March Books

I feel like I read WAY more books this month than what I have on my list but unless I missed one, here we go:

The ADD/ADHD Checklist by Sandra Reif. Pretty self explanatory. When we were afraid that Gavin had ADHD we were instructed to get this book. It was helpful in some ways but we did find out that Gavin does not have ADHD.

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb- great book and one I have wanted to read for some time. It was pretty rough in parts due to language but a great read (although long at over 700 pages). It is fiction but centers around Columbine.

Testimony by Anita Shreve- also tough at times but I enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. It depicts a college sex crime and it's affect on the town and the families involved.

You:Staying Young By Dr. Oz- this was a fast read and very informative. Very straight forward and doesn't get too scientfic.

A Dish Taken Cold by Anne Perry- this was a quick read also. Read it easily in one night. I had wanted to read something of hers so thought this was a good starting point.

Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani. I had read Big Stone Gap by her and really liked it. I also saw her on a morning news program talking about how she had researched for the book. It is based around a family owned shoe company. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next 2 in the serious.
I have already gotten way ahead in April and have some great books lined up. The fact that I have been sick has given me a bit more time to read. (got to hate that)!

The Laceration!

Ok- I am exagerating here but if you judged by the size of the band-aid you would think that a toe had fell off and we were trying to preserve it. For some reason G doesn't like small bandages anymore because he says they "burn". The only thing I can remotely imagine he is talking about is the part when the bandage comes off.

Anyhoo- he stepped on a train while coming into the kitchen (see prior post regarding train table/coffee table) and it did quite a number on his big toe. He worked it for quite sometime but once he realized that it would deter him from doing some of the things he enjoys his foot magically "doesn't hurt anymore!!" and he proceeded to show me by jumping, dancing, and falling. I guess bandages CAN cure all things!

A Boy and His Dog

We got really lucky when we got our Goldendoodle, Jack. He is the best natured and so laid back. It is a good thing because Gavin would drive him crazy otherwise. He is always taunting him and yet Jack comes back for more. Yesterday, Gavin got in the "clubhouse" in the sandbox and Jack just came right on in with him. He laid there in the sand while Gavin scooped mounds of sand on him. Jack never moved!


What a pal he is!! In the end, I don't know who was dirtier but I know they were both happy.

My Man Rocks!!

This is the blog where I brag a bit on my dear hubby! He is so good to us and works so hard. But I can always count on him to pitch in around the house when I am feeling overwhelmed! Case in point, last night I was trying so hard to get caought up in the kitchen and with the laundry so I could have some extra time to spend with Gavin this week. Lo and behold, Kris takes Gavin and gives him a bath.

The bad thing about this is that Gavin is beginning to request WHO he wants to do WHAT for him. (daddy has to get my chocolate milk, not momma). All I can say is I am very lucky to have someone who will cook, clean, bathe, and yep even sing when neccessary!

Hey momma!

That was what I was hearing when Gavin comes to the backdoor with his pants (and underwear) around his ankles.

Boys are so bashful! It seems he was wet and instead of coming in stripping down and taking care of it he figured he could get a head start on the way in. Whoever said boys are easier never had to worry about when and where their little man will decide to let loose~!

About Me (I've Been Tagged!)

I was tagged by Laura in her post and hope my answers are not TOO boring!! (thanks LB)

What is your blogger name?
Jennifer
When is your birthday?
March 15Th

How long have you been blogging?
Since Nov of '07 but continuously for about a year

Who tagged you?
Laura B

Tell me your five most favorite body parts.
Weird- on me my smile (don't have 5)

What do you wish most for your birthday?
Just to be with Kris and Gavin

What color are you nails right now?
natural

Have you had any depressing thoughts lately?
No
What’s your plan for the next month?
get lots done before Summer


At what age did you have your first crush?
I have no idea!
Have you attended any school reunions?
only that of my mom's- I missed my 10 year reunion

Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended like you didn’t smell anything?
NO

Are you a clean freak?
Yes but with a child.....

What era do you wish you were born in?
???

Are you a vegetarian?
NO but I could be

How many pillows do you sleep with at night?
1

Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper?
that just depends

Do you secretly wear granny panties when your man is not around?
don't even own any

What is your ultimate dream job?
teacher or lawyer

What does your husband do that annoys you the most?
chews his fingers!

What is your dream car?
one that is paid for

Do you wake up easily in the morning?
depends on how Gavin slept the night before

Do you like hairy men?
no

How about a man with a goatee?
I have me a man with a goatee!

Which would you prefer: a two-hour spa massage, a two-hour Thai massage, or a two-hour foot massage?
Spa massage totally (since I am not sure what a Thai massage entails)

Have you ever wished you had a different name? If so, what name?
NO

What is the most extreme sport you have ever done?
does motherhood count?

Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia?
have not done either but would probably prefer Europe

What is your favorite food?
Chinese (maybe I should reconsider my last answer!)

What is your most embarrassing moment while out on a date?
??
You can just copy and paste my questions and answers onto your blog and then erase my answers and fill in your own!

The Meanest Mom Giveaway

You have to check out this site and post from The Meanest Mom: http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/swimsuit-giveaway.html. Not only is this one of the blogs I follow- and highly suggest to anyone else- she has this fantastic giveaway! Who doesn't need help in the swimwear department?

Little Leaguer

We almost signed Gavin up for 3-4 year old t-ball this year but because of Kris' work schedule changing for the summer we decided to wait until next year. We are pretty sure that Gavin will be a good player because he is always throwing things and does so pretty well. So, we invested in a ball glove and now it is just a matter of practice. We will wait for the "real" bat and tee when he gets a little better with his aim!

Best Buds

Last Thursday my friend Anna called to see if we could meet at the mall for a playdate. We were already in Ft Smith so it was perfect timing. The boys love to play in the play area by the food court (as do about 25 other little heathens) so how could I say no? I got some cute pics of them playing but by far the best was when they were holding hands as we walked to The Children's Place. They were so cute and innocent and it made my heart melt.



Afterwards we talked them into to Chinese food and they ate like little piggies! I am so thankful that Gavin loves Chinese food-unlike his daddy.

Tough Love

You all know I love me some good reality (aka trash) tv. As I have said in the past, it makes me feel better about myself. From Rock of Love to Housewives to Bachelor! VH1's new show Tough Love is no exception! Love it!! It comes on Sunday nights and it cracks me up. The premise of the show that that the host (see pic) is a matchmaker and he is trying to help these women out. So we get to hear EVERYTHING that the men think about them. This show makes me so thankful that I found Kris-the love of my life- and somehow I managed to catch him in spite of myself.

So if you need a good laugh and a self-esteem boost, see Tough Love!

Jackpot!

As you may know, March 31st is my dad's 60th birthday so tonight we are giving him a small surprise party of kids and grandkids. I was in charge of the cake and although it didn't turn out exactly as I had pictured (not enough time!) I think it turned out cute.

I hope the weather cooperates so everyone can get there. I know he is going to be so excited and he loves to spend any chance he can with his kids and grandkids!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last week I went to a Girls Game Night at my friend Anna's house. Everyone brought snacks and there were some wonderful chocolate chip cookies that our friend Candice had made. She said the recipe was in our church cookbook so I looked for it. I found a recipe in there of hers but when I finished my cookies they did not look the same. The recipe I used is great and extra chocolately but I am still wondering "where is the other recipe"?
Here is what I made and they are delicious:
2 1/4 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 C. soft butter
3/4 C. brown sugar
1/4 C. white sugar
1 pkg. instant chocolate fudge pudding
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. chocolate chips
1 C. nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour and baking soda and set aside. Cream togehter the butter and brown and white sugars. Next mix in instant pudding powder. Then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture. Finally mix in the chocolate chips and optional nuts. Bake from 10-12 minutes.
Yeild 3 1/2 dozen.

Gavin loved them even before they were baked as you can see from his nasty face!

We were planning on taking them to a cookout for choir but now Gavin is coughing like crazy so sadly we will have to eat them all by ourselves!

Tribute to Snoopy

As I recently mentioned, Gavin loves The Peanuts Gang. So you can imagine how excited he was when I found this Snoopy craft for him to make.
All we needed was a toilet paper roll and glue and we were all set. (Sadly I have a vast collection of tp rolls and paper towel rolls in my craft supply chest, as you never know when you will need them!)
I think it turned out cute- and the best part is that it took about 2 minutes to put together.

My little Digger

We have been working on our back patio area, taking out the old plants and trying desperately to get out all of the lava rock. It must be 12 inches deep! I don't know if we will ever get it completed but it sure does keep Gavin occupied. He loves to dig especially since I got him his new yard tools. Please take notice of the tag still on-- just a little tribute to Minnie Pearl you could say!

Lake Fort Smith

Last Friday Gavin and I went to Fayetteville with my dad for just a quick trip there and back. Dad decided to take the scenic route and we stopped on the way up at Lake Fort Smith. It is really pretty there but it was really cool and windy that day so we just drove through. Then Gavin wanted to go inside (I think the promise of cookies from papaw helped). When we got inside he was so excited trying to look at everything. The funny thing is that is favorite part was the fishing lures that were in a little case. (keep in mind that he had not yet been fishing at this point in his life).
He really liked the "noculars" too and looked for squirrels and birds- mostly at other people walking. I am glad my son likes the simple things.--- and instead of cookies he got jelly beans!

First Time Fishing!

Gavin went fishing for the first time on Sunday and he loved it! He was really patient considering what fishing is- throw it out and wait! Mostly he just threw it out and reeled it in but it was amazing how far that little booger could cast! The weather was so great to be out and he and daddy rode the 4-wheeler for a little while waiting to get started. He wants to go FAST!!


Unfortunately the fish weren't biting but Papaw managed to catch one that Gavin helped reel in and then just stared at it like "now what"?


In truth I think Gavin's favorite part was getting to ride over to the farm in the motor home. I think he might would move in it if someone asked.
There was one mishap that he didn't like and that was when me, him, and Papaw were in the ranger on the way to the smaller pond and we got stuck for a bit. The water was covering the floor and me and dad's feet and he looked up at dad and said "I want to go home". It was so sad and cute at the same time. I just carried him out and waited and he was fine- ready to go anywhere but home.

Fine Television Programming

My 3 year old is the only person/child I know that is addicted to Tom and Jerry and Peanuts and the Gang! And I am using the correct term- addicted! He wants to watch them all the time. We finally had to break down and buy him some Tom and Jerry dvd's because it is rare to find it on television. The Charlie Brown movies are staples because of the holiday collections- but Aunt Julie added to the "problem" by buying Gavin one of the first Peanuts called "A Boy Named Charlie Brown". I know the words to all the songs by listening to it play in the backseat of the car and can repeat most of the conversations but I have never actually seen the movie.
Anyone else have a child with strange addictions?

Daily Ritual

For the past month or so I have been drinking hot green tea every morning. Gavin really hates the sound of the tea kettle when it starts to whistle but he has come to expect it now. He even says "Momma is that your hot drink?".

The first time I tried green tea was about 2 years ago and I HATED it! The taste, the smell, everything. But having heard forever the benefits of green tea I wanted to try it again. And I thought it might help a bit with my migraines since the caffeine level is relatively low compared to other beverages. (ok- now I sound like a weirdo!)
Lucky for me I have a friend through church that opened up a coffee shop that serves tea and tried it again. It was WONDERFUL! Just a little bit of honey added made all the difference in the world. SO this blog is a little thank you to Kat at "Kat's Gourmet Coffee" in Van Buren for not only helping me a little more healthy but for also allowing our relay meetings to be held there each month. What a blessing she is!

Dirty Feet

Oh- what would spring be without a little dirt? Nothing as far as Gavin is concerned. I love it! I cannot wait until we can get out and stay out for more than a couple of days at a time. But for now, we have pictures.

Relay for Life

I am the Team Development Chair for Relay for Life Crawford County this year. I have been working with the relay for almost 6 years now although it doesn't seem that long. There have been many people in my life touched by cancer and any small thing I can do to help makes me feel good.
I am really excited about this year because for the first time I will be on an actual team. My sister, Julie is the team captain for our team and has lots of great ideas. That is always the good thing about getting new people involved in relay- new people brings new ideas!
So anyone interested in having a team in your area or making a donation go the www.relayforlife.org for more information.
We can all make a difference in our own way- Big or Small.

The List

Gavin has a list of things he has to do each day. (Now before you call child protective services because of my cruelty let me elaborate).
He has to eat breakfast, brush his teeth, make up his bed... things like that. So I made him a chart with pictures so he can check it from time to time to remind himself what he needs to get done.

The visual really seems to help and I think he feels so grown up because of his tasks. Now, give him a few years and I won't be able to get him to do anything I am sure but for now I am thinking of adding to the LIST!!

This is the way....

Gavin brushes his teeth.

ALL of the TIME!! I am surprised he even has enamel left on them. He likes to brush his teeth everytime he washes his hands. And he tries to be like daddy and get water from the tap to rinse.

Ahhh- the joys of boys!

Silly Hat Day

This month is Dr. Suess' birthday and in honor of that, Heritage Preschool had a "Silly Hat" day on Thursday. I had the perfect hat for Gavin that we had borrowed from cousin Dani: a coon skin hat, like Daniel Boone himself. Unfortunately, he did not think it was the perfect hat. He would put it on me but there was no way it was touching a hair on his head. So, I told him to just pick a hat that he liked out of his "dress-up" clothes and this is what we got:

He kept calling it his sombrero- even though it was nothing like a sombrero. He was such a cutie too!

Callapiderdays

http://callapidderdays.com/2009/03/spring-reading-thing-2009-lets-read.html

It is no secret I like to read- and you are probably tired of my monthly recaps. Imagine my joy when I found a blog just for me!! I have signed up for a spring reading challenge and I would like everyone to take a look at the post. I think it is a great idea especially since it is so easy to get lost in what is on t.v or just read what our kiddos are reading.
Here is my initial list:
"Handle With Care" Jodi Picoult, "The Red Tent" Anita Diamant, "Sunday's At Tiffany's" James Patterson, "Very Valentine" Adriana Trigliani, "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, "An Inconvenient Book" Glenn Beck, "A Dish Taken Cold" Anne Perry, "Lucky" Alice Sebold, "Point Clear" Jennifer Paddock, "Multiple Blessings" The Gosselin's, "The Weight of Water" Anita Shreve, and "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffeneggor.

Jealous much?

Gavin loves people! But he really loves his mamaw and papaw. So much so that he doesn't want anyone else to be around them if possible. Sunday for me and Jason's birthday, we went to mom and dad's for dinner and afterwards the grandkids were going to watch Pinocchio. The problem was that papaw only has 2 arms and at the time 3 grandkids that wanted to lay on them. Gavin did not take it very well that he had to "share" papaw. Eventually he rooted his way in and got just what he wanted. DISGUSTING!

Air time

We have been waiting and wanting to get a Gavin a trampoline. He was in gymnastics for awhile last summer and he loved the trampoline. (that and the fact that it wears him out so he can sleep better)
SO we finally got him one and I am not sure who has more fun. Him or us! He wants us to "jump him high" and to hear him laugh is so funny! He likes that better than jumping by himself. I am glad we got it especially for summer when we can have friends and family over more to enjoy it.

Happy Birthday to ..... Me?

Sunday was my birthday and Kris and Gavin made me a fantastic birthday cake. Kris even thought he would get fancy and get out some of my "professional" cake decorating items. The cake was good but even better was knowing how much I am loved and appreciated not only on my birthday but everyday!!

New Coffee Table

I have been wanting to get new furniture for quite some time but Kris and I decided that there was no way we were going to do that until we got Gavin (and any future offspring) to an age that MAYBE they would not ruin it. I guess you could say we changed our mind. We did get this new "wonderful" coffee table that really adds to our home decor. It also doubles as a toe stubber!

I will say that Gavin loves it and really that was all that I was thinking about at the time. Besides, when you already have a horse in your living room, what difference is a train table going to make?

Fireproof

I have been wanting to watch the movie "Fireproof" for a long time. I even rented it once but then Gavin was sick and we never got to it. So finally last night Kris and I had a chance to sit and watch it after Gavin went to bed. It was really good and makes you realize their is a lot more to a marriage than love. I was so glad that Kris got to watch it with me. I think I may have even seen a tear or two although he would never admit it. There is also a great website to go to called fireproofmymarriage.com

The Name Game

I love teaching Gavin new things. Lately we have been really working on the last names of family members. A couple of mornings ago while I was quizzing him I asked "What is Julie's name?" to which he replied "Sandbox". When I corrected him and said "Sanborn" he said "yeah, Sanborn" like I had just heard him wrong to begin with.

We play this game where I will say "I love you more" then be comes back with "no, I love YOU more." Tonight was so funny because as we were in the car and I said that to him he said "No, I love you Alan Moore" like that was an amount that could be quantified. That is also his papaw's name so I see that he has a little confusion going on. SUPER SWEET just the same. Love that one!