What I learned from Trey today:

Sometimes, a really good fudge sundae can wear a guy out!

Haircut

Trey informed me the other day while we were outside that it was " too hot to play". I figured that meant it was time for the summer do. Trey sat very still and squinted a lot. He said "gotta keep the hairs out of me eyes!"

Trey (and Kayelynn's) new swing set

After many days of work, the swing set is finally done! Trey tested it out and it met his approval (which is good because there was no way we were going to disassemble it and take it back!) He really likes his 'club house' which includes his own telescope and steering wheel. He also likes the glider which he calls the "giddy up horsey". I just hope it keeps him entertained this summer (and the next, and the next...)

The Hole

So what is the deal with my house, you might be asking. Or maybe you don't care. But I'm gonna explain either way.
Four years ago the house we were renting was put up for sale so we had to start seriously thinking on where we wanted to live. Actually we knew where we wanted to live (the family farm). I guess the question really was, what did we want to live in?
I really wanted to build but our savings did not go along with the vision I had in my head for our 'forever' house. We looked at a few properties near by. We discussed a mobile home but I wasn't keen on that with the way tornadoes seem to pop up around here. We joked that we'd just park an RV out on our land and then we could take the comforts of home with us to work.
We finally decided we would build a house- or part of one anyway. We knew some other people who had started their homes out underground and it seemed to work out for them. It seemed like a good idea. And so, plans for 'the hole' (TH from now on) were born.
Rex and I drew up the plans ourselves. On June 5, 2004, the official building began. I could give you several stories of what went wrong with TH. But I won't. (At least not today)
We had the 5 year plan worked out. We would work on paying off TH. Then we would start to work on the 'real' house. The five years are coming to a close. I am very ready to build up. TH has some advantages but I am ready for a more traditional home.
This picture is what the house looks like from the road. You might think the view of the house would be better from the other side of the ridge but really its not. That IS the house. You are seeing it in its entirety. Weird, huh?!?

I think its funny

That Kayelynn is becoming an expert crawler but she doesn't think she can cross the line between the living room and kitchen. Its like there is an invisible wall there. She stops every time even though she seems to really want to follow us around.
(Ignore the boxes. I am still rearranging the house)

The view

From inside the hole. (Oooo...clouds. Its a good day!)

A new twist

On watering the dogs. How many little boys can say they get to fill the dog bowls from the roof?

Not an outdoor girl

I had plans for some cute pictures with the flowers that are starting to bloom.
It didn't work out.

The roof

Where the cat and Trey do play.

My house in pictures

The crazy hole I call home. I like to believe that the abundance of flowers takes away from the scary shack-like appearance of the house.

So what is a mommy to do?

Errands are done. Trip to the dentist was a success. On the way home the kids both konk out about 15 min from home. I took the long way to the park and sat (in the air conditioning) and people watched while blog surfing. (Check out www.chickenblog.com --- the chicken stories were cracking me up but that could be because I could see myself doing the same things. I've been wanting chickens for some time now...)

Something different

I found myself wasting quite a bit of time today looking at www.toadberry.blogspot.com
I wasn't overly enthused with some of her more recent posts but the farther back I dug the more intrigued I became. I have always had a huge fascination with old photos. I would study them and try to imagine the story behind the picture. After reading toadberry I wonder if I should post some random old pictures from time to time, just for something different.
If you want to check out her work, her are my favorites out of what I browsed:
Fun with photos
The Lonely Childhood of Mr. Spock
Altadena Security
On the farm (might freak you out, Vanessa)
Don't call me (made me think of my friend Jill)
You want pork
Bathers of all ages and places (thought of you again Vanessa)
Flea Market finds

Hope you find something you like.

Just an observation

If your new digital converter box remote is immersed (stirred, dunked, washed, showered, whatever the case may be) with gatorade, it will stop working.

Not sure what happened or when it happened. Just sat down to watch some tv and noticed the remote was sticky, didn't work and seemed to be leaking something that smelled like Gatorade Berry Rain. I'm sure Trey is involved.

She did it!

For weeks Kayelynn has been trying to pull up. She would get almost up and then chicken out. Finally, this morning, she figured it out. And she was so proud of herself! She stood straight as an arrow and the turned to flash me a big grin. Adorable. That's two milestones in two days. I hope she holds out on the walking for awhile. I am not ready for that. The crawling is bad enough. She has discovered a whole new world of adventure!

What's this story about?

I was driving the kids to the sitter this morning and Trey became excited about a 'new book' he'd found in the back seat. I didn't recall any new books. We usually keep a few Thomas books back there. So, that's what I suggested it was. Trey acted like that was crazy. He informed me it was not Thomas! "What is this story about, Mommy?" I tried to look back at him while I drove. It seemed like he had a magazine. Maybe it was a sale catalog. I couldn't tell. "What is this story about?" Trey asked again. I instructed him to let me see a page and I'd tell him what it was. He did as I asked and my jaw about dropped to the floor. There was a very scantily clad woman pictured on the page and the next page and the next page. I grabbed the magazine from a very confused Trey and told him that book wasn't for him. He settled for his old Thomas book.
I was livid. I remember my brother in law having something with him last night in my car. This must be it. Yup, there was his name on the cover. I sighed. It seemed like my brother in law was always doing something to irk me. I added this to the list.
I had chilled out some by the time I got home but still wanted to express to Rex that I was displeased with his brother. I found Rex getting ready for work. I stood in the doorway until I had his full attention. Then I opened the magazine to the page Trey had been looking at. "What's this story about Mommy?" I mimicked Trey's question.
At first Rex's eyes bulged a bit. Then I explained what had happened. Rex chuckled. "Seriously! What was I supposed to say to that?" I asked Rex.
Rex studied the picture again for a minute and said, "Once upon a time there was a nice lady who appears to have lost her shirt. And now she is looking for it in her pants. Hopefully she'll find it. The end. "

Another Milestone

They just keep coming whether I'm ready or not. Kayelynn has figured out how to crawl. It wasn't that long ago she was just a little bundle lying in my arms. Soon she'll be as big as Trey.

Seriously?!?

I think I bought a package of defective diapers. Really, the sticky tabs that are supposed to keep the diaper secure keep pulling off leaving one side of the diaper loose.
So, guess what I found Kayelynn sitting in after I left her playing in the living room for a few minutes so I could brush my teeth and washed my face.
What is it with my kids and poo?

Rotten surprise

Dark cloudy days make me want to snuggle in my covers and not get out of bed. But that doesn't happen with a baby in the house. Even as I laid in bed I could hear the baby awake in her crib. But, she sounded happy. That was my signal to hurry out of bed and go find breakfast before Kayelynn started to fuss. I was pleasantly surprised that I got to eat all of my breakfast and watch the morning news before Kayelynn began to signal me that she was ready to come out of her crib.
Her room was still dark because of the cloudy day. I could see that Kayelynn was sitting up in bed with a few toys around her as usual. She reached for me (which I love) and I picked her up automatically.
But that's when I realized something was very wrong, holding her didn't feel right. I looked in the crib. There was her diaper, still in the crib! I will spare you all the details but I will tell you that my pajamas, her pajamas, her bed sheets and baby dolls are all currently soaking in the washer! And the first thing Kayelynn did today was take a very soapy bath.

Dirty mouth? Clean it up with Orbit gum!

Trey went to the dentist today. It was his second time. I wasn't too worried about it. The first time went better than I'd expected. He'd climbed up in the dentist's chair and sat there like a pro. The dentist told us how great his teeth looked. I was a proud Mommy.
Not quite the same story this time around. The climbing into the dentist's chair was no problem. The opening his mouth and following instructions was ok. It was the four cavities they found that wasn't so great.
Poor little Trey had no idea what was going on as the dentist and I discussed his teeth. He was simply lying there with his mouth wide open hoping to get a surprise for being good. He was gonna get a surprise all right! Oh the mommy guilt! I should have held him down and scrubbed his teeth all those days that he only half heartedly brushed. And a piece of candy for going potty? Whose bright idea was that?
The wheels in my head were already turning. We need a story book about cavities. Do they make coloring books about that too? A list of tooth healthy snack food was forming in my head.
I went to check out and the receptionist informed me they had an opening to go ahead and fill two of his cavities right then. My heart skipped a beat. Right now? Before I explain what is wrong with him and read him stories and get him all prepared so he won't be scared? Ummm. Ok...I guess. Maybe quicker was better, less time to dwell on things.
Before I knew it, Trey was fully reclined in the dental chair with a mask strapped on his face giving him laughing gas. But there was no laughing. He just got very still. The dental assistant was explaining that he had sugar bugs on his teeth that had to come out. The mommy guilt was mounting. Maybe this was a bad idea. Trey looked so tiny in that big mechanical chair. Maybe I should go hold his hand. No, he seems fine. He can do this. He's a big boy.
Next the dentist gave him a quick pep talk. Yes, he was going to remove the sugar bugs with his special tool that whistled and when he got the sugar bugs off it would tickle a little. What!?! Was this guy crazy!?! Don't lie to my boy. He's too smart for that. Maybe I should warn Trey that it may hurt a little so he can be brave.
Too late. The dentist flicks the drill on. I cringe for a moment and want to cry. I can hear the dentist talking over the whine of the drill, "There's those sugar bugs! I'm gonna get them! Tickle, tickle, tickle!" I peeked one eye open, then the other. Trey seemed okay. There was no resistance, no tears. "Oh", I thought as I noticed my heart pounding in my chest, "I'm the only one here who is afraid of the dentist."
Sure enough, Trey did great. As soon as he was finished he popped up with a smile and asked about his surprise. I was amazed and relieved. We have an appointment for next week to get the other two done. Maybe I can be a big girl next week. Trey has no worries. He left the office with a new tooth brush, bouncy ball and Lightening McQueen tattoo. From there we went to Walmart and bought anti cavity rinse and big boy toothpaste. Once I teach him not to eat his toothpaste, we're gonna beat these sugar bugs!

Day Out With Thomas

Here are the kids, ready for a fun filled Thomas adventure.

First stop: Pictures with Thomas. (trey with cousins caleb and leah)

Trey was very impressed with the lego reproduction of the island of sodor.

I was impressed with this Thomas made completely of legos.

And the big finish: a train ride on "the real Thomas"!

All in all it was a fun day. (at least for Trey) I would recommend it and will probably take Trey again sometime. The two of us could spend all day goofing off with Thomas and friends. But, we will be leaving Daddy at home because he is a party pooper. : )

What is this picture?

These are the kids singing their bible school songs. The child on the floor would be Trey. While the others sang a lovely song about Jesus, Trey was singing his own song. It went like this: "I don't wanna sing! I don't wanna sing! I don't wanna dance! I don't wanna sing!" (Repeat louder and louder)

Jonah

It is Bible School week at our church. Trey has been going every evening. His attention span isn't perfect for the two hour stretch but he has been getting something out of the lessons. Here is his summary of the story of Jonah.

There was a man named Jonah. He gets on a boat. Then there is thunder and lightening. He gets in the water. God eats...no...the whale eats God...no,no,no...God MAKES a whale eat Jonah. And the whale has great big teeth! Jonah went in the whale's tummy... and God was there and 'Nocchio was there and Jiminy Cricket was there...and...and...then the whale spit him out. And then Jonah was good.

serious train work

This is from our trip to see "the real Thomas". Trey had a wonderful time. When I get the pictures off of my other camera, I'll post some more.

Happy silly baby in a basket

Such a silly girl!

Such a happy girl!

A few words

Emozionante! Opgewekt! Emocionado! Aufgeregt! Ecouter! Oibrithe!
What's all this mean? I'm excited, delighted, thrilled, elated, exhilarated, enthused, gleeful, joyful, glowing, pleased as punch, tickled pink, pumped up, hopped up, flying high, on cloud nine because.......

I have 20 followers!!!!!!!

(And now............my brain hurts a little)

Where I come from

I was talking to a friend last week after Trey had been to reading time. She wanted to know how big our library was. This made me chuckle to myself. (I'll explain in a minute). But it got me thinking about where I live and where I've been.
I have the same zip code now as I did when I was 3. I am kind of proud of that. I feel a strong attachment to my community. I've not always lived right here. I have lived in big cities and seen both the atlantic and pacific coasts. I've even been out of the country. I am proud of these things too. All of my travels, homes and trips have helped to shape me into who I am today.
Right now, I'm not thinking so much about where I've been but where I am. And where I am is in a little town I've loved since I wore pig tails. Anybody know the Tim McGraw song "Where I come from" ? My town is kind of like that.
Main Street is about 8 blocks long. Our post office is located there, a tiny limestone building where I used to walk to in order to buy Mom stamps and have a chat with post lady Sally. When I was growing up there used to be a corner grocery store across from the post office where Mom would send me to pick up milk or eggs (and candy occasionally). That building has now burned down along with the pool hall that was beside it (I never frequented that establishment but I know of many men folk who did). There are a few abandoned businesses that line the street. There is a gas station that recently went under, a funeral home next to that. I'm not even sure the funeral home still does business in our town. There are a few churches scattered around one of which may be closing its doors soon. Its hear say that they only have a congregation of 2 or 3 these days. You'll also find an abandoned
filling station. I remember going there to air up my bike tires as a kid. (It was free air too...none of this paying a quarter to get air!) Dad would take the car there sometimes too. I remember hearing the bell ring as we drove in or out.
Not so rundown is a doctor's office. Many people still go there for their doctorin'. Many of the houses still look the same but the owners have changed. The tall, light blue water tower is still there (occasionally decorated with Susie loves Bobby or Class of -fill in the blank-) Then at the end of Main Street is a building that I love and have spent more time in than the average kid in town. It is my old elementary school, previously the town's high school before my time. My family moved to this little town when I was very little so that my dad could teach 5th grade here. He also coached the 5th grade basketball team, was assistant principal and later principal. My dad's involvement in the school is what grew my interest in it. I could write a whole post on things I did at that school including playing there during the summers while my dad worked. (Drawing on the blackboard in Dad's
classroom was a personal favorite of mine and my sister's.) But I am getting off of the subject at hand.
My elementary school has not seen a recess or a Christmas pageant for many years now. But, because others in the community love this building too, it has been turned into a community center. The town uses it to vote at election time, there are town dinners, yard sales and other such things there. The center hosts plays, sporting events, book clubs, music, adult night classes for GED's, and Trey's story time.
I am glad this old building still has some life in a town that doesn't even have a stoplight! The community center houses our library. Its not much compared to others in bigger towns but it is special in its own way. It is located in what I remember as Mrs. Arthur's classroom. The walls are lined with book shelves and so is the center of the room. The left side of the class room has the reading rug for the kids to sit on and the right side of the room has a table for crafts. One segment of shelf in the center of the room holds books for Trey's age group. He looks for titles that catch his eye and we take the books home for a week to read. We return them in exchange for some more, all done on the honor system. And that is our library. I think it is wonderful. And when my son is grown up and is successful (because of course we will be very successful!), I hope he will look back, fondly,
at his time in the old school and feel proud to have been a part of it too.

WANTED:

One husband who....
1. Enjoys going on family outings.
2. Doesn't mind standing in the sun waiting in line.
3. Understands that kids get tired and whiney after a day of fun in the sun.
4. Can find the simple joys in childrens games.
5. Likes to cuddle (optional)

Remember when....

.....I wanted Trey to pee pee like a big boy and keep his underpants dry all day. Well, I got my wish. What I didn't imagine was finding Trey peeing off of the roof, "like a man".

Our Wednesday

Today I took Trey (and Kayelynn) to reading time at our local community center. The activity was better than I had expected and Trey participated better than I thought he would. Even Kayelynn seemed to enjoy herself. Things started out a little rough. (Trey hiding in a corner whining he wanted to go home) But after singing a few songs and listening to a story or two, Trey slowly, inch by inch, made his way onto the reading rug. By the time the hour was up he was sprawled out like he owned the place. He got to pick out 3 pieces of candy and 3 library books. He thought that was great. I think we've found our Wednesday activity for the summer!

To ensure that reading time would go more smoothly I had bribed Trey with a trip to McDonald's for lunch. (not just any McDonalds-the one with the "slide") We asked a friend from reading group to come along. This little boy was only 2, so i guess Trey felt responsible to look out for him. At one point the little boy thought he'd try to climb up the big slide from the bottom. This is a trick that Trey had already tried at previous visits. So, he knew it was a bad idea and warned the little boy that he might get "smashed". A few minutes later the boys were taking a french fry break. Trey was still giving his lecture on climbing up slides the wrong way. It went something like this: "You can't do that or you'll get smashed and squished. AND if you get smashed and squished YOU'LL DIE!" The little boy seemed taken aback. Thank goodness his mommy had gone to fetch ketchup. I smoothed things over and in a few minutes they were playing on the slide again. No one seemed traumatized for life or anything. (FYI: Trey's information on the consequences of smashing and squishing come from his recent adventures of playing with worms, hoppy toads and turtles. I think we are clear now that it does not apply to little boys and slides.)

After returning home Trey insisted that we read all 3 of his library books. I tried to convince him to read just one today, one tomorrow, and so on. But, I think I'll be reading about Rutherford Raccoon, Owl's ABC's, and Yoshio and the Rooster everyday until Reading Time comes around next week. Oh well, I am glad he likes to read. He is like his Mommy in this way.

Now we have stopped at Grandma's. She is on vacation so we are on doggie duty. Trey had a talk with Weegie the dog when we got here, telling him that Grandma would be gone on "cation" for a while. But she will be back, "Don't worry Weegie. We'll see her soon". His speech somewhat resembled the one I had given him last night after we told Grandma goodbye. We have fed the dog but he turned his nose up at that. All we gave him was canned food. (He prefers human food.) Then we let him out but he paced around on the sidewalk not wanting to go in the grass to do his business. (He doesn't like to get his feet wet.) Trey has already been into Grandma's cookie stash and had a popsicle. Now he is begging for another popsicle. I'm not sure who is going to miss Grandma more; the dog or Trey!

Take time to stop and smell the roses...

Big Girl Seat

*sigh* no more baby stuff....