Sweet Baby Nene

Article

2012-02-06T21:02:00.001-06:00

This is a long read but it is about my school district. My school was abuzz all day.

Rolling Stone article

My school district issued a response and part of it is here.

I'm kinda glad we don't live within the district right now. Too much politics and covering your ass going on.

Chaos

2012-01-27T23:48:00.001-06:00

Be careful what you wish for! I was hoping for an exciting weekend but this is too much.

Jim smelled gas. I agreed. We evacuated to Grandma Laura's while Jim called the gas company and waited for them to arrive. Several hours later James and I received the okay to return. We found several trucks and a backhoe digging up our yard. Goodbye landscaping! James was thrilled to stay up so late (11:30) and to see the chaos. Jim and I? Not so much!

I put on some coffee for Jim. That's what Ma always did on LHOTP when Pa got bad news... !

WJDN?

2012-01-13T18:00:00.001-06:00

Learning a magic trick!

Creative

2012-01-12T20:11:00.001-06:00

James told me he was never going to be happy again... Until he gets the Lego Joker Castle. Spoiled! I let him wallow in his sadness but he quickly perked up and made his own Lego creation. This pleased me.

It is a movie theater! He made rows of seats and even included boxes of popcorn (yellow)! Oh and a large trash can for after the movie.

Please no one buy him the Legos. He is truly okay.

Swimming Day 2

2012-01-12T20:00:00.001-06:00

Going well! Jim took James to the last lesson so I don't have descriptions for each of these pictures but it looked like fun!

WJDN?

2012-01-08T18:21:00.001-06:00

We don't know if he's sick but he's been very chill all day, a little groggy looking. A quick temperature check was normal. Watching TV with a Lego catalog close by (:

Foss Swim School, First Lesson

2012-01-02T20:37:00.001-06:00

James started his swim lessons tonight at Foss Swim School. I've always considered this the fancy pants place to bring kids to swim. I was a nanny one summer and took the kids back and forth to their swim, tennis, and art lessons. I guess that impression just stuck with me. Anyway... James did so much better at this lesson. We tried the YMCA two years ago but he was pretty timid and didn't want to follow along, just play. Tonight the kid/instructor ratio was much lower, James is a much more mature boy, and he's had some water experience since so all went well

He surprised us by walking right up to the pool and climbing in!

You can see all of the parents hanging around the pool's edge like groupies.

Hanging on the edge and kicking!

A little platform in the middle. The boys loved jumping on it. I just kept imagining James slipping off into the water that's as tall as him, the instructor being busy with another kid, and me then having to jump in and save him. We are all lucky it didn't come to that!

Face in the water! Already!!!

Back float. They told us to work on this in the tub :). We also bought the cute goggles for the tub!

James has always had baths. We used the pool shower to get clean. He squealed happily. Showers may need to be introduced!

Christmas isn't over!

2012-01-01T20:48:00.001-06:00

Grandpa Frank and Grandma Julie sent a nice Christmas card and money. I took James to Target and he helped me spend the money all on him (: He would have gladly spent the money all on toys but his responsible parent found some fun but practical items for him. He was very helpful in picking the accessories to redecorate his bathroom.

The ocean theme compliments his new pirate bath toys too!

I'm replacing the sand picture with a picture of himself in his pirate Halloween costume.

We also found a great Pirate Lego set. One thrilled little boy! (Video to come soon. We keep talking about making one to show Grandpa :)

Oh and a new Lego Ninjago shirt & a Star Wars swimsuit. James has lessons starting tomorrow!

See? Christmas wasn't over!

Pool

2012-01-01T18:43:00.001-06:00

I knew the boys were downstairs together but I didn't know what they were up to. I saw and ran upstairs for my camera quickly. Glad to capture these!

I wonder if James will take to pool?

Thank you!

2011-12-30T19:26:00.001-06:00

Our family members should receive handmade thank you cards from this little boy! He used his new rubber stamps and signed each one! He also dictated to me a personal message for y'all! Please forgive his signatures- he is certainly much more capable than what you'll see but we spent so much time thinking about and then creating the cards, he was a little low on focus! Coming soon to a mailbox near you...

Bath Fun

2011-12-29T20:55:00.001-06:00

The bath just became so much more fun. James begs for more time in the bath, which is a nice change.

He loves these bath toys so much that today he played with them outside of the tub, on the living room carpet!

I had to avoid the nude pics...

Thank you Grandma Rose!

WJDN?

2011-12-29T19:23:00.001-06:00

Enjoying a bowl of ice cream with Aunt Betty's ice cream cone spoon!

Lego Advent Calendar 2011

2011-12-29T10:23:00.001-06:00

This was one of the best Christmas ideas! James loved opening the calendar day and then assembling the set "all by himself"!

Days 1 through 24----

WJDN?

2011-12-29T09:58:00.001-06:00

We are cuddling on the couch!

Caroling

2011-12-28T20:24:00.001-06:00

This is from a few days ago.

Christmas Portrait 2011

2011-12-28T16:25:00.001-06:00

WJDN?

2011-12-27T15:58:00.001-06:00

Watching Lego YouTube videos on my iPad while I make dinner! I don't feel too guilty about the high tech babysitter because we are chatting about every video!

-Blogging while living life!

Christmas Day at M-O-M's 2011

2011-12-26T21:23:00.000-06:00

We left for Grandma and Grandpa's house after breakfast. We wanted to get there early to open presents first and then cook up a storm. The women of the familia were going to be cooking up a storm!

I brought cookies!

I appreciated that someone other than me (or Jim) had a talk with James about patience and generosity. Other people will open presents and not all of the presents would be for James! Thanks ChaCha!

Jim tries out the pool table in the new basement.

Whoa! Are all those presents for James?! No :)

Yule log on a big ass TV.

One of the first presents James opens is from Tia Kiki and Tio Berto in Japan. They sent the Harry Potter Wii game!!!!!!!!!! James was so excited! So excited that as soon as we got home on Monday that was the FIRST thing he wanted to do- play the game! He was pretty patient, waiting for the chance to get to the Wii so how could I say no? It was fun :)

Grandma gets Tequila! It was to go along with the bar blender that she asked for. Margaritas for everyone!

Uncle Rich accessorizes.

Uncle Rich gives Jim an Ipad! Uh... a fake one.

Wow! A Lego Star Wars watch! We opened this when we got to our house too. James loves it. He really loves the Darth Vader figure- he didn't have that one yet :)

I prepped James about receiving clothing. He was polite and didn't throw them to the side. Of course they don't generate the same level of excitement but he did well for a five year old!

Grandpa Larry gets a wooden Vikings head. We bought this for him at the Renaissance festival in September.

A Harry Potter castle!!! WOW!

Tia Kiki sent Larry a Japanese gong. James loved it! We decided the gong signals the start of happy hour :)

Wow! A tooth fairy pillow from ChaCha! And she made it. Extra special!

James was all over Uncle Rich. Those are his grubby little hands behind him as Rich tried to pose with his new Vikings head gear.

ChaCha, is that a real dog? Yes. It's my pup.

I tried on my new Wonder Woman apron for tamale making! It's awesome! Thanks Ana!

Three cucumber margaritas for the chicas. It's a must when you're about to spend a goodly amount of time in the kitchen!

Corn husks are prepped.

Ana starts with the masa.

We had four fillings. Rosie ties off the tamales after they've been filled.

In her spare time (ha!) M-O-M roasts peppers and chiles for salsa and guacamole.

Filled and ready to be steamed! We ended up with about 6 dozen.

My Mom borrowed this tamale steamer from a friend. It was so tall that Ana had to use a step stool to reach in!

Apps. Salsas, guacamole, and crab tostadas.

So pretty!

While we were cooking the boys played pool and downstairs. Well, Jim had to spend a good amount of time putting together this castle.

Ahhhhh. Dinner!

I cut into the tamales so you can see the fillings- these are pork with red chile and chicken with tomatillo/cilantro sauce. Yums.

After dinner James asked if we could have a campfire and roast marshmallows. He is refused nothing around that house and actually the weather was great for it. Too bad the only marshmallow in the house fell into the fire! Haha.

At bedtime James escaped Grandma and ran around the house sans pants! He moved so quickly and was so amused!

What a great day!

Christmas Day morning 2011

2011-12-26T21:12:00.005-06:00

James didn't wake up extra early, which was a relief. He did wake up, go downstairs to check it out, and then come back upstairs to get us. We heard him and waited to see what he'd do. I knew he wouldn't rip into the presents but I wasn't sure what would excite him- the presents, the cookies that were gone, or the extra something special that was left behind by the elves.

The prep and landing elves left behind their night vision goggles!! Whoooops! These are the special elves who scout out the house, prepping the stockings and christmas tree for the presents. They also make sure that not a creature is stirring and the milk is the right temperature for Santa :)

The stockings are full! Well, James' is. We adults didn't score much. Ha.

Oh but Jim did get some coal in his stocking! Not real coal of course because he is the BEST Dad and Husband in the world, but it's chewing gum coal. Funny!

Yay! Legos!

"This present is for me. J-A-M-E-S!"

My blanket that I asked for!

And my Lego alien ship!

James was happy. So far he received everything he asked for. What more could he want? Oh just wait until we go to Grandma Rose's!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T21:10:00.000-06:00

We met Grandpa Roger, Linda, Joe and Shannon for breakfast on Christmas eve morning. It was nice to see Roger and Linda before we all became busy with everything else in our jam-packed weekends.

After breakfast we headed back to our house for gift opening and Christmas cookies. Grandpa Roger got down on the floor and played with James and Legos.

Thank you Grandpa Roger!

Later that day Jim and I exchanged our gifts. I guess we both just couldn't wait. I received an iPad (!!!!) and I gave Jim the pool cue case that he really wanted. James can really keep a secret! He helped me pick up this gift at Grandma Laura's (where I had delivered) and he knew I wrapped it, and didn't say a word! Scary how he can keep a secret :)

We went to Grandma Laura's for Christmas Eve dinner. James loves tinkering on the piano.

Is this what I think it is? Legos!

And the rubber stamps he wanted!

Grandma Laura opens the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that my boys thought it was so funny to give :)

Wow! James receives a magic show set from Grandma Laura. Unexpected and wonderful. James was at a magic show at his school the other week and he was chosen as the Helper. He helped the magician make flowers appear (or something like that) and he loved it. I think he will love this magic set!

And Uncle Joe brought James a new sled!

Trying out the magic set...

When we got home that night we stopped on the front steps to put out the reindeer food. James wanted to lay down and look at the stars. Cute!

The magical reindeer food is oatmeal and glitter :)

And we left out milk and cookies for Santa. And carrot sticks for the reindeer!

We knew Santa would come because Sneaky had been giving him GREAT reports all month long. Sneaky left us the day before. We were sad to see him go but things have been much calmer since he's been gone :)

WJDN?

2011-12-24T18:05:00.001-06:00

Magic show set, from Grandma Laura!

-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

2011-12-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

Tracking Santa!

-Blogging while living life!

Merry Christmas! from New Horizon

2011-12-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

Finally! I'm able to post about James' Christmas party at his daycare. I had quite a bit of trouble uploading these videos to my usual places. Finally they're all set and ready to be oooooh'd and ahhhhh'd upon :)

Jim and I both volunteered at the daycare party/fieldtrip. We had to help the small children with their coats and lining up. And then we walked over to the senior apartment building for some caroling and cookies. And then we walked back for the hot chocolate and book exchange party. Woohooo! Party animals :)

Here, Missy (one of the most patient people I've ever witnessed) lines up the kids to practice the carols one last time. The teachers actually had to move the children to another room for a breather because they were so wound up with the parent volunteers there. They came back after a brief time.

Walking over to the apartments. James said, "I think it's going to be beautiful in there!"

It is NO SMALL TASK getting all 31 kids to line up and not dart into the street. There were plenty of parent volunteers but still...

Missy, to get their attention, asks them to FREEZE! They throw up their arms and freeze. It works!

Again, they were really, really super excited and needed a calm down activity. Missy led them through "Balloon Yoga".

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

The kids enter the performance area. There are seniors and parents in the audience.

My little James did a TREMENDOUS job! He sang every song! There were lots of kids who didn't sing, who just fidgeted. Not James. He rocked back and forth on his heels and sang. I wish I could have picked out his voice but I'm sure he was a strong singer :)

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Afterwards James enjoyed a cookie with Mom and Dad.

Back at the classroom James handed out his teacher gifts. His wonderful Mom bought Tavern gift cards and baked Triple Chocolate Biscotti for FOUR teachers. I hope they liked it.

Hot chocolate party!

Jim and I left soon after the Hot Chocolate party. It was getting late and we had each only taken off half a day. We were so proud of James! He is a big, big boy with many skills!

Sneaky the Pool Shark

2011-12-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

When James and I come home from work/school he right away looks for Sneaky. See, Sneaky moves around during the day too. He usually just sits somewhere, but doesn't do anything too mischievous.

But on this day he was nowhere to be found. We found some clues though...

James' pool cue case at the top of the stairs??

Pool balls leading down the stairs??

Sneaky! Playing pool!! James was so surprised. He hadn't ventured down to the Man Cave until now. I hope he doesn't get too comfortable down there :) Good job, Dad!

And then while dinner is being made, or James is busy playing, I sneak around and grab Sneaky under my shirt and place him really discreetly- sometimes right in front of James! James was sitting right next to my chair, playing, and didn't even notice Sneaky for a few minutes. By that time I was busy cooking dinner and so it was obvious that Sneaky is magical and moves on his own!

And he swiped Blankie! James very carefully took Blankie back, careful not to touch Sneaky and take away his magic.

Who would want Blankie??!!

December 22- Sneaky

2011-12-23T08:41:00.002-06:00

I think Sneaky used darn near a whole roll of masking tape making these roads in our living room. The roads start at the bottom of the staircase (where James would first see it) and extend all the way to the living room, winds around, goes into the kitchen, and then goes back to the hallway. I found a bunch of Jim's old matchbox cars (blew some dust off of those) and set up some traffic jams.

James liked it but has since used the roads for his McDonald's and lego cars :) The tape is still on the carpet. I hope to convince James to clean it up with me tonight.

December 21- Sneaky

2011-12-23T08:35:00.005-06:00

Handy Sneaky- he built this little car for himself. He even has a mini Home Depot apron!

December 20- Sneaky

2011-12-19T22:06:00.004-06:00

Silly Sneaky. He found our dry erase markers and went to town on our family pictures. I particularly like the Mom tattoo on Baby James' arm.

December 19- Sneaky

2011-12-19T08:58:00.000-06:00

Jim had to help me with this one. We tied curling ribbon from the stair banister to the dining room light. Sneaky is zip-lining through our house!

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuper Sneaky!

James was very amused by this one!

In other news, he is still loving that Lego McDonald's. It's maybe better than any Lego set :) James said he is NEVER taking it apart. I love that kid :)

Saturday Fun

2011-12-17T21:47:00.000-06:00

The day started with this gorgeous face. But we really noticed that he needed a haircut. Dad took James and got it done.

James wanted to make a Lego movie. Here's my first attempt with him. I believe Jim also taped a "movie" too.

In the afternoon we headed to Russell's birthday party at Perpetual Motion. This was my first time going to one of these parties (Jim has taken James to the other parties here) and so I was curious how James would do, with so much independent play.

I sat with the other Moms and watched our kids tumble, run, and jump.

The group picture. A cute bunch!

December 18- Sneaky

2011-12-17T21:38:00.000-06:00

James continues to be slightly obsessed with his Lego youtube videos. I think we are setting good boundaries but it so darn funny to hear his laugh.

So I came up with this idea to make our own McDonald's drive-thru. Not to encourage fast food eating, but...

I printed out some logos, clipped them a bit, and used a bit of sticky tape. I have some leftovers so James can have his own fun with scissors and tape.

We'll see how he reacts!

December 17- Sneaky

2011-12-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

Crafty Sneaky. He made Star Wars snowflakes for the SW geeks in the house. If you can recognize them, from left to right- Boba Fett, Clone Trooper (top), Scout Trooper (bottom), and a Storm Trooper.

December 16- Sneaky & Sickness in the house

2011-12-16T21:35:00.002-06:00

We had a 5th year wellness check scheduled for Thursday afternoon. This is after a 1am wake-up of James crying that "my ear hurts". He gulped some Advil and went back to bed.

At the doctor-
42 inches and 42 lbs!

Do you think Dr. Keis will find me? He wasn't hiding because he was scared (yet) but because he was silly.

While we waited James completed a simple test with Dad. Questions about colors, logic, etc. Your chonies are showing, James!

Dr. Keis discovers James' love of toejam. What a great sport :)

Sure enough James had a raging ear infection. Poor guy. He also had to endure THREE shots in his thighs. He screamed like I haven't seen in a long, long time. Torture. For him. And us.

The next morning James found that Sneaky was also sick!!

Luckily all of our boys heal quickly. Both James and Sneaky are better!

December 15- Sneaky

2011-12-15T10:01:00.004-06:00

Marshmallow message

2011-12-14T12:32:00.002-06:00

This is James' favorite youtube video. He laughs hysterically. I can't believe this video has over 6 million hits!

Bedtime avoidance: "Mom, I just can't stop thinking about that video. It makes me laugh!" He says this from the top of the stairs, fifteen or so minutes after he should be in bed. We promise to let him watch the video tomorrow. He loves it.

School Food

2011-12-14T12:22:00.003-06:00

FYI This is what you get if you buy school lunch. I kinda sorta forgot a lunch today and I was very hungry. I have a school account for these kinds of emergencies so I decided to venture down to the cafeteria for lunch.

It's Chicken and Gravy day. I asked a few kids (who were in line for the C&G) if it was good. They all said yes. I've had it before but I was interested in their opinions. So that was the main choice with an optional dinner roll.

Vegetable option: There was a really, really mushy looking vegetable blend that I declined. I tossed some salad on my plate and added a few carrots. Carrots, broccoli and celery are always offered- with low fat dressings of your choice. I never see kids with vegetables on their plates (french fries do NOT count). Sad.

Fruit option: I declined all of them. I have an apple in my purse. There were smallish apples, a fresh fruit cup (orange wedges, piece of melon), and then bruised bananas.

Milk option: Chocolate skim, skim white, 2% white. Chocolate skim is good but SO much sugar. Not for me.

The yogurt was an extra 75 cents. EXTRA! I think my adult meal was $3.25. So really I paid $4.

I should add that there are lots of extras. Chips, rice crispy bars, ice cream (occasionally), fruit juice/water bottles, etc. Free/reduced lunch kids can't get these, and then if you have parent restrictions on your account it won't let you buy them either. Kids enter in their pin numbers and a nutrition staff member is monitoring.

There's always a pizza option, a sandwich option (spicy chicken patties are popular though I tried one once and it was a hard, beyond-crispy hot mess), and entree salads. I usually have the salads but I'm not entirely convinced it is real meat on the chef salads.

I really think James needs to take lunches when he starts kindergarten! He'll need to help me assemble his lunches or at least pick out the foods at the grocery store so he stays committed to them. No trading :)

December 14- Sneaky

2011-12-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

James wasn't very excited by this one. Sneaky found all of James' Christmas books and was found under the Christmas tree with Linus reading. I guess the good thing is that James has rediscovered a bunch of really good books, including Charlie Brown Christmas (with audio buttons) and the Snowmen series.

December 13- Sneaky

2011-12-13T21:17:00.003-06:00

Silly Sneaky!

James really enjoyed this one! There was even green food coloring in the toilet. Does Sneaky pee green?

Generous and Wonderful

2011-12-13T21:06:00.004-06:00

We talked with James about buying toys for the "boys and girls with no money". That was the easiest way to explain it. We forgot to take the toys to the Santa Breakfast but we did bring them to the daycare the next school day. He very happily put them in the box for Santa to pick up.

I'm very sorry to need to tell James about the boys and girls who don't have nice homes, enough food, or toys to play with. He is still unwilling to part with his (current) toys to give to the needy but he'll get there one day.

Later that night, James has been highly amused by some Youtube videos. Dad and James cuddle on the couch and watch the short little lego "movies". I'm trying to encourage James to make his own movie soon.

His giggles are heart warming.

Silly Sneaky.

James told me that Sneaky "didn't watch" him pee.

December 12- Sneaky

2011-12-13T21:00:00.002-06:00

Silly Sneaky! He colored our milk green! Magical.

He even found a tiny cup, borrowing a medicine dose cup. Ha.

You do realize I'm only halfway through my Sneaky fun? Aye.

December 11- Sneaky

2011-12-13T20:46:00.003-06:00

We left James (and Sneaky) in Grandma Rose and Grandpa Larry's safe hands for Saturday night. They were in charge of Sneaky's shenanigans for Sunday morning.

This is what I found on Sunday-

Sneaky was perched high above their sliding doors, with a great view of the golf course and woods. Feliz Navidad- Sneaky must be bilingual!

The day before though... We arrived at Grandma's house and when James wasn't looking I quickly pulled Sneaky from my purse and posed him.

He was on Grandma's bed! James shows Grandma. He was in shock that Sneaky followed us from our house!

Back at home the next day- Sneaky beat us home! He was on Dad's ball "chair" when we got home. Okay, so I had to work fast on that one.

Later, Sneaky gets stuck looking at the neighbor's Christmas lights.

Santa 2011 at School

2011-12-13T20:42:00.002-06:00

It all happened so fast. There was a short line to get to Santa and James didn't fuss one bit! Last year he had cried at the thought of getting too close to Santa, and then refused to sit on his lap. This year he walked right up to Santa, recited his list, and then sat eagerly on his lap for pictures! What a good boy!

December 10- Sneaky

2011-12-13T20:29:00.003-06:00

Let the Star Wars geeks gather!

Sneaky gathered his SW geek friends together for a friendly game of SW Operation.

The Tooth Fairy even stayed for a bit, after leaving James some $$$.

They even left photographic proof! James' camera was sitting near the game board and there were pictures of the geeks playing.

James' reaction the next morning-

James ended up gathering all of his money and agreeing to spend it on a toy that he wanted. We had just bought his friend Russell a playdoh Transformers set for his upcoming birthday party. James decided he wanted one too!

Surprise!

2011-12-09T20:37:00.004-06:00

James had a big surprise for me when I picked him up from school. Actually, he greeted me normally but when I was gathering his stuff from his locker I found a tiny little ziploc with what looked like nothing in it. And then I saw it- an itty bitty tooth! What?!

The teacher told me that the tooth fell out at breakfast. She wasn't making a big deal of it. I was shocked and started telling her that it's his first and it wasn't even loose, I didn't think. THEN she was a bit more serious about it and started to explain that it's probably okay. One boy from James' class has already lost FOUR teeth!

So here he is.

And then we got home and showed Dad.

He was just as surprised. We didn't expect this for months, maybe longer! Well, luckily we've already started talking about the tooth fairy and Tia ChaCha gave James a great book called Bear's Loose Tooth so we were able to reference that too.

Hello Tooth Fairy! I hope she's generous tonight :)

I had an emotional moment and needed Jim to hug me. My little boy isn't so little. This is happening fast!

December 9- Sneaky

2011-12-08T21:46:00.003-06:00

This is for tomorrow. I just couldn't wait to post it. Too funny!

School elves

2011-12-08T21:43:00.003-06:00

I had some elves working for me today, helping me shop at Target for our needy families. We bought $400 in Target gift cards and lots of hats, mittens, scarves for our Falcon Nest (food and coat shelf).

These kids are part of the Student Council and the AVID program. They help organize the Falcon Nest. Good kids!

Santa video

2011-12-08T21:39:00.002-06:00

I can't wait to show James this video tomorrow. He will freak out!

James' Santa video

I think I made a similar video last year, but he won't remember.

Parenting

2011-12-08T13:28:00.003-06:00

Oh the things you need to think about!

Kids, Want Some Cereal With Your Sugar?

December 8- Sneaky

2011-12-08T13:08:00.002-06:00

After a short trip to the North Pole Sneaky came back to our house and watched James' movies all night. He was still munching on popcorn when James came downstairs in the morning.

Jim took James to daycare before I left for work. I took that opportunity to move Sneaky in a restful position. After watching movies all night I'm sure he needed a nap!

Fun Stuff

2011-12-08T11:47:00.004-06:00

Jim told me that the daycare kids had these letters posted on the windows at school, so I made sure to take a picture of James'. I don't know if you can zoom in to see the other kids' letters but they are very cute.

James' letter-

He also came home with this masterpiece. It's a picture of our family! Mom is the one with the long black hair, James says. There is a beautiful yellow heart around us.

We still get his daily sheet from the teachers. Most of the time they are pretty standard. I smiled at the thought of James making Sneaky hats. I can't wait to see it.

At home we were talking about Russell's letter to Santa. Jim said it was the funniest one because he admitted to being naughty. I guess James was concerned about Russell because he insisted on dictating a letter to me for Santa. He's holding it below and then does a little dance with it. He's so freaking cute.

We put the letter next to Sneaky so he could take it to the North Pole that night. (Sure enough, it was gone in the morning!)

Sneaky moves around quite a bit, at least when the adults think of it. He was hanging on our garland, way up high on the stair railing. He sure does get around!

December 7- Sneaky

2011-12-07T09:17:00.003-06:00

Sneaky has gone fishing!

Sneaky is a little bugger to pose. He doesn't sit on his own, his hands are sewn together, and he's got no meat on his bones. I've had to use tape to attach things to him (including this fishing pole) or to hold him in place. Good thing James can't touch him because sometimes I think he'd tip over with any slight movement.

James is always amused with the things that Sneaky finds in our house. "How did he find my Goldfish?", he asked this morning. Magic :)

December 6- Sneaky

2011-12-07T08:47:00.002-06:00

I found a Sneaky sized tree at Michael's and I decorated it with mini ornaments. How lucky that they were all 50% off!

James liked that he was able to finish with the star on top. He did the same for our big tree so I know he likes to consider that HIS job.

So I had my mini tree and Sneaky all ready when Jim decided that Sneaky was bringing James a gift. We bought the DVD and book from the TV show that James LOVED LOVED LOVED last year. The Prep and Landing elves! I tell James that Sneaky must be friends with them, but they have different jobs.

It's a cute show. They just aired a new one on Monday and we've enjoyed it but the first one is definitely our favorite.

James took the book to daycare yesterday because he just wanted it close and left it in his locker. They did end up reading it to the entire class :) He is insisting that I read it to the class next week, when I am signed up to volunteer/read. The teacher said repetition is good and the kids would just love that someone new is reading. I'm the first parent to volunteer (I signed up for the very first spot!), and I don't know why but it's making me anxious. Will 20+ 5 year olds listen to me?! I guess it can't be worse than middle school :) :) :)

December 5- Sneaky

2011-12-05T21:09:00.006-06:00

I was a little worried about the mess potential. James loves small pieces of anything and he is unwilling to let them go sometimes.

After getting ready for work I came downstairs to James throwing snowballs at me. Nice!

James copied Sneaky's sign. I think he did very well with his printing! I helped with the 5 cents each but otherwise it was all him.

Later in the day...

Jim texted me this picture. I believe the adults are having the most fun with Sneaky!

December 4- Sneaky

2011-12-04T20:01:00.002-06:00

Sneaky is naughty. He replaced our stockings with James' underwear! DOH!

I didn't get James reaction but he was pretty thrilled. So thrilled he came upstairs to wake us up and tell us!

He was still talking about it at breakfast. Mmm. Waffles. Homemade. (His Mom must be the BEST MOM EVER.)

December 3- Sneaky

2011-12-03T21:50:00.005-06:00

Sneaky is in LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!

I got to sleep in today so I didn't see the exact reaction but James found Sneaky with his lady love, Fairy. They had a sleepover. A date. They are wrapped in each others' arms. Oooh.

Fairy didn't stay long. I made her leave in the mid-morning. She was a bad influence.

James with his Lego creation. It's a restaurant!

We left to get our Christmas tree in the morning. While Daddy was browsing inside the store, James found the perfect tree. He was pretty insistent.

He wanted to carry it to the car. I told James we needed to find Daddy to help. He didn't want to leave the tree because "other people might take my tree". I managed to convince him that it would be okay and we left to find Jim.

Satisfied.

I don't know what this was. Worried? Worried that Daddy won't like his tree??

He likes it!

Yay! We found our tree!

James helped to push it into the car.

When we got back to the house Sneaky had moved!

While Jim put the lights on the tree, James ran up and down the couch doing his "Ninja training course". Silly.

Helping with ornaments.

"Our tree is so beautiful!" I think we heard James say this many, many times today. Agreed!

Helping Daddy put the star on top of the tree.

This is my favorite ornament. The DQ ice cream cone.

Forced pose.

That darn Sneaky moved again! Do you see him?

Daddy and James had a tea party. I was invited and participated but I was busy taking pictures and laughing. Jim looked kinda uncomfortable but of course was a good sport :)

Sneaky fun. Jim teased James that he was going to touch Sneaky. "No!!! He'll lose his magic!!"

December 2- Sneaky

2011-12-03T21:30:00.001-06:00

Sneaky found James' train set. He had a great time putting the track together and playing.

During the (work)day Sneaky flew to a different spot. James found him in the kitchen. He swiped the last chocolate donut!

The evidence- a chocolate smear on his face!

And then again, he moves. He ends up face first in the M&M's! James is so amused!

Sneaky is incredibly hard to pose. I am trying my best.

December 1- Sneaky

2011-12-03T21:23:00.004-06:00

Sneaky is a big hit around here. I was eager for James' reaction in the morning. He found him right away and was so happy.

"Mom, you're not going to believe this! Look!"

James talks to Sneaky. Here he is showing Sneaky his Nice List postcard from Santa. He told Sneaky he's staying on that list :)

After school Dad introduced the Lego Advent calendar. Another big hit! James understands that each day he'll get to open the numbered door and he gets a Lego surprise! What fun!

The first surprise was a little ship to build. The instructions were very simple and printed on the inside door.

James was very serious for a minute as he followed the instructions "all by himself".

(insert swooshing noise here)

Later...

"He moved!!!" I don't remember what else he is saying here but he was very animated. And happy. Lots of happiness around here :) :) :) :) :)

Letter from Santa!

2011-12-03T21:17:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday James came home to a letter from Santa in the mail!

He quickly ripped through it.

Santa says I'm on the Nice List!!!

Santa also sent us a collage picture of the North Pole. He prints things out at Wal-mart (so says the back of the photo)- imagine that!

Muppets

2011-12-03T21:11:00.002-06:00

Last weekend we took James to the new Muppets movie. He does very well for movies... until the last 10 or 15 minutes. It never fails! He suddenly gets a bug up his you-know-what to "go home". But we make it through.

The Muppets movie was GREAT. I love the Muppets!

I skipped over these pictures originally but when I looked through them again they were interesting. He's just a beautiful child. I can't get enough of him sometimes.

I don't remember what we were talking about. We're always talking about something lately. He is just very chatty and entertaining.

He insisted on taking a picture of his lunch. Happy Meal!

More geekiness

2011-12-03T21:08:00.002-06:00

I guess James loves the computers at school. I thought about giving him more screen time at home, but I think there is plenty of time for that later. He's surrounded by geekiness :)

WJDN?

2011-12-03T12:58:00.001-06:00

We're cuddling on the couch, by the Christmas tree, watching the Lorax!

-Blogging while living life!

Sneaky

2011-11-30T21:19:00.002-06:00

-Blogging while living life!

Christmas is HERE!

2011-11-29T20:22:00.005-06:00

My small child just left his bed, ran to the top of the stairs and yelled down "HO HO HO Merry Christmas!" He giggled and ran back to his room. How can you be mad at at that?!

He's got Christmas on the brain. The Rudolph song is "singing" in his head. We think Sneaky is peeking in the windows (especially when he's on the verge of naughtiness- I gasp and look at the window. What? What?! And he thinks it's Sneaky that caught my attention. Sucka.)

I blame myself for all the Christmas cheer. We had the great idea of bringing Sneaky back to his memories. We had Friday off and James went to daycare. We decorated and put up lights. We picked up James from daycare and we were all surprised by the lights.

Inside the house the lights and decorations were up (minus the tree still) and there was a note from Sneaky!

Wow. And M&M's. We can't wait to watch the show! (and it was very cute. and it's gotten a lot of play around this house since Friday!)

Tonight...

"James? I'm not James. I'm Santa James!" He seriously said that, with Blankie as his beard.

More Surprises. After talking about Rudolph singing in his head I surprised James with the show, on TV tonight! We loved the first 15 minutes and then he said he was done. Stinker. But look at his short lived joy...

"I know what the surprise is!"

"Ooooh, it's coming...!"

"I was right! Rudolph!"

Silly Nene.

WJDN

2011-11-29T17:50:00.001-06:00

"I have a song singing in my head. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It can't stop. It hurts my ears."

I guess they were practicing Christmas caroling today!

-Blogging while living life!

FTMCD (Funny Things My Child Does)

2011-11-25T15:38:00.003-06:00

James drew a picture of himself while he was at school. He very proudly brought it home.

A picture of himself in that box of peanuts!

WJDN?

2011-11-21T18:27:00.001-06:00

I just did the happy dance with James to the Peanuts theme song! He giggled when I twirled him!

-Blogging while living life!

Famous Mom

2011-11-21T12:17:00.007-06:00

James has a famous Mom. I am on the third page of the Coon Rapids Herald :) I found the same article and picture on the district website, here's the link:

Coon Rapids Middle School Starts a Food Shelf

I've been working on this for a while now. We've collected food donations from our school staff and have a group of students who "help". My friend Peggy is one of the counselors who sees a lot of the students in need, and she's the homeless liaison so we are a great team . I love my staff :)

Letter to Santa

2011-11-21T11:15:00.003-06:00

James has been forming a mental list for Santa for a while now. Right now he is insistent that he has "just three things" and can't focus on much beyond that. Hey, three is good. I do know that his grandparents and tias will be straying off this list, so no worries :)

Jim helped James with this letter. They cut out the picture of the Lego set from the catalog that we very conveniently just received.

FYI- we have the Lego set and the blanket covered. I think Grandma Laura was going to work on the stamps? I have a few sets on the Amazon list for reference. He has the "Good Work" stamp from Laura that he played with yesterday. This has inspired his want of more stamps. (But not too many more- messy and who knows if this is a passing fancy!)

James wanted to mail the letter right away so his Dad did put the address and stamp on the envelope. They walked to the mailbox this morning to mail the letter.

Jim found an address for Santa and we'll get a response!

I'm Thankful for James

2011-11-15T21:09:00.002-06:00

I'm thankful for a little boy that runs to hug me when he sees me!

James is thankful for... Swimming Pools.

Yes, swimming pools.

WTF?!

Poor James

2011-11-15T20:32:00.003-06:00

One day last week I picked up James from daycare and he complained right away that his ear hurt. The teachers didn't know anything about it. We went home and I made a doctor's appointment for the next morning. Ten minutes later he was sobbing on my lap that it hurts it hurts it hurts!!!

We went to Urgent Care. Sad faces.

Yup, ear infection. Antibiotics. Almost instantly better.

Actually, a pretty normal little boy after a good night's sleep.

I hope this is the last ear infection, though we've already had TWO this fall.

Dino James

2011-11-15T19:47:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago we took James to the Science Museum to see the dinosaurs. I guess it's a preschool boy thing to like dinosaurs. We saw more evidence of this at James' birthday party where his friends were pretending to be pterodactyls. Oh, and then they insisted on watching the TV show Dino Dan.

Anyway, before the dinosaurs we tried to interest James in the other science-y things. He really liked the hands on activities.

Weighing himself and finding out how much blood is in his little body.

Marble maze.

My future cookie chef can find a cookie anywhere. This is a "tree cookie"!

Ooooooh scary. Mummy!

Playing with magnets.

Ahhh! The dinosaurs!

James loved these puppets. We have puppets at home but it's not the same, I guess. You need a cool prehistoric background.

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Dinosaur poop fossils!

DONE.

More Birthday Party

2011-11-15T19:33:00.002-06:00

I didn't take many pictures at James' family party. Maybe I was partied out?

Grandma Rose and Tia ChaCha were good sports about trying out the Lego pictures. I only did the two pictures and then I forgot about them!.... Ooops.

Fun times. Packing peanuts.

James' Friend Party

2011-11-13T20:40:00.017-06:00

I have a lot of photos to share from October and November still but I wanted to look through and enjoy James' birthday pics. These photos (a lot of them!) are from the kids' party that we had on Saturday. It was a Lego theme. Lego everything!

Lego cookie decorating-

The favor bags contained Lego crayons, a mini coloring book, Lego candy, and a small Lego kit.

Noah was the first to arrive. Isn't he sweet?

Another sweet moment. I wonder if they'll last?

Cookie decorating-

Look at my cookie, Logan!

We saw James interact with his friends. He is a different kid!

I won!

So Noah starts getting active. It was funny when he sat on James' lap but then it was too much. James started to yelp. Noah started to wrestle and act a little wild after the first hour. I thought I was going to worry about Russell and then I met Noah.

Jim sits calmly in the middle of the chaos.

I really enjoyed Logan. Super cute and polite!

Lego play.

James received a camera from us for his birthday. His friends had a blast with it. I should tell their parents that they would enjoy one too, for Christmas.

I'll post James' camera pics some other time.

Cake time!

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Mmmmm.

Noah. Silly.

Kaitlyn.

Is this what it would be like to have FIVE kids? Aye.

Watching James open presents.

Group picture!

Watching Dino Dan (a show). Silence... for about 3 minutes.

These are the Lego pictures from the "photo booth". We used our iPhones to take these pictures and transform them into Lego mosaics. They are best if you look at them from a distance.

WJDN?

2011-11-13T09:29:00.001-06:00

He's putting together a new Lego set from his (school friends) birthday party! He's doing it "all by himself" with a little Dad guidance (:

-Blogging while living life!

Happy Birthday James!

2011-11-06T20:22:00.000-06:00

WJDN?

2011-11-06T07:59:00.001-06:00

Taking pictures with his new camera!

-Blogging while living life!

FIVE!!

2011-11-06T06:22:00.001-06:00

James is FIVE today!!! We are spending it, just the three of us!!!! (:

Family and friend parties are next week- James is FULLY aware that presents are next week (:

-Blogging while living life!

Tuesday with Mommy

2011-11-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays are my nights with James. Usually we eat a simple dinner and just hang out. We did get home fairly early and had dinner with Jim (Daddy). That was nice! And then he left for his pool night.

First, I picked up James. He greeted me as usual with the big hug and "Mommy!!!" but then dragged me to his locker excitedly. He was BEYOND THRILLED that it was his turn (!!!) to take home the "Letter of the Week Bucket". We had homework! This thrilled me too :)

At home. First, James had to sort through his candy AGAIN. He seriously sat here for 10-15 minutes pouring his candy from one bowl to another. He was such a good boy- didn't beg for extra candy but was content with the two pieces I said he could have after a "good dinner". He even tried the BBQ chicken that we made- a new food for him!

After dinner we started collecting the 5-7 items that start with the letter L.

James ransacked the bathroom and we found one of my Lipsticks.

We found a Libro! (I had to explain that one on the worksheet. Libro is Spanish for book. I hope they appreciate our diverse items :)

All of the items we included in the bucket: Lipstick, Libro, Leaves, Licorice, and Legos. Awesome work!

The fun continues.

Can you guess what this is?

Toejam! James insists on an inspection each night before changing into his pajamas.

Cute!

WJDN?

2011-11-01T17:40:00.002-05:00

Counting candy!

-Blogging while living life!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:41:00.006-05:00

Jim was lucky enough to attend James' Halloween party at daycare. I had an all day workshop in Bloomington so I was unable :(

I was sent these cute pictures from the party-

James is a Spooky Pirate!

Prepping at home for our big night out-

Costume? Check! Sword? Check!

Giggly boy? Check!

In the car, James sang this song:

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We headed to Uncle Joe's for our first stop.

Grandma Laura was there too.

When it was dark we went back to our 'hood. James wanted to check the candy bowl. We left a bowl in our absence, and I'm glad that the kids weren't too greedy. There was still candy left! James was happy.

First stop.

It was a perfect night. Just a crescent moon, a little chilly but nice!

James unloaded his loot and picked out two candies to eat before bedtime. He was so happy!

WJDN?

2011-10-29T23:01:00.001-05:00

Duh. Sleeping! We always check on James before heading to bed ourselves. Tonight I took this picture to text my sister (Tia Kiki) in Japan. Fancy iPhone with flash and cool Viber app for free texting (: loves it! And her! Goodnight Kiki and James!

-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

2011-10-28T18:09:00.001-05:00

TMI alert!!!

James came out of the bathroom mid-poop. Don't know why. But I scooted him back in to finish (and take the tp out of his bottom).

He looked down between his legs and told me, "My poop looks like a J!". Oprah and Dr. Oz would be proud!

-Blogging while living life!

My Jamesy

2011-10-19T21:20:00.005-05:00

Only I call James "Jamesy". I don't call him that often, just when we're being silly or cute. I guess I have a lot of nicknames for him- but they're all mine!

Tonight I put him to bed and it was a very fun, sweet bedtime. We read the Tickle Monster book and he insisted that I tickle him with the monster gloves, even after the book was done.

We always say "Sweet Dreams" (like my Mom used to say to us when we were little :) but tonight James wouldn't say it. He insisted on a HUGE hug first. He wouldn't let go. He told me, "I'm going to hug you forever. We're going to get married. And then we're going to stay around like this."

Sometimes I cry a little with happiness!

In that moment I had a little flash forward of James as a teenager. Whenever I see kids at my school get dropped off by their parent I ask them "Did you tell your Mom 'I love you' and give a kiss? You need to do that!" I hope I'm still getting the hugs when he is 12, 13, etc!

This picture is his newest Preschool picture. I stole a snapshot of it from the photographer's website. We are ordering the digital picture so we'll be sure to get copies to our family. NO worries but it may take a few weeks to get the CD files in the mail.

I'm in love with this picture. It is so him- the shy tilt of his head, the sparkle in his eyes. Ahhhhh!

Stillwater Visit

2011-10-17T11:35:00.005-05:00

On this cool, windy fall day we headed to Stillwater to have breakfast at Grandpa Roger and Linda's house.

James played quietly while the grown-ups talked and ate. (He wasn't hungry. Stinker.)

He used Grandpa's lighthouse as a castle for his Lego knights.

Silly Monkey!

I already posted this picture but it's too cute! James and I went outside when he got antsy inside. He was on the verge of crabbiness when I had the idea to have a stick hunt. He found this beauty and decided it was a fishing pole. We sat on the steps and caught imaginary fish. Do you see it?

After breakfast we went to the Sun Country farm for pumpkins! It's just not fall without apple orchards and pumpkin farms.

Jim and Roger are talking in the background. James is driving!

I think this is the one I want!

Fishing

2011-10-15T12:01:00.001-05:00

There are great fishing sticks at Grandpa Roger's house!

-Blogging while living life!

Playing at Grandpa Roger's

2011-10-15T10:38:00.001-05:00

Silly face.

-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

2011-10-15T07:22:00.001-05:00

The Gummy Bear Song

James started to sing this song but soon ran into a problem. I don't quite know what happened but this is funny. He gets frustrated- reminding me of a few middle school kids I know!

YouTube Video

-Blogging while living life!

Cat Hat

2011-10-14T20:38:00.000-05:00

Halloween is coming!

College

2011-10-14T07:41:00.004-05:00

I've put College in James' brain. I told him that after kindergarten and then big kid school he'll go to college to learn a job. He told me that he would still like to be a Cookie Chef, so he'll go to Cookie Chef College. I did tell him that he could go to college to be a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, a writer, an artist, etc. But it's still all about the cookies!

Some cute responses in the days after:
"Mom, are my friends going to college too?" I HOPE SO!

"Mom, I'm going to miss you when I go to college." OMG Don't remind me that one day he'll leave us :(

Classroom Stuff

2011-10-14T07:36:00.002-05:00

I love looking around James' classroom for the student art but also to check out which toys they have in the room. James was very excited last week when they added "big kid" Legos! Not just the age appropriate Duplos (that he kinda skipped over) but the little bitty piece Legos.

Check out his Frankenstein-

Other kids' art for comparison-
I like how James' Frankie has low eyebrows, it makes him look fierce!

He was very proud of his pumpkin. The leaves must have been confused with eyes. And he was only one of three kids who thought to turn his pumpkin lengthwise. You can also see the cutting lines. The kids must have been told to cut out their shapes. I think James is doing so much better with scissors.

On the day I took these pictures James was a Lights helper. He told me that he got to turn out the lights for naptime. Nice work!

Please???

2011-10-09T19:10:00.004-05:00

My child BEGS to take his medicine. He just can't wait.

I tasted it. Gross.

Computer Geek

2011-10-09T16:52:00.002-05:00

James is taking a computer class at daycare now. He is now taking THREE classes- computer, Spanish, and soon Karate!

This morning he made a "work desk" and used a wood block for a mouse. The R2D2 computer has reappeared and he's been pounding on the keys. I caught a cute moment on video (posting later) where he recited the ABC's and punched out each letter on the keyboard.

He's learned about the different kinds of computer mouse(s)- tracking ball or light. I think that's what it is. I need to ask James... He's also learned how to point and click. He's a genius.

Sunday is for Football

2011-10-09T16:02:00.006-05:00

We were in the middle of reading the Sunday newspaper. I think I was mid-sip of my coffee when this sweet little voice said, "Mom, will you play football with me?" I think there was even batting of the eyelashes. How could you refuse?

We ALL went outside. We are a great family :)

I mostly took pictures but I took a tackle or two too!

"Mom, you're on my team. Get ready."

James and I dove for the ball.

We saw this in the Charlie Brown book.

"Don't be afraid of the ball, James."

We didn't last terribly long outside. The gnats were pretty nasty. But what fun!

Weatherman

2011-10-06T21:04:00.003-05:00

I'm going to get better about blogging. Some time soon.

James was very excited to tell me today that he was a Classroom Helper. He helped with the weather today!

He was willing to take a picture in the classroom but he didn't want to smile.

James took this picture-

I asked James how he helped with the weather. He said he looked out the window and told Missy (a teacher) that it was sunny and windy. That's pretty darn accurate!

Happy Anniverary to Us!

2011-10-02T13:44:00.001-05:00

Sweetheart Delight 5x7 folded card

Shutterfly has modern graduation announcements and photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

911

2011-09-28T08:50:00.004-05:00

James has been telling us about fire safety. I realized why. There was a fire truck "fieldtrip". A firewoman (!) paid a visit to the school to demonstrate putting out fires but she must have also told the class about dialing 911 when there is a fire. I told James I would teach him how to use the phone tonight. I just hope he doesn't dial 911 too often...

These pictures were on the parent share site. So cute!

Look at James in line, patiently waiting his turn. Glee!

James turn to hold the hose-

WJDN ?

2011-09-17T16:30:00.001-05:00

Studying his SW Lego book. Apparently Grandma Rose promised him the AT-AT for his birthday. (I guess she doesn't realize its like $300!)

-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

2011-09-17T12:09:00.001-05:00

Mommy & James making applesauce and accessorizing (:

-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

2011-09-17T12:07:00.001-05:00

Tried posting this in a.m.
Dentist!

-Blogging while living life!

LHOTP

2011-08-19T21:40:00.003-05:00

Right outside our front door. James took this picture using my phone. We got so close!

Genius Child

2011-08-19T21:32:00.003-05:00

To my horror James is taking apart most of his Lego sets. He is busy creating though. And he is a genius child.

Look at these spaceships that he is creating. He is so symmetrical and precise.

This is amazing work for a 4 year old. He is using irregular parts and creating something out of nothing. He has several ships assembled and they do battle often. It is a war zone here!