tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68588979949443112322024-03-05T17:07:39.391-05:00Ramblings of a Stay at Home MotherBeing a stay at home of 2 boys can cause you to loose your mind. So in an event to keep my head on straight- here are the ramblings of me - A Stay at home motherJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-56713598524963263152009-07-29T07:49:00.000-04:002009-07-29T07:49:33.272-04:00Balancing Life As A SAHMLooking around I see that there are so many pressures that are placed upon SAHM. Some of the pressures are ones that we put on ourselves, but others are "expected" of us. <br />
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I am a perfectionist, so everything I do has to be done perfectly. I know with children that is not a reality, however I also know that working hard is important and that sometimes I am just not perfect, no matter how much I want to be perfect.<br />
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One of the goals I have set for myself is not a unrealistic one, but it is one that I often need help with. This is the goal that I want to go to bed and have a clean house. It is hard sometimes to get up before going to bed, expecially since there are many days that I am completely exhausted, to clean my house and still be in bed by a good time.<br />
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I rely on help from DH... the biggest problem with that, is the fact that it is never done completely. I know that it will not be done the same way, but there is always something that is left out and not taken care of. Because of this I usually will just get up and stay up as long as I need to, and make sure that I am getting everything done.<br />
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The other problem with this is the fact, that I get up at 5 am to go run. I have been struggling with my weight and I decided that by going to the gym first thing in the morning I feel so much better, and I actually go, and not make excuses. <br />
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By getting up so early in the morning, I want to go to bed early, but this just never seems to happen. I will sit down on my computer and not realise how much time I have spent sitting there. Or I will get into a TV show and that will keep me up. But the worst is when I end up so staying up late to clean. <br />
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I do not expect that my house will be clean all the time, and I know that there are going to be times that I just have to go to bed with out cleaning it. The problem is that doing it in the moring is rough on me and I feel rushed, and it puts me in a bad room.<br />
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I have asked my DH to help and there are times that he does, and other times he is too busy, but most of the time when he helps, there is a big piece that is just not completed. That is so frustrating to me to think that it is not a difficult task, but it is one that never quite gets done unless I take care of it. <br />
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I have been trying to find balance, and I can tell you I do not know how working mothers are able to accomplish anything. I am so tired by the end of the day, and I spread out my cleaning, laundry and other little things throughout the day. I just do not understand why this happens.<br />
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I just wish that eventually things will change and I will finally be able to get a full nights sleep, and have a house that is clean in the morning. It does not have to be perfect but it needs to be clean.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-25796919612877217032009-06-22T08:49:00.000-04:002009-06-22T08:49:06.855-04:00Knowing When To Let Kids Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUqv8NctnoGyHnH8guO3maBLekJZlNQEPQGtA9mSHGjXybRc0Y2IKH9y8y_QbY5nHULTpx7hfvJ9vz6BgGuG7LQnWpIl9qLrh0tp12CUnln_syAsg1ezLilMNurimV4qVxaSGcYLD7kc/s1600-h/Photoxpress_9086929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUqv8NctnoGyHnH8guO3maBLekJZlNQEPQGtA9mSHGjXybRc0Y2IKH9y8y_QbY5nHULTpx7hfvJ9vz6BgGuG7LQnWpIl9qLrh0tp12CUnln_syAsg1ezLilMNurimV4qVxaSGcYLD7kc/s320/Photoxpress_9086929.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Being a mother is a great feeling, sometimes. I look at my children and I am amazed. Like today, my oldest got up and made his bed ( yes he is 4 1/2 and it is not the way I like it but I have to let him do it...and yes it took me saying go make your bed but he did it and that is all that matters). Then he got himself dressed. I am so proud of him and being able to do that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYki_xwhyDogvsUlnnkufp0qxuqgC0nHNDzt9MuskXBAfy0YyzMbvXP_fKIpAahKxcVTZa5FF-aMPBcCnBHg1eqBCd_8WRpj6EN9OAB_oab_mTdOTvByQ5Fm1di5PiTOaxTE3c-7Upfs/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYki_xwhyDogvsUlnnkufp0qxuqgC0nHNDzt9MuskXBAfy0YyzMbvXP_fKIpAahKxcVTZa5FF-aMPBcCnBHg1eqBCd_8WRpj6EN9OAB_oab_mTdOTvByQ5Fm1di5PiTOaxTE3c-7Upfs/s320/photo.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son's version of making his bed </div><br />
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My little guy helped me clean up the living room so that I could vaccum. It tripled the time it would have taken me to do it myself, but I let him help. I have learned while it is so much quicker, and neater to do things myself, allowing my children to have a part in what I am doing is so important.<br />
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Seeing the sense of pride and accomplishment when they finish a small task that I ask them to do is such a good feeling. Now to go along with that - learning how to give up control is a different story. I have only 24 hours in a day, the same as everyone else and finding the time to do everything is impossible. Now I can do the cleaning and everything myself, and it would save me time, but what am I teaching my children?<br />
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I also have realised that, as the sign that my son gave me from preschool for mother's day said - If my house was any cleaner I would be neglecting my children, and that is true. I do the essentials, and a little more but my focus is on my children. I do what I can, and I am proud to say my house is pretty clean for 2 boys. I know I can do more, but the fact is if I were to do more then I would not have any time to play with my children, or any time for me!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-74196325266544083672009-06-13T09:48:00.000-04:002009-06-13T09:48:45.729-04:00VacationI remember going on vacation before children. Packing was easy, just take what you needed. Travel time was quick. The trip was relaxing and wonderful. I loved going on vacations growing up with my family and even as a young adult with my husband. Sleeping in. Going to wonderful new places. Experiencing the sights. Taking your time and not rushings. Laying out by the pool. It was a much needed break.<br />
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Now I am a stay at home mother, a job I always wanted and feel truely blessed to have. I still get the same excitement and feeling when we are going on vacation, until I start getting ready. Now I have to get not only myself packed, but also 2 other people. I have to take into consideration accidents, and extra clothes, and other items. Oh yea don't forget toys, favorite stuffed animals, and blankets that they just can not live without. I find that I have to plan out everything so I don't forget anything. Not to mention that I am stressed even before leaving.<br />
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Now getting in the car used to be fine, and packing the car was easy. Now you have to strategicly place different bags throughout the car. Keep the blankets close and toys to play with. Don't forget drinks and food so when a little voice from the backseat says that they are hungry or thirsty you can help them with that. Now that DVD players are a must on any vacation, making sure that the favorite DVD's are packed is very important. Getting the car settled takes almost as much time as packing the bags. <br />
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Driving takes twice as long because it seems every five minutes you hear a little voice say "Mommy I have to go to the bathroom" which means find the next rest stop. That adds so much time onto your traveling that it is crazy. Knowing that one easy way to eliminate the problem is to eliminate drinks, but that will then cause another problem, the repeated phrase "Mommy I'm Thirsty." Adding additional time to your trip makes everything so much more tiring than before.<br />
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Then you finally arrive. Check into your hotel room, and unpack the car, now what? The first thing you think of is, now it is time to relax. A much needed break, to sit and read a book or go lay by the pool. Then you realize that this is not going to happen, you have to be a Mommy first. You have to watch and entertain your children just as you would at home. Except for now you are not in a familiar setting and you have to watch every move that much closer than before so that nothing breaks or no one gets hurt.<br />
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Time to sit and relax is just not something that will happen. By the end of the day, when the wonderful bedtime arrives, you see that it is not so wonderful this time. They don't want to sleep. Someone is scared because it is new. It takes twice as long, and you are already late going to bed because, well you are on vacation and strict bedtimes are not as important as at home. Remember you can relax and have fun, well not so much.<br />
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So after looking around and realizing that vacations are no longer, relaxing and calm as they used to be, there is a whole new level of fun and excitement on vacation that was never there before, your children. They are amazed at just about everything. When they have fun the laughter and smiles make your heart melt. The wonderful and amazing words "thank you mommy" makes all of the stress just seem so insignificant. Somehow you experience everything just a little differently when you take the time to look at it through the eyes of a child. <br />
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Looking at vacations a little differently, makes the difference. Seeing that vacations are not just for you anymore and seeing that vacations are for your family, makes them so special, and a wonderful feeling!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-7316516597242605782009-05-28T07:05:00.000-04:002009-05-28T07:05:14.359-04:00They Grow Up Too FastSo I have been thinking... and for me that is often something that is scary... kids grow up too fast. Yea I know, this is something that you have told me for years... right. But as a new parent you never really believe it until you can look back at a ton of memories and think, where has the time gone.<br />
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I remember like it was yesterday when I first got the news that I was pregnant. I say got the news because I when to have a blood test done and had to call in for the results. I was on the way to go swimming with a friend when I called. I could not believe whe the voice on the other end of the phone said "congratulations you are pregnant." <br />
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Oh and the morning my water broke and I went into labor. That day is still vivid in my head. I can see myself running around the house, and still feel the excitement and feeling so nervous on the way to the hospital. I can remember holding him in my arms for the first time. What an amazing feeling.<br />
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Now that he is 4 1/2 and going to finish up his first day of preschool... OMG what happened. I look back and think where has the time gone. Where is my little boy that would cling to mommy's leg and would not go do anything. You know the kid that you were afraid to drop off at school because you thought that you were going to have to go in with him so that he would stop crying.<br />
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This is the little boy that was so cute because he had so much little baby fat on him, and now I look at his picture or at him running around in my back yard and think who is this tall and skinny boy that is sitting there.<br />
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I would love to figure out how to stop him from growing, but I am also excited to see what the future holds. I know that every year and new experience is so amazing, that next year is going to be amazing too!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-10974583127311890972009-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:002009-02-03T10:01:37.254-05:00I need more waterI have to say with working out and getting things going , everything is going great. I am proud of my self 13 lbs lost so far, which is more than I could have hoped for. The problem is I keep getting migraines... I know why too.<br /><br />I get the migraine because of the fact that I am so busy that I keep forgetting to drink water. When I remember I start chugging my water, and then I have the problem of it not really doing anything except for sending me to the bathroom.<br /><br />I am trying to find a way to drink more water during the day, but running after the boys makes everything difficult.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-21588847580888402552009-01-06T09:14:00.000-05:002009-01-06T09:25:04.181-05:00The SickiesI love my children, but I am so sick and tired of the sickies!<br />
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My poor 4 year old has a stuffy nose. Nothing bad, just having a hard time breathing. I know it is just a matter of time before it spreads to the 1 year old.<br />
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I feel bad because they are both crabby because they don't feel good. I try to be patient, but that is just so difficult, when all day long they are whining. <br />
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With my new eating habits and the fact that I am starting to work out I am hoping that it will boost my resistance to these germs.<br />
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I think that the phrase of the day is "Tyler go wash your hands" It is now being used more than "Back up from the TV" I am trying everything I can to contain this quickly.<br />
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I have been disenfecting the toys an the house a couple of times a day. I am hoping that I can help keep everyone from getting worse, and keep me from getting it since I have surgery in 10 days, and I want to make sure that I am not going to be sick before the surgery.<br />
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I am looking for every way to finally take care of the sickies!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-16687905699641449942009-01-05T07:57:00.000-05:002009-01-05T08:09:07.519-05:00Waking Up EarlyI have decided that getting up before my children so that I can start functioning is a great idea. I love my kids, but somehow when they are up, I never get a warm cup of coffee, LOL. Now I am looking to find a way to get a warm cup of coffee in the morning.<br />
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Some how today the boys decided getting up earlier is better, so we are up, but not functioning, LOL. They are good, but have their moments of getting into everything. I know one thing today - they are going to need to take a nap, for mom's sanity. <br />
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I have to laugh I have so many friends who's children sleep in. In return they stay up late. My children may get up early, but they go to bed early, 8:00 p.m. which gives me time at night to get somethings done. I don't mind getting up early, so it is nice to know that at night when I want a break they will be in bed and I will get my break. <br />
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I also know that this is going to be a blessing once they start school. I will not have to wake up my children, they will already be awake. I will just have to change up the mornings, and start moving instead of waiting before having to feed the boys breakfast.<br />
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Anyways, I know that I don't mind my children waking up early, but I would like to get up 15 minutes before them and enjoy my coffee and wake up, because they wake up and are ready to run.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-41031910452508425052009-01-03T07:25:00.000-05:002009-01-03T07:39:41.279-05:00Finding Balance from being a Mother and Finding MyselfI have noticed that as a mother there is so many things that I love, but there is so many things that I wish were like they were before I had kids. I love my kids so much, but I long for mommy time. I have started to believe that it is a thing of the past, something that I once knew, but no longer would see.<br />
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I have decided, while I cherish sleep, that I am changing my sleeping patterns. I am starting with getting up at 6:30 every morning and start drinking my coffee and wake up, in quiet. It helps me function and deal with talkative boys.<br />
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I have also decided to make sure that after they go to bed that I sit down and read a chapter from a book. I am not sure what books I am going to read, even though right now I have joined the Twilight hype and started on those books, but only 1 chapter I will read. That will give me time to sit with Brian and spend time with him as well. <br />
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I am looking for a way to be a happy mommy, so that my family is happy as well. I know that this is something that I need to do, I know that I need to change some things, not only for me, but for all of us. I love being a Stay at Home Mother, but in the same breath, I miss being me. I know that there has to be a balance, and I am working this year to find it!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-75927502231170624572009-01-02T22:05:00.000-05:002009-01-02T22:07:32.769-05:00Wonderful DayToday has been a wonderful day. I think that the biggest help is that I got up before the boys and got to drink some coffee in peace.<br />
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We went to Amazone. I don't think I ever want to do that when the kids are off of school, I think if it was not so crowded it would be a wonderful place to go because the kids can play and there is so much room to run.<br />
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Here is to another great day!!!!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-36762141210639821732008-12-27T10:25:00.000-05:002009-01-01T10:35:19.610-05:00Christmas 2008This year Christmas was a big hit. We are so blessed which is a good thing, but in the same breath my children are so spoiled. I am just not sure where I am going to put all of their toys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE-JmwFWDzHuRcyGzpSDCwxxVEE5wyxdVl0tSe67HF4Bh_BPlT6kgp9eXSmEhN6xL9mhJRhJMXU3A28ZUKvPObrRJd5zLfpmVLeqTS5XBfeHYK6vdTd4w28D3I-0NqH7aaKGZ5nrAIok/s1600-h/PC240009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE-JmwFWDzHuRcyGzpSDCwxxVEE5wyxdVl0tSe67HF4Bh_BPlT6kgp9eXSmEhN6xL9mhJRhJMXU3A28ZUKvPObrRJd5zLfpmVLeqTS5XBfeHYK6vdTd4w28D3I-0NqH7aaKGZ5nrAIok/s320/PC240009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was at my parents house Christmas Eve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroL2BrbbZW3t1uL2kQNCuka31DkZstesQPkQ2CIMjJwjIooQEwWe7KJO2eRbONFpavVsEe6BO6o1L7toxLD0hJ4SS50VwIbUN1k2hoDSf6NdGj5MNzKR56OqZZSK0MB4rDEGA8apY5h0/s1600-h/PC250017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroL2BrbbZW3t1uL2kQNCuka31DkZstesQPkQ2CIMjJwjIooQEwWe7KJO2eRbONFpavVsEe6BO6o1L7toxLD0hJ4SS50VwIbUN1k2hoDSf6NdGj5MNzKR56OqZZSK0MB4rDEGA8apY5h0/s320/PC250017.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was my grandmother's house on Christmas Day . I forgot to take pictures at our house on Christmas morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBECml-Ewl_BKW4gXf-aK5eswDZlN9Lqx3-ceSDLbgucpUG99GBssX4R6XDp41ZdOy1GYcmCy725KvNtP6ttnYGpxbJvc_OMVSRcREfgEBnV_92e5HR0xsbEqPqfo17mrr8BPe98uHSE/s1600-h/PC270010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBECml-Ewl_BKW4gXf-aK5eswDZlN9Lqx3-ceSDLbgucpUG99GBssX4R6XDp41ZdOy1GYcmCy725KvNtP6ttnYGpxbJvc_OMVSRcREfgEBnV_92e5HR0xsbEqPqfo17mrr8BPe98uHSE/s320/PC270010.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my Mother in Laws - I for got pictures at my Father in Laws </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So as you can see, we had 4 straight days of presents, which is a lot. I know my children love everything that they have, but we are going to put together some of their toys that they do not play with and give them away, I plan on doing that soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas all</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-20368363904102254392008-12-20T22:35:00.000-05:002009-01-01T10:47:59.200-05:00Polar Express<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpneZf8EWCEV9nmNWHuosrEtXqPfU_b1QWT2IsD8TTPk5Sq9pJOhgbMM8aYMj31aXtd1S-9NyXRqwoKrQJ-Qk_2s1CX1alEGOxx8IauiiqvOkEAapbSzhPklJSS3KC3pDQaDQWMDe0oQ/s1600-h/PC200013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpneZf8EWCEV9nmNWHuosrEtXqPfU_b1QWT2IsD8TTPk5Sq9pJOhgbMM8aYMj31aXtd1S-9NyXRqwoKrQJ-Qk_2s1CX1alEGOxx8IauiiqvOkEAapbSzhPklJSS3KC3pDQaDQWMDe0oQ/s320/PC200013.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am so excited because we were able to take Ty on the Polar Express. This year he really got into the movie and so taking him on a train ride and seeing the amazement in his eyes as we reached the North Pole was just simply amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5Ezs4PdwG-feQFdpw9c-rfNgLZgAGS4hjtwxr7B0y67O64tQhbbdyQORVpRAqUY36IHSWihYgoYKO_QmAQejvC3tGMokNya0DPdHgBEMtSQKXI8LhZaCfsyJnWcLADEFK8PIaRZMpmQ/s1600-h/PC200014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5Ezs4PdwG-feQFdpw9c-rfNgLZgAGS4hjtwxr7B0y67O64tQhbbdyQORVpRAqUY36IHSWihYgoYKO_QmAQejvC3tGMokNya0DPdHgBEMtSQKXI8LhZaCfsyJnWcLADEFK8PIaRZMpmQ/s320/PC200014.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were waiting to go on the train. He was just so excited. It was so much fun, I don't remember ever being on a Train, so this was a unique, and fun experience for both of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got on the train, and they had the music from the movie playing in the background. We waited for everyone to board, then the train started to move. You could feel the excitement in the air from everyone. We were so excited when the elf started to read the story of the Polar express to all of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Then true to the story we were all served Hot Chocolate and a cookie. It was perfect. Soon after we arrived at the North Pole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5S4OhlMkS0sWHIh0mgzSQqJhZqaNqbPuYrnwzNNiOC3Gr8YHWBdpwaW4VpfhVVZpsL9Xma5QK6RwCgQTl0BmMQmDNHCVyRAgkkvNaE1FG2Ni86wN4-14b1J6JGgxqYG8Kwg2XJ6-_MQ/s1600-h/PC200034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5S4OhlMkS0sWHIh0mgzSQqJhZqaNqbPuYrnwzNNiOC3Gr8YHWBdpwaW4VpfhVVZpsL9Xma5QK6RwCgQTl0BmMQmDNHCVyRAgkkvNaE1FG2Ni86wN4-14b1J6JGgxqYG8Kwg2XJ6-_MQ/s320/PC200034.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the North Pole there was so many wonderful sites. You had snow men that were playing, and reindeer that were together. There were beautiful homes, and the famous North Pole Post office, where you could see all of the busy workers getting ready for the big day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking around, you could see and feel the Magic of Christmas, which is a blessing, since most of the time, finding the magic of Christmas anywhere is impossible. Then as the excitement started to build, here came Santa!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best part of the train ride, was to watch the joy when Santa got on the Train, and gave all of the Children bells. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlEOPxrwJg0ysKd-CA6unNcxHpKe_aHH1U5tGT08HsTN5WGt8YLeff3jQCDDMmm2hHYjbgnmkIu46srT2Fa84Z_O_ZpFaryGWoXbGqX6aJb3pkXOWrsHqllePLyIOL0CT7mCh5yqPkB4/s1600-h/Getting+The+Bell+From+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlEOPxrwJg0ysKd-CA6unNcxHpKe_aHH1U5tGT08HsTN5WGt8YLeff3jQCDDMmm2hHYjbgnmkIu46srT2Fa84Z_O_ZpFaryGWoXbGqX6aJb3pkXOWrsHqllePLyIOL0CT7mCh5yqPkB4/s320/Getting+The+Bell+From+Santa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to experiencing this again next year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0Cleveland, OH, USA41.499713 -81.69371641.371145 -81.92717549999999 41.628281 -81.4602565tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-72723896352234064932008-11-07T12:32:00.000-05:002008-11-08T00:35:08.829-05:00zooWe decided to go to the zoo today for T's Birthday(which is tomorrow). He loves going to the zoo so we though that it would be fun.<br />
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The whole family went, so it make it even more special.<br />
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I decided to get him a zoo key. He loved listening about the different animals.<br />
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Walking around this moring was a nice morning. We had a great time. It is special to do something with the boys as a family for their birthdays. <br />
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Tomorrow - The partyJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-1124972825438671182008-11-05T23:59:00.000-05:002008-11-06T00:02:44.506-05:00Visiting FaithI went to the hospital today to visit Faith. While I was gone my sister decided that she was going to watch my two boys and her daughter. I know that is a crazy time to have all of the kids. I also know that it is fun to watch them all play together. <br />
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I love the fact that my boys love their cousin so much. Knowing that they want to be around her, and play with her so well is a great feeling. I try to make sure that they get together and can spend time together.<br />
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I feel lucky. My family is so big. My grandfather has 25 grand and great grand children. I feel blessed because of the five boy, I have two of them.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-3558728876404112612008-11-04T08:28:00.000-05:002008-11-05T08:31:11.259-05:00Crazy KidsGoing to the lake is wonderful - accept for the fact that the boys get crazy. Not only do they not sleep. They also have the problem of listening. They know that other people will override mom.<br />
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T has been crazy and is just not listening. He loves having the one on one attention, but there are times that he has to learn. We are planning on taking them to the zoo today and I am just hoping that they will be good at the zoo. I know that this is not going to be easy, but something needs to be done!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-57262309654445555952008-11-03T22:01:00.000-05:002008-11-03T22:03:55.629-05:00Relaxing At The LakeI love being up at the lake. It is so nice for me because I have time to relax. It is wonderful for the children because they have new toys to play with, and they have so much fun playing with the different toys.<br />
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Today they were runing around the house giggling and chasing each other. What a wonderful sound, hearing my children running and giggling around the house.<br />
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I am looking forward to tomorrow. We are going to go to the Zoo. Both boys love the zoo, and being there will be a blast for them. This is a zoo that we all are going to visit for the first time so it will be a great time to explore. Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-30228586000127034152008-11-02T12:42:00.000-05:002008-11-03T00:46:32.471-05:00Quiet Night To Myself<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last night was a quiet night. I had the house to myself, N was asleep. It was a great feeling. I love being productive.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">N must be going through a growth spirt because he was tired and wanted to sleep most of the day.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">T was at Nana's house. He was so excited to be able to go spend the night with Nana.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brian went to his grandmother's house to help start clean out the garage. This left me to have some quiet time to myself.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Having quiet time to myself, has me think. So I decided out of the blue to dye my hair again. This time Burgandy. I needed to do something for myself. Dying my hair is a stress relief for me. It makes mee feel good, and fun to have different colored hair, that is why I do it.</span></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-3519367463043565102008-11-01T10:38:00.000-04:002008-11-01T10:50:50.700-04:00Halloween<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have decided that I need to get back to bloging - at least for myself again. So here I go. My goal is to do one blog entry every day of November!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yesterday was Halloween. This was the first Halloween that T got into the idea of trick or treating. It was so wonderful to watch him run up to the different homes and say trick or treat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love the fact that he said thank you at every house.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGoMP7J9SF1kpv7psWt4xfDQPU-kBng-P4SnAqXkNJI7NWS1oZCm7Y3b2fbz-uN9FmTCiR2LO14y_qgZLDZH0Iq_QZPx6gYmXnu2C7VXEDr66lsIa2SjkbBM4_9uORvhvEZvkfA5rCR4/s1600-h/Happy+Halloween+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4fmIo93Tcydxx503RsY30gthq3cfhv_RjpUeyeZMiy03XgHwDh3CZCHP33XIOlh1EmMTkHB0EnlUOFUSnv3LYoOFQLLd0EdiaPmfqCJHs2rWyCIUWybUM8kjaEZA4Fyu0bA232Iv2yo/s320-r/Happy+Halloween+2008.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Here are my two wonderful boys that love going trick or treating!!!!!<br />
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Happy Halloween 2008Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-44476491347950896372008-09-24T08:32:00.001-04:002008-09-24T08:32:17.294-04:00Join Me As A Twitter Mom<div>This is a great community. It is nice to find other moms just like me.</div><br /><embed src="http://static.ning.com/networkcreators/widgets/index/swf/badge.swf?v=4916" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="206" height="64" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="networkUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twittermoms.com%2F&panel=user&username=0u1ekrzezwpbg&avatarUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FMQlBiJ4%2AuRDuZs5v-Mf9l8Im42MYiBreMW%2AKoQB4c1%2A4-mOnAb01waT2Jr9APRVIaC1IWAPdOdMIDPMWMuXG2FDKHlp397C9%2Fjustjennsig.jpg%3Fwidth%3D48%26height%3D48%26crop%3D1%253A1&configXmlUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.ning.com%2Ftwittermoms%2Finstances%2Fmain%2Fembeddable%2Fbadge-config.xml%3Ft%3D1222179156" ></embed> <br /><small style="font-size: 12px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twittermoms.com">View my page on <em>twitter moms</em></a></small><br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-64791474306697727102008-09-23T14:29:00.002-04:002008-09-23T14:38:26.746-04:00Loving my Artwork<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTIWTk9Otmmw9X81QaglPQ1J6fabSWe8s8_3PvdE5on9eBaEcz5o6bAxQIwIPs4s_oi4W4Ohjb-4syPotlmsEoHUiepXM7MS2HFdfWgvHW_iH4JCISkxYo0K5BMYM9dFXWHB096LNvOo/s1600-h/photo-713584.jpg"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249285895781380994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTIWTk9Otmmw9X81QaglPQ1J6fabSWe8s8_3PvdE5on9eBaEcz5o6bAxQIwIPs4s_oi4W4Ohjb-4syPotlmsEoHUiepXM7MS2HFdfWgvHW_iH4JCISkxYo0K5BMYM9dFXWHB096LNvOo/s320/photo-713584.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />I am so proud of my son. This is a moon that he did at school for me. I am so proud of him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAxG3b8Nv373pPJ-fFUNR_LZMze4_GH4M9SjoUtAtH1TNetsdt4re4VpEn-DP5EA_6uX1kxswCaKwn_tpcVQLDNH95_F8fM7d9W-ggRpQCT4T_8SnVPkG2Sp44PmiMaqJanQwA4VYj8s/s1600-h/justjenn.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAxG3b8Nv373pPJ-fFUNR_LZMze4_GH4M9SjoUtAtH1TNetsdt4re4VpEn-DP5EA_6uX1kxswCaKwn_tpcVQLDNH95_F8fM7d9W-ggRpQCT4T_8SnVPkG2Sp44PmiMaqJanQwA4VYj8s/s320/justjenn.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249287873373106690" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-45221984067774855082008-09-11T14:37:00.001-04:002008-09-11T15:05:15.270-04:00First piece of artwork - A Flag<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGW9EkpeKONaZW5ibNtp1X_xAA4z25Yt9PyMocW98CDUUxRzmQp6HojnoUoOuzVaxDs5aecwmMAKO9Vd4QUIgwucQHvqaDL3bq2wHJjTLiauacIo44-7VhIqzRCK7TNTcNx9JxCDDSO8/s1600-h/photo-784392.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244834896427106450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGW9EkpeKONaZW5ibNtp1X_xAA4z25Yt9PyMocW98CDUUxRzmQp6HojnoUoOuzVaxDs5aecwmMAKO9Vd4QUIgwucQHvqaDL3bq2wHJjTLiauacIo44-7VhIqzRCK7TNTcNx9JxCDDSO8/s320/photo-784392.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am such a proud mother. Tyler had his first piece of artwork sent home today. It is a flag. He got to use glue. I was so excited to see the first piece of artwork come home.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-87670313137976579692008-09-11T12:19:00.001-04:002008-09-11T15:04:03.876-04:00Waiting to go into school<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtbKCgwF3XCKBWrPhyJ2OdN1TOZOQBwHaLxtLp_NX_wbQgLjvkyS95r4ltkmzH-cWWKcur2CZeig0KLeNYdS0TPaQ4dimpmEwjaoxe5RVBEiDNRIQHSu6Luq0YHtKMesL1qQr4h90Qg/s1600-h/photo-723634.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244803278084328866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtbKCgwF3XCKBWrPhyJ2OdN1TOZOQBwHaLxtLp_NX_wbQgLjvkyS95r4ltkmzH-cWWKcur2CZeig0KLeNYdS0TPaQ4dimpmEwjaoxe5RVBEiDNRIQHSu6Luq0YHtKMesL1qQr4h90Qg/s320/photo-723634.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We got to school a little early today so Tyler was being cute. I started taking some cute pictures of him.<br />
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I had to laugh when the teacher came to the car to get him, she told me that he is just so cute. She loves it when he sings in the bathroom. <br />
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I am so proud he is doing so well at school.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-1109051804223369072008-09-04T22:21:00.000-04:002008-09-04T22:24:03.558-04:00First Day of PreschoolWell it is official I have a pre-schooler! I was so excited and nervous to drop him off. He did not even look back as I drove away.<br />
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I had 2 hours of quiet because Nate slept the entier time Ty was gone, so what did I do.... Paint. I was so nervous...<br />
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I go there and was told that he did not want to share. He thought that a toy that he was playing with befre was his forever. Normal 3 year old behavior. I was so embarrased as his mom. <br />
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I thougth that he would go in do well and the teacher would say how well he did. I need to work on sharing I guess!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-55693746778970916292008-09-02T22:16:00.000-04:002008-09-04T22:21:23.540-04:00Preschool Open house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3_u7M297jMylTfprd-jhj52aiNR9kNHgXBa4hMX0Tzcd9QgiS2agUhyphenhyphenktyyvgMnuhBs84v6jqtvFzaJFbU-RvtuaszsziTlUcoew6ZJnxiy8_ZPBTLwIVa1NnGw77hHhMKSPpDnAvJI/s1600-h/P9020007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0ImDGsO-Bxel29TB8MM0X7UNF6onzXF6h37YwNFlLMZx7vwuEOMjnxPJztxlKzBejSQ7q1VB_DbOG4owGLwH15NKzNkrLCGYdKeOBS-_U4EDt-Bx50Bo64_7_2vUvayaDZ4lEOqJBzY/s320-r/P9020007.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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My baby is growing up. We had his Preschool Open house. He is so excited to go to school.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdxhkf_fBGJS1CxKjJJqejZb8jcDPYfsO7I4_Kirt60JBwMBsafRqHpuj7bKBIqKn4dKwO_SmVtjDu2bOYaZqCJjSgim_dL_GEu7oddmyWJ3x0X1WlRO5ZiJITwzKAm7ey0uCalwu9UY/s1600-h/P9020010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XC3wxEsfIxmnf9SypivUuLqwnZxS-WmqUhu6cLHaW-qZHn2vfW3J4iBd2_dVRROzUh9_L7zmp-nKdJc_pM58DUbzYUhVSXXBvuXORq_ozuLQHXG8bWemmSlCNMm2QUekTaZ9qcs5TsQ/s320-r/P9020010.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My men. Getting ready for Tyler's first day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMmmP9mooSDhB7cdSwYoFPcCz6jj2kRBiMhg9B-9Vi04MKJBdOubv6hBlOMuHcQIARGeoDeeef9ujJuVjHWtvnPUketKhmUWkk-Yeyo0rQojvh8toCjE7dG8zKGoVEoTnzoKO9VcyTC4/s1600-h/P9020012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7vuszEvoG6K5h_cB2lfFqLfKsvhzB_hVwgcIZnFG6n3Dtn27FxXAj5Atx34qme0WoGuttJMlLe5S-F4ja_2afhJI_NUAoIS1Te1rWGjz4cpxqLL8yLqc_R83zBplS_4Ua1RsOnlU5oo/s320-r/P9020012.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is me and my boy. I am so proud fo him. He is getting so big <br />
</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-18604471071839911862008-08-27T23:41:00.000-04:002008-08-27T23:45:08.854-04:00Preschool CountdownI am getting excited. My oldest is going to be starting preschool next week. I can't believe that he is going to start school.<br />
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It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now he will be in preschool two days a week for two hours. I hate it when he is away from mommy. I want to protect him. I know that I need to let him experience this on his own.<br />
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I am so excited because this is opening up a whole new chapter in his life. He is going to make some new friends. He is going to start going to birthday parties. He is going to have play dates. It is going to be so much fun for him.<br />
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I am such a proud mother. We went shopping for school clothes today. It make everything so much more real. I look forward to taking pictures on the front step with his back pack on the first day. that is going to be so exciting.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858897994944311232.post-57649614911287432022008-08-22T17:42:00.001-04:002008-08-25T10:26:33.981-04:00My tattoo<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ow_Maf_nouRSSksLtSLYxetkQQx-5bwnWKeSOuSF4usbZHUMCRFTS9LcyNThmf3LujvSvF3OFMGdpgQFbMDUr37C-doq_aGfe03nmk5HinxTlvamDjeMUVxdQcX4A83svXrCJxlng6E/s1600-h/photo-717978.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237461436815610002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ow_Maf_nouRSSksLtSLYxetkQQx-5bwnWKeSOuSF4usbZHUMCRFTS9LcyNThmf3LujvSvF3OFMGdpgQFbMDUr37C-doq_aGfe03nmk5HinxTlvamDjeMUVxdQcX4A83svXrCJxlng6E/s320/photo-717978.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I just love my tattoo. I took alot of time to decide on one. I have had this one for 10 years now, and it is so perfect.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832946096066499818noreply@blogger.com0