My Little Artist

Jack and I were playing with the crayons when he decided to start drawing hearts. "I draw heart, momma."

I was very impressed. I'm not sure where this idea originated but he drew several heart shapes.

I encourage Jack's artistic side every chance I get. His birth mother is very artistic and I hope that he will have a natural knack for it.

You may now call him Jacques.

Weekend in Review

After our fun night with Santa, we took it easy on Sunday. My poor baby was sick with a runny nose and sneezing. But we still had lots of fun.

Forgot to mention that my dad helped me pick up a kitchen set for Jack. It's a gently used one that belonged to a co-worker's daughter. My boy was so excited when it arrived. He played with it all weekend.

He also called Grandma a couple of times. 2 year olds with their own personal phones. Geez, what will it be next?

I was so proud of my son who strived hard to maintain a proper balance of chocolate in his diet this weekend.

We made gingerbread cookies. Poor Jack. He was not feeling good but nothing was going to keep my little man from helping his momma in the kitchen especially when there were cookies involved.

Mike took out his Guitar Hero and realized just how hard it is to be a rock star.

Jack tried to help but it was no use.

Mike really stank.

Jack also hung candy canes on our Christmas tree. I think he was going for somewhat of a clustering pattern.

Half the fun of hanging candy canes is eating them.

We're so excited that Christmas is this week! Two more days of work and then let the fun begin.

Santa Claus 3

Jack had his third brush with Santa this year and it was _______.

Not that bad. Jack still won't sit on Santa's lap but he did bravely go up to him for an early Christmas gift. He was the first child called so he must have been a really good boy this year.

Santa knew exactly what Jack wanted, his very own fire fighter truck.

It was very nice of Santa to come all the way from the North Pole to visit our friends.

We enjoyed wonderful company and the kids had fun playing with each other.

Everyone had fun, except this next little girl. She was bored stiff. But she smiled the entire event.

Ha, ha.

Santa had a few mishaps like the hat that wouldn't stay on his head. My friend had to help him out once. But Santa was so gracious and really made the kids feel comfortable. He even read "The Night Before Christmas" to them.

With a wink of his eyes and a twist of his head, Santa eventually headed for his sled. But I heard him exclaim as he went on his way, "I'll be back on Christmas day!"

Lunch with Soul

Because of my happy roots and bare feet,

I am

Who I am today.

My mom raised me to be the woman and mother,

I am today.

The distance I've traveled through life have made my footsteps

stronger,

Because I grew up without made me stronger at heart.

Wasn't born with a silver spoon but a wooden one,

That's why I am who I am today.

*a poem by a local high schooler

I love the poem. It was written by a young woman who I met at a fundraiser today. I joined a friend and her mother for a chili lunch at a local high school. The chili was delicious. And the cause was a very worthy one. The proceeds benefit a local organization that houses homeless teens. The event was organized and carried out by high school students.

The students showed how much they cared about the event. They kept stopping by our table and asking if we needed a refill or our plates cleared. This was a big project for them and they did a wonderful job. Some of the teens we saw probably have friends who are homeless. Too often, we mistakenly label all homeless as lazy bums, when there are many families who are homeless. As a Salvation Army board member I hear about these families who take comfort in the SA's shelter. I thank my lucky stars for the blessings of a warm home.

As a bonus for attending the chili lunch, each diner took home artwork made by the students.

I love my selection. The pictures don't really do it justice.

Cookies with Santa

Jack had his second brush with Santa tonight during this holiday season. He's still not too keen on a stranger with a red suit and fake beard. We had to point out that the other children were receiving candy before he'd agree to wait in line with me.

The first thing Jack said to Santa was, "Candy." This kid doesn't mess around. Santa asked Jack what he likes and we came up with a few things like toys, trucks and dinosaurs. Santa said he has a whole bunch of T Rexes at the North Pole but they sure are cold.

We asked Santa if Jack is on his naughty or nice list and Santa said Jack has been more nice than naughty this year. Hee, hee.

During our time waiting for Santa we colored and also made an ornament. It was so much fun. Again, I never know who's having the most fun.

Jack kept repeating, "Cookie," because I told him we were going to have cookies with Santa. Well, his wish was granted and he had milk and three cookies. Oh my!

Eating cookies is serious business for my 2-year-old but we sure had a great time!

Romantic Parenthood Myth Busted

Mike and I always like to joke about those commercials that show the romantic side of parenthood. The Johnson and Johnson or diaper commericals that show well behaved sleeping angels. I'm here to bust the myth.

Poor Jack. Must have had a bad dream last night. He was up around 1 crying, "Momma, momma." I brought him to our bed thinking he would settle down and fall back asleep. But, no. He was too busy examining his fingers and flipping from side to side. So, after 30 minutes plus, I placed him back in his crib. "Momma, momma," he cried, after 10 plus minutes when I tried to leave the room. I'm not sure how long I stayed in there rubbing his back and playing his Baby Tad music, but I was eventually able to make my escape and go back to bed. He still stirred but at that point was probably beyond the point of exhaustion.

He will probably never make it into one of those romantic baby commercials, but I sure love my little non-sleeping angel.

Weekend in Review

We had a lovely weekend. The weather wasn't bone chilling cold which meant we could all get out a little and actually enjoy ourselves. I rang the Salvation Army bell on Saturday night. I received a lot of return "Merry Christmases" so I hope that means a wonderful relaxing Christmas with family and friends. Whether we're doubly blessed with a White Christmas remains to be determined.

We went home to see my folks today. We watched 1st through 8th graders perform their holiday program in my hometown church. It was lovely. One of my favorite songs is, "On This Holy Mountain" and they did a beautiful job. They did so well that Jack just had to dance. Sweet moves.

One of the biggest joys for Jack was swinging at Grandpa and Grandma's house. He kept saying, "Harder," because he wanted me to push his swing higher. He's becoming a little dare devil.

And here's my niece and nephew playing "Dragon."

Jack looks a little scary on this next picture but it was too cute not to include. It's a classic "Say cheese!" picture.

I ended the evening by making pasta salad for a holiday luncheon tomorrow. Whoo-hoo! No leftovers.