Exciting Day

Well, it didn't start out so exciting.  I got caught up on all the house work that I've skimped out on over the last several days.  Luke thought he would help. 

Yes, that's him Swiffering the walls. 

He also thought he would help with the laundry.

Unfortuantly he just got stuck under the basket. 

So I popped in the movie Cars and was able to get it all done. 

He has been begging me for days to watch it again, so I finally complied in order to get the chores done without little feet running through the swept up dust pile, tracking mop cleaner everywhere, or screaming when I vacuumed.  He didn't budge from that spot the entire time it was playing. 

Most of the day I spent waiting for a package from Amazon.  I'm talking door open, walking by every thirty seconds, acting like a little school girl on her birthday waiting.  Of course it didn't come until 6 tonight.  But it came none the less!  And now I have........

a beautiful new camera!  That's right, I pooled in my birthday money, the last of my babysitting money, some money from craft sales, and a tad out of pocket to purchase the Canon Rebel T1i.  I haven't been this excited for something to come home since I birthed a baby and he was leaving the hospital.  Of course I jumped right in and tested it on my new model.

Those were before bath time with some dinner still on his face. 

And that one is after bathtime, all nice and clean. 

And speaking of dinner, I actually tried a new recipe, and I do believe it was the best thing I've ever made.  Talk about a good night.  I was so impressed that it actually looked like the picture in the magazine, that I was compelled to take a picture of it with my new fancy camera. 

Lord have mercy it was good.  And excuse the sides.  I'm not much of a sides person.  The family was lucky to get what they did. 

And I promise I did put clothes on him today.  We did have to run to the store to get the steak and garlic, so I just slapped a tee and shorts and a hat on him and ran out the door.  I was super paranoid that my new baby would get delivered while we were gone and she would just be sitting on the porch, vulnerable to the heat and bugs and occasional passer-by.  But that didn't happen. 

Every other day affair

So apparently my new thing is to only write every other day.  I've got things to say each night, it's just I don't make the time to sit down and do it.  Much like many other things in my life.  Like the laundry.  Or cleaning the bathrooms. 

Not to say that writing it quite the beating that is household chores, but you get the picture.

Plus I've been really tired.  And I've watched a couple of movies with Cody.  Finally saw Avitar.  Yep, it was as good as everyone said it was.  And I realize they said it was a very long time ago.  Hi, I'm not a movie buff/lover/whatever.  Nice to meet you. 

And back to the really tired part....I don't know what my deal is.  I cat napped yesterday.  I long napped today.  And last night at 10 I could barely keep my eyes open and had to go to bed.  At 10. 

And don't you dare bust out the p-word again.  Cruel.

Before I forget, you can finally see what my suprise was.  I am just so inspired by this family, with whom I've got enough connections to that would make you're head spin, and they are adopting a sweet little girl from China in a few months.  If you don't read Mandy's blog, you better get going cause the girl is hysterical.  And she's got a couple of boys that always make for some interesting posts!

Yesterday and today were both filled with sunny mornings in water worlds.  Yesterday we went over to my other friend named Sara's mother's house (did you get all that?) to go swimming.  Luke had fun and I got to visit with my friend.  Win win!  Last night Cody mowed (don't everyone gasp at once please, you might hurt his feelings) and it took me a solid five minutes to find a little boy who ended up being here. 

He was GLUED to the window watching Daddy push that big noisy thing around the yard.  And everytime we go into the garage to get into the car he tries to get away from me and get to the lawn mower.  All in good time my friend.  One day you will be an excellent lawn mower.  Starting at the age of 10. 

Just kidding.

Maybe.

Today we went to the aquatic park to play.  Before we left I noticed that Luke had moved one of his pictures to the coffee table.  Smack dab in the middle of the coffee table.  Apparently it's still all about him.

But after I took the picture something funny happened.

I feel like I need a flip book or something.  That little face got closer and closer trying to see what I was doing.  Unfortunantly he likes to play with the camera when Mom's no looking.  And open it.  And put his finger on the lens. 

We had a glorious time at the water park.  My friend April and her son were there with us, and I commented to her how much I was enjoying/would be enjoying Luke this summer.  Not that I didn't have fun with him last summer, but he was a baby who was in a large pool and couldn't really move around in it.  This time he had his water wings and he was Mr. Independent.  He could run around.  He could walk in the shallow area.  His favorite thing to do was go out in to the deep area and just float around.  Of course I was glued to his side, but my hands didn't have to be on him 100% of the time.  He couldn't get anywhere in the deeper end since he can't swim, but the feeling of just being carefree out there was just bliss on his face.  I loved it. I loved the squeals of delight as we ventured to a new area.  I loved the giggles as I swam in cirlce around him and he tried to guess when I would come back into view.  We'll be going back.

Birthday!!

It's my birthday!  Yes, today I rolled another year back on the ole calander.  My how I wish time would slow down.  Not just for the fact that my body is ageing, but also for Luke.  That kid is growing up to darn fast.  In two weeks it will be his birthday and I'll officially have a two year old on my hands!  Which is good because the terrible two's hit this house at around 18 months, so at least now the numbers will match up. 

This morning the first words I heard were "Happy birthday baby!"  That's always a good way to start out the day.  Cody went to work, and then Luke decided to go ahead and get up early as usual.  That's okay dear, don't sleep in on my account.  I tried to lay in bed until 8:45, but after three times of jumping up due to WHAT'S THAT NOISE! I figured it was a lost cause.  I got up, watered the lawn, and cleaned the kitchen.  Maybe not the ideal way to start the day, but if you had seen my kitchen, you would know why cleaning it would only improve the day. 

About 10 I got a text from Ashley.  She was a little frantic at work because she thought she had left her flat iron on and was afraid of burning down the house while Mom and Dad are in Hawaii.  She asked me to swing by and turn it off for her.  Being the good sister I am (okay, after trying to get out of it by asking her if there was an automatic shut off), I told her I could swing by on my way to lunch with Sara.  It's a good thing it really was on the way.  As I was driving I was talking to my grandmother, so when I got there I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and went upstairs.  Of course it's not only turned off, but also unplugged.  Still on the phone, I silently comment to myself that she is turning into our mother.  I think almost every time we left the house growing up Mom would have to run back in and check her curling iron.  Every.  Time.  And every time it was off.  Every.  Time.  Anyway, I'm about to walk back out the door when I see this. 

Stinker!  I couldn't believe I almost missed it.  Here's what was on the inside.

Shouldn't she win awards for her mad decorating skills?  Love it.  Anyway, since I was on my way to lunch I just took it in with me and Sara and I had it for dessert.  She was so sweet to not only treat me to lunch, but also to practically give her whole fruit cup to my kid who was insisting that lunch be totally about him.  Loudly.  If it's possible, I think that I may love her more now than I did before.  Other than him we had a totally delightful time.  And some chocolate cake to boot. 

After lunch I stopped by the fabric store before heading to Grandmother's.  What kind of special day would it be if there wasn't a little fabric browsing involved?  At Grandmother's I got to try out her new sewing machine.  It is FANCY!   And it's not even the best of the best.  It's just 30 years newer than mine.  And she said that I could borrow it anytime I want.  Which I totally will, since there is now a cute little vine stitch calling my name.  I just have to figure out what to put on it. 

Then it was nap time, when I got to talk to my other dear friend, Shae, then it was time to just hang out.  I cleaned our closet.  Another seemingly unenjoyable task that was so desperately needed that it only improved the quality of my day.  And my life. 

When Cody came home he brought me some treats from Le Madeleine's.  Like 4 different desserts, a croissant thing, and some tomato soup.  Does that boy know me or what?  I ate the soup and the croissant and was so full for the rest of the night I didn't even eat dinner. 

Doesn't that sound like a good day?

Yesterday was pretty good too.  I had a cutie patootie to take with me to church, where he was such a good boy. 

We ate lunch at a place called Burgers and Brats........does that need any more explenation?  At 4 was the VBS meeting, I'm working it again this year.  Afterwards was small groups, where we brown bagged it and sat around laughing until my sides hurt.  Sweet Sara made a lemon cake and even had candle for me to "blow" out.  Just so you know, she let me be 14 again.  See why we're friends?

Lots of errands and a birthday party

Yesterday morning Luke's ECI case worker finally came.  She had to reschedule from Tuesday morning cause her kid was sick.  So yesterday at 9 she came, was excited that he's gotten a few new signs down, and gave me some new ones to work on with him.  My car inspection was up in March (WHOOPS), so my goal was to be ready and dressed before Wileen came so that as soon as she left Luke and I could jump in the car and get it taken care of.

Goal met.

We left the house about 10, and our first stop was mailing all of my goodies from Wednesday.  The next stop was Discount Tires to get two new tires put on the car so it would actually pass inspection.  By the time we got there it was going to take and HOUR to get them replaced.  I sure did call my Mommy to come pick us up because I was NOT about to sit in a lobby for who knows how long with a toddler.  She came and picked us up, and I figured we would go back to her house but then she (duh!) said it would probably be better if we just went home so the Luke could eat lunch and take a nap.  Hello.  That makes the most sense. 

He had some major troubles falling asleep.  I had to bust in twice to shoo him away from his toys and back into bed.  When he finally crashed I wondered if he was on his way out of bed or crawling back in.

(taken though the door knob hole)

(yes, that would be some kind of skull he's playing with.  It's Cody's.  Not mine.  We were waiting for Nana to get there.)

After nap time she came back for us and took us up to get the car, and then I was finally able to get a passing inspection.  Whew!  What a relief....I did not want to have to pay for that ticket should I have gotten caught. 

After the inspection Luke and I went with Mom and Ashley to do some errands.  We got home just in time to leave again.....Luke was going over to Cody's parents for the evening while Cody and I went over to Tara and Drew's house for dinner.  We had such a great time, and I am bummed we didn't get any pictures!  I forgot how much I enjoy hanging out with them.

This morning came a little earlier than I would have liked.  Thanks Luke. 

But then we got ready and headed to Jocylen's third birthday!  It was at the funnest place.  It was called My Gym and was basically a big room with tons of kid gymanstics equipment.  From the moment his feet hit the spring floor he did not stop running. 

Anywhere. (actually in this picture he is supposed to be in circle time with all the other kids, but we've got a rebel on our hands and he refused to comply with The Man.)

At one point they pulled out this car that rolled on a track. 

And when I had to take him off so other kids could have a turn, this happend. 

And there was a little car stalking. 

He got a total of three times on the car.  He's special. 

Finally there was cake. 

Then we came home and he crashed.  I mean CRASHED.  All that running + 2 hours past nap time = exhaustion.  And me trying to keep up with him? 

You colored WHERE?

Yesterday was probably one of my worst Momma days to date.  He threw fits.  He screamed in the grocery store.  He lost a shoe there.  He hid my phone.  He colored on the couch with black crayon.  He wouldn't eat.  By 5:30 I was nearly in tears and at the end of my rope, so I called Mom and told her she better come pick up a toddler before the toddler was no more.  I knew it wouldn't be that big of a deal because I was close to church time and she teaches his bible class on Wednesday nights, so he could just go with her.  Momma needed a b.r.e.a.k.  What's more, was my friend Tara (who also happens to be Cody's cousin) was over and I was teaching her how to sew.  Once Terror was gone I was able to calm down and focus and we had a great time!  Sewing soothes my soul, and fellowship soothes my soul, so putting the two together on a stressful day was good.   Here's what we did!

Well, mostly she did it.  I really tried to stay out of it as much as possible.....I know myself.  I tend to just take over.  So I would show her the next step and then literally walk away.  I sat and finished the hand sewing parts to a couple of bags.  Ashley ordered this one for Kayden (who's last day was today!):

And a friend out of state ordered this one for her daughter:

Today went much better, and it started out lovely cause Cody wrote me a sweet poem for me to find this morning.  I love it when he does that.  We didn't do a whole lot the rest of the day.  I made a suprise for someone, which I'll post about in a few days, and then I took the bobbin area apart and cleaned out all the dust and lint in the sewing machine.  Lets hope it doesn't get snagged up any more.  It's really annoying when it does that.  Luke watched the movie Cars this morning.  Again.  He's becoming obessesed with it.  He makes the sign for "car" and then points to the tv.  He wanted to watch it after nap time too, but I said once a day was enough.  This could be a problem. 

Since he couldn't sit and watch tv, he thought he would make Kayden's car seat base into a garage:

And then when I took it away (he was pushing it back and it was starting to get dirty in the fire place) he thought he would really stick it to me and throw the dog's toys into the fire place.  Which meant she would jump in to get them back, and he would laugh hysterically.  It also meant that I now have little ashy paw prints all over the living room.  And on the couch. 

On the left side you can see the black marks from the crayon, on the right side the paw prints.  Don't you just want to cuddle up on that?  I vacuumed out the couch and flipped the cushions.  Magically clean! 

Tonight we went to dinner with Cody's parents.  They took us to Outback.  Mmmmmm.  I has steak and shrimp.  Luke had a grilled cheese with a side of patting the woman behind our booth on the head.  *sigh*  No wonder a mother's love is so fierce and strong.  How else would you be able to take a child out in public?

Early start on the birthday

This morning around 11 I got the boys out to run up to Hobby Lobby.  It was a real quick trip and I hated to put all that effort into getting us out the door for only a 10 minute run so we went across the parking lot to a fish store.  Is there a better, more techincal name for a store that sells only fish and aquarium equipment?  If there is, it's not coming to mind at the moment.  I used to love looking at fish when I was younger and I was hoping maybe Luke would love it too.  I think he liked trying to open up the tank's tops more than actually looking at the fish.  Kayden seemed to enjoy it, although there isn't much you can do from a car seat except look. 

After the fish store we went next door to Which Wich to grab me a sandwich and bring it home.  It was so hot and I was really looking forward to a big Dr. Pepper on the drive home.  But when I got to the soda fountain I realized that they only had Mr. Pibb.  Totally forgot about that.  So I got a Coke instead.  Then after getting everyone loaded up into the car I sure did drive off with it still on the roof.

Booooooooooooooo.

While bummed about wasting the money, I did console myself with the thought that then I could go and get a wonderful Dr. Pepper from Chicken Express and then I wouldn't have to drink Coke any more.  So I did. 

After nap time Luke brought me the DVD box of Cars and then pointed to the tv.  Apparently he wanted to watch it.  What do you think?

He was GLUED to the tv about 90% of the time it was on.  I've never seen him that engaged in a movie before.  We didn't get to finish it because we had to go to dinner....for my birthday! 

I know, my birthday isn't until next Monday, but Mom and Dad are going to Hawaii at the end of the week for their anniversary, so they will miss it.  Mom's exact reasoning was "We were going to have to miss either your birthday or Luke's.  You've had 26 other birthdays and this will only be his 2nd one, so we picked to be here for his."  I guess that's a grandparent through and through for you. 

Anyway, I got to pick where ever I wanted to go (which was a lot of pressure by the way.  I hate making decisions like that.)  and I chose to go to my favorite local sushi place and then Mimi's Cafe for coffee and bread pudding for dessert.  Mmmmmmm.  It was so good.  At Asahi we sat at a hibatchi table because a.) Mom, Dad, and Cody were getting hibatchi and b.)  we thought Luke would enjoy the show.

Wrong.  He was terrified of it.  So he moved to my lap.

Until my delicious Spring roll got there.

So he moved to Dad's lap until the man cooking left the grill.  At Mimi's he was a little out of controll with more energy than he knew what to do with.  Cody didn't want dessert so he took him outside to run around while we ate.  When we were done and went outside, there he was.....RUNNING back and forth across the porch.  Cody said he did that The.  Whole.  Time.  Needless to say he's now sleeping quite well in his little bed.

Marathons get me every time

They really do.  I have all the best intentions in the world, and then I find a marathon on tv.  It doesn't even have to be a good show.  Today's time sucker was Ghost Whisperer.  It's the epitomy of a guilty pleasure.  I was on episode #8 of the day when Cody got home. 

He hates that show.  He makes fun of that show.  He laughs and points at me. 

As soon as he walked through the door I started begging him not to judge me. 

Just love. 

No judge. 

Since it was Monday I had meant to get the house all clean.  Pshh.  Yeah right.  The only thing I got done before dinner was clean all the floors.   But after dinner I got the bathrooms done, a couple of loads of laundry done, and the house totally picked up.  Whew.  That saved face a little bit.  I needed to have whatever was gonna get done finished by bed time because ECI will be here at 9 in the morning.  I made a boo boo yesterday when I said the speech pathologist is coming this week, it's only ECI this week.  SP is next week. 

Remember that one time I said that I only got the floors cleaned before dinner?  Well, they were actually cleaned before nap time.  And then after nap time Luke decided to try and get a snack for himself.

*sigh* Why do I bother with this place?  I should just cover the whole place in plastic and hose it down each night before I go to bed.  But his utter devistation that the whole two pound bag ended up on the floor just made me laugh.  I gave him a big hug, told him it was okay, it was an accident, and we cleaned it up together.  I posted the picture on Facebook and my friend Haley made the comment that "he dumped the animal crackers right by the dog's bowl. Your son is a genius. If baby food is for babies, then animal crackers are for animals!"  Yes, we'll go with that.

A better pool party

First of all, this morning at church Luke got ahold of Ashley's sunglasses. 

Maybe the auditorium was too bright? 

Tonight we had small groups, but it turned out to be more of a tiny groups.  The senior reception was also tonight, and some of the families are also involved with the youth so they went to support the graduates.  It left us with only 5 families tonight, but it was actually nice!  Much quieter than normally....Luke was the only toddler.  Well, generally much quieter.  At one point Luke decided he was a raptor and walked around shrieking as high as he could.  No concept of inside voice on that one.  We were at the Coulter's house, and Terry had bought a kiddy pool for the babes.  I was a little nervous about how Luke would do given the fiasco yesterday, but today he did much better.  It probably helped that he was the only one there, I'm thinking all the kids yesterday was really intimidating to him. 

See?  Much better.  He didn't play all that long, but it at least there was no crying.  We spent most of the time inside just visiting.  Like normal. 

Tomorrow is Monday.  Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week.  This week the speech pathologist comes out.  This week ECI comes out.  This week is the last week that Kayden will be here for the summer.  This week I've got a special suprise that I want to make.  Can't wait to show you.  This week I will get to bed at a decent time, because I'm tired of being tired.  So tired.

It's NOT my party & I'll cry if I want to

Today we went to Claire's birthday party.  Sara and Caleb threw it in their back yard, complete with a kiddy pool, kiddy sprinkler, bouncy house, and their normal swing set.  Sounds like the perfect set up, right? 

I think that face begs to differ.

See we started out the party great.

Luke was happy, all was good.  Once the bathing suit went on things quickly digressed to this.

I tried getting in the bounce house with him.  Hysterical.  I tried sticking him in the pool.  Hysterical.  I tried to (gently) push him into the sprinkler. Hysterical. Hysterical.  Oh, did I mention he was Hysterical? 

Mostly he wanted to mooch off of everyone's fruit plate.   I probably should have gotten up and fixed him his own plate, but no one seemed to mind.  Except for this one time he ate a grape off of Zane's plate.  He bit half of it off and then put it back on the plate.  Zane happened to walk up at that time and with the most genuine tone said "Oh! Thank you Luke!"  And then proceeded to try and eat the grape.  I quickly snatched it away. 

When the cake came out life was peachy.

Mmmm that's sweet!

After it was all said and done with a full belly, he was content to just sit and watch the world go by.

(Oh, and the kid in the diaper two pictures up?  Yeah, at one point we looked up and he had taken off the diaper and was running around the birthday party in his birthday suit.  Classic.)