For all those who come to this happy place, Welcome!

After only 6 weeks of school Paige is already writing words. She asks us how to spell whatever word and then does it all by her self. This might not seem like much - but this is a huge step from previously only writing her name. Mrs. Christopher (her Kindergarten teacher) said she could phonetically spell at this point but lacks the confidence. I can understand that, Paige doesn't like to make mistakes - she wants to do everything right the first time. Just look at this card she made for her aunts birthday.

I'm not sure that I agree with the saying that it' darkest before the dawn, when it was raining for 40 days don't you think some of the animals of little faith were just about ready to jump overboard. It is so damn hard not to abandon ship in hopes that things will eventually work out. Dear friends & stalkers, I am talking about potty training. My friend Christie said it's really not up to the kid, but greatly depends on the parents determination. That is so TRUE!!! I am not the "Lance Armstrong" of dedicated parents. I slack off more then most - this potty training thing has just about done me in. The second day of PT we had 2 poopies that didn't really seem to bother him. I smelled him & made him go. He might have waddled around for hours if it were up to him. He will go if I take him, but he doesn't tell me before hand and most times it after the fact, not a little sprinkling but a full on flood. We were at Joann's today and I only noti

My pediatrician informed me at James last (not so"well baby", since both my kids were sick) visit that potty training is no longer optional. At 3 years and 5 months it's time to get your act together and get your kid motivated. So with some bright ideas we rigged up a system that seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Keep in mind that we have tried various ways and we just might know what we are talking about (for once). Failed method #1: James isn't motivated by " choxie " (chocolate) or candy, so after his sugar buzz wore off - he was like "no thanks" that one ended before it began. Failed method #2: I would sit him on the toilet every 30 minutes only to loose interest by midday (that is me, not him). I got sick of hearing the timer go off and having to stop what I'm doing to run to the bathroom and wait forever for nothing to happen, only to hear 10 minutes later that he peed his pants. This girl is not big on doing laundry , even with

So this is really what made me want to start blogging (more than peer pressure). Isn't she so cute? She was completely into sculpting these little pb men This one is hers. Notice the the belly button. Actually I think hers is a girl (not anatomically correct, thank goodness!) She made her with long hair. This one is mine. What? I couldn't let my five year old have all the fun. My little pb man reminds me of "the Wemmicks " from Max Lucado's book, I am Special. (not that I am comparing myself to Eli or anything - if you have no clue what I am referring to... you really should read the book. Try to do more with your life then just reading boring blogs on the i nternet about moms that think their kids are so freakin wonderful) Here are the little pb kids just chilling on some soft parchment paper. Paige was pretty intense when crafting her art. Surprisingly she didn't even pause to pose for a picture. She is even wearing the apron I made her (sniff, sniff

So... I have to give credit where credit is do. I thought I was computer savvy until I met my friend Christie. She makes me look like the Paris Hilton of computers ( ummm . so this is like a keyboard? it's so hot.) This is far removed from where I used to see myself, that is, right up there with Trekkie's & Star Wars dorks (that is meant to be a compliment - no hate mail yet please. I just started this blasted thing.) Anyway, she designed my header. I chose the Halloween theme. But she rocks. Not me. She just makes me look good. Here is a quiz? Can anyone tell me where the background on the header comes from? ( Christie you can't answer.) I will be so impressed. Anyway, to start things off right (with this blastedblog ). My friends ( Christie & her husband Kevin) went on a date Sat night and we were fortunate enough to watch their kids. It felt like a party, and only intensified when they came to pick them up. Little did they know that I had indulgently handing o