Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Feeding the Ducks
I've been worried about these near-domestic ducks and geese -- wondering how they're surviving the snow. They were hungry.
The Living Planet Aquarium
J has been discovering the acquarium with his cousins each week after tumbling -- and was very excited to show us how much fun it is. Look how pretty!
Mouse Box
Thanks Grandpa! J loves his birthday present . . . now that he dares open it! Jeremy still screams!
Great entertainment at the office too! His recent elephant hunt (that broke my heart) was the highest rated Most Dangerous Game episode so far . . . but he still jumped!
Great entertainment at the office too! His recent elephant hunt (that broke my heart) was the highest rated Most Dangerous Game episode so far . . . but he still jumped!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
First annual Burr Family nativity . . . the beginning of what I hope becomes a lifetime tradition.
Somehow I missed the six children age 2 and under dressed as the donkey, camel, sheep, bird, and cows . . . just adorable!
And the teens were the speaking parts . . . Joseph, Mary, Innkeeper, and Angel Gabriel.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Stress Dreams
Amanda dreamed she missed the bus and couldn’t take the test.
When I stressed in high school, I always dreamed I was in junior high - missing the bus, spoiling my grade. When I stressed in college, I always dreamed I was in high school – forgetting assignments, wrecking my GPA. And now, when I stress at work, I always dream I am in college – forgetting to go to Economics 330 for an entire semester, ruining my life! Had one just the other night . . . it had been a while . . . sometimes it's a different class.
So, the good news is she passed the pre-requisite test for college algebra and now gets UVU credit for her sophomore math class! The bad news is she inherited the gene that causes recurring stress dreams about school!
When I stressed in high school, I always dreamed I was in junior high - missing the bus, spoiling my grade. When I stressed in college, I always dreamed I was in high school – forgetting assignments, wrecking my GPA. And now, when I stress at work, I always dream I am in college – forgetting to go to Economics 330 for an entire semester, ruining my life! Had one just the other night . . . it had been a while . . . sometimes it's a different class.
So, the good news is she passed the pre-requisite test for college algebra and now gets UVU credit for her sophomore math class! The bad news is she inherited the gene that causes recurring stress dreams about school!
I've Been Tricked
Oh no, not again . . . didn’t they learn from yesterday? . . . and the day before? . . . I don’t want to touch that! . . . sissy’s got me . . . I’m ok . . . she better not get any closer . . .wahhht? . . . what’s with the lights? . . . so bright! . . . I can’t see! . . . what’s going on? . . . FLASH . . . I’ve been tricked . . . wahhhhh!!! Get me out of here!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Sucker Shop
It’s been a while since I’ve been home on a Friday -- and I’ve missed our donuts for breakfast tradition. J cried at my insistence to just wear his PJs and refused to leave the house without being dressed. At Daylite Donuts drive-up window:
J: We’re not going in?
Carol: No, we don’t go in, we just drive up. (Daylite Donuts only has a screened-in porch)
J: (flatly) Grandma Miess takes me in.
Carol: Grandma Miess takes you in? This donut shop? There’s nowhere to go in. Is that why you didn’t want to wear your PJs?
J: (insisting) Grandma Miess takes me in there to get donuts.
Carol: This donut shop? This donut shop?
Then, to prove the point that he knew exactly where he was, J pointed to the Credit Union next door and exclaimed --
J: Yes! And Grandma Miess takes me in that sucker shop too!
J: We’re not going in?
Carol: No, we don’t go in, we just drive up. (Daylite Donuts only has a screened-in porch)
J: (flatly) Grandma Miess takes me in.
Carol: Grandma Miess takes you in? This donut shop? There’s nowhere to go in. Is that why you didn’t want to wear your PJs?
J: (insisting) Grandma Miess takes me in there to get donuts.
Carol: This donut shop? This donut shop?
Then, to prove the point that he knew exactly where he was, J pointed to the Credit Union next door and exclaimed --
J: Yes! And Grandma Miess takes me in that sucker shop too!
Eight Oval Three
Numbers and shapes – he knows them! I was in a time crunch and hollered at J to tell me the time (finally, a practical use for his knowledge). Excited at the prospect of reading the digital clock, he ran for the bedroom. It was 8:03. Very excitedly he called back It says eight – oval – three!
Magical Thanksgiving!
We were nicely surprised to find Disneyland decked out for the holidays! Unbelievable decorations . . . Mickey & Minnie in their festive garb . . . carols playing throughout the park . . . even the hundreds of animated dolls in It's a Small World were dressed in holiday attire! Who knew Jingle Bells mixed on top of It's a Small World would blend so magically? 
May I Have This Dance?
Wow! A private dance with Cinderella! Possibly more exciting for a four-year-old girl . . . but I think he liked it!
Why I Love My Teenage Daughter
I tell Amanda that she's the reason I love my teenage daughter! She was a great sport to entertain her little brother all day!
But we made up for it at night! . . . running from screamer to terror to soarer to coaster -- to the front of the line again and again -- putting to good use all of the fast-passes we collected throughout the day (we put Bill's and J's to good use too!).
But we made up for it at night! . . . running from screamer to terror to soarer to coaster -- to the front of the line again and again -- putting to good use all of the fast-passes we collected throughout the day (we put Bill's and J's to good use too!).
Hey There Little Lady
Later in the day I caught J practicing his best Woody voice Hey There Little Lady!
10 Great Things About J
Celebrating his 4th Birthday --
(10) Misses mommy when she's gone all day! And usually greets her with a loving Did you bring me a present?
(9) I can dress myself! And only occassionally gets in trouble if the arms of the one-piece footed pjs happen to be turned inside out.
(8) Loves puzzles! Unfortunately, buying early for Christmas backfired -- he has outgrown the 24-piece puzzles and is on to 60!
(7) Keeps everything in order (mimicking the peculiar tidy habits of his father)!
(6) Eats healthy! Choosing nutella instead of jam and carrots over poptarts. Well, at least when daddy's around. But always supports donuts for breakfast when mommy's home for the day!
(5) Begins every prayer with Please bless I'll be nice to Jeremy.
(4) Great counter! They must count everything at preschool . . . As we're clicking our seatbelts one-two-three-four-five . . . dishing up dinner one-two-three-four . . . walking to the mailbox one-two-three . . . (our little rainman).
(3) LOVES cars . . . especially Pixar cars.
(2) Mr. Manners . . . including a polite No thank you when asked to carry the diaper to the garbage.
(1) Incredibly supportive big brother! He is especially helpful interpreting Jeremy's fussing . . . Jeremy's hungry . . . Jeremy's poopy . . . Jeremy wants that toy. And when Jeremy is crying with a broken heart because mommy tapped his hands for touching a no-no, J offers Jeremy's sorry!
(10) Misses mommy when she's gone all day! And usually greets her with a loving Did you bring me a present?
(9) I can dress myself! And only occassionally gets in trouble if the arms of the one-piece footed pjs happen to be turned inside out.
(8) Loves puzzles! Unfortunately, buying early for Christmas backfired -- he has outgrown the 24-piece puzzles and is on to 60!
(7) Keeps everything in order (mimicking the peculiar tidy habits of his father)!
(6) Eats healthy! Choosing nutella instead of jam and carrots over poptarts. Well, at least when daddy's around. But always supports donuts for breakfast when mommy's home for the day!
(5) Begins every prayer with Please bless I'll be nice to Jeremy.
(4) Great counter! They must count everything at preschool . . . As we're clicking our seatbelts one-two-three-four-five . . . dishing up dinner one-two-three-four . . . walking to the mailbox one-two-three . . . (our little rainman).
(3) LOVES cars . . . especially Pixar cars.
(2) Mr. Manners . . . including a polite No thank you when asked to carry the diaper to the garbage.
(1) Incredibly supportive big brother! He is especially helpful interpreting Jeremy's fussing . . . Jeremy's hungry . . . Jeremy's poopy . . . Jeremy wants that toy. And when Jeremy is crying with a broken heart because mommy tapped his hands for touching a no-no, J offers Jeremy's sorry!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Chuck-E-Cheese Please!
Sincere apoligies to our friends and neighbors who would have enjoyed a four-year-old birthday party this year. I just ran out of runway. Many thanks to our supportive family who once again seemed to forgive my last minute "can you meet us at Chuck-E-Cheese tomorrow?" and showed up in full force to give me the lift required to prevent an all-out-sputtering-crash-and-burn! You gave J a birthday he won't forget!
By the way, J thinks Chuck-E-Cheese gave him all those presents!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Office DUMMY
Our office lobby has a beautiful cherry wood full-wall length & height custom-built specialty-lit diplay of the products made at our various manufacturing facilities. I know it doesn't look impressive -- because I had to crop and photoshop all of the cool stuff out (something about import/export controls and a picture on the internet is big trouble with the Feds).Common visitor comments include: You sure have a lot of bullets or There's no shortage of ammo in these parts or What's this - explosive powder? And, after taking a deep breath, our receptionist patiently explains that we only display the empty packaging.
A few weeks ago we received a huge delivery box and were surprised to find THIS inside. What a nice addition to our display!
You know when you move a chair, and then bump into it for a couple of days – you eventually become accustomed to it, right? NOT THIS GUY. There is no getting used to a 6’2” mannequin fully dressed in military clothing & equipment -- complete with facial hair and striking eyes -- and weapons! He startles the daylights out of me time after time! It’s been several weeks and I still find myself preparing to go around the corner I know he’s there . . . I know he’s there . . . I know he’s there.
It’s not just me. Daily eruptions include --
Eeesh! . . . I can’t get used to that DUMMY!
Ohh! What the ? . . . DUMMY!
Aghhh! Get that DUMMY out of here!
Stupid . . . DUMMY!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Biking the Rail Trail
J. pedaled 2-1/2 miles on Park City's Historic Rail Trail! . . . thanks to a slight down-hill grade and strong uncles willing to carry him on the uphill return! This ride came complete with playgrounds, two beaver ponds, and even a moose!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Top Five Discoveries
A week after Jeremy was born I was reflecting on how precious he was – not just to me, but to all of my family and friends too. It seemed that my entire world was rejoicing that he was here. I felt deep gratitude for my parents, and truly blessed that they were here getting to know him. And it occurred to me how sad it was that Bill’s parents would never know Jeremy. Just then the distinct thought came to my mind . . . Bill’s mom does know Jeremy. And I knew it was true. That experience sparked a strong desire for me to teach my boys about their long-gone family members and the rich heritage they provided.
So I’ve been spending my late nights exploring. These are my Top 5 discoveries:
(5) Inbreeding is good!
I stumbled upon a family history web site dedicated to the most troubling family-history questions.
Question: When cousins marry cousins is it good or bad? I heard it would "set" the bad genes and cause genetic problems. It seems in the mid 1600's and 1700's this went on quite often in my family.
Answer: Finding ancestors marrying cousins should not be a concern. Inbreeding is not a bad thing. A population that inbreeds flushes out a higher proportion of deleterious genes than a population that is not inbreeding.
I think the European monarchal families (and my 9th grade Human Biology teacher) would beg to differ.
(4) It’s not just a Stump thing!
I’ve posted it before -- the Stump family loves initials. I’ve been teasing Bill about his grandfather completing and signing his marriage license as B.G. Stump. Who signs formal legal documents using only their initials?
Well, I’ve discovered that this was a trendy thing in West Virginia at the turn of the century. Hundreds and hundreds of birth, marriage, and death records with only initials! It’s a good thing the Federal Government took control, intruded into the lives of private citizens, and recorded the Federal Census using FULL NAMES!
I should keep my mouth shut! After all my teasing . . . I discovered that my 3rd great-grandfather had several children, and then lost his oldest son. Terribly grieved, he named his next child the EXACT SAME NAME as the child that died. A few years later his second son died. The next child was named the EXACT SAME NAME. I discovered that tracing initials is easier!
(3) Did You Mean: Magic Stump Remover?
Wow! The Stump family lineage is documented back into the 1400’s. The trouble is that I only have names and dates. I want to know what they were doing when Henry VIII was killing his male-barren wives and Columbus was spreading the measles. Search engines are no help. When I Google any form of my question the response is Did You Mean: Stump Removal Instructions, Kill a Tree Stump, Stump Burning, or Magic Stump Remover?
(2) Just because THEY WERE!
I’m now a fan of skeletons in the closet! When I first read my Barnes/Clegg family history compiled by my grandma, I was outraged at the story depicting how my great-great grandfather hated “the Chinese.” OK, I understand that they were different-looking immigrants who couldn’t speak English, and were taking all of the manual labor mining and railroad jobs for much less than the standard pay. But, that’s no excuse for an unprovoked attack and a knife cutting of the long braided queue. I was glad he spent the weekend in jail and that it took all of his (and his brothers’) money to bail him out. But, I was mad that Grandma had included this in the family history. There’s nothing respectful in it!
My mother reminded me that we don’t have to love our ancestors because of what they were. But, we must love them just because they were.
The Stump family has plenty of honorable stories. They were some of the very earliest settlers coming to America to escape religious persecution, the young George Washington surveyed their Virginia property, and they served in Washington’s Virginia militia. Great stories, but where are the skeletons? I think I figured it out. What were the Stumps and Stalnakers doing in Virginia in the mid-1700’s to mid-1800’s besides working their farms?
Ironically, the day I discovered the Slave Trade Registry and the Slave Owner Census Schedules on Ancestry.com, I also discovered their web-site ad for the newly posted England and Wales Prison Registry with the slogan Whatever they did, they’re still family!
(1) Stump males could be considered endangered!
I can count 15 Burr boys within 10 miles of my home – and that’s just my father’s descendents.
On the other hand, after four generations (possibly five), my two sons are the only humans carrying the Stump y-chromosome.
Realistically, the only useful information deemed from this discovery is that Bill and the boys are NOT closely related to any other Stumps.
I LOVE YOU STUMPS, STALNAKERS, BETTYS, AND MANGELS!
So I’ve been spending my late nights exploring. These are my Top 5 discoveries:
(5) Inbreeding is good!
I stumbled upon a family history web site dedicated to the most troubling family-history questions.
Question: When cousins marry cousins is it good or bad? I heard it would "set" the bad genes and cause genetic problems. It seems in the mid 1600's and 1700's this went on quite often in my family.
Answer: Finding ancestors marrying cousins should not be a concern. Inbreeding is not a bad thing. A population that inbreeds flushes out a higher proportion of deleterious genes than a population that is not inbreeding.
I think the European monarchal families (and my 9th grade Human Biology teacher) would beg to differ.
(4) It’s not just a Stump thing!
I’ve posted it before -- the Stump family loves initials. I’ve been teasing Bill about his grandfather completing and signing his marriage license as B.G. Stump. Who signs formal legal documents using only their initials?
Well, I’ve discovered that this was a trendy thing in West Virginia at the turn of the century. Hundreds and hundreds of birth, marriage, and death records with only initials! It’s a good thing the Federal Government took control, intruded into the lives of private citizens, and recorded the Federal Census using FULL NAMES!
I should keep my mouth shut! After all my teasing . . . I discovered that my 3rd great-grandfather had several children, and then lost his oldest son. Terribly grieved, he named his next child the EXACT SAME NAME as the child that died. A few years later his second son died. The next child was named the EXACT SAME NAME. I discovered that tracing initials is easier!
(3) Did You Mean: Magic Stump Remover?
Wow! The Stump family lineage is documented back into the 1400’s. The trouble is that I only have names and dates. I want to know what they were doing when Henry VIII was killing his male-barren wives and Columbus was spreading the measles. Search engines are no help. When I Google any form of my question the response is Did You Mean: Stump Removal Instructions, Kill a Tree Stump, Stump Burning, or Magic Stump Remover?
(2) Just because THEY WERE!
I’m now a fan of skeletons in the closet! When I first read my Barnes/Clegg family history compiled by my grandma, I was outraged at the story depicting how my great-great grandfather hated “the Chinese.” OK, I understand that they were different-looking immigrants who couldn’t speak English, and were taking all of the manual labor mining and railroad jobs for much less than the standard pay. But, that’s no excuse for an unprovoked attack and a knife cutting of the long braided queue. I was glad he spent the weekend in jail and that it took all of his (and his brothers’) money to bail him out. But, I was mad that Grandma had included this in the family history. There’s nothing respectful in it!
My mother reminded me that we don’t have to love our ancestors because of what they were. But, we must love them just because they were.
The Stump family has plenty of honorable stories. They were some of the very earliest settlers coming to America to escape religious persecution, the young George Washington surveyed their Virginia property, and they served in Washington’s Virginia militia. Great stories, but where are the skeletons? I think I figured it out. What were the Stumps and Stalnakers doing in Virginia in the mid-1700’s to mid-1800’s besides working their farms?
Ironically, the day I discovered the Slave Trade Registry and the Slave Owner Census Schedules on Ancestry.com, I also discovered their web-site ad for the newly posted England and Wales Prison Registry with the slogan Whatever they did, they’re still family!
(1) Stump males could be considered endangered!
I can count 15 Burr boys within 10 miles of my home – and that’s just my father’s descendents.
On the other hand, after four generations (possibly five), my two sons are the only humans carrying the Stump y-chromosome.
Realistically, the only useful information deemed from this discovery is that Bill and the boys are NOT closely related to any other Stumps.
I LOVE YOU STUMPS, STALNAKERS, BETTYS, AND MANGELS!
The Mother of Invention
Several months ago I posted this http://billandcarolstump.blogspot.com/2009/05/stretttttch.html And that's exactly how it happened.
For weeks we’ve been praising, coaxing, and bribing Jeremy with the hope that he will stand up and walk. We’re tired of that pitiful crawl and banged-up, dirty legs. But he’s just not interested.
That is, until today. From the other room I observed him on his big wheel rocker eyeing his new birthday toys several steps away. He slipped off the rocker and whined for the Little People Parking Garage. Nobody was around to carry him to it. Still, he wanted it . . . really wanted it! I actually think he realized that it was so close that if he tried to crawl, he would bang his head on it. And then it happened -- ONE, TWO, THREE steps all by himself . . . alone in a room . . . no praising . . . no coaxing . . . no bribing. Confirming to me a simple truth that I learned from School House Rock -- necessity is the mother of invention.
And I also thought about that troubling philosophical question . . . if a baby takes his first three steps and nobody is in the room to see it . . . did the steps really happen?
For weeks we’ve been praising, coaxing, and bribing Jeremy with the hope that he will stand up and walk. We’re tired of that pitiful crawl and banged-up, dirty legs. But he’s just not interested.
That is, until today. From the other room I observed him on his big wheel rocker eyeing his new birthday toys several steps away. He slipped off the rocker and whined for the Little People Parking Garage. Nobody was around to carry him to it. Still, he wanted it . . . really wanted it! I actually think he realized that it was so close that if he tried to crawl, he would bang his head on it. And then it happened -- ONE, TWO, THREE steps all by himself . . . alone in a room . . . no praising . . . no coaxing . . . no bribing. Confirming to me a simple truth that I learned from School House Rock -- necessity is the mother of invention.
And I also thought about that troubling philosophical question . . . if a baby takes his first three steps and nobody is in the room to see it . . . did the steps really happen?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Jeremy is ONE!
Top 10 Things We Love About Jeremy
10. Ahhdooooo
His favorite word -- pronounced with a high-pitched ahhh and a long-lingering doooo. Repeated so often that we’re sure it means I Love You!
9. Peg-Leg Crawl
One leg drags inside and up front. Pitiful!
8. Good Sport
Always game for pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo!
7. Crocodile Tears
So big you can drown in them . . . lures us in every time!
6. Wubby Lover
My own little Linus!
5. Half-Tooth Smile
So sad to see his gummy smile go – but loved his look ever since!
4. Head Bonking
It hurts! But, still a welcomed expression of fondness!
3. Long-Suffering Patience and Devotion
Toward an older brother who can't keep his hands to himself!
2. Big Kiss
Who doesn't love a wide open-mouth show of affection?
1. Cuddle Bug
Truly loves to be cuddled. I hope it lasts!
Bonus: "Covers" for J
By eating the leftovers -- after the marshmallows have been picked from the Lucky Charms!
Happy Birthday my Jeremy! You make our family complete!
You know, I didn’t know we needed you so much! I remember holding your newborn cousin Molly and being overcome by a feeling of sadness -- I wish I had more children. I should have had more children. Wait! I’m so thankful for the two I have . . . and I tried to kick the feeling. I can’t have regrets at this point in my life . . . I made choices. Still, the sadness. Aunt Kristi politely encouraged “You can still have more children.” I could never choose that! I’m 40; Bill’s nearly 55 . . . we’ll be raising J well into our old age! The increased risk factors . . . that would be an irresponsible choice. Imprudent. And I gave it up right there . . . determined to live my chosen destiny happily and thankfully. Just imagine my wonderment! . . . three weeks later . . . at the realization that I was expecting you! . . . and I basked in the overwhelming feeling of completeness.
10. Ahhdooooo
His favorite word -- pronounced with a high-pitched ahhh and a long-lingering doooo. Repeated so often that we’re sure it means I Love You!
9. Peg-Leg Crawl
One leg drags inside and up front. Pitiful!
8. Good Sport
Always game for pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo!
7. Crocodile Tears
So big you can drown in them . . . lures us in every time!
6. Wubby Lover
My own little Linus!
5. Half-Tooth Smile
So sad to see his gummy smile go – but loved his look ever since!
4. Head Bonking
It hurts! But, still a welcomed expression of fondness!
3. Long-Suffering Patience and Devotion
Toward an older brother who can't keep his hands to himself!
2. Big Kiss
Who doesn't love a wide open-mouth show of affection?
1. Cuddle Bug
Truly loves to be cuddled. I hope it lasts!
Bonus: "Covers" for J
By eating the leftovers -- after the marshmallows have been picked from the Lucky Charms!
Happy Birthday my Jeremy! You make our family complete!
You know, I didn’t know we needed you so much! I remember holding your newborn cousin Molly and being overcome by a feeling of sadness -- I wish I had more children. I should have had more children. Wait! I’m so thankful for the two I have . . . and I tried to kick the feeling. I can’t have regrets at this point in my life . . . I made choices. Still, the sadness. Aunt Kristi politely encouraged “You can still have more children.” I could never choose that! I’m 40; Bill’s nearly 55 . . . we’ll be raising J well into our old age! The increased risk factors . . . that would be an irresponsible choice. Imprudent. And I gave it up right there . . . determined to live my chosen destiny happily and thankfully. Just imagine my wonderment! . . . three weeks later . . . at the realization that I was expecting you! . . . and I basked in the overwhelming feeling of completeness.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Who's the Jerm?
What’s in a name anyway?
For the longest time Bill affectionately called me CB (Carol Burr). His sister Beverly is Auntie B. And he prefers a simple BS when signing checks. So it was no surprise that his only requirement when naming our first child was to use an initial. We asked for suggestions and the wall-sized dry-erase board in the hallway at work quickly filled with offerings:
Forrest Stump
Woody Stump
Harry Stump
Richard Stump
Tim Burr Stump
Enough fun with the Stump! We’re looking for a name with an initial. Still, it continued:
O. Kay Stump
Doug A. Stump
Hal O. Stump
P. Don Stump
Lon G. Stump
C.A. Stump
I agreed to name him J Aaron on the condition that we call him Aaron. I can’t imagine anything worse than being called by an initial only! But, Baby J rolled off the tongue too easily and Amanda insists that JJ is much easier to say than Aaron. Anyway, his preschool teacher knows that it’s OK to call him J, but I insist he learns to write J Aaron.
So, NO INTIALS for Jeremy! But I can’t win. Jer-a-mee -- it takes such effort to make it through three syllables! This picture shows Amanda tossing him in the air saying Who’s the Jerm? That’s right. There IS something worse than being called by an initial only!
My Brother's Keeper
Jeremy can’t walk yet. And his pitiful crawl reminds us of a peg-leg pirate. J understands the need and Jeremy appreciates the help!
Just Like Mom
Ahhh . . . a peaceful bubble bath -- just like mom.
And I giggle as I recall my least-peaceful bubble bath. Tired, swollen, and fully pregnant with J, I just wanted to relax, feel soft, and smell pretty. I even lit several votive candles and set them along the edge of the tub. I struggled a bit to get in (I can barely straddle the wall of the tub on my tippy-toes) and the thought crossed my mind that I would need Bill to help me get out. Hopefully he'll be home in an hour. Ahhhh . . . Andrea Bocelli . . . IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MUSIC that attracted the cat! He jumped up on the edge of the tub and strolled right over the votive candles. I knew we should have shaved that thing! The cat belly is on fire!! He's screeching, running out of the room on fire! The smell of burning cat hair is unbearable -- I'm going to barf! And, I CAN'T GET OUT OF THIS TUB!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
White Striped Road Trip
It’s no surprise that The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round and There Were Ten in the Bed and the Little One Said get way annoying on the 15th time around. J had a fit when I replaced his CD with mine. Luckily, my CD was a mix of The White Stripes and my quick thinking saved the day!
Don’t you want to hear the doorbell song?
NOooooo!
Sure, you do! You know all about it and I start singing . . .
I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?
Yeah, I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?
J squealed with excitement – he loves ringing the doorbell! It was a surprise to discover this fun song is nothing more than lyrics fit for a three-year-old! It caught his attention perfectly and he understood exactly what was going on. Repeat, please. Repeat, please. And I soon realized The White Stripes get annoying on the 15th time around!
No, we’re moving on and I started singing the next one.
Walk with me, Suzy Lee
Through the park and by the tree
We will rest upon the ground
And look at all the bugs we found
Safely walk to school without a sound
J giggled Bugs and school! And once again my song was reduced to three-year-old pleasure.
I’m not kidding, the next song was The Hardest Button to Button -- a problem with which J is very familiar!
Anyway, props to The White Stripes for creating songs that span the generations! It made our road trip bearable!
Don’t you want to hear the doorbell song?
NOooooo!
Sure, you do! You know all about it and I start singing . . .
I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?
Yeah, I’m thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it?
J squealed with excitement – he loves ringing the doorbell! It was a surprise to discover this fun song is nothing more than lyrics fit for a three-year-old! It caught his attention perfectly and he understood exactly what was going on. Repeat, please. Repeat, please. And I soon realized The White Stripes get annoying on the 15th time around!
No, we’re moving on and I started singing the next one.
Walk with me, Suzy Lee
Through the park and by the tree
We will rest upon the ground
And look at all the bugs we found
Safely walk to school without a sound
J giggled Bugs and school! And once again my song was reduced to three-year-old pleasure.
I’m not kidding, the next song was The Hardest Button to Button -- a problem with which J is very familiar!
Anyway, props to The White Stripes for creating songs that span the generations! It made our road trip bearable!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wishful Thinking
Last weekend J announced I want to be four. I was amused that he is gaining a concept of age. But, then I realized that he’s just gaining a concept of the toys that Jeremy is getting for his upcoming birthday.
Still, twice this week when asked his age, he told them he was four! What? I’m four and I want to go to school he explained. I assured him that his preschool has a class for three-year-olds, so he doesn’t need to worry about being four for several months.
Guess what? We couldn’t find him on the three-year-old lists at preschool orientation today. He has been moved up to the four-year-old class!
If only my wishful thinking turned to reality so easily!
Still, twice this week when asked his age, he told them he was four! What? I’m four and I want to go to school he explained. I assured him that his preschool has a class for three-year-olds, so he doesn’t need to worry about being four for several months.
Guess what? We couldn’t find him on the three-year-old lists at preschool orientation today. He has been moved up to the four-year-old class!
If only my wishful thinking turned to reality so easily!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Bonk!
Wondering why Jeremy has forehead bruises? He loves to bonk! Lean in to cuddle cheeks . . . bonk! Lean in for a big kiss . . . bonk! Lean in to nibble ear . . . bonk! And it hurts! He even plays chicken by progressively bonking harder and harder -- daring you to tolerate the pain! One time I didn't back away . . . it brought us both to tears.
Last week we rid Amanda’s closet of the last of her early-teen toys and junk. What a challenge! That is, keeping Tornado Boy from destroying the sorted piles! Although he's easily distracted, it's not long before he ends up in another pile. Then he spotted it -- the Barbie Styling Head! He coaxed and coaxed (even whimpered) for it. He could not be distracted . . . he knew what he wanted . . . and fussed and carried on until I finally gave in to the whining. As I handed it to him HE BONKED the Barbie Styling Head DIRECTLY ON THE FOREHEAD! That was all . . . off to the next pile.
Last week we rid Amanda’s closet of the last of her early-teen toys and junk. What a challenge! That is, keeping Tornado Boy from destroying the sorted piles! Although he's easily distracted, it's not long before he ends up in another pile. Then he spotted it -- the Barbie Styling Head! He coaxed and coaxed (even whimpered) for it. He could not be distracted . . . he knew what he wanted . . . and fussed and carried on until I finally gave in to the whining. As I handed it to him HE BONKED the Barbie Styling Head DIRECTLY ON THE FOREHEAD! That was all . . . off to the next pile.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Last Weekend of Summer Vacation
What is it about men dressed in drag that tickles my funny bone? . . . even better when it’s a mild-mannered super-hero alias for a band of 18th Century English noblemen! This wasn’t really drag . . . but flamboyant pastels, ruffles, and feathers were just as fun! (Superman never looked so pretty).
The Scarlett Pimpernel at Hale Center Theater was part of The Last Weekend of Summer Vacation - an extravaganza of school-clothes-shopping, restaurant-dining, downtown-Hilton-sleeping, better-than-ever mother-daughter time together.
I had fun with you Amanda!
The Scarlett Pimpernel at Hale Center Theater was part of The Last Weekend of Summer Vacation - an extravaganza of school-clothes-shopping, restaurant-dining, downtown-Hilton-sleeping, better-than-ever mother-daughter time together.
I had fun with you Amanda!
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