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?
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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

happy birthday jack

I cannot believe that Jack is 3! It really seems like just yesterday, he fit in my arms. I miss those days, but I love these days now. He is hysterical. I often take nibbles out of him, kiss him 'til he cries, stare at him until my eyes are dry, and thank Heavenly Father each day that I am able to be his mom.
For his big day, Paul and I took him to Thanksgiving Point's Dinosaur Museum. Paul's mom Betty, met us there. He walked around commenting on each dinosaur, played in the water and sand, took us from place to place as he followed the sounds of the museum, and picked out his birthday present of rocks and stones (from Betty). French fries was his lunch of choice.
After his nap, we played with his toys and enjoyed spending time with him. After pizza for dinner, we prepared for his party with his cousins. I saw a construction themed cake I wanted to try to make for him, and thought a construction party would be perfect for him.
The kids came and utter chaos followed. We built walls of cardboard boxes and had the kids knock it down with a wrecking ball. It was fun to let them loose and play as much as they wanted. I kept telling myself to let them be and enjoy the chaos.
Here's a bit about Jack:
loves dinosaurs
eats broccoli
not big on eating bread
loves to dig in the dirt
watches Curious George
loves being outside
loves playing in water
says things are dangerous
loves to wrestle with Paul
enjoys reading books
doesn't like to sleep in his bed
loves chips
loves to help me clean/cook
helps at Pebbles a ton
loves to play with daddy's tools
loves popcorn
can't get enough of construction trucks

-ash