Toys in the Kitchen!

I don't know if you let your kids bring their toys all over the house. In our home, we created a playroom for the girls to hopefully open up a bigger area of play, limit the noise level in our home, and hopefully lessen the mess in the rest of the home. HOWEVER, we DO allow toys in the KITCHEN!!!

Annalise has always loved to help mommy cook. Once she was old enough to assist me in the kitchen, I have tried to include her in much of my cooking. When she isn't helping me, she has always enjoyed playing with her play kitchen. And since Allison was old enough to eat food, she has screamed every night around 5:30PM for food. The absolute worst position for me to be in at that point is in front of the stove. Do you know how hard it is to cook with a screaming child clung to your pant legs?

Well, we now have 2 kitchen sets for the girls to pretend play with. And they have more plastic play food than you could imagine! Now that Allison is a little older and can reach the tops of the toy stoves, she and Annalise play "restaurant" while I cook. Yesterday, Annalise dressed up Allison to be the chef. I couldn't resist these pictures. Unfortunately, they were taken with my cell phone because Aunt Cassie borrowed my camera to show off her daughter's new skill. It might be a cell phone, but it captures every bit of cute in this kid!!!

Hi, I'm Chef Allison!

Mmm! Green peas and lemon on the stove top! Bon Apetit!
Now a chef must eat! Corn of the cob should always be grabbed like an apple! Yummy!!!

Toys in the kitchen...SUPERB idea! Just watch your step!

She Pooped!!!

TWO TIMES!!!
(in the potty)

I'm sure you were all needing the update!

Pray for Poop!

We are back in full swing of potty training! Allison took a little break over the holidays and then it was hit or miss with the potty time. Yesterday, when I was trying to get Allison dressed for the day and put a new diaper on her, she declared in her cute squeaky voice, "Ont Pannies!" In case that was language you didn't quite understand, that means: I Want Panties! So, she proudly helped mommy pull her little striped panties on and we began our day.

(this picture was taken during our first stint of training in November)

Potty time was approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day. Basically, that just meant that she had to attempt to go potty. If she fulfilled her duties, she would receive a shiny colorful M&M. All day this process was a success. At one point she even said "Ont Potty Mommy!" Wow! I was impressed! The only time she was strapped in a diaper was during her nap and bed time.

Our only obstacle that is standing in the way is the lack of poop! Allison is definitely not interested in depositing her little stinky in the potty! I know there are a few times she was ready to unload in her panties and I had to snatch her "mid-thinking" stage as she stood like a statue in the corner. I'd frantically run her into the bathroom just in time for progress...and NOTHING. She is now close to 36 hours with no poop! I don't know how much longer her tummy can take it.

When I was in youth group and ignorant, my youth minister had this book in his home (with a fun pooping video also) for his little girl. I remember laughing hysterically like we young kids do. Now I'm interested in this little purchase for my home! Although, I'm a little confused by the cover. How does an apple poop?

I think it's time to pray for poop!

Case of the Missing Big Bird Description...

I heard from a few of you that receive the blog posts via email that you didn't get the Wikipedia description of how Big Bird moves. There was more than just the picture! You had to actually visit the blog because the description was in white font and not visible to the emailing eye! If you just don't want to visit the blog, then just take that mouse of yours and scroll over the big blank spot in the email to recover the description!

That's all folks!

What's up with BIG BIRD?

My little "Peanut" has been sick this last week with a fever and croupy cough. This would be one of the reasons I have been away from blogging these last few days. She has needed her mommy! And the other thing she has needed was her ELMO! Shall I explain? Oh, but yes!

During her sickness, she has awaken mid-night/morning with terrible croup. This nasty and scary cough can start up at any moment and last for several minutes without rest. We have ran in the steamy hot-showered bathroom for humidity relief most of these nights. In addition to the humidity treatment, she has requested "ELMO" in the middle of the night. This is the one time we give in. My poor baby is sick and needs a distraction. One good episode at 2AM and then she's good to go back to bed.

Well, Allison particularly likes the Sesame Street DVD, "The Street We Live On." And Jarrett and I have watched this since Annalise was a toddler. We know it by heart!

The last time we saw Big Bird, a familiar dialogue was brought up by my husband (and not for the first time)....

Jarrett: "So, how does he do it? Look at him!"
Jaime: "You mean Big Bird again?"
Jarrett: "Yeah, just look...do you see it...the string?" "Sometimes you see it and sometimes you don't" "What's the deal?"
Jaime: (as we both stare at the TV in amazement) "I don't know!" "I think there's two people inside there."
Jarrett: "I'm starting to believe he's REAL!"

...And so the conversation continues in laughter...I think we've seen too much Sesame Street in the wee hours of the morning!

So I now decide it's time for the truth! No more questions left unanswered!

Drum Roll x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

According to Wikipedia: The Big Bird performer is completely enclosed within the costume and extends his right hand over his head to operate the head and neck of the puppet. The Puppeteer's left hand serves as the Bird's left hand, while the right hand is stuffed and hangs loosely from a fishing line that runs through a loop under the neck and attaches to the wrist of the left hand. For some of the "Journey to Ernie" segments, a second puppeteer (usually Jim Martin) controls Big Bird's right hand.

When you get a chance, see Big Bird perform in this incredible "Journey to Ernie" Video and look in amazement as to what causes fun discussions between my husband and I.

Oh, and by the way...when I showed this explanation to Jarrett...he started shaking his head saying, "NOPE!" That's not it! I don't think that's how it's done. I'm going to have to go back and watch the footage!"

Looks like there is more Sesame Street time for us after all!

My Daughters' First Date!

My girls had their first date this past Saturday night. A night with Daddy (and her cousins and friends...big group date)! Early in the day on Valentines Day, Daddy told Annalise to pick out something nice to wear for dinner that night because he was going to be her date for the evening. So, she grabbed me by the arm and ran into her playroom and said, "Mommy, I have the PERFECT dress!"

Unfortunately, I was unable to eavesdrop on much of the date because I was singing at church that night. But, my sweet friend, Jess took care of the picture taking! (You can also check out more pictures here and here)!

All the dads went to the girls room with a bouquet of flowers to pick up their dates!

Daddy with his dates! Aren't they beautiful!

Here are the dads and daughters and moms and sons!
I was able to make it back before dinner was over to take this picture.

From what I hear, I would have loved the evening at the dinner table with no rude bodily functions. Typically, I am serenaded by lots of loud talking with food in their mouths, burping, and you know....

But, Sydney did quickly inform us that she did "FART" and then Abby said, "ME TOO!"
Then the group up roared in laughter!!!!

Pray for LIFE!

This is a picture of my sister and me with our "Pa." Pa is currently in a Nursing home/rehabilitation center near Atlanta, GA. Over the past year, Pa has been in and out of the hospital with kidney problems, diabetic shock, pneumonia, and more. According to the doctor that worked on him in Dec 07, he wasn't going to make it through the night. Well over a year later, Pa is very much alive but struggling for quality of life. Pa says he is NOT ready to die. Please pray with me for Pa. His name is Roy. Let's pray not only for his health and well being, but for the abundant life he could live once he leaves this earth.

Jesus, I don't know if Pa knows the deep, true love that you have for him. I pray Father that today you will give him a special Daddy hug. Open his heart and mind to hear and feel you. Lord, if Pa doesn't have a relationship with you, I ask that you reveal that missing void he has in his life. Give Pa the truth and wisdom to know that he needs you. Lord, you are the only way to living eternal life. We all have sinned and come short. I pray that Pa will realize that he is also a sinner and in need of your forgiveness. You have taken care of it at the cross. Oh Father I pray that he will allow you in and give him LIFE. Give him peace and take away his fears. When you take over as the Savior of our lives, we have nothing to be afraid of. Thank you for your grace and mercy that could never deserve. Amen

Thank you for your prayers.

That Sweet Man of Mine...

Setting up the story for you again...

My husband sent me an email yesterday asking if I had remembered a few guys. The beginning of the email won't make a whole lot of sense. Just try to keep up! Here is how it went:

To: Jaime

From: Jarrett

(He forwarded me an email - not inserted - and stated the following...)

"This is Dan's email. Do you remember Ryan Klesko and Dan Reeves?? Hmmm...."

__________________________________________________

To: Jarrett

From: Jaime

wow! I was in Klesko's homeroom class in 6 Grade. Dan Reeves sounds familiar (of course...because i do that with names).watcha thinking?

______________________________________________________________________

To: Jaime

From: Jarrett

I don't know what I'm thinking.

I'm certain you weren't in Klesko's homeroom class, unless he took a brief break before joining the Atlanta Braves in the mid 1990's. He's currently a free agent and technically hasn't been signed by anyone, so maybe there's still a seat for him at Russell Elementary...

Dan Reeves is the former football coach of the Atlanta Falcons. I think he may be doing something with the Dallas Cowboys now. I don't think we know him.

_______________________________________________________________________

To: Jarrett

From: Jaime

I can barely type because I'm laughing so hard, I'm crying! So I guess I was thinking of a different guy. I'll bring out the yearbook and show you later! ....I'm still wiping away the tears!

(end of thread)!

___________________________________________________

So, obviously I exposed my ignorance! But, I guess I'm okay with putting myself out there just to give others a good laugh. The sad thing is that I am a big Braves fan and as soon as Jarrett revealed "The Real" Ryan Klesko, I immediately pictured him in my head! And now Dan Reeves' familiar name makes a lot more sense (however, I wasn't a Falcons fan)!

My husband has such a way with words! He sure keeps me laughing!

When they DRIVE you BANANAS!!!

Lately it seems like I am on edge with my kids. Our schedule is full again. Money is tight. The house never seems clean anymore. Sickness has made it's round in our family. Daddy is working hard on his MBA. And life is just CRAZY!

And how do I handle it?

Not well. I get STRESSED and begin working on "fixing" those things that get me stressed (not leaving much time to hang with my kids). Well, I want our schedule to be lighter. I want more money to pay bills. A clean house would be great. Healthy children is preferred. And Daddy graduating will be exciting!!!

How should I handle it?

Live Life! Love on my kids! Remember what Life is ALL about...

When you find yourself ready to enter a mental institution because you have allowed yourself to lose it just because your kids are children and act like children, take a moment to act like a child yourself and ENJOY them! If you need to, pull out those fun pictures that make you forget the times when your child wrote on the wall with markers. Don't look at those beautifully posed family portraits. Get out the ones that embarrass you and cause you to giggle so hard you fart (HA! I said fart...on my blog!...it's going to be a good day)!

Have a great day with those kids!!! We are off to a TEA PARTY!!!

Sending Loveable Wishes!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

It's Cookie Time!!!

After much anticipation...Annalise's cookies are HERE!!! Now for the crazy sorting and deliveries! For all those who have been waiting, you shall be blessed with yummy goodness soon! If you missed the opportunity to order and would like to join in on the cookie fun, we have PLENTY of cookies and Annalise would love to fill your order also!

Thank you for supporting Annalise and Daisy Troop # 1387!

A party, a park, and a table!

Interesting title to this post, huh? I wanted to kind of sum up our busy week for you with pictures. So, here it goes...

Allison's Birthday!

It was a little too cold to be outside to play on Peanut's birthday, so we chose the mall playground to start off my 2 year old's special day!

Allison just LOVES spaghetti, so her birthday meal was a plateful of messy goodness!!!

Next came the cake....WHOA mommy!!!!

She blew the candles out on the first try!!!!

Sweet pic with Daddy!

Time for presents!!!

She was ready to open her "Emmmo" gifts!!!

Nana, it's just what I needed!!!!

Next on the agenda...A day at the park with Mimi and Papa!

Mimi and Papa came down to celebrate all their February "babies" birthdays.

Papa did a great job on some picture taking...Love it!!!

Not sure what was going on here, but I loved it too!
Here is Papa's Punkin! He also took some excellent pictures of the rest of the kids, I will let Cassie post those! Oh, and by the way, Allison was at a friends house taking her afternoon beauty sleep!

The Table...explanation...

We just had to get a picture of our family sitting around the dinner table. Nanny, when moving out of her home (quick update...she moved back home again), gave this table to Cory's family. It has fed many family members through the years at Nanny's house. We had to take a picture to show Nanny. Cory and Cassie love it because of the amount of people it will seat.

The February "Babies!"...Cory, Allison, and Sydney!

And lastly, here is Allison enjoying her new baby doll!!! Thank you Mimi and Papa!!!
What a fun weekend!

In Honor of my 2 Year Old!

Happy Birthday Peanut! We love you!

The REAL Phil

Last Sunday, a good friend of ours, David, was invited to play in a band that was backing Phil Stacey in concert. I'm huge American Idol fan and decided to check it out. Our family loaded up the van and headed to church. Yep, Phil Stacey was singing at a 10:30 Worship Service at a church! I knew that Phil Stacey sang country music, so I wondered how this church service would go.

(Here's David Rockin the keys)!

Along with our family, David's wife, Mel and their kids also came to the concert, while the little ones acted crazy in the church nursery! Good choice! If it wasn't for the kids church being canceled and moved to the main service to enjoy the concert with the adults, our older girls would have most definitely been in a children's class (they were a little stir crazy in the seats)!

After some worship time in the beginning of the service, Phil was introduced and took the stage. I had always liked Phil Stacey on American Idol. He was proud of his country. He was a family man. He had an incredible voice. And Phil had a great attitude and heart. I knew something was different about this guy. So then Phil Stacey began to share his story, his faith, and his ministry. He started with the hymn, "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus." I love the true devotion that Phil has to advancing the Lord's Kingdom. He is a real guy and a man sold on Jesus! Phil then performed a few of his country songs. They were great and each song had a great message. I love that he used his main stream "secular" talent to still get a message across. We need more people like that out there "in the world." And lastly, Phil performed, "Hold me Jesus," a song that he would sing as he would nervously stand backstage of the American Idol set before heading on stage to perform. It was beautiful!

Here is a video of Phil singing "Hold Me Jesus" at Z88.3 during his trip here to Orlando. I almost didn't recognize him with the dark beard.

Other American Idols that have been very forward about the faith have been Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh, and Mandisa Hundley. And recently, I was excited to see this video by Jason Castro:

You can check out Phil Stacey's bio on the web here. He has an amazing story.