Recent Blog Comments : Raising Bakersfield

Slowing Down the Blur : "Disneyland"

Definitely hit up the buzz lightyear ride. You get to shoot targets like a game of laser tag. Layton will eat that up. I'd also hit up Pirates because you haven't seen the updates they've made after the movies. Have you been there since they introduced fast passes? You get a "pass" to go on the ride quicker at a later time. Good in case things are really busy.

If you're getting the pass that lets you go to both disneyland and california adventure, do all your eating at california adventure. The food is a lot better there. There's a mexican place and a bread bowl place. The bread is fresh baked, it's awesome. Otherwise there isn't a ton to see at california adventure. Bugs life and Soarin' over california and you're probably done there. I can't remember if the regular ticket lets you into both though.

3psinapod : "anything sounds more powerful with Brazilian in front of it."

haha, i've heard that Brazilian coffee is some of the best-- but i'm sure it depends on the opinion of whoever wrote matt's trip guide!

I did come up with some good ones, but none i was motivated to actually do. Ha. I've been getting outside and getting active and started reading a really good parenting book 'making children mind without losing yours."

I am finding that doing something different with my life would take some time to myself. :) Somehow things are still just the same as long as Zoe is with me. :)

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "The almighty B word has hit the house!"

I'm impressed with your efforts. Let us know how it goes.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "The things children say"

Oh, I feel for parents like you whose kids drop the nap at an early age!

There's a first time for everything : "Baby's first plane ride"

That's a beautiful pic of you. And that food - wow! I think one dish could feed a family of 4 or 5! Is that typical in K.C.?

Musings on Motherhood : "A Mother's Instinct"

Well said, Mama Bird.

3psinapod : "anything sounds more powerful with Brazilian in front of it."

Sounds like you came up with some good challenges on your own!

Oh, and Brasilian coffee is more powerful - tried it last summer when we were in Brasil, and I had to dilute it! Mud, anyone? (i'm probably a coffee wimp)

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Call Yourself a Parent"

You made me laugh - thanks!

oh my 2 Girls! : "Gdiapers – The new eco friendly diaper! Go green with your poo!"

Good lookin' diapers, that's for sure!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Call Yourself a Parent"

Okay, I've earned them all, besides the rectal thermometer.. I've just never gone "there". ;)

: "Spray Park"

We really love to go to this park! Great toys for the younger kids and the older kids, and yah.. the water toys are a great addition!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Call Yourself a Parent"

I know a few others to add to your list:

When you can talk on the phone and change a dirty diaper without missing a beat.

When you hide in the bathroom for a 5 minute time out.

When your backseat has more toys than the toy box in the house.

And my newest addition: when you check the school calendar before making any kind of appointment.

That was cute though.

There's a first time for everything : "Baby's first plane ride"

We love K.C. and seriously considered moving to the area when we were weighing options moving out of LA, but with Jill being a teacher, we had to consider pay and the decrease was too much. I wish we could have made it work. I have relatives there and we always look forward to visiting.

There's a first time for everything : "Our squirmy wormy is a boy!"

ONE WHOO HOO FOR THE EXPERIENCE!! OK TWO FOR GOOD MEASURE- WHOO HOO!

: "Mornings"

oh mercy...i'm telling you, your daughter and my son share ONE brain. they are so much a like. i don't even get a good morning before he's asking me what's on the agenda for the day. and if it's nowhere fun, i get the third degree about why i chose to do these things. ay!

: "Princess"

"Oh, there's nothing left to believe in!"

So dramatic, that kiddo. Enjoy every second with your special girl.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

I have not been to any LDS services lately. :-) Not since I attended my third grade teacher's wedding in 1983 at your Downey church! But I do agree with everything you said, Heidi. With the new church we are part of starting here in Bakersfield, we have been doing monthly service projects in town and partnering with other local churches. What would the world be like if we all were of one mind?? Maybe we'd still be dating! :-) ~wink!

Working through it. : "Finding activities for the kids is a challenge"

I think My Gym has financial aide sometimes for children with special needs - don't quote me on this - but I do believe they fund raise for the children and families.

Working through it. : "Finding activities for the kids is a challenge"

I am not sure what kind of special needs your daughter has, but gymnastics at American Kids might be an option. It is a little pricy, but tons of fun for the kids. My daughter goes there, and while she is not a special needs child, she is fairly high strung and they manage her well. Infact, since she has been going her behaviors have improved and she is much more patient. She has learned to take turns and learned how to be part of a team. I have noticed several children there with various levels of speical needs and they all seem to be thriving. It would fit the evening and weekend schedule, having classes on Saturdays and every night until about 7:00. They offer more than just gymnastics, like dance, swim, tumbling, and cheer. Just something to think about.....

Slowing Down the Blur : "New Illustrators!"

Congrats on the book front! You've been busy!

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

Attend any LDS services recently. wink wink! I don't know if you're looking for ideas to help w/ this congregational segregation, but if you are....Our congregation in Downey used to do a biannual Inter-faith music night. It was a lot of fun, a great cultural experience w/ many different varieties of music and it brought together many people of different faiths. We had everything from a capella boys choirs to christian rock. I know first hand it was a huge undertaking, but well worth the effort. We also did a lot of service projects w/ other church groups. Nothing brings people closer together than a common purpose and serving others w/ love. There's my free advice. Take it for what it's worth.

Everyday life at home.... : "HELP needed from my crafty friends on RB.com"

I knew that I could count on you!! Thanks! I have other projects going at the same time....when you get home to send them should be perfect timing! THANKS!

Everyday life at home.... : "HELP needed from my crafty friends on RB.com"

I have some instructions for you!! Unfortunately you'll have to wait a few days. They are on my computer at home, bookmarked.. have no clue what website they came from. We're WAY up North right now so I'm on a different computer right now. I'll send them to you as soon as I find them.

Slowing Down the Blur : "New Illustrators!"

Way to go man. Look at that library of yours expand!

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

your little one sounds like mine... she's great as long as she is being held.... amazing how different children can be.... she still cries if she's not being held.... it's so tough, i don't get anything done! But i look at it as a oppurtunity. As you know it goes by so fast.... i hate how fast it goes by :) Mine too was the loudest in the hospital and screamed for the first 6 months... literally! We should get together sometime.... maybe two of the same can calm each other while entertaining each other :)

Working through it. : "Finding activities for the kids is a challenge"

Not knowing what your child's special needs are, I would suggest contacting Kern Regional Center for some ideas. I found they have the Hearts Connection (a parent support group) that is awesome! I did a ton of research while in the Psychology and Sociology program at CSU,Bakersfield and they had a ton of resources - not to mention a great library to help with research! Sorry I can't be of more help...but, would think that if you contact them, they would be happy to assist. Good luck!

Working through it. : "Finding activities for the kids is a challenge"

I've been thinking about that lately... how expensive activities are. I've also learned that sometimes "simple" is all my kids want. I think I impose my own adult desires for what I think are cool activities on my kids, when all they really want is to be running around pretty much doing their own thing. My kids are happiest at the park running around with other kids. We do the organized activities when we can, when the schedule and finances allow, but it's just not always possible.

I realize I completely did NOT answer your quesitons, but your post got me thinking more about what my kids want, opposed to what I think they want. There is a need for the organized stuff, too, for cultivating the social and other important skills. I'm not downplaying those. We're crazy busy with them ourselves. What are your special needs? I can do some checking at the places we're involved with.

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Highlights"

can we get the back cover synopsis of the novel??

Slowing Down the Blur : "New Illustrators!"

Awesome! I'm anxiously awaiting God's garden in book form...I loved the sneak preview!! Congrats!

Slowing Down the Blur : "New Illustrators!"

http://maiskemblesequentialworks.blogspot.com/ here is a site for Mai.

Patricia is a first time illustrator and is currently only on the internet as a teacher at castle http://www.pbvusd.k12.ca.us/schools/castle/index.cfm?fuseaction=frame&menu_id=1203

Slowing Down the Blur : "New Illustrators!"

neat!! i think i'm going to have to google these ladies :)

: "Trout"

i wanna go over, too. i would love to try some bako trout!

: "Trout"

We are going to Balch Park this weekend, Maybe if they stocked well this week, We will be able to spare a couple. I'll let you know.

Musings on Motherhood : "Baby Jones"

I'm am so there with you right now. Even having a hysterectomy and knowing that there is nothing left to make a baby with, I'm still yearning for a 3rd baby, especially if it would be a girl. I love my boys and both are angels, but I don't think I was fully ready to stop even though my body and hubby said yes we are done. Financially I don't think we could squeeze a 3rd child, but then again we couldn't with our first one either. Too many miscarriages and then complications after having Tyler led to the hysterectomy. Now Cole starts school in just over 2 weeks and hopefully I will start a new job, so I'll be busy and maybe get my mind off it, but sometimes I wish we could have had a 3rd baby. Oh well, life goes on - now my chance for girls is with the 2 puppies the boys have, but for some reason they won't let me put pink bows in the puppies hair.

We'll cry a silent tear, then be glad we aren't buying diapers anymore - oh wait, yes I am, Tyler isn't fully potty trained yet.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

My parents used to make tea with sugar, not really sweet like they do in the south (I'm guessing since I've never had sweet tea from the south), but we slowly quit doing it and now when I make it with sugar it just taste funny. How much sugar do you put in your tea?

Laura - where was that picture taken?

Musings on Motherhood : "NEVER Leave A 3-year-old Un-Attended...with Ice Cream!!"

OMG! That's gotta go for newsletter cover consideration!

: "Trout"

Last summer, I got a package of whole butterflied trout at Costco, stuck lemon slices in the cavities, and grilled them whole. Yum! Guess it's time to do that again--wanna come over? :)

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

Isn't it funny how much we pack for little ones? And you know that decades ago parents did not pack that much stuff for babies - how did they do it? I think we take all our conveniences!

Musings on Motherhood : "Baby Jones"

I know what you mean. I can't believe how fast my baby has grown up.

We still need to get together.

Musings on Motherhood : "NEVER Leave A 3-year-old Un-Attended...with Ice Cream!!"

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! (Now that the mess is cleaned up, we can laugh, right?)

oh my 2 Girls! : "A special oppurtunity"

What a great attitude. I rocked both my girls to sleep and we were co-sleepers too. I know that's not everyone's style but I loved it and savoured it because I knew it wouldn't last forever.

Musings on Motherhood : "Baby Jones"

I hear ya! I think the same thing....and then I start to think about diapers. toilet training, sleep deprivation, buying all of the baby stuff again - since we gave it all up when we moved to our newer home...I think that's only natural for us as mom's to want another as our youngest hits that "I can do it all by myself!!" stage...my youngest son turned 4 in April, and he is very adamant about being self-sufficient and HE IS A BIG BOY! Don't call him a baby....not even joking! I imagine that when he starts kindergarten, I'll be crying for the first week....and then have to get myself together and do something constructive and keep busy! I have thought about returning to work, maybe substituting at the elementary school so that I will be there with the kids...we'll see. I guess my point is, focus on where you are right now... and make a plan to get where you want to go! Take one step at a time, and never rule out ANY possibilities!

Musings on Motherhood : "NEVER Leave A 3-year-old Un-Attended...with Ice Cream!!"

Thanks for confirming that I am not the only one with kids that get really messy! At least your kids use food....mine are usually in the mud! Enjoy the fun, and laugh before you want to cry! :)

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS : "ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

Sounds like a fun trip! We are headed to the Sequoia's next week for our annual trip. I'm getting excited!

Single mothering : "My son is a lazy disgusting slob"

I found in my potty training days with my first son, if I used pull ups or even training pants the crotch padding gave him the sense of diaper security. I used little boys regular underwear. Very few accidents came when I removed the extra padding and that security.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

Dude, I had no idea you were posting on here all the time! I think I need to change your blog address to this one. Sorry for all the posts I've missed.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

Sweet tea is GREAT!!!! if made right and if drank right away it's not syrup sweet. I make about 5-6 pitchers of sweet tea a week.

daddy in a strange land : "My baby's first rock concert"

So far, one friend and two coworkers have let me know about the, um, legal troubles of one of BNL's singers that was in the news yesterday. One of my colleagues took the opportunity to make fun of me on

his work blog

. Heh.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

I've heard the sweet tea is really darn sweet, but since I haven't been past the Oklahoma state line I've never tried any sweet tea. One of Brian's aunt & uncles travelled from Florida to California by car and said they could tell they were closer to Cali by the way waitresses asked if they wanted sweet tea or just tea. I wonder if people in the south really do social teas and big events before weddings, I think in the book they called them teas and sees?

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

I think the wife WOULD get a kick out of that... but it would take some bribing, thats for sure.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

that's an actual photo of the church we attended here in Newton, KS. The whole downtown area is about 100 years old or more. beautiful place. I wish I had my camera... I just found that pic on the net.

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

I enjoyed reading your blog about the vacuum cleaner, it was funny . Your baby is so cute too.

: "Life is Good"

congrats to your sis and to the kiddo for all the great bed jumping that she did. :)

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

Love the building!

Single mothering : "My son is a lazy disgusting slob"

The kiddo found diapers and pull ups much more convenient than using the toilet. I just figured she'd eventually potty train - all kids do. She wasn't fully trained till well after turning 3. And they say girls train earlier- ha!

The peeing right in front of you on the carpet - I feel for you. He is testing you to the outer limits. I do know one parent that had tired everything with their son. Then they purchased a gameboy, but wouldn't let the kid have it until he potty trained. It worked. However, that created another monster to deal with - the old limiting computer game time.

First Thoughts : "Summer Monday Blahs"

you'd like this song by relient K called "softer to me" air1 or kduv usually play it on mondays. mainly for people suffering such as yourself :) here's a link http://www.musicsonglyrics.com/R/relientklyrics/relientksoftertomelyrics.htm

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

The sweet tea keeps me away from the South. :)

: "Traveling and Toilets"

that sounds good! unfortunately, according to my husband, since we only have boys they need to continue in their "rites of passage" and pee alongside the road behind a bush. but, i'd be interested in a mommy POTG. since i don't have outdoor plumbing and all. anatomically speaking of course.

Single mothering : "My son is a lazy disgusting slob"

oh, he's so testing you! good luck on finding that magic button that just makes it click for him. i will tell you, however, that my younger brother did the same thing. when he was a bit over three years old and beginning to change his own diaper, my parents duct taped one diaper on him and made him wear it until he decided it was time to go on the toilet. thirty something hours later (and no i can't remember how in the world it stayed on...i only have this memory of a puffy diaper with silver duct tape all around it and him stinking to high heaven) and one gigantor diaper rash later, he was potty trained.

when i was potty training my son, i left his diapers on longer than usual just to induce a diaper rash because of that story. it worked. but then again, he wasn't changing his own diapers.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

i'm a part of the meetup.com, the bakersfield stay at home moms group (love it by the way!) and we come from just about every denomination and church known to the community. when we get together and just bond, it really makes me feel that we're reaching out. even the bible study i go to, many of the women there aren't from the church where it's held. and getting to talk to other christians in town, i've come to realize that you're right, it isn't the church we belong to, it's what we are doing for our community.

i think the last time almost every Christ believing church in the city came together was for the franklin graham festival over four years ago. we need to do something like that again to remind ourselves just how big our body is. you kind of see that, though, on these type of blogs :).

my parents go to laurelglen. i absolotely LOVE their christmas eve service. candles, the pastors read a story to the kids in the front, it's just precious! i highly recommend it.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

You spoke very well Kevin. This is something too that my husband and I have struggled with this past year. Though we regularly attend church, often we feel that we aren't really acting as Christians daily. We stick within our comfort zone and don't really reach out to people. Our church is large and that is something we have also struggled with because it has been hard to find the right place to fit in. Thanks for sharing this post.

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

Oh come on, you know you'd like to dress up in seersucker suits and bow ties just to keep your wife happy!!! What kind of image have I created of myself, gun totin' pj wearin' mountain momma - that sounded a lot funnier when I was typing it then when I read it to myself. Ugh!!!

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "I want to be a Southern Belle"

shooting gophers sounds much more appealing than fancy social events to me. :-)

Single mothering : "My son is a lazy disgusting slob"

I'm getting to that point with Tyler, though I keep saying I'm waiting til Cole starts school in 3 weeks to really do the potty training. But one of my soccer mom friends said she had the problem with her 3 year old daughter, she would use the potty some days and not others, so she threw away all the diapers and said "you are wearing panties from now on". Hasn't had an accident since she did that. Maybe we (we'll do this together, okay?!) need to try the straight forward approach instead of the training approach. I keep telling Tyler 3 more weeks and no more diapers. He laughs and points to his Thomas the Train chonies in his drawer.

Slowing Down the Blur : "churches"

I have asked some of the same questions lately! In the Beth Moore bible study "Stepping Up" I have been studying the group of Psalms 120-134; also known as the Psalms of Ascent. It has been an awesome study for me and my personal growth! I know that is the message we are all as Christians supposed to share - we are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether we are Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish...get the idea...if we believe we are saved and forgiven by the death of Christ, and we accept HIM as our Savior. It doesn't matter what church we attend, or how we label ourselves....we are all Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

I think it's a great observation that you have made - and so true of many churches, unfortunately. It's something that only WE can change, one person at a time! Great post Kevin! Enjoy the week away!

: "Traveling and Toilets"

you should totally be a mom reviewing products. great write up. glad i could help during relay weekend. when it comes to friendship, you know i'm on duty. ha, ha.

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

Funny baby! Have you recorded the sound yet?

This is cool. : "Denny's "

All day on Tuesdays???

The life of a mountain Mommy, staring Cole & Tyler : "14 days worth of catch up"

Oh, I hope your recovery goes well. Speedy recovery to you!!!!

This is cool. : "Denny's "

Check out our Kids Meal Deals Map--you can add any deals and restaurants that we're missing directly to the map!

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

LOL! That is cute!

My oldest, Lindsay, was very colicy at night. She was the same way - only sleeping if held. A neighbor gave me a video to watch called The Happiest Baby on the Block. That video SAVED MY LIFE! No joke! It went over how to calm the baby and get them to sleep - they call it the 5 S's. If you do them in order the baby is usually calmed down by the 4th S - which was the Shhing sound. Instead of a vacuum I used a hairdryer pluged next to my glider. I just had to reach down turn it on and point it to the ceiling - Lindsay would finally go out like a light! My sanity was restored!

If you are interested in the book or video search for it on Ebay. The Happiest Baby on the Block

Good Luck!

This is cool. : "Denny's "

They can eat free on Saturday nights too! :)

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

Cute story. Cute baby! :) I guess the moral is, never say never! And of course, every baby is different, so you just never know!

Overdue! : "Brotherly Love"

Like CheezieMommie, your post reminds me of when my second son was born...Colby was not yet 2 years old. I had the same concerns as you. But, to see them bond and grow to love one another....it's a great thing! You will see that they will be best friends and brothers....Sure, there will be fights - but, my focus has always been on shaking hands, giving a hug and forgiving after saying "I'm sorry." They can almost do it on their own now....keep sharing! ;)

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

i like the cd idea!! and that sleeping position...OMG. yeah, aidan's neck didn't do that! she really does look like she's trying to redo womb like position!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

Ewww! :)

The sanity during my insanity. : "My miracle vacuum"

This made me laugh. I can just see you vacuuming all day! It's funny the things we do for our kids; especially the things we said we'd never do.

mr.oscat's jukebox : "thank you rb.com parents "

wow - thank you - this is too cool. we've got some really great feedback since we've played Friday, more so than any other show we've done. i'll tell you what, i'll trade you....if you'll join our email list (spam free; proud to be) at www.mroscat.com (check out the video for ducks in a row) i'll send you via email or on cd-r a copy of "greeting from bakersfield" by my old band, the wichitas. who knows, maybe i'll add anouther song or two to it. fair??? square??? wadda-ya think??? btw - we are re-recording "greetings" for the next c.d. due in spring 09

mr.oscat's jukebox : "thank you rb.com parents "

My girls and I had a great time! You did a wonderful job - we loved it!

mr.oscat's jukebox : "thank you rb.com parents "

Mr. Oscat you've definately got three new huge fans! Lindsey, Ethan and I loved your show. We bought an official Mr. Oscat kazoo and one of your CDs. I played it today for Ethan and he danced all around our room. I'll be picking-up another couple of CDs to send to family. Thank you for the wonderful show as it way very enjoyable and entertaining. I just wish your Bakersfield Postcard song was on the CD as Lindsey and I both thought that was a fantastic song. We look forward to the next concert. Keep rock'n.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Miss Hollywood's Dance Recital"

We've been completely satisfied. It's a smaller place than some others in town and around the same cost if not cheaper than some. Holly's teacher is "Miss Devin" and she loves her teacher! Holly is in the Saturday 11am "tutu-tots" class and they do Tap and Ballet every class. They also have a variety of class times throughout the week so you can pick what works for you. Now, I have nothing to compare it to other than from my original price research, but I certainly have no complaints and Holly loves it. That's a good enough bottom line for me.

Slowing Down the Blur : "Miss Hollywood's Dance Recital"

I don't know why it took me so long to come back and check on your answer :) Anyway, Dancer's Turnout is where we are considering sending our daughter this fall, can I get your opinion on the place?

Overdue! : "Brotherly Love"

I heard that one of the best gifts you can give your child is a sibling and I know that is SO true! This was a really sweet post and had me remembering my daughter when she was developing her role as big sister :)

mr.oscat's jukebox : "free mr.oscat show @ borders books this friday"

thanks heatherbee... drums????? haha- your neighbors will love you for that...i talked to bruce, our drummer, this morning, and he said his favorite part of the evening was during "the neighborhood" where we sing "papa ray rides himself a bike made for two" and your son rang the bells from the book at the perfect time to the song. it gets no better than that, does it? (correct answer = no, it doesn't)

and, always great to have your family at the shows, kellmafmarjathan. you have a great family. got a real kick out of your daughter in the meet and greet line the second time. it makes for great memories of these shows.

Living My Childhood Dream : "Life After Three."

This is so true. I watched Carson eat a booger today!

mr.oscat's jukebox : "free mr.oscat show @ borders books this friday"

Thanks for the show, we enjoyed it and will come again! I have the blonde, curly 'pre-drummer' and I told his dad what you said about getting him into lessons. He sighed and said,"I knew it. Well, start saving the egg cartons so I can sound-proof his room!" hehe His brother is a (loud) drummer so he knows the deal.

Going to check out your video. Have a wonderful weekend!

Heather B

Slowing Down the Blur : "It's not Fruit and Cake"

hey Kevin.... that is great. hope the trip is real productive for you... and, sure, rub it in (cool and raining...)

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Mommy was a Good Girl"

<sigh> I think it must be a natural mommy-obsession to keep Play-doh pristine. And a natural kid-obsession to mix it and make poo. Well, I figured I'd let them play with the Play-Doo rather than the real-doo. Just trust me here, never ever get the hair-cutting salon with Play-Doh. Talk about a mess!

Heather B

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

Heather, the wet wipes have helped our family out of a....errrrr.....sticky situation more than once. We keep them in both bathrooms. They are in the TP aisle. I highly reccomend them, especially for new wipers!

Heather B

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

Bleach.....straight, clorox bleach is your only hope! A Hazmat suit may be required....two or three pairs of gloves and a well ventilated working area. Good luck!! :0) Ethan and my oldest must know share their tales behind our backs! This was a similar event (sans chocolate cake and the tasting bit) when Colby was just starting Kindergarten.....in my attempts to make him self sufficient, I stressed to him wiping until he was clean. Let's just say, I made the same choice to "wait until next month" at that time during the summer....I still double check before he sets foot off the potty; however, his technique has improved a lot since last year....all in good time.

Living My Childhood Dream : "No Regrets."

love that picture of mitch!!! i hear your complaints, although, you should be aware i envision you as a supermom. the extent i go to to make sure no one gets injured on hot food is saying "it's hot." note to self, don't let my boys and christina's kids compare mommies. will lose the comparison.

On-Air : "T.P."

you're hilarious! this is so true. i'm just remembering last week when we were rationing our TP so we didn't have to make a special trip just to get more. glad that didn't happen now. would have felt judged! :)

There's a first time for everything : "Our squirmy wormy is a boy!"

As much as I adore Sonya (Mom2CandC) i think her "low maintenance" boys switched her sweet and low with some recreational drug. You KNOW why i have funny things to write about. BOYS! :) just re-visit some of the stuff you picked out to publish a year ago!

seriously though, congratulations! i honestly do adore my boys. What makes boys even more special is when they remind you of your husband. seems too good to be true. i love it!!

and, boys (especially with a good momma like you) will be loyal to the core. God has to give us something to counteract not getting to pick out wedding attire with them :).

The sanity during my insanity. : "Why blog???"

love it!! it's so true. i've posted some stuff specific just to the baby to remember forever. and i hate that he's getting so much bigger. i feel the frustration of their neediness and the abolutely overwhelming euphoria it brings at the same time. great blog!!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

there was a bit in that Baby Mama movie with Tina Fey that was just like this! Only it was the MOM of the child that did the licking! HILARIOUS!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

Ahhh. the Wiping.

That's all I have to say :)

Everyday life at home.... : "Looking for fun things to keep the kids entertained INSIDE!"

Thanks to both of you for the well wishes and suggestions. I have a puzzle table set out and we are working on a puzzle together, then we go to something else. I have some books on CD that I got during the Scholastic Book order times this past year in preschool, they are fun (but seasonal, I'm afraid!) I will have one of the grandma's come to drop some things off to us, maybe they will get us a few from the library... we have a few board games, memory, Mousetrap, jr. scrabble, the oldest son loves these...the youngest just loves to mess them up once they are ready....sometimes not the best choice, except during naptime for little guy.

The kids have done the print and color pages from PlayhouseDisney, and others. In fact, I probably need to get ink cartridges since they were printing things off their Jumpstart game on the pc. (Also a great game if you haven't heard about it), Costco sells the Jumpstart CD's for different grades. I bought it to help prep my oldest for kindergarten, and the youngest has done amazing things with it! It teaches teamwork, helping others, caring for animals, letters, numbers, colors, shapes.....I could go on and on! Anyway, this is my quiet time right now, so I think I'll take a nap. I just wanted to say thanks! You had great ideas!

p.s. I am starting to feel better, if I could just stop coughing so much!!

I Have to Laugh or I'll Cry : "Utterly Unspeakable"

LOL!!! I am laughing so hard at my desk after I read the last few lines... that was so funny!!!

Everyday life at home.... : "Looking for fun things to keep the kids entertained INSIDE!"

When we run out of things todo, I'll sometimes find a website where you can print out little art projects or coloring pages for free and that keeps them busy for a bit. They like the idea of being able to pick out whatever character and color page they want... gets them motivated to get artsy.

I hope you guys all feel better soon!!

Living My Childhood Dream : "Life After Three."

heck, i let the first one do that. if it could be done a hundred years ago without having child protective services on you, i don't see why we can't do it now.