Will Scrapbook for Food

This weekend, my sister and I were discussing how much we wished that we could trade our talents for the other persons' (she cooks well and I get my scrapbooks done.) This was the beginning of our "idea."

She will make me a freezer meal in exchange for a scrapbook layout. (Two layouts if she supplies the paper and embellishments.) When my mom caught word of our arrangement, she wanted in on it too. So I will be receiving meals from two wonderful cooks in exchange for what I love to do. What could be better?

Well, I thought I'd put the offer out to anyone else that is interested. If you'd like some scrapbooking done in exchange for your cooking skills, I'm game. Seriously. What would be better than trading with someone for something you need? If you want to play, let me know.

My Heros....Guitar Heros

Jordan will be a musician someday, I just know it. While at an arcade in Las Vegas, he spotted the Guitar Hero game. Of course, he wanted to play it. But since he doesn't quite know what he's doing, he needed a little help. So daddy played the guitar that was actually in the game while Jordan jammed out on the other one. (This ensured that the game would not end in 3 seconds.)

My men-they had so much fun!

Cornbelly's 2009

One of our favorite fall traditions is to visit Cornbelly's before Halloween. This is where we visit the "Big Scary" and jump on the big pillow. This year, Lily, Kari and Grandma came along. We went early in the day and avoided the rush of weekend people. We had a fantastic time!!

My Afro

Yes, I admit...I've always wanted an afro. This weekend, I decided to go for it. Here's how it turned out.

I hope that I will like it for awhile. Those curls are so tight I think they'll stay with me for a good long time. Woo-hoo!

My Funny's Coming Out!

So, moms-you'll appreciate this. When I get frustrated with my son because he's being naughty or not going to sleep or something equally heinous, I'll scold him and tell him it's not funny. (Usually because his response to my scolding is a darling little half-grin. I can't blame him, I'm sure I look like a nut when I'm on my rants.)

So, anyway, a few days ago we experienced an especially tough afternoon and he would NOT take a nap. As I was tucking him into bed for the forty third time, his little eyes peeked up at me over his hands which were tightly pressed over his mouth. I asked him what was wrong and he mumbled something behind those hands. More frustrated, I asked him what he said again. This time, he separated his fingers just enough to allow a few words to sneak through. He said, with that same dangerous smile, but with serious eyes, "my funny is coming out" and then he quickly put his hands back over his mouth to not allow any funny to come out.

I laughed out loud, scooped him up out of bed and tickled like a mad woman. Gosh, that kid!

Introducing....Rattlesnake!

One day, Jordan was happily pulling out random items from the linen closet. As he stumbled across one item, he shreaked with joy. "Mom, look! It's a rattlesnake!" that caught my immediate attention. I was reassured to see that he had only found an old sock filled with rice. You know what I'm talking about. You heat the sock up slightly and put it on your aching muscles. They are great not only for that, but it looks like they entertain children as well.

So, this even happened over a month ago. I thought he might have gotten over his new friend, but they have actually grown pretty close. Jordan tucks rattlesnake into bed at night, makes me brush his teeth (and I found out one day after a fit of laughter that I was brushing the wrong end of him), and tuck him in for naps.

On the way to school, Jordan asked if rattlesnake could come with me to the store (my usual routine while Jordan attends preschool.) Of course, I was thrilled to have the company. So upon arriving at school, Jordan hopped out of his carseat and buckled rattlesnake carefully in his place. I smiled to myself while peaking back in the rearview mirror. I'm such a lucky mama.

Singing in the Rain

Is it just me, or have we gotten an unusual amount of rain this spring? I'm not complaining-I love it! But the timing always seems to be exactly when I bring the lawnmower out to cut the grass. This was a few weeks ago and literally moments after I got started, the downpour came.

Jordan and I watched the storm from the garage. He even ventured out into it a few times with the umbrella.

A Bad Influence

Since Jordan was about three months old, he's been a thumb sucker. Shortly after discovering his thumb, he found that his pointer finger fit nicely in his nose at the same time. So he has assumed this position whenever he is tired and ready to sleep. He gets that distant look in his eyes, fingers take their places and his head tilts sideways slightly.

Although I think he's adorable, I'm sure other parents don't want their children following the example of my little brain excavator. So imagine my horror (or hidden enjoyment) when I saw Pyper doing the same thing. I caught her three times, but of course did not have a camera handy or available fast enough. So, I posed the two on the counter after lunch and convinced them to reenact their thumb suck nose pick stance. Jordan had no problem getting into position, but Pyper, being less practiced, made her own variation.

Either way-I'm sorry Andy and Ashlie! I may have created a monster! But she's still cute!

Getting Ready for a Night On the Town

While I was combing Pyper's hair, I told her that she looked pretty. Jordan wanted to be pretty too, so he hopped up on the counter. After they were both adequately prettied up, I snapped a quick picture.

We are going to dinner tonight. This ought to be fun...I'm outnumbered. Wish me luck.

Welcome, Pyper!

For the next few days, we get to have Pyper in our family. Ashlie and Andy went to New York for a little trip, and Pyper is staying with us. She woke up this morning and asked where her mommy and daddy were. When I said that they had gone bye-bye, but she could play with me and Jordan, she had a look of TERROR on her face. It melted my heart. We did what we could do distract her from the lack of her parents.

She and Jordan took a bath and had breakfast. Jordan is so excited to have her here. He keeps showing her some of his favorite toys and is watching over her like a big brother.

We went to the park after lunch time when I decided they weren't quite tired enough. So after about 30 minutes of romping around on the playground and running on the grass, they went down for naps.

That brings me to now. I am enjoying a few minutes of quiet while the little munchkins sleep. It won't last long before we'll be at it again!

Mothers' Day Program

Jordan's preschool class had a program today for Mothers' Day. It was so cute to see my little guy singing songs and just being such a big boy. He gave me a cup with seeds he had planted. I'm told they will be radishes someday.

After the little program, we got a quick shot. Yes-I do have shorter hair.

Bird Nest in the Barbeque

While doing some spring cleaning, I came across this happy little home a few weeks ago. I told Aaron that he got to clean it up. I reminded him a few times over the course of about a week or two, but he didn't get around to taking it out.

Then, this weekend, we took a peek inside to find an egg! I called the Tracy Aviary and they told me that once we touched it the bird would not return. Well, we like to barbecue and were not keen on the idea of allowing a bird to take up residence there. So Aaron promised to clean it out. The next day when I looked to see if we had more eggs, the egg was GONE!! I swear, nobody has access to our porch (there are no stairs into the yard) I looked all over and it was not anywhere to be found. I'm pretty sure Mama Bird was ticked and came back to get her egg.

Anyway, Aaron then cleaned it all out and we thought it was over. But the next day, we noticed a few more twigs that had magically appeared. A little later, there were more twigs. So we keep throwing them away and she keeps bringing them.

Talk about a serious battle of territory! In the end, we will win. But I hope it doesn't require grilling a bird.

Paper Wreathes

Check out the prototype for my newest creation...the paper wreath. I'm thinking about making a bunch of these for my show next week...whaddya think? Is this something you'd buy for your house? How much would you be willing to spend? It's about 12 inches across and cost me exactly six dollars to make.

I'd love any feedback I can get before I make these. Maybe I'm the only one that thinks it's pretty cute?

A Naked Workout

....so, I bought this aerobic workout video. But who uses it more? Me or Jordan? You guessed it-Jordan! Today instead of taking a much needed shower, he put in the "exercise" video and went to town. While sitting at my desk attempting to get some work done, I was overcome with laughter at how serious he was in following the moves-naked and all!

Oh, he's going to hate me some day!

My Policemen

At preschool today, Jordan learned about police. This is a subject he knows a bit about-especially the cool flashlights that they have. (He routinely steals daddy's flashlight and runs away laughing like Swiper the Fox.)

On top of getting a very cool police hat and badge, Jordan was the Special Helper at school. This means that he gets to open the door when class is done. It's a coveted title that each classmate yearns for and gets a turn at every few weeks. He was ecstatic as he showed me his name tag proving this special honor.

Aaron kindly posed for a picture with the J eating lunch. I have to say, these are the cutest policemen I have ever seen!

Father and Son Band

Yes, I'm a groupie. I'm in love with the cutest drummer and guitar player in the world. Here they are, for your viewing pleasure, performing in my very own living room. Check it out!

Sick.

I shouldn't make promises and not follow through. Last week, we did make several of my mom's recipes. But I didn't post about them. So sorry. We made Ritz chicken, tuna fish casserole, meatloaf and spaghetti. Everything turned out great!

This week, we are sick. Jordan started it with a fever and runny nose. Now today I have a sore throat and headache. Yesterday I kept Jordan in bed and even let him eat chips and drink pop while watching Dora. He wishes he was sick every day! Today he seems to be doing much better and has tons of energy. This is a problem, since I am tired and wish nothing but to sleep all day.

Oh well! Just please don't come visit. I don't want to go down the stairs to open the door. Besides, you don't want to be stunned by my beauty. Trust me.

A Week of Mom's Meals

Now that my mom is gone, I'm really missing her food. It was SOOO nice to have them live so close and convenient for dinner. I got very spoiled. Anyway, in her honor, I've decided to cook one of her meals every day this week. (Except Wednesday. Aaron and I will celebrate our nine year anniversary and are going out!)

So, tonight was night one. Aaron worked, so I was able to make whatever I wanted. Which worked out well, because we had barely anything in the house, so I had to be creative. One meal my mom makes that I love (and Aaron does not) is tuna fish gravy over toast. It's an acquired taste, I realize. So just humor me.

Here's the recipe, in case you're interested.

1 can of tuna fish
2 cups of milk
1 Tbs butter
1 tsp flour

Boil tuna fish and milk. Add mixture of flour and water to thicken. Remove from heat, add butter and a ton of pepper. Let sit for a minute until thick. Pour over toast. Enjoy!

Speaking of Fish....

...isn't it funny how my men sleep like dead fish? They have the open mouth fish face that just begs for a picture. Aren't they cute?

Anyway, it's time for a quick update. My family (parents and siblings still at home) moved to MEXICO last week. Yep, Mexico. While we are here battling cold and snow, those losers are frolicking on the beach somewhere. I hope they get all get sunburns.

Seriously, I'm very sad to see them go. Jordan still doesn't understand and asks daily if we can go to Grandma's house. It sucks. I hope they come home soon.

On another note, I'm moving right along in school. A few weeks ago I got the wonderful news that I PASSED my math class. It was one I struggled with for the past six months and even had a couple tutors helping me along the way. But I finally made it and can move on. Now I'm taking Accounting, which is actually pretty interesting. I'm also taking Geology to satisfy a science credit. It's rather boring. But now I can tell you approximately how old a rock is, if you care.

Aaron continues to be a great daddy and hubby. He and Jordan play "monster" and frequently fill the house with squeals of delight. (Yes, both of them.)

We are all itching to get out and enjoy warm weather. A few times this week, it's been above 55 degrees and Jordan and ridden his bike while I work in the yard. It's only a matter of time before we can do that on a regular basis.

Oh, this picture is Jordan after being caught in my makeup. He told me he was a tiger. Rawr!

Welcome, Elliott!

The time has come for Jordan to have his first pet. And since I REALLY don't want to clean up pet hair or scoop poop, we thought that a fish would be a safe bet. Jordan and I admired them one day at good old Wal Mart, but did not find one that was perfect for our family. Then, last night, Aaron surprised us both with Elliott.

Putting the tank together and transferring this little guy into his new home was no easy task. Luckily, Aaron took most of the work upon himself, ensuring that our new friend would find his new diggs accommodating.

After about an hour of cleaning, arranging and transferring, Elliott was happily swimming in his new home.

Wish us luck. I really don't want to be flushing this sucker anytime soon.

Jordan Says the Pledge

Only a proud parent such as I am would absolutely HAVE to share this with the world. Isn't he precious!?