Hi Everyone.
I am a little tardy this week, but it has been fun hearing from everyone else first.
Last Wednesday was our first Jane Austen book club meeting. We read Sense and Sensibility, which I greatly enjoyed, and I made lemon bars. We were supposed to meet at my house, but ended up going somewhere else, which was good because the house smelled like fire after Mike burned up the toaster. More on that later.
Thursday we had Harrison down to play and go to music makers, which was fun.
Friday Jens and I went shopping and bought a new toaster since the old one got burned up.
The weekend was exciting because Joel, Julie, Ashlyn, and Alia came to visit! Jens was so excited they were coming he asked about them for days beforehand. When they finally got here, we spent time at the park and playing with ponies (yes, I dug out my old, old ponies) and everyone went to the zoo, park, and rode the train, a moment Jens has been waiting for for at least a year. It was a momentous occasion and he enjoyed every minute and has talked about it every day since then.
When they left on Monday Jens was pretty upset and even cried a little. Later he told Mike: "Dad, I'm not a crybaby. I just cried because I lost my friends." We thought that was pretty cute and sweet, although we both wondered where and when he had heard the term crybaby. Also on Monday, I made tacos and caught the new toaster oven on fire. Mike felt very vindicated and I felt sad, especially when I looked at the taco box and it said in red letters "Do Not cook in toaster oven." At least it isn't ruined, just a little blackened.
We went and looked at another house on Wednesday, one that we both really liked. It is stressful thinking about buying a home, and it makes me feel tired. Today I have been on the phone with banks and mortgage companies and e-mailing the Realtor all to realize that we need to win the lottery. Maybe someday!
It is supposed to be 80 degrees tomorrow!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 16th
Hi Everyone.
We have had a quiet week around here.
I went to the dentist on Thursday and had a cleaning. I don't enjoy going to the dentist exactly, but I certainly enjoy how clean my teeth feel afterwards.
Friday night we had a family night out and got Jamba Juice with Jens. He was very excited and thought that was a great treat. Unfortunately for us, He drank his right around 8 and then went to bed in his big boy pants (you seeing the problem here?) so we had a very wet bed the next morning. But he has been dry every other night, so we aren't complaining. We haven't felt the need to buy pull ups yet! Now if he would just learn to put his underwear back on by himself instead of running around naked after he uses the bathroom, we'd be sitting pretty.
Saturday I took a day off and went to Modesto to spend the day with Kristin. We went for lunch and a movie, which is always a treat, spent an afternoon without kids, which was Extra nice, and got to pretend we lived close by, which was the best thing of all.
Jens has somehow figured out Abbie's munchkin voice. It is annoying. Also, have I mentioned he is a constant noise machine? As I type this, he is standing next to me talking nonstop. So far he has asked if I am a big baby (10 times), discussed scooters, jump ropes, told me my shirt matches his cup, and discussed how many raisins he should get when he goes potty.
Today I went out with a realtor to see some homes in our area. There are a few things that are pretty nice right on the fringes of our price range, and the realtor seemed to feel we are at the bottom of the market. The idea of buying is exciting but horrifyingly grown up and scary, too. A lot of the homes we could afford need work, which can also be a little daunting. Hopefully we will find something soon, or maybe, the offer we put in on a house in our neighborhood in December will finally come through, but I am not holding my breath on it. I do feel like the next few months is going to be our window of opportunity.
We have had a quiet week around here.
I went to the dentist on Thursday and had a cleaning. I don't enjoy going to the dentist exactly, but I certainly enjoy how clean my teeth feel afterwards.
Friday night we had a family night out and got Jamba Juice with Jens. He was very excited and thought that was a great treat. Unfortunately for us, He drank his right around 8 and then went to bed in his big boy pants (you seeing the problem here?) so we had a very wet bed the next morning. But he has been dry every other night, so we aren't complaining. We haven't felt the need to buy pull ups yet! Now if he would just learn to put his underwear back on by himself instead of running around naked after he uses the bathroom, we'd be sitting pretty.
Saturday I took a day off and went to Modesto to spend the day with Kristin. We went for lunch and a movie, which is always a treat, spent an afternoon without kids, which was Extra nice, and got to pretend we lived close by, which was the best thing of all.
Jens has somehow figured out Abbie's munchkin voice. It is annoying. Also, have I mentioned he is a constant noise machine? As I type this, he is standing next to me talking nonstop. So far he has asked if I am a big baby (10 times), discussed scooters, jump ropes, told me my shirt matches his cup, and discussed how many raisins he should get when he goes potty.
Today I went out with a realtor to see some homes in our area. There are a few things that are pretty nice right on the fringes of our price range, and the realtor seemed to feel we are at the bottom of the market. The idea of buying is exciting but horrifyingly grown up and scary, too. A lot of the homes we could afford need work, which can also be a little daunting. Hopefully we will find something soon, or maybe, the offer we put in on a house in our neighborhood in December will finally come through, but I am not holding my breath on it. I do feel like the next few months is going to be our window of opportunity.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Potty Watch
In addition to wearing big boy pants for nap time, Jens has slept the last two nights in big boy pants and has stayed dry. I bravely gave away the diapers yesterday--here's to hoping I'm not sorry in a week!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
April 9th
Hi Everyone
We just had an exciting morning of play group and Jens is now sleeping peacefully. It is one of those rare times where our house is quiet. Lately his most notable characteristic is his ability to talk and make noise at all times. Seriously. Nonstop, whether is it talking, screaming, spitting, singing, or making sound effects. He is the loudest kid ever. To make up for that, he continues to rock the potty training. We had a quarter of an accident at the park this week (I think he forgot for a minute that he was potty trained and started to go, but then he stopped and we ran to the bathroom for the rest), but other than that he's doing great, even wearing big boy pants during nap time and waking up with dry diapers in the morning 3 out of the last 4 nights. I keep waiting for something bad to happen, but so far he is doing great. Muscles and big boy pants!
A quick run down of our busy social calendar:
Last week Mike and I had a date night on Thursday. We got Subway and went to Border's, where we talked, looked at, and read books for a couple of hours. It was a really peaceful evening out.
Friday we had the Littles over for Pizza Movie Night and we tried to play games while the kids watched a movie. It sort of worked, and it was fun.
Saturday I got a haircut. I am still getting used to it and I am not sure if I love it. We also watched some of conference, and during priesthood session, Natalie, Jens, and I went for dinner.
Sunday we watched more conference. I especially enjoyed the afternoon session because Jens was sleeping and I actually got to listen to the talks. Sunday night we had a cookout with friends and even managed a few games (sort of made up ones--we were trying to play Mormon Bridge, but no one could quite remember how to score).
Monday Kristin and Mati Johnson came to spend the night. We were so happy to see them! The kids had a good time playing, and I enjoyed the company. We tried out a new fancy park, Fairytale Town, on Tuesday. It is a cute idea--a park full of scenes from story books. There were lots of slides, a tractor, the little engine who could, Owl's house (from Winnie the Pooh), a Cinderella carriage with carousel horses, Mr. McGregor's Garden, a pirate ship, Sherwood Forest, and lots of animals--three little pigs, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter, ducks, goats, sheep, a donkey, and Jens's favorite, a black cow that "peed all over the place," as Jens excitedly told Mike, Aunt Jessie, and Natalie. I think that was his highlight. I will send a couple of pictures. The kids had a blast, although we stayed about five minutes too long, as they took turns having melt downs while we walked to the car. Jens fell asleep for fifteen minutes on the way home and that was it for his nap, so I am hoping for a long nap today!Some pictures from the fun day:
Last night we also had a birthday dinner for Natalie. I was so happy because she wanted that carrot cake. That stuff is the best! It is all I can do to not go have a huge piece right now.
And today, playgroup and Mike is working at Habitat for Humanity. I am hoping he doesn't come home with an aching back!
We just had an exciting morning of play group and Jens is now sleeping peacefully. It is one of those rare times where our house is quiet. Lately his most notable characteristic is his ability to talk and make noise at all times. Seriously. Nonstop, whether is it talking, screaming, spitting, singing, or making sound effects. He is the loudest kid ever. To make up for that, he continues to rock the potty training. We had a quarter of an accident at the park this week (I think he forgot for a minute that he was potty trained and started to go, but then he stopped and we ran to the bathroom for the rest), but other than that he's doing great, even wearing big boy pants during nap time and waking up with dry diapers in the morning 3 out of the last 4 nights. I keep waiting for something bad to happen, but so far he is doing great. Muscles and big boy pants!
A quick run down of our busy social calendar:
Last week Mike and I had a date night on Thursday. We got Subway and went to Border's, where we talked, looked at, and read books for a couple of hours. It was a really peaceful evening out.
Friday we had the Littles over for Pizza Movie Night and we tried to play games while the kids watched a movie. It sort of worked, and it was fun.
Saturday I got a haircut. I am still getting used to it and I am not sure if I love it. We also watched some of conference, and during priesthood session, Natalie, Jens, and I went for dinner.
Sunday we watched more conference. I especially enjoyed the afternoon session because Jens was sleeping and I actually got to listen to the talks. Sunday night we had a cookout with friends and even managed a few games (sort of made up ones--we were trying to play Mormon Bridge, but no one could quite remember how to score).
Monday Kristin and Mati Johnson came to spend the night. We were so happy to see them! The kids had a good time playing, and I enjoyed the company. We tried out a new fancy park, Fairytale Town, on Tuesday. It is a cute idea--a park full of scenes from story books. There were lots of slides, a tractor, the little engine who could, Owl's house (from Winnie the Pooh), a Cinderella carriage with carousel horses, Mr. McGregor's Garden, a pirate ship, Sherwood Forest, and lots of animals--three little pigs, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter, ducks, goats, sheep, a donkey, and Jens's favorite, a black cow that "peed all over the place," as Jens excitedly told Mike, Aunt Jessie, and Natalie. I think that was his highlight. I will send a couple of pictures. The kids had a blast, although we stayed about five minutes too long, as they took turns having melt downs while we walked to the car. Jens fell asleep for fifteen minutes on the way home and that was it for his nap, so I am hoping for a long nap today!Some pictures from the fun day:
Last night we also had a birthday dinner for Natalie. I was so happy because she wanted that carrot cake. That stuff is the best! It is all I can do to not go have a huge piece right now.
And today, playgroup and Mike is working at Habitat for Humanity. I am hoping he doesn't come home with an aching back!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 2nd
Hi Everyone--
Hope you survived April Fool's Day unscathed, and Happy Birthday Collin!
We have big BIG news at our house, POTTY TRAINING! Yes, we are in full swing and Jens is, so far, a very receptive student. I think that after wearing diapers underwear probably feels really comfortable. Also, we discovered the power of Spiderman Fruit Snacks, although we are worried about what will happen when his love of those is gone. I am pretty stingy with them--three every time he goes, but I am sure that as a motivator, the power will eventually fade. We are trying to think of something else to trade off that would be exciting but also healthy, and we are already doing a sticker star chart, too. So. If anyone has a good suggestion, let me know. We have now gone 24 hours with no accidents--and that includes a success at a restaurant last night. He did wear a diaper for bedtime and nap, and both got well used. I have to say, I think about potty training a lot more than I would like to, but it is a consuming process! I feel like if I am not really committed, it isn't going to happen. So, sorry that I wrote such a huge paragraph about it, but it is occupying a large portion of my brain.
Okay, I have to add one more thing. While I was writing this, Jens wandered off, so I went to see what he was doing. He had stripped himself down and climbed up on the potty all by himself! He didn't actually do anything, but I figure it is a good sign that he can do that alone, right? Oh. Now he is trying to put on his underwear by himself. It is backwards AND inside out. I guess putting back on is a little harder than removal. Now, no more potty training stuff. I promise.
Our other big thing this week was coming home from Florida. We enjoyed the trip and Jens enjoyed playing with his cousins. I always love it when we get together, and it was very good for me to see everyone in a slightly less stressful situation than we had at Christmas. The weather was a little disappointing, and occasionally Jens informs me that we are going to the beach on Saturday with Abbie (something we wanted to do but didn't because it was too cold), but Easter was lovely and being together was well worth it. Some of our favorite highlights:
The butterfly garden
Candy. ("Why do we celebrate Easter?" "Candy! Eggs! Easter Bunny!")
The bunny cake
The new bike
Seeing Mom and Dad's house plans
Watching Peter practice soccer
A big boy bed with cars on it!
Seeing Jill--she really is so cute and sweet.
Story time--without a doubt, that was the best story hour ever.
Going for donuts with Abbie and Jens, both of whom were wearing pajamas, crocs, and Indian headdresses they made at the previously mentioned story time.
We had a nice time, and coming home was actually as smooth a trip as I could have asked for, considering we got up at 4 am Florida time to get to the airport. Jens was a trouper and even managed to stay up until his California bedtime, making his day almost 20 hours long. We are finally recovered, but we were both pretty tired for a few days! Jens was also very excited to see Mike--lots of jumping and laughing at the sight of him. We missed him while we were gone, and I think he missed us a tiny bit, too.
We've got a very busy week coming up, so look for an action packed letter next week! And cross your fingers for us that we won't have any accidents! (Ha ha, like that will happen!)
Hope you survived April Fool's Day unscathed, and Happy Birthday Collin!
We have big BIG news at our house, POTTY TRAINING! Yes, we are in full swing and Jens is, so far, a very receptive student. I think that after wearing diapers underwear probably feels really comfortable. Also, we discovered the power of Spiderman Fruit Snacks, although we are worried about what will happen when his love of those is gone. I am pretty stingy with them--three every time he goes, but I am sure that as a motivator, the power will eventually fade. We are trying to think of something else to trade off that would be exciting but also healthy, and we are already doing a sticker star chart, too. So. If anyone has a good suggestion, let me know. We have now gone 24 hours with no accidents--and that includes a success at a restaurant last night. He did wear a diaper for bedtime and nap, and both got well used. I have to say, I think about potty training a lot more than I would like to, but it is a consuming process! I feel like if I am not really committed, it isn't going to happen. So, sorry that I wrote such a huge paragraph about it, but it is occupying a large portion of my brain.
Okay, I have to add one more thing. While I was writing this, Jens wandered off, so I went to see what he was doing. He had stripped himself down and climbed up on the potty all by himself! He didn't actually do anything, but I figure it is a good sign that he can do that alone, right? Oh. Now he is trying to put on his underwear by himself. It is backwards AND inside out. I guess putting back on is a little harder than removal. Now, no more potty training stuff. I promise.
Our other big thing this week was coming home from Florida. We enjoyed the trip and Jens enjoyed playing with his cousins. I always love it when we get together, and it was very good for me to see everyone in a slightly less stressful situation than we had at Christmas. The weather was a little disappointing, and occasionally Jens informs me that we are going to the beach on Saturday with Abbie (something we wanted to do but didn't because it was too cold), but Easter was lovely and being together was well worth it. Some of our favorite highlights:
The butterfly garden
Candy. ("Why do we celebrate Easter?" "Candy! Eggs! Easter Bunny!")
The bunny cake
The new bike
Seeing Mom and Dad's house plans
Watching Peter practice soccer
A big boy bed with cars on it!
Seeing Jill--she really is so cute and sweet.
Story time--without a doubt, that was the best story hour ever.
Going for donuts with Abbie and Jens, both of whom were wearing pajamas, crocs, and Indian headdresses they made at the previously mentioned story time.
We had a nice time, and coming home was actually as smooth a trip as I could have asked for, considering we got up at 4 am Florida time to get to the airport. Jens was a trouper and even managed to stay up until his California bedtime, making his day almost 20 hours long. We are finally recovered, but we were both pretty tired for a few days! Jens was also very excited to see Mike--lots of jumping and laughing at the sight of him. We missed him while we were gone, and I think he missed us a tiny bit, too.
We've got a very busy week coming up, so look for an action packed letter next week! And cross your fingers for us that we won't have any accidents! (Ha ha, like that will happen!)
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