Recent Blog Comments : Raising Bakersfield

Slowing Down the Blur : "You might be a redneck..."

Before you get too high on your horse, remember that for many people this is an economic issue. Grand, elegant taste is fabulous if you can afford scores of wreaths, icycle lights and the electric bill that goes with them. A cheesy inflatable is a whole lot cheaper, and you may have noticed we're in a pretty severe recession.

I'd rather see inflatibles than nothing. They're getting in the spirit the best way they can, and my easily impressed 3- and 6-year-old kids get excited whenever they see one. How can I look down on something that makes my children smile?

Slowing Down the Blur : "Holiday Recipes"

My favorite used to be the smiles and laughter and playing tag or baseball in my grandma's front yard - I know it's not a recipe, but it was our recipe for a loving family!!

Food wise it would have to be the homemade yeast rolls that my grandma did and now my mom does, for some reason hers come out sweet and fluffy. And if I knew how to make them I would, but I just eat them!!

Everyday life at home.... : "Grieving again...this time a friend near my age."

Thanks for the hugs and thoughts. It was a difficult memorial service to attend, someone so young with two young boys. Such a difficult time for such a young family. It really makes me stop and think about how many of us take for granted everyday things....that may not always be there for us.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Holiday Recipes"

My grandma was an amazing homemaker and she had many recipes that we have all "learned" how to make like grandma did. One of my favorite is Potato Casserole. Here is the recipe:

POTATO CASSEROLE – Grandma C.

2 lbs. cubed/chunky frozen hash browns, 1 tsp. salt, ½ C. milk, ½ tsp. pepper, 1 Tbsp. parsley, 2 Tbsp. dried onions, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 pint sour cream, 2 C. grated cheese, ¼ C. melted marg., 2 C. corn flakes crushed.

Thaw potatoes and mix ingredients. Put mixture in a 9x13 greased pan. Add ¼ C. marg. And cornflakes on top of mix after it has been in the oven for ½ hour.

Bake at 325 for 45-60 minutes (in glass dish) at 350 otherwise.

I am lucky enough to have a mother-in-law who also is an amazing cook. She can make stuffing like no one else I have met....homemade biscuits that make mine look pathetic....and can bake pumpkin pies that are in a class all their own! Yummy...I can't wait for next week!

Oh yeah, I love to make homemade gifts for everyone in my family too. I am making pickled garlic for everyone and adding homemade truffles, snickerdoodles, gingersnap cookies and a few other treats to enjoy! This summer I tried my hand at making homemade apricot preserves and they turned out pretty yummy! So, I may just have a day of cooking and canning to make some winter preserves to throw in the baskets too! :0)

Slowing Down the Blur : "She said it"

So stinking cute. I can't wait till my little guys start making cute comments about things they don't really understand yet.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Thanksgiving Camping"

Sounds like a blast! We usually do the same old thing, just a different year....getting together, baking, cooking, eating until we are about to explode....and the sit and watch t.v., or run around after the kids! Lots of fun with all the family together - no matter where we are!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Christmas Stories"

I love The tale of three trees. We added it to our collection of Christmas reading last year...the nativity story is also a must read! A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the usual holiday "must watch it's" as well as the Christmas Collection with Frosty the Snowman...all from my childhood! I love it now that they are on DVD's!!

If you are looking for a nice Thanksgiving read....we bought Thanks for Thanksgiving from one of the book catalogs from the Preschool last year. It's a nice book that talks about being thankful for family, fall, school, and all of the things that go along with life. I really like that it has a page at the end to write Thankful Thoughts year after year....I can't wait for the holidays!! I'm ready to start baking pies, and cookies!

Slowing Down the Blur : "She said it"

That is just too cute....thanks for the smile!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Thanksgiving Camping"

Sounds like lots of fun. Do you think anyone would mind if the three of us came in as extended "family". : ) We love that kind of thing and it sounds much more fun then the stuffy rituals some people have.

As for our family, we're pretty diffferent in most aspects. We all get together for holidays and what-not but there is no rhyme or reason to what we do or how we do it. It's complete mania and I love it! We invite people who have nowhere else to go and that makes it even more fun to bring new people into the mix, hear new stories, etc.

YaY for the holidays, I'm ready for some pie!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Christmas Stories"

The one I am writing now is an account (from a fictional character) of the nativity. Obviously I can't beat the original!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Christmas Stories"

Neat story! I don't really have any favorite Christmas stories--we always just focus on the Nativity story.

Hmmm... We do have A Charlie Brown Christmas, but does that really count (since it's based on a movie)? The story is cute--Charlie Brown is depressed about the holiday until he decides to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Crickets"

and if you all are reading this, go comment on my "Christmas Stories" post. It's much more fun than this one!

Single mothering : "To be Jewish in Bakersfield"

Wow. That's, well, wow. We just did "holiday" cards on Vistaprint.com--you can easily find discount codes online that will basically reduce your costs to shipping and envelopes, and I'm pretty sure there's something you can use. But yeah, Costco has everything. I just can't believe that national chain locations that use digital uploads and templates from their national supplier are telling you they can't do a Chanukah card! Have you asked your fellow congregants at your temple what they do?

[Now you've got me craving latkes. Mmmm, latkes. :) ]

Slowing Down the Blur : "Crickets"

It's good to see the long-timers still checking in, as well as the occasional newbie. The bulk of our traffic always has been and continues to be for our calendar listings, which, of course, you don't have to have a free account or profile to look at. And that's great, that's what we're here for, as a resource for local parents, but I do want to remind folks that we're each other's best resources, and via sharing on blogs, in comments, through photos, etc., we can connect, advise, reassure, disagree, make each other think, make ourselves think. We're all busy--we want RaisingBakersfield.com to be a place where local parents feel comfortable coming to take a break from it all, to vent, to share, to ask questions. It's slow now, but don't give up. And thank you, all of you.

Single mothering : "To be Jewish in Bakersfield"

Costco has great cards for many different faiths, holidays and events....I have browsed through the catalog instore and seen Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, Easter, birth announcements...you name it! Once you see how easy it is to order from Costco, you'll keep on going back!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Crickets"

I was thinking the same thing last week! I just thought it was the busy time of year! I haev been busy with school functions and other holiday type-festivities. Unfortunately, I think we are all just a little too busy now a days....although, I did check back in to see Jennifer's newest post of her sweet baby Derek....lots going on and competing with the kids for computer time...they usually win!

Single mothering : "To be Jewish in Bakersfield"

Try vistaprint.com. The postcard holiday cards are very reasonably priced. Also, I might be able to round up a discount code for you if you decide to use them.

Now, can you remind me, what's that candle thing called? (I'm betting the workers just didn't know anything about Chanukah, and didn't have a clue what to look for.)

Slowing Down the Blur : "Crickets"

Thanks Angelo, but actually some might say that is the only thing to do here... so you could zing it either way. But seriously, when this site first kicked off, there were tons of posts, great exchanges of ideas, helpful insight.... lately it seems like nothng more than a venting outlet with the occasional look-at-me post, which I guess I am ironically now contributing to.

Single mothering : "To be Jewish in Bakersfield"

LisaW you are my hero!!!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Crickets"

Sorry, I just have to add this ZING...

You do realize you're talking about Bakersfield? I mean, how many people actually have computers connected to the internet! :)

Single mothering : "To be Jewish in Bakersfield"

Do you have a Costco membership? They have a Chanukah card. You just upload your photo to Costco.com and pick your greeting card then go pick them up the next day.

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

What a precious shot in the basket with the fall leaves! You are right....priceless! Congrats to you both! Keep working with the latching...and breastfeeding....it will all be worth it and the little "kinks" will work themselves out as he realizes that's where the food is at!

Slowing Down the Blur : "SAHD and BC"

the multiple choice test surprised me too. But, I'm having fun challenging myself and digging on my own. I got a great book idea in the works, stemming from my own study paths. In the end, that's what I want. I'm also a little inspired to teach college now.

Everyday life at home.... : "Grieving again...this time a friend near my age."

*hugs* I'm so sorry for your loss! She sounds like a very special lady.

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

Congratulations! What a cute little guy! :)

Slowing Down the Blur : "SAHD and BC"

Argh! As a former BC online teacher who is going back to teaching in the Spring, I'm a bit disappointed. Sorry you're not getting the instruction and help you deserve! I hope you have a better experience with your other classes.

I'm a little surprised (and disappointed) that your midterm consisted of all multiple choice questions. :-/

Slowing Down the Blur : "SAHD and BC"

I took the History class VIA ITV classes, watched the lectures and met for the midterm and final. I took an on-line class for my Child Development. It was an interesting experience. Good luck, don not get discouraged. The best thing you can do to set a sound importance of education for your kids is to let them see you do it too. Hang in there.

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

Just precious, Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy.

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

He is beautiful! I'm glad you got a few minutes to blog a little. I love the fall basket shot, perfect for a birth announcement. :) Good for you working to overcome all those breastfeeding issues too. A lot of moms would have just given up.

First Time Mommy : "So Thankful!"

First off, I LOVE that little toothless smile! He is so adorable!

Secondly, I love this post. It's a fine line between wanting to give everything for your son and letting him learn the value of things earned. As parents we want our children to not want for anything, yet at the same time we don't want them to be spoiled. Trust me when I say that this Christmas you can wrap an old sock in paper and he'll just be glad to tear up the paper. He won't care about the gift, only about the joy unwrapping/eating it will bring. Don't stress, there will be many more holidays for that. :)

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

Congratulations! He is absolutely gorgeous.

There's a first time for everything : "Derek Oliver Burger has arrived!"

Congratulations to you both! I'm so happy for you. He is beautiful.

Single mothering : "cigarette question"

This is a difficult situation....being the mom of a first grader also, I understand your concern! I would probably try to gather more information. For instance, when is the girl (who is 6 or so years old) left alone long enough at home without adult supervision, fist of all, and secondly, without someone smelling smoke!? If you are leaving your 6 year old in the care of an older sibling....what are they doing instead of caring for their 6 year old sibling? Do you have the ability to volunteer in your child's class? Are they in the same class?

Also, you have to remember that not everyone has the same ideals and morals of parenting and supervision that we may share. If the child is truly being left alone - then, I would contact the principal of the school first. Inform him or her of your information. They can check the school records without divulging that info. to you to see if the child's comments may be true. Also, they may have a school counselor that could speak with the child to see if there are other issues.

You really have enough info. to be concerned about; but, not enough to truly warrant a report, other than to school personnel. I would personally start with the principal....and see what happens from there. If they suspect that there are other issues, they are mandated reporters and will report the issue to the proper authorities. good luck!! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Keep us posted!

Slowing Down the Blur : "the vote"

I was shocked on 4, too, but like I said, at least we know most of our neighbors in Kern feel like we do. My daughter will have to have our permission to get her ears pierced, but she can have an abortion anytime she wants without my ever knowing. So now it comes down to us raising our children daily to know what is right and wrong and that whatever they may get into, we will always support them and they don't have to hide.

What scares me right now is the first chapter of Romans. It could be a letter to the Americans. here's a part:

"18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

In a nutshell it says that because they took God out of the equation, He gave them over to their sinful desires and shameful lusts. It's like he wiped his hands of them and said, "Fine, see what happens."

I think we are seeing what happens. Very scary.

Someone was giving me the "equality for all" mantra in a debate on 8, and in the same thought told me that I was following a "skewed religious ideology." So we're heading very quickly to equality for all unless you believe in God, then you are skewed. People's hearts are hardened and God might just wipe his hands clean of us as a nation.

Slowing Down the Blur : "the vote"

What also amazed me with the vote was that most voters value livestock and their high-speed rail over their daughter's lives and their future grandchildren! I can't believe Prop. 4 didn't pass.....at least Prop 8 passed! Although, it appears to be met with alot of anger and pending lawsuits....too bad those against Prop 8 can't accept that they won't get the answer they want to hear whether they take it to the Supreme Court of Calif. or the voters!

There's a first time for everything : "Baby could be here in a week or two!"

Okay, I didn't think he'd be this early! Congrats to you both and welcome to the world baby Derek! What a trooper you are Jen! I can't wait to see the photos! Enjoy the first few weeks with your little guy....I'm sure he's precious! And thanks to Jason for posting the twitterfeed link and update!

There's a first time for everything : "Baby could be here in a week or two!"

What a high-tech family--first, birth announcement via Twitter, now

first baby photo via mobile phone

There's a first time for everything : "Baby could be here in a week or two!"

17-and-a-half hours after posting this, Jen and James welcomed their baby boy into the world! Check out Jen's twitterfeed to see how things progressed. Congrats, Jen and James!

Musings on Motherhood : "Dancing in the Rain..."

How funny! my little one also wanted to play in the rain that day. Its beautiful too see how kids have fun wit anything they can think of.!

There's a first time for everything : "Baby could be here in a week or two!"

You go girl! I think you have a great attitude and will hopefully get the benefit of more time than less....although, you appear to have dropped quite a lot in your most recent photo! Most important things are the car seat being installed and havingyour bags packed for the hospital. Other than that, mom or James can take care of. How exciting that you could have your son near the same time his cousin is born! :0) Labor is not that bad....the epidural made it much more enjoyable for me....personally. Although, some women are strong enough mentally to do it naturally - like Lisa W. (She's amazing in my opinion!!) I'm a wimp and wanted the epidural to help ease the back labor and contractions.

I also experienced the need to stand in order to eat and breathe at the same time. I also spent quite a few nights sleeping in the recliner that was purchased for us right before the baby arrived. It helped the hearburn on my end. Enjoy this time...and always keep the option open that you may need to quit working a little sooner. (I also worked nearly up to my due date....my final day was a Friday and went into labor the following Thursday morning at 6 a.m.) I had a co-worker at the time that likened me to a walking water-time bomb - in a kind way, I suppose. I was quite big, my shirts wre stretched to the max, and there were a few that I could no longer wear since they would not button.....nonetheless, I continued to work and finish up my paperwork. In hindsight, I should have left a week sooner and gotten things a little more together at home....but, oh well!

I can't wait to see how long before you have your soccer playing baby boy!

There's a first time for everything : "Baby could be here in a week or two!"

That is really exciting. Good for you that you are not afraid. Labor is not scary, tough, but definitely not something to be afraid of. I hope everything goes really well for you!

And there have been plenty of times I thought the work of a newsroom was way harder than holding, feeding, changing and playing with a baby. :) There are other times though that I've thought the opposite. How much sleep I get definitely has a role in that.

Oh and beer is a great galactagog!

Musings on Motherhood : "Dancing in the Rain..."

Your daughter is sooo cute! You got some great pictures, even though I love every minute of his baby days, I can hardly wait until my son is old enough to enjoy rainy days! This weekend was his first time ever seeing the rain and he seemed amused by it.

Bakersfield Stay at Home Mom : "Everyday Princess"

Cute story, Tracey! At least you got some cute pictures! :-)

Bakersfield Stay at Home Mom : "Everyday Princess"

Thank you! You're right! I realize I have much bigger battles ahead. I will need to learn how to choose them. :)

Bakersfield Stay at Home Mom : "A picturesque day"

This blog was so sweet! Really, I am touched...

Bakersfield Stay at Home Mom : "Everyday Princess"

You have learned one of the hardest lessons a mom can learn! YEAH!! I had a battle like that with both my kids.....and sooner or later, you just decide that some battles are best if you toss in the towel and let the kids win! Your life as a mommy will be much easier now that you have learned to choose your battles! ;0) Congrats!

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "HALLOWEEN TREATS"

My kiddos are still fairly young, and we're not planning to trick or treat. If they're not sick tomorrow, we'll probably go to the harvest carnival at Valley Baptist.

My son has never really cooperated with Halloween. Last year he refused to wear his costume, and this year he has declared that he is scared of Halloween, monsters, and ghosts.

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "HALLOWEEN TREATS"

When we lived in Bakersfield we had door to door treaters, mostly from our neighborhood, but we noticed a few that were not kids we had seen before (the van would pull up and unload about 10 kids, then cruise down the street and pick them up again). Up here we do a hay ride with designated houses (about 10-15 total), takes us a little over 2 hours to travel 3 miles, then we end it with hot dogs and marshmallow roast at one of the church elders houses. Then again we usually only have about 20 kids on the hay ride, or less.

I don't know what we would do if we were back in town, maybe only go to houses we knew or talk with some neighbors before hand and find out what they are doing.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "Are playdates that important???"

You'd think after 5 years of living on this mountain I would have figured something out, but every month is a new challenge it seems. And now I'm busier than I have ever been on this mountain and things just seem to fall apart in a second.

Yesterday we left the mountain at 8am, right after Cole got on the school bus, and did one grocery shopping trip before our playdate, then all we had to do afterwards was his wally world and a pet store, the gas station and come home. I was back on the mountain by 3:30. I didn't feel rushed, but it was a hurried day. And half way home it dawned on me that Tyler nor I had anything for lunch, other than snacks at the playdate - not a very good thing for a 3 year old.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "Are playdates that important???"

They are good for building social skills, but being that he is not an only child, the added stress of always having to rush, rush, may not be in his best interest. If he's feeling rushed, he's not going to enjoy the play date. It seems sensible that if your neighbor has a 4 year old at home, maybe utilize the time to make play dates closer to home.

There's a first time for everything : "Something cute I've noticed"

Not that you need more to do, but I definitely recommend reading Happiest Baby on the Block if you can. It has been a lifesaver for us!

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

Thanks! Well, I am afraid we have been so busy lately we haven't had a chance to start. The last thing I want is to get going and then have to stop because we are out and about. My husband will be home for Thanksgiving so I am thinking that might be a good time to start and stick with it!

I will keep you posted!

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

My oldest was the most difficult for me to potty train. I found that the setting the timer was a necessity for him to make it on time and not have an accident. He was usually too busy to pay attention to his body and would just pee in his big boy underwear. If that's the issue, I used training pants from Carters (they are vinyl with elastic legs and they go over the underwear to protect your carpet, couch, whatever you don't want to clean a million times!). Once I put the underwear on and then the training pants, he got uncomfortable and would agree to go potty every time the buzzer went off. I used bribes - a sticker on a chart and then a trip to the dollar store to choose a "prize" at the end of the week if he had a good week.....and no accidents. That worked well for me, and I don't apologize for using bribes! Honestly, that's what worked best for him. If you are having issues with getting him to hit the toilet, try letting him sit down at first. Some young ones find it confusing to stand and pee and then sit and poop. And, be patient! At not quite two, he may not be ready yet. #2 son was not quite ready, so we put him back in diapers for a while....not a big deal, and he let me know when he was ready to try again. The second time, when he let me know he was ready, was a breeze.

Good luck and let us know what works for your little guy!

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "Boo at the Zoo"

I love the boys' costumes! My 11 week old baby boy Cash is also going to be a pirate. Next year we will definitally take him to boo at the zoo, it looks like your boys had a lot of fun.

Everyday life at home.... : "Halloween Countdown...."

Well, I THOUGHT that I had my youngest child's costume under control....he has decided that NOW he wants to be Buzz Lightyear......*sigh* It would be easy to do, except that the Buzz costume we had that he played in last year is now trashed and most likely in the trash! Now, with one week to go, I need to get something in the works for Buzz.....I suppose I will be off to online shop now....or, find something here to create a costume for him! UGH! At least the oldest has NOT changed his mind! :P

There's a first time for everything : "Something cute I've noticed"

There is no doubt that he is responding to your voice...if James has been reading or talking alot to your little one, the baby will definitely recognize his voice as well when he is born! I so missed feeling the kicks and punches after having the boys. But, I also loved seeing them roll around and move outside....especially once I had them and was free to bend and move as I needed to! (I REALLY missed tying my shoes and painting my toes while pregnant!) I'd bet your little one will not like to be swaddled tightly once he is born...both my boys would kick and wiggle until they were totally free of the blankets they had been tightly swaddled in....it will indeed be interesting to meet your little soccer player!

There's a first time for everything : "One month to go (give or take)"

You both will do great! Keep the great sense of humor you have and love for each other and don't forget to love every minute of the "prep work!" Advice from a procrastinator with 2 babies who came early...Keep the bags packed! (I took my time, and even once my water truly broke, it took a while to realize, I needed to finish packing!) It couldn't really be my water, after all, "I had just finished putting everything in the dresser last night!" Yes, dears, these little ones have their own minds and schedules! I still remember the very vivid feeling of laying in bed and feeling our first born head butt me in the pelvis....this was what broke my water at 6 a.m. as I laid in bed trying to get comfy. Contractions didn't really start, to speak of, until after my leisurely shower, shaving of legs, washing and blow drying of hair, and finalizing the suitcase....then I got uncomfortable! We didn't rush, since I wasn't really feeling the pain. Once I got uncomfortable, then the hubby got a little nervous. Still, I had time to pose at the entrance to the hospital for a quick smile and the last picture of my enormous belly which now seemed to be even bigger and lower than ever before....

And remember, you have lots of friends and family who would love to help out with painting and putting things together! Enjoy every minute of it!!

The Crayon on the Wall : "Something funny my son said the other day..."

Just when you think they have tuned out....they are absorbing everything they hear! My oldest did this also, with the MOR Furniture ad, or someother furniture store. He said, "Look mom! You can get anything you want with NO cash, NO Sales tax and NO payments until 2010!"

Kind of like the same comment he makes each time I say, "No, not today. Mom doesn't have enough money for that today." He will usually say, "Just debit it mom!" UMMMM, yes, but we STILL have to have the money in our account for the debit to be accepted....out of the mouths of babes!

TOO FUNNY! :O)

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "He's Won Half the Battle"

You have one cutie there! I love the things preschoolers say.

There's a first time for everything : "One month to go (give or take)"

I also had a false alarm once. My little guy decided he was going to take his time though and came 5 days after his due date. He is already 10 weeks old! Time is going by way too fast I want him to stop growing but I look so forward to all of his new developmental mile stones every day. Enjoy your last month of pregnancy because I also miss feeling him kick inside of me. Good luck and keep positive thoughts in your mind through every thing you go through, it really helped me have a great labor experinence!

There's a first time for everything : "One month to go (give or take)"

Oh gosh. I had so many false alarms. I was even at a higher risk for premature delivery. And then my baby decides to show up 11 days late.

There's a first time for everything : "One month to go (give or take)"

There is, indeed, much to do.

I think I'll always remember the look on Jen's face when I walked into the bedroom to find her reading the big book of baby stuff (What to do When You're Expecting). It was a....concerned...face. It was deeply adorable.

I have to say I was a little worried. But the upshot was we got a good trial run out of the experience and now we know what we need to do.

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "He's Won Half the Battle"

Wow! What a smart little man you have on your hands! I'm just wondering if all three friends "passed away" in the same manner? Have you been able to gather anymore info. from Ethan? I hope they will have more friends to follow! Keep us posted....

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "He's Won Half the Battle"

What a smart boy! :) It's wonderful to hear words like that out of little guys like him.

It always chokes me up when my 3 year old says something profound like that.

Help Fight Cancer By Getting Ready For The Holidays! : "Fight Cancer By Getting Ready For The Holidays"

Yes, my company is participating in this event! I believe there are still booths available if anyone wants to be a vendor. The registration fee is only $50. Hurry! Thanks for posting this. It is such a great cause.

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "He's Won Half the Battle"

Heather -

This has to be one of the most adorable things I have ever read. It's amazing how kids just 'get it'. There is no grey area; it's black or white, right or wrong, simple as that. I love that innocence. Thank you for posting it.

: "Out of the Mouths of Babes"

it's not prison? i thought that's why they put the platinum shackles on your finger! :)

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "TAKES THE CAKE"

I love the cookie monster cake! I would never even be brave enough to try it....you go girl!

: "The Women Are In Agreement!"

I too have spent many nights trying to cover my ears so that I can get back to sleep after being awakened by the cough of my youngest...and then the hubby's snoring...sheesh! I compare his snoring to a ......well, like a lion roaring or a gorilla. Not to me mean...but, it's true! If only there was a solution! (other than earplugs...) Good luck!

: "Out of the Mouths of Babes"

SOOOOO true! Expect the unexpected! ;0) More funnies for the baby book....or journal!

Everyday life at home.... : "Our visit to the allergist!"

What an ordeal!

There's a first time for everything : "7 week countdown"

Enjoy every minute of this special time! Take time to journal to your little man as you expect him....those are great things to read to him as we gets older. I did this each week through pregnancy...sometimes less...and my boys love me to read my letters to them now. It's a great reminder of your anticipation for him and your excitement (especially when you are sleep deprived, tired and cranky...)

Keep us posted as you progress!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Grasping at Metaphors"

LOL That's so cute!!

Musings on Motherhood : "Easing A Heartache"

We went through this about a year ago with the youngest (then 3) and his best friend in preschool...she was just the cutest, sweetest little girl and they truely had a unique and genuine friendship I had never seen before. Her last day of preschool, I cried as we left....hiding my tears from my son and everyone else. He was sad, refused to go for a few days, cried and was just basically not that pleasant for some time. Then, he returned after the Christmas holiday, and became fast friends with another friend in school...he has many friends; but, really one great best friend. Unfortunately, the little girl that moved away is now in another state. However, her family stays in touch and we have many pictures to remind us of the fun times with his friend. We email and send pictures. It's nice to keep in touch - but, does take effort on both parts.

It's a stinky part of growing up....and I still feel sad when I think of Caden and his sadness when his best friend left. But, have faith! Your daughter will move on...encourage her to stay in touch with this friend. Do what you can to keep it working. If they move out of town, or state, email and send pictures, cards at special times, and hand colored creations by your child....it's a great way to keep the kids in touch. Most of all, let your daughter know that it's okay to be sad - and that this too shall pass!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Anybody home?"

I have been consumed by life in general....getting the kids to school, running here, there, everywhere! Back and hoping to be more regular about checking in! Thankfully, we are all healthy.....I hope that doesn't change soon!

Bakersfield Photographer, Michael Campbell - JK Michaels Photographer : "Just what's happening"

Love your work! I will definitely keep you in mind for all my photography needs!

Julie - Mom, Advocate, Life Coach, Actor, Director, Artist-of-Life and Most of All, Loving It : "Does Anyone Know Where to Find More Info about BCSD Board Candidates?"

So far I have found one link which tells me the incumbents don't really care to have their views be known.

Help a concerned parent learn more, candidates!

First Time Mommy : "Baby's first road trip!"

Congratulations on a fun 1st trip out! Funny, my husband and I took Nate to Venice beach for his 1st real trip when he was about the same age. Nate is 15 months old now and a seasoned traveler as well. I think we've learned that if you cart them around from the beginning, they learn as they get older that that's just what you do. He doesn't get mad in the car, he usually just zonks out and parties when we get there. Hopefully that will hold true for Cash as well.

He's adorable and you guys are a cute family!

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

My husband turned me on to Mac. THANK GOD! Soooooo much easier to use & faster. Macs dont ask questions all the time . A Mac is SURE Thing for people that work on music, video, photo etc.

I was blown away : "I was blown away"

I had a friend of mine try this wrap. She has 7 children and the last one was a C section. She complained that just below her scar was a pouch she hated. I asked her to try it. She said in just the first treatment she could see a difference. She has sense used 3 wraps and has lost a total of 12 inches off her belly and 9 lbs. I was very happy for her and she is happy that I shared this with her.

I was blown away : "I was blown away"

this sounds like the trick many tribes in africa use after a women give birth to shrink her uterus back down. i didn't know it was for everyone. i'll have to try it!

I was blown away : "I was blown away"

I am going to try it! I can certainly use less belly bulge...after three kids! Thanks for the tip.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Anybody home?"

I'm around, we've just been really busy and now are all sick. :p

Slowing Down the Blur : "Anybody home?"

I've been noticing a lot of regulars popping back in to check things out and announce things like new pregancies. :) I know everybody is busy and blogging takes a back seat to life's other demands, but, like Kevin, I'd love to hear more about what folks are up to!

Also, I'd like to welcome all the newcomers and folks who come here for things like contests and the event calendar but aren't too sure about this blogging thing yet. Don't be shy! Just click on a journal that interests you and jot a quick comment, just to say hello. We don't bite. :)

when is it to many sports : "birthday weekend"

Awesome! I can relate to expensive birthday parties. Things just seem to add up don't they. I think next year we will float the family trip idea too.

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

Great! Thank you guys. I will keep you posted! Heather

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

My big trick was to use little boys underwear. When I used the pull ups and even the Training pants with the thick crotch area, he would wet every time. When we went to the underwear he didnt have the padding/safety in the pants, he used the potty regularly.

when is it to many sports : "birthday weekend"

Sounds like you guys had a great time.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

Thanks Mr. Oscat,

My mind IS made up. My next purchase will definitely be the Mac. I am still waiting to get my HP back. In fact I had another go around on the phone with them today. Very frustrating...

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

I've heard boys are harder to potty train, and it took my DS until he turned 3 to really get serious about going in the potty. Your boy may not be ready yet.

One thing I did was set a timer for every 30 minutes and take him in there to try going. It took about a day and a half for him to get that part, and then I started letting the time go longer until he started taking himself in there to go when he needed to. We're still working on pooping in the potty--he has had a few accidents over the last week or so.

when is it to many sports : "birthday weekend"

I am so glad you and your family had such a great time at the beach for your daughters birthday! My birthday is on Thursday and we are also going to Pismo beach to celebrate. It is the first road trip we have taken since my baby was born, he is 2 months old now. I hope we have as good of a time as you and your family did!

Let's Potty! : "Potty Training 101"

Hi Heather. Just wanted to let you know a few of the tricks I have used over the years with the children in my child care. I put a little bit of water in the training potty and a few cherios or fruit loops and tell him to try and "aim" at them. Another idea is to add a little bit of blue food coloring to the water instead and tell him to use his yellow pee to turn the water green, sounds gross but they have fun! I also put them on the potty every 30 minutes or every hour so they have a better chance of going. Some people say its not a good idea, but I also give them 1 M&M every time they pee and 2 every time they poop. I don't think it is a bribe, I think it is a reward. I hope this helps and good luck!

There's a first time for everything : "7 week countdown"

Good luck in this final part of the pregnancy. It seems like that last little bit takes forever.

mr.oscat's jukebox : "mr.oscat@dagny's "

We had a great time as usual, especially The Pumpkin, dancing and kazoo-ing. :) Bakersfield is lucky to have you.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

and kevin, i forgot to tell you..... i-macs has photo booth, one of the best family computer apps ever........

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

hey Kevin - i could have written the same entry as yours a year and a half ago. i had had enough of dell computers and everything that goes along with it. i decided to go mac, based on the ipod and i-tunes software, and what i'd read on the internet. i could not be happier with my (intel) i-mac. we seem to have the same needs in a computer (and i record in garageband, free app w/ i-life, which is included) - all computers are quirky, but this one fits our needs w/o the pain of the constant fight to keep it running smooth. if this one dies tomorrow, i'd have a new one tomorrow night....... (wait, i'm still under warranty..) .... i can tell your mind is made up.... go for it.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

I agree, MACs are great for people that don't enjoy/have the time to fix PCs.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

Thanks Angelo, I appreciate all the tech explanation. I am not a gamer. I am an online student, writer and family chronicler (pics/vids). For that, it would seem by all accounts that I could do well on a Mac, and right now the biggest fly in my soup is customer support. So by the testimonies I've heard, Mac is the way to go for that also. This next week when I get my HP back and it still doesn't work properly (I'm pretty sure that will be the case), I will officially begin my dive into the Mac pool.

I guess people in Bakersfield have no opinion? I thought this post would grab some more responses. Guess not!

mr.oscat's jukebox : "mr.oscat@dagny's "

Aww! I wish we could have come, but it sounds like you had a great turnout! :)

Slowing Down the Blur : "Mac or PC?"

Kevin, I'm not going to try to sell you a Mac. I will present you my evolution as a LONG TIME PC user and I hope it provides some insight/help, if it confuses you more, I'm sorry :)

When i say I'm a LONG time PC user... I started my computer life as most my age did using apple II and macs at school BUT the first PC we owned / had at home was a 386sx 16 running Dos and eventually I had Windows 3.0 running... We then bought a 486sx 25 MULTIMEDIA PC running windows 3.1 and with this one my PC exploring / learning / knowledge exploded. Later I built my first Pentium PC from scratch...

I WAS also a HUGE defender of PCs as you say you have been. In fact my best friend Richard and his Father were the long time Apple supporters I knew and due to Greg's job (and inclusion of my talents) he always kept current with Apple's latest and greatest, so they helped represent/expose me to Apple.

What I've noticed:

Apple/Macs, pre OSX were TERRIBLE when it came to reliability, the bomb came up often, Greg spent a lot of time repairing / running utilities to fix it. They were slow with most things and bogged down often, and BOMB. I was constantly asked when would I switch from PC by Greg, I often laughed or would engage in friendly Mac / PC debates

OSX was a step in the right direction being both innovative and stable, I took notice and decided to watch closer. When Apple chose to move to Intel hardware (and bring the speed) along with the further enhancements of OSX I became more interested and began to think about purchasing a Mac. Again, through the exposure of the Harbaughs... the more I used OSX the more I liked it and considered switching. Lori (my wife) received a DUSD issued ibook, which I used / helped her with often and enjoyed I finally pulled the trigger when Apple added the core 2 duo processors, I ordered a refurbished, educator discounted MacBook Pro.

Meanwhile back in PC land....

After the Pentium self built computer (I was in high school and supporting the entire school's IT/network) I jumped from windows 3.x to 95. Being tied into networking more (high school) I began to explore NT 4, this is where I finally saw some innovation with Microsoft. NT4 lacked multimedia stuff so I jumped to Windows 98 and then to 2000 (the NT based OS). Windows 2000 was great. Once XP came out (which literally felt like 2000 with flashy graphics and better multimedia/hardware support) I felt very comfortable and happy.

After college I got a job where I was the primary IT support person. I supported a network filled with 2000 / XP computers all networked together. The problems with windows became more obvious (both at home and work), it requires a lot of support / maintanence! The operating system seemed to get bigger and bigger (and slower) with each release.

While NTFS (filesystem) is loads better than FAT(32) (the old DOS to Windows Filesystem) it does seem to get terribly fragmented and slow the system down terribly. Even if you don't do much it just seems to get slower and eventually you crash more often and need that annual re-install. Viruses to Spyware... don't get me started BIGGEST support issue, constant battle with my mom, dad, girlfriend (at the time, now she's my wife) and EVERYONE who used the internet on a PC I had to support. Mucking with Drivers and printers and all sorts of hardware / accessory issues (can you say BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH?). Walking people through using Windows or programs that should be easy to use but just weren't. If it was a Dell or HP, talking to India to get support to give me a new part to swap or send out a sweaty technician to do so, unless I built my own then I answered to part warranty or buy a new one.

Now here we are with 2 Laptops and an iMac and we're doing fine. The Mac is not perfect and has some quirks, they're more expensive and have application disadvantages (or are still behind) in some areas. At work we still use PCs due to a few KEY applications (3D modeling and CAD) that still aren't produced for the Mac. There are a few niche programs I can't find acceptable alternatives for so I'm forced to use PCs. I sometimes use bootcamp (which allows me to boot a real version of Windows XP on my Mac) as well as occasionally VMware (which is visualization allowing me to take a processor and run windows xp in a window or full screen while OSX runs in the background) to run those niche programs. If you're a PC gamer, than you'd have a lot of qualms about the Mac, but you can play most games if you bootcamp into windows or even via Vmware but gaming hasn't been an issue because over the last 10 years, I've kept most of my gaming on the consoles.

That was way to long, I need to stop and apologize and finish up.

I guess when I was younger and had more free time I enjoyed working on my computer and fixing it myself. Now, I don't have that time, I'm busy with work, raising my first child and balancing free time with my wife.

If you build it yourself, you're the boss, you answer to yourself when it breaks, save some money, this is where a PC wins!

Buy a name brand PC, deal with tech support to fix it.

Buy a Mac spend a little more for nice form and decent function... don't get me wrong a Mac is not special (other than that spyware/virii are not issues yet for OSX) and is just as succeptable to failure as any mass produced piece of electronics. Buy Applecare! They treat you well, either in store or on the phone, problems get solved more often than not. I've had great experiences with it.

Though, more often than not it just works, you turn it on it boots up and are doing what you want. Even the base set of applicatons allow the average user to many things. Have you noticed when you get a new PC how many trial and junk apps are installed?

With the Mac, I'm spending less time supporting / fixing and more time using it!