What I See

I'm starting to forget what Jake looks like.

I'm not ready for this.

A conversation with Jake. Not sure where the subject came from. We were talking about choosing books at the library when...

Jake: "I hope I marry a girl named Kaitlin or Emily."
Me: "Oh. Because you like those names?"
Jake: "Yes."
Me: "So do you like those names because of the girls you know?"
Jake: "I only know a girl named Emily. I'm not going to marry her."

And the subject seemed closed. Fine with me! But then...

Jake: "Mom, you know I only like one girl."
Me: "Huh?"
Jake: "You know, Jillian!"
Me: (no words...)

Uh oh! Oh well, I guess we can be confident that this little crush won't progress too far since she's got the wrong name!

The Tastiest Part of Summer

Camden and I inspected the garden this afternoon.  And we came in with - drumroll please - our FIRST TOMATO!  We were pretty excited.  It was all I could do to catch a picture of it before Cam took a big bite.  Mmmm, yummy!  At least that's what he told me, since he didn't choose to share. I guess I'll be waiting for the next one.  I may not tell him when that one ripens!  Luckily, we're looking forward to many, many tomatoes this summer.  Currently, we have 46 more ripening on the vines!

P.S. We also brought in our second harvest of zucchinis and cucumbers (they're growing like weeds - hooray!).  But, come on, it's really not official until the tomatoes turn red!

Again

My dad left this morning for Afghanistan.  Again.

Be safe and remember we love you, Della!

Yoda

One day, many moons ago (when I was still a bratty pre-teen girl), my cousin Jeff showed up at our house with a very small kitten with very large ears.  His name was Yoda (due to the big ears) and he would be staying with us for a few days.  Just until Jeff's landlord stopped checking for cats...

Well, as I said, that was many moons ago.  As in, a long time.  And Yoda has been a member of the family ever since.  We love that cat more than you can imagine - and yesterday he left us.  It was his time, and we are all so grateful that we had a chance to be together as a family - with Yoda - for a holiday weekend and to say goodbye.

And now, for a few little thoughts on Yo...

Yoda was the runt of the litter.  He even had to be helped into the world.  But he made up for his tiny beginning by eating.  He definitely earned the nickname, Chubs.

When he was young - and skinny - Yoda would walk along the one-inch ledge by our very large and very high picture window.  Spooky-looking from outside... especially on Halloween!

Yoda didn't know he was a cat.  He greeted people at the door like a dog.  He was a good dog.

Yoda taught Sam, our other cat (who adopted Yoda and truly believed she had given birth to the little runt), how to purr.  He was a master at the art.

Yoda couldn't catch a bug to save his life.  He would try for hours, only to wear himself out and finally give up.  Then Sam would reach up and get that bug in one try.  Poor Yoda.

Yoda was very creative when he wanted attention - or food.  His latest trick was playing the piano, always the same tune, to wake up the household at breakfast time!

Yoda loved the movie "Jurassic Park," and truly believed he was a raptor.  You'd believe it, too, if you knew that cat!

Finally, because this could go on for a really long time, I'll sum it all up with Jake's words.  "Yoda was a nise cat."

Yep, that about sums it all up.  We'll miss you Yo-Yo.  You were a sweet boy cat.

Happy Independence Day!

I have a confession to make: Whichever holiday we are about to celebrate, are celebrating, or have just celebrated, is my FAVORITE holiday.

So, right now...

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday! I love it. I love the parades, the food, and the bright colors.  I love decorating bikes and dogs and watching fireworks.  I love that we celebrate outside with family and friends. I love that whole communities come together to celebrate our country and our freedom.

So, without further ado, here are just a few snapshots from our Fourth in Buena Vista:

She's beautiful.  And very patriotic.

Ready for the parade through downtown Lexington!

Bob.

Nothing better on a hot day than a firecracker pop.

Mayo discovered a love for lemonade.

Cousins.  Amy, Jen and Natasha.  We're pretty cute.

It's not over until somebody throws a fit.

Batty in BV

We just got home from a weekend in Buena Vista.  We had lots of fun celebrating the Fourth of July and hanging out with family.  But before I go into details of the holiday, I'd like to first share with you a little story.  A true story...

The other night, after putting the boys to bed, I heard Jake call, "Mom!  I need you!"  Well, since I hear Jake call this same thing every single night, I kind of ignored him.  After the second call, I replied,"I'll be there in a minute!"  And after the third, "Go to sleep, Jake!"  Finally, after Jake's, "Mom!  You need to come here right now!" I went to see what was going on (actually, I went to tell him, face-to-face that he needed to be quiet and go to sleep).

But before I could get the reprimand out of my mouth, I saw the bat.  Circling my boys. Swooping down towards the bed.  The bed where Camden was sound asleep and Jake was calmly watching the bat go round and round.

So I left the boys with the bat.  Before you go thinking I'm a horrible mother who leaves her children to the mercy of a bat (for too long) let me tell you where I went.  I went to get my dad. But my dad didn't wake up, so my mom came instead.  We got the boys and the dog (who never noticed the bat) out of the room and closed the door.  Good solution.

So the next night, since we never did find and remove the bat, the boys and I moved upstairs to another bedroom.  After putting the boys to bed, I walked out of the room and who should I meet in the hall?  You guessed it.  A bat.  A different bat.  I caught it under a trash can and waited for my mom and dad to come take care of the problem.  I know, I'm really brave.

And that's the story of our weekend in BV.

The End.

It's Summertime and School is OUT!

It's summer.

We spend all our time at the pool.

Life is GOOD!

Because I'm sure you're dying to know ...

I thought I'd share a few more odd little facts about me.  Yep, I could tell you were just sitting there thinking, "Gee, I wish I knew more random and trivial facts about Jen.  Then my life would be worth living."  You were thinking that, right?  Oh good.  Well here you go:

1. I am a macaroni-and-cheese snob. I will only eat (and therefore only serve) Annie's mac-n-cheese. Any flavor, but it has to be Annie's.

2. I was attacked by a rottweiler named Mr. T. who only ate green beans and rice (although that day he almost ate me). I was rescued by a boy named Ashley who looked like a guy you wouldn't want to run into in a dark alley. He was way tougher than Scarlet's Ashley, thank goodness.

3. I miss my husband for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that he drives me places. I don't like driving. Not at all.

4. I'm a sloppy drunk. Of course, I've never actually been drunk. In fact, I've never had a drink at all. But the way I get when I'm sleepy makes me think I'd be a really sloppy drunk.

5. I have to comfort my dog, who has nightmares, at least two or three times every night. Don't tell her I told you; she's very sensitive about these things.

6. I secretly (or maybe not so secretly anymore) want to homeschool my children. But I'm a coward so I don't do it. Yet.

7. I have five grey hairs. Camden is five years old. This is not a coincidence. That boy would give you grey hairs, too!

8. I have a real problem with men who have soft hands. It just really creeps me out. There, I'm glad I got that off my chest. It's been bothering me for years!

9. I lived in Seattle for a year and a half and never went up the Space Needle. I drove by it and played under it more times than I can count, but I never went up. I guess I'll have to go be a tourist there someday. (To redeem myself, I have thrown fish at Pike's Place, thankyouverymuch.)

10. I use olive oil as a moisturizer. Face, body, everywhere! I swear it is the miracle skin product. It prevents acne, heals scars, moisturizes, prevents wrinkles, removes eye makeup, slows (or at least softens) hair growth after shaving... It's some great stuff. You should try it.

11. I went to my senior prom with Satan. Back then he went by Jeff, and he was really cute and not from my school, so I was the envy of all the other girls there. But now he calls himself Satan. Don't feel bad, I don't get it either.

12. I don't like odd numbers.  So much so that I had to add this last fact so I wouldn't end on an ugly odd number.

Okay, that'll have to do for tonight.  I know, I know, you want more.  But you're just going to have to pace yourself.  I'm tired.

Oh, and thanks for reading.  Not quite sure why I felt compelled to share my deepest darkest secrets (okay, not so much) tonight, but it was kind of you to humor me.  Thanks a bunch!

And now, to get the focus off me...  Got anything you feel compelled to share?  Go for it!  My comments are always open.

Right Now

Right now, I'm sitting with two dogs.  Riggo is growling at his own reflection in the window. Mandisa is staring at me like I should be doing something about the situation.  I'm laughing.  This has been going on for a good 20 minutes.  Just thought I'd share.

A Day of Rest - We've Earned It

It's been kinda crazy around here.

Tuesday was the most anticipated day of the year (at least for this mommy)... The LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  Woohoo!  I think I was more excited than the kids!  We had a neighborhood ice cream party when the kids got off the bus.  Everyone had a fun time, but some of us got messier than others.

Wednesday was another very special - and long-anticipated - day...  Camden's fifth birthday!  We celebrated by going to Build-A- Bear with Bubby and Poppa in the morning and then having cupcakes and ice cream with Granny and Poppy at 10:00 at night.  
Why did we wait to have cupcakes and ice cream until three hours after the five-year-old's bedtime, you ask?  Well, it's simple, really.  See, the mom of said five-year-old was MIA for most of the day.  I was at this beautiful place...
... taking pictures of this beautiful couple.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day, Jessica and Ros (even if it was my boy's special day first).
Thursday, the Sidewinders played our final tee-ball game of the season!  A big shout-out goes to Bridgette, who took pictures of my kiddos for me while I was otherwise occupied.  (Real tee-ball post coming soon, I promise!)
Friday was birthday-party day!  We spent the morning decorating the backyard and baking a cake...
... and the afternoon partying with friends!  Cam had an Army theme, so we had a big water war with water grenades (they ran out really fast) and water guns.  I thought it would be every man for himself, but I was wrong.  No, it was every man against the mommy!
Saturday, after a trip to urgent care for our third bout of strep in as many weeks, and after lugging a "new-to-you" fridge over from the neighbors' house (thanks to our big-muscled friends who helped with that big job!), I left two boys with their Bob and headed off to Jessica and Ros' reception for more pictures.

And now, it's Sunday.  The Sabbath.  A day of rest.  And boy howdy, do we need it!

P.S. My mom (aka Bob) came to help this week.  She entertained boys, helped with party preparations, and did my laundry!  I've gotta say, it's good to have a BOB.  Thanks, Mom!

He's Five

Camden woke me up at 6:00 this morning.  I thought that was far too early to get up on the first day of summer vacation, and told him so.  I think my exact words were something like, "Cammmmmm... go back to beddddddddddddd.  It's still nightttttttttttt..."  (I was really tired.)

But then I got a shot of well-deserved mommy-guilt when Cam said in his sweetest little voice, "But Mommy, why didn't you sing Happy Birthday to me?"

Oops.  So I rallied everything I had in me and sang to my now-five-year-old.  He was so happy. That big grin was totally worth the early morning.  I think.

Happy Birthday Cammo-Man!  I love you!

And I agree, you most definitely are taller this morning.

We're calling him Nelson...

... but only because I can't remember his name.

We've been enjoying this bunny for the past few days, and will miss him when he goes back to his family tomorrow.  He'll probably be happy to answer to his real name, though.

Nasty

I don't know why I feel compelled to share some things.  But I do.  So here's the beautiful picture I took yesterday of Jake's back.  Nice rash, huh?

I'm pretty sure it's an allergic reaction to something... but what... now that's another matter altogether.

Field Day

Today was Field Day in Gatorland!  By the end of the day we were all hot, sweaty, and tired.  It was perfect.

We don't play tee-ball.

In case you were wondering why I never post about our tee-ball season, it's because we aren't playing tee-ball this season.  We decided to have lots of rain and thunder storms instead.  That's way more fun, don't you think?

Oh, and in addition to thunder storms, I also get to do a lot of rescheduling of games.  (Because yes, we are supposed to be playing tee-ball.)

Something's Missing

It's Jake's tooth.

My boy is officially a KID!

Oh my, I'm not sure I'm ready for this.

Uncle Moe

We said goodbye to our dear Uncle Moe today.  Uncle Moe was my great-grandmother's brother, my great-great-uncle.  That means he was my boys' great-great-great-uncle.  That's three greats!  Pretty impressive, huh?

I thought that, in honor of Uncle Moe, I'd share some of my favorite things about my Bubby's only brother.  So in no particular order...

Uncle Moe and Aunt Jo were married for 75 years.  That's right, folks, 75 years!  I never saw Aunt Jo without the necklace he gave her on their 50th anniversary.

Uncle Moe, a Jewish man, eloped with his Irish Catholic sweetheart, Jo.  How cool is that story?!

Uncle Moe introduced my Bubby and Poppa.  That alone makes him pretty important, if I do say so myself.

Uncle Moe could dance!  He took his lucky wife dancing all the time.  (Hint hint, Dan...)

Uncle Moe hated onions.  We had to have a separate bowl of stuffing, sans onions, at holiday dinners.  Oh, and Uncle Moe made the stuffing.

Uncle Moe made the best baked beans.  Seriously, the best.  I love them.  Nobody else's beans compare.  Sorry to those of you who've served me baked beans.  I don't mean to be rude, but now you know the truth.

Uncle Moe was the only one in the family who could rival Dan in height.  I think that's why Aunt Jo likes Dan so much (really, she tells me how handsome he is all the time!).  She's like me, she likes the tall boys too!

At age 98, Uncle Moe still had a very keen mind.  His body failed him, but his mind was strong.

My list could go on.  Uncle Moe was a fun guy, with a big smile, a big heart, and really big hands.  Sorry, growing up, I thought he was a giant.  A nice giant.

A funeral is a sad event.  While we know he's finally comfortable after years of physical pain, it is still hard to say goodbye to someone you love.  We are so blessed, though, to have Aunt Jo, who provided the comic relief we all needed...

The scene: Aunt Jo is looking at her husband, laying in the casket during the funeral.

Aunt Jo: "What's that on his head?"

Answer: "A yamaka."

Aunt Jo: "Why is he wearing that?"

Answer: "Because he's Jewish."

Aunt Jo: "No, he's not."

The conversation continued in much the same vein, until Aunt Jo was sufficiently convinced that Uncle Moe was, in fact, a Jew.  At which point she asked,

"Was he born that way?"

Answer: "Yes."

Aunt Jo, shocked: "And I married him?  Well, don't tell anybody!"

Poor Aunt Jo.  Somehow, word already got out.  Like, a long time ago...

On this day in history...

1674 - Horse racing was prohibited in Massachusetts.

1812 - The Louisiana Territory became the Missouri Territory.

1896 - Henry Ford test drove his new car in Detroit, MI.

1919 - The U.S. Senate passed the Women's Suffrage bill.

1942 - The Battle of Midway began.

1980 – A very cute baby was born. Her parents named her Jennifer.

1989 - Chinese army troops stormed Tiananmen Square to crush the pro-democracy movement.

1992 - The U.S. Postal Service introduced the "young Elvis" stamp.

1998 - George and Ira Gershwin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2003 - Martha Stewart was indicted for tax fraud.

2009 – Jen turned 29. She celebrated by eating cake with two handsome men.

Body Art

He looks diseased.

But he's not.

Camden had a lovely time with an ink pad.

He was very impressed with himself.

You should see his arms and legs...