is a pretty lonely place, a place lacking in so many ways and highly destructive.

Now I’m human, I have feelings of frustration, hopelessness, (to get more extreme) and devastation. However, I also have feelings of hope, faith and devotion. The good helps me digest the bad. In life comes death and I’m not just talking in human existence, think of it as beginning and ending. Are we to be afraid to start if perhaps we aren’t able (for this that and the other reason) to finish? There is courage in starting, commitment to finish and so many things in between.

To be overly dramatic we could then ask the questions: why live if we are to die? Why love if it could just be met with hate? Who would want to live this way? And worse how sad is it that some do? To me it is such an unnecessary weight to carry especially when you can be saved out of it.

Now this subject/this question, I could go on and on with my thoughts and just for the record, I probably will. I will write part 2, 3, 4 to this question of fear and ask anyone to make comments answering this question. It’s been almost a week, the question was asked Monday and I’m just now finishing this posting and it’s Thursday. I’ve managed to continue (again the OCD) to think about this question almost convincing myself of certain horrid situations that would be “frightening”, nice thoughts I know! So I will collect more of my thoughts and revisit the subject.

Until next time I leave you to think about….”What are you afraid of?”

To Steal Or Not To Steal

2008-06-26T14:47:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'm sure I'm breaking every bloggers rule on posting fellow bloggers entries BUT this is too good to pass up!

I'm a huge fan (as is all of America it seems) of Dooce. Heather Armstrong's blog is nationally recognized and she recently posted "Rite of Passage". This entry isn't hers but from Sweet Juniper, another blog that Heather enjoys. So if you're still following me, this is my blog, I love Heather's blog and she loves Jim's blog.

I hope you enjoy reading "Rite of Passage" as much as I did and while you're there take a look at her other entries.

I'm sorry to say that I've been caught up in being a Mother to a potty-training son that I've never thought about the Father to the potty-training daughter. Here I post about my son wanting to "pee pee like Daddy" and me seriously considering either tie-dying my lovely white shower curtain or connecting the dots to see what sort of graphic appears but I can not even begin to imagine the filth Jim describes in this posting.

From this day forward I will be very thankful for the cleanliness in women's restrooms. I will also give thanks to all who clean Men's restrooms for it sounds like a real sh*t hole!

Wrinkles and Fire Flies

2008-06-20T14:21:00.005-05:00

e: Why's that shirt up there Mommy?
/The shirt hanging on the shower curtain rod/
me: To get the wrinkles out e.
e: /looking into the tub/ I see one Mommy ...
/pointing to a dirt spec/
me: You see what e?
e: I see a wrinkle! it fell out!

I called it a dirt "spec" cause just plain-ol dirt sounds like I keep a dirty bathroom...it was just a spec, yep! I giggled and did my best to explain that wrinkles don't literally fall out. I think he would have understood me using an iron better but who uses those?!! when you have wrinkle release!

Last night we had a great visit with our friend Andrea. After school we headed to the loop and enjoyed dinner at Saleems "Where Garlic Is King". After all our bellies where full we said good night and headed home.

It was a bit past bed time so I was eager to get him to bed. Just as I was unlocking the door I got a glimpse of a lightening bug. "Fire Flies"' I shouted to e. At first he didn't know what I was talking about but as we crept up on some he was able to see a few up close and personal in my hands. Once we saw one the courtyard seemed to light up.

As soon as I would catch one he wouldn't want to light up. I explained that they were scared and would set them free. Then, to a wide-eyed little boy, I gave the comparison of a giant capturing him up in his hands and demanding a performance. We said good night and that we'd see them later.

e: Those flies turn off and on.
me: They do e! Do they have a switch?
e: /In a silly and why would you think that? voice/ Noooooo!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-16T09:35:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was an amazing day, I was baptized! For some of you this is surprising news and for others you were there to witness it. For some I ask you to read this with an open mind and heart for I respect it will be...well, "different" and perhaps a bit "odd" to read.

I've posted a picture my good friend Karl took of the special day. I've also included my testimony and some journal entries. The journal entries were important for me to post because these are personal messages that carried me to this special day, notes of inspiration along my journey from the beginning.

I was thankful to have e and my Mother attend. I prepped e the following evening and the conversation went something like this:
me: "e tomorrow is a special day, we're going to go to Church and then to a party. At Church there is going to be a little pool and I'm going to go under the water cause I love Jesus. Grandma is going to hold you so you can see and all our friends will cheer. Afterwards our friends are going to have a party for Mommy and we'll eat and play, how does all that sound?" e: "Can I go in with you Mommy?" me: "One day e if you choose." e: "I love Jesus too." me: "I know e, one day. One day when you are old enough to write your story. e, what would your story say?" e: "hmmm, I love Jesus." me: "That's nice buddy."

He thought it was pretty fun. He came to give me a hug as I toweled off. My Mom also shared that as Bryan was praying for myself and Martin (the other person being Baptized) e stood there like a solider with his hands clasped listening behind me.

Ok, so I've probably given his father a heart attack...HA! kidding (well, kind of) and I can't promise there won't be some "faithful" comment next time he jumps into his kiddie pool.

My testimony:
Good morning, my name is Jodi Hertz and I am thankful to spend such an amazing day with my family of God. I grew up in the South, raised Catholic and as a newborn unaware of the commitment being made was baptized in a ritualistic ceremony.

I am now 34 years old, a Mommy to an amazing little boy Elliott and am today with humble pride announcing my commitment to Christ. This day for me represents; encouragement, accountability, discipline, integrity, commitment, unconditional love and hope. This day also represents my transformation from someone who simply respected faiths, into someone who is growing in a real relationship with Jesus.

Before Christ I carried the weight of life upon my own shoulders. I didn’t value anything greater than myself. I gave greater weight to symbolism, taking whatever appealed to me from all kinds of other belief systems. I failed to recognize the need of God’s Love in my heart. What I began to notice was that I repeatedly continued to feel empty and unfulfilled.

My relationship with Elliott’s father was dissolving and I was faced with the harsh reality that my life was not the one I wanted to live, and I did not have as much control over it as I had thought. This time of hurt cultivated my relationship with Jesus. One night I was praying out to some of my ‘gods’, and yet I was overwhelmed with the feeling that Jesus was near. Just as a Mother would tuck in her child, I felt safe in His loving company as I laid to rest. I was met and accepted just as I was, and was asked nothing but to welcome Him into my heart.

I am thankful for all my dear friends who along my journey with Christ helped guide my path. Now, I live life with great hope, trusting my hand in the Lords. I live a life in a committed, faithful and loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Look beyond the sun not below the clouds.” –Terry Virgo

Note: Click on the images to view larger.

Big Boy!

2008-06-11T15:38:00.004-05:00

e is officially in underwear! Over the weekend Scott managed a full day of e in his big boy underwear. Monday I started practicing at home after school. Today after discussing it with his teachers we have made the plunge! Yikes! I will be putting plastic over all the furniture as soon as we get home...HA!

I checked in with school this afternoon and they shared he's doing a great job.

Great job e! Love you buddy!

Lately...

2008-06-10T11:20:00.004-05:00

It has been difficult not having access to post more entries. My intention was to have many more, daily as it had started. We have been busy but without checking in I feel like I'm forgetting a lot of fun/funny moments with e. So what has been going on lately...

I traveled over the weekend and e spent time with his Dad. On Sunday driving back from my retreat I called to check in. e had been sick but during the afternoon was much better, he jumped on the phone and for the first time I heard him say "I miss you". I told him first and then he expressed it as well. At first I thought it might have been just a copy impulse but my "I love you" was met with silence...HA. Where ever it came from, whatever it meant, it was great to hear.

Speaking of saying "I love you" we now put with it "very much" his sounds like "berry much"...and when he says it out of the blue, it's the best!

Speaking of "out of the blue", pretty cute when he expresses "I'm happy Mommy".

His vocabulary is just soaring! As Scott mentions from time to time, when you are away from him it's amazing to hear all the new words, expressions, etc. Some of my favorites are "remember that?", "who does that belong to?", and some of his songs we sing together like "abc's", "the Jesus song" and "Beautiful Moon".

Beautiful Moon is a song/lullaby that I've been singing to him since he was first born. On some vintage flash cards of lullabies I married two and not knowing the proper melodies I made them up in good ol Mommy fashion. Now we sing the song together, he knows all the words and it's quite special.

It's fun to play catch-up! I love you e, very much!

The Other Morning

2008-06-03T13:44:00.003-05:00

Saturday was a full day for E, I should say the weekend was jam packed. Friday was the funeral then E spent the night with Daddy, had a full day Saturday swimming in his new pool and then off to my house where we immediately jumped into the car and headed to a (very fun) BBQ.

Elliott slept wonderfully that night, not a peep from him until around 5:50am. He walked into my room, I scooped him up and he fell back asleep cuddled up with me until 8:00am. When he woke I was already getting ready for church. I came to him and with a grin on his face and while wiping away the visit from the sand man he said.....

"I like pepper Mommy and you like salt."

Must have been one silly dream.

Family and Friends

2008-05-30T19:40:00.005-05:00

Yesterday morning I received a call from Scott, I thought it was our routine call but unfortunately it was to share that Great Grandpa Schuler "Smokey" passed away. Grandpa was very ill and during this time was well cared for by LaLa (Jan, e's LaLa, Scott's Mom) and family. Hospice called in the family Wednesday night to say their good byes.

I took off work and took e out of school today to attend the ceremonies. After discussing with Scott what we thought was best for e, we decided on me taking him later in the day to be with family. We made it for the last part of the visitation and the burial. For e to have been there all day would have been too much. But the joy of having him around for a short period of time, we thought would be a welcomed distraction.

LaLa did take him up to see Grandpa sleeping and to admire the beautiful flowers. It was nice to visit with everyone again. I've felt blessed that the separation between Scott and I didn't dissolve my relationship with e's family. I love my visits with e out to LaLa and Pop's house and they'll feel differently not being able to go downstairs and give love to Grandpa.

Scott and I talked about what to tell a two year old at a time of loss. We thought to keep it simple would be best. Saying nothing further than he was sleeping and that it would be a family day. When it was time to close the casket I made sure to take him out of the room so that he didn't get confused. When it was time to walk to the burial I didn't want him to make the connection of that being Grandpa. One day we can share with him that he was there to say good bye.

I wanted to be sensitive to Scott having time with his boy and family. I took spurts backing off of visiting and immediate family time. I felt welcome but made the choice to be courteous to all who were there. At times I would take e away from the service to get the wiggles out. We would stand from afar admiring family and friends. e would smile as I would say "is that your family e"? He would grin saying yes and then separately call out individuals to tell me "that is my friend, Mommy", "that is my family, Mommy".

I've noticed every time I travel with e how wonderfully comfortable he is around family, those he has seen once or twice or might have never met. He smiles with such pride just as you should looking at a room of first, second, third, fourth generations. I was filled with humble pride when I heard e's name called last in a line up of those who Vernon W. "Smokey" Schuler is survived by. No matter what happened between e's father and I, we created an amazing little boy who continues a blood line...pretty special. We are blessed.

My prayers are with our family and friends.

Love you Great Grandpa Schuler.

Remember Me? Who?

2008-05-28T21:39:00.005-05:00

In looking over my entries it looks like March takes the cake! I knew I would be over the top and then fall off writing this blog. Now I scurry to get in an entry and then when I'm ready my neighbor goes off and moves taking the lovely connection with him. Luckily the new neighbors come with the same perks! So remember me?

This Memorial Day weekend Scott and I switched up our days with e. To start the long weekend off right I decided after reading Jenn Whitmer's blog (guest speaker, Ginger to be exact) that I would take e to see "Horton Hears A Who?". To make the weekend even more wonderful both e and I got the day off. His school closed Friday for planning and Birk (my boss) gave us the day off. It was a lovely, eventful, long weekend.

Jenn's children are much older than e but after picking some other Mommy brains I thought it would be fun to try the theater with e. As suggested I really talked up our date. I shared there would be a large (T.V. like) screen, it would be dark and we would watch a story about a large cartoon elephant. e was very excited and my expectations of the evening were off the charts. A date with my son!

The day was full of fun so full that at dinner he slept in my arms just as he did when he was a baby. I ate quietly over his head placing the napkins just so, so if anything missed my mouth it wouldn't land on his head. e has always been my little Roo so keeping him pouched has and remains a comfort place for him.

After dinner (he eventually woke and ate) we walked to the theater (the theater and restaurant in a mall). On our way guess what we passed...just an amazing playground, to a child...a theme park! With a helicopter, SUV, train and slides! Getting him passed the excitement and on to the next best thing wasn't the hard part, it was HAVING to go back. Not being seasoned in the "bring your 2.5 little boy on a date to the theater", my timing was a bit off. We got to the show early, explored the theater and then sat through previews. All of this equated to time away from the mall fairgrounds. 40 minutes into our theater experience he was over it and HAD to get to the helicopter.

Did I mention that as we walked into the theater hand in hand I got a bit choked up. It was such a "first time" moment. So needless to say my bubble burst when we left. I then received a reality check that 40min for his first time was great. I also needed to be sensitive to his level of understanding to the facts that a movie theater is not a place you come and go, run around in and speak.

We ended up leaving and my guilt from his sadness not being able to go back to see the large elephant took us straight to the bookstore. We found the book in a flash! Also in a flash was his overstimulated attitude. The evening eventually made its way to a close and after all the discipline I was spent.

I'll try again but perhaps when he's a little bit older and I have a bag full of goodies. It still was a great night with my boy, one filled with lots of learning and new firsts!

Love you e.

KLEA Masthead

2008-05-28T16:25:00.003-05:00

This is my first attempt at KLEA's masthead...I needed a break today and found drawing to be a nice escape. Sometimes a child-like drawing...the whimsy in it...just fits.

I'll wait to hear from Karl and Louise to see if it has received "Scott" approval.

Getting KLEA Started

2008-05-27T21:46:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting here on Louise's couch with Kara. Today is Kara's Birthday and we celebrated with burgers and fries...ooops, I mean minus the fries, Louise forgot to make them. Anyway...I am proud to announce a new blogger in the world of Mommy blogs, "On A KLEA Day".

The genius ideas of Mommy KLEA are soon to come. She will build it, it will come.

P.S. I am well aware I am overdue the neighbor next door decided to move out WITH my connection.

Painting Clouds Part II

2008-05-19T20:45:00.007-05:00

Here are some additional pictures:

The partial cloud
What the cloud hopes to be
Completed cuckoo clock

Hopefully the next time I blog about our rooms they will be completed!

Painting Clouds

2008-05-19T14:24:00.005-05:00

I've started painting a massive cloud on e's new room wall. Funny, just as I got started I stopped because I didn't have the muscles to move my bed and complete the shape. Also funny that I call a cloud a mural. Anyway...

The switch has started and I'm enjoying putting together what will be our new rooms. I've included e in the process, encouraging him to help move his toys in after I get the large furniture in place. e has demonstrated some frustration to change, it's just his age. When LaLa and Pop brought over our super sized new television and I rearranged the living room to accommodate it, e was not happy. He immediately wanted the couch moved back and the little T.V. in place. All of the transition was done without him so it came as a shock. He quickly moved past the hurt and all is well but I want to be courteous of his sensitivity so I'm including him all the way down to moving a box or two...ya know the fun stuff.

This sketch is what I did simplifying a previous computer mural thought. The computer rendering was much more elaborate but after seeing something similar in a great kids magazine called Wonder Times I've simplified my "mural" to just one enornmous cloud. But because of its size it will make a wonderful statement. I also managed to finish the cuckoo clock that will go above his bed. It turned out great unless you look too close. All the imperfections of the wood really came out underneath the bright orange spray paint but can I call that character?

I'll post pictures of the half painted cloud, looks pretty silly at the moment. I hope to complete everything this week/weekend. It will be nice to see e playing in a room that has room to play in. e and his toys keep getting bigger so it's time to grow into a space instead of out of it.

Mother's Day came early

2008-05-17T21:22:00.004-05:00

When booking our trip out West I didn't pay attention that Mother's Day would fall on that weekend away. e and I traveled to San Diego, the La Jolla area to see Aunt Pat. Tia Pina (Aunt Pineapple) Laura Cardenas came over from Phoenix to visit as well. Pat and Pina hadn't seen e since he was 15mnths, he'd changed just a bit.

In discussing the trip with Pat we thought it would be fun to head to the LA area and spend some time with Celia, Mike and Chloe. Celia being the youngest of Aunt Claudette's girls, my cousin, e's second cousin. I love how big our family is (on both sides), that I can share that e visited with his third cousin, Chloe...that's pretty special.

We took the train up the coast and to our surprise the trip which is normally two and a half hours ended up being 8 HOURS! A ruptured gas line kept any train from getting to its final destination. We traveled in business class and had loaded up a back-pack full of food, healthy choices for us all to munch on. Because we were traveling with e and didn't have a car seat or stroller any option to take an alternate route home was out the window. We decided to stay put and take advantage of the roof over our heads, bathrooms, cushy seats and yummy food...oh yeah, and great company. e was an amazing little boy! I was such a proud Mommy!

e is quite the little traveler. He's traveled by plane 6 times and now train, one. He's always made me proud traveling. I grin ear to ear when I receive compliments from strangers on how I have such a good little boy. With this trip out West it was no different. e received many compliments on his behavior and I on my attentiveness to him. I made sure I called Scott to tell him how proud he should be of our little boy.

Highlights of this trip:

Visiting with Tia Pina and seeing her new Artesania designs (and purchasing a few)
Having some great one on one time with Aunt Pat
Celia, Mike and Chloe getting to meet e
Meeting Aunt Pat's new "companion", Bob
Spending Mother's Day with two incredible Mothers
Delicious food at a quaint French restaurant for Mother's Day
Getting to see how Celia, Mike and Chloe spend holidays as a family
Staying up late and sharing stories about our lives, family and ART
Watching Mike work on a stinky project for the Countess
Seeing some old high school friends that I hadn't seen since at least 1993
Watching e light up as his feet sunk in the sand
Spending full days on the beach exploring, resting and just being
Yummy seafood
Shopping at cute little boutiques
e chasing Albert the cat
e being a little chatter box and witnessing his vocabulary growing and growing right before my eyes
e's thank you's, your welcomes, please and excuse me's just at the right times
Butt showers (you'll have to ask me personally about this one)
Teddy the dog
Home videos
Pete's coffee
Sleeping on the beach
Hermit crabs
Rollie Pollie's
Chloe's patience with e

I'm sure I've left some details of this great trip out but I think you get the picture. We are so blessed to have wonderful family. A family that is filled with such talent and such love. We are so lucky to have friends and family in fun places to visit. We hope you guys get the chance to come visit us! You're welcome any time.

Much Love to all!

Wild Wild West

2008-05-14T15:32:00.006-05:00

E and I just returned from a wonderful trip to see our family out West.

Here is a link to his Flickr site to view the San Diego 2008 slide show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elliott_adler/sets/72157605056699422/

I'm way overdue for a post. I'll post all about our trip when things settle down.

We are so blessed to have such an amazing family.

Handsome Boys

2008-05-03T09:31:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was my dear friend Nikki (Harvey) Golding's Birthday. e and I called her early in the morning to sing Happy Birthday. When I feel guilty I didn't get a gift off in the mail I put my boy on the phone to sing Happy Birthday and it seems to make it all better. The giggles from his sweet voice is a pretty sweet gift.

Nikki and Chris recently had their second child, a little boy Devon Harvey Golding. When they sent out pictures of his birth I was amazed. Devon and e could easily be brothers. Heidi, Nikki and myself growing up together we're joined by the hip and people would comment on our similar features. I saw it a little I guess but looking at this photograph of Nikki's boy and my boy, it's apparent that the kids have very distinct facial similarities.

Nikki and I managed to get together last year for a long vacation with our families and photographed the kids instead of ourselves so I don't have a shot of the two of us together. I could dig in the old high school shots but...well...maybe one day. Until then I've posted these fun pictures.

e=e, d=devon

Talking with Nic on her Birthday I mentioned their features for the first time. Even though I've known her since we were 14, yes that would be 20 years!!! I didn't want to launch into how her boy looks like mine or mine like hers |smile|. Apparently her husband, Chris mentioned it and asked if I had said anything. It was fun sharing these photos with them yesterday.

e this is your atomic brother (will this do?) We'll have to go meet him in person very soon. You had a ball with Savannah his big sister who is only a day older than you. We'll go back to Florida very soon and see them again.

Much love to you guys! I'm glad to hear things are going well, yes, even despite the paci, silky, animal and Easter basket. XO

The Fable Game

2008-04-30T21:39:00.006-05:00

Enzo Mari - The Fable Game

It’s not a book to read or to leaf through but to make, unmake and build up: a never ending adventure, played and invented anew each time by the endless possibilities at hand. The animal and vegetable pieces fit together in Enzo Mari’s inimitably elegant style to make a framework that can stimulate the imagination of old and young. The opportunities are countless and the limits unlimited in an enchanted world that can be brought to life and inhabited alone, with friends or the whole family. Show Mom and Dad what fun it is to let your imagination run wild!

This is a reprint of the game he made during the 1960s.

You can find this fantastic piece several places, here are two:
Kid O
Modern Child

I found this game at Anthropology On Sale (P.S. They have the best sales ever!...in the home department)! There was only one left and it was tucked back behind other miscellaneous books. e loves playing with it. When beginning a story it goes something like this, "Okay, one day....". The "okay" part is very pronounced and "one day" puts you on the edge of your seat.

This is one piece I get out with him from time to time and manage its playtime. This is definitely one piece I want him to pass down generation to generation. It's lovely.

"One day"

2008-04-28T20:36:00.003-05:00

e: "Mommy do I have a baby brother?"
me: "No honey you don't."
e: "Why?"
me: |pause| "Maybe one day e."
e: "I want a baby brother one day Mommy, okay?"
me: "Okay, e."

I love you my boy.
Maybe one day.

Cuckoo

2008-04-27T20:57:00.007-05:00

I remember as a little girl going over to my Grandma and Grandpa's house to spend the night and hearing the cuckoo clock cuckoo every half past and hour. I would get lucky if it was later in the day to catch the cuckoo flying out of his nest. Where some would find this hourly bird utterly annoying, I looked forward to it.

Last year I went to an estate sale with my dear friend Andrea. In this house we counted 4 cuckoo clocks. They were all different sizes and some would even sing a tune accompanied by a wooden band. Each purchase came with a card of authenticity. Both Andrea and I walked away with two German beauties. Our clock choices were small in size and simply cuckooed.

I chose the one with a squirrel on top and when e got a glimpse of it, especially after the first cuckoo, he was in love. He would run so fast to see our yellow beaked friend appear. It's since been silenced...not that either one of us found the cuckoo part annoying but rather I couldn't keep up with it's timing. I'd leave for work and the pine cone weights at the end of the chains would be on the floor and the clock stopped. Perhaps one day I'll start it up again.

When finished this clock will be set at e's time of birth.

So where did this soon-to-be orange clock come from? Thank you Grandpa. Grandpa's clock no longer works. It's been sitting in a box entirely too long and some parts have lost their way. Yes, this German antique isn't meant to be sprayed the brightest orange ever but it isn't meant to be rotting in a basement either. In helping e's Grandma move, she gave it to me. As seen in the photo, I am slowly revamping this memorable piece. I look forward to adding it to e's room. I have just the place especially when we get our rooms switched. I think it's super special that this piece will live on in my son's room.

e's looking forward to the finished piece. It's his "special surprise" and he reminds me of this daily.

The design of these clocks are stunning!

e Updates

2008-04-24T20:50:00.003-05:00

No more pacifier.
Night two after sleep doctor and already a bit more difficult but we're pushing through.
Doing wonderfully on the potty, checking in with his body from time to time (not for coffee but rather if there's anymore in there).
Still eating wonderfully. Favorites such as Sole, Tofu and hummus. However, I was very American tonight and we splurged heading over to Blueberry Hill in the Loop. We both munched on chicken fingers, fries and cheese balls. No, I'm not depriving him of good ol America, I'm just allowing it once every...say...6months.
We're traveling soon to see our family out West and I'm already starting to pack our bags I'm so excited. e is looking forward to it too. You say with enthusiasm, "we're going to the beach Mommy in May"!
The ABC song has made its way to the top 5 of your favorite songs.

Your Welcome

2008-04-23T20:57:00.004-05:00

Tonight is the first night after the sleep doctor workshop. I am already using my techniques and so far so good. If I write another entry tonight around 11, 1 or 3am...that won't be so good...baby steps...

So tonight we had a great night. A wonderful dinner, a walk around the neighborhood, playing outside until it was time to go to bed. We went through our normal routines and then out of your room I went. I told you I'd come back to check on you. This is a technique I've used before so when I heard the sleep doctor supporting this I knew I was on the right track. To your surprise I would come back in just as I said I would and we'd discuss this. So with the last check in I simply shared it was the "last time" and after one shout out to me there was silence.

Ok, so I've already shared enough about the sleep doctor this entry is titled "Your Welcome". Checking in with you the third time you were elated that I actually returned you gave me the biggest hug ever. I leaned down to give you a kiss and your arm wrapped around my head tightly, the one arm sling over.
In your bliss you began thanking me...

e: "thank you Mommy for coming back, thank you Mommy for playing with me outside, thank you Mommy..."/...for something, by this time I was noticing just how tired you were...your words slurring/"your welcome Mommy for making me dinner"/you've now grabbed my face so that you have my full attention yet so sleepy/"your welcome Mommy, I love you".

Your welcome e. Thank you e. I love you e.

Sleep Doctor

2008-04-22T20:33:00.003-05:00

Elliott's school is great with hosting workshops and play dates. This evening I attended a discussion on children's sleep habits, they brought in a sleep doctor.

They ordered in pizza and as I stood in line the anxiety wore off as the number of parents increased, I knew I wasn't the lone "bad mother" who sneaks you into her bed from time to time. It's silly how alone you can feel in the world of parenting until you stand in a pizza line. We all stood there grabbing our bottled water, plate, napkin and cheese slice not quite looking each other in the eye. Then you catch a glimpse of that parent who looks like he/she has it all together and think, "you too...you have this problem too? NO"!

Scott was going to attend, I think just for my mental support cause he doesn't have the middle of the night wake-ups like I do from time to time. Logistics of not going to see e prior to entering the discussion got in his way. No kids were allowed and e wasn't about to watch him walk back out the door, so he took e home (it's a Daddy night).

I could have filled the entire workshop with questions but I sat back and listened to some stories familiar and some even (yes, perhaps even) worse. There were some parents with multiple children where they do the same rituals and one child snoozes without a peep and the other up three times a night. It was nice to hear that all these books you find don't factor in a lot of in between. The answers aren't black "cry it out" and white "be at their beckon call". Oh yeah and the best part, I'm not a bad Mommy! (kidding)

So I did find out that with two households one can have another sleep pattern than the other and this doesn't go as deep as just nightly whines. I have experienced a few times what they call "Confusional Arousal" and this can be in just my home. I was talking myself out of the possibility cause I was suspecting that if it was that deep it would happen in both households, not the case.

What is Confusional Arousal? Occurs in children 6mnths to 6yrs. within the first and sometimes middle third of the night. The child appears confused and agitated, may progress to crying, thrashing, back arching yet remains asleep. The child often doesn't recognize parents and it may be difficult to console for they'll push you away. Lasts 1-10minutes but can last up to 40minutes. It terminates abruptly with a return to deep sleep.

e has done this with me a few times. I noticed something quite different because he wasn't calling out for me but rather crying and when I made it to him he would push me away, crying acting very anxiety ridden and say he wanted me. When he'd come to this is when the "milking" began. He'd wake, know he was safe with me and then ask for this, that and one hundred more things. I thought for sure it was just bad behavior. Nancy Birkenmeier, the sleep doctor assures me it's something real and it's simply him waking to seek comfort and asking for everything he is comforted by.

She offered some techniques and of course to make an appointment if I find myself at a loss. One pattern I'll be working even harder on is tucking him in and then leaving. I have always rocked e to sleep. I have always come to his call. A good way to help one which in turn will help the other is saying good night while he's awake instead of waiting until he's out. I do this from time to time. e doesn't get worked up anymore when I leave him to fall asleep on his own so you might be asking, then why don't you do it every night? Well, pretty certain it's cause I'm used to it too. I enjoy that time, I enjoying snuggling and looking at his sweet slumbering face.

I will do better to help with managing his bedtime routines and adding to his required sleep number. We're not doing too bad but I could do better and I promise to work harder on this my boy. What I did learn is that I don't have to go to extremes. We can both be eased into proper habits. It's closer than I think to perfection...kidding again...all kinds of factors will sneak up on us from time to time. Vacation, illness, a special night out and simply you getting older and testing the waters can give us yet another parental hill to climb.

If I were to describe this hill it would be lush with the most beautiful flowers and I'd be on top of it yelling at the next challenge, "bring it on", no not "king of the mountain" that's your line e...mine is welcoming every challenge to mold you into the bestest boy ever! With help of course!

Art Director

2008-04-21T21:18:00.004-05:00

The areas of open space are for label design.

On days like today I truly feel like an Art Director.

Anymore budgets are cut into tiny little pieces and I'm lucky if I get a pinch for stock photography. When a client allocates an amount for true studio shots, I feel like a little kid invited to Disney Land. Today I was that kid and it felt great working as part of a team to produce some fantastic new product shots.

I am working for a great client who has a new product line coming out. I'll share more later, for now I show stunning photography. A local photographer Steve Adams and his team shot the product, the client and a food stylist worked with the recipes and I offered help with concept and layout, dancing between food prep and photography. I truly work best in a team atmosphere. I feed off of others talents and when surrounded by respect my creativity shines.

The success of a good shoot isn't just the end product but the relationships forming in between. The Photographer, Food Stylist, Art Director and Client walked away today proud...not proud in an ego way but proud in humble talent.

Coffee Shop

2008-04-19T21:05:00.004-05:00

Last night Karl played at Shaw Coffee. Lots of our friends were there and your Daddy brought you out. It was a fun night. You had a great time running around with your buddy Ewan.

The evening opened with Joel McPeak who had a special cellist guest. Then Karl played inviting Jamee on vocals and Sam on violin and recorder. The music was great!

You ran around, danced and enjoyed a special treat while visiting with everyone and bouncing back and forth between your father and me. Kris, Nikki and Poppi even made it out too. Here are some fun photos of the evening.

Yoshitomo Nara

2008-04-18T15:51:00.006-05:00

Yoshitomo Nara is an artist I see daily. I have his postcards sprinkled about my office. I think his childish subjects look a little like e and I.

You can find more of his work here:
www.blumandpoe.com/yoshitomonara

Nara, born in 1959, is regarded as one of Japan's foremost contemporary artists, and has attained a cult status in his homeland that is hardly conceivable for European artists to reach. His signature paintings and drawings of children, often sporting grim gazes, that which recall the tradition of popular Japanese mangas, are among the most sought out items on the international art scene.

Therapy

2008-04-15T12:12:00.007-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about rearranging our home. The opportunities for purchasing another home haven't presented themselves profitable so I'm retiring the thought of a larger home for now.

Our home is lovely but I think I could make better use of the space. I just purchased this book and I'm excited to use it as a resource. I was reading another blog, happy mundane and after reading about how wonderful it is I had to purchase it...perfect timing!

First rooms to work on will be ours. I will switch rooms with e giving him the "master" so that he can have a larger space to play. I will take his room, give it a face-lift and it will become my little haven of peace. I look forward to painting the walls chocolate. If you haven't slept in a chocolate brown room I highly recommend it, it's so cozy! The brown needs to be a blue brown not too warm or it just won't provide the same, ahhhhh. I miss the color palette of my last home. When Scott and I designed the home I tackled color. e's room in that home is the chocolate brown room. Hmmm, could that be why he sleeps better at Daddy's house?...I know, nice try.

I'm excited to rework a mural on his new room wall. I currently have on the walls fly by Blik. I will keep these gorgeous birds up and work them into something magical. I'm pretty certain I'll be transferring the musicians as well. I can hear it now..../angry/ "Mommy. Where. Are. My. Musicians?!" When he is reprimanding his animals (or trying to with me) he punctuates each word to get his point across. When I finish his mural design I'll post it.

I look forward to receiving my book in 5-7 days for inspiration who knows what I'll end up doing to the rest of the house.

Busted

2008-04-14T20:48:00.003-05:00

I realize that most of my readers don't think some of what I write is half as funny as I do. This entry, I'm still giggling. The kind of giggle where you try and be quiet about it and end up snorting cause you can't keep it in. Perhaps one or two of you might see the humor in this one. I can't stop laughing.

I tucked e into bed tonight. I laid with him for a little bit and then (my normal routine) left telling him that I'd check on him in a minute. I go into the living room, get out my computer and head to the fridge for one, just one chocolate bon bon from Trader Joes. These delicious bite size treats are chocolate over chocolate with a chocolate cookie crust. I eat my treat and immediately hear e's little voice calling me, e: Mommy, why you leave me? me: e, nite nite buddy. His voice is getting louder so I go to him to re-tuck.

I lean into him, giving him a kiss on his cheek,
me: Nite, nite buddy.
e: What are you eatin Mommy?
me: I'm not eatin e.
e: I smell somethin.
I start laughing...I'm clearly busted!
me: I had a treat e.
e: You had a treat Mommy, why?
me: Cause I wanted one. Go to sleep buddy.

By this point I'm answering a lot of why questions at the same time trying not to giggle too much so that I make the point properly that he needs to go to sleep. I ended up needing to leave the room telling him I'd check on him again.

I'm sure in his little head he was thinkin....
Yeah, sure Mommy, why don't you go off and have yourself another treat! I'm mean have another nothing! Dahhh, did you honestly think I couldn't smell the chocolate on your breath?

I was officially busted! Nice job e! Nite, Nite.

P.S. I can't stop crying laughing as I reread this. I love those deep belly laughs!

Should children watch TV?

2008-04-12T21:25:00.005-05:00

I'm pretty certain there are a few people out there that believe plunking your child down in front of the television is grounds for abuse. I'm pretty certain that they meant all shows EXCEPT the Lawrence Welk Show. This show is definitely, perfectly OK.

After an early dinner tonight we had plenty of time to play. We were building with blocks when e decided to turn on the TV. We can thank Pop and LaLa for the newly normal size tube (our last one was all of 13"). We do not have cable and because of this the channel is almost permanently on PBS, channel 9. As the TV flickered on we heard the sounds of the Lawrence Welk Show. e: Violin's Mommy! me: Ahhh, e that's a big band, it's the Lawrence Welk Show.

Well, I had to grab my camera! He began to sing and dance, his eyes fixed on the television. I had my block microphone and he had his. After each song we shouted "Yay" and clapped and when a new song or dance came on we participated. The songs were either about having your heart broken or my favorite for the evening (and the only one I could sing along to), "You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You".

Funny, I remember both sets of grandparents watching this program when I was a little girl. I thought it was super boring then but now I find the songs catchy and the wardrobe classic. Cracks me up! And to watch e...that REALLY cracks me up. I know...video would do this much more justice. Enjoy the photos, that's all I got.

The Lawrence Welk Show was a musical variety show hosted by former big band leader Lawrence Welk. New episodes were aired in either a local, network, or syndicated capacity for more than 30 years; repeat episodes are still being broadcast usually on PBS.

IF by Rudyard Kipling

2008-04-10T09:24:00.005-05:00

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,'
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

This was posted by our friend Mike on his blog.
I had to steal it...it's perfect. Thanks Skippy!

As I tucked you into bed tonight...

2008-04-09T21:00:00.003-05:00

after milk, stories and prayer...you nestled your body into mine for snuggles and said "me happy Mommy".

Me happy too e.

Funk or Funky?

2008-04-09T13:07:00.009-05:00

So I'm still feeling a bit under the weather. This cold isn't only upper respiratory but it's effecting my mood...I'm coughing with a scowl on my face...pretty!

So I decided I needed to look through e's Flickr site and watch the Easter video (yet another time) to help my funk. Enjoying several giggles, I'm well on my way to smiles.

I'm so overdue to catch up on my daily entries, I've been trying to find something to talk about other than my current emotional state...I know...I'm not doing a very good job up to this point...hack, hack, frown. Then I remembered my latest find, Funky Monkey Baby Boutique !

I was recently searching for an unique gift for my girlfriend Nikki Golding who just had her second child. Devon Harvey Golding was born March 19, 2008 weighing 7lbs, 5oz and 19.5" long. He has the sweetest big sister, Savannah and I wanted to get them both something fun.

Funky Monkey has the cutest "Big Sister" tee and "Little Brother" onesie, they were perfect. They are a company out of Canada who carry sweet gifts and have wonderful customer service. Those of you with children...happy shopping!

Nic, thank you for the picture of Savannah and Papa.
Congratulations! e and I miss you guys!

"Just Beat It, Beat It!"

2008-04-07T09:29:00.006-05:00

In mid song.

Is this on?

In mid dance.

Michael has nothing on e.

Yesterday e wanted to wear just one glove, this without prompting, it was if he knew who he was going to mimic. He picked up his micro phone and began singing and dancing. Scott has shared they from time to time watch Idol and I have done this with him too so this is the only place he might get an idea such as this. It was funny and familiar so I had to capture it.

I'm well aware I'm overdue for a post. In short, we had another water issue. This time it came with sludge and came up threw the laundry room floor. After getting that fixed and clean, I am back down for the count with a frog/grapefruit in my throat! Ahhhh! I'm home today to get extra rest and fight this off.

I'll write more later...off to rest!

Love you e!

e: I want to go to the beach, Mommy!

2008-04-02T21:00:00.005-05:00

me: Ok e! We're there! Yay!!!

e, I just booked our flight. We're headed in May to see Aunt Pat and Tia Pina for an entire week. It has been almost a year since we've seen them, I can not wait for them to see how much you've changed.

I look forward to a nice, relaxing visit and lots of beach time.

Can't wait to see you guys!

e at 15months when we visited last.

Pillow fight with Tia Pina.

Tia Pina, Aunt Pat and e.

Diddle Dumpty

2008-03-31T20:50:00.004-05:00

Hey Diddle Dumpty The Cat And The Humpty...

So tonight e's book of choice was the very large Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. After skipping over quite a few...seriously have you read some of them lately? Farmers wife cutting off tails, Mistress Kitty biting off heads, and blackbirds snapping off noses! He took immediately to Humpty Dumpty so after learning that one we tried learning Hey Diddle Diddle. Tucking him into bed he decided to morph them together. Pretty funny.

P.S. Night #4 paci free. You're asking me for it but tonight I managed to distract you with tickling and remembering all we did over the weekend so you could tell Daddy tomorrow when he picks you up from school.

I'm proud of you e!

2 in 1

2008-03-31T12:37:00.004-05:00

I have too much to say so I'm putting two entries into one.

First entry is about e's dream. Well, we think it was a dream...Oh wait! in order of importance! last night was night 3 PACI FREE! Ok, back to his dream...last night around midnight e woke very upset. I went to him, cradled him and was able to get him back to sleep after being ordered to walk around as he nestled himself in my arms. When he woke this morning I asked him if he remembered being upset last night. He said yes and went into reason, e: I fall down at Daddy's house, Daddy came down stairs, I have a hurt right here |pointing to his forehead|. me: Did your Daddy make it better? e: Yep.

So in our normal morning fashion I talked to Scott asking him about this. Wondering if in fact it was memory of having a fall or really a dream. Scott couldn't remember the last time he bumped his head so we think that he must have been truly dreaming it. If in fact our memory (as parents) isn't escaping us, this is pretty neat. e is able at 2.5 to articulate his dreams. I often want to know what that boy of mine is thinking about.

Ok, now on to another subject, entry #2:

Yesterday after Church e and I headed to LaLa and Pop's house. It worked out for me to take him and this was great because I was overdue for a visit. I love the fact that I can take you out to your father's parents house. I love how comfortable I still feel out there and that you can experience going out there with your Mommy too! Not many children can say that e (children from untraditional homes). So just let me say, YOU LOVE IT OUT THERE! You shadowed Pop's every move asking "why" to everything and answering with a very southern sounding "Yep!" (this is new). Just because I am from the south and my voice from time to time will leak this, I did not teach you this and your father and I can't figure out where it came from.

Greeting us at LaLa and Pops was both Grandpas (great to you) and soon to arrive was Aunt Vickie and Brittany. You showed off in the garage (where Pop builds his cars) on the tractor taking it for a pretend ride and then shared a tune, your ABC's. After Pop was finished working we all went upstairs to have dinner and play. After dinner you helped feed Sandy dog (truly wish I would have had a camera). Walking up to Sandy a Samoyed, a Siberian dog with the fluffiest white hair (you are both the same height, weight...not so much) you held a plate out for her. The plate full of steak you decided once chewed you didn't want and a potato peel. She gobbled it up, all but one piece. e: "finish Sandy, one more piece" and then patted her on the head telling her, "good job Sandy" (with slight prompting). Kasey a golden also greeted you at playtime with a wagging tail and nose in the face, you, didn't flinch.

There was a time when you couldn't get used to those two dogs but still loved them dearly to put them at the top of your prayer list. Now you're ready to run and (almost) wrestle with them. Play-time consisted of bringing down a large basket full of toys and tools, you walking around fixing this and that and then hoping up on Pop's lap to have some giggles. I took my usual spot on the couch curdled up watching you play just as LaLa did at my feet.

Thanks for having us out and most importantly making me still feel like part of the family! Love you guys!

Love you e!

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T20:28:00.002-05:00

Lights out for one hour 8-9pm to acknowledge environmental awareness.

After story time we turned all the lights out and you sang yourself to sleep. Tonight is night two of sleeping without your pacifier. When your Daddy dropped you off today he shared last night was night one. I am following his lead. You asked for it a couple of times but I simply changed the subject with a song and you quickly chimed in. Great job e!

Thank You Karl

2008-03-28T22:42:00.010-05:00

drop.io: simple private sharing

Karl has taught me how to upload and edit video....Watch Out! e, now I will be videoing your every move! I have already posted pics of Easter in a previous entry but this...this is VIDEO!

For those family members and friends who are enjoying this blog and have expressed the fun (Aunt Pat felt like she'd been on vacation with us)...it just got better! Who knew it could?!

Love to you all,
Enjoy! and Thank You Karl for video #1.

P.S. Could someone please tell me WHO hid the egg in the bathroom? Gross! John...was this your idea? Nice!

Eek! Leak!

2008-03-27T20:57:00.011-05:00

Pretty certain you are not going to notice that I didn't add an entry last night.

Pretty certain if I shared this info with you, you would ask "Why?".

Last night as I was tucking you into bed we watched the lightening and listened for the thunder. I was pleasantly surprised you were not afraid. As we enjoyed the storm, the rain got heavier, so heavy I swore I could hear it raining inside. Well, that is quite a bit of an exaggeration but we both did get out of bed and go investigate. There in the laundry room was the culprit a small leak, eeek! I went and grabbed a chair and bowl and stuck it on top of the washer/dryer stack (the chair cause I'm small). Talk about questions as I tucked you back in bed! "Water, why?, Bowl, why? Chair, why? Hole, why? Raining, why?" Wasn't sure when you'd get to sleep. Exhausted I went straight to bed after getting you asleep, no entry was written.

So of course minus one entry I have an overload of silliness to write......

Easter book, Big, Bad, Bunny: Favorite part is "Eek!" |you have the perfect voice for it|
OREO cookie eating, well, Newman-O's eating...your father is a master of devouring a bag, I'll let him teach you how to eat them!
I must record you singing Twinkle Twinkle and your ABC's, blogging about it won't do it justice...to be continued
You love pushing your own mini grocery cart. The woman at the check out made a comment to me about starting you early, I told her that I didn't have a choice in the matter. 2.5 sees a mini cart, 2.5 pushes mini cart. Mommy needs more room in the basket...tough!

He's all yours Scott! It would probably help if I filled the cup with milk. What's that other stuff you ask...rice, shrimp fried rice from Trader Joes!...He did have a good technique going, he would squash the cookie together the cream would then squish out the sides and he'd eat it. Newman-O's filling isn't as solid as OREO cream, it must be because it's organic. Ha!

I love you e.

Impatient

2008-03-25T22:43:00.003-05:00

|wrestling to get e's school clothes on|
me: come on e put your foot in!
e: okey, okey, and turn me around |singing with a grin on his face|

When I picked him up from school the other day they were doing the Hokey Pokey. I had never heard him sing it before or dance it. My impatience was quickly/cleverly met with song after I told him to put his "foot in". I just stopped and giggled.

I love you e.

Wanna Trade?

2008-03-24T20:40:00.007-05:00

From time to time I look at the real estate market and see what opportunities are out there. What I have found in a relatively short amount of time is that two people (perhaps technically 1 1/2) can grow out of a petite space. Our home is beautiful and was the perfect buy at the time. Since then our lives have changed and I see us needing a larger space. With our Church community and e's father in the city, it would be nice to make it back that direction.

The smartest move for me to make in this market is a trade and a trade with this home could be a fantastic investment property for the right person. Our villa is completely renovated, in a sought after location, and a condo association sees to the maintenance on the outer structure and grounds.

The home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath villa. It is an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors throughout and new carpet in both bedrooms. The kitchen is complete with stainless steal appliances and granite counter tops. The bathroom features a jacuzzi tub, all new fixtures and a slate floor. You can also enjoy a front patio in addition to a back deck, this home is perfect for entertaining!

If you know of anyone who would be interested feel free to point them in my direction. For privacy purposes I will not place an address or phone number. If you are at this entry it is because you are either a family member, friend or Realtor any other inquires may leave a comment.

Easter 2008

2008-03-23T21:37:00.006-05:00

It snowed this year.

Good Ol Wrestling!

Ewan enjoying his treats.

e found one.

Thanks for coming over John, Kara, Jenn, Daniella, David, Grandma Carol, Karl and Ewan! e and I had a great time!

After lunch and a nap we successfully hid Easter eggs throughout the house cause....IT WAS SNOWING!!! Yes, yet another cold Easter. We just might have to hit up our family in Florida next year!

To all our family and friends, Happy Easter!
With Love, Jodi and Elliott

P.S. Continue to check out e's Flickr site for more photos.

Easter Goodies (08)

2008-03-22T22:08:00.005-05:00

Easter is tomorrow and I've been preparing for friends to come over for lunch. Tomorrow we'll go to Church with Grandma and Ewan and then after Church head home to welcome more friends. We have quite the feast for the day and after lunch and a nap...let the hunt begin!

Your Easter eggs are filled with more healthy yummies just like last year. While I can, I'll keep pumping you full of healthy alternatives doing my best to keep you away from colors with numbers and fructose yuckies. This year we have the organic healthy version of OREO's by Newman's Own called Newman-O's. Animal crackers from Trader Joes and cheddar bunnies by Annie's. Both you and Ewan will be delighted with the yummy treats until that day when you get a hold of a Snickers bar, then I'm certain I'll hear about how I deprived you of the good ol American diet.

Happy Easter!
Love you e.

Baby Girl

2008-03-21T20:16:00.005-05:00

Karl, Louise, Ewan and Anya.

The Scott's welcome Anya Leonie.
3/20/08 10:44pm
8 lbs, 14 oz, 20.5" long

e and I picked up Ewan this morning and headed to the hospital so Ewan could meet his new baby sister. While e and I grabbed a cup of coffee the Scott's had private family time. Everyone is doing wonderfully!

The boys are asleep now after a full day. I'm barely hanging on to get this blog out before I head to bed myself. After having a late night last night and chasing two very active, very good boys around I'm turning in early. The boys truly are good boys and play so nicely together. I absolutely applaud all mothers out there who are either stay at home Mommies or single Mommies with multiple kids, WOW! You are amazing women!

Congratulations friends! e and I love you all very much! Good night.

Elliott and Ewan bringing 4 roses to the hospital.

Big brother Ewan holding Anya.

Elliott and Ewan having lunch after our hospital visit. Don't worry Karl and Louise I'm keeping him well fed and clothed!

Ewan's brother or sister is soon to arrive!

2008-03-20T20:41:00.006-05:00

A photograph of Louise I took last weekend.

Our dear friends the Scott's are expecting and it could be any day now. Soon your buddy Ewan will be a big brother to a little baby girl or boy. It's very exciting.

You showed this excitement as we said our prayers this evening. I told you that baby might be here soon and if so that we would be helping to care for Ewan. This made you very happy. If baby comes this Easter weekend I shared with Karl and Louise that Ewan could come stay with us. We can see that he makes it up to the hospital to be with his new family and that he would be included in any/all Easter plans, anything to make the new family transition a comfortable one. You and Ewan play very well together and with the weather warming up we can be sure to have lots of fun!

Many blessings to our friends Karl, Louise, Ewan and Baby. These are very exciting times.

P.S. Savannah in West Palm is to be a big sister too any day now. I can't wait to get the call from Nikki! Blessings to the Goldings too!

Andrew Bird : Card Puppet

2008-03-19T21:40:00.007-05:00

Your Daddy leaves tomorrow to go to New York. You had a great evening with him last night and was able to see him again this evening because school invited us to "Literacy Night". Your classroom read the book Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?, one of your all time favs that you read aloud. Outside the classroom they set up an activity table where you made the animals in the book out of tooth pics and marshmallows. Did you know they made lemon flavored marshmallows? No, you wouldn't know and I had wished you would have stopped shoving those evil, little, yellow #5, fructose crappies in your mouth! But I'm a human Mommy and allowed it. Your Dad just smiled, squatted down next to you and created mellow-sculpture under the table only to bring them up claiming they were your very own creation. And yes, I put the yellow one in my mouth learning they make them taste like lemons now. Anyway, you're probably wondering what this has to do with Andrew Bird and card puppets...I'm getting to that...

Your Daddy asked if we'd walk him out where he handed me the largest stack of Andrew Bird CD's. He wanted to make sure you listened to him while he was away. We already have a few of his CD's so I'll add these to your collection. A perfect meld, your love of the violin and Andrew Bird. Being a fan myself I went on a YouTube hunt for a video that I had seen on one of the CD's your father and I used to share. In trying to locate it, I found this Card Puppet video. Enjoy!

I don't want to leave this entry without sharing one more part of our evening...
This evening as I tucked you into bed you started to get a little melancholy for your Daddy. You have done this a little bit recently and I'm seriously wondering if you haven't fully comprehended that your Dad is traveling/going away for a little bit. When you do this I encourage you to share all the fun things you do at Daddy's house. You enjoy this and it puts you in a good mood. Tonight I tried something a little different after I asked you to share your past evening. I told you to close your eyes and use your imagination...e: I want my Daddy. me: Ok, buddy close your eyes, are they closed? |looking at his eyes| Ok, can you see Daddy? e: No. me: Do you see an elephant? Lola? e: No. me: e, use your imagination. e: I see Mommy, I see Daddy. me: Good boy. When you want your Daddy just close your eyes and use your imagination, use your dreams to see Daddy. |a little time goes by as I'm still trying to get him to sleep| me: Close your eyes buddy and go to sleep. |closing his eyes| Do you see a beach? e: |pause| I have water in my eyes! me: Water in your eyes? e: A swimming pool. me: Are you and Daddy at the swimming pool? e: Yeah! me: Are you splashing? e: Naaaooooo. |long and drawn out, kinda southern and silly| me: Swimming? e: No splashing! me: Night, night buddy. |giggling for several reasons, 1. his imagination and 2. he understood the concept|.

I love you e.

Beautiful Etsy Posters

2008-03-18T23:22:00.006-05:00

Here are some posters I fell in love with for e's room. I've thought about wall papering his wall with beautiful printed posters. Here are some I marked as "favorites" but since I last visited half of these are already SOLD. Enjoy exploring Etsy's prints, they have lithographs, letterpress and monotypes (just to name a few).

Happy Shopping!