May 1, 2013 - the day the school called

This day.  Today.  May 1, 2013 will be known as "the day the school called."  It was not a good call. :(

Joseph got in "trouble" (nothing serious) at school.  Joseph??  I never thought I'd be getting a call for him.  James . . . maybe.  Oh, who are we kidding?  I'll probably set up a pool to see when I get my first phone call for that one.

Last year I got many phone calls about how great Joe was and what a delight / joy he was to have in class.  His conferences both last year and this year have had the same glowing reviews.  What happened to my baby?

He was playing with some friends and made some bad choices.  He did not get into a fight or anything like that but what started as innocent note writing turned into him (along with his friends) writing not nice things to each other.  It was all G rated but still not the types of things that I want him saying.

I'm not writing this post to call him out or anything but I thought I should record it because it's so out of character.  We talked about it.  We all make mistakes.  We're going to take the opportunity to learn from it.

Love you, Joe.
--Don't forget-- tomorrow is a new day.

the sweet and the funnies

J:  Are you going to lay by me:
Me:  In a little bit.  You know I need 10-15 minutes of mommy time.
J:  How many minutes?
Me:  I just told you -- 10 or 15 minutes.
J:  *long pause* You're doing 10 minutes because I did eeny-meeny and 15 was it.  You know - "you are not it."

Another day we did the same thing.  It was bedtime and I said I needed mommy time before I went in his room.  He asked how much and I said 15 minutes or maybe more.  He said that I could have 16 minutes because that was more.  How generous.

So we're in Target shopping in the clearance section (I live there) and James points to the sign (clearance) and says "Does that say cheep?"  Close enough James, close enough.  :)

I was purging the other weekend and came across some a legal notepad.  Joseph says "Oh, I needed one of those."  Okaaayyyy. . . He then tells me that since I'm a girl I can't see what he's going to write but he will let me see the front page.  He then continues on to write "my friend list" on the left and "my supur friend list" on the right.  (He asked me multiple times if he spelled super right -- he knew something was off.)  Friends were listed with his brother as #1 even though they fought continuously that weekend.  I eventually made the list at #9 -- I guess I should be happy I'm in the top 10.  Anyway, Joe comes home from school on Monday, goes right to the list, and says "Alex gets two checks and Marin gets one."  I asked him why he was giving people checks and he said it was because they did nice things for him.  Evidently Marin gave him a bookmark so he had an extra one at home and then Alex had told him a funny story and then later waved to him in the hall.  ♥♥♥  It's times like this that I feel like a good mom . . . that he has a good heart and maybe I was a small part in making that happen.

Joe was doing his homework and I was trying to explain something to him.  He wasn't looking at me, he was looking at his homework during this.  Then I hear him say "You know you're talking to yourself, right?"  Ummmm. . . I guess I do now.

I miss the days when it was above 0

For the most part, I love Minneapolis.  I've spent pretty much my entire life in Minnesota so I guess I really don't know any different when it comes to the weather.  I love the changing seasons and think that I'd have a hard time living anywhere where winter/Christmas didn't come with some snow.  That being said . . . I COULD REALLY DO WITHOUT THE SUBZERO TEMPERATURES!

Remember when it was warm enough that we could spend some time outside?  I took these photos a couple of weeks ago.  Just thought I'd share because I'm hoping that somehow the forces of nature will take pity on me and bring us some warmer weather.  Do I hear 20 or 30 degrees?  Anyone?

My little stink-pot.

It's like he was posing for senior pictures.

He really drives me crazy, but man is he cute.

This is usually the kind of face I get anytime I try to take a picture of them.  Bunch of hams.  Wonder where they get that from?  :)

Let's all be thinking happy thoughts about weather.  I'm counting on all of you.  :)

nobody asked if I was ready for this

There are many milestones in a child's life:  first tooth, first steps, first day of kindergarten, etc.  As a parent, we anticipate these are excited to watch them happen.  At the same time we might dread them a little.  (Maybe it's just me?)  The arrival of these milestones means that are beloved babies are growing up.  We aren't all ready for this to happen.  I'm pretty sure nobody asked me if I was ready for this:

That's right.  My little peanut lost his first tooth today.  He tried calling me from school to tell me but of course, I was in a meeting.  :(  It's ok -- I got to see him right when he got off the bus. 

the little pillow I made him -- you can't see that the white part is in the shape of a tooth and is a pocket so he can put the tooth in

This has been a long time coming.  Joe is 7.  I know many children that lose teeth before they even go to kindergarten or while they are in kindergarten so it's a little out of the ordinary for him to have not lost one yet.  No one ever said we were ordinary.  :)

photo courtesy of James

So happy yet so sad to see my baby reach this milestone.  He's growing up so fast . . . *sigh*.

S.N.O.W

Well . . . it is Minnesota and it is December so I guess I should have been expecting this.  Ok, maybe I was expecting it but I wasn't prepared for it.  I do love that Minnesota has evident seasons and I don't mind a little snow.  A little snow, I said.  I think we are already at 8 inches or something.  At least it happened on a stay home day.  :)

I took the boys out to play in the snow.  I frantically snapped a few shots because the snow was still coming down pretty hard and I was worried about Lucille (my camera).

 

After playtime we came inside and watched Elf.  Trying to find some motivation to do some Christmas baking.  :)

I hope that those of you that have the snow are enjoying it.

linked 52: texture

These photos were taken at our trip to the apple orchard.  I couldn't decide what I wanted to do for this week's theme and then I remembered the hay.  Joseph liked playing in and on the hay maze, Malik hated it and refused to go back in after the first time, and then there was James.  James is a crazy guy and wouldn't get out of / off of the maze.  He climbed to the top, jumped from bale to bale, and even slid down the bales.  He is for sure my adventurous one.

Check out these ladies and see what kind of texture they are sharing this week:  Stacey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Kristin, Janet, Amanda, Tracy, Rhonda, Lena, Heather, Heidi, Liza, Jean, Kristi, and Hanne

Joe turns 7!

I've been a little absent with the blogging lately but wanted to make sure that I hopped on to document the anniversary of my oldest child's birth.  Yep, Joe turned 7 today!

I can't believe that it's been seven years already.  It was a long labor and I never thought I'd be done.  But after about 28 hours in the hospital, I was rewarded with this guy.  Totally worth it.

Wednesdays are Joe's day to spend with dad so we did a little celebration before work / school this morning.  He'll be having a party on Sunday and then the two of us have a little one on one time to celebrate more.  :)

I usually make chocolate chip pancakes for the kids' birthdays but didn't think I could manage that and still make it to work by 7.  I also forgot to buy muffins and had to use what we had in the house.  Don't judge.  :)

He even got to open a few gifts including one handpicked and wrapped by/from his brother.  (It was a pack of Pokemon cards in case you were wondering.)

Can't wait to celebrate with him more.  I leave you with the photo that I put on facebook.  One of my favorite pics of when he was little (3 months) and then one taken about a month ago.  Time really does go quickly.  *sigh*

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

linked 52: Autumn

What!!???  I'm late again.  Yep.  I've been having a problem getting things done on time.

Autumn is my favorite season.  I don't love that it's the gateway to winter but I adore the colors and the feeling of it.  Yes, the feeling.  Do you know the feeling I'm talking about?  I don't have the words to describe it, but I love it.  The smell, the crispness in the air, the excitement about school starting, apples orchard, pumpkin patches . . . ♥.

I found this tree that is in perfect autumn bloom but have not had the opportunity to take pics.  I did take a couple out my car window but that's about it.  You may see one on instagram later.  I just didn't feel like posting those pics for this linked.  I had another idea.  That hasn't worked out yet.  On to plan C. . . the apple orchard.  I already had plans to go with a friend today so it was perfect.  James had his BFF Malik (remember, from last spring) overnight last night so he joined us at the orchard.  Too tired to edit so this is what you get.  :)

Man, they're cute.  Happy Autumn, everyone!

Check out these ladies and see what they have to say about "autumn":  Stacey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Kristin, Janet, Amanda, Tracy, Rhonda, Lena, Heather, Heidi, Liza, Jean, Kristi, Hanne, and Andrea

The first of first

Hello there.  Did you miss me?  I've taken a break from blogging and my "linked" project for awhile.  I think I'm back now.  I just needed a little time.  Now that the school year has started and things are settling down around here, it's time for me to start back again. 

Speaking of the school year . . . here is my first grader on his first day of school.

He has been visiting this shirt in his closet for a month.  "When can I wear the pink shirt with the skull?"  It made him excited to get dressed this morning.  :)

We don't want to forget James.  He goes to preschool year round, but I guess it was technically his first day of Pre-K for the school year.  He even decided he needed to have a backpack today too. 

I know that I'm biased, but aren't they cute??  I ♥ them.

Happy school year everyone!

Linked 52: Summer

I love summer.  Fall is actually my favorite season, but there is something so be said about summer.  I always feel so free.  :)

Neither one of my children know how to swim and they are fairly scared in water above their knees.  I want to get them in swimming lessons but know that I need to get them used to the water more so they don't have meltdowns when it's time to get in.  Heaven forbid, we should get our head wet.  Yes, that's what I deal with.  I've been taking them to the splash pad, the wading pool, the beach . . . you name it.  Here are my favorite summer (and water) themed photos for the week:

I know he is upset, but I still love it.

I caught this one with my phone at the wading pool.  Fun.

This was from this past weekend when we went to visit my dad.  He took them fishing for the first time.  :)

This was taken on the beach back home.  This might be my favorite photo of the summer so far.  :)


Be sure to check out these other ladies to see what summer is like to them:  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

linked 52: Red, White, and Blue

This week was supposed to be easy, right?  It might have been easy had I actually participated in any 4th of July activities.  My kids were with their dad this year and we had just returned from a long weekend out of town so I took it easy.  I went to a friends house with a couple of other friends, did some crafting, watched some chick flicks, did some grilling, and a little socializing.  It was hot so I was inside most of the time but I snuck out for a few minutes to take a few pics of her flag out front.  I also pulled out some photos from Memorial Day that I thought fit the theme.  I can never choose just one.  :)

I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday!

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see what's "red, white, and blue" in their lives:  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

linked 52: Lighting Experimentation

Ummm. . . I didn't exactly know what to do with this prompt.  I decided to share a few pictures that I've taken recently playing with sunlight.  I would love to be able to take photos with sunlight like Stacey does.  Maybe someday.  For now I'm just playing around and trying to figure it all out.  I've got more exploring to do.  :)

Taken on my vacation to Colorado.

Big J checking out the bubble wand.

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "lighting experimentation":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

Linked 52: Swing

I got a little busy with birthday fun yesterday and baby shower preparations and didn't get my swing post up.  One of the things James wanted to do on his birthday was go to the park.  He always wants to go to the park and to keep it fun I try to take the boys to different parks.  I kind of feel like we are taking a twin cities park tour.  There were swings there and after some coaxing (ok . . . maybe it was bribing and threatening) they both took a turn on the swings.  It was a new park and there were far more interesting things than swings evidently.

I would love to say that I'll be back on track with my "linked" project but I procrastinate and I'm going out of town next weekend.  We'll see. :)

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "swing":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

Linked 52: Anger

So I missed last week's "linked" so I was bound and determined not to miss this weeks.  The problem is that I'm on vacation and forgot to post before I left and I forgot what the theme was.  I had to go back and use a picture that I took a couple of months ago.

We were at a birthday party for one of the kids in Joe's class.  It was at a karate studio and they got to learn some moves.  Joe was supposed to make some sort of intimidating /angry face and this is what I got.

That's all I've got for now.  I will try to update the linked list next time.  This hotel internet is not quite as fast as I'd like it.

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "anger":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, Kristi, and Jean

This place

I traveled back home for Easter to spend time with my family.  Every time I am back in Fairmont I drive past a place that I want to stop and take pictures.  The past couple of times I have been back we have been busy or it has been dark.  Yesterday after all of our Easter festivities when then the kids and I were on our way back to my mom's house, we stopped.  We were there for less than 5 minutes but enough that I could snap off a few shots and secure the area as a future photo location for me.  

We went to this place:

It's just this one blue panel among brown ones.  It's right by the railroad tracks.  The tracks are still used so we didn't stay long.  One of the children did not want to cooperate too much either.

I was still able to get a few.

Yes, you did notice an injury on James' nose.  A result of getting hit in the face with a basketball by a cousin (an accident) and body slammed on the floor by his brother (not an accident).  That's how we celebrate our holidays.  :)

They want to make sure that I include their favorite:

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

linked 52: Underneath

Hello friends.  I just wanted to take a minute to apologize to anyone that came to visit my page last week with the expectation of seeing vegetables.  I had not been feeling well during the week and by the end of the week / weekend I was exhausted.  Blogging was not in the cards for me then.  Hope to do some catching up this weekend.  Onto this week now . .

Underneath.  Initially I thought I'd go with a picture of Jackson, our dog.  He's always underneath the coffee table if I choose to eat there.  It's cute to see his little head peeking out.  I took a not so great pic of him that I thought I might use and then this happened:

I went with underneath his clothes.  :)  I had put him to bed and then went in to check on him and found him like this.  Notice there is a pull-up in his pile.  That's because he still needs it at night.  Thank goodness I caught this before I had a big mess.  Thank goodness I caught this to have a record of this great memory.

My kid often like to run around in their undies and because they are little I think they look so darn cute.  Here they both are wearing what's underneath their clothes complete with bed head from James.  :)

I know . . . corny.  That's me.  I hope that no one is offended by a cute 3 year old hiney.

 Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "underneath":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, and Jean

Linked 52: Body Parts

Here I am.  I'm a little late with my post today because I may have fallen asleep on the couch last night before getting my photos edited or my post started.  I tried this morning but my computer was not cooperating, so here I am now.  Maybe I should be a little more prepared and take my pictures before Thursday night but let's be realistic here -- I'm a procrastinator.  Always have been, always will be.

Back to the topic at hand -- body parts.  One of these days I may step in front of the camera but for now I will use my two favorite subjects.  I couldn't decide which body part to use.  I really love their cute little feet and toes and the little dimples that they have on their lower back right above their bum.  I went with the eyes.  If you ever read our escapades on here you'll know that James is quite a character.  That mischievous look and the glimmer in his eye.

Joe has always been more serious and quiet than his brother.  He has these eyelashes just like his dad.  Barely a curl in them at all.  I ♥ them.

Be sure to check out these other ladies to see their take on "body parts":  Michelle, Stacey, Andrea, Tracey, Heather, Jenn, Jessica, Amanda, Kristin, Amanda, Sara, Tracy, Lesli, Janet, Naomi, Rhonda, Rose, Heidi, and Lena