Mother of the Year Award?

You know those days that are perfect? Everyone gets along, everyone eats healthy, everyone plays nice, etc? Well, that's how the day went until I decided to make cookies.
I took the cookies out of the oven (yes, Jack was next to me), and I placed the extremely hot (350*) sheet on the counter, away from the edge. Jack immediately reach up, which he as never done before, to get one. I thought I had grabbed his arm just in time, and put his hand in mine to try to sooth his crying. When I looked down, his skin from his wrist was coming off, and it looked really bad. The rest of the night, he kept his arm far away from anything and everything. Even the next day, he wouldn't use his right arm. I would try to hand him his water bottle and he would reply "mom, I can't hold it". Then he would tip his face forward and open his mouth. He is hysterical. Here's to the "Mother of the Year Award".
-ash

Happy Valentines Day

Today was a fantastic day. I woke up early to work out, then we got ready for the day. Paul wanted to take us to breakfast. Mom was watching Lucy and Ellie, and Jack did not want to come with us! He wanted to stay and play, so he did. Paul and I went to Baked for breakfast, ran a couple errands (including Pebbles to take a mop during another bathroom crisis), and headed home to put Jack down for a nap. While he slept, we read Fablehaven. Then we played outside in the dirt, Jack sat in the sun and ate chips, went on a walk, went to the park, had dinner (made by Abby: steak & mashed potatoes with a balsamic glaze, an summer salad, kiwi, black cherry soda, and a chocolate strawberry triffle), watched Curious George and went to bed. It was a really nice relaxing day, and I loved spending time with those I love.
-ash

Jumping for Joy

One of Jacks very favorite activities is jumping on trampolines. My parents have a small work out one that he seems to find, no matter where they put it. When the Bigelow's got a "traditional" one, he loves taking walks to their house to jump and run around it as fast as he can. I love seeing the smile of nothing weighing him down, his eyes full of light. Thank you trampolines!
-ash

Rubberbands?

I was sitting at the table eating lunch, when Jack asked me if my foot had an owie. Before I knew it, he was knealing down before me, with a cup of rubberbands. He then started to put rubberbands over my toes. He was so excited to help me and my owie. When he was finished, he said "okay mom, all better", then he kissed it better. So I ask...how do you use rubberbands?
-ash

Where's Jack?

If we want to know where Jack is, we look in our closet, under the covers in his bed, behind the couch, under our dresser. If all of those fail, look in Abby's room, and there he is. Perched up on her bed, watching her do whatever the heck she's doing. As soon as I find him and try to get him out of her way, Abby replies... "He's fine, he's not in the way". Then I tell him he has a few more minutes. I giggle as I walk away. I am thankful each day he is surrounded by love.
-ash

What's in the Crust?

I was asked to make dessert for our Sunday dinner gathering, and decided to make easy cheese pie. Yesterday afternoon, I got the ingredients out to make the crust, and noticed I was short a few graham crackers. I wasn't about to go to the store, so I thought... "I'll add some bran flakes". So I did; about 1/4 cup. Pulsed the graham crakers and the bran flakes together, added the sugar and butter. The crust was a little crunchy, but heck, there's butter and sugar in it, and it tasted really good. I couldn't taste the bran flakes at all. Put the rest of the pie together and was thrilled to have it done for sunday.
Paul dished up the pie and people started eating. Before I knew it, mom and Linds were complaining about the crust. I admit, it was a little crunchier, but it was still really good. I ignored them until finally I had to admit there was a little bran flakes. I don't know if I will hear the end of it! I'll have to make something next time to wipe this "horrid" memory from their minds. At least I helped them with fiber:)
-ash

Corn Kernel

Jack was enjoying some popcorn. He took a handful and went to play with some toys. A few minutes later, he turned to me pointing at his nose. I looked up his nose and saw something, but I thought it was just a booger. A few minutes after that, he was still messing around with his nose. I looked again, and thought "you've got to be kidding me!" Jack put a kernel up his nose. I thought for sure, he had missed that stage. I was wrong. I'm pretty sure he knew he was in a bit of trouble. I took him to the bathroom and made several attempts to get it out. I used his nose sucker, I tried to have him blow his nose over and over again (which he just couldn't do, he kept inhaling really hard), tweezers and a prayer. Finally, I looked at him and sternly told him we would get it out because I was not going to go to the hospital! He started crying after that, and I felt really bad. I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him. I then remembered I had a little "tool" to help clean my cuticles. It would be perfect. It took a couple tries, but then out it popped.
I have been wondering ever since... what is the thought process of of a little kid who looks at something small, and thinks it goes up the nose? What part of that is okay, or a good idea? Not sure if I'll ever find that answer. Hopefully, he won't do it again.
-ash