Recent Blog Posts: Raising Bakersfield

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.

The things children say

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:40:01 PDT

Yesterday Brian's dad was at our house and asked Tyler how he got so cute. Tyler's response, without any hestitation was "from my hair cut". That explains everything - I think.

He is going to be the "get grey hair at a young age" of me yet. I think he's trying to give up naps already, at only 2 1/2. His year old brother still takes a nap, at least he will for the next two weeks, once kindergarten starts there won't be any naps, he will be at school until 2:30. He may get quiet time in his room, but my quiet two hours in the afternoon are slowly flying out the window. It took me over an hour to get Tyler down for his nap today, and he fought me the whole time, since it's quiet in his room now I'm guessing he's asleep, but I'm afraid to go look.

Baby's first plane ride

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:06:21 PDT

He's not born yet, but Baby got to fly to Kansas City, Mo., last weekend with Mom and Dad to visit his soon-to-be aunt Karen and uncle Dave (my sister and brother) as well as Dave's girlfriend Andrea and her friend who was also visiting Dea. The flights went well for the most part, except for the landing on our way home. Turbulence = motion sickness. I didn't throw up, but I had to really use power of mind not to.

The trip was awesome. James and I fell in love with Kansas City. (Who would have thought?) We ate jamming barbecue every day, shopped, went to a dueling piano bar, saw fireflies, played with my brother's puppy, and had great conversations. One day we drove out to Powell Gardens, a beautiful botanical gardens with lakes, fields, statuary and a chapel. There, James took my 22-week photo. Baby boy is starting to really stick out now! Another highlight were the giant peach pancakes I had for breakfast at the City Market, a farmer's market type area reminiscent of Seattle's Pike Place Market.

A low-light of the trip was when I fell flat on my back after tripping onto the oil-slicked lane at this swanky bowling alley in the City Center. I cried half out of embarrassment and half cuz it hurt so bad. I'm sure I bruised my tailbone. It's still sore - a week later!

Baby update: The boy is moving more than ever, and he even keeps me awake with his antics. I call him my squirmy wormy, floppy fish monkey, breakdancer and Tarzan. I swear he is swinging around on the umbilical cord, pounding his chest, crying "Ah-i-ah-i-ah!" I can now literally see him move under my skin. It's amazing, wonderful, disturbing and weird all at the same time.

A Mother's Instinct

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:31:25 PDT

The girls and I went out around 7 tonight to enjoy the late evening breeze. My youngest was running through the sprinklers, but when her sister went to turn the water down, a mama bird came flying out of our Camilla bushes. Every time my oldest went near the faucet after that you could hear the mama bird protest. I figured she must have a nest nearby. A little while later, the mama got really upset and I saw a baby bird fluttering around on our porch, followed by my cat who had up to that point been lazing on our doormat. I quickly put the cat inside the house, then went to look for the baby. The mother was flying from her bush to the tree next to our porch, calling for her baby. I found him behind one of my big flower pots, and moved it out of the way so the mama could see him. We stood back on the grass and watched to see if she would come to his rescue, but I soon realized she was trying to scare us off. So we went into the house and watched for awhile through the panes of our French door.

I kept hearing the mama call to the baby, and finally the baby answered her and started to make his way back toward the safety of another nearby bush. All the while the mother circled the area and kept a close watch. My guess is the baby is learning to fly, but hasn't quite mastered it yet. And even though that mama is trying to teach her baby a little independence, she still has her eye on him. Just like any good mother. I remember wondering when my girls were babies, how I would ever let them out of the nest, out of my sight. But gradually, I was able to let them fly, a little at a time, but always beneath my watchful gaze. It is our God- given instinct to protect our babies with our very lives, and it was no different for this mama bird than it is for us. This evening we got a lesson in nature none of us will soon forget.

anything sounds more powerful with Brazilian in front of it.

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:28:56 PDT

Take for example, Brazilian Jiu Jitzu. Enough Said.

My husband is in Brazil this week with Compassion International in a partnership with the radio station he works for. While he's gone, I thought I should do something unique-- that i wouldn't normally do. Like no tv for a week ... or dare i say, no internet? Or eat completely healthy or work out every day. That said & considering I already miss him greatly & I still have to remain sane enough to care for Zoe, I am not feeling motivated. But, that's where I can get your help! Do you have any challenges for me? Any eat-fiber-daily or write-poetry challege? Come on now, I'm depending on you!!

Call Yourself a Parent

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:42:15 PDT

When you know the difference between plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis before your baby is six months old, you've earned it.

When you know three different ways to cure diaper rash, you've earned it.

When you take the time to draw a happy face out of ketchup for a corn dog, you've earned it.

When you know the only option of carpet color is anything dark, you've earned it.

When you sacrifice clean for clean enough, you've earned it.

When you can bite your tongue when a window gets broken, you've earned it.

When you designate one thermometer in the house to be the rectal thermometer, you've earned it.

When someone in your household misappropriates the rectal thermometer and uses it to take their temperature orally, they've earned it.

Go ahead, call yourself a parent, you've earned it!

Mornings

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:24:28 PDT

Every morning the kiddo either wakes up singing or she yells, "Daaaaaaaaaadddddddyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!" When I walk into her room, she unfailingly asks, "Where's Daddy?" I tell her that he is at work, and then her next question is "What are we doing the other day?" (Translated: What are we doing today?) This makes me laugh. She must know if we are going anywhere or if anyone is coming over. What really get me is when she lays out a plan for us, and she uses her hands to emphasize the reason and importance behind her words. This is how each day begins. I wonder when this routine will change? (not that I want it to - I find her quite entertaining)

Princess

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:13:27 PDT

I bought my hubby the Steven Curtis Chapman cd that has the Cinderella song on it for our 3rd Family Day (3 years since we adopted our daughter). We were listening to the song, laughing and crying, as SCC sung about dancing with his little Cinderella while he has the chance, before time passes and she's all grown up and finding her another prince.

We thought of our little girl, and how she loves to twirl, how she loves to wear dresses that are good for twirling. We laughed at our pretend play - the kiddo lets a shoe fall off, and one of us must pick it up and slip it on her foot to see if it fits; of course it fits, and so we proceed to get married. We giggled while remembering (and somewhat re-enacting ourselves) how the kiddo comes to us and asks, "Do you like my dress?" And according the script we must pretend to rip her dress as we whine and yell, "Mother! That's my sash! And those are my beads!" Then the kiddo turns around, runs away, throws herself on the ground and turns on the fake tears. Occasionally a fairy godmother shows up to save the day.

These dramas are played out several times a day. And sometimes I let out an exasperated sigh at the thought of replaying the scene. But then I capture my thoughts and attitude and remember that I have this time with her only for a short while.

As SCC sings, we don't want to miss one dance.

s.w. library show 07-18-08

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:11:23 PDT

hello - mr.oscat played at the s.w. library on july 18th and it was a hootenanny. by librarian count, 132 people sang and danced and played their kazoo's (one woman did not want to participate in the quackquacks.... can you imagine????) i have posted pics on the scrapbook area and have more pics posted at www.mroscat.com - also, we should soon have pictures of the borders bookstore show up here too (nudgenudge, youknowwho) thank you all for the support......

Gdiapers – The new eco friendly diaper! Go green with your poo!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:54:22 PDT

My 7 month old recently had a horrible rash develop all over her diaper area and she had NEVER had an issue before…. I change her far more than I should for the very purpose of keeping creepy crawly, icky rashes away. So I of course freaked out and went to the pediatrician and of course this offered me no peace, as it usually doesn’t, because I am a freak who freaks out about the teeny tiniest non normal, little things, like she’ll look at me cross eyed and I think she has bumped her head and is brain damaged J….. Yes I am that kind of mom, the one that the pediatricians roll their eyes at because I ask wayyyy too many questions and I question everything they do and say. I am the mom that the receptionists gossip about because they think I way over concerned about the well being of my child, but shouldn’t we be? That is our job as PARENTS right?

So on with my story…. I then took her to the dermatologist who said, “Well it could be eczema but we don’t normally see that in the diaper area, but I don’t want to give more than one diagnosis and since she has some redness on her face I think we’ll just say eczema”. HUH? I don’t know what kind of cross, weird, unsure, I have absolutely no idea what I am doing and shouldn’t be in practice kind of answer that was, but it wasn’t working for me! So I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Many moms who have “rash” issues have told me that they switch to cloth diapers so I decided to just go for it, anything to help her, right? But then I began to think about washing poo in my toilet with a diaper sprayer and putting poo into my washing machine… was this really sanitary? Was this really happening, ME washing poo? Whoa! So I decided I needed to do a little research and see what other options there was….I researched and researched and I found a fabulous alternative….. Gdiapers! These things are AMAZING to say the least….. They are a cloth cover with a plastic like washable, snap in liner…. Inside of the liner you put a bio degradable insert and the best part is this…. You can flush it, throw it away or compost it! Throw it away?…. I AM IN! They have no chlorine, no chemicals… they are just like using cloth without the cloth J Far more than my resistance to “washing poo”, I was excited that these would not sit in landfills for 500 years… YES-500 YEARS! That’s how long it will take for those lovely pampers to wilt away-500 YEARS! These are gone instantly with the flush of the toilet or within 50 days if you choose to throw them away…. And they are so fashionable… these are like the petunia pickle bottoms of the diaper world, the bugaboos of poo!

I ordered them! Lassens used to carry them but no longer do and so I ordered them on diapers.com or you can go to gdiapers.com…. And I have been using them ever since…. THEY ROCK! We are Gdiaper fanatics and I don’t mind saying that I enjoy changing poo a little more these days… strange, I know, but true. I feel like I am giving back to our earth and my little one looks amazing while we “go green”! After purchasing Gdiapers I felt inspired and started flipping our lives into “green land” and I haven’t stopped since…. I am proud to say we live very green these days and Love it! attached is a pic of siena in her gdiaper!

$25.00 Off Birthday Package

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:37:08 PDT

Personalize a birthday or any occasion! You'll receive 20 invitations and 20 goodie bags- which will include 1 candy bar, 1 bottled water and 1 mint- all personalized with your child's photo for only $75. (Retail Value $100) Call 703-3768 for more info.

Occasionography

Finding activities for the kids is a challenge

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:25:12 PDT

If you are like me finding good activities for your kids is a challenge. Some are just too darn expensive. It's hard enought to pay for one child, much less two or three. This is more complicated by the fact that I work so activity options are pretty much limited to nights and weekends. I am always amazed how many activities take place on Tuesday's at 9am. I don't just want to send my kids to activities. I want to be able to go with them.

Now imagine trying to find activities for a child with special needs. It is all but impossible. While school is out my 9 year old daughter is bored to tears and I haven't been able to find anything for her to participate in, even if money were not an issue. I would love to find a dance, art or swimming program that would be willing to have her participate. Typical classes of this kind just aren't geared for kids with special needs. She needs more time and more help than the average instructor is able to give. In acoomunity our size I am just surprised that there are not more options. If you know of something i am missing, please share!