Funny Christopher and happiness in simple things

We saw a character on TV with the chicken pox.
Christopher: Mama look! Nipples.

Anyway, today I am in housewife heaven. I have been doing laundry for the past week or so it feels. Well I have been too tired to fold them so we, the kids and I, have been living out of 4 laundry baskets that were conveniently placed in the kitchen. Can you imagine the mess. I had to step over one of them just to get some water from the cooler. But the funny thing is when either of us needed a change of clothing, I wouldn't put it in the dirty pile upstairs, I'd just throw it in the washer, so I'd constantly be using from the clean piles and replacing.

I folded all 4 of them this morning at 4:40am before I went to bed. I could no longer look at them. Still I had a load in the dryer and one in the wash.

We had to drive to PB and even though I was trying to get the kids together since 10:30am I wasn't able to leave the house until after 1 pm. Someone switched my baby girl and left some child whom I don't know. I'll write about that some other time. But it took me that long to leave. We drove down to PB. On the way back we made a stop in Poway then we had to go shopping at Henry's. Alyssa was extremely difficult in that shopping cart.

So when I finally made it home, I had a migraine. Oh wait did I mention my allergies have been acting up at full blast! My sinuses oh boy. The last time I was affected so badly was 2 years ago. I am sure our trip to the Flower Fields didn't help. So add that to the mix. I refuse to visit the doctor until my eyes start swelling up and I can no longer wear my contacts.

When I got home, Chris was already there. He knew I had a hard day since we constantly phone each other throughout the day and I'd already told him about his daughter. In fact he had heard her carrying on in the background.

I was in a nasty mood and feeling lousy and I ran outside for some silence. When I came back in he told he was sorry I had such a bad day and mentioned that my clothes were dried. I just looked at him and said nothing. He knew I wasn't going to do anything about those clothes and my honey took both loads and folded them. Panties and all.

They are still downstairs folded neatly on the chair. I have switched fabric softeners and I'm now using Ultra Downy® Experientials ~ Moonlight Garden and everytime I pass by the clothes I get a whiff. It just makes me so happy. I actually think it's better than their Simple Pleasures Rose & Violet, the one that I was using before. To be honest I couldn't find it anymore. Was it simply sold out or have they pulled it from the shelf?

I loved my husband even more today. He shouldn't and didn't have to do that. He had a longer day than I.

Boy was it warm today

It still is! I'm still tired and I fell asleep on the sofa while the boy ran wild. Luckily he didn't get into any trouble this time. However, he got up before I did this morning and I came downstairs to find the huge carton of goldfish torn open with all it's contents scattered on the floor. I guess he was hungry and wanted a snack.

Someone preferred to just hang around and not get in

Take a look at his underwear. Can you tell he dressed himself

For the whole time, it was jump and splash, kick the ball out, jump out, throw the ball back in and jump back in. Over and over.

I just brought them in from the backyard, if you can even call it that. Well at least we have room for some fun things.

Oh so tired but here are my photos from activities this week

We've had quite the busy week no wonder I feel so drained. I only had one day off which was Monday. Well not off but we stayed home. Tuesday was gym class then straight to the park. Wednesday was Strawberry picking. Christopher was so into this and my greedy daughter ate strawberries from the time we got there until we left. Thursday was the Flower Fields.

Strawberries as far as the eye can see

Christopher got down to business immediately

While our dear Alyssa ate as we picked

After the picking we passed to purchase some Giant Tecolote Ranunculus which came from the flower fields, even though we would be visiting the following day.

He was so proud and as you can see, like I said Alyssa never stopped eating

We got too many but we can always share. Look at her mouth, evidence of her greediness and I think we'll go back next week

Thursday, as mentioned, we were at it again. We got to the Flower Fields and boy was it a wonderful experience. I cannot believe I've lived in SD so long and have never visited this place. Thank goodness for these kids because I really went for them. I took so many photos so I will bore you with most of them.

Flowers, flowers and more flowers

They were giving the bigger kids a Stamp Passport. There were 8 stations and you had to walk the fields to find the stamp and match them on your passport. we got all 8. There is is his completed passport and the flowers we purchased.

Alyssa wasn't too happy about sitting there but Christopher was

Still hunting for stamps so up the hill we went or according to Christopher, up the mountain.

We even made a friend
Close-ups

A close-up of what she was painting

Someone fell. I wonder what people were thinking of me as I snapped the photo before I ran over to help her up?

Down the hill we went to the Sweet Pea maze. You should have smelled this little flowers

Clearly we were lost so we cheated and exited the way we came in

The Poinsettias

The roses were nearing their end but they still smelled as sweet as ever
Then came the Cacti

Okay, so I was wrong to even put her there. She was so afraid of the plant


Entrance to the Artist Garden

A pretty flower amongst the pretty flowers

Yes that is a chicken in that 1st photo and Alyssa was trying to touch it

The Artist Garden Exit

Oh so pretty

Time to go. Someone had had enough

Potty Stories ~ 1

This is probably the first of many. I just had to dedicate a separate spot for this.

My son is so private at the age of 3. Well he was actually private since he was 6 months old. He never pooped while we were outside. Isn't that odd? I'd have to leave playdates because he would get so fussy and I knew what time it was.

Anyway, so recently we've been dealing with the potty pooping and he got it completely right this morning, well almost. He's been pooping but not wiping. What's worse is all times before, I would find a skid mark on the toilet seat from where he scooted his butt off the edge. Thanks Christopher.

This morning we were watching Sunnypatch when suddenly, he ran upstairs. Now there is a bathroom downstairs, mind you. A short while after he yelled from the top of the stairs. "I did it! I did it, mama! I pooped in the potty all by myself!" When I went upstairs, I found a clean toilet seat. He told me he had wiped. YAY!

Now I just need to teach him to wipe before he flushes and put the soiled wet wipe in the toilet and not on the bathroom sink. Yuck!

Christopher makes me laugh

I've heard some of the longest run on sentences from my son. On Tuesday, daddy comes home and asks him:

Daddy : So what did you do today?
Christopher : I went in the van an an an went to GYM CLASS(he yells) and an an we JUMP and PLAY and Ms. Staci and then we came home and then mama's van and we went to the park and play in the water, play on the slide an an fries an an an drive home and closed the garage DOOOOOOOR(yelling) YES!! Get a spin daddy? (he likes when we spin him around)

He was watching one of his shows when I tried to talk to him. He looked at me and said,

Christopher : This is serious mama!
ME : Oh I'm sorry

Uhm, okay, I guess he could have told me to shut up which may be a little worse.

I was sitting at the computer and I heard a noise.
Christopher : PEE EEWW! Lyssa farts! It smells stinky. It smells like poop mama.
ME : (I was laughing so hard)

And at other times:
Christopher : Mama, go take a shower. (right!)

His favourite thing to say for the past 2 months, "That's okay mama."
All the time.

Christopher why did you shove Alyssa's head into the floor.
That's okay mama

What happen to your snack? Why is it all over the sofa?
That's okay mama

And then there is "Becareful mama"
If I pass over a bump in the road or if someone bad drives me then I get:
Becareful mama along with That's okay mama

A couple days ago we were on our way home and he says:
Faster mama, drive faster. (Now I don't know where he got that from)

When I am grumpy and look very serious:
Mama, go take a nap (Oh if only it were that easy, my dear)

Some days he just doesn't stop. I can't believe I was worried that he had a speech problem. He started talking late and my husband's entire family used to tell me not to worry. Daddy didn't start talking until he was 3 and when he did, he spoke in complete sentences.

Now Christopher won't shut up. And I dare not nod him off. I have to look at him and acknowledge what he is saying. Otherwise he'll just keep repeating himself until I do. But I'm glad. I always have someone to talk to who regardless of how rotten my day is, will always tell me, that's okay mama. Ah, I love my baby.

Oh I am so scared for what may be coming

Yesterday, we went to the park after gym class for our weekly sing-a-long playdate. Quite the busy day we had, not to mention my failure at my Tuesday's Tackle. Anyway. We had such a wonderful time.

Christopher couldn't wait to get into the water and I thought Alyssa would be excited to do the same, but not today.

I got her this pretty pink big girl bathing suit, on sale of course, and it seemed as though she didn't want to get it wet. How could this be? Every week she tries to jump into the water even when mommy forgets extra clothes, bathing gear and towels.

This day, she sat on the step by the water. I guess she just wanted to watch.

And when she wasn't sitting she was climbing up and down one step. Up and down!

Christopher was playing in the water with a new buddy of his. This other boy was full of energy, just like my son. If you look closely you would see a draining area where some smaller rocks are. Well slipping over there can lead to a trip to the hospital. It's just rocks and concrete to the bottom. The boy kept going over there and trying to go down. His mom, kept telling him not to go there. She had a younger baby in her arms and she had to keep coming down to block the way so that he wouldn't step off. Then there was this:

MOM : Don't go over there.

SON : NO, I don't like you!

I looked over to her and asked how old he was smiling as to not make her feel like I was looking down on her for her son's behaviour. She rolled her eyes as she was clearly frustrated with this young man's disobedience. "He's 3", she said, "he's really impossible". I could tell she was feeling bad and ashamed and she called him out of the water and gave him a stern talking to. I'm not sure why she was feeling bad. We all had kids at the park and those who hadn't gone through this yet would probably be in for a surprise later. Like me.

I wondered, how I would feel if Christopher yelled at me like that using those words. I mean I'd know he didn't really mean it but I am such a softy I am afraid I may start crying out of hurt. Not because he yelled. He's done that before when he used to throw those nasty tantrums in public, throwing himself on the ground and screaming NO NO NO....

Anyway, he did have a great time. Scooping out the water with Alyssa's tiny shovel. I bought her, her very own set since someone doesn't like to share his. But since she refused to enjoy the water, Christopher took full advantage.

Tackle It Tuesday ~ Updated

Yes, yes, I really am participating and the photos will be coming soon. Well as soon as morning comes. I have to weed up and prepare a small area in the backyard to get my "garden" going. I also have to re-pot a spider plant that has long outgrown his little pot. So stay tuned and check back later!

So I kind of failed failed my Tackle it Tuesday today. I would say it's no fault of mine but that would not be entirely true.

I am so disappointed. last night I headed out to Walmart to get some tools to weed up the small stone ridden area. And being the cheap person that I am I purchased the least expensive gardening hand tools. Well it served me right.

This was before I started. Pretty yucky.

Poor Spiderman, the spider plant was scheduled for re-potting

I had also planned to do this cactus that was abandoned by the previous owners

I only got this far. If you look really good you'll see an area to the top left of the photo that I started turning up. You won't believe how many little pebbles and roots were there, not to mention an ants' nest that I upset.

Well my hand tool broke. Big Chris stood behind me laughing. "I told you not to buy those cheap things!" Well no sense in telling me that now smartie.

So he will go to Home Depot and get me some "real" garden tools. I was so upset that I ended it right there and didn't even repot Spiderman or poor Cactus. Oh well, there's always tomorrow or another day. My Tackle It Tuesday has been rescheduled for Thursday. I hope.

Tackle It Thursday I guess. BooHoo

Such a relaxing day

Christopher's potty business is going great. He's had a few poop accidents but for the most part he's doing well. So this morning, using Christopher's success with pooping on the potty as an excuse, daddy headed out to get another "reward" toy for the boy.

The Toys

The addition is to the right, the Ford. Daddy has had Batman for quite sometime and wanted company when he played. He claims Christopher's other R/C car was too small. Whatever! I won't understand these guys. Christopher picked up pretty fast with that "recommended for 6 yr old" remote. I was very afraid all we would deal with was the boy's frustration at not being able to operate it. But not so.

Bug infested flowers

I usually go to the swap meet every weekend or 2, depending on how the flowers hold up, to get flowers for the house. Well I was not able to make it this weekend so we had to make our measly roses do. As I searched for ones that were suitable for cutting, I discovered that we had unwelcomed tenants. Some sort of bugs. Different kinds, not including the caterpillars and snails. I think you can see some damage on these above. Now I have to go get some sought of spray to get them to leave.

New roses

I've also taken up another project. Or rather the husband thought it would be "fun" for me. Uh-huh. Because it seems I have so much time to spare I needed more hobbies. I know he was only being thoughtful but good grief! Okay he brought home some herb and watermelon plants. Also some seeds for bell peppers. And yes I said watermelon. So tomorrow I will haul the kids to Home Depot or Lowes, or possibly Walmart depending on my mood, to purchase some garden tools as my little chosen area is full of tiny rocks and roots from who knows where. Plus the soil isn't that good. I'll think about taking a photo of it tomorrow.

Backyard fun

While out back, we decided to put up some fun things for the kids. They were sleeping at the time. I had my little cabana up first and remembered the husband putting up the tent and that was it. I remember running inside for something to lay on and a blanket to cover with then when I woke up the tent was up. It was nice sleeping outside. You see our neighbours to the back has a pond with waterfall and the running water really made my day.

She likes to read

The funny thing is she was afraid to go into the tent. And even Christopher was a bit hesitant to enter. What is it with these kids? So my husband and I played like kids in it.

What a rip-off!

A few months ago Christopher was still going through the "I don't want to eat anything but crackers, goldfish and sometimes rice or macaroni and cheese" phase.

Every time he would see the Zoo pals commercial he would ask me for it. And you should hear him sing the song. So one night/early morning, I ran out while everyone slept(daddy was home of course) to Ralphs, to get him his wish. I could not believe how expensive these things were even after my double coupons! I mean for kid sized plates, you know? So in a desperate attempt to get him to eat more I not only bought the stupid bowls, but the plates and utensils as well.

But you know what, it worked. Strange huh? The same food I used to cook and put in his regular bowl all of a sudden tasted good enough for seconds.

So I should be singing right along with him....When you clean your plate.....Then you see their face!.....Oink! Oink! Zoo Pals..... Ribbit! Ribbit! Zoo Pals...... Quack! Quack! Zoo Pals!........ Zoo Pals make eating...FUN! ZOO PALS!! Or something like that.

This was him a few minutes ago. I've started setting up the thing again. He loves it so. Wednesday night, he played with this or should I say watched the train go around the track for hours. Today he got creative and built himself a separate track for his hot wheel cars. I only had to help him with 2 pieces on the inside track. He's really improved.

Tomorrow we should be heading to the Flower Fields, as long as it doesn't rain. I hope to get much better photos seeing I'll be inside the place and not driving while I take photos...heheheh

Down with you Blogger.com

Ugh, stinking Blogger and their photo problems. Ann at Roc Rebel Granny has mentioned she's been having some issues viewing photos. Now today, I have noticed that some, not all, of mine are slowly disappearing. What is one to do
when the site is free?

As I type I have attempted more than 4 times to post just 2 photos of Alyssa's wearing her new top(made by yours truly), to this entry and still no success. They suck! I'm keeping it clean here. Maybe I'll eventually get the nerve to pack up, pick up and move elsewhere.

Anyway, a few days ago I got the sewing bug but it quickly disappeared and I was left with lots of fabric and no motivation. So I am taking it slowly. I cheated on this project, as I discovered that Walmart now has a few rolls of fabric that already have the elastic in it. I don't even know what it's really called. You know like the tube top style? You'll see what I mean if I ever get to post a photo again.

Last year when I made one for her, I had to sew all the lines of elastic in myself. Not something I enjoyed as I am a very impatient woman. So this time, all I had to do was cut the arm hole, join the front & back of course and add the strap along with any other cutesy thing I wanted, like the 2 pretty bows with buttons at the front of the straps.

Oh someone pass me the bottle. I'm done here tonight.

[updated : my photos have suddenly re-appeared and here are the 2 photos]
YOU STILL SUCK BLOGGER

What a wonderful day except for this evening

We went to the park for a play date yesterday and the kids, as tired as they were had a blast. Even though I forgot to walk with a change of clothes for the kids, someone still got wet.

We never made it to gym class either. Christopher, after spending the entire day yesterday getting treats and having his way for pooping in the potty, went to bed way too late. His class starts at 10:45am. At 10:20am he was still sleeping, when the phone rang and woke him up. I called to inform them, that we won't be coming today and to put us in for Thursday for his make up class.

Even though we got a late start we had a few things to do. We left at 1:30pm for the play date which is when Alyssa usually has her nap. She's so good about things. She played and played and ate lots of sand.

We got home at about 4pm and I put her down for a few minutes rest while the boy had a snack. We had an appointment with our tax guy to sign some documents so I had to wake the child 30 minutes into her nap. She was in good spirits and as tired as she was, she still managed to smile at me.

The appointment only took 1 minute as I met my husband there. He stayed with the kids in the van as I ran in, signed my name and ran out. Then it was back home.

I decided it was pointless to put her to bed so early and kept her up for a couple of hours. Alyssa was laying on the sofa when Christopher grabbed a cushion and threw it with such force it knocked her off the sofa. I wasn't quick enough even though I was sitting close-by and the sound I heard when her head hit the tile made me sick. She only cried for a few seconds as I held her close and rocked her. She's such a trooper. Surprisingly, the huge lump on her head that I expected never showed up. I wonder if it will be swollen in the morning?

I am so afraid she gets hurt by her brother's rough playing. I caught him sitting on her head today. What runs through the mind of a 3 yr old?

I'm so proud ~ AGAIN!

As some of you may know I've been having the hardest time with my son pooping in the potty. He refuses to. He's semi-potty trained as he won't pee in his big boy underwear & uses the potty regularly to go pee. We were actually only using Pull-Ups at nap time and night time.

Well last week he fell asleep with no Pull-Up and he was dry as sand when he got up. I was so excited I decided I would test him to see how "ready" he was. I am happy to say that since last week Christopher has been PullUp-free even overnight!

And to top it off today he pooped in the potty. WooHoo! He actually sat on there and yelled, "I did it!" I was and still am so proud of my guy. I have been holding on to Bob the Builder ~ Travis and the Mobile Caravan Lego Duplo set since way before Christmas to add to his collection. Everytime he's opened the closet he'd see it and ask me for it. I told him whenever he poops it's his and I guess today was the day he decided it would be his.

The funny thing is I have noticed a huge change in his attitute for about a week or so. He just seemed more grown up. It's weird. He's behaving so much better.

I'm so proud!

A weird thing. Since we moved in here last December I can count the number of times that I have entered the house through the front door. Today I decided to walk around to the front door and our roses are blooming!

I decided to cut some before they die knowing my kind of luck. It's so pretty, even though yellow is not one of my favourite colours.

The Flowers are in full bloom

Yes I did it again, as you can see I was in the car but in my defense I was at a stop light

Today we met with another mommy at the Carlsbad Outlet Mall. Oh I was so scared. Last week I drove past there and saw the huge "50% off Everything" sign in the OSH KOSH window. I also got myself in trouble on Monday when I headed to the mall and walked in Gymboree.

So today, on my way to the Outlet, I stopped by the bank and transferred most of my measly dollars in my savings so it couldn't be spent. I had limited funds linked to the debit card so I could not overspend. It's serious when you have to go to such measures but it worked.

Christopher was very well behaved today except when he pushed Alyssa down and started laughing when she cried.

Alyssa on the other hand was not in her best of moods. I don't think she was feeling well. She's usually not a fussy girl but today everything ticked her off. I guess she is entitled to feel that way. I've been known to have those kinds of days.

We didn't stay there very long thankfully, but we managed to get a few rides on those overpriced kiddie machines.

On the way home I heard Christopher say, "Oh soooo preeeeetty mama", and when I looked I just had to get a few photos.

I couldn't get the full shot but the red and white is actually the American Flag. There are stars(flowers) where they should be but I couldn't get it all. Not enough time. The traffic light was changing green.

So I made a U-turn at the light and made a second go at it as you can see below.

Eventually I found somewhere to pull over and get some more shots. We weren't very close but I have recently discovered (not by reading the manual) that the camera has advanced digital zoom (I think that is what it is called) so this is sort of my experiment. I know they are a little bit grainy and of poor quality but as soon as I figure out how to work the settings on the thing, we should see some improvement.

u
This is where we were parked

I felt like I was spying on people

Christopher had seen this wagon full of people when we were driving past the fields and for the rest of the afternoon all he could say was, "want to go on the wagon mama" So you know what? we'll be going next week.

I have never been inside the actual place so it should be fun.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesdays

Tackle It Tuesday continued or NOT

After my marathon cleaning session last night and early this morning, and after only getting 2 hours sleep, I was so tired for the rest of the day that I really couldn't do much more.

I did manage to fold the 1 1/2 baskets of laundry and put them away but when I opened my closet door and Alyssa's closet door to put the clothes away, I was afraid to take a photo. It was a mess, so I guess I will save that for another time.

I was able to make it on time to Christopher's Little Gym class and he did so well today. He didn't come out crying or anything. All the instructors were so excited right along with me. So I promised him he could get surprises after nap time.

So we're off to get a balloon and whatever else it is he chooses as his prizes.

Man I'm pooped!

Tackle It Tuesday

UPDATED 5:29 am ~ (After photos are being added throughout the day as the tackling continues)

(Run on over here to see what others are tackling on this fine day)

This is exactly what I need to motivate me to clean the messy spots AGAIN. I did most of the cleaning downstairs this past Saturday Night way into Sunday morning. I'm talking about 4 am and later. Most things I said, except the dusting. But I swear the kitchen, floors and dining room table was clean? What happened you asked? Well I have a husband who just can't seem to put things back in place and 2 kids who don't really know what mess is.

I do hope my few faithful readers continue to visit after I post these photos. Most of you have kids so I know you will understand. Honest, I am not a dirty person who can't keep a house, even though it may look that way.

I feel so brave for doing this

I had forgotten to add a photo of the desk so I'm adding it now. Even though it wasn't that bad, dust was everywhere especially on the top. I also removed things that should have been there and threw out some papers.

The filthy kitchen area, tupperware, dirty dishes and all kinds of snacks that daddy gave Christopher. I guess he couldn't remember where the cupboard was.

Now this is absolutely ridiculous. This basket of washed laundry has been sitting right there in the dining room for about a week. Don't be fooled, they're not even folded. I'm not sure what I am waiting on.
(Laundry Not folded yet!)

Full shot of the cluttered mess there. Not even sure why the chairs are there. It's not like there is room for someone to even rest a glass or plate comfortably. Cups, soda can(that one's mine), and the dust you may or may not be able to see. YUCK!

Ahhh...much much better! But for how long? Until next Tuesday? Atleast someone could actually sit there.

I'll say nothing about this~~~~~~~~~~~Hey look there IS a tablecloth

Bad habit that needs to stop..........I just left the ones that are used most

Moving on upstairs~~>

Another laundry basket just waiting outside Alyssa's room
Mess on top of the hall way cupboard. There should be pretty flowers in a vase up there (Not tackled YET!)

Christopher's toy/play room. It was much worse a few days ago but I need to finish the job

On my way back downstairs look what I spotted. Eeew, no wonder we're all sneezing in here. Can you see all the dust not to mention pieces of junk from Christopher's Hot Wheel track? It hasn't seen a dusting since we moved in this house

No more dust! And no more stupid pieces of Hot Wheel Tracks. I even put tea lights in the tea light holder and their lit too!

Crumbs galore. It's all over the mat in the living room. Go ahead click on the photo, I dare you.

Since the vacuum was out of the question and this time of the morning. I swept the living room mat and this came off. Now it's all clean until the kids get up


I'm actually going to be adding more Tackle it Tuesday photos in the morning when I can take some photos of Alyssa's room and the Master Bdrm. Christopher and daddy are in the bed. No room for mommy tonight

My little helper

Most times he is just an angel but after lastnight I wasn't sure anymore. He had a total meltdown because he wanted to sleep in the bed with daddy. He was in the bed but couldn't keep still and was keeping daddy awake so he had to come out. That's when my child turned to Chucky. I had never seen him behave like that. It got so bad I grabbed him up and took him in the van for a ride to cool him off. I gave him a stern talking to and told him when we got back home, he was to march straight upstairs and get in HIS bed. No more screaming and kicking. And that's exactly what happened.

This morning was a new day and with it came a new attitude. He was extra good. While I was dealing with Alyssa in the high chair he disappeared in the direction of the kitchen. Then there was silence. I peeped in the kitchen and saw the garage door opened. He was cleaning but not with this red cloth at first. He had grabbed the mop and was attempting to do the windows on the van. I didn't get the photo of him with the mop before I told him the mop is for the floor. He quietly put the mop back and grabbed the cloth from the kitchen. "I'm cleaning the van mama". I ran for the camera of course.

This was one of his projects from Parent Survival Night last Saturday. He's awfully weird looking. As always I asked the instructor how he behaved. It was a new lady. She hesitated. So I assumed he was bad. I asked her if he was crying but she said no. He was just really really hyper that night and wouldn't sit still for much of anything. I laughed because I had given him a few Easter M & Ms on the drive to the Gym. Better her than me I say, that's her job.

Butterfly ~ My son was very proud of the DOTS!

Alyssa is sporting a brand new Boo Boo and it's not hard to miss it

Sometimes I wonder how much this child can really eat. She had her egg (Jumbo size I might add), some pieces of daddy's ham and some very large strawberries, which stained her clothing.

I was proud of my handy work on the hair so I just had to snap a photo. It didn't last for long and like always, she pulled out her clippies and curlies along with some hair.
So we just we tried for just the curlies. We were getting all dolled up for her 18 month checkup. She was so good. Only 1 shot today. She's growing really well and has moved up from the 50th percentile to the 75th percentile in weight (27.5 lbs) and in height (33 inches) and her head circumference is in the 90th percentile. I joked with the nurse because he was new and nervous and it showed. When he told me the measurements I said, very seriously, "So are you telling me child has a big head?" He said, "Oh no, it just means she is growing well". I had to tell him I was only joking.

We headed to the mall after the doctor's appointment. No stroller. What was I thinking? I promised the boy some sugar free candy so we got that. I also tried to take advantage of Gymboree's 50% off sale. I got a few items but the kids were so excited. Not sure why! Then it was off to Macy's. I was hired by the husband to purchase 3 new mats for our bathroom. It wasn't easy with 2 hyper kids but I tried but after seeing the prices I just couldn't do it.

I had my eye on some Egyptian Cotton ones and when I put in on the floor to get a good look at it, Alyssa plopped herself on one of them and kept rubbing it and saying "Ooooooh". So I took off my slippers to get a feel and ooooh was it ever soft. Still I just couldn't spend that kind of money. Oh well there is always Walmart or Target, even Marshalls across the way.

What a weekend

I do hope everyone had a safe and wonderful weekend.

Saturday, I had just a regular Pedi. and for some reason it was much better than the Euro. It was also $13.00 less. The lady who did it was wonderful and gave the best foot and calf massage that I have ever had in my life. Big tip for her. But when I got home, we were supposed to meet the in-laws at the Crabshack, someone by the name of Alyssa stepped on my toes and smudged 3 of them. I almost cried. It was my fault because I raced out the place since I was running late and didn't give the polish sufficient drying time.

So today I got them fixed and that nice lady, the same one who did them yesterday didn't charge me a cent. She has my business forever..

Now, some disturbing things took place this weekend.

When we got home I went out gallivanting. Aside from passing 4 accidents, there was this lady who was curling her eyebrows. How can you do that while driving. Is she crazy?

Further down the road some lady bad drove me. I made a mental note of the Green Explorer that she was driving and gave her the nastiest look when I passed her. I mean I almost hit her with her nonsense. Would you believe the same lady bad drove me today? I recognized her as I had gotten a good look at the idiots face. What are the chances? Was she following me or something because that was just crazy.

There's more. When I was at the salon, there were 2 babies in there, one of which was a new born. New born as in maybe 1 month. She was asleep in her carrier taking in all those chemicals as mom got a full set. I was very upset.

And to top my weekend off when I was waiting to get my feet done, there was a lady sitting next to me. Out of the corner of my eye I kept seeing her hand making these fly swatting motions and with it I kept getting a very strange pet-like odor. I finally looked at what she was swatting at. You're not going to believe this. She had her little doggie in her handbag. What was worse, at least for me, was that the smell I was smelling, well it was the dog. We all know what wet-dog smells like and there was a little fly buzzing around the animal.

I just think that is super inconsiderate.

I want the salon people to post a sign on the door, a very large one stating,

NO BABIES ALLOWED DUE TO CHEMICAL ODORS.
NO PETS ALLOWED. THIS IS TO PREVENT OUR CLIENTS WHO ARE ALLERGIC FROM HAVING AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE.

I want the sign in BIG BOLD RED BLINKING LETTERS so no one would miss it.

My Snowflake is back

She climbs up places and can never get down

.....with four new shoes too! I'm so happy. When we got to the dealer my husband complained about the piece of "junk" and the lack of power. It's too late now honey.

Photo from the Adventurer's Club

we had such a long day yesterday. I had to meet someone at Costco to drop something off. I have never seen so many cars. The entire parking lot was full. People were scrambling to do their Easter food shopping. I am so glad I didn't have to get out the car.

Photo from the Adventurer's Club

We were actually heading to the Kobey swap to get my flowers. I attempted to take the I5 but I managed to peep the freeway before I actually gone on and the cars weren't moving. This was at around 12:30 pm. We turned around and headed for the 78 to get to the 15. That worked well. I only went in there for the flowers so we were at the swap meet for no more than 20 minutes. The poor kids were pooped but they were super good and tolerated mommy driving all over the place for the whole day.

Miniland USA

On the way home, daddy calls and asks me to meet him to pick up Snowflake so we headed straight to the dealers.

Dragons are cool

When I got home poor Alyssa was soaked and Christopher thought he had peed himself because his pants felt wet but it was really moisture from sitting in the car seat for so long. Poor things.

Miniland USA

Today we have a family get together at Joe's Crabshack then we will attempt to take a walk on the beach in this weather. It's very overcast and may be a little too chilly for the kids at the beach. Wish us luck!

Going home

I am off to get my toes done and to get a pair of pants or something. I promised myself that I would get "me" something everyweek regardless of how small it may be.

Kids Dance Session II

I'm recycling posts. I watched them again today and it made me smile so I'm putting them up again. Don't worry they are all short.

And while you're here, look to the left on my sidebar for the current giveaway. You can click on Giveaways to visit the contest site. Click on the photo itself or the name of prize and learn more about the product.

100 things about me

I've been saying I would do this for quite some time. Actually ever since I read Michelle's 100 things.

That's a darn long time eh?

1. I was born in Port-Of-Spain Trinidad.
2. In a "private facility" because of my mom's terrible hospital birthing experience with my brother
3. I remember as a toddler I used to cry a lot
4. My mom never spanked us
5. My father did with a belt
   
6. I was very shy as a child
7. I still am in some ways
8. I went to private school
   
9. Catholic Private school to be exact
10. I was considered "above standard" and was skipped from Standard 1 to Standard 3
11. I started drinking at an early age
12. I used to drink before school
13. My father was very strict
14. He stole from us
15. He started doing cocaine when I was about 9
16. He apologized to us
17. I never forgave him
18. He was not as nice as he should have been to my mom
19. He cheated on her a lot
20. I believe I have a few have siblings whom I've never met
    
21. I had my first kiss at 12
    
22. I really liked the boy
23. I don't think he really liked me
24. I went to HS in NY
25. I was a tom-boy
26. I dressed like one too
27. My mom used to beg me to wear skirts and lipstick
28. I refused
29. I am still uncomfortable wearing lipstick but I must
30. Because I have a nervous habit of biting them
31. And there are visible scars and uneven tones
32. I did extremely well in HS
33. I had more than enough credits to graduate with a Regents Diploma when I was a Junior
34. My counselor denied me that privilege
35. He made me take more unnecessary AP classes
36. I started cutting school
37. I got caught only once
38. I had many boyfriends in HS
39. They were only boyfriends by name
40. My mom thought otherwise
41. 2 of them got into a fight over me in HS
42. I thought it was funny and dumped them both
43. I broke out my shell after I graduated
44. Started partying quite a lot
45. My mom was worried
46. I never called to let her know where I was
47. I am afraid my daughter will cause me the same stress
    
48. I went to CUNY
49. Majored in Accounting
50. Minor in philosophy
    
51. Not too shabby in psychology
    
52. It helps a lot in dealing with people
53. I feel like I've waisted my education
54. One year I couldn't even do my husband's taxes because i couldn't remember things
    
55. I have an ex-husband
56. He was a Frenchman
57. He was one of the worst people I've ever known
58. I was pregnant with his baby
59. I didn't want it
60. We argued every blessed day
61. He was the cause of my miscarriage
62. I was glad
63. We separated in less than 1 yr
64. His mother didn't like me
65. I didn't like her either
66. She thought I stole her grown ass son, that bastard
    
67. He was 23 yrs my senior
68. I didn't find out until it was too late
69. He hid the fact that he had grown kids
70. I don't date men with children
71. It's one of my RULES
72. He didn't want to give me a divorce and it took a long time
73. I moved to CA and my mom had no idea
74. I packed my bags when she was at work and left
75. It was time for me to leave
76. We couldn't get along living in the same house
77. But we're as close as any mother and daughter could ever be now
78. I worry about her being so far away
79. My brother visits her a lot
80. I've miscarried 3 times
81. I was on different meds for Endometriosis for a long time and have some ongoing side-effects
    
82. I've had 2 surgeries
83. I liked being in the hospital
84. My husband broke my heart once when we used to date
85. We had broken up for about 1 1/2 yrs
86. He told me he would come back to marry me over the phone
87. I didn't believe him
88. He did
    
89. We ran off to Vegas on April 28th 2003
90. I was pregnant with my son a few days later
91. Before this I never wanted kids
    
92. I was scared when I learned I was pregnant
93. We weren't financially secure
    
94. I told my mom of the pregnancy before I told my husband
95. She was so happy
96. I love being mommy
97. I love my husband
98. He still hides from me when he changes
99. I'm shocked because we have 2 kids!
100. I want atleast one more
     

I'm not being ungrateful, really I'm not...

This is what I drive. I told you I'm a simple girl. Nothing fancy yet :-) ~ A 2006 white Grand Caravan named Snowflake and I love her

.....but, as I mentioned or maybe not, the husband took in my vehicle last night. He got one of his friends to bring him back. He did this to avoid us having to get up early to drive it in and having me transfer the kids seats in the shuttle or rental and all that mess. I love him for it. He's my hero!

Well he calls me today. We won't be getting back "Snowflake" until Friday. The mechanic who needs to take care of Snowflake is gone and won't be back until Thursday. So since my baby needed tires and some other parts that were broken by the kids(back seat cupholer, drawer, you know) we decided to leave her there and take the rental that they offered to us. I was sad. This vehicle grew on me. I am so not a minivan girl.

Now he went straight after work to pick up the rental. I obviously skipped a lesson with him when it came to things like this because when the lady asked him to choose between 5 vehicles he simply opted to take the regular Caravan. Why didn't he call me? Now I have nothing against the type of vehicle itself, heck that is what Snowflake is, a Grand Caravan and up until today I never knew the difference was so huge between the regular Caravan and the Grand.

These 2 were among his choices, all of them 2007 vehicles

I would have loved to test this one out, unfortunately the husband had never heard of this and thought it was a small car.

I cannot remember the other 3 but it included some kind of truck.

Now I know I should be happy that I even got a vehicle and didn't have to stay couped up in the house but why couldn't I get some comfort & power at the same time.

He got the Caravan, which meant less room. Not to mention the crappy stereo and the 4-cylinder engine which is my biggest complaint. The engine sounded almost like a diesel truck and vibrated my foot when I pressed the gas. When we took Chris back to the dealership to pick up his truck which was parked on the street, I swear I thought the thing would not make it up the tiny hills. I was afraid to give it more gas and was hoping it would stall or something and we could take this powerless set of wheels and exchange it.

I feel so bad that I feel this way but I need to let it out. When I read this over I really sound like a spoiled ass but I decided to post it anyway because it is what I am feeling at the moment. I am sure it will pass by tomorrow. I hope.

I'm still ranting and it's 11:32 pm
(this could go on whole night!)

Ok, did I mention that my poor babies will be getting burned in their seats. The windows aren't tinted. Woe is me! You should have seen them squinting and trying to hide from the sun on the drive home. Oh Friday please hurry up and get here!

Relaxing Day at the beach

Nothing but Rocks and Seaweed

Let me be the first to tell you that I am not a huge fan of the beach. I think I've probably just had enough from when I lived in Trinidad. Any spare moment we had it was spent at the beach. So I am tired of it. Can you really get tired of it? Yes you can.

She was ready to go

The only reason I force myself to go there is because of the kids. So, on Sunday, even though it wasn't too warm, we packed up and headed down there. This was not our first choice of beaches as it was ridden with seaweed and rocks but it was the closest. It wasn't crowded and had just enough people.

Alyssa's personal ocean pool ~ I wasn't kidding about the rocks
Looking at it now doesn't it look like pothole in the street?

As soon as we got there I got to work. Well that's not entirely true. Alyssa has been to the beach once, not to play in the water. That time we just went to walk off a meal after a late lunch and she ran straight to the water. Her clothing was soaked and she ended up making the ride home in a t-shirt and diaper. We weren't prepared. Sunday she could get as wet as she pleased but as soon as she bravely ran out into the water, Ms Fearless, was slammed and knocked over by a small wave and she never returned to the open waters. That is when I got to work.


The tide was high when we arrived but about half way through our stay it was becoming low again. I was trying to make her another pool away from the rocky sand but she kept watching the waves, afraid they were coming to get her, again.

Christopher was the brave one and even tried to follow daddy when he went out for a swim.

He did this for atleast 30 minutes while I dried off Alyssa and put her in some warm clothing. She was shivering so badly.

Check out the faces! It slowly changed when she realized she may not be able to get down.

We spent a good 3 hours there and I must admit even I had a great time. I leave you with the view from the parking lot and a couple of the waves for those of you who are are still having icy weather. Enjoy!

I particularly like this one


We're Home!