Expanding the Family...

Sharing & Spitting

2011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Before Nap, we read "What's Fair is Fair" featuring Piggy and Kermit.

The book ends with some questions I ask the kid:

Me: Have you ever shared something that was important to you?

Kid: No! shaking his head...

Me: How did it make you feel? okay, not applicable.

Me: Do you like it when your friends share with you?

Kid: Nodding, Oh yes!

Me; Why do you think it's important to share?

Kid: So people can play with stuff!

Kid: But really mommy, you shouldn't spit.

Me: Um, true. You shouldn't.

Kid: Yea, you shouldn't spit. on people, or walls, or the floor, or on lights. or even on Christmas trees

Me: Very good point. You haven't been spitting have you?

Kid: No! No!

Me; Never??

Kid: nope. Never.

Santa Comes Thru

2011-12-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Each year Santa comes to our neighborhood.

On a fire truck!

and the fire truck runs its siren as it goes through every street in the township.

All morning.

And it just so happens to always be on a morning when I'm trying to sleep in.

Lovely.

It happened last year.

And whadda ya know?

Again this year.

I'm a lucky gal what can I say?

But the kid loves it...

and waits for him in his Jammies each year!

Santa greets each boy and girl on the street and hands out Candy Cans.

Not Candy Canes.

Candy Cans, per Abram:)

I took him to a parade later that day.

That was 45 minutes late starting. And it was 22 degrees.

We left early and I didn't have one bit of guilt over it either!

Honestly, how many times does he need to see Santa!

Finally - Our Tree!

2011-12-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Last year, we spent the day on a christmas tree farm getting the tree, riding a horse and sleigh, cutting our own tree down, blah blah blah.

It was fun. And incredibly cold. And long.

This year - we had our tree on the car in about 20 minutes.

And in the house another 20 minutes later.

Sometimes the simple really is better.

Way better.

Some special ornaments this year:

the kid's disney ornament from my mom and dad...

And the ornament from our first Christmas together as a married couple - 10 years ago:)

Husband often claims I am not festive - or I am Bah Hum Bug.

Which is just not true.

I just don't like to put up Christmas decorations.

That doesn't mean I don't have the Christmas spirit folks!

I shop. I wrap. I'm happy. I play Christmas Music!

What more do we need?

We'll apparently a tree. and lights. Decorations. and a whole slew of other things I just don't know about.

So for our tree decorating night - I insisted we play Christmas music, drink egg nog, and roast Chestnuts.

Festive right? Very Christmas-spiritish of me I thought!

The egg nog was awesome. The music good. and the chestnuts Gross.

Who really bothers roasting those things on an open fire?

Quick Weekend Trip

2011-12-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

We took a quick weekend get away to Western PA this weekend.

So Husband could watch this:

For some reason, seeing it in person, live, is just way better than TV.

And so the Kid could do this:

Pointing out a few Christmas Wishes to his Memaw!

Now - I'm Hoping to get the tree up very soon!

And then there were 4!

2011-12-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Picture Made on Oct 1, 2011:

Picture Made on Nov 24, 2011:

Picture Made on Dec 1, 2011:

The night we told Abram I was pregnant, he was so excited! grinning, clapping, and laughing.

The next morning: "Well?!?! Where is it??!" he asked.

He told me yesterday:

"I will read the baby books. but only one I know because I don't know how to read. And I'll talk to the Baby but the baby will just say "bah bah bah" to me. Cause thats what babies do."

He's holding strong for a boy but when his teacher asked him at school if it was a boy or girl he said:

We don't know yet but really - God decides. and gave a big sigh like 'oh great' lol...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from my silly family to yours!

Disney

2011-11-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

I put off blogging for one reason.

I have a terribly hard time picking which pictures to put on!

We take so many. I have LOTS of choices.

and its so hard to pick just a few.

This post. Disney.

How do you pick 'just a few'?

We were gone 7 days, spent 5 days at Disney Parks.

I have so many pictures, I don't know if I have even seen them all?

But I guess I'll hit the high points.

The trip was awesome.

My parents were with us for a few days and we were thrilled to have them join us;)

My mama is vacation planner queen so her help is Huge!

And my dad is so low maintenance on what we do, you hardly know he's there...

Abram knew they were there. and loved it. As we did!

Breakfast with Mickey is a must.

The food rocked. and a guaranteed meet and greet with the characters was well worth it too!

We hope to go back. In about 5 years.

That should give us ample time to rest up!

A few more photos of our trip below...

Airplane Ride to Florida - Lots of kids on the flight. they all cheered when we took off and again when we landed! So fun!

A hug from Donald... He loved the Breakfast so much he could hardly eat...

Waiting on the nighttime parade and fireworks!

All of us with Minnie!

Epcot Phone Booth. Abram said "what is that thing? Why is the phone in that box?"

Digging for dinosaur bones with Dad at Animal Kingdom...

A Major highlight of his trip - meeting Lightning McQueen at Hollywood Studios!

He rode the teacups. Only about 22 times.

And he had one of these every. single. day. As did his Mama!

Oh and one final note - do not take a 3 1/2 year old into "Its a Bugs Life". He was NOT. A. FAN.

Halloween Repeat

2011-10-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

He had only been asking for two months.

When is Halloween?

How much longer until Halloween?

I had never had a kid anticipating something so desperately and couldn't believe his excitement over something MONTHS away!

Finally - it was here. Halloween!

Halloween starts with the Township Fall Festival which includes a Halloween Parade...

The kid willingly put on his dinosaur costume though I saw the urge for last years outfit.

It didn't help matters that Sid the Science Kid was a Bat on his Halloween episode this year.

That made being a Bat seems WAY more cool than the dino costume, for sure.

It also didn't help that people kept calling him an alligator at the festival.

The kid looked with puzzled eyes, like "who are they talking to?" because HE was a dinosaur.

Two LONG days later... Halloween arrived.

There was no doubt.

I am going to be a BAT.

Again I say?

Yes, I really really really wanna be a Bat mommy...

And a bat he was. A darn good one.

The dinosaur costume will still fit next year. This one won't.

Hurricane Hills!

2011-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

As usual, we enjoy hitting up Hurricane Hills Farm just up the road...

We met our friends and their son there and made a whole morning of it!

First up was the pig race, a new addition to the activities this year.

We were rooting for Kevin Bacon but I think Britney Spare Ribs pulled ahead at the last moment.

The kid enjoyed the tractor cow ride this year whereas last year he cried hysterically the whole ride - and yes, i still made him ride it out! :-)

Hayride out to the pumpkin patch....

Of course he didn't want one right in front of him but the one waaayyy over there!

We went home with two large ones and two itty bitties:)

But not before taking his turn on the mini tractors --

And running through the corn maze so fast that he almost got lost - grrr!

Mommy was not. happy. Dad snagged him up and i got a quick pic.

The only other highlight of the day was that we planned to picnic there for lunch.

and who forgot that little fact completely - but me.

Our friends were nice enough to split up their many snacks and lunch and we all shared:)

Tennessee Travels

2011-10-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

We have been so darn busy around these parts - I've had no spare time to sit down and log all this fun:)

Early October, we made a trip to Tennessee, just me and the little guy, to have a long weekend visit with the family... and the scenery!

We had amazing weather and great company:)

Abram got to see Deer almost every morning, in my parents front yard...

And this is the view from their deck - beautifiul!

We ventured over into North Carolina for a morning at the Mast General Store...

Trying on silly hats with Papaw:)

And we managed to be there for game day too - Notice all the TN Orange?

A break from the game...

He kept getting mixed up and yelling "Go Steelers!" haha....

I think he finally got in a "Go Vols" by the end of it all!

My personal favorite moments were - reading time with Papaw....

and the outdoor time at my mom and dads...

There's nothing quite like being in the country!

Favorite Lines & A Story

2011-09-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

The kid has some favorite lines he likes to say - over and over.

He doesn't just say them.

He yells them. Yells.

Not screaming at us (most of the time) but just being - Loud.

And he throws in a big huff and puff afterward too ha.

Here's a few of the shining examples, with #1 being the most famous of all:)

1. I am NOT Tired!!!

2. NOOOoooo!!!

3. I Don't WANNA take a NAP!!!

4. I don't WANNA go to school!!!

5. I need Waterrrrr!!!

6. But - But - But I really wannaaa (___fill in the blank___ )!!!

7. I don't wanna Go to BED!!!

8. I don't like this dinner!!!

9. When is it gonna be Halloween?!?!

10. I said Goodnight Mommy!!!

11. Nelly is Licking me!!!

He's also taken to throwing out a few stories here and there... most of them are tiny (and cute!) little white lies. But once in awhile he goes on and on with a real whopper.

Me: How was show and tell today?

Kid: Silence. clearly ignoring me.

Me: How was show and tell Abram?

Kid: I didn't get to do it. huffing.

Me: Why not?? What happened??

Kid: I got in trouble. Me and Danny.

Me: what were you doing?

Kid: (mumbling and talking fast) I didn't wanna take a nap and then i wasn't laying down and miss dee said (changes his voice) - abram lay down! (back to his voice) and i didn't and i got in trouble and i didn't get to do show and tell. and i didn't. another huff.

Me; Oh well. I guess if you don't follow the rules -

Kid: And Then, Miss Linda - she told me not to come back. Uh Huh.

Me: come back where?

Kid; To school. she told me not to come back there. nodding.

Me: Oh wow. well That sure seems serious. Hmmm...

Kid: Yea. but Dad will probably take me anyway. big sigh.

Myrtle Beach!

2011-09-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

Husband got a new job!

To celebrate his week off between jobs - we went on another trip - this time South!

Bonus - on the way down, we got to stay overnight with my brother and his family in NC.

The kids had a great time together - playing, eating, and going to church on Sunday!

Me and my Brother...

After church, we headed on down to South Carolina....

We put out an invite to Pap and Memaw to join us...

while Pap had to work - Memaw was free! and she brought Aunt Sis along for the fun:)

We loved having them along for the trip!

There was only one rainy morning so we hit up the aquarium...

Abram looking at the sharks!

While he loved seeing sharks, fishes, and the divers - he would not stop asking:

"Where are the mermaids?!?!? I wanna see the MERMAIDS!"

We killed some time and finally got a front row seat to the noon mermaid show, praise the Lord.

And can i say - he LOVED it. His favorite thing - by far.

He even wanted to go to the "meet and greet' afterward to ask the mermaids questions lol...

His question: "how will you get to Tennessee...?"

Most of our days though - we spent time lounging by the awesome pools at the resort...

and sitting out on the beach, digging sand and jumping the massive waves:)

The kid, finding shell pieces...

US:)

It was the perfect time to be at the beach! Just after Labor day ended and the crowds were gone.

Enjoying a yummy dinner at Bonefish!

This is only picture I got of Aunt Sis the whole trip - I don't think she likes to have her picture made - but heres proof - she was with us:) Abram is 'napping' here...

And Really Napping here below... the beach wears him out I swear! plus, we skipped a lot of naps.

But this night, he was out at 7pm - poor little fella...

We all had a wonderful time and hope to do it again next year:)

Though its a LONG ride back to Pennsylvania...

I kept wanting to add some fun pit stops - like Kings Dominion or sight seeing in Richmond!

But husband was NOT having it - maybe next time...

New Hampshire Bound...

2011-08-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

We ventured there last year for a quick weekend away.

This year we ventured back since we loved it so very much!

Keene, NH:)

Small town, cute shops, good food, great hotel, and a Lake!

We stay just off Main Street - so we walk to breakfast or shops as we please without hopping in the car.

It's never fun getting there - we venture through NJ, NY, and lower CT = Traffic. Ugh.

but heading back in usually worse - vacation is over!

Last year we went over the July 4th holiday and this year we went in late August.

I think sometime between the two would be best.

I'm already looking forward to our trip next year - so relaxing and fun!

We spent most of our days on Spofford Lake...

shoveling sand, looking for shells (yes there were shells!), swimming, and boat watching.

The kid had his tube and went wayyy out there with dad! The slope was very gradual and the water warm so it's perfect for kids! (and moms who hate cold water)

He loved watching the boats, jet skis, and skiers going by!

And look at this white boy - I had him layered in SunScreen head to toe!

We ate dinner at The Stage twice - such yummy food. and outdoor seating right on Main St.

He also got some lessons at the hotel pool table!

I think his favorite purchase of the trip was his new goggles.

While he loves his change holder that says NH with a Moose on it...

He really really loves his goggles!

So much so - that he found new uses for them once we were home!

Video below - Enjoy:)

The Brandywine...

2011-08-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Somehow we discovered this special place along the Brandywine River.

You're driving along a two lane, rough paved, highway then suddenly, to your right, are parking spots.

only about 5 spots for small cars.

and a little stairway leading down an unseen path.

Husband brought us here.

We wandered down the stairs with the kid and discovered a complete summer sanctuary.

dropping green trees, pebbles, and river water so clear you can see every rock.

its a forge, where you can wade through, only up to your knees in most spots.

looking west, you can see a few teens in a swimming hole, much deeper.

they're dangling from a rope swing, screaming with fun.

the three of us wade, pick up rocks, throw pebbles, and realize -

its abram's first time in a river!

there are not many swimming hole around there parts - but theres this:)

These were made with my awful cheap phone, so the quality is shaky...

but the point was, I actually remembered to take some pics. Me for once!

Abram rode home naked as a jay bird, his wet clothes piled in the back.

We plan to come back - often!

My only wish is that we'd known of it sooner...

It felt like such good country fun!

Movie Night

2011-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

We're in the midst of watching the Toy Story movies.

Dinner beforehand was eaten 'picnic style' in the living room on an old blanket.

The kid was so darn excited about a picnic dinner, he ate everything on his plate!

We spread the sleeping bags and propped up on pillows.

Husband threw some popcorn on the stove in real oil with real kernels and popped it up on the stovetop, sans microwave.

The real deal is so much better than the micro stuff, isn't it?

He throws on a bit of earth balance and salt = YumO:)

Below, the boys are tuned into Toy Story 2.

These movies are so cute. Enjoyable for adults and littles.

Afterward, the kid was practically in tears because he'd gotten the idea we were going to sleep there, on that very floor, in our sleeping bags after the movie.

That was not the plan.

The sleeping bags husband & I use are for 35 degree weather.

Not 78 like the living room.

plus, kid gets up crazy early whenever he sleeps right beside us, which is a rare occasion usually reserved for traveling and hotel rooms.

Perhaps in the fall its an option since he was so psyched over the prospect of such an event...

But it was a fun night. Picnic dinner. Movie night. Popcorn.

Toy Story 3 to come via Netflix streaming while we're on our trip to NH!

So excited to get back up to the New England area!

Another day at the beach...

2011-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Once more, we returned to put our feet in the sand, but a bit further South.

Bethany Beach, DE.

Can I just say, I instantly liked it better there than the Jersey Shore.

Perhaps it was simply that I knew, in my head that we were south of the Mason-Dixon.

But it also just seemed more family friendly. More us;)

And lucky for us, we were staying the night with this guy!

And I paid him in locally grown organic broccoli and organic dark chocolate.

I've always loved the barter system.

Our host had a goodie for the kid - a boogie board!

And for the first time ever, he enjoyed the water, barely bothering with the sand!

"LETS DO IT AGAIN!"

"I Wanna do my bug board!"

"That was Cool!"

It was great fun to see him enjoying the water, for two whole days.

We also enjoyed some pool time at John's place, with the kid using his swimmies and swallowing gulps of chlorinated water while laughing.

We attempted teaching him to hold his nose. He would hold it, let go, and jump in.

Still working on that obviously.

And who I am to teach him a thing about swimming when I can't do it myself.

Reminder to self - check YMCA's list for swim lessons for ~~self~~ Abram.

The beach wears ya out.

Especially when you're helping a 3 year old boogie board, for hours, for days.

But, we had such fun with great friends and sunny days;)

Side note: I had moisture on the lens of the crappy camera for all but about two pictures so pardon the blur!

making memories

2011-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Apparently the theme one week at daycare was camping.

The kid rattled on about camping, tents, campfires, sticks, and singin' songs.

I contemplated a camping trip here and there but wow has it been Hot!

And who goes camping without building a campfire?

Not Us.

But who builds a campfire when its 102 degrees outside?

Again, not us.

The next best thing, a candle fire on the back deck!

Any better ideas?

We didn't have any obviously...

He wad giddy with excitement to start the candle fire and roast his marshmallow.

His first smore experience was quite exciting!

These smore sticks we're using - dollar target bins thank you!

His marshmallow suffered many fires, and burns, and smoke as well.

I was the official, blower'outer.

Abram swung his marshallow over for me to give a good POOF and I somehow avoided being torched.

After viewing these pictures that night, we promptly power washed the back of the house the next day.

Funny how you don't notice things when you walk by them every day!

The kid dug into his smore and later had another, and then more i do believe...

After his first one, he promptly stated it was now time to "sing songs round the fire"...

So we broke out into Kum Bah Ya.

Not kidding.

Husband was less than thrilled with this idea but did the daddy thing and sang along like it was his ole favorite;)

Hopefully we didn't disturb our neighbors.

We only sang it 9 times.

The dogs mourned from inside that they missed the fire lite fun, and even more sad they didn't get a smore.

but the kid was all chocolatey gooey smiles and mallowy sticky hands...

And it was just a yummy sorta night for making a good ole memory or two:)

The Jersey Shore - Family Style

2011-07-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Husband was back and forth all week.

"Should we go? The weather... I'm not sure..."

"We shouldn't. Its going to rain... maybe. But I'm not sure..."

"Okay, we're not going. Maybe next weekend."

So, Saturday - typically my morning - my stay in bed be lazy morning - as I leisurely try to sleep in, husband is in and out of the room, slammin, stompin, changin, brushin, stirrin, lights agoin' - Sigh.

"REALLY?" I yelled. I growled a bit and slammed my head back into the pillow.

"Hey... (I ignore), Hey... Hey... I thought we'd go," He says.

"Go?!? What!?! We decided we weren't going! You said - "

"Yea - but I just checked the weather - its going to be nice! We should go! I mean, if you don't want to thats fine. Really. But we could. We should. If you want to."

"Okay, fine."

I had looked forward to taking the kid but oh the pleasure of my morning - POOF! Gone. It's a sad thing as a mom, isn't it?

I managed to zap my crabby mood with a huge cup of coffee.

And it was then passed onto husband who can't tolerate traffic.

Ever driven to the shore on a Saturday morning in New Jersey?

Fun Times. Highly recommend it.

Sitting in miles of traffic = Quality Family Time.

(ie - husband banging the steering wheel, ranting about bad drivers. the kid watching a dvd and asking what's wrong daddy (oh nothing son, fake smile) and I'm hungry - where's the beach? over and over. and Mom, trying to ignore it all and read a magazine).

But we finally ended up at our destination, leaving our bad moods behind.

Brigantine Beach, NJ.

The moment our feet hit the sand, we were all smiles and fun - thankfully.

15 minutes later, a massive wave crashed into shore, covering all our freshly laid towels and beach blankets and dry clothes. SMILE:)

We actually did laugh it off, relocate our stuff, and get right back out there...

Though he still has major hesitations about the waves and water, he loves the sand.

and flying his kite with Daddy...

then all on his own too:)

After hours of play, we dined on fish and chips and had a much more relaxing trip home. The kid snoozed. Husband didn't battle traffic. We actually got to have real conversation.

Perhaps we'll do it again?

America's Birthday!

2011-07-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

The focus this week at the kid's school was America's Birthday!

The kid made this awesome hat for their America's birthday parade too:)

He was VERY into it, can't ya tell?

This year, we actually had company for July 4th! My Mama;) Also had a visit with my Aunt and Cousin to start off the weekend!

The long weekend entailed lots of shopping, lots of morning coffee and even more chatting, talking, and catchup time... oh, and fireworks too!

We venture out to Parkesburg, PA for the fireworks show. Its an easy in and out, the fireworks are great, and you get an up close and personal seat to the action.

He adored the display this year, just look at his face!

Our neighbors joined us for the fun and the boys munched on snacks while playing with their fave - glow sticks;)

Abram loved having his Mamaw around for the weekend too.

He got lots of book reading, loving on, and good playtime in.

He also got a lot of his requests on their Target shopping trip such as the game below - Mitt ball!

The weekend went way too quickly as they always do, but even faster when I have great company!

I'm hoping for a TN trip sometime in my near future....

Its For the Baby...

2011-06-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Expecting company is a great incentive to clean things up but -

Cleaning with the kid is hit or miss.

Sometimes he loves to help and we get a lot done.

He gathers his own dust rag and spray bottle.

Other times? not so much...

He unfolds, drags out, and disassembles.

After putting him down for a nap, I ventured in to clean up the guest room disaster on my own.

My mom was coming for a long weekend and she needed to be able to at least enter the room.

When the kids new furniture arrived, we simply shifted all the baby room stuff into the guest room for sake of time and ease.

The baby stuff overflowed. Furniture, blankets, clothes, shoes, toys, the list goes on.

I swore Abram out of there often, telling him its his old baby stuff.

He's a big boy now. (He loves this:))

The kids room came together and the guest room stayed a wreck.

As I cleaned, I put away and stashed away and donated.

Time passed. The kid woke.

"See how clean and nice? Mommy cleaned the - "

Abram: GASP! "WHAT Happened?!?"

"I cleaned it out honey. Mamaws comin'. It's Mamaws room."

"But... But... But... that was for the baby...!"

"What was?"

"The room. The Baby's Room."

"What baby???"

"The baby!"

"We don't have a baby honey."

"Not yet..."

Oh My.

Goin' Fishin'

2011-06-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

I WANNA GO FISHIN' !!

Its a line we'd been hearing for over a week.

Ever since the kid waded into the brandywine creek and saw some fishies.

He had fishin' on the brain. heavy on his mind.

To reward his awesome behavior at the dentist on Friday (fourth appt, don't get me started), we waltzed into Walmart to buy a fishin' pole and bate.

bait or bate? bait looks right...

Dad forked out the cash for a fishin' license. (who ever knew you need a license to fish?!?)

Saturday, after a few disappointing fishing locations, we settled at Hibernia State Park.

With creek options and lake options, we hiked out to the creek first.

Beautiful day and a beautiful spot!

The creek was moving but not too quickly.

The boys didn't have to constantly cast but could let it drift for a bit.

Five minutes in - "UH! I'm not catchin' anything!"

Try to explaining the patience of fishin' to a 3 year old.

Especially when you don't even know much about fishin' anyhow!

He enjoyed reeling it in, helping Dad cast it, and picking different bait to try.

About 15 minutes in this spot....

The fish aren't bitin! Let's try the lake!

The lake was stocked with fish and somehow, despite their focus...

We still came home fishless... we could SEE them, but couldn't catch 'em!

The kid stomped and whined the whole walk back to the car.

"Whats wrong?" we inquired.

"I neeeeedd a fish... i wanna catch one.....!"

"I didn't get a fish...!!"

"Honey, I'm sorry. We'll just have to try again another day. They aren't biting."

"I nneeeeeeeddd a fish...!"

The fix? Take him to the grocery to see the live lobsters. It worked like a charm:)

Next time? Mom needs to take a book and - the boys need live bait?

Fathers Day celebrations

2011-06-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day just plum wore us out this year.

I tried to plan something low key but fun. and different.

Last year we hit up a Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives location - which rocked btw.

So this year, I thought hey, why not repeat at a new DDD spot:)

Sounded fun. and We love the show (Hi Guy!).

This year. not so fun. or rocking.

See my boys? The day just wore 'em flat out.

They started the day in matching outfits. So cute i tell ya. and pink to top it off!

but after a 1 hr 45 min wait to get into Honey's Sit N Eat, the day ended with them slumped onto the sofa in wrinkles shirts and boxer shorts...

The wait was hot. and L O N G. and L O N G E R. and hot.

And the food? Well, it was good. probably better than average.

but for that long of a wait, I needed to be blown away. we weren't.

We finally returned home to relax.

I wish I made a picture of dad's gift bag that he opened that morning.

It contained: a framed picture of Abrams footprint as of the day before (so cute!), an Eddie Vedder CD, a fake mini tree courtesy of Abram, a rock from the yard, and a homemade fathers day card with a front cover of courtesy of artist abram and his new finger paints.

The interior of the card, I wrote out my latest interview with the kid about Daddy.

It sums up the kid at age 3 pretty well...

It Reads:

Mom: Hey Abram, do you love Daddy?

Abram: Yes! I do. umm.... No.

Mom: Yes you do! Why? Why do you love him?

Abram: because I really do!

Mom: Ohhh, hey, where does Daddy work?

Abram: At to the store. No. At to the hotel.

Mom: Right. Why do you like Daddy's work?

Abram: because I really do!

Mom: What does Daddy like to eat?

Abram: Uh, Tacos! No, hotdogs! nothing else. Rice! No, I eat rice.

Mom: What's Daddy's favorite animal?

Abram: Dogs.

Mom: Why does he like dogs?

Abram: because he really do!

And Now He's 3...

2011-05-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

For his very first birthday, we took him to the Zoo.

Second Birthday was a party at the park with lots of his little 2 year old friends!

This year, we sort of combined both.

A day trip to the Zoo with our friends and their little boy.

And 3 little local friends over that night just for cake and ice cream.

He had all sorts of fun - All. Day. Long.

He got to ride a camel. Score!

See ducks.

Tell people he is now "3, like this".

Brush goats with goat brushes with one of his best buds Cameron.

Look at other (don't remember what) fun stuff with Mom.

The Giraffes with Dad.

We did have to say our goodbyes to the Smiths, some of our good friends!

They're moving back to Pittsburgh:( Boo.

It has been such fun seeing the boys grow up at the same time.

Abram and Cameron said their goodbyes...

As did the moms...

And the dads refused to have their picture made!

Abram napped the whole way home and rested up for his mini party that night.

He woke up just in time to snag a little dinner before his friends arrived.

And to pee himself as the first folks walked in.

Good Times!

No photos of that, sorry!

But luckily we got a quick one of him blowing the candles, those 3 candles I promised him:)

He handled the attention a bit better this round...

And handled having his buddies here just silly fine...

Loved catching all 3 boys shoving cake in their mouths!

And Miss Ava, our lone girl, held her own so well with these silly boys!

And I think She used her Fork...

It was a big day. big fun. and big memories;)

School time celebration

2011-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

It was a school time celebration for the kid today.

He's hitting the big 3.

What better way to ring it in than with cupcakes with his best buds at preschool?

He moves up to the 3's class next week!

And we're all adoring his new teacher Miss Linda!

He's there at the middle table, far right looking like he's in a trance.

I couldn't even get silly boy to look at me.

He was acting all sorts of funny!

And not a ha-ha funny but a weirdo funny!

He seemed suspicious?

And it didn't help matters that he was having a very bad hair day.

Its a side-parted mohawk of sorts... not planned. at all.

He didn't know how to handle all the attention!

But he sure knew how to handle that CupCake:)

And he got to come home early with Mommy.

"Did you have fun Abram? at your party?"

"yeah (soft quiet voice). but you didn't light my candle."

"Well, i couldn't sweetheart. No open flame allowed at school!"

"but you didn't light it...." (insert sad face here)

"Well, on Saturday, your real birthday, i'll definitely light those candles!"

"(grinning) Okay! a lotta lotta lotta of em!"

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mothers day morning, husband had plans for the kid and I...

To go out gardening first thing in the morning is... well, not my thang.

Gardening really isn't my thing. I so wish it was. I really do.

But I kill things. I forget to water things. I just don't seem to do well with plants.

Perhaps my luck will be better with trees.

Not just any tree. But Our Tree.

Mommy and Abram's Tree.

Sugar Maple: Planted May 8, 2011 by Mommy & Abram

We planted that morning and that night, I opened by gift.

A framed picture, dated, with a picture of us and our tree.

The card from husband, explaining the significance of the tree, made me cry a little.

I loved the frame. The Memory Made. The Love in my heart for this boy. and Our Tree:)

10 years baby!

2011-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

The blog is usually rambles about the kid.

but today.

the anniversary.

mom and dad.

10 years.

yes.

10!!!

We spent the day here.

and i took 3 lousy pictures. well actually i took 2. the waitress took 1.

picture of us - the waitress (i don't like it but must post it!)

my handiwork, is the blurred photo above of NYC.

and then this -

No standing ANY time. Except authorized vehicles.

I just couldn't get over this sign.

Yes, those are my 3 pictures.

None of the awesome stores or my awesome purchases.

or of the incredible food. incredible.

and none of the kid. he wasn't with us!

but it was a great day. just the two of us.

we hardly knew how to handle ourselves.

we felt so - free? unattached? lightweight?

we shopped and thrifted all day.

we ate vegan food at lunch.

and more vegan food at dinner.

Thank you Candle 79 for an awesome anniversary dinner!

The best anniversary gift of all? experiencing parenthood together:)

Yard Sale Season

2011-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Its yard sale season!

We're big thrifters, husband and I - and yard sale season is hands down, the best way to score a deal!

Its fun to browse other people discards and buy something for $1 that would usually be way more!

Now the kid is getting in on the action too:)

he gets a couple dollars before we head out...

naturally he wants to buy the first toy he sees.

we talk him out of it.

he pouts.

so the next house, we give in.

sure buy a toy for a 6 month old.

who cares that its a pink hat!

but this past weekend, boy scored himself a good deal on the cutest score ever!

He's rockin' now! Bring it!

Easter in TN!

2011-05-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Travels for Easter aren't our norm but this year called for special measures.

The timing of my mom having her neck cut open bump up with Easter - a perk if there was one at all i suppose (and everything went wonderfully with her surgery - the biggest perk of all!).

We rolled into town on Saturday night before.... and spent the night at Papaw's.

We slept there and the Easter Bunny miraculously found the kid, dropping his basket on the back patio.

After browsing all his basket goodies and toys and treats, it was cereal with Papaw, along with some funny jokes apparently...

That Papaw, he sure is funny:)

A quick walk down to the creek before we got all dressed up...

And then time for church! His first time sporting a tie:) And i must say, How darn cute huh?

Family Photo before heading to Big Daddy's church:) a little crazy pose for some smiles usually works!

Once we returned from church, we realized the easter bunny left some eggs hidden in the backyard!

Gotta grab the basket and hunt them down!

Big Daddy helping locate some hard to find eggs (notice abram still doesn't see it ha)...

Finally all were collected and treats were eaten...

Some cash register play time with Mamaw...

It was a beautiful Easter day in Tennessee... warm, sunny, good food, family and friends:) Glad my boy got to experience it like I did as a little!

for Summer....

2011-04-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

With warmer weather approaching and the kid's growing despise of having his hair washed, we pulled out the clippers for a new do on those ole blonde hairs....

Its the shortest we've ever cut it and surprisingly i'm okay with it...

We did it with the intention of giving him a little spike on top but the moment the words 'spike' flew out of my mouth, the kid promptly yelled "NO Spike! I don't Wanna Spike!" and tears welled up in his little blue eyes.

Oh My. So its sort of an odd cut without a spike going on but we're still diggin' it!

He also brought home his easter basket from school and how darn cute huh?

With real eggs and all! and a few sweet treats that I did let him have:)

The Real Deal Egg Hunt

2011-04-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

egg hunt #2 was the real deal baby...

A beautiful sunny afternoon, not quite as cold as last year, a good group of kids but not crazy crowded.

Abram had two buddies join him for the hunt.

Dad gave him a pep talk before hand... after the last egg hunt, where we came home with ONE egg, Dad gave the speak.

"When you hear him say 'Go', you gotta run! Go to the back, fast! grab as many eggs as you can! ok?"

and a slap on the shoulder, like we were at a sporting event.

"But don't be an egg hog.... leave some for the others too, ok?" This is me, of course.

Abram - no response. Just pulling on the police tape, ready to go!

And he obviously took Dad's pep talk pretty well.... he was off like a shot...

Loved being the first one out there...

And checking for the competition...

But he sorta listened to me too, and wasn't an egg hog. and even shared one of his eggs with his buddy Cole who is a little younger therefore a little slower on the grab...

Aren't they cute buddies!

And here's the Mamas with our boys:)

Here we go again with the easter bunny love:)

On the ride home, which is about 30 seconds...

"I got alotta eggs... a lotta lotta LOTTA eggs", arms spreading really wide.

"that many huh?"

"and theres treats in em. but you say they yucky treats. why?"

"they're just yucky. bad for your teeth."

"How that BE?"

Lack of Privacy...

2011-04-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

How was I supposed to know that having an almost 3 year old boy would mean a major lack of privacy. Or actually - no privacy.

I've become talented...

I cook while he hangs on my leg.

I talked on the phone even when he won't stop talking to me.

I read other blogs while being suckered into another game of Memory.

I check my email while singing "jesus loves me" as he performs on a stool err I mean stage.

And last but not least. The bathroom. God forbid I get a solo bathroom break.

It never fails, Abram works his way in there to talk to me. Ask me something ... OR to do this ...

Egg Hunt Gone Wrong...

2011-04-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

somehow we worked in 2 egg hunts this year for the kid. Thankfully we did.

Egg hunt #1 was hands down, the worst egg hunt in history. It was mobbed with so many kids. I mean, packed. it was just a huge room with some eggs thrown around.

see below...

all those kids surrounding that open area and about 100 eggs thrown around on the floor.

GO! was yelled. kids scrambled to get an egg.

many kids walked away with empty baskets!

Here's the boys showing their one little egg:(

The 'coordinator' (should we still call him that if it was uncoordinated?) yelled, "who needs more eggs?", walks out with a garbage full of more eggs, and dumps them in a pile.

Um - Ok.

I cursed the whole way home that we'd never go back there. ever again. Whispery cursing though and just to husband.

Never again! for anything!

an egg hunt.

a free food give away.

free money.

NO reason will pull me back to that place! okay, maybe the free money. but otherwise - no way!

The only plus of the night was the Easter Bunny.

we don't talk much about ole bunny around here so I didn't think the kid would much care.

But holy moses was I wrong.

There was jumping with excitement, pointing, yelling, happiness going on with little man:) Photo is proof. He loves the furry fella!

Big Boy Bed...

2011-04-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Something big just happened here tonight. Yea. Pretty monumental.... at least to us in this house...

See there folks... its official. He's a big boy. In a big boy bed.

He really feels it now too. New furniture (thank you tax refund) and a bed like big boys.

He loved his crib. Never once tried to get out. But I'm pretty sure at 3, you move them on...

So, a bit early, we moved on this. The furniture arrived while my dad was in town.

Thank you Dad for such fantastic timing. That stuff was H E A V Y.

The room is a work in progress. It's really half big boy room and half nursery stuff.

I anticipate finishing it sometime within the year.

I like having a work in progress. Gives me something to browse for at flea markets & sales.

What I don't like?

This boy growing up so darn fast.

I told husband, its going to be tough tonight. He won't stay in the bed. He might cry.

I knew it wouldn't be an easy transition. Such change!

And you know what happened?

We read books, sang a few songs, and gave goodnight kisses.

And that boy - he did just fine. Fine!

He put his head on that pillow and went right to sleep.

I flurried around downstairs busying myself, anticipating the problems, the tears, the drama.

Silence. Any minute now... but nope. not one sound. no drama. easy-peasy.

What's crazy? I was a wee bit sad it was so easy.

He didn't need that darn crib. He was ready!

Me? not so much...

More visitors and more golf!

2011-04-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

We have had company on and off for the last several weeks and love every second. My bestest Robin came, then my inlaws, and now we just finished up a great weekend with my parents!

A coworker asked me, after my folks had left town, "what all did you guys do?"

"Well.... nothing actually. I just now realized we did nothing but visit, eat, relax, and play with the kid."

It was one one of those visits where we did a bunch of nothing and it was nice:)

The weather was a bit cold and rainy but we cozied up inside and enjoyed one another.

We also ventured out for some good food and even worked in some GOLF for the kid on Sunday too! He finally got to take Big Daddy golfing just as he wished!

Somehow we didn't pull out the camera so i'll be banking on my mom sending me some pics!

On Monday, the final farewell outing was a quick Target trip with Mamaw and Big Daddy.

My two favorite bunny rabbits:) And yes, the kid went home with that very pair, courtesy of Mamaw:) and a couple other little goodies too!

We gave parking lot kisses goodbye and though I anticipated tears being shed, he blew kisses, waved and hopped in the car with me.

As we drove down the road heading home, he asked "Where they going Mommy? Where are they?"

"Well, they are going the other way to go home. To Tennessee. To their home."

"Why?"

"Because thats their home, where they live."

"But... Uh....Hmph.... But I don't want that.... cause, I really wuv them!"

"I really wuv them too Abram!"

He pouted the rest of the ride home.... and asked why a few hundred more times too!

How That Be?

2011-03-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Not sure where he picked up this line - but its a common one around these parts these days...

Anything he inquires about, the phrase from the kid is, "How That Be?!?"

How that be Mommy... ?

How that be Daddy... ?

Well, I dunno Abram - how it be?

I think he's just trying to trip us up from ignoring a few of his thousand 'why why why why's!

As he sees us tiring of them, he's throwing in a 'how that be' for kicks...

He's been practicing his thumbs up too. See?

Can you tell my point and shoot camera has turned into junk? Somehow the cover on the lens doesn't open up the whole way, so all of my pictures have two dark corners. lovely. the last thing i'm dying to spend money on is a camera. BUT - for good quick pics of the kid, I clearly need one. Need.

On a final note, we threw together a last minute outfit for yet another school picture day.

A day that brings me guilt. I don't run out and buy a special outfit for every picture day. Guilty Mom.

Also I feel guilty I'm not dying to buy the pictures when they come back!

So guilty, that I usually always Buy Some! Dumb I know... i know...

I prefer pictures husband takes but somehow not buying any of the traditional school pictures guilts me.

I don't ever take him to school in the mornings since I get to work at 6am (the worst. don't do it.) so husband takes that job. He snapped me a quick pic so I could see our boy:)

No other news on this front except upcoming company (Big Daddy and Mamaw!), planned golf outings (with Big Daddy!), and some new furniture for the kid (its arriving tomorrow!).... its Big Boy Furniture for our soon to be 3 year old!

Let's Go Golfin'

2011-03-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

When the kid heard Pap & Memaw were coming to visit... he was more than excited to see them but also to play golf with Pap! Since it was March and the kid is only 2 1/2, we didn't setup any tee times but opted to take him to the driving range down the road from us. We went on Friday evening and again on Saturday since everyone had so much fun.

Pap & Memaw got a FLIP camera, so for this visit, we did a lot of videos as opposed to pictures. but we still got some good pics too, mainly of golfing! We were too busy using that FLIP:) Here's a golfing video sample from our outing on Saturday. Take note of his follow thru - very Arnold Palmer according to husband... :-)

The kid got instructions from everyone - except Mom (me!) because I don't know the first thing about golfing! He listened well, and even repeated things to himself later as he focused, "spread my legs, head down, look at the ball, square up, " etc. so so cute;)

We had a great visit, lots of good food, some much needed rest and family time, plus some enjoyable golf time too:)

The kid was so excited when they arrived and sad sad on Sunday morning to wake up and they were gone...

Luckily, we had another grandparent visit planned from my folks, in just a couple weekends!

The kid is already planning on taking them golfing too...

"Big Daddy, he like golfin? He does. He does!"

Random

2011-03-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

Not much special has been going on around these parts.... we've had a lot of rain recently... so the kid has taken to sporting around in my rain boots I wear to work... they aren't the most cozy on his toesies but he rolls with it anyway...

We had some recent company - my bestest friend Robin, my college girl:) Abram took right to her, which I had no doubt he would! He was sad to see her go, calling out "I want my Robin Backkkkk". I assured him she had her own two crazy little boys just like him to get back to!

And - In Closing....

Some recent questions from the kid to Dad:

While putting him to bed at night, "Are you going to play with your toys now Daddy?"

Another night as he got his good night kiss, "Are you going to watch your shows now Dad?"

He's looking forward to an upcoming visit from Memaw & Pap, next weekend.

Mom and Dad are too!

Happy Valentine's Day from Abram Crockett

2011-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Somehow, I managed to put about everything off until the last minute, including things for the kid's school. Case in point - me and the kid up late making valentines for his classmates on the night before.

Since I didn't feel like heading back out, again, for the pre-printed boring ones, we decided to use what we had and make our own! Especially since this might be the last year the kid lets Mom decide what kind he'll take to school.

I found some brown paper bags, markers, stickers, twine ribbon, and crayons. We setup the valentine making station on the dining room table and got to work.

It surprised me how into it he was... he kept asking, "Whose this one for?"

Benjamin I would say. Or Sophia. Or Elizabeth.

"Oh Benjamin will love it!" "Sophia loves Red!" "Elizabeth will like her flower!"

We were in such a rush to make these babies, I forgot to clean him up after dinner. The evidence is all over his face and cheeks. We must have had pasta? or Ravioli's?

He even got so intent on coloring Sophia's, you can barely read the Valentine message. But hey, Sophia is 3 and I'm having my doubts she can read anyway!

Didn't they turn out so precious? and homemade? I loved 'em!

I'm already anticipating having to take Diego valentines next year. Or train. Or race cars.

I could not believe the big loot of candy and valentines and full sized cards this kid brought home from school after the valentine party!

"How was your party?" I asked.

"So good Mommy! I had cake, ice cream, donuts, candy, and pretzels, and fruit, and candy!"

He didn't touch his dinner. No surprise there.

But he was most excited about his valentines package he got in the mail. He opened up the box mailed from Maryville TN with a big "HUH? What is it mommy?!?"

A hat. And not just any ole hat. The coolest hat he'd never seen before. Can you tell he loves it?

He insisted on wearing it out that weekend.

We ran errands to walmart, sam's club, and went out to lunch.

He was the talk of every place we went in, people grinning, jabbing one another to point out the adorable little guy in the coonskin hat, and even saying to us, "That is soo cute and soo funny!"

The adventures of Abram Crockett:)

Ground Hog Day...

2011-02-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Guess what today is?

Just any ole wild guess you might have...

Yep! It's Groundhog Day. And the kid came home with his very own little groundhog art work.

Complete with its own hole and all... did it see its shadow? Hard to tell from these pics...

I suppose now is the time to confess that I've always secretly wanted to go to Punxsutawney for this very day. Honest. I saw the movie Groundhog Day and then later moved to Pennsylvania. Clearly it's meant to be!

Speaking of art work, the kid brings home a lot, i mean a lot, of art work from daycare. Should I be ashamed to say I toss most of it in the trash. When he was barely one he was bringing home fully colored pieces of artwork that i knew weren't done by his little hands. it was too clear. too organized. too non-1year-old-ish.

Now though, you know, at his old age of 2 1/2, he's slowly bringing home a few pieces that I have tucked away. Some cute ones that have a handprint, footprint, a picture, or if I can tell its his very work. Or if its something I might use on his little bulletin board in his big boy room. Yes, its a bulletin board I don't yet have for a room that is yet to exist. i'm in the planning stage people. All good things must be planned.

Some other featured artwork today;

Puff letter project, done at home

Fish and Frog finger painting, completed at daycare. the kid puts on his best fish face too!

And lastly, my very favorite, Abram's Colorful Animals - see the snake and Kangaroo? ;-)

My boy - might just turn out to be an artist just like his Dad... so maybe left handed like his mom? that is yet to be determined and I've had my fingers crossed for quite some time on that one!

Precious Moments

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Scooping him up from his afternoon nap, which he still takes in the crib, I pull him close to me and he nuzzles his face into my neck, like he did much of the time as a baby.

Now, no longer a baby, these moments, these neck nuzzling moments, are fewer and even more precious.

He tucks his arms underneath his belly, cozying them between my belly and his for warmth, and comfort.

We talk in whispers for a bit, just after he wakes, about his nap, our evening plans, where the dogs have wandered off to, perhaps a cup of milk, and definitely a snack.

I put him in the little nook between my body and my arm, pulling him close and covering us in a fuzzy soft flannel blanket.

Together on the couch, in our chilly living room, we briefly tuning into a kids show on one of his channels.

In these moments, these precious moments, he is still, calm, and cuddly.

Husand and I both speak of the rarity of these soft moments makes us even more grateful for them.

The show plays softly, volume barely on, and I remind him of that afternoon snack.

"Would you like a snack?"

"Yes! A snack!" he shouts, falling back into his two year old self and wriggling out of my arms, the moment broken.

"What snack would you like? Maybe a fruit bar? an apple? a...."

"NO, I wanna pick it out!" he declares, waltzing to the pantry, opening the door and browsing the lower shelf. His shelf.

This line, this 'I wanna pick it out' line, is said a lot these days.

When it comes to any meal, any snack, and even what exact waffle comes out of the box, he wants to pick it out.

One day I quickly snagged waffle out of the freezer and well, lets just say it was not the right waffle.

I point out a few options on his shelf, but he reminds me....

"Mommy. I wanna pick it out!"

"okay okay...." I agree as I open the fridge for him.

He opens the fruit drawer, grins and pulls out a big red juicy apple.

"I want an apple!" he tells me.

I nod, he bites right into it, holding it with both hands, and wanders into the living room.

I've gone from pureeing apples and feeding them to him off a tiny little spoon to this boy grabbing his own apple and eating it right off the very core.

These moments... well they're precious too.. but sometimes a little bittersweet.....

Snow Day!

2011-01-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

*yes, somehow I have miraculously figured out how to center my header picture. A true miracle. It only took me three months to figure it out. trial and error is a wonderful thing.

I've been wanting a snow day. A real snow day. Where work is canceled. We're somewhat stranded. And I can take the kid out to use that snow tube that Santa brought him.

Somehow, we just kept missing the mark. A few inches here. A few inches there. Half asleep, I would reach for the phone around 4:30am, calling the weather line for work, punching the numbers with my eyes half closed and hopin', wishin' for a snow day. Two hour delay. Three hour delay. Even a Four hour delay. Seriously? A four hour delay? Come on!

Husband and I stayed up late last night, already banking on that big storm really being a big storm. We huddled together on the sofa, tuning into the news, just for the weather report. and we never watch the news. ever. I didn't realized how hilarious snow coverage is - some comical stuff!

But today, I finally got my wish. Our first significant snowfall of the year. Our first real snow day.

Around 5am, I got those blessed words, "Closed to all non-essential personnel". Thank you Lord above that I am non-essential!

And who woke up at 6:30am? Uh huh. The kid himself.

"Mommy. I awake!"

"Go back to sleep!"

"But I awake!"

"And its still dark! Go back to sleep."

1 hour later.... when I finally was asleep again...

"Mommy. I ready. Come get me!"

"Go back to sleep!"

"Mommmyyy.... its Light out!"

"Well.... still.... go back to sleep. For a little bit!"

Time to invest in blackout curtains, for sure.

Eventually, we gave in, whisking him out of his bed, and yanking up the blind. SNOW!

After lots of shoveling, and I mean heavy duty shoveling...

We ventured into the back yard for some fun...

That snow tube that Santa brought came in really handy!

"Does Avery have a snowpoobe too?"

"I think he does!" I told him.

And we invited his friend and neighbor Avery over to join us.

The boys had a ball snowpoobing together and throwing snowballs...

Did I mention that we got 14 inches? Yep. It was a whopper. And a bit deep for some of us...

I never realized how much work this sorta fun can be... carrying the snowtube, carrying the kid, walking, making a path, pounding the path, pushing the kid. My heavens above we were worn out!

But it was a good kinda worn out... the fun kind. The makin' memories kind. We ventured in to have a hot dinner of yummy leftovers. I even whipped up a batch of homemade brownies to finish off our fun day. I mean, any great day ends with brownies, right?

A new year, A fresh start...

2011-01-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you get a darn cute picture of your kid, not to mention, he's sitting on a rocking horse that was his Mamaws! Then you add Mamaw to the pic, hoping for one even cuter, you know, the kid, the Mamaw, and the horse. Then you get - this. So is the life and the pictures resulting - with a 2 1/2 year old boy!

Our holiday travels were lovely. Lovely being with family and lovely in scenery as well. The snow that sprinkled down as we approached the TN state line was beautiful. After a few days in southwestern PA, we bid farewell to husbands family and hit the road Christmas day to venture on, anxious to see my family too. Our Christmas morning pic before he hit the road...

The further south we drove, the prettier the snowflakes, covering first the grass and trees, then driveways and parking lots, and finally the road was blanketed with snow. Our speed slowed and the last hour was quite a long last hour.

There was a brief scare of an empty gas tank but thankfully one itty-bitty gas station was open and flooded with folks just like us, desperate to fill the tank. But we arrived, and cozied up at my Papaws house, with the gas logs burning and a fresh hot meal.

Gifts were exchanged, cookies were eaten, and lots of snow kept falling. My parents house sits atop a mountain side with a driveway that has many folks gasping at its twisty turns and steep grade.

Parked at the bottom, we opted to just walk up, carrying the kid and enjoying the beautiful darkness blanketed in white powdered snow.

I grew up doing this walk and now husband and the kid got to have their chance.

Going back down was the kids highlight, being pulled in the sled...

Coming back to PA is always tough, especially after the holiday family time of the holiday. I'm sad at saying goodbye, coming back to our ole routine, and admitting the holidays are over. I wish the kid could see these people every single day. It saddens me that he doesn't...

Yes, these people. The grandparents. The ones who can spoil them rotten and send them home to his parents.

The ones who can make him laugh in ways we can't and the ones who can play with him and never tire of that same game or that same book, the one mom and dad are tired of...

The first day of the new year seemed to be the perfect day to take down the tree, put the living room back in place, and freshen things up. It was a Saturday.

Santa had just paid us a visit the night before since we had been traveling.

He whisked in here the night of Dec 31...

He left a few lovely toys, dined on some grapefruit, and even took time to read the kids note...

Thankfully we remembered to put the key under the mat outside since we lack a chimney...

The stockings weren't hung exactly, but laid...

As I lifted ornaments off the branches, laying them into the boxes, the kid asked, "what you doing Mommy?"

"Oh, I'm taking down our tree honey."

"But why?!?"

"Well, because Christmas is over. And when Christmas is over, we take down our tree."

"Christmas over?? Oh NO!" he said, putting his head down. "This is NOT good." Big Sigh.

He eventually accepted the trees farewell, looking at it out the front door as it lay by the curb.

I made promises to him to put one up again next Christmas. I made promises to myself to ensure we work on how we do Christmas as the kid grows older. Ensuring he knows the real reason for this magical season.

At 2 1/2, I told him the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. In the years to come I want to make sure he gets it. He can love Santa, the gifts and the fun spirit of all the hub-bub. But i want him to know in his heart that precious gift of Jesus. And I want him to know the importance of giving back to others as well...

With the tree down, the house back in order (as much as it ever is), and our closets cleaned out, we start fresh this year. 2011. I type this on 1-11-11. There are new goals. New tasks. And much of the same for us too. Husband and I talked one night about our goals for our family this year. Some are big (pay off student loan) and some smaller but just as important (take the kid camping).

Santa delivered a mighty fine snow tube here a few weeks back and with a storm a'brewing just south of us, I'm thinking the kid might be ready to put it to use real soon!

Happy New Year Folks!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2010-12-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We made family photos and had such great luck with the tripod, we couldn't even agree on which pose to go with. So, we went with four different ones for our cards this year... Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday with safe travels. We made it to see both of our families this year, despite the snow! The kid has had a BIG Christmas!!!

Christmas Happenings...

2010-12-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

There's been some cookie making going on around these parts... not just any ole cookies either. the good stuff. the non natural peanut butter, the buttery townhouse crackers, and the god only knows whats in it almond bark melting chocolate. Yep. The peanut butter sandwich cookie. An ole favorite of mine for sure! and as you'll see - now a favorite of my favorite little guy too:)

He often begs to help me cook. Dinner. Snack. Lunch. Smoothies. Anything. He likes to chop, stir, pour, and push buttons on any machine we may be using. He's a great little helper and I love having him with me in the kitchen! I hope he grows up to adore cooking!

We not only made cookies but we even ventured into putting together a few little gingerbread homes with our good friends avery and kelly! The boys had such fun with the icing and decorations! i could barely get abram to stop eating the m&m's!! somehow his little house has many more gumdrops and skittles than m&m's - because those ended up in his mouth!

As you can see above, someone, not naming any names of course, was very busy trying to sneak m&m's when mom wasn't looking. ahem. We did make it home this day and he barely ate lunch so i'm guessing he overdid it on the snacks. But his little gingerbreads homes turned out just adorable:) I have them displayed in the dining room.

We venture out on our travels later this week to visit with family and friends, something we do each year. Getting to see both of our families during such a special time of year is truly a blessing and we are so grateful to have them time off from work to do so!

Santa's Reindeer

2010-12-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Our latest Christmas predicament...

Kid: How Santa come here?

Mom: Well, he has a great big sleigh pulled by his reindeer!

Kid: Oh No. (big sigh)

Me: What's wrong?

Kid: I don't like Reindeer.

Me: How come?

Kid: They'll eat my pants!!

Christmas Decor

2010-12-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Lighting at our township tree lighting...

Yes, we finally decorated that beautiful tree. Just after attending our township tree lighting. We've gone the past several years and speak of making it a 'tradition' but it is always so so bone chillingly cold, that every year, I leave swearing I won't go the next time. Then, we do. Honestly though, next year, I am not going. well see.

Husband and kid put white lights on our two little pines outside, one on either side of our front door. and I, yes ME, I even put a wreath on the door with a xmas bow! The little guy loved putting decorations up and only broke a couple. Not bad for a two year old.

I must admit, though i do not like seasonal decorations, (because if i'm being honest they seem like a waste of time) and though it cost a small fortune - I do love our tree. It is such a lovely shape, height, and color. Thankfully, my mother held out hope, for years I suppose, that I would someday come around to putting up a tree. When I unloaded all the decorations she's given me over the years, well they are so adorable and just my style!! Thanks Mom!

A final picture of the finished tree is to come...

Elizabeth Farms trip

2010-12-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

We headed to Elizabeth Farms in Lancaster County today to chop down our very own live Christmas Tree! We've passed this xmas tree farm along the PA turnpike for many years during this time of year. We would see the horses pulling wagons out to the fields and kids and families piled on. This year, we joined the fun:)

The kid loved the wagon ride and seeing the horses plug along. we even rode through a creek at one point, with the kid exclaiming, "We go thru a river!!"

The trails back to the trees were windy, muddy, and went through some beautiful scenery. We looked for a perfect tree, and of course, there was no perfect tree. So we settled for a good one. The highest we wanted was a 7 footer, especially after checking out the prices at this joint. Ouch.

Thankfully there were complimentary saws for our use. I hadn't thought for a second to cart my own saw and hatchet! We chose our tree, cut it down, and tagged the top with our name & number. Wagons came by, picked up the trees and took them to the loading area.

Taking his turn on the hand saw... he was dying to get in there and help Daddy!

Arriving back at the barn, we visited Santa's workshop in the barn and the gift shop 'round back. The kid sipped on free hot cocoa while I browsed over priced tree stands. We had to buy one since we've never had a live tree before. This tree stand better last forever is all i'm saying!

On our way out, the boys had a chance to visit the farm animals - sheep, goats, and chickens! They were more than thrilled when they got a few Cockadoodle-do's out of those chickens! Clearly we aren't normally hangin' round chickens in these parts...

The tree is in the stand, trimmed, watered and white lights are on. Decorations will come tomorrow evening hopefully. When the kid came down after nap, he grinned from ear to ear when he spotted it - and the lights weren't even on!

It's That time of Year!

2010-12-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Yep. December. I'm slightly overwhelmed at all that needs to happen in the next month. The shopping. The tree. The decorations. The parties. The cookies. The travels. Thank heavens I already took the kid to visit Santa - before thanksgiving, i might add, there were no lines. Not one little soul in front of us.

The Santa in the King of Prussia mall? well, he is The Santa. You know, the real deal. Not one of those helper Santa's. See for yourself. Not only did I practically get goosebumps as he waved at me, the kid was so giddy with excitement, he could barely stand it!

Before he hopped on the ole guys lap, he ran through the ropes, and stood in front of him, jumping up and down, grinning and reaching for him. Once Saint Nick reached for him too, the kid was up on his lap, all grins and giggles. and this was the year I thought he'd cry. Boy was I wrong.

And wow, looking back at his other Santa pics, he's grown up and finally realized just who he's sitting with!

On another note, Miss Emma, his favorite teacher on the planet, her last day was Nov 19. We were ALL sad. we ALL loved her. She moved on to a better position. Miss Julia is still in the room (as she has always been) thank goodness, but he's still having a very hard time adjusting to the loss of Emma. One example - today, on the note sent home, it reads:

"Abram was crying a lot for Mommy and Daddy today. He kept saying "I want my Julia" if I left the room and then crying. Have a great night!"

Have a great night. Really? Really. It just breaks my heart to pieces. He is getting old enough now to really say what he wants and feels. And it can be heartbreaking and sad at times:(

The past two nights he's said: "I want DADDY to read my books! G'night Mommy!"

Did I mention heartbreaking? Ahem... I'm trying to... adjust?

2 1/2 Years Old!

2010-11-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

These conversations with a 2 1/2 year old. I smile just thinking about them. I can't keep track of them anymore. I was trying to write every single one down. But now. Well there's just too many.

One recent Friday, with Dad at work, and me home with the kid, I opted to make some cinnamon rolls. After his protests of really wanting pancakes or waffles, I finally convinced him cinnamon rolls were fantastic and he agreed to eat them (he didn't). I'm cooking while he is rolling across our tiny kitchen floor, over and over, then spots a rip in our linoleum.

"What HAPPENED right there?" he says, pointing to the spot.

"Oh it got ripped somehow."

"You better Tell DAD!" he exclaimed, standing up, as if Dad will be upset and shocked over the news of a 4 year old linoleum rip.

"Oh I better huh?"

"Yeah. And you better FIX it!" He began to run circles around the spot.

"Wheres Dad?"

"He's at work."

"Oh. You better Tell him Mommy! It Ripped!"

"I will Abram. I'll tell him."

"Mommy!!!!! Mommy!!!"

"Yes Abram"

"I have ear wax!" he declares, cramming his finger in his ear, grinning.

Thats just one little cute sample of this 2 1/2 year olds thought process. I'm in love.

Yep. The Kid. He's officially 2 1/2 today. Once he turned two, I quit counting it by the month. So this 1/2 way mark, its a big deal. 2 years and 6 months. Only 6 months more until age 3. 3?!? 3. wow. I won't go there. I'll just focus on the here and now. The 2 1/2 mark.

What is going on with the kid at this age? well, mostly lots of singing, dancing, and laughter. some hilarious conversations and interesting chit chat. plenty of deep sleep, potty breaks, and choosy meals. and occasionally a time out, tantrum, and bedtime tears.

When Dads away...

2010-11-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Me and my little guy. We have the weekend together. Just the two of us. Hanging out. I wouldn't describe it as relaxing per say, but it is nice. Mommy Son Time. But we miss Daddy too...

"Where's Daddy?" he asked last night.

"New York" I replied.

"Oh. Daddy in New York?" He sounded surprised.

"Yes! New York," I said, as we curled up under blankets to watch a Kipper movie.

"Ohhhhh," he said, leaning in to me.

Kipper. The little British dog. We've gotten into these Netflix movies. Movie night is a special treat when either mom or dad is away. We cozy up and have movie night. Kippers movies are about 40 minutes each. Just right.

Today, we ventured out on a few errands and mostly - shopping. I had some things to return, some birthday shopping to do, some ornament shopping to do, and also a quick stop at Trader Joes. In the midst of trying to birthday shop, I found myself running after him on occasion, darting my eyes to and fro to keep him in sight, and hastily trying to make purchase decisions. He wasn't being bad. He was just being TWO. Being Him. As we exited, I realized I was sweating!! Mama was wore out.

Clearly, this running after, this scramble that we do - its frequent. We even have pictures;)

The kid. So far gone you can't see him. But you can imagine I'm sure... his laughter. his little feet.

Me - in action, on the chase. Abram - laughing, running, grinning, and loving it.

OOh right - Back to our weekend.

Throughout the day he asked again - "Where's Daddy?"

"New York."

"AGAIN?!?!?" he exclaimed... and shook his head. As if Dad had come home in the night, leaving for New York yet again before the kid woke up.

The sweet man who checked me out at Trader Joes gave me lots of great tips on how to prepare my very first tofurkey, with lots of details on how to get it 'just right'. I did lots of nodding and tried to listen. I really did. But the Kid. I cannot recall one thing that sweet man said. Which really is a shame. My tofurkey is probably going to be all screwed up now.

"Where's Daddy?" yep. he kept on asking.

"New York."

"Again!" he sighed.

Yep. I smiled. Again.

He loves his Daddy.

Our evening was spent with lots of playtime including golf, puzzles, books, Mr. Potato head, and his little people farm.

"Where's his Mommy?" he asked, bringing the pig over to me.

"I'm not sure. Maybe his mommy could be the Cow. or the horse?" I suggested, knowing his farm only had one piggie.

"No No. NO. cow not his mommy. not horse. he needs his mommy," and he walked back to farm, as if searching for her.

"Here's his mommy!! Here. Look!" and he raced over to me holding the Pig and The Farmer.

He placed them both on his little table, facing one another, close as they could be, like they were hugging.

"There. There's his Mommy. Now Pig Happy! He HAPPY!" He grinned from ear to ear.

It just melted my heart. Right there on the spot.
__________________________________________________

*Photos featured in this post are from our first attempt at end of year family photos. Yes 'first'. Ahem. We went twice, due to 'cooperation issues' on behalf of those below the age of 3, as well as 'not happy with the options' issues on behalf of those below the age of 31. Between our first and second attempt combined - well, i'm happy;)

Twinkle Twinkle Solo...

2010-11-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

You'll need your volume turned up pretty high to hear the kid but he's a singin' Twinkle Twinkle as best he can:)

Bedtime Blues

2010-11-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

We follow the same bedtime ritual every single night. We've read the books, you know, the books that tell you how to be a parent, the ones we check out of the library in hopes of some Ah-Ha moments and some "OHHH thats what to do!" advice. Well the books tell us to have a bedtime ritual that you follow. always. every night. and that it will be so routine, the kids knows what to expect. and will go to bed willingly, without a fuss.

Jam Jams put on by Mom at 7:15.

Brush Teeth with Dad at 7:25.

Watch a 22 minute show from 7:30 - 7:52. seriously, exactly 22 minutes.

The kid hits the tv off button at 7:53.

Kisses & Hugs to Dad (once in awhile to mom if dad puts him to sleep) at 7:55.

Walk upstairs to read three books in the rocker.

Get into bed.

Mom sings 4-5 songs And gives night night kisses.

About 3 more requests for Baa Baa Black Sheep.

"Baa Baa Black Sheep one more time, please. one more time," he says, holding up his little index finger and looking up at me with those eyes.

"Okay. One more time." I sing it.

"Night Night Sweetheart," and I lean in to give one last kiss.

I'm Walking out, pulling the door up, "AHHHH Baa Baa Black SHeep!!! ONE MORE TIME. PUH-LEASE Mommy!!!! BAA BAA SHeep!!!" crying crying with sobs into the pillow. mumbling about the sheep song he so desperately needs to hear 5 times before he can sleep.

I give in. and sing it softly from the door way. All done.

"Go get my Daddy. Don't shut that Door!" he states.

Dad goes up for one more final goodnight. and he probably gets suckered into singing Baa Baa Black Sheep one more time. Not Kidding.

He requests me again, always does. and the door to stay open. as usual. I don't go up. and his door gets shut.

He cries. Yep. The same ole routine and he still cries about it... those books. liars.

Diaper Free Days!

2010-11-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

The kids first diaper free day at daycare was a complete Success!! No Accidents!!

After finding out the kids favorite teacher in the whole wide world is leaving, Ms. Emma, (insert a big long sad sigh here - sigh), we decided to go for it while we still had her on board!!

He picked out Diego underoos that morning and left dad with a "i not pee on diego" at bye bye time...

Diego & Abram both came home dry and happy:) Mom & Dad are pretty stinkin' happy too!

Musical Loves

2010-11-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Favorite songs in the car are:
1. Living for the City by Stevie Wonder (he calls it his "sippy song")
2. Veggie Tales Theme Song (he calls this his "apple song")
3. Lady Gaga (he knows her voice the second he hears it! if only i liked her music - i dont!)

Favorite songs for us to sing to him:

1. Baa Baa Black Sheep (he requests this constantly, even last night while we were out to dinner!)

2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (he really gets serious singing this one, eyebrows focused)

3. ABC song (he gets lost in the middle but still pulls it off)

Favorite songs with hand motions at home:

1. Zacchaeus was a wee Little Man (His favorite!! favorite!)

2. Deep & Wide (too funny watching him do this one)

3. This Little Light of Mine (he constantly wants to blow out the light lol)

Favorite songs at daycare:

1. Wheels on the Bus (hand motions and all)

2. Who Let the Dogs Out (i finally realized why he knew this song ha!)

3. Freeze Dance (the singer yells freeze and all the two year olds stop - so so cute!)

Favorite songs to dance to at home:

1. Diego Theme Song (self explanatory, he loves loves diego)

2. Rockin' around the Christmas Tree (w/ his dancing xmas penguins that stay out all year round)

3. Jingle Bell Rock (with his dancing xmas bear all year round, and needs batteries constantly)

Old favorites that he doesn't care about anymore:

1. B-I-N-G-O (thank heavens, i sang this so much to get him to sleep i hate it now)

2. Any other Christmas songs except the two above (i've tried, he says "no no mommy")

3. Old MacDonald had a Farm (good. i never liked it anyway)

What do you think - is he ready for guitar lessons yet? Perhaps he needs a proper guitar first.

Halloween!

2010-10-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Last year, Halloween was fun. He was an adorable monster. But it rained Halloween night. Husband was not with us. and the kid wasn't of the age to really get it. But this year. This year - he got it. And we basically celebrated Halloween all day long my friends! Those little pumpkins we picked up at the farm? We started our day over at the neighbors painting those jewels:) The boys got into it, with globs of paint, and lots of it.

We worked in a good nap and a hearty lunch of fish sticks so he'd be fully energized for tonight. Our friends came over at 5pm for some pizza, fruit salad, and apple ciders. We headed out just after 6 and the boys were full steam ahead. Strange because this year, we hadn't set the clocks back yet. So as we ventured out, it was still a bit light outside... but the darkness soon set it. The boys carried pumpkin flashlights to see the way! and their treat bags of course!

The kid was a bat and his trick-or-treating buddy was a Robot. We live in a good neighborhood for trick or treating - houses aren't too far apart, but plenty to get to without wearing the kids out. It was so fun and we saw lots of neighborhood friends and kids and even some pets - all dressed up. The kid still got tired though ha. Here he is waiting on his friend at one point (Avery kept stopping along the way to eat treats ha!).

Here are the dads with the boys, and then us moms with our boys too:)

After just over an hour of trick-or-treating, the boys were getting tired, wanting to eat their candy, and wanting to just play! So we went back home and sat our front together, handing out some treats and letting the boys play... and eat some treats too of course!

Once trick-or-treating hours had closed, we took the party inside our neighbors and stayed way past the boys bedtimes... they were amped up on chocolate, sugar, and playing their hearts out! We finally walked the 10 ft back to our own house... put on jam jams and eventually got the kid settled into his bed, despite his desperate pleas against it!

Fall Fun...

2010-10-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Summer kept us busy, a fun kinda busy - but fall has kept us here more than gone and relaxed more than busy. It's been nice. I admit, I like the busy. The travel. The running to and fro. But this relaxation and go with the flow has been - peaceful. and still fun:)

we spent our day at the pumpkin patch and did some other fall-ish stuff, like go walking, play time in our pine needle covered back yard, head to the park, and head toward amish country in pursuit of some gorgeous fall colors...

The kid - he's growing. and growing. and talking more and more. He tells me he had a "good day" and what he ate for lunch at school. He loves music, movies, and snacks. Not much has changed:)

We had never taken this amazing trail near our house, near as in 3 miles away! The Struble Trail is paved so its great for biking or walk. It is mostly level with some minor hills. When we walked it today, the leaf colors were amazing... it reminded us of why we love this time of year! Those fall colors, the leaves overflowing with beauty, the stream beside us, and field in the distance and even a few barns way off - we were surrounded by the most incredible sites:)

As usual though, I was obsessed with just taking pictures of the kid. and for once I had the camera. So I have no beautiful leaf pictures to show. Hope you all have your own leaves... :) And I can't help but post a way back when picture too. Dad and the kid hiking Feb 2009, and then today, Oct 2010. Oh how my boy is growing up. And today was the last day he will be in that backpack. Whoa! Our shoulders may never be the same again!

Hurricane Hills Farm

2010-10-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Last year we ended up in pumpkin patch madness at the end of October. Going on a hayride with mobs of other families, after waiting in line for 30 minutes or more, is not the most fun trip to the 'country' around here... so, after chatting up with our friends next door, we opted to go in mid-October and to a different location. Being west of the big city, we decided to head even a bit further west and arrive on a Sunday morning, the moment they opened those gates. Abram's buddy Avery and his parents met us there and the boys loved it. And I - well I loved the lack of madness and craze that we endured last year... Now, we have a new tradition that we plan to keep!

We started with the hayride out to the pumpkin patch... the boys ran around looking for a good pumpkin and turning over dirty ones while us mom's found ones we could actually take home! And the dads - well, they made pictures... We went for one large, one medium, and one small. The small was for the boys pumpkin painting project for Halloween morning.

There was also a corn maze we wandered into, got lost briefly, and wound our way back to some face painting... we requested a spider for the kids face. I could not believe how still he sat and how careful he was to not touch his spider:)

There were so many activities for the boys! Corn Maze, Hayride, Pumpkin Patch, Corn Tube Slide, Sheep & Goats to pet, Corn Cob Canon, the list goes on... the only thing the kid was not fond of - well, it was the Cow Ride I stuck him on. He was so in love with rides at Tweetsie, I thought nothing of plopping him in that cow train and sending him off with a wave and a "have fun!"

Yea, not so much. He cried the whole ride. The. Whole. Time. Apparently, having Mom on the ride is a pretty critical part of him loving rides. Oops. Point Taken.

Oh, and can I say, I ate the best, repeat BEST, pumpkin whoopie pie of my life at this place. Whoopie pies are hit and miss. Some are good. Some aren't worth eating. This one - well, it was the melt in your mouth, ooey goey, buttery, moist, kinda whoopie pie. A Whole category all its own. If only I had a picture. Sigh... We even drove by there weeks later, out of the way, just to see if that little booth was setup. Not kidding. And it wasn't. Those miles back home were long, tasteless ones.

Oh right. Back to the kid.

He just Loved this tractor;) More updates to come... !!

Tennessee....!

2010-10-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Warning - picture overload!!! :-)

The kid and I hit the road bright and early on Thursday morning. I debated on going halfway the night before but really just didn't feel like it. The kid travels so well - I feel so lucky;) We made two normal stops - for gas, bathroom stop, snacks, and just some fresh air and walking time. Coffee and cappuccinos for me, juice boxes for the kid. Between all the snacks and juice, music and movies - he was so content!

I made the mistake of telling him we were on our way to see Mamaw and Big Daddy and Papaw. Every 30 minutes, in a confused voice, he whined... "But I go see Mamaw Big Daddy Papaw???!?" as if to say, WHY am i still in the car. I had to keep reminding him we have to drive a long long way to see them! About an hour away from Papaws house, the kid STILL had not napped! He spotted a stink bug crawling out of his bag beside him and had a royal meltdown. Screaming. Crying. Doing ASL sign for 'scared' over and over and over. Yelling "I DONT LIKE STINKBUGS" over and over. Till - mom pulled over to get this craziness under control!

I removed the stinkbug, moved his bag, wiped his tears, and put on his musical backyardigans dvd, ensuring him all was well. Back on the highway. 5 minutes later - i think he remembered the bug and swore there was one under his leg. Mom says - no, theres not. "YES THERE ISSSSSSS!!!!!!" more tears. another pit stop. an extra juice box. and he fell asleep. 40 minutes away from our destination. Papaws House!

After breaking out of his initial silent, shy bit, he settled right in, pulling out the toys, and playing airplanes with Papaw. Soon after, Mamaw and Big Daddy arrived and the kid was super excited to see all his grandparents:) Friday we did more visiting, relaxing, playing, and eating! Fun stuff! We even managed to have dinner at Suba's - YUM:) The kid was a bit dramatic there. He was fussy and had just woken up from a nap. Then his seat gave him a direct view of the desserts up front. He kept pointing, whining, crying for them. and we hadn't even eaten a thing. He whined for yogurt. little did i know, he meant the whipped cream on the desserts lol... since he toughed it out and took like, two bites of his real food, he was allowed a dessert. He knew exactly which dessert he wanted - no hesitations. He wanted the chocolate addiction.

What you see pictured is actually the hot fudge sundae that Papaw and I helped the kid eat. There was no way i was letting eat chocolate addiction at 7:30 at night! So i told him it was chocolate addiction in a bowl:) he was thrilled! and as you can see, i was too haha... thats me there, taking my share:)

The next day we drove over to Tweetsie Railroad in NC! I remembered going there as a kid with my grandparents and on school trips. So fun to take my kid to places I loved as a kid... and boy does the kid love trains! He's here waiting on the tweetsie railroad with big daddy!

As we boarded the train, I took notice of the little ones with cowboy hats and some girls with indian headdresses on. I had completely forgotten about the whole cowboys vs indian showdown on the trail ride! oops. The kid tends to be frighten easily so i was pretty sure the cowboy indian fight would not be his favorite thing. and boy was I right... lots of tears. it was the first time he'd even heard a gunshot, poor little fella! and as the indians were using their tomahawks on the cowboys, thru tears he asked, "why they playin golf like that?" lol....

Overall though, he loved tweetsie. They weren't too crowded so he could ride the airplanes and boats as many times as he wanted (and he did! a lot!). We went thru a petting zoo, rode the rides - he even rode the scrambler! for a kid whose scared of cowboys and indians, he sure wasn't scared of the rides!

Here he is, waiting on the scrambler to start... he loved it! laughing and holding on tight. but about 30 seconds before it ended, he said "mama! I'm done!" haha... he was tired of holding on i think... to be honest, i was surprised he was allowed on! but if they said okay, mom says okay! (good thing dad stayed behind ha).

He had a great great day:) Thanks Mamaw and Big Daddy for taking us:) Here he is with his grandparents, in front of the hay spider.

Driving with Big Daddy...

Touring the cheese mine with Mamaw...

Thrown in Jail briefly due to a bad encounter with some hay bales. the kid hates hay. still does. ha. And the boys - worn out. all that fun takes its toll on 'em!

We spent more of our time hanging at papaws house, playing ball, airplanes, and riding his tricycle and hot wheels! He also helped water the flowers... he loves to help Mamaw with this chore...

this little hot wheels was my cousin Sarah's when she was little - the kid loved it!

Taking a call from Aunt Susie on a break...

Saying my goodbyes to Papaw - boo! byes are so tough:(

It was a great trip - we had so much fun. and i must say, its especially nice to have a good home cooked meal made for me by my mom:) We drove back on Tuesday and the kid did sleep a wee bit more than on our trip down. No bug incidents either. We got home just in time to beat dad home from work!

And as usual when I return from a trip home - the kid bounces right back into his routine - but i spend a good week or two sulking around, hating i don't live closer, missing everyone, and just having a little ole pity party for myself. sounds fun huh? not not at all:( but I eventually suck it up and get back to reality...

Long post i know - sorry! I've gotten so behind. After our return home from TN - school went into overdrive and i tend to procrastinate - badly! yikes... only 3 more weeks then winter break:) YEA!

Book Sale!

2010-10-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

We all know I love to hit up a good yard sale. or flea market. or used furniture store. or consignment shop. A week or so ago, my neighbor kelly offered up this: "I'm going to a used book sale next weekend if you're interested?" Am I interested?? seriously. Am I ever! That's my kinda friday night girls! Count me in!

We are big readers in this house. I was born loving to read - well i'm sure my mama had something to do with it! thanks mom! Mom read to me, Mamaw read to me, and i also saw both of them enjoy reading personally when i was growing up! I remember mom reading "The Giant Jam Sandwich" and "Upstairs Downstairs" to me. And Mamaw, she read me older storybooks, with one of my favorites being a book about a family camping trip. And this camping book? I think she read it to her three girls (mama and her sisters) when they were kids. It was broken in and tattered. I loved that book. What was that title? "Camping.... " something? not sure...

Husband has grown a love for reading after a little nudging from the wife:) your welcome:) and the kid - well, he just has no choice now does he?!? He is read to daily and a new book is quite a treat around these parts...

Well my 'i looked forward to it all week' friday night finally rolled around! Kelly, Me, and her sis Megan all piled into her corolla and headed over to our local elementary school. They chattered on the way about the good deals they scored last year and what section they were going to begin with this year. Sections? It's organized? Even Better!

When we rounded that corner, the entire lunchroom and stage area was covered in tables loaded with books! And organized?! beyond organized for a used book sale. Fiction Adult, Non Fiction Adult, Board books, activity books, ages 2-4, Kindergarden, young adult, religious, reference, the list goes on! I was amazed at how well the ladies put this sale together!

I spent most of my night in the kids book section... my kid, he loves dolphins, frogs, dinosaurs, and i had a few things i want him to love too so i was browsing and sorting quickly. I kept grabbing ahold of this certain kind of book. I kept picking these up, brushing my hand over the cover, back and forth, opening it up, smiling at the pictures and font, then placing these books back. Many moments later, I stopped - why was i putting these back? I love them! He will Love them!

So i went back and gathered up my goodies:

I couldn't help myself. The old books with the hard back covers. The colors, the stories, the pictures, the font, the whole package! I just don't see books like this anymore. I was in love. And just what's in this pile you may ask: The Velveteen Rabbit, Bread and Jam for Frances, Giant Journey, Boris and the Monsters, Why is the Grass Green, Little Red Riding Hood (price on front is 35 cents), Nancy's Backyard, I Wonder Why, Little Grey Rabbits Christmas (which originally belonged to The British Book Centre!), On The Way to Storyland, Surprise Stories, and the top book, the little one with no title on the cover, it is called Where Have you Been.

Surprise Stories is my oldest find, printed in 1935, and at one point it belong to "diane hetrick"- she so beautifully wrote her name in with her perfect third grader-ish cursive. adorable. I love the durable hardback covers where you can see the stitching and those pages remind me of books Mamaw read to me too... I've been dishing out a couple of these books here and there to the kid as rewards but many of these will be stashed away for when he's a bit older.

I picked up some others for now - like Noah's Ark, Dinosaurs of the Earth, Busy Timmy, On the Farm and - drumroll please - "The Giant Jam Sandwich" - Score! But I never did find that camping book... to be continued on locating that goodie...

Pedal Pusher...

2010-09-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well, its official. We are living with a pedal pusher. Granted, we know he's going downhill a bit here buthe definitely has the concept now and can keep it moving !! Yeaaa!!

I didn't realize i was acting annoyed with my poor kid in the beginning of the video! I really wasn't annoyed at all - i promise!! lol... Oh well!

Back to School Night...

2010-09-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Technically not 'back' to school. First, he isn't in 'school', he's in daycare. and Second, he's not going back, he's been there all along. But nevertheless, we always go to 'back to school night', like we are one of the 'others' who are actually doing this very thing.

Last year we went, and I blogged about it - click here to check it out for a flashback. Oh heck. I can't help it - i have to put it here too - can you believe this was the kid last year for back to school night?!? oh my little man!! those cheeks! that hair! sigh...

The way things unfolded last year - like the kid being so confused about showing up at his daycare, at night, with us, that he sorta freaked out, as if it were a 'final dropoff' of some sort - were the very way they unfolded this year. The kid did his freak out, husband ate lots of the free food, and we met with the kid's teacher, Miss Emma.

We love Miss Emma and so does the kid! He adores her. He includes her in his prayers every night (when he isn't refusing to say his prayers - a new thing recently, what is up with that anyways!?!), talks about going to see her, and from daycare reports, he cries when she leaves the room. Did I say he loves her?!

I know I know. It doesn't look like he he loves her but he does. I swear! Remember me saying he was a bit freaked out about being there, at night, for the second time that day? Yea. He's still freaked out here... obviously. I think he really freaked when i handed him over to her - oops! haha. He did get better eventually - when he was allowed to drink juice, eat popcorn, and even a few cheetos (oh how I was shuddering on the inside!) and he sat at his table to munch. Then he showed me his bin and his picture wall.

Miss Emma and I talked about the classroom curriculum and how the kid is doing overall (apparently well! Yea!). She feels he's ready for full fledge potty training in just a month or so. YIKES. Thats me saying yikes, not her...

He loosened up slightly for a picture with mom...

And got all happy for one with dad in front of the building... once we told him we were going home!

See that grin?? He was so glad to get out of there with mom and dad! haha... Since they will be learning about families in the next week at daycare, we took a family portrait when we got home, before the bedtime rituals... it isn't easy - getting a picture husband and i can agree on, and that the kid is smiling!

Hopefully he learns a lot about families next week so he can quit calling Uncle Chris Daddy when he looks at his picture on the fridge! haha...

Overall we love the daycare and have liked all of his teachers too! It feels good to have complete peace of mind about the care and attention he gets while he's in their hands! Sure can't put a price on that... now, if i only had a babysitter...

Day out with Thomas

2010-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

We prepped him all week long, trying to pump him up for Saturday. We read Thomas books and watched a few Thomas movies and the show (which lasts apx. 8 minutes - weird). Saturday morning, we headed over to Strasburg, PA where Thomas the Train was coming into the station. It's a small railroad station thats been there for quite sometime and Thomas arrives a few times a year, along with thousands of people who want to see and ride Thomas! The station area is small so let me tell ya, i was quite taken aback but the mobs of people that flooded this place. You could barely move around, lines for anything were terribly long and it was just an overall zoo! the area is just too small to handle that many people. We parked out in a cornfield and were bussed in on a school bus to the train station. The kid was so pumped up to ride a real bus!! A bus! A School Bus! He shouted from the line.

Despite the crowd, the kid had a ball and enjoyed spending the day with his buddy Cameron. Both two year olds enjoyed the train ride and meeting/seeing Thomas and looking at the amish scenery.

And I got to catch up with Cara, Cam's mama, while husband took pictures! I even took a turn using the camera that I don't know how to use just to ensure husband made it into a photo:) he prefers taking them over being IN them.

It was a beautiful warm day and the Lancaster county farms were our scenery. The boys were both so well behaved and get along together so well too! On the drive home, the kid chatted all about Thomas, riding Thomas, seeing Thomas, watching Thomas, Thomas blowing smoke, etc. I told him I'm thrilled he had fun because we won't be going back to see Thomas again lol... the mania was all a little much for mom, can you tell?!? haha... truth is, i really wouldn't want to go back! Abram likes thomas and all but he isn't obsessed with him by any means. There's really one only guy he's obsessed with and thats Diego. So until Diego comes to town, I can avoid the mania for now...

hangin' with the big kids!

2010-09-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

The kid loves to hang out with kids older than him. He's fascinated. Watching them, following them, copying them. My friend Michelle had a little back to school get together at a local park near her house and was sweet enough to invite us up even though the kid is only two and technically not going back to school. We never get to see each other between work schedules, kids, travels, life! So, the kid and i drove up to see her and the whole gang!

As we hopped into the car, I reminded him we were going to a party...

"I go party? But But But (he's searching for what he wants to say here) I go park!" he stutters, confused by earlier promises of going to the park tonight.

"Yes honey. We are going to a party at the park!"

"I go party? But I wanna go park!!"

"Okay, we'll go to the park," i respond just to agree.

"Uhhh..... (whiny voice) but party mama... i go party..."

He wasn't getting it and wouldn't until it was all over.

Heres the best picture i got of the whole group. And sadly I cut many kids heads off - oops! I was so busy trying to make abram stay in the picture that I could barely take one! Michelle has a better pic on her blog here.

Thats my little man right there in the front looking like a little statue lol... oh well, i was just happy he actually got in the picture! We met some really nice friends of Michelle's and the kid loved the whole thing.

On the drive home, he chattered on and on....

"I ate pretzels, I ate donuts, I ate pizza, I ate cookie...."

can you tell he never gets this stuff? ha... he was all about the food! ha...

We drove at ease with no traffic at 8pm on a friday night. A true blessing around here. We were quiet with the radio playing softly in the background.

"Mama?? Mama!!"

"Yes Abram?"

He'd had a revelation.... "I went to a party! At park! Fun!"

"You sure did honey. You sure did." i smiled to myself in the dark, as i drove us on towards home...

And we return...

2010-09-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

It's always hard to return from a weekend away. A weekend where we have fun, sleep late, eat great food made by other people, see family and friends, and not do one thing that resembles work of any kind!

The kid fed the birds with his maw-maw each morning and monitored the food levels and number of birds. It's their routine and he looks forward to it each morning. He's obsessed with waffles for breakfast on non-school mornings and boy did he get his fill of waffles. The munched on waffles and watched the birds eat their breakfast too. We stopped by Pap's work to give him and big hug and kiss. "Pap work?" the kid would ask. "Pap Golf?" also follows. haha. Here he is paying Pap a visit on the job!

We ventured out and did some shopping, some eating, some visiting with family and friends, and lots of outdoor playtime went down too. The kid played lots of baseball and golf in the backyard. Maw-maw and him had some fun. He loves his Maw-maw.

He got to see two of his newer cousins, baby noah and baby jackson. The kid really was good with Noah and even insisted Noah get to have a banana snack with him.

Cousin Lucy stopped by for a visit too and we finally had the chance to take some pictures of these two grandkids together for the grandparents. A photo shoot with a two year old though? well, it could have been better obviously. lots of distractions and lots of things he'd rather do than sit still and smile!!! but we managed a few good ones that will be frame worthy i do believe....

And yes, this is the Lucy who was the flower girl in our wedding when she was FIVE. Clearly, she is no longer five but a beautiful middle school girl with an active social schedule apparently...

Our trip home was uneventful and problem free. The kid filled his head with lots of dvd stories, his mouth with lots of snack, and his body with a nice long nap.

He's been chattering all about some of these events ever since we got home. The most popular are:

"I saw hummingbird!! It flew. It stop. It drink food!"

"Me and Maw-maw feed birds! Lots of birds. They eat!"

"I drive car with Scott. I turn it!"

"I go see Pap at work!"

"I saw Baby Jackson. He on bumpy road!"

"I saw Baby Noah. He spill my water cup."

"Where's Scooter?!?"

September!!

2010-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

We were trying to take a self portrait. He loves to see the photo as we take it and cheese for the camera. If its not a self portrait, it can be quite challenging to capture him looking, much less grinning! And yes, it was thought out to do this on a day I actually looked decent - I actually had on eyeliner. camera worthy i must say. a rare occasion. something i do ohhh once a month?

We start off our September with a trip to western PA to visit family and friends. The kid loves him a good road trip and so do his mom and dad:-)

The trip begins with a departure time tomorrow of about 6pm with a dinner prior to that the kid won't eat because he's so excited. Therefore - a packed peanut butter sandwich and crackers are made because the kid won't eat. Some other snacks thrown in there too, and oh his water cup. I flip thru the ole dvd collection of sesame stuff, veggie tales, and even an ABC little people one. Toss those in too. Bags are packed. We pack light. Dogs are taken care of by a neighbor - thank you Nancy, you are such a blessing!!

Long weekend travels here we come!

My Mechanic is at the Big Table

2010-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

"AHH, Mommy!! It's broken!!" he exclaims. A Lot. The 'bike' has lots of break downs.

"I fix it!" he shouts, as he jumps off his seat, reaches into the trunk, and pulls out a wrench. daddy's wrench which the kid is borrowing. A real wrench.

He flips the 'bike' on its side and begins the repairs. depending on the type and intensity of the damage, repairs can be lengthy as well with lots of "its STILL broken!!" and "almost fixed!!!" being spouted out.

"I FIXED IT!!" He grins. I carry on with lots of praise and a big oh WOW:)

On another note, he's finally moved up and over in the world of eating. Yep, its official. The kid is now eating at the 'big table' with mom and dad. Can you tell he's happy about it?? and check out his 9 month old portrait in the background. Oh how my baby is such a boy now. and yes, thats elmo in the kid's shopping cart and a pie pan too. haha...

We made the plunge after spending a whopping two dollars at a yard sale on the handy dandy booster seat. I loved the high chair. It was sturdy. safe. he was so confined. strapped in. controlled. If he freaked during dinner, we told him to wait and carried on. Like i said, controlled. and sturdy. I had images of him jumping out of his booster when he was done running circles around the table while we finished eating. But I must say, I was wrong thus far. He loves the booster and hasn't once tried to jump or wiggle out thus far.

We say our farewells to August and launch into September. One of our favorite months. Sept and Oct are lovely here in PA. Warm days, cool nights, lots of fun autumn activities, and beautiful leaves too!

Beach trip!

2010-08-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

We both said it on the drive home. We don't know why we haven't done this before. Taken a day beach trip. We live two hours from the Jersey Shore and never take a day trip there to enjoy it. We've lived here for eight years (yep, 8 whole years! crazy i know!) and have never gone to any of the jersey beaches. Pre-kid and with kid. But after a whole summer of travels to see family, see New England scenery, and other fun stuff, we just hadn't headed to the beach. September was creeping up on us and I finally just put my foot day - we would just do a day trip to the jersey shore.

I spoke to some other moms, getting family friendly recommendations for where to go. I know when folks hear Jersey Shore, images of peeps named Snooky and The Situation come into mind. So, i wanted to ensure we were at a family friendly spot, where kids were playing and families were gathered. We narrowed it down to Long Beach Island Brigantine Beach. Brigantine won based on it being 20 minutes closer.

The kid had been whining for weeks saying "I Goooo Beachhhhhh..... " - ever since his Mamaw and Pap went earlier in the summer. Saturday morning we woke early, hit the road with all our gear, and even stopped at a yard sale on the way.

After I picked us up some Dunkin Donuts coffees and donut holes, we asked him, "Do you want go to the beach??"

He grinned from ear to ear. "YES! I go Beach!!!!" He kicked with excitement, grinned like crazy, and laughed repeating, "I go bbeeaacchh!!!"

Two hours later, we picked up some pizza, and walked onto the sand.

There he is above waving to his Daddy in the water. The kid Loved the Sand!! He filled his buckets, shoveled sand, watered the sand, dug holes, found shells, and even buried his own feet and Mommy's! But going into the water - well, he wanted to but just couldn't bring himself to do it. We did force him in a couple times - mean parents I know - but he loved it! I hope by next year, he will be more comfortable and get in the water without us dragging him in!

We thought Brigantine Beach was a great spot. Only a two hour drive. Family friendly. Not too crowded. Water was fairly warm. Only thing - there was a big sign posted saying "Beach Tags Required". We didn't have these 'tags' and weren't even sure what they were. I later found out from co-workers that you have to have a tag to use the beach. Pay for the beach?!? So Weird! Somehow we got away with not paying for it - where I would have bought these tags I do not know! But I was a little peeved we were expected to pay for public beaches.

To close out our day of beach eatin', we stopped at the local ice cream parlor and let the kid loose with his own cone. His flavor of choice - chocolate of course. He loves chocolate.

I think its obvious he loved it. And had a great great day. He slept the whole way home and talked about his beach trip for days. We all did! It was a great way to bid farewell to summer and to August.

Chores

2010-08-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

"Guess what tonight is? It's trash night!" While husband hates trash night, I don't mind it, and the kid loves it!

"I Recycle!!! I Recycle!!!" he yells, running circles with excitement.

The newest routine is we line up all the recyclables in the hall, glass first, then plastics. He points out the glass, 'thats glass' 'thats glass', and moves onto plastics, 'this plastic, this plastic, and this plastic'.

We're starting chores early around here. I, personally, think its good for him. We started the first chore, recycling, at 18 months old actually, see below. His responsibility was to load up the recyclables in his wheel barrow, push them to the front door, and dump into the bin. Back and forth till they were all loaded up. Oh what a cutie pie - he still looks like such a toddler...

While he loves his chores right now, all two of them, I know this won't continue but chores are going to be a must around this house. Good ole Mom ain't gonna do it all, no way no how. Plus, it teaches responsibility, a good thing for sure:)

I have a list of a few things on a 'list' for the kid: you will have chores, you will not be a picky eater, and you will be polite. These are biggies for me. Well, and a whole slew of other things I keep adding and adding and adding that I want for him and expect of him. But these. These three are basic.

His two whole chores are: Recycling on Tuesday nights & Cleaning up his toys Every night before bed. I think two easy peasy chores for a two year old is reasonable. He loves to complete his task and brag about it - "I cleaned up Daddy! Wook Wook! I cleaned it all up!" "I recycle, Wook Mama! Wook! All Done!" We offer praise, and sometimes - we even do the happy dance:)

Multitasking

2010-08-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

As I shoved dishes into the sink, I called into the living room, asking the kid, "do you want to call papaw?"

"YES!" He yells. "YES! I call Papaw!"

I begin to dial the number as I walked to hand the phone over to him. When I glance up, he's not there. I hear water running and call his name. "Mommy! I brush teeth!"

I round the corner and look in on him. He's up on his chair, water running full blast, and tooth brush in mouth.

"I thought you wanted to call Papaw? Now you're brushing your teeth?"

"I brush teeth. I call Papaw too."

He reaches for the phone and begins yacking away with "Papaw, where are you, he's not there, where are you, i brush teeth, i ate watermelon" - the list goes on, before he finally yells a Bye Bye, and hands the phone over with a, "Mommy, he not there".

He is multitasking. As he plays with cars, he sings row row row your boat. As he eats his dinner, he talks about his day. While he watches Diego, he eats raisins and dates. And now - as he brushes his teeth, he makes phone calls.

Over the weekend, we had quite an afternoon storm, with thunder and lightening and slews and rains. We were playing on the floor in the living room when he noticed the storm. He's been a bit funny about thunder, sort of liking it but also sort of scared too! Looking thru the house into the dining room doors, he says "Storm??" We confirm a storms here and lots of rain too.

He peers out at the windy scene, turns to me, "Mommy, I go check it out!" and races into the windowed doors to observe the scene. He runs back, grinning.

"Did you check it out?" I asked.

"Yes. It raining!! I check it out!" and he runs back. Over. and over.

Friday night we spent the evenings with friends and their little one had a motorized four wheeler that the kid was obsessed with - meaning he would NOT play with or do anything else but ride this thing. Till we left. Much to our surprise, while cruising thru some saturday morning yard sales the next morning, I noticed the exact same thing in a different color.

I hopped out of the car, glancing it over. $12 the tag read. Hm. The seller approached me, explaining how it charges, simple to use, trying to sell me. I was sold before I got out of the car. I faked hesitancy. Hmmm. I kept saying. He finally said the words "make me an offer" and I took this baby home for a final price of $8.

That evening, husband took it in the backyard for the kid. When his eyes fixated on his new toy, he flashed into a grin, yelling "MY TRACTOR!! MY TRACTOR!!!" As you can see - he was in love;)

Might just be the best $8 we've ever spent, ya think? I think so! And no worries, this baby rocks out at a max speed of about .01mph. He even rode it around in the basement today while I did laundry.

We had a great weekend and are always sad to see it go. We'll be back to our usual morning rushes, hurried breakfasts, commutes, and evening scramble. But we all end up back here at the end of the day. With one another.

Welcome August...

2010-08-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

I welcome August with open arms. Though I enjoy summer, I adore Fall. Autumn. Whichever. Whatever. I grew up saying 'Fall' but 'Autumn' does sound a bit nicer for some reason. And let's just ignore the fact that my welcome August post is happening on August 15. I'm a bit behind the times - oops. I felt like I just posted on the blog a few days ago but nope it was weeks! Nevertheless, we welcomed August by saying our farewells to our weekend company last weekend, of Mamaw & Pap, the paternal grandparents who came for a weekend visit.

The kid was pumped the second they walked in the door and did. not. stop. nope. not once. he was chatting, and playing, and opening matchbox cars, and running, and playing. making decisions about where he wanted to go. and with who. First rule of order - "I go on walk with pap!" Later in the visit, while riding home from the mall, the kid declared, "now I go park!" he had lots of ideas haha... we adored the time with them and they left us, heading onto a week at Myrtle Beach, SC. The kid cried all week every time the word beach came up, whining and literally crying, "I go beachhhhhhh toooo," over and over.

Not much else is new here in these parts. What to write? I was pondering that. Seems we've been just doing a lot of random things. So its going to be a random post. Lots of random happenings round here.

Today? A rainy sunday. Still raining. I got to sleep in while husband and the kid huddled on the couch watching Diego via Netflix (and can I just say - I'm LOVING Netflix!). Breakfast for all, made so sweetly by husband. Some play time and rain watching. A quick trip to target for a desperately needed storage ottoman. I threw a two waffle maker in the cart on a whim. A long nap for the kid. I tested the waffle maker (thus far not impressed - at all - but perhaps its the batter i used?). American Pickers TV time for husband (okay, i watched too!). Some quick cleaning for me. A sandwich for husband. Blog time for mom. A random dinner of rice, carrots w/ hummus, crackers, and a peanut butter sandwich, and a side of watermelon. Tasty, I know! Clearly, we're super exciting around here. So i'll just proceed with some randomness.

We've gotten into reading a lot of books with the kid. At naptime. And before bed. He gets to pick his books and we cozy up in the rocker and read. He loves it. Husband and i both love to read so we really want to instill this in the kid too! Clearly its working well because just last week he took to reading some John Grisham all on his own. What can i say?!? He's a picking it up quickly lol...

Really its dad's book and dad's booklight, which the kid insisted he needed! Too cute. He loves his daddy. and wants to be just like him. from what he's eating. to what he's reading. and shoes too!

I was on travel last week to Mechanicsburg. Though I came home on Wednesday night, I stayed over the other nights, leaving husband and kid on their own. I'm thinking lots of pizza and mac 'n cheese went down here last week. Just thinking. I called each night, and morning. Checking in, wanting details of wake up times, sleep times, drop offs, pickups, eating patterns, you name it.

"He said he dreamt about a moose again," husband told me as he drove to work. "Yea, I asked him if he had any dreams and his words were: "yes daddy, a moose. a moose wants his mommy. i say where my mommy? i tell moose my mommy work."

"Yea, thats exactly what he told me," husband said, laughing.

"What?!" I laughed. His moose dreams (or made up stories?!) are getting more and more funny. He does say the darndest things. I do tell.

The other night, while waiting on dinner, I randomly asked, "What does Abram want for dinner?"

"Umm...." he says, putting his finger to his lips, as if he's deep in serious thought. "Um... Bears!" he shouts, referring to his gummy bear vitamins.

"Thats after dinner silly! What else?"

"Umm.... Chocolate!!!"

Dad laughs, telling him, "you can't have chocolate for dinner kid, we don't have any!"

"All Gone?!?" he asks.

With a confirming nod from me, he gasps, whips his head around to dad, saying, "Mommy ate it all!" and started shaking his head, as if exasperated at me. haha....

We burst into laughter, so the kid laughs too. What can I say? the kid knows his mommy! lol...

He's also has some interesting counting patterns. Each night after dinner he gets three gummy bear vitamins.

"Count the bears Abram!" I encourage him.

"1, 3, 1" or "1, 3, Big Bird!" or often "1, 3, Elmo!"

Yet the other day, while playing in his sandbox, I heard him muttering to himself, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! haha...

In other random news, I hit up one of my favorite kids consignment sales yesterday, promptly at 12:45pm. It goes till 2pm and at 1pm, everything becomes half off. So at 12:45, I start browsing and gathering. and proceed to the checkout line anytime after the 1 o'clock mark. I've had such great luck at yard sales lately though, I surprisely didn't need that much for the kid. I hit the motherload at a yard sale last fall in a fancy neighborhood. The kid has looked smashing since then and has more in his closet to boot!

While browsing, I realized all the cute little hats were too small for him. those adorable little blankets - he doesn't need. and those nursery items, well i simply don't need them. During all my realizations, i then was reminding that this year I was accompanied by a toddler, no baby at all! Oh yea, him!

I did pick up a few sweatpants this fall/winter, a halloween costume (he's going to be a BAT! can we say, the cutest darn bat you ever did see!? he growls while wearing the costume! and yes, i decide what he will be after finding a good cheap outfit), two pair of slippers, and new monkey pajamas. Oh, and a USA puzzle.

Husband told the woman selling the puzzle we needed it because, "he just can't seem to memorize the capitals!" all serious. she gave a big "ohhh" and a head nod, while glancing at Abram pulling items off shelves. We can't help but have a little fun while out bargaining with folks!

After nap time, he really wanted to wear his sweatpants and new bear slippers, despite it being summer and us not having central AC. I was sweating looking at him. He's showing me his state puzzle pieces while i'm trying to capture a shot without DOGS! Impossible I must say!!

If we're out on a Saturday, running errands, hitting up yard sales, or farmers markets, we often go to lunch. When we ask the kid, "what do you want to eat?" He usually has 1 of 3 responses. Pizza, Rice, or Fruit. At home, his requests are usually rice, fruit, noodles, or dip. Often when he feels bedtime approaching, he becomes strangely hungry for dates. or raisins. Raisins are only a second choice since we are often out of dates. He's been consuming mad amounts of fruit this summer. I mean crazy. His consumption of watermelon is insane. Can we say he loves it? more than loves it?

Yep, we're still using the good ole highchair. We've made a few 'well take a booster seat' attempts while dining out. Usually resulting in one of us (ahem, me) saying, 'we should have gotten a high chair!' The high chair gives him no choice but to stay put, eat, or wait on mom and dad eating. So we're sticking to it!

And in other random news, well, thats all i got! We're loving our summer days here at home and are pondering a few fall trips to say, southwestern PA, maybe the shore, and northeast TN too!

Farmers Market Outings...

2010-07-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

"I go see Farmers!" he yells with excitement, as we start to load into the car.

I snatch him up from the driveway, turning to place him into the car seat.

"I do it Mommy! I do it!" he shouts, wriggling out of my hands.

"Okay, Okay... you can do it," I say, putting him beside his seat.

He ensures I'm giving no help by placing his hands out toward me, as if to say back off. He turns, pulling himself up into the seat, places both feet on, then turns and plops.

"I got it Mama. I got it," he brags.

"You sure did sweetheart. Wow, you're a big boy," I brag back.

We pull out of the drive, heading toward West Chester, moving along at a clip, because I'm unsure what time it ends. It's a hot summer Saturday morning but not as bad as last Saturday. Last Saturday, we were sweating before we'd even gotten out of the parking lot and it wasn't even 10:30am. Today, we're running behind and to miss it would crush me just a little. The kid too - he loves to see the farmers.

Parking is not easy 'round these parts. Anywhere. Philadelphia - Ha. West Chester - Ugh. Conshohocken - Pft. We roll into the borough, scanning the little lot nearby the market. Full - but a few folks looked to be heading to their cars. We do the roll and stalk, ya know, roll sslloowwlly, stalking those walking to their cars. The moment we see where they're headed, we stop, put on the signal and wait. Ahh the wait. You're holding up the lot and wishing Mary Jo Slow Po would just put her bags in the back already and Leave! How long can it possibly take pull OUT of your spot??

"What ya doin' Mama?" He asks from the back.

"We're trying to park," I explained.

"We park?" He shouts. He loves shouting lately. Anything! Words, Phrases, Sentences.

Finally, Mary Jo has managed to back out, and we whip in, before someone else snags the spot.

"We park Mommy!" he announces, grinning from ear to ear. I nod and begin to unstrap him out of the restraints, repeating it back to him, "you're right Abram, we just parked... you are so so smart sweetheart," and i give him kisses as he tries to dash away into a parking lot. I grab the hands, reminding him we must hold hands. I'm such a drag, I know!

For once, I was behind the camera, so husband made it into some pics. Take note of the kids shopping bag, strapped across him, ready for purchases of melons, beets, watermelons, tomatoes, green peppers, the like.

But before he could begin pointing out the veggies and fruits he wanted to buy, he spots a huge sign in the shape of an ice cream cone. "ICE!!" he shouts! He's always called it Ice. forget the cream, just gimme some ice. On said ice cream shaped sign, it read 'ICE CREAM SOCIAL: FREE CONES.' Well, how could I say no to that! I mean after all, it was Free. I love me some free stuff! The boys indulged and I observed, a job in itself.

Here's the kid, receiving his cone graciously from ice cream cone lady. I think I even heard him tell her 'thank you'. My instructions to husband regarding the cone were "get him a flavor without colors. Just go with vanilla." and the kid came away with a rainbow ice cream cone. What the?!?! Turns out, it was the Only flavor of the day. Well. So be it.

We scanned all the tents, comparing prices, produce, and options. We usually end up buying most of our stuff from this stand here though, where they boys are headed to pick up our seedless watermelon. Its not certified organic, so its cheaper than the organic guy two tents down, but they claim it is all naturally grown (no pesticides) and I believe it. Why? He's Amish. See above. The Amish don't lie. So, we roll with it and buy most things from him. When the kid is shouting, "I go see Farmers!" this is what he's talking 'bout. Loving the Amish farmers. I think it might be the beard. And the hat.

*note - for those of you who can't hardly see the amish dude and wonder why i wasn't closer, i stood just outside his tent to snap the pic. amish round these parts aren't fond of having their picture made. And I like this guy. And see him weekly. So, I was respectful and took the picture from afar, instead of in his face. Isn't that nicer? I thought so.

We came home with our bags loaded up with goodies. Abram even managed to carry two tomatoes all on his very own, in his very own bag, though I believe the bruising on those two was a result his dragging the bag on occasion. But, I ignore the bruising as I cut them later that night for 'snack' and remind him they are HIS tomatoes.

"MY tomatoes Mama?" he asks, digging his hand into the bowl. The one bowl he wants all of his snacks served in.

"Yes Baby, you're tomatoes."