Recent Blog Posts: Raising Bakersfield

What IS middle aged?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:26:10 PDT

Well, I suppose that Heather's Barcelona Chronicles - Part 1 got me thinking....I have become accustomed to being called "ma'am" and the like by younger than me kids working at pizza places and the like. My age was an issue when I reached 30 - it was a tough one! Now that I am in my late-mid 30's....it's not that big a deal...(I can't believe I said that!) Anyway, my hubby and I were chatting the other day about our aging family, and what the heck was middle aged anyway? Our kids' playmates called us Mr. and Mrs. Adams, or Colby's Mom - as most of the friends like to call me. I suppose that I have always felt older than I really am...not sure why!

So, as we joked about our 20 year high school reunion approaching next July....I said to my love, we are nearing our 40's and that means middle age! (with a smile of course)! So, he said, "No, I'm not middle aged! Far from! Our parents are middle aged, not me!" Okay sweetie, whatever you choose to believe is your dream...my mom is in her mid-60's or thereabouts....that's the upper end of middle age, isn't it? His parents are in their early 60's too. So, we googled "middle aged" and I guess we both are right. 40-65 is what the consensus is...what do you all think? Have you had this discussion with your spouses? I guess that we all have our own perspective on things....I didn't want to talk about it before I turned 30....now, it's just a number! You are only as old as you allow yourself to feel!

The Barcelona Chronicles - Part I

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:43:32 PDT

The Barcelona Chronicles

Part I

I am at the point in my life where I neither feel young nor old. I know have opponents in the field who say I should still very much consider myself young. But enough whipper snappers have referred to me as ma’am, and thus, I have accepted my fate as being older than the young even if I’m not older than the old. At any rate, it recently occurred to me my mind feels quite like a rubber band. Sometimes it stretches to great lengths, and other times it contracts and I ask complete strangers what the date is several times over in the course of a single day. Today it is stretching. Stretching back to a time which seems so very long ago, yet it has not even been ten years. However, it was before marriage and before children. So as you can see, it was a very, very long time ago.

I was preparing to sign up for the summer semester following my second year of law school when I had come across a flyer in the library. It advertised a semester abroad in one of several countries over the summer break. My attention was truly peaked because I had already done a semester abroad in Florence, Italy during my sophomore year in college. Oh, to go to Europe again. I had to at least make an inquiry. It turned out that taking two summer classes at the University of San Diego during the summer would cost double the amount of taking three summer classes abroad. That cost included my tuition, renting an apartment, the flight over there, spending money, and still paying the rent on my apartment in La Jolla since I did not want to lose it for the next school year. Half the cost and an experience of a lifetime? It was a fortuitous thing I already had a passport.

I chose Barcelona, Spain for reasons I am still not sure of. I suppose I cannot escape the fact that the Mediterranean calls out for me…it is in my bloodline. I remember telling my father, both while I was there and once I arrived back home, I did not care for Barcelona. My reasons were juvenile. I suppose I wanted to see something quaint, a picture which had manifested itself from a young girl’s expectations. Barcelona was big, bustling, and dirty. That is what I told him.

But now I can see that those opinions were formed in the journey, not the destination. The journey from my apartment to the cathedral was dismal but I adored the cathedral. The journey from the university to the park was frightening but I adored the park. Maybe it is collective blocking, but I hardly remember the journeying anymore. I simply see the destinations. And oh, what destinations they were.

To feel the pulse of Barcelona is to taste it with your eyes. I can hardly envision standing on the gold and course sand of the Costa Brava without tasting the salty air of the Mediterranean in my mouth. I can’t remember an outdoor café without tasting olive oil and freshly crushed tomatoes making a natural symphony of flavor in my mouth. And sangria, sangria is the heart of the city. Every time I make it in the comfort of my own home I remember the dark pit of a tavern where my lips where first introduced to its amazing flavor; how I still taste the wet wood my hand carved goblet was made from as it held the dark and sweet substance I am still so fond of.

Humor me as I retell my experiences of Barcelona in these chronicles. Part one was my introduction. Part two will be my apartment in the ghetto.

She's Got Skills

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:59:44 PDT

I am constantly in awe of what the kiddo can verbalize. Her thinking and problem solving amaze me.

Last week we were in Redding, and the kiddo spent a good amount of time with a friend of hers. They had a great time swimming, playing at the park, pretending to be veterinarians, racing cars, etc. On the last day as we were packing up our things, she announced, "I don't want to leave Redding." Typical parent response: "We have to go home. Our house is there. We live there. Our dog is there." Blah, blah, blah. You get the idea of what we told her. We thought that would be the end of that conversation. I don't know why we thought that. The kiddo always has a plan as to how to get what she wants. So, matter-of-factly she tells us, "Well, we'll go home, pack up all our clothes, put the dog in the car, and we'll move to Redding. We can bring all our stuff here." Silence from us. Then giggles. She just tickles us with her "plans." I don't ever want her to give up her plans.

Today her Auntie Bits took her to lunch for her birthday. (It's "birthday week" as Bits puts it. Both she and the kiddo have birthdays this week.) When the server came to the table to take their orders, the kiddo ordered like a big girl, "So I hear you have spaghetti here. Well, I don't want spaghetti. I'd like ravioli instead, please." Good for her for expressing what she wants. That makes this mama proud!

As the hubby and I were standing in the kitchen and once again talking about the kiddo's verbal prowess, he said, "Well, at least she learning what we set out to teach her - problem solving, expressing herself, speaking up - and she sounds a lot like you!" "Me?!" "Uh, yeah, definitely you." I'm pretty sure he meant that as a compliment.

Noses - 'Nuff Said

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:40:46 PDT

As we were relaxing on the sofa the other night, the kiddo poked/tweaked my nose which elicited an "Ouch! Don't do that!" from me. I immediately realized I had raised my voice at her, and so I apologized. Of course the kiddo showed me that she could do the same thing to her nose, and it didn't hurt. Realizing she was right, I explained, "I know that doesn't hurt you, Honey. But see, Mommy doesn't have a soft, squishy nose like yours, so it hurts me when you push my nose." To my surprise, the kiddo summarized, "You are white. You have a hard nose. Me and Daddy are brown, so we have squishy noses." Try explaining to an almost 4 year old that Mommy has German blood in her, and that is probably where I get my "hard" nose, but not all white people have hard noses. Ha ha. Right now, she only sees me as white. Well, it's a starting point. I'm sure we have many more of these conversations to come.

Transplant Update #2

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:26:38 PDT

Just a quick update on this one: my niece is doing well. Urine output is good ( I know, not exactly dinner table talk, but when it comes to a kidney transplant, urine output is beautiful!). The kidney's filtration still needs to improve - as the renal specialist says, "It is still waking up." But if all goes well, she should be home Tuesday or Wednesday. Oh, Happy Day!

Did I really say that??

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:29:24 PDT

LOL Some woman at Walmart this morning thinks I am the worst mom ever... We were walking down the aisle, with my daughter in the cart and my son hanging off of the side of it. Slightly distracted, I told him, "Get on the front of the cart so I don't smack you on the aisle." Lady at the corner of my eye gave me a double-take, like "Did you REALLY say that??" I then realized just what that sounded like, and said, "I don't want to bump you on the edge of the aisle, so get on the end of the cart..." LOL But the damage was probably already done, as she continued to walk down the aisle and probably didn't hear me correct myself. I REALLY didn't mean I was going to smack him, just that I didn't want him to smack into the shelves or the edge of the aisle... *blush*

Quaking at Disneyland

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:04:53 PDT

We're back from Dland and it was a great trip! We got up early on Tuesday and walked from our Hotel to the entrance where we were first in line (for the regular folks, not the magic morning people, but still exciting for the kids). We went immediately to Nemo, based on consensus recommendation. It was ok. It was a little intense for Holly. It was not all that I expected, but it was OK. We waited an hour to get on. Maybe that's why it was just ok to me. Then we headed to Autopia. The kids loved it. The next ride was cool. The Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster ride. I got 53,700 points, beating Jill by 50,700. And the kids loved it, too. From there we went to the Fantasy Faire where Holly was made a princess, and then we got in line to meet them! at 11:42 I started looking round to figure out what ride was vibrating the ground. At the same time that I determined it was actually an earthquake, the earth made it abundantly clear. It moved over a foot, knocking several people off their feet. Here's the funny part. It became the indicator of where all the people in line were from. Non-Californians ran in large numbers away from the lines screaming at their families that they had to get out of the park, while people from California just moved forward and took their spots. So we didn't have to wait as long to meet the princesses, which as hoped, was the highlight of Holly's trip.

They did shut all the rides down for a couple hours to be inspected, but we had planned on leaving the park for nap time anyway, so our day was not overly affected. We spent the rest of the day in much shorter lines. It was not crowded enough to make fast pass an efficient option, so we never even used it. We got on most rides in under 15 minutes wait time.

So, Earthquake included, it was a great day; everything we could have hoped for on our kids' first visit. We took our own double stroller and that was a good choice. I was super impressed by the fireworks and we were able to keep the kids propped up and semi-awake until about 11:30. Then we walked to our hotel and crashed. Great day!

10% Off all salon services at K Le Salon

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:41:13 PDT

Bring this coupon into 1220 Truxtun Ave., Ste. D and receive 10% off all salon services: Hair, Nails, Skin Care, Massage & Spa Treatments, Facial/Body Waxing. Call 325-3210 for an appointment.

K Le Salon

The grandmas meet

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:46:02 PDT

This weekend marked another special event for the Burger-Baldwin family. My mom drove down from Idaho for a visit (to see my tummy and feel the baby move) and so we went on a little road trip to Mission Viejo to introduce her to James' family. The two grandmas hit it off — they were giggling like children themselves, full of smiles and hugs!

We also got to see James' dad, sisters, and brothers-in-law. And of course the star of the day was James' nephew Kael, who has just over three months left of being the center of attention before Kael's little sister enters the world — and his baby cousin! Kael's mom Julie is due just two weeks before we are. So there was belly touching all around.

Also this weekend, my mom spoiled me at the maternity store at Valley Plaza. I picked out my first pairs of maternity pants. I felt silly at first about the stretchy belly area, but once they were on — so comfortable! Same with the oh-so-cute jean skirt.

Another perk of the weekend was taking my mom to the Crystal Palace where she got to see Buddy Owens perform with the Buckaroos and we shared a giant dessert. (Although I probably ate the majority of it). It was my fave - chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. Mmmm, my mouth is watering just remembering it!

What a wonderful weekend we had!

Hello there!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:13:53 PDT

Just trying this out for the first time here. I'll come back soon to say more but you can always check out my main blog at: http://blog.jkmichaels.com/

Life after Ectopic Pregnancy

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:03:54 PDT

THIS MAY BE A LITTLE TOO MUCH FOR SOME READERS...

In June, I went to Sendas Urgent Care to have my tummy checked out...I was having some abdominal pain. I knew I was pregnant and was scheduled to see my doctor the next day. Something told me that I needed to get to a doctor before my appointment, and quick! I was sent away in an ambulance to be told at the hospital that I had an ectopic pregnancy. I researched ectopic pregnancies when I first felt pain, so I knew that there was a possibility there, but was praying that I was just being a whimp. My right tube was taken due to the ruptured pregnancy. I was torn to pieces. My husband and I were so excited before this happened and we had even told my 5 year old. She would rub my belly and say things like, "I can't wait to see the new baby." My heart shattered. Finally I told her that the stork that brings babies to people has to find us another baby because he got lost. She was ok with that, thankfully, although she had several questions before she accepted that answer, being that she's very intelligent. I went to great lengths to get her to believe me. My question is, have any of you ever experienced an ectopic pregnancy and if so, what was life like after that devastating event for you and your family?

miss val @ russo's in the marketplace

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:40:06 PDT

i just got back from watching "miss val" at russo's. she plays and sings and tells stories and does a great job entertaining the younger set. she is there every wednesday at 10 a.m. for a half hour. we met afterwards and she is a really nice gal. so..... just go!!!!

Back to school shopping

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:26:16 PDT

School starts earlier and earlier every year. When I was a kid we always went back to school in September, right after Labor Day. This year the kids go back to school on Aug. 18th. Summer has definitely gone quickly and we are all feeling the push to accomplish the many things on our summer to-do lists before school starts. For me, this includes back to school shopping. It's so hot here when school starts that I refuse to buy an entire back to school wardrobe. A few new t shirts for the boys to replace the ones they have stained, torn, or otherwise ruined during vacation. But for the most part their existing supply of shorts will do until the weather turns and it is time to buy long pants.

My biggest challenge is with my oldest son, who will be in the 8th grade. He hates shopping and has little concern for his appearance. It makes me crazy! The boy would wear the same shirt for days if I let him. It was so much easier when he was young and I just said, "Wear this". We will be going shopping at the mall together this Saturday for the aforementioned t shirts and some new socks. Maybe this will be the year that he actually cares about what we buy. A mother can hope.

The advice is working!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:02:53 PDT

Well you guys... I just wanted to let you know that I took your advice on "ways to organize my daughter's room", and it worked. I put some tubs in her room for toys and books and she has a blast cleaning. I have also been putting stars on a chart for her for every time she cleans her room and she is so excited! Wow! Was my mind blank or what? I had been trying to discipline her with a nutshell for a brain. :) Thx u guys!

Little Pitchers Have Big Ears...

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:40:13 PDT

Last night my 3 and a half year old was playing 'store," one of her favorite pretending games, and so she was giving me things to ring up, since I was the "payer lady." As I was totaling her items, she pulled out one of those return postcards that come inside magazines and handed it to me, then asked, "Do you take competitors coupons?" Her Dad and I then proceeded to laugh our heads off for the next ten minutes.

I guess it's no secret I like to shop and as a result she is often along for the ride. Well apparently she over-heard me ask the saleswoman that very same question earlier that day and repeated it in her role-playing. Aside from giving us a good laugh, it is a reminder of how much our kids imitate our actions, both good and bad. Believe me, I've been the victim of both! But it's also great to know that so much of what they learn comes from us and we have the tremendous opportunity, and responsibility, that goes along with that privilege.

The dreaded budget for July

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:38:19 PDT

The month is almost over and it's time to tally up the budget for July. Brian and I were talking about it over the weekend, he said he was glad I was trying to get us on a budget and figure out where all our money goes, but I didn't tell him any other details about the spending. I said I'd show him at the end of the month. Our grocery & extra splurge stuff spending as just over $1300 for the month, over $300 for lunches/dinners for the month, $380 in gas, then the almighty $3,000 for utilities/mortgage, etc. bills. For a grand total of just over $5,000 for the whole month. That's alot of money when you think about it. Especially when you think that we don't always have that much coming in every month. Looking at the spreadsheet I realized I have all the bills in the wrong month, everything is written a month ahead, i.e. I put the august house pymt in the july column. Oops, guess I'd better fix those things.

Transplant Update

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:29:44 PDT

Our niece is now scheduled for transplant surgery at 1 a.m. The donor is a 4 year old. Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers. Also, our niece's blood pressure is high - this needs to be under control.

This doesn't seem real. We've needed this for so long. In the midst of finding out information about the transplant, donor, etc., everyone's head swims. The waiting, the anticipation, the thinking about the body accepting the new organ, . . . emotions are on overdrive.

Amazing. Again, thank you, God, for keeping our niece alive.

Perfect Timing

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:37:57 PDT

My niece is getting a kidney - tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's the story? Lupus runs in the family. It's evil. Family members have transplants, joint replacements, and quite a few have passed away.

My niece was diagnosed when she was in her teens. She's been on dialysis for a long time now. Family members volunteered their kidneys, but no one was a good candidate for being a donor. My niece has often been too sick to undergo the transplant surgery which has complicated the process beyond explanation. So, today, the family received a call from U.C.L.A. - they have a perfect match for my niece! And right now my niece is relatively healthy - healthy enough to have the surgery. Today is THE DAY! As soon as the family arrives, my niece will be rushed in and prepped. Surgery should take place in a couple of hours!!!!!

I am so thankful. I am thankful for the donor family. I am thankful that my niece will be able to finish college now. I am thankful she will live the life she is destined to live. There really are no words to express the gratitude our entire family feels.

Yay, God!

You are an irresponsible parent...

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:37:04 PDT

...if you take your young children to PG-13 and R movies. I won't apologize for being blunt. You just are. Selfish and irresponsible. Jill and I went to see the Dark Knight today. It was a good movie, and on the upper end of the PG-13 graphic violence and disturbing images scale. I have always had a problem with people who bring their children to inappropriate movies to save money on babysitting. They have no reservations about bringing the child carriers and diaper bags and crying kids into slasher and violence and horror movies. But today pushed me over the edge. Several rows behind us, only a few minutes into the movie, a crying scared young girl was begging, literally begging, for her parents to take her out of the theater, saying over and over "I don't want to be here." Her parents told her to sit down and watch the movie. She couldn't have been more than 6 or 7. I pulled a theater manager aside to tell him he has traumatized children in his theater and that I know it is policy to leave the discretion up to the parents, but we are dealing with irresponsible parents. He fully agreed with me and explained that even though he wholeheartedly agrees with me, he can't prevent the kids from going in with their parents, because they can be and have been sued. So I responded with "But you see the kids coming in, can't you say anything to these parents like 'this is really a violent movie, too violent for young children?'" He said that is something I can do, as in me; that the movies have their ratings and that is pretty much where the movie industry washes its hands of responsibility.

So here it is, since it is apparently my responsibility, Don't take your children to movies that are not intended for them. Either spend the money on a babysitter or wait until the DVD is out. If you take your child into these movies, you are irresponsible and need to do some growing up yourself. If I just offended you because you see no problem with this, PLEASE comment and defend your position. Then we can add your very own words to the CPS case file.

Seriously, there were parts of this movie where I closed my eyes because the Joker was holding a knife in a trembling someone's mouth about to cut through his cheeks. Don't worry, that's not a big plot givaway. But if it is hard for me to watch, imagine the tortured little girl behind me.

So please, I really do want hear your justification for taking your kids to these movies. Really, I'm trying to understand, because it seems to be so commonplace. Or is it just that lack of common sense has become common? Sadly, I think I know the answer, but just for fun, I want to hear it from you (the irresponsible selfish parents) anyway. Give it your best shot.

My Gym Class in Pictures

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:12:37 PDT

The kiddo loves her My Gym class, but sometimes she has her own plans. After setting up the orange cones, she grabbed one and started yelling, "Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a show!" Meanwhile the teacher was trying to gather up the children for circle time.

That's my kid. She just wants to do her own thing.

Two day a week preschool!

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:53 PDT

Hi, my name is Heather Ball and I recently started a preschool in my home. I am a stay at home mom and I started it for my daughter who will now be going to kindergarten this year. I had so much fun that I decided to make this my part-time career. I have over 12 years experience teaching children above and beyond my own. I am looking for a couple more children to join me starting Aug. 19. We follow the Norris School District schedule and have the same breaks they do, ie Christmas and Spring Break. If you have a child that you would don't want to leave full time, or you would like a three hour break twice a week, or your child would please check us out. Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12. We do reading readiness, writing, art, math, science, social studies, movement and music. A snack is provided. I am also lisenced by the state.

Heather's House Preschool

12106 Ruby River Dr.

449-8228

hball@bak.rr.com (Starting Monday July, 28 after 5pm)

If you are interested or know anyone who would be I would appriciate the leads.

Heather Ball

All Is Well

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:20:23 PDT

We've been house bound for a couple of days now. The kiddo and I both have cabin fever, but I am happy to say that after much rest and a good start on the antibiotics, she is almost back to her normal self. It amazes me that after 24 hours of meds, she perked up so quickly. And then after a 3 hour nap yesterday and sleeping in till 8:30 this morning (yes, that is sleeping in; anything after 7 is considered sleeping in), she was feeling off the charts better.

I'll still have her take a nap tomorrow, and we are keeping her home one more day. Books, movies, games, puzzles, play dough - that should keep us occupied.

I am so thankful she's getting better.

Thanks for making the Preschool and Activity Fair a success!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:47:17 PDT

Our Preschool and Activity Fair at Riverview Park was a wonderful morning--we had a great turnout of both service providers and parents and children. Thank you all for making this event a rousing success, and definitely a template for future events. If you discovered RaisingBakersfield.com through this morning's event, welcome, and we hope you return often!

We invite all who attended, both service providers and parents, to leave comments on this blogpost to let us know what you thought--things that went well, things that can be improved upon next time, general impressions. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

The First Movie

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:08:47 PDT

We took our 3 year old to see Wall-E today at Edwards Cinema at the Marketplace. It was the first time he has been to a movie in the movie theater, and he did SO WELL! He has been talking about wanting to see Wall-E, so we had my parents come over to watch our daughter, and took our son out to lunch at Que Pasa (he had a fish taco) and to a movie. He sat on the little booster seat they have available, and sat quietly (for the most part) for the entire movie! He was so cute! While we were waiting for the movie to start, he would point to people coming in and say "That girl is going to see Wall-E too!" The movie proved to be a bit over his head, but I think he still enjoyed it. :) My husband got a bit of a nap, and I felt like I needed one afterwards, but all in all it was a great experience!

Grocery shopping by myself....a LUXURY!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:46:41 PDT

I'm not sure if this falls under the "You know you're a mom when...." or just my selfish need for a little quiet time - however and whenever I can get it! I have been under the weather lately, and the heat just makes me cranky! So, I have stayed at home, in the cool and dark house with the a/c on 80, ceiling fans cranked, and doing only the absolute necessities in house work! So, when I realized the other night that we only had ONE nighttime diaper for the TWO boys (and they each needed one...) I took the opportunity to leave the boys playing at home with dad, who had been at work all day - but didn't seem to mind me splitting alone....ALONE! Whoa....you'd think I was on my way to the spa or some hot date with a friend in a far off place! I was gone for a short time, probably only about 45 minutes total. BUT, it was 45 minutes of TOTAL PEACE and QUIET!

I didn't have to worry about: the boys running around the store, stepping on my toes or hiding behind the tall bin of outside balls that seem to find their way into the cart and in our yard, running the cart into my heals - or those of others who are not as understanding, kids wanting sugary treats that I have to pry from their hands....or worse, having to threaten them with a time out, losing a treat or a spanking for not listening. Yes, I suppose I lead a pretty boring life.....I have realized that if my highlight is actually being able to shop for nighttime diapers and milk by myself (with an extra trip to a discount store to buy recycling bins for the garage) as an added bonus! I need to get out more often!

Although, we did take a trip out this morning, and it reminded me of why I REALLY treasure those times by myself! We made three stops....1. to a friends house to drop off a donation to their MOPS event next weekend 2. We had to stop two separate places to find the right size and color hat for Dad to wear at work and 3. The grocery store to get a few things for dinner the next few nights. In less than 2 hours, I had said, "Don't touch!" "Please listen to me and come here!" or something along those lines at least 40 million times!!! The guys in the stores we were in were pretty good natured - the first store, the owner tried to make me feel better by saying, "Well, they are boys!" REALLY? I guess he was trying to be funny.....I was ready to scream at the top of my lungs (which would have made me cough like a barking seal....pretty funny, I suppose!) "Why won't you boys just listen for goodness sake?!?" Oh yes, because you are boys and I need a vacation.....ALONE! :P

Disneyland!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:24:04 PDT

I can't believe it, but one of the official Mantles of Parenting has been bestowed upon my wife and I: we are going to Disneyland... today! We're actually already in Anaheim getting psyched for the coming hour. Lindsey and I are super stoked that we're here. We've talked for a while about whether Ethan is too young, but we think he will love it. We're doing this as an alternative to paying a bunch of money for a party for his 2nd birthday. I think it is a win-win-win situation.

The best part is that Vons has 3-Day park-hopper tickets for only $99 each! A normal 1-day hopper ticket is $91 at Disneyland. What a fantastic deal. We've never been to California Adventure so we're pretty set on giving that a shot. Another cool thing is that Ringling Brothers Circus is down here at the Honda Center. http://www.ringling.com/

Another activity we are planning on is the Discovery Cube science center. I've seen it off Interstate 5 a bunch of times and have always wanted to stop there. The website looks really cool so we're excited about that as well. http://www.discoverycube.org

We've been wanting to go to Medieval Times for a few years as well, so maybe we will sneak on over to there as well. I'm not sure if Ethan will enjoy it or freak-out. Lindsey and I will likely consider this event, but might save it for a Date Escape later this year or early next year. http://www.medievaltimes.com/Locations/Buena-Park-Castle.aspx

We found a great priced hotel using http://www.sidestep.com, and the hotel includes shuttle service to Disneyland so we don't have to drive and pay for parking. Very excited. Well, time for me to jet as the Great Mouse awaits.

BEST PEDIATRICIAN IN BAKERSFIELD

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:36:37 PDT

I highly recommed Dr. Bustamante's office. I have personally been taking my kids to him for over 10 years. Never once, have I had a reason to complian!! He is at 300 Old River RD. 661-663-4700. He is the BEST!!

Preschool and Activity Fair Tomorrow!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:35:29 PDT

RaisingBakersfield.com's Preschool and Activity Fair is tomorrow! Check out the video to the left of us talking about it on KBFX's Better Bakersfield program on Wednesday, and here's the article that ran in yesterday's weekend Go&Do/Calendar section in The Bakersfield Californian's Eye Street. See you there!

Come to RaisingBakersfield.com's Preschool and Activity Fair on Sat., July 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the gym at Riverview Park (401 Willow Dr., 93308) to meet folks from a variety of area preschools, daycares and activity providers. Refreshments will be provided - and it's free!

Check out RaisingBakersfield.com's interactive childcare and preschool map to see what's near you. Is your preschool or daycare not on the map? Add it!

Join RaisingBakersfield.com and talk to other parents, start a journal, share photos, find discounts and deals, and find family-friendly events and activities.

Questions? Contact info@raisingbakersfield.com.

I Wish I Would Have . . .

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:26:43 PDT

taken the kiddo to the doctor. Of course, I say this in hindsight of today's events. A couple of days ago the kiddo complained of a sore throat. She had a bit of a dry cough and quickly developed a raspy voice. I chalked it all up to allergies. Then last night, fever hits, not high, but still a clear fever. She was lethargic all day today. Then about 5:00, she starts feeling better. She got up off the sofa and played, and I was so pleased to see she was feeling better. I think it's over. Then around 7:00 I hear, "I itch, Mommy." Her arms are bright red and as rough as sand paper. The same rash is blossoming on her torso. It's on her thighs and moving southward. I wish I would have taken her to the doctor.

Why do symptoms present themselves so slowly sometimes?

Guess what I'm doing at 8:00 a.m. on the dot tomorrow?

Can you recommend a pediatrician?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:46:04 PDT

I am wondering if anyone out there can recommend your pediatrician to us? We are currently taking our 4 month old daughter to my childhood pediatrician but I need to find another one. He is good but he is older, too difficult for my wife to understand, and has old-fashioned ideas on breastfeeding and what not.

Dr. Shah was recommended and is a top pick by the community, but he does not take our insurance. We have Gemcare/Bluecross (which just changed to Anthem Blue Cross).

We would like to find someone who is easy to talk to and up to date with with "the latest" on infant care.

Please shre your knowledge!

Nap Time Makes Me Think

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:36:37 PDT

It is my second favorite time of the day: nap time. (My first favorite is when my wife comes home). Ethan knocks out like clockwork at 1:30 every day. He usually sleeps until 3:30-4:30 pm before he is up and running again. This little break gives me time to blog, study (graduate courses), clean, and otherwise catch my breath. The odd thing though is that some days the quiet isn't really all that great. Some days I really miss my son running around creating chaos and birthing havoc. Today is one of those days. I can't wait for him to wake-up again so we can hang-out together.

As any parent knows that isn't an everyday thing. A few days I wish my son would take a super nap and wake-up around 8:00am the next morning. Those days are filled with screeching, crying, wailing, exhaustion, tantrums, throwing food, and other similar behaviors. Of course, those are all just from me. Ethan is worse. Thank God that those does are becoming rarer than they were a few months ago. Being stay-at-home can really wear one down.

My wife and I have been talking a lot about our situation. I graduate in the Fall as I'll be finishing my final 3 unit senior sem course. During the Fall I'm going to start a serious job search. This search will hopefully take us out of Bakersfield. I really would like to find a job leading a team or doing creative work. After locating a position my wife will resign her job and will switch over to being stay-at-home herself.

We thought the stay-at-home father thing made sense as she was making almost twice what I was at the time. What we've come to learn is that it just isn't natural for these roles to be reversed in this way. She is finding it hard to experience fulfillment from her job, and I am likewise finding it hard to have complete fulfillment from being stay-at-home. I need to be the provider, the protector, the hunter/gatherer. I hate to say it, but from this experience "old fashioned" seems to be a better choice.

My kid and her room

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:30:57 PDT

Does anyone have any tips for my kid cleaning her room? She's 5, so, let's see what ya got... I have taken away t.v. time, put her on time out, taken away toys... She will sit there and look at it until she gets tired of doing that, and then come ask me if I'll help her. I wanna freak! I'm a neat-freak, so I always end up doing it myself. What can I do?

Getting Sentimental Again.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:52:16 PDT

Gosh, it seems like any little thing can get me all sentimental lately.

It wasn’t even the content of the program on my son’s 8-year-old Blue’s Clues VHS. It was the commercials at the beginning. The cute little preschoolers hamming it up before the show started. They were preschoolers eight years ago, but today would be 11 or 12. The lesson: time flies quickly when you have kids. Eight years seem like not that big of a deal to me—I was just graduating from college eight years ago. It doesn’t seem like such a long time, but with kids it will be. So much will change over eight years. I must cherish and savor every day with my young ones. It will be no time before they’re all grown up.

The weight gain is well underway

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:57:44 PDT

Well, folks, I am really gaining weight now. I just weighed myself and I am up to 181 pounds. (I'm not shy to share!) My lowest during the pregnancy has been 163, after all the sickness and throwing up. I started the pregnancy at 172.

But "The Book" (how I refer to "What to Expect When Expecting") says I should be gaining about a pound a week right now, and I have gained about 6 pounds over the last two weeks. Maybe my body is just catching up. I hope the 3-pounds-a-week doesn't last. That just seems like too much. My appetite has exploded, though.

I'm at 23 weeks right now, so I'm a little over half-way through the pregnancy. In total, the average gain according to "The Book" is 30 pounds. I've gained 18 if you count from my post-sickness low, or 9 if you go back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

The most I've ever weighed in my life was 184, when I was not exercising or eating healthy. Now I eat VERY healthy, but I must admit I should do more exercising. I need to motivate myself to walk on the treadmill during my lunch break at work. But my tailbone is still sore from falling in Kansas City and I don't want to aggravate the injury. I think I'll call my doctor and see what she says.

60% Off Registration Fees

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:51:29 PDT

Receive 60% off of registration fee for each new child at Cheryl Lara Family Day Care. Regular value of $120. Call us at 397-3299 for details!

Cheryl Lara Family Daycare

Recommend a dentist for my kids?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:29:59 PDT

I'm looking for a dentist that can check my kids' teeth. Anyone have any suggestions?

So Says Solomon

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:24:12 PDT

Every now and then I start to wonder about life. Not so much about mine, not so much about yours, but about life as it is general. I was driving home around half past noon. The same way, the same way always. But, at high noon, in the middle of summer, some things look crisper, some things look duller.

An old house, small on a big lot full of dry grass, looked crisper. It is quite old. Its lack of size dates it to a time when big things did not matter; the chipped white paint and a shutter hanging by only a single brace also dates it to time’s past.

As if the perfectly centered sun in the sky illuminated only the house itself, I took a good long look at it. There were four vehicles lining the dirt driveway. All, too, were from a different time than the one I find myself in the throws of. One word came to me, one word for the house, the land, and the vehicles. Neglect.

Judging by the design of the vehicles, such material treasures would have been popular in the late seventies, early eighties at the latest. Coupled with the house, the era made sense. Only after this time did size start to matter so much. Only after this time was it inconceivable to not have separate rooms for each child and their toys.

What was the property like, then, in the late seventies? Full of energy, vibrancy, meaning? And if so, what had happened in the interim? Some could say life happened. Some could say it was simply time. I, myself, did not stop to ponder as much. As with a great many things in this world, I inevitably come to the point where I ask, “Will this happen to me?”

Will my home succumb to just passing one day to another for the next thirty years? Will such be a reflection of my life and attitudes? Another word came to me. Complacency. It usually predicates neglect, does it not? And a step further in that direction is pride.

My imagination, overactive to be sure, started to put together a story behind the little old house and the vehicles so untouched their windows were caked with dry dust from year after year of fall breezes.

A family. Father works hard, mother raises children. Most did in those times. There was always enough money. Enough for the cars, enough for the food, enough for the heat in the dead of winter, and a little extra for a brand new pair of roller skates at Christmas. But faith was misplaced. It was put in the now, the have to haves, and of course, their youth.

And yes, life happened. Time happened. Pride, then complacency, then neglect. And finally, the warning. Best transcribed by Solomon for his closing remarks in Ecclesiastes:

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw near when you say,
I have no pleasure in them”

           * * *
  "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
  And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
   “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,
   “All is vanity.”

* * *

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1, 7-8, 13-14

Our Little Mermaid

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:32:25 PDT

For three summers now, the kiddo has taken swim lessons. As of Tuesday, she has earned the privilege of using the entire pool! That's a big accomplishment for a not quite 4 year old.

Of course she must be supervised.

However, without either the kiddo or I knowing it, the instructor gave her a safety test. And then she announced, "Well Kiddo, you have now earned rights to the whole pool! You can swim anywhere you want." The kiddo was so pleased.

Now don't picture a preschooler with a perfect freestyle stroke. She's not near that. What she does know how to do is swim without panicking, get her breath when she needs, and safely swim the length of the pool. She knows the water will hold her up.

So the kiddo works on her freestyle stroke, and she also works on the butterfly. Yeah, the butterfly. I was in shock when her instructor started her on this. But when you think about it, the butterfly is technically the easiest; it's just more exhausting than the others. At almost 4 years of age, the kiddo has the energy, for sure! So, the butterfly is no big deal to her like it is to me. Makes sense.

I would be proud of the kiddo whether she was a natural fish or not, but it is so much fun to watch her swim simply because she enjoys it so much.

ASKELLY MONSTONG, PLEASE!!!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:20:54 PDT

A-mama! A-mama! Askelly monstong please!

Our 2 1/2 year old is finally really starting to talk… but we don’t understand what he is saying most the time! So we figured out a way to understand him by asking him to show us what he wants or what he is talking about. And our little boy would grab us by the hand to show us.

The other night while I was doing homework, he came up to me and said “a-mama! a-mama! askelly monstong please!”

I asked him again what he wanted and he once again said “a-mama! a-mama! askelly monstong please!”

I tried again for the third time before I ask him to “show me” but I still can’t figure out what he is saying! He finally ran back in their room and came back out yelling “Askelly monstong! Askelly monstong!” while waving a DVD in his hand… he handed me the DVD and I flipped it over to see what it was… it was a DVD of Monsters, Inc.!!! He wanted to watch it and that’s what he was saying the whole time!!!

So I got up and said “Oh, you want to watch Monsters, Inc?!?!” And he yelled, “Yesh!!! Yesh!!! Yesh!!!”

And oh, his funny and cute remarks didn’t end there… before the movie was over I had to call him for bath time… he responded, “ah, NOT!!! a-ama-woshing askelly monstong!” (Oh, no!!! I am watching a scary monster!)

THE PRINCESS HAS A NEW DO!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:56:13 PDT

Marjorie has never had a haircut since she was a baby (except of course for the occasional trim every 2 -3 months). We all loved her long hair but it was so hard to brush especially after a bath or when she gets up in the morning and it's all tangled!!! It has always been a big fight to do her hair everyday!!! So we finally decided it’s time to cut it shorter. And I am so glad we did! It’s so much easier to brush her hair (not to mention she can brush it by herself now). And my DD agreed to donate her hair to locks of love… which makes it even more rewarding!!! We are so proud of her!!!

Coffee ... and dogs

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:08:45 PDT

As you may be aware, there is a dog & cat over-population crisis in Kern County. There's never a better time to teach children about how to respect and care for animals than when children are young!

To help, The Northwest Voice is partnering with NOR, San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital, and ALPHA Canine Shelter and KGFM 101.5 radio to raise funds and awareness in our first ever Pet — Donation and Adoption Awareness Drive:

Please join us on August 16 (in the morning, before it's too hot!), and bring anything from this list:

Blankets, sheets, towels (for the shelters)
Dog/cat toys
Dry dog and cat food
Paper towels
Aluminum cans (for recycling!)
Money!

There will be a live remote by KGFM 101.5's Rachel Legan, veterinary advice on hand for questions, members of the SPCA, and adoptable dogs on site. Please bring your coffee and take your dog for a walk -- for a good cause!

There will also be drawings for FREE spay and neuter vouchers!

*Click on the flier above for more info.!

Come to RaisingBakersfield.com's Preschool and Activity Fair This Saturday!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:25:47 PDT

Check out RaisingBakersfield.com's interactive childcare and preschool map to see what's near you. Is your preschool or daycare not on the map? Add it!

Join RaisingBakersfield.com and talk to other parents, start a journal, share photos, find discounts and deals, and find family-friendly events and activities.

Questions? Contact info@raisingbakersfield.com.

Like mother, like son....my 6 year old has a major fear of needles!!!!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:34:13 PDT

Well, this was NOT a shock for me....since I was just exactly the same when I was Colby's age! I had a major fear of needles...any time I had to have a shot or labwork as a child I would scream, cry, wiggle, flail about....get the idea?? Well, I guess that I have now met my match, in a 6 year old son who is quite strong willed and very strong in his resistence! So, we went to the doctor for the annual well-child visit this week. He kept asking the nurse, doctor and me, "No shots right?" Right, no shots! So, little brother gets two shots and a finger stick for his lead level test. He cried for a second and then said, "That didn't hurt that bad!" He was happy to go home and swim with Dad. Big Brother did have to go to the lab to have some blood work....for the standard 6 year old test, CBC, Cholesterol tests....Here's where it gets interesting....I knew from the Kindergarten visit to the doctor, that we'd be in for a battle....Me (holding him like an octopus), the nurse sitting on his legs and the doctor all together to get his finger stick and two immunizations!! I NEVER wanted to do that again...

So, we talked about it and I basically bribed him into going. We took his favorite stuffed dog and went to Target to choose something he REALLY wanted (Legos $10). I then drove to the lab. He was fine until we got into the lab, then the talking (begging) and tears began. We talked about why we needed to do this, how fast we could be done and home, playing with the new legos and swimming with dad....THEN, they called us back. Down we sat, in THE CHAIR. Once I sat down first, he sat in my lap (reluctantly). Then the writing was on the wall....The arm rest went SLAM (like a jail door I guess, to Colby) and he starts to Scream, "NO! NOT THAT! NEVER!" Okay, I reason with him, Just relax, close your eyes and breathe in a deep breath. He suddenly has both hands in a DEATH GRIP around the chair and won't let go!

20 (yes, 20 minutes later....) we are still trying to get him to trust this lab technician to JUST LOOK at his arm. She finally got that far, and he started telling her that she could only touch, not use that rubber band thing. AND, she could not take his blood from his arm, only his wrist! UMM, that's not the way it works....We finally got the arm out and rubberband on his arm....NO WAY!! He yanks his arm back and we're done! So, I am beyond frustrated with my son, tired and hungry at this point (It's after 5 p.m. now and we've been the spectacle long enough at the lab)....We walk outside, still debating about why he needs to do this and why we should go back inside and "try it again" according to my negotiator son now. He wants to have an iron clad guarantee that I won't take his Legos back....until he gets his blood taken. Well, since he has been a negotiator all of his life (I jokingly call him my Lawyer in training...No offense meant!) I agree that I will keep them until Tuesday afternoon. Then they go back! Dad was supposed to take him yesterday morning, while I was at my last morning of bible study....and they conveniently "got too busy and FORGOT". So, we talked about it last night - again....and I have talked about my own fear of needles - which used to be just as bad, I would just avoid them like the plague! I did overcome the fear, after a trusted counselor suggested I may need some help with my phobia. I am trying the same techiniques with Colby right now, just talking about it and trying to answer his questions with honesty and gentle reassurance. He agreed to think about it last night, after we talked while he was laying in bed ready to doze off. Today, I have not spoken about "THE LAB" and going...only about relaxing, running one errand to get a few things from the store, and cleaning the house up...

Has anyone else dealt with this and their kids? What works for you all? I am not willing to just take a drive to the lab (he is well aware of the way we need to go and gets suspicious if we even head that direction) and he is to the age, where he needs to be a willing participant (or at least willing to sit still) in order to get the tube and needle in position and not do damage to him (or anyone in the vacinity!) I still have the Legos hidden....but am not sure that's all it's going to take. My mom has added the incentive of her taking him to get ice cream after all is said and done....we'll see if that's enough....If that doesn't work, what will we do??

Disneyland Strollers?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:06:32 PDT

Are they worth ten bucks? Do they have doubles? Is there room for bags and stuff?

Or do we bring our own?

baseball and softball registrations

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:11:29 PDT

Hey guys, GBA is taking registrations for FALL BASEBALL and SOFTBALL for ages 4-16 Boys and Girls… Deadline is August 15, 2008 to register. Cost is $50 for individuals and $450 if you bring your own team out.

We also have ADULT COED SOFTBALL cost is $450 per team.

All teams play 10 games that are played on SUNDAYS from August 24, 2008 – November 2, 2008 No games August 31, 2008
If you don’t want to play in the FALL we also have are SPRING league(KIDS ONLY) that runs from March –May with this you get uniforms, pictures, and trophies(some teams) Price is $110 NOW and that’s 16 games

Check out our website gba. clubspaces. com

Pass the word around please Thank you
More info contact Marlayna 900-6796

Disneyland

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:29:26 PDT

Going next week with our 6 year old and 3.5 year old. I have not been there in 12 years. Any suggestions or good plans of attack??

A Child's Thoughts While Cruising Town

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:18:52 PDT

Kiddo: Hey Mom, that park is the same color as my park.

Me: The same color as your park? (Wondering how she got a park and what color it was)

Kiddo: (matter of factly) Yeah, my park. It's green.

Me: Oh, yes, parks are green.

--------------------------------

Kiddo: There are two Pauls.

Me: Huh?

Kiddo: My friend, Paul, and L's daddy is Paul.

Me: That's right, honey. L sure liked you. (L was two and recently passed away in a tragic accident.)

Kiddo: L was nice. I didn't get to marry him 'cause he died. That's a bummer, Mommy.

Me: Yes, it is, sweetie.

____________________

Kiddo: I need to buckle my baby in.

Me: I'm not stopping to buckle the baby in. Just hold on to her tightly. (What am I teaching her?)

Spray Park

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:42:59 PDT

We went to a spray park today - Madison Grove spray park. It's on Norris near Calloway. Loved it. Playground is fun and clean, clean, clean (extra points for that in my book). Spray park is simple, yet the kids loved it. One of the spray toys is a mister which I enjoyed. This park gets my approval!

Just a Reminder!!!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:18:43 PDT

My Bunco fundraiser is this weekend! Hope to see you there!!

The almighty B word has hit the house!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:06 PDT

And I don't mean any cuss words, I'm talking about the budget "b" word. I started keeping track of everything we've bought in the month of July, thank goodness the spreadsheet program has a long list of columns and rows. I listed all the groceries (I had made a grocery shopping list a while back trying to find the right fit for me), my makeup, dog food, dog treats, etc. So far we have spend almost $800 in groceries and other things for us (like a music CD that hubby has been asking for for 3 months). I thought I was doing good keeping my grocery budget around $400, blew that out of the water this month. One thing I did wrong though was to try and make the spreadsheet work for the whole year, instead of month by month. I had to go back to a few items that we've bought more than once (like milk) and add the amounts all together, then when I was trying to add a new line item, I had to go back and move the numbers that went with it too. So I decided to group the first part of the month together to save me from going through all my receipts again, and starting from the 20th do a day by day list and see how often I buy certain items.

I figure if I can do this for the next 6 months I should be able to get a handle on the impulse shopping and really get things together around here. I haven't told hubby what our numbers look like so far, I need too but I know he'll stress over it and then he gets grumpy and extremely short tempered. I figure I'll wait til the end of the month and show him the print out and see what he says.

I did another spreadsheet with all our monthly bills, so I can see the difference from month to month, what goes up or what comes down at certain times of the year, and if I pay extra one month (more than the minimum due). Gas was another big ticket item for us, but there's no way for me to get around it right now. Once I start working it'll probably get worse, driving on this mountain isn't easy on a tank of gas.

I need to put in a line for toys - that always gets me in trouble, I buy toys for the boys when I know I shouldn't, they have more than enough and don't play with half of what is in their toy boxes, and there's 2 huge storage boxes full in their closets.

When I want to buy something I think about it as a want or a need, sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not. I want new sunglasses but I don't need them, so I won't buy them. That and I really don't want to make an eye doctor appt. for me, I have too many other appts. on my calendar right now through the month of August.