This morning James, Matthew and I were playing in the master bedroom while Owen was showering. One of James' favorite "toys" in our bedroom is Owen's IPod. He was busy playing with it when Owen came out of the shower.
When Owen came into view James looked over at his dad and started running towards him saying "Hot bod, hot bod, hot bod."
Owen and I kind of looked at eachother and started laughing. This just didn't seem like the kind of thing a son should be saying to his dad.
As he's heading towards Owen we realize that the IPod is still in his hand and what he was actually saying was, "IPod, IPod."
A funny way to start a Thursday morning.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Recent Pictures
This is a picture of Debbie on the beach near the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.
This is a picture of the kids at the zoo.
This is a picture of Maddie and her friends, Savannah (L) and Katie (R). It was taken at family lunch day at her school.
This is a picture of the three kids at the pumpkin patch.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hot Tubbin'
Hot tubbing is something we don't do too often, but when we do we all have a fantastsic time.
Tonight after dinner we turned it on to about tub temperature (for the boys) and all 5 of us hopped in and played around in there for about an hour.
James and Maddie like to splash around, jump in and out, go under the water and play with toys. Matthew likes to sit on the little step and splash his hands into the water. Owen and I pass the kids around and have some one on one fun with each of them.
All right, we don't really pass Maddie around, but she does still like to hop up on our laps like she's a little girl.
It was a great way to end our weekend.
Tonight after dinner we turned it on to about tub temperature (for the boys) and all 5 of us hopped in and played around in there for about an hour.
James and Maddie like to splash around, jump in and out, go under the water and play with toys. Matthew likes to sit on the little step and splash his hands into the water. Owen and I pass the kids around and have some one on one fun with each of them.
All right, we don't really pass Maddie around, but she does still like to hop up on our laps like she's a little girl.
It was a great way to end our weekend.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A Great Day
James has been coming into our bedroom twice a night since he started sleeping in his toddler bed. The little pitter patter of feet heads our way down the hall around midnight and between 3 and 5am most nights. He hops up on the bed, crawls over me and heads straight for Owen. His first words are usually "Bob, Bob." This is how he tells us he'd like to watch Bob the Builder. Our standard response is "Look out the window. Is it still dark out? Then it's night night time." Owen patiently picks him up and walks him back to bed.
This morning I got up at 6 with the boys and Owen got to sleep in a little. When he got up he totally surprised me by deciding to take Maddie and the boys to the zoo for the morning. What a treat---being home alone is a rarity these days.
When they returned we fed the kids lunch and got ready for our date afternoon. John and Erin were coming over to take care of the kids from 2-8pm so Owen and I could have some time out together.
Our first stop was the Cheesecake Factory. We enjoyed a great meal and had fun talking. As corny as it sounds, we printed out "date night" questions from the internet so that we wouldn't talk about the standard things...house, kids and finances. We asked eachother random questions like, "What do you remember about your driver's education classes?" or "What's the worst movie you've ever seen." It was fun to talk about some different things.
Next we went to Coronado Island. We drove around a little and looked at houses and then parked at the beach. We walked along the coastline and then sat down and watched as the sun set. It was very romantic.
After sunset we walked to the Hotel Del Coronado. It is a beautiful old hotel that would be fun to stay at.
Our night ended with a phone call from Maddie as we were driving home, letting us know that James was throwing up.
BACK TO REALITY!
This morning I got up at 6 with the boys and Owen got to sleep in a little. When he got up he totally surprised me by deciding to take Maddie and the boys to the zoo for the morning. What a treat---being home alone is a rarity these days.
When they returned we fed the kids lunch and got ready for our date afternoon. John and Erin were coming over to take care of the kids from 2-8pm so Owen and I could have some time out together.
Our first stop was the Cheesecake Factory. We enjoyed a great meal and had fun talking. As corny as it sounds, we printed out "date night" questions from the internet so that we wouldn't talk about the standard things...house, kids and finances. We asked eachother random questions like, "What do you remember about your driver's education classes?" or "What's the worst movie you've ever seen." It was fun to talk about some different things.
Next we went to Coronado Island. We drove around a little and looked at houses and then parked at the beach. We walked along the coastline and then sat down and watched as the sun set. It was very romantic.
After sunset we walked to the Hotel Del Coronado. It is a beautiful old hotel that would be fun to stay at.
Our night ended with a phone call from Maddie as we were driving home, letting us know that James was throwing up.
BACK TO REALITY!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Random Political Thoughts
Random Political Thoughts from a Republican Mom
I had a little time alone in the car today. After being immersed in political talk for the last year, my mind just started processing some thoughts. Here they are....
I believe in redistribution of wealth.
Owen and I redistribute our "wealth" to several people each month. Our church, our pool guy, our gardener, our cleaning ladies, our hairdresser....we can go on and on---and we're only middle class.
If we get taxed more, how many of these people will no longer receive the redistribution of our "wealth?"
When the government gets involved, those who don't work at all will be the new recipients.
I believe in CHOICE for women.
I believe all women should be able to choose if they want to raise their babies. Therefore I am a supporter of adoption. I don't believe you have to keep your baby, I just believe you can't murder your baby.
I believe in a balanced check book/budget.
We manage our money this way and I expect the government to manage MY (and your) money this way.
I believe age + experience = wisdom.
I believe that you are defined by the people you spend time with.
I believe that morals are important.
Mine are defined by the bible. I've never found anything in there that would lead me the wrong way.
I had a little time alone in the car today. After being immersed in political talk for the last year, my mind just started processing some thoughts. Here they are....
I believe in redistribution of wealth.
Owen and I redistribute our "wealth" to several people each month. Our church, our pool guy, our gardener, our cleaning ladies, our hairdresser....we can go on and on---and we're only middle class.
If we get taxed more, how many of these people will no longer receive the redistribution of our "wealth?"
When the government gets involved, those who don't work at all will be the new recipients.
I believe in CHOICE for women.
I believe all women should be able to choose if they want to raise their babies. Therefore I am a supporter of adoption. I don't believe you have to keep your baby, I just believe you can't murder your baby.
I believe in a balanced check book/budget.
We manage our money this way and I expect the government to manage MY (and your) money this way.
I believe age + experience = wisdom.
I believe that you are defined by the people you spend time with.
I believe that morals are important.
Mine are defined by the bible. I've never found anything in there that would lead me the wrong way.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Askatchewan
Owen has been trying to get James to say Saskatchewan as we talk to him a little about his family that lives up there.
Funnily, James pronounces it Asketchewan or sometimes it sounds like taxiride.
Too funny!
Now Matthew, on the other hand, isn't saying much of anything.
He just makes funny sounds.
Check out the video
Funnily, James pronounces it Asketchewan or sometimes it sounds like taxiride.
Too funny!
Now Matthew, on the other hand, isn't saying much of anything.
He just makes funny sounds.
Check out the video
Monday, October 20, 2008
Debbie has found a new way to spend time on her computer.
It's called FACEBOOK.
I've heard about My Space and Facebook for several years and swore that I would never join any social networks. After all the only thing people use them for is having affairs---right? The older I get the more I'm discovering that all of the things I say that I'll never do, I eventually do.
I am now an active member of Facebook.
It all started when I went up to the bay area to go to a women's bible conference with my friends. Audrey, my former teaching partner, said she was on Facebook and that if I joined it, it would be a really easy way for us to keep in touch. Since we have had difficulty keeping in touch, this was the least I could do for our friendship.
I opened an account, posted my information and sent a note off to Audrey. She was quite impressed with my speedy action in joining up and finding her on facebook.
Once you are on you can search for friends. So I began typing in names in the search bar. My brother and his wife were on, my friends from bible study were on, my friends from our bay area church were on, my in-laws were on and so on and so on and so on.
The next step is kind of scary. You have to ask people if they want to be your friends. Now, this isn't as intimidating as asking that question in person, but after you send the request, you're waiting to see if you will be accepted. Basically, it's kind of like high school. Only you don't have to face the person if they reject you and nobody else needs to know about it.
Thankfully everyone I've asked to date (I mean so far) has wanted to be friends---Thanks everyone!
Once you're friends you can view people's homepages. Now this is the fun part because they can post pictures and you can have little conversations with them. I might post something like....Debbie is tired from a long walk....someone may reply with....where did you go walking?....I might answer back....5 miles around the lake behind our house...and so it goes.
Now that's the snail mail way of conversation. If you get really hip---like my friend Deanne and I---you can chat real time. Since I have never been an instant messager, this is something I'm enjoying.
The last fun and surprising thing about facebook is that the program actually suggests people you might know and want to be friends with. For example...If I'm friends with my brother, John, the program randomly asks me if I want to be friends with any of his friends. So your friend group can grow quickly and you can find people that you may not have even thought of for years. For example, today one of my very first friends from Chico found me out of the blue and asked me to be friends. Which of course, I answered yes to.
Anyways, that's a little about my limited experience with facebook. If anyone wants to join, I'll be happy to be your friend!
It's called FACEBOOK.
I've heard about My Space and Facebook for several years and swore that I would never join any social networks. After all the only thing people use them for is having affairs---right? The older I get the more I'm discovering that all of the things I say that I'll never do, I eventually do.
I am now an active member of Facebook.
It all started when I went up to the bay area to go to a women's bible conference with my friends. Audrey, my former teaching partner, said she was on Facebook and that if I joined it, it would be a really easy way for us to keep in touch. Since we have had difficulty keeping in touch, this was the least I could do for our friendship.
I opened an account, posted my information and sent a note off to Audrey. She was quite impressed with my speedy action in joining up and finding her on facebook.
Once you are on you can search for friends. So I began typing in names in the search bar. My brother and his wife were on, my friends from bible study were on, my friends from our bay area church were on, my in-laws were on and so on and so on and so on.
The next step is kind of scary. You have to ask people if they want to be your friends. Now, this isn't as intimidating as asking that question in person, but after you send the request, you're waiting to see if you will be accepted. Basically, it's kind of like high school. Only you don't have to face the person if they reject you and nobody else needs to know about it.
Thankfully everyone I've asked to date (I mean so far) has wanted to be friends---Thanks everyone!
Once you're friends you can view people's homepages. Now this is the fun part because they can post pictures and you can have little conversations with them. I might post something like....Debbie is tired from a long walk....someone may reply with....where did you go walking?....I might answer back....5 miles around the lake behind our house...and so it goes.
Now that's the snail mail way of conversation. If you get really hip---like my friend Deanne and I---you can chat real time. Since I have never been an instant messager, this is something I'm enjoying.
The last fun and surprising thing about facebook is that the program actually suggests people you might know and want to be friends with. For example...If I'm friends with my brother, John, the program randomly asks me if I want to be friends with any of his friends. So your friend group can grow quickly and you can find people that you may not have even thought of for years. For example, today one of my very first friends from Chico found me out of the blue and asked me to be friends. Which of course, I answered yes to.
Anyways, that's a little about my limited experience with facebook. If anyone wants to join, I'll be happy to be your friend!
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Mall
There are always pros and cons to having a husband who works from home.
Lately I've discovered a pro.
Owen spends many hours, and sometimes even days at home. Every few weeks he gets a little stir crazy. Sometimes these days can be difficult, but they always seem to end well.
At the end of the workday Owen will say, "Let's all go to the mall for dinner and ice cream."
Everybody enjoys the mall. Owen loves to get a blizzard at Dairy Queen, Maddie and I love to browse through the stores, James loves the little playground and Matthew is just happy sitting in the stroller and looking around.
Not a bad way to end the week.
Lately I've discovered a pro.
Owen spends many hours, and sometimes even days at home. Every few weeks he gets a little stir crazy. Sometimes these days can be difficult, but they always seem to end well.
At the end of the workday Owen will say, "Let's all go to the mall for dinner and ice cream."
Everybody enjoys the mall. Owen loves to get a blizzard at Dairy Queen, Maddie and I love to browse through the stores, James loves the little playground and Matthew is just happy sitting in the stroller and looking around.
Not a bad way to end the week.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Chasing the Ball
Matthew and I were playing in the family room today and we tried something new.
I put Maddie's volleyball on the floor and Matt crawled over to it.
As soon as he reached for it the ball would roll forward.
He'd kind of laugh and then crawl towards it again.
When he reached it the ball would roll forward some more.
He'd laugh.
This went on for quite awhile and it was quite amusing for both of us!
I put Maddie's volleyball on the floor and Matt crawled over to it.
As soon as he reached for it the ball would roll forward.
He'd kind of laugh and then crawl towards it again.
When he reached it the ball would roll forward some more.
He'd laugh.
This went on for quite awhile and it was quite amusing for both of us!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sorry Daddy
James can be a fiesty guy. Let's just say he's had more than his share of time-outs. Actually he's had his share, Maddie's share, Matthew's share and maybe even Owen's and my share.
At first he would just sit and cry. Then we'd end with someting like this.....
Dad: James, do you know what you did wrong?
James: cry
Dad: You threw your food on the floor.
James: cry
Dad: Are you sorry?
James: cry
Dad: Ok, you can go play now.
Lately, things have changed a bit and our conversations are more like this....
Dad: James, do you know what you did wrong?
James: Threw food on floor
Dad: That's right, you threw your food on the floor. Do you know that's a bad thing to do.
James: yes
Dad: Are you sorry?
James: Yes, sorry daddy.
Dad: Ok, you can go play now.
We think he's actually starting to understand what he's done wrong and feeling sorry about it. Plus it's soooooo cute how he says sorry daddy. We'll have to try to get it on video and post it.
At first he would just sit and cry. Then we'd end with someting like this.....
Dad: James, do you know what you did wrong?
James: cry
Dad: You threw your food on the floor.
James: cry
Dad: Are you sorry?
James: cry
Dad: Ok, you can go play now.
Lately, things have changed a bit and our conversations are more like this....
Dad: James, do you know what you did wrong?
James: Threw food on floor
Dad: That's right, you threw your food on the floor. Do you know that's a bad thing to do.
James: yes
Dad: Are you sorry?
James: Yes, sorry daddy.
Dad: Ok, you can go play now.
We think he's actually starting to understand what he's done wrong and feeling sorry about it. Plus it's soooooo cute how he says sorry daddy. We'll have to try to get it on video and post it.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Mattress Wrestling
James and Matthew were in their bedroom today as I was going in and out doing laundry.
One of their mattresses was on the floor waiting for a fresh set of sheets and the boys were having a great time playing on it.
Matthew was kind of pulling himself up on the edges and James was grabbing a handfull of blankies, going out the bedroom door, then making a running start and jumping onto the mattress.
Matthew was cracking up and he would lose his balance and roll onto the floor. James would land on the mattress and then slide off the other end, sometimes hitting his head on the changing table. He would stop for a minute and then he would rub his head, giggle and do it all over again.
It's so much fun seeing them laugh and play together. I love it!
One of their mattresses was on the floor waiting for a fresh set of sheets and the boys were having a great time playing on it.
Matthew was kind of pulling himself up on the edges and James was grabbing a handfull of blankies, going out the bedroom door, then making a running start and jumping onto the mattress.
Matthew was cracking up and he would lose his balance and roll onto the floor. James would land on the mattress and then slide off the other end, sometimes hitting his head on the changing table. He would stop for a minute and then he would rub his head, giggle and do it all over again.
It's so much fun seeing them laugh and play together. I love it!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Trying To Stand
Every time I turn around lately, Matthew is doing one of two things.
1st he's crawling all over the house. Down the hallways, into the bedrooms and bathroom, between the furniture, basically anywhere he'll fit. He expends a lot of energy and seems to have a lot of fun at it.
2nd he's trying to stand up a bit. He pulls himself up the french doors to look outside, he pulls himself up on our legs, he pulls himself up by grabbing our hands and lifting himself up high.
Usually this is a good thing, but once in awhile he'll fall back down. Today the poor little guy pulled himself up on one of James' small chairs in the kitchen and it spilled over. He banged his head on the tile floor and the chair fell right on top of him. He was so startled that he just sat there for a minute, then the loud cry and huge tears began to flow. Luckily he wasn't hurt and he only cried for a little bit. His head stopped hurting and he went on to more exploration.
Growing up isn't easy!
1st he's crawling all over the house. Down the hallways, into the bedrooms and bathroom, between the furniture, basically anywhere he'll fit. He expends a lot of energy and seems to have a lot of fun at it.
2nd he's trying to stand up a bit. He pulls himself up the french doors to look outside, he pulls himself up on our legs, he pulls himself up by grabbing our hands and lifting himself up high.
Usually this is a good thing, but once in awhile he'll fall back down. Today the poor little guy pulled himself up on one of James' small chairs in the kitchen and it spilled over. He banged his head on the tile floor and the chair fell right on top of him. He was so startled that he just sat there for a minute, then the loud cry and huge tears began to flow. Luckily he wasn't hurt and he only cried for a little bit. His head stopped hurting and he went on to more exploration.
Growing up isn't easy!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fine Motor Skills
James has been working on his fine motor skills lately.
I first noticed this yesterday when he was playing outside. Maddie has a beaded jumprope and it's been sitting in the backyard for several weeks. James picked it up yesterday and started playing with it. One handle broke off and several of the beads spread out onto the patio. As I was playing with Matthew I noticed James putting the beads, one at a time, into the handle. I was impressed that he had such good coordination.
Today he surprised me again. He found a plastic tube in his toy bin and began putting his matchbox cars through it. Sadly, they were dropping straight down onto his feet and making him cry, but that's another story.
He seems to be doing a great job as far as his fine motor skills development is going. I'm always amazed at how these milestones are so naturally reached as a child grows. God's creations are amazing! Especially the precious three creations he's given me.
I first noticed this yesterday when he was playing outside. Maddie has a beaded jumprope and it's been sitting in the backyard for several weeks. James picked it up yesterday and started playing with it. One handle broke off and several of the beads spread out onto the patio. As I was playing with Matthew I noticed James putting the beads, one at a time, into the handle. I was impressed that he had such good coordination.
Today he surprised me again. He found a plastic tube in his toy bin and began putting his matchbox cars through it. Sadly, they were dropping straight down onto his feet and making him cry, but that's another story.
He seems to be doing a great job as far as his fine motor skills development is going. I'm always amazed at how these milestones are so naturally reached as a child grows. God's creations are amazing! Especially the precious three creations he's given me.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Supermen
One of James and Owen's favorite activities these days is tying a blanket around James' neck and running around like Superman. When Owen ties the blanket around his neck, he starts to giggle and then he runs around the house with the "cape" flowing behind him. It's quite a sight to see.
Next he'll be jumping over the house in a single bound, but for now he's starting with jumping over Matthew.
Next he'll be jumping over the house in a single bound, but for now he's starting with jumping over Matthew.
Volleyball
Maddie is on the school volleyball team this year. She plays with 12 girls in both 6th and 7th grades.
So far they've played 5 games and are at 3 wins and 2 losses.
Maddie looks like she'll be a good player. Today she made a nice hit and Mom was quite proud!
Here are some pictures.
So far they've played 5 games and are at 3 wins and 2 losses.
Maddie looks like she'll be a good player. Today she made a nice hit and Mom was quite proud!
Here are some pictures.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Weekend Away
Maddie, Matthew and I took a flight up to visit friends and family in the Bay Area this weekend.
It was Matthew's first flight and he did fantastic. No crying at all.
He also spent all day Friday and Saturday with Grandma Pat and did wonderfully. She hadn't seen him since he was born so we weren't sure how he'd do, but Matthew is happy as long as someone is loving him, feeding him and changing his diapers.
Maddie spent Friday with Grandma and most of the remainder of the weekend with girlfriends from her old elementary school. They had a wonderful time and even made a video and posted it on Youtube. You can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoPklMC0nE4 if you're interested in viewing. Maddie plays "Erica Longhorn" the girl with the curly wig and a black mole.
I spent Friday and Saturday at a Women of Faith conference. It was fun and I got to visit with many friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. There was a comedian performing that I liked. Her name is Anita Renfroe and you can see one of her videos at youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygWO30gdpK4. She has a lot of mom and woman humor. Guys won't get it! Also heard a great talk by Sheila Walsh on prayer and Patsy Clairemont on Emotions. All in all a good time.
The last highlight of the weekend was Matthew getting to spend time with Great Grandma Bernie, Great Uncle Bill and cousins Ali and Johnny. Matthew was meeting everyone for the first time this weekend and they all had fun playing with him.
It was Matthew's first flight and he did fantastic. No crying at all.
He also spent all day Friday and Saturday with Grandma Pat and did wonderfully. She hadn't seen him since he was born so we weren't sure how he'd do, but Matthew is happy as long as someone is loving him, feeding him and changing his diapers.
Maddie spent Friday with Grandma and most of the remainder of the weekend with girlfriends from her old elementary school. They had a wonderful time and even made a video and posted it on Youtube. You can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoPklMC0nE4 if you're interested in viewing. Maddie plays "Erica Longhorn" the girl with the curly wig and a black mole.
I spent Friday and Saturday at a Women of Faith conference. It was fun and I got to visit with many friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. There was a comedian performing that I liked. Her name is Anita Renfroe and you can see one of her videos at youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygWO30gdpK4. She has a lot of mom and woman humor. Guys won't get it! Also heard a great talk by Sheila Walsh on prayer and Patsy Clairemont on Emotions. All in all a good time.
The last highlight of the weekend was Matthew getting to spend time with Great Grandma Bernie, Great Uncle Bill and cousins Ali and Johnny. Matthew was meeting everyone for the first time this weekend and they all had fun playing with him.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Making Zucchini Yummy
If there's anyone out there looking for a great way to get down those veggies, I have found the perfect recipe....
CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE
Ingredients for the batter
2 C shredded zucchini
1/2 C soft butter
1/2 C oil
1 1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1/2 C milk
2 1/2 C flour
4 heaping T. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
Ingredients for the topping
1/4 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (whatever kind of nuts you like, walnuts work well)
1/2 C milk chocolate chips
Directions for cake
Beat together the butter, oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Then add the milk, flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Mix together and fold in the zucchini. Pour mixture into a 9 X 13" greased pan.
Directions for topping
Mix together sugar, nuts and chocolate chips. Sprinkle over the top of batter that is already in pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
ENJOY!
(recipe compliments of Carol Z., baker extraordinaire of MOMS of all Seasons)
CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE
Ingredients for the batter
2 C shredded zucchini
1/2 C soft butter
1/2 C oil
1 1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1/2 C milk
2 1/2 C flour
4 heaping T. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
Ingredients for the topping
1/4 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (whatever kind of nuts you like, walnuts work well)
1/2 C milk chocolate chips
Directions for cake
Beat together the butter, oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Then add the milk, flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Mix together and fold in the zucchini. Pour mixture into a 9 X 13" greased pan.
Directions for topping
Mix together sugar, nuts and chocolate chips. Sprinkle over the top of batter that is already in pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
ENJOY!
(recipe compliments of Carol Z., baker extraordinaire of MOMS of all Seasons)
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