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!