POTD Jen Style

May 9, 2009

2009-05-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday....

Breakfast....
Soccer...
Rest of the Day...

No matter what time the game 8:30 or 11:00 that is how our day goes. Today was a bit different. We got up, got ready and headed out for donut day. (Hello Hole in One!) On our way there I noticed Eli was looking not so good and next thing ya know he was SICK. He recovered quickly so I assumed it was one of those allergy/sinus drainage issues. He insisted on donuts and some "stinky coffee milk" (that would be milk from Starbucks in a small coffee cup) and we were on our way to the game. While waiting for Daddy at Starbucks Eli announced he was going to "run fast like Hemi!" It took me a minute to process what he was talking about. He was talking about the wacky squirrel in Over the Hedge. Once I made sure that was what Eli meant we talked about all the great things he was going to do during the game. We ate our donuts in the car and talked waiting for game time. We were early, but quite a bit, which always makes mommy happy. Eli got his shin guards on, soccer socks, and tennis shoes and we closed up the car and there was the look again. All of Eli's breakfast was left in the parking lot next to the car. He kept insisting he was going to play, no matter what mom or dad said. I mean what do we know, we are just parents, right?

We got him back in the car for a few minutes to sit in the air conditioning since it was 10:30 A.M. and already 87 degrees. I finally talked Eli into "sitting with daddy" rather then playing. We got out of the car to head to the game, two steps away from the car and he says "I can't do it, I have to go home." I knew exactly how the little person was feeling. You know when you are sick, and as long as you don't move you think "I'm feeling ok, I'm alright." but the second you get up WHAM! It hits you, and you feel terrible all over again.

I figured out why he was so set on going to the game. Eli had his hair spiked AND it was pink (just temp hair gel, no freaking out needed!) I reassured him that I would be happy to do the same style next week and he was ok to go home. We weren't in the car 5 minutes and lil' man was sound asleep. He spent almost the entire day on the couch. It was rather pitiful. He kept down a very late lunch and a small supper, so that was that. He wouldn't take off his soccer uniform all day. Not sure why, but it was sweet.

May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Life has been INSANE! I mean completely and totally overwhelming to the point where I almost drove past my house the other night when I was coming home from work at 10:44pm. Yes, you got that... and I'm still a teacher, haha. I am SO ready for summer for so many reasons. Not only am I ready for summer, just for things to slow down so I can be part of my own life again. I feel like my family life has been going on without me while I have been working, if that makes sense?

I think most of you know Eli turned four in April and Lee and I got him a "big boy bike." Well, we didn't get to take him out for his first official ride till this last week. It was awesome! Eli did SO well it was scary! He road for almost a mile and then decided he should walk his bike the rest of the way. He never complained of being tired, his legs hurting none of that... I think what it came down to was he missed holding hands and just walking with Daddy (or Mommy.) We used to take walks all the time, and being on his bike he was not "with" us. Lee and I were walking together watching him, amazed at what a BOY he was becoming and he felt seperate from us. It was sweet. It won't be long and he will be popping wheelies and scaring me to death!

May 6, 2009

2009-05-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

8 Cork Chorus Members
1 Cork Orff Ensemble Member
600 Hillsborough County Students all together
17 buses (they forgot to order)
1 VERY long rehearsal
1 AWESOME performance
1 unbelievably tired and proud music teacher!

May 2, 2009

2009-05-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today my kid ROCKED!!!

Yes, you read that right. Eli was SO freaking awesome today and I'm not sure saying that either. His coach was pretty impressed. You have to first go back to the first game of the season and remember Mr. Eli sitting in the corner of the goal and as soon as the ball and players came his way he just started crying... Not this game, baby! He was READY! I think it helps that Cade (the coaches 10 month old) got Eli a goal for his birthday and Eli and Daddy have been doing a bit of practicing in the back yard. Which reminds me, we should probably do some more practice. Well, the other team did score 3 points on him, but he stopped two and I would say for a just barely 4 year old that is pretty darn good!

To put things into perspective there is one player on our team that is very, VERY gifted at the game of soccer. Eli has come out of his shell, especially since we took those uncomfortable cleats off of him. (I'm not kidding, he ran like he was auditioning for a part in Cats.) Well, this game Eli was getting a little to close to the ball, and there were a couple of times when Eli got the ball and was doing a fine job taking it down the field. The "star player" wasn't a fan of that and wanted the ball back. E informed me after the game that " ____ took the ball from him and wasn't sharing" I guess this picture shows it all. This picture isn't mine, one of my inlaws took it (can't remember if it was mil or fil, sorry guys. ) I'm very proud of my little soccer player. I was very worried at the begining of the season, he didn't seem to be enjoying himself like I thought he would. I know when Leslie gets here for the summer he will have Eli out in the back yard practicing like crazy, they will make each other better players, not to mention be super cute playing together! I can't wait for that!

April 21, 2009 part 3

2009-04-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so if you were turning 4 and your mom and dad told you "you can have whatever you want for dinner, where do you want to go?" What would you choose? California Pizza Kitchen, of course, right? Yea, kinda what I thought too... haha. My son did! He asked for "fancy pizza" and I knew EXACTLY what he meant. We headed to the mall and he got exactly that.

We "never" let Eli ride the carousel, and I mean that literally, but since it WAS his birthday we gave it a spin. I'm just thankful I only ate half my pizza... I things could have gotten messy. Eli road the seal, I think that was another way to hint at the fact that the poor child just wanted to go to Sea World.

He also lucked out. I had a gift card for $10 for Build a Bear, so he got a new furry baby. This pup's name ended up being Peanut Butter (cute, eh?) Eli is very creative with this furry baby names! He came up with that one all on his own, just like Samich. No way could I possibly remember the parts routine this Build a Bear girl had Eli do, but it was awesome... he was rubbing his knee so Peanut Butter would always feel "kneeded" I mean it was precious. Eli had a great time building his new friend. We all had a good time! Happy Birthday Eli! I still can't believe you are 4!!

April 21, 2009 part 1

2009-04-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

As our tradition has it, we released balloons today in honor of Ben. If you believe he is in heaven, then the balloons were sent to him. If you believe he has moved on to his next life, then maybe he will see them and smile, not knowing why they are floating by feeling something warm none the less.

I'm not sure if it is the surgery or what, but this year I missed Ben a great deal more then usual. Honestly, not sure if is Ben but all the things Eli is missing out on not having him here. All the "what ifs." Eli is old enough he asks questions, and he still doesn't quite understand. He makes connections with "Eli not being alone in mommy's tummy." I think it really helped seeing Jesi pregnant with Hayden. However, when "Ben" is mention he first things of Chrissie's son and doesn't understand why in the world mommy would be upset about Ben. Who could blame him, that would be quite confusing!

We talk very openly about Ben. I share my pain and sadness, but not to the point that it is overwhelming or depressing. Just every so often I will shed a tear, Eli will ask why and I will tell him. I think he needs to know and it isn't something that makes sense to hide from him. He is a smart little person and one day he would surely come to be angry if he found out we kept this from him.

Florida passed a law in the last year... most people don't know but according to the state of Florida Benjamin Phillip Clarke was never born. He has a death certificate, but no birth certificate. I have struggled with that a great deal. I worked with a group of parents of still borns and legislation was passed about a year ago and now there is a "still born birth certificate." I'm hoping by the boys' next birthday we will have one for Ben.

Benjamin Phillip Clarke, you are loved.....

and missed.

April 21, 2009 part 2

2009-04-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Eli had already had his big birthday cake at his party and he decided he would like a cookie for his birthday. So we lined up 4 dino birthday candles around the cookie and let the birthday wishes fly! He also brought out "his friends" to celebrate his "real birthday" with him. We opened his presents from mommy and daddy and the cards he had gotten in the mail. For some reason he was especially attached to the card Aunt Jesi and his new cousin Hayden had sent him and he hugged the picture of Hayden and kissed it (even without mommy telling him to!)

And as if on cue, the garden made a birthday strawberry just for Eli. Talk about a lucky boy!

April 19, 2009

2009-04-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

April 12, 2009

2009-04-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

We had a very low key Easter. The Bunny must have snuck in while we were sleeping and left a well stocked basket for Eli... and that crazy rabbit left eggs all over the house. It didn't take Eli long at all to find them all and put them in his basket... it took him even less time to figure out that the Easter Bunny had put chocolate and marshmellows in those eggs.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Clarke's for Easter lunch and a little egg hunting.

It was a good day!

April 11, 2009

2009-04-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Easter Eggs are FUN! Right?

For some reason no matter what mommy does... she gets the boring egg dye. Next year I bet she buys the tie-dye or glitter stuff, I just know it! We did go crazy and open two different boxes of egg dye and put out every single color. We even had BROWN! Daddy made a stinky coffee egg.

It was fun and we didn't make to much of a mess.

April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Splish Splash I was taking a bath.... and for some reason he will only do it if the water is colored. Lee and I forgot to share this tid bit of info with Grandma when she babysat. She didn't see him put them in and when she saw the bath water changing colors she made Eli get out, rinsed him off, and she drained the water in a panic. She thought they were some sort of candy of something. Eli had a very hard time trying to explain what they were. Finally he did get it across that they were supposed to be in the water and it was ok, I think he showed her the jar they came out of. I bet that was an amusing situation, I mean if you were a fly on the wall. Grandma and Eli didn't find it amusing, hehe.

April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have ruined my child... yes you read that right... he is ruined.

I'm home on spring break and Eli came downstairs today with his Easter suit that Jesi and Gran sent him and asked me to do a photoshoot. How many almost 4 year olds do you know that would do that? I mean seriously... sigh! I'm a lucky mommy. He even helped me set up and tear down. He suggested some poses, etc. It was super cute.

This is one of his poses, "a yoga pose" he says. :o)

These, of course, aren't all the pictures, but just a sampling. I can't post all 40 that turned out SUPER, that would be a bit extreme don't ya think?

April 4, 2009

2009-04-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Talk about the nick of time! I was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. I'm not sure I should have even gone to Eli's game, but next week I have a chorus performance during his game/pictures so I wasn't missing this week's game! Eli was team captain today... not really sure what that means other then he goes to the middle before the game starts and he kicks the ball off at the begining, if he wins the coin toss, maybe? I guess I should ask the coaches, eh?

He played SO much better. He had a great time. He really hussled on the field and never went into that horrible goalie position, haha.

Oh and he noticed two of the girls on his team..... tisk tisk!

March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Oh yea, what a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG day!

Eli's first soccer game. We were all so excited. Purple shirts, Eli couldn't be happier, ok maybe if they were pink, but purple is "da bomb" according to Will Stephens and Leslie. First thing out Coach put Eli in as goalie, "uh, Coach??" Yea, so first off Eli sees it as this 1. I don't get to wear my purple shirt like every one else. 2. I have to stand over here all by myself. 3. I don't get to kick the magic pink ball like every one else.

So he sits in the corner of the goal. Coach comes over and gives him a pep talk, high five, things seem to be better..... UNTIL the other team start coming his way with the ball. Every one is cheering, Eli takes it as them yelling at him. He drops to his knees in tears and oh yea, that is that. "THEY ARE YELLING AT ME! THEY ARE MAD AT ME!?" Coach Jason calls on his savior, wife and Kindergarden teacher Amy to save the day. She did a pretty good job. It isn't helping things that Eli was kept up very late by a babysitting Grandma and Grandpa the night before and mommy feels terrible. (At this point in time, we were all unaware that Mommy would be in the hospital by 5pm and would be there for a week.)

Eli would come off the field 4 times crying. The 3rd time I went to the other side of the field. "Eli, there is NO crying in soccer!!" It was time to get up, dust himself off and get out there and play some SOCCER!!! He was pitiful and I was having a very hard time feeling sorry for him. I said, "What is the problem Eli?" "I just hurt myself." ...rolling the eyes, heavy sigh... expecting some little dirty spot on his knee. "Where?" "My mouth." I lifted up his lip and sure enough, blood every where, this poor child and gotten head bumped during a crash for the ball and had a legitimate reason to cry... and here his heartless mother was telling him to suck it up and get back out there. I know it won't be long when there will be blood and I will be dragging him off the field and he will be trying to convince me to let him stay out there. We got some ice, some one else went in for him and he was all better.

It was a long game, that is for sure! He was barely running during the 3rd quarter and no running at all by the last quarter, he kept coming off the field trying to sit in my lap. I guess I should put him on the treadmill for some conditioning?

March 14, 2009

2009-03-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Eli's room as been in a state of baby/big boy for over a year now. I can't take it any more. I have been shopping online and planning and I think I know exactly what I would like to do. Lee and I have picked some very kid friendly furniture from Ikea that I KNOW Eli will love. We are planning a suprise trip to Orlando tomorrow while Eli is at Chrissie's. We hope to be home and have his bed put together before we pick him up, we will see how that goes.

It is also time to purge and organize the toys....

March 8, 2009

2009-03-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

We got all of Eli's soccer gear. He is SO excited to start the season, not to mention he looks so stinking cute! I think the funniest part of this picture, I mean other then the Lover Boy t-shirt, is the fact that he already has a bandaide on his knee.... we are going to have a great season!

March 2, 2009

2009-03-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Today was the day... you know it is coming when you have a pet, but you pretend it isn't and keep going with every day life. Just before I went into the hospital, Stanley was having a rough time of it... constantly whining and just so unhappy. I checked him for fleas, but the weather had been so cold especially for Florida I thought there was no way. I could not find any on him so I wasn't sure what was wrong. The day I got discharged from the hospital, while Lee was picking me up, poor Stan must have hit his breaking point. He chewed a good bit on his tail. Lee got him in to see Dr. Collins that afternoon. She said, with his age and other health issues the best we could do is clean it up and hope it heals... it might, but not likely. She, in a round-a-bout way, said it was about his time. We gave his tail a bit over a week and it did seem to be doing much better, but the tip was not healing and it had gotten infected, even though we kept it clean and wrapped. He was miserable. He had a cone to wear, but neither Lee nor I could stand to see him in it, he was just so uncomfortable, but at times it was the only way we could get him to leave his tail alone. On Thursday he had 3 seizures in less then 24 hours, which is a VERY bad sign. The last seizure he had it took him almost 3 hours to finally catch his breath :( For the most part, I had stopped sleeping at night for fear he would get ahold of his tail. So, I was up constantly checking on him and the tail. Between Stan's seizures, which were getting progressively worse, his breathing which just going out back to potty would wear him out and he would be completely wiped out after just a few minutes outside, and the mass on his rump which the doctor was pretty sure was cancer we talked to the doctor. We could try to amputate the tail. She said it would be a 50/50 shot that he would come out from the anesthesia which would be the same case for the biopsy for the rump bump. Lee and I talked and talked and decided over the weekend what needed to be done. Sunday evening, I was going upstairs to the office and click clack Stan (we called him that because of his toe nails on the floor) was following me) came up a few of the stair sideways and then was totally confused, he didn't know if he was going up or down and had a slight panic attack. It made me sad....

When Stanley was a young 'un he would ride with that big old head out the window. It was the cutest thing, sometimes he would even put his paws on the rearview mirror (which did make me a bit nervous.) He hadn't done that in quite a while, but on our way to the vet on Monday morning he put his head out the window just for a minute to catch a cool breeze... one more time.

He is better off now... I know he is, but I miss him. It would have been selfish to keep him here with me, I have to remind myself of that.

...But...

The house is quiet... to quiet...

Stanley August 2004

Feb 14, 2009

2009-02-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Feb 13, 2009

2009-02-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

Feb 12, 2009

2009-02-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Feb 7, 2009

2009-02-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

Feb 5, 2009

2009-02-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Feb 4, 2009

2009-02-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T17:34:00.001-08:00

We celebrated the actual day of Thanksgiving with friends for a delicious dinner and good conversation. The following Saturday we had a Clarke family dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
It was fun to watch MacKenzie and Eli playing together. They have both gotten to the age where they can play together.

November 15, 2008

2008-11-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

I think this picture says it all... Eli's best friend is his daddy. Don't get me wrong, he is a momma's boy in every way... but there is just something about the two of them playing. Eli is very lucky to have his daddy... and his daddy is very lucky to have such a wonderful little boy.

Could some one PLEASE tell me when my sweet baby boy turned into a LITTLE BOY? I wasn't ready for that. I looked at these pictures after our afternoon at the park and I saw a little boy. Look at that face... what a handsome boy.

We had a great time... some kite flying, a little soccer, and some playing at the park. It was a great Sunday afternoon. These are the days we should be thankful for.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

My kids (Cougar Chorus) performed at the Veteran's Breakfast at school.

They did a beautiful job. And for a change... I actually got to have my picture TAKEN... even if it was with some one else's camera she did share the image.

I love this picture... these are two women that I respect and love. I feel very lucky to work with them. They help me be the teacher I want to be... and they love me when I screw up, haha.

Something else about this picture.... it doesn't look like me. Recently I had to go buy new pants because when I got my winter clothes out they literally fell off of me. I purchased size 10 at Old Navy. I don't think I even wore a size 10 in High School. I have plans on a bit more weight loss, but I am being realistic. It is nice looking at a picture and being happy about what you see. :o)

November 3, 2008

2008-11-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

I picked Eli up after my doctor's appointment (still the headache) and we had to get my 'script filled so while we were hanging out at Publix we decided to make cupcakes for Ms Chrissie. Eli picked choco with 'bnilla "ice" and star sprinkles. Very yummy!

November 2, 2008

2008-11-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

Candy Inventory time...The only candy that really matters... choco!

November 1, 2008

2008-11-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

We went over to Plant City for Donut Day and decided we were going to vote early since they were scaring us with expectations of hour long lines on actual voting day... Honestly, we did not wait to long at all and I'm glad we did it! Eli was Mr. Funnyman while standing in line... all the older ladies around us found him quite amusing.

Halloween

2008-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Eli trick or treated with Edel and the kids... or should I just say Ms. Edel. The kids ran off and did big kid stuff, but he had a great time. It was me that had the hardest time adjusting to not being in "our" neighborhood. This was the first year he didn't trick or treat our circle. One thing I can't figure out... is why the neighbors across the street are such Halloween haters. I mean last year there was just the "No Candy" sign on the door. This time they did a picture sign on the door and then a yard sign incase one sign wasn't enough.

October 26, 2008

2008-10-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our annual Pumpkin Patch trip was a blast. Eli was all about the pumpkins. I'm glad we have this tradition... it makes me happy. It has become a serious tradition in our little family and I hope it always stays that way.

October 24, 2008

2008-10-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Treat Night @ Cork Elementary....

Fun was had by all, and choco was had by Eli. After making his rounds we came back to my room and hung out for a while. Rose brought Grace and Cici... Eli did a little candy nibbling and music making.

October 18, 2008

2008-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

We crashed another Stephens family vacation down to Fort Myers. I love the quirky little motel and I needed some sunshine. It wasn't until we were all sitting on the beach and no matter how much sunscreen I put on I realized the meds I was put on for the stupid headache had the "no sunlight" clause. I headed back to the room to take a shower and watch a little football while my boys had a good time at the beach. They built castles, truck roads, and even got in the water. Last spring when we were there Eli refused to get in the water... so that was a big deal. I'm sad I missed it but glad he got to have a good time with his daddy.

August 10, 2008 (evening)

2008-08-11T18:55:00.001-07:00

A trip to the grocery store and a lazy evening at home... I like those kind of days.

I love my backyard... especially when it has a fresh trim. It just makes me happy to look at all our hard work.Eli is getting SO BIG! He barely fits into his car swing... but still insists on "swanging."

After coming in the house to play and wind down Eli discovered the coolest new toy... the laundry hamper. He was wearing it as a hat, hiding under it because he was "in zoo cage" and using it as a launching pad to get himself on top of the couch upside down.

August 10, 2008

2008-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Trying out my new lens... how cute is that kitty!! Oh, and he still doesn't have a name. We should really get him a name... poor nameless little one. Unless we go with "Chevy Max Squirt" ... ok, maybe not!

August 9, 2008

2008-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

I taught trumpet lessons this summer and saved misc. cash so I could buy a new camera lens. Mom was here for a visit and gave me my birthday present early. She gave me some money to go toward my new lens. ( I really wanted this lens for Disney World.) Well, the exact day I got the birthday money there was the lens I wanted posted on Craigslist... and the next day another one, even cheaper. I met the seller at Westshore Mall today and got my new lens. This is SOOC of Eli in the backseat of the car. I think I'm in LOVE with this lens!

August 8, 2008

2008-08-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Back to School!!

I won't lie, I wasn't ready. I really wanted to stay at home with Eli one more day... but not an option. It was a good day. I got a call from my AP last night asking me to cut some letters for the bulliten board and to bring my camera so I could be the official photographer of the day. I took pictures of each team all decked out in their "beach" attire.

I hope this is a good school year!

August 4, 2008

2008-08-11T18:14:00.001-07:00

Today started off REALLY roughly! Stanley did some business in the house and it was super gross (not going any further on that topic) then my mom hollared "Jenny, Ally has a squirrel." I look out into the back yard and she was hunkered over something brown and fuzzy. I ran out there and snatched Ally up and dumped her into the house. The bunny hopped away, I thought for good.

I headed back in the house worrying about Stanley and the grossness that came from his rear end. About 30 minutes later I let Ally back out... since I could find the bunny in the back yard. Not 5 minutes later... there she was again carrying that bunny rabbit back across the yard. I went back out and yelled at her again, she took off around the house and I had mom grab her on the front porch and put her in the house. I tired to get the bunny.... but it just kept scurrying back and forth in the flower beds. So when it tried to squeeze itself under the flower bed between the fence I thought I would give it a rest and hopefully it would make it out and go FAR away.

So I went back in the house. Stanley needed to go out... and with the events from earlier he was allowed out as often as he asked. I let him and out and then heard a odd sound. I went out to see what was going on and there Stanley was completely unaware that he was scaring the hiss out of an itty bitty kitty. The cat let me scoop him up so I brought him inside.
So, welcome to the family little tiny kitty. I was most concerned about telling Lee that this little fur person had decided to come live with us.

August 1, 2008

2008-08-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy invited us to visit him at work today. It was a great visit... other then the rain. It was raining like crazy so that made the drive downtown and home a bit more stressful then I would have liked. Eli had a great time... and he was so cute in his jeans and well ironed shirt. We stayed for a while and ate lunch with daddy and we headed home for our nap. I'm not sure which was cuter... Eli using daddy's laptop and cute little wireless mouse or using Mo's "bi-nackers" to look at the water and beautiful view daddy gets to enjoy every day. Before we left for the office... we had visitors in the front yard. Eli happily shared some of his gold fish with the cranes.

July 30, 2008

2008-08-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Moorman reshoot... I did a shoot of the twins and their big sister a couple weeks ago and they weren't as good as I had hoped for. So I did another shoot. I got the picture!! I mean 1.5 year old twins... need I say more?

July 29, 2008

2008-08-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Bryan Alexander Charbeneau born July 28, 2008 3:11AM 8lbs 3oz 21 inches long

Today I made a trip to Brandon Regional to visit Linda Charbeneau in the hospital. She had just given birth to her second son... Bryan. Linda and I were pregnant together when I had Eli and Ben so seeing her blooming with a big ole belly was MUCH harder then I thought it was going to be. I wanted to spend time with her this summer but every time I saw her I thought about when we did this journey together... and it was more then I could handle.

Seeing Bryan with his billiruben eye covers brought back memories. Eli wore those just a little over three years ago...

Elijah Joseph Clarke April 21, 2005

July 28, 2008

2008-08-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those great lazy days.

Eli and I hung out at the house being cool. We tried to play outside for a bit... but it was just TOOOOO HOT!!

July 27, 2008

2008-07-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a GREAT lazy day. We cleaned up the office, gave Eli's room a SERIOUS cleaning (it was starting to get stinky,) and hung out as a little family. It was a good day. I'm starting to get sick... or allergies are kicking my butt, either way I have felt pretty icky all day. I have a reshoot on Wednesday so I was doing a bit more scouting for a location so we went to Medard Park. There was a storm rolling in so we didn't play for long, but Eli had a great time. As he put it at dinner "I played with my friends, 3 boys for a minute." What that translated to... there were three other little boys on the toys at the same time he was there. He did have a friend, his daddy. Eli took daddy back and forth from the little people's play place to the older kids play area. Slides, stairs, slides, stairs, "come on dadda, let's go." "I not go first, you go first." It was so wonderful to watch. It was also very reassuring. I know that might sound silly, but at one point Lee and I had decided we weren't going to have any little people. We didn't actually plan or "try" it just happened. So, it settles my heart to watch Lee be such a wonderful father loving every bit of that little boy.

July 20, 2008

2008-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day. It started with an alarm that was on and set and didn't go off. That always starts the day in a bit of a panic. Chrissie and her kids were coming over at 8:30 because we were heading downtown for some pictures. I'm lucky to have friends who will lend me their children. The pictures went well, but by 10:30 I was pouring sweat so we headed to Target and then home.
After lunch and nap we decided to head out to the sunflower field. Two years ago I happened upon the most beautiful field of sunflowers... well, we went there today... and there were several do not trespass signs. Being the rule followers we are I just couldn't do it. So we went to a county park with a lake just down the road. Eli had a good time, but the bugs were a bit more then his daddy and mommy could handle. I am glad we went, because I got some of the most beautiful pictures. I am very lucky to have Eli, even with his crazy toddler-preschooler tantrums... I'm lucky to have him here. I love you, Eli.

July 13, 2008

2008-07-13T20:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this summer as zoomed on by without me having enough time to blog a bit. I will catch up, eventually, I hope.

I got a new lens for all the shoots I'm doing, and I needed a bit more practice so guess who I employed... poor Eli. I love these pictures, and I even websized them so they won't be such an assault on the computers of the world, haha.

May 25, 2008

2008-05-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

All night.... yep, I was up ALL NIGHT. So as I type this I have been awake for 36 hours straight. I'm not sure why I didn't sleep last night. My dad said it isn't the antibiotics I'm on, he also told me to go ahead and take Tylenol PM if it is helping me sleep. So I will be doing that soon.

Chrissie cut Eli's hair on Friday, thank goodness! He was starting to look pretty darn rough. I can't believe how old he looks with his hair freshly cut. She only did a short scissor cut, when she uses the clippers it is even more "boyish" so it is a good thing she didn't.

All day Eli talked about "coloring the sidewalk." Daddy found the chalk while he was cleaning the garage and Eli was very happy to see that. He colored the patio for quite a while. The first thing he drew was a circle, and I said "E, that is a great circle." So then he went to the next square and drew a shape and said "look momma, I made a nice heart." I think it is a very nice heart!
I realized Eli is a BOY now... he started jumping from square to square. It was amazing to watch him clear over 2 feet each time. He would jump over a square, clear and free. Last thing I knew little Mr. Eli could barely get both feet off the ground at the same time much less make a serious leap out of it.
I wish Ben was here. Eli and I read a book last night called "Always a Twin" I didn't know it was going to be that hard to read.

May 23, 2008

2008-05-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

I had a photo shoot after school today... I'm very proud.

Apology

2008-05-22T19:04:00.001-07:00

For the very few who read my blog...

I'm sorry it is updated so sparatically. It isn't because I don't want to. I can only update with pictures from upstairs, and that takes some work some evenings.

I hope to be better this summer... :o)

May 22, 2008

2008-05-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

Tonight I came home and did a brief tour of the backyard... and there was so much going on I had to grab my camera and snap a few pictures. The first thing I spotted was the newest little sunflower. We planted these exact same seeds last year, I mean same package this year and last, and we only got a couple yellow flower, this year we are getting all sorts of colors, I just love it!

I'm in love with the super sunflower... there are so many blooms it is going to be truely amazing when it blooms.
This morning when Lee was making lunches I saw him putting on his shoes. I couldn't figure out why he was doing that, and I guess he could tell by the look on my face. He was headed to the backyard to snag a couple of tomatoes for his salad. I went out to see if there were any more salad ready maters... and look what I saw. I didn't pick them, since it isn't my garden, didn't seem right.

May 21, 2008

2008-05-22T18:49:00.001-07:00

My froggie... this fella was a great mother's day gift.

I decided he should live next to the pond where I can see him from the kitchen, dining room, and the office.

He is cute, eh? I think so too!

May 20, 2008

2008-05-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

This is one sleepy boy. You can tell on the days when Eli played hard and didn't nap.

I think the best way to describe my husband is "urban gardener" and it cracks me up. The garden is rolling, our squash are all produced out, but the tomatoes are going nuts! Something else that is going nuts... our sunflower. Some how it got planted with the squash (the seedlings looked a great deal alike.) Lee swears he planted all the same kind of sunflower seeds, and they were the ones that don't get much taller then 3 feet, as you can see, that isn't the case. This sunflower has to be well over 8 feet tall and has over a dozen blooms on it. Every time I see this amazing plant I just smile.
Every afternoon, this little butterfly flutters around the backyard. She visits the lantana on each side of the patio door.

May 19, 2008

2008-05-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

It seems like every where I go I see dragonflies. I really wouldn't say I'm looking for them, I'm just lucky enough to see them. This specific little guy likes to fly around us while we are on the patio eating dinner.

I like having him around.

May 18, 2008

2008-05-22T18:26:00.001-07:00

We got some rain today... it was wonderful! It brought out all our little friends. I just think they are so stinking cute!

May 17, 2008

2008-05-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had a date tonight...

Another teacher at school gave Lee and I her season tickets for the Lion King at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. She asked me back in September if I would like the tickets, because she and her husband had already seen it "several times" in New York. Initially I said no thank you, but later decided we should go for it. Les and Beth came and watched Eli and we went out.

We had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, without chasing some one under the table, that was nice! Then we headed downtown.

The show was amazing!! The creativity it took to come up with the puppets and costumes is just unreal. I'm glad we went.

Les and Beth had a great time playing with Eli and offered to watch him more often. Now, we will see if Lee and I take them up on that.

May 16, 2008

2008-05-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Family Fun Night... and for my family it wasn't s fun.

Eli was a handful ALL evening. The original plan was for Rebecca to keep an eye on him so I could do my teacher thing. Rebecca got a bit sidetracked being a kid and Eli was very busy being a jerk. He took a nice long nap, and that backfired.

I'm just going to say it was a long evening... and hot.

May 14, 2008

2008-05-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

I picked up some books from the library at school to spice up our reading selection. Eli took to "How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food" quite quickly. He had the entire story, as he saw it, all laid out. It was very cute to hear him "read" the book. It is just amazing to listen to him and watch him make conclusions based on what he sees in the pictures.

It was a month ago and I was all worried about him being on target with his learning colors, words, numbers, etc. I feel a bit silly about that now. He is doing just fine!

May 13, 2008

2008-05-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Another dinner on the patio... and desert was CHOCO!

It looks as good as it tastes!

May 11, 2008

2008-05-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Today was a good day, even if it was STINKIN' HOT!!

It was odd, because a cold front came through, but for whatever reason we couldn't get any of that cool air to come through our house. We changed our routine a bit, instead of Dunkin Donuts for breakfast we headed to Waffle House. It was nice, but Eli still wanted donuts after he was done eating an ENTIRE waffle, haha. We did some things out of the house, an attempt to stay cool.

My present was a complete surprise! I had no idea what I was going to get, but I was quite happy with my Frog! Eli and I called him Echo, because he is a planter and since he is empty he echoes when you hollar into him.

Some other things happened today, that made it a good day. My morning glories bloomed... for the first time! They are so beautiful, they just make me happy. Our saddest, littlest bouganvillea took off blooming today too.

May 10, 2008

2008-05-22T17:33:00.001-07:00

OH MY GOSH.... IT IS HOT!

When we got home Friday evening and walked in the house, we walked into a very warm house. I thought Lee had been cheap and turned the air warmer while we were at work. I was wrong, the air conditioner had died...

I called several places and it was going to cost a small fortune for some to just come out and look at our air. I ended up getting lucky by calling EC Air and they came out only a few hours after I called them FOR FREE. We ended up having to get the entire system replaced, but we got a system that is designed for a two story house (our old one wasn't) and it is made for over 1500 sq. ft. (our old one wasn't.)

Ironically wouldn't you know, Eli wanted to ride his bike in the living room that was topping out in the mid 90's. It was pretty funny, atleast to me, because he wanted daddy to push him!

I'm looking forward to Monday... and some cool air.

May 8, 2008

2008-05-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Glorious WATERING DAY!!!!!

Our grass is brown and crusty and it makes me sick to look at it. I'm just so sad that our beautiful backyard is not feeling so good. We get to water one day a week, and by golly we are going to do it! So the 8th was the second Thursday we had watered. Eli decided it looked like fun and went for it!

We made a discovery today in the garden... I'm not sure how in the world we have missed it till now.

May 4, 2008

2008-05-22T17:17:00.001-07:00

To nap or not to nap... that is the question.

Eli is starting to grow out of his napping, sigh. I did love those hours of quiet when I could recharge. He was being a stinker when he should have been sleeping.

May 3, 2008

2008-05-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

Blogger: POTD Jen Style - Edit Post "May 3, 2008"Lee is on his way to pick up the washer and the dryer will be in on Tuesday. I am excited... BUT wish we weren't FORCED to purchase anything right now. (Mine is white, but I can't find a picture.)

While the Stephen's girls were staying with us this week Rebecca got super sick, threw up every where. Eli and I started doing it yesterday... so there is some SERIOUS laundry piling up. The problem is... the washer died on Monday. SO now I have a lot of laundry that is in serious need of a sanitation cycle.

When I say sick I mean SICK.... I didn't know there was a stomach flu going around school. Normally I can avoid those sort of things, but not this time. Eli threw up several times yesterday morning, and I started from the other end. I thought if I could just settle with that it was fine... but turns out I was going to get to throw up some too. I haven't been this sick in years. I'm hoping tomorrow I will be feeling better.

These are my mother's day presents... so Happy Mother's Day to me.

I'm very aware that I'm several days behind, and I do plan on catching up. Just as soon as I have the energy to walk upstairs and download my camera.

May 1, 2008

2008-05-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day.

April 23, 2008

2008-04-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

I got my hair done today... these pictures were taken later, but thought I would share.

I won't lie... I edited this hell out of them. I had no idea how OLD I was looking. Part of it is the freckles, not to mention my extremely long days at school. This school year is starting to wear on me.

I think my hair looks alright, I wish my sister would have cut it though.

April 24, 2008

2008-04-27T20:01:00.001-07:00

Another day, just like yesterday.

Work, home, dinner, bath, bedtime.

We have been eating dinner out on the patio, thanks to the beautiful weather, thank you Mother Nature. Eli decided a game of Candyland was the perfect desert after dinner.

April 22, 2008

2008-04-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, the garden has produced. I don't think we had veggies this early last year. Lee harvested one yellow squash today. I can't wait for those tomatoes! Last years were quite yummy, but don't tell Lee. It was also SUPER nice to be able to walk out into the garden pop off a few and toss them on my lunch salad.

I think the coolest part is seeing Lee share this with Eli. Last year he was to little to be worried with it, this year he has taken a sincere interest... which is great for Eli and Lee.

My parents left for NC this morning, I don't think they will make it in one day, but I'm sure they will get there tomorrow.

April 21, 2008

2008-04-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

After talking to my nurse practitioner after Eli's party last night I decided to take the day off. Mom and dad were still in town and it was Eli's birthday. I called Edel and told her I wouldn't be in, she was quite glad to hear I was taking the day off. I'm very lucky to have her in my life. Anyway, I slept in, that made me feel SO much better on its own. So I asked mom and dad if they would like to go to the zoo. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. The weather was great... warm, but not hot and the humidity had taken a break.

One of the best things about going to the zoo with your Gran and Popo is the fact that they don't say no when you ask to do something or pay for something. Eli fed the giraffe, Popo fed the stingrays, goats, everybody fed the birds... it was great. Not to mention Eli got the Manatee and the Rino plastic toys. You know the one I'm talking about... the machines that make them when you put the money in and you are supposed to hold them upside down when they come out so they will dry and cool off without getting mishappened. I NEVER get one as a child, yes we weren't all that well off money wise, but still, haha.

It was a great day. Eli did so great he got to play in the water before we left. Gran and Popo went into the gift shop and Eli played in the water. He fell down skinning his knee... that was a sign he was getting tired and we would need to leave soon. He fell again, and this time it was worse... I got up to get him, in a rush because he was crying got one of my feet tangled in the stroller the other on the bench and WHAM I fell too. I hit both knees, right wrist, and left side of my face. Several moms rushed over to check on me and couple went to get Eli. I was totally embarassed and just wanted every one to go away. I got Eli, he had stopped crying and kept saying, "Momma, you fall down. You ok?" I kept telling him I was fine and that he should go play. I tried to suck it up, but my right hand REALLY hurt. I tried calling Lee, no answer. I tried calling Dad, no answer. I tried calling Mom, no answer. So when I saw how much swelling there was I decided it was time to go. I gathered up Eli, he was POOPED, and went to the gift shop. Mom was in line to pay, thankfully. I waited till she came out to tell her what had happened... and she FREAKED! I know that is what mom's do, haha, that is what got me here in the first place. Dad drove home, we dropped Dad and Eli off at the house and I went to urgent care. I rarely agree to that, but I knew I was hurt. They took three x-rays and couldn't say conclusively if it was a buckle fracture or not. I never heard from the radiologist, so I take that to mean it isn't. The Doctor said if it wasn't broken it was going to be a severe sprain. I had to go through a facial exam too, incase there were any serious problems.

Before that happened... it was a very nice day. We took the rest of the day easy. Dinner was left overs, we had left over cake and Eli opened his last two birthday packages. It was a good day.

April 20, 2008 (Party)

2008-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2008 (bouncin')

2008-04-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

April 20, 2008

2008-04-27T12:01:00.001-07:00

PARTY DAY!!!!

I think Eli knew it was coming, because even though he was put in bed at 9pm last night at midnight he was still chattering trying to get Popo (who had been sent in to encourage sleep) into have a conversation about anything that would interest him. I thought for sure he would be a CRANK when he got up, but lucky for us all he was in a GREAT mood.

We started the day with Cheerios and yogart, just what a growing boy needs. Eli played while Gran and I went to the store to pick up the sandwich ring and balloons. It wasn't long after we got home that the guest started arriving. We had a very small gathering and that was ok with me. We invited Gran, Popo, Grandma, Grandpa, Chrissie, Amanda, Edel, Rebecca, Shady, and Will. So the closest child in age was Rebecca and she is 10. I felt a bit guilty at first, but as the day went on I realized this was the right choice. Every child there loves Eli, they think the sun rises and sets with him. He was never left to play alone or left out of any playing. He was one of the kids and that is what matters. I almost did my best not to stress about doing this at that time and that at this time. I just let things happen, and you know what they did! Every one had a great time and the last guest left at 5... so we had a 6 hour party.

April 19, 2008 (the day)

2008-04-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, party prep begins!

I didn't sleep in as much as I probably needed to, but I got a bit of sleep. We took Gran and Popo to our regular donut day (Gran dislikes Dunkin's Donuts, for the record.) When we got home we started on the cleaning and I had to put together one very ambitious cake. Eli left no time in getting Gran and Popo busy playing.

Popo realized exactly how much work Mommy and Daddy had been getting out of the train set he and Gran got Eli for Christmas. Yes, they are nice and fun, but MAN they are work! Putting together a track isn't like it used to be. A nice circle, oval, or even figure out would be just peachy, not now! Eli wants bridges and hills... oh heavens!

Next year I do believe we will be going with a traditional Publix cake. It wasn't to stressful, honestly, the cake making, just not sure I want to dedicate an entire day to something like that again.

April 19, 2008

2008-04-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

I made it till midnight... well, honestly till 2. Everything was behind for some reason so they didn't get the groupies contest going till a bit after 1am. We placed 3rd in the groupies contest, but we did get our area director to comment "I can't believe you people are on my payroll." I think she should be quite proud of us to throw caution to the wind in honor of cancer research. We represented our school quite well, I think! That goodness Anne and Dana didn't mind getting all snazzied up! Believe it or not, those are just sparklers...nothing more. I was concerned we were going to light the stage on fire there for a bit... but we didn't.

April 18, 2008

2008-04-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today was INSANE.... not only was it a Friday so I'm alone in the room, but Relay for Life started today. Mom and dad are coming for Eli's birthday but they said they would see us on Saturday around 10am. Plans changed when mom called me close to midnight asking if they could stay with us and I was still at Relay and Eli and Lee were already in bed. We got things worked out, but not without some stress. I spent the entire day making lips to fit on the party blowers so it looked like we were sticking out our tongues like the lead singer of "Kiss." If I never see red glitter again, I think I'll be ok with that.

Cork Elementary (my school) went with a "Kiss" theme this year since the Relay theme was something about Rock and Roll. It was amusing to see these, rather straight laced individuals, all punked out. I was a face painter till two high schoolers took over for me (for which I am greatful, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten to take any pictures.)

Eli was a hit, you have to admit an almost 3 year old wearing the make up of Catman is a trip. Chrissie fixed his hair in a spike (sorta, it was curling a bit.) So Eli fit in quite nicely. After eating everything he could get his hands on Eli discovered the bouncer. He didn't know we had already reserved one for his birthday party coming up and had never actually been in a full size one, but he was quite happy! For Eli the evening was going great till he got landed on by a bigger kid in the bouncy house. He and Lee headed home so he could go to bed. It was after 9pm at that time. I couldn't believe he had made it that long anyway. I had to make it till midnight for the groupies contest.

April 17, 2008

2008-04-17T19:16:00.001-07:00

Eli is amazing!

We went to Mi Casa for dinner so when we got home it was a bit late and very close to dark. The backyard needed to be watered so Lee went to take care of it and Eli wanted to help. He has this new thing, when he wants you to listen he says:
"Mama, you hear dat?" as he places his hand next to his head infront of his ear.
"I hear dat."
"Thats a train, Mama, you hear dat?"

the whole time the hand is up and the question is stated on his face.

And why in creation is it April 17th and we are wearing sweaters, long sleeves, and jackets?

April 13, 2008

2008-04-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

An easy Sunday at home... love those. I will be honest, my pain hasn't gone away like I thought it would but I will be returning to work tomorrow anyway.

A cold front went through today and the temps were very low and we had a good rain this morning. So Eli was aching to play outside by dinner time. We spent some time playing in his room while Daddy went to Home Depot looking at new toilets, since the down stairs potty seems to have seen better days.

April 12, 2008

2008-04-12T20:10:00.001-07:00

We did our old routine... it was nice. Donut Day, then a trip to the scrapbook store, stopped by the pond store, lunch, Lowes, and home for some planting and nap.

Eli was in the GREATEST mood today. I just couldn't get enough of him... days like today make me LOVE being his mommy. Eli was working the cuteness at Dunkin Donuts, The Scrapbook Shoppe, and Lowes... people all over the place were talking to him or commenting to us. The cutest was at Lowes, when a sweet, old lady commented how cute he was. Then later we crossed paths when Eli was headed to the wagon with a plant, she asked if it was for him and he said, "oh, ok" and gave it to her. She started laughing, because she couldn't believe that he gave it to her.

I was hoping to get something that would really jolt my scrappin' mojo, but I didn't. I did find a great goodie to send Jen, I gotta get that boxed up tomorrow. I did get one scrapbook page (3 pictures) finished last night and tonight I'm working on a two pager (7 pictures.) I realized today how much Eli needs a Disney scrapbook. Almost every time he comes into the office he pulls the Disney scrapbook off the shelf. Sad to say, there aren't that many pages in the book, but every time. So, I'm going to get busy making some pages so I can put together a Disney album for the lil' man.

The pond is shaping up quite nicely, even Ceasar approves. We do need to get a battery backup solar panel for the pump before we can add any little fishy to the pond.

I'm sad that I'm still feeling a bit rough and I only have one more day before I have to head back to work.

My mom's comment to the picture on top... "a little boy, what happened to the baby?" I can't believe how big he is... almost 3, sigh.

I love my son!

April 11, 2008

2008-04-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

I spent my last day of spring break hanging out at the house trying to take it easy with Eli. We had breakfast and lunch, played a few games, and took a nap. Ok, well he took a nap, I didn't.

All of our sunburns started peeling today. Eli is taking it much better then Daddy and I are. I can't stop itching and apparently Lee spent the day backed up to every door frame or chair back in the office trying to scratch his back. I'm sure that was a great sight!

We met Daddy for dinner at Macaroni Grill, since he got off a bit early and Eli woke up from his nap in a GREAT mood. Dinner was good then we went to Michaels to see if Mommy could find a jump start for her scrapping mojo. No luck on that one, but Eli did get to use the 40% coupon to get a new bridge for his wooden Thomas track. He was very excited about playing trains with daddy, and he kept tell me "I gonna play trains with Daddy at home." It was so stinking cute. However, as I'm sure most are aware... being a toddler is VERY stressful and when things don't go EXACTLY how you would like them to go... you just gotta cry! But lucky for every one, Eli has quick recoveries from these sort of things!

I'm sad that my spring break wasn't spent doing something more fun with my family, but I guess there are times when you have to do what you have to do. Putting on my biggest pair of capris was a bit more painful then I originally thought it would be. I think the incisions hurt worse then anything else, well, then again that gas they put inside the other organs, that stuff is a killer also. I sure hope I'm all better soon, because Monday will be here VERY soon!

April 10, 2008

2008-04-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is where I spent the day.... Eli went to Chrissie's and I worked on getting better. I tried to go upstairs and work on Eli's birthday invites... but barely made it 10 minutes. I just needed today to rest. I do miss Eli, though!

April 9, 2008

2008-04-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

I've spent the day sitting, catching up on blogging, and watching my favorite The Closer. Lee went out and got all the rest of the plants into the ground. His garden has really taken off. He snapped a few pictures, I'm assuming for his blog, but I stole some for my potd.

Eli is at Chrissie's today because Lee had to go into work for his exit interview and I'm still feeling pretty blucky. I feel like I did about 6,000 situps. Not to mention the generally blurry feeling you get from pain killers, haha.

It is amazing how fast Lee's garden is growing. It will be great to start seeing the veggies soon.

April 8, 2008

2008-04-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't take any pictures today, but the doc took some inside during surgery. I hope to get them scanned soon. The surgery went fine. They just did a endo-clean up. I'm not going to go into much on here toher then that. I hope to be up and going soon. I hate just sitting around.

April 7, 2008

2008-04-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

Today was an Eli and mommy day! Daddy started his new job today and it was also mommy’s first day of spring break. After Daddy left we got ready and headed out to have Donut Day. Then we had a few stops to make before we could head home. Mommy had to pick up a new pair of pjs for her hospital trip tomorrow and a few other things. We went to Target and Borders. Eli’s sunburn was quite bad and he was very irritable. He was sorta Dr. Jekel Mr. Hyde thing going on. One second he would be fine the next, not so much. We got done at Target and then spent some time at Borders. Eli played in the children’s section… with his favorite books (the books that have wheels.) There are tractors, cars, firetrucks, ambulances, and race cars. We put them all away and headed home. Eli and I watched Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 and then Eli took a little nap before daddy got home. It was a nice low pressure day. I love those days with Eli. Have you ever noticed how beautiful a sleeping child is?

April 6, 2008

2008-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

We went to breakfast and then played at the playground next to the beach for awhile. After some playing we headed back to our hotel room and got ready for the beach and packed up the car. Little did we know how our sunscreen would turn on us and leave us completely exposed to the harsh beach sun. We were wearing Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray 50 SPF. On the way home we all began to realize just how burned we were. It seems as though the sunscreen didn’t work at all. Eli’s face and the insides of his arms were pretty burned. Lee’s back, outsides of his arms, knees, and lower legs are fried and just my chest and lower legs are bad. Eli had a good time when he wasn't crying, but he kept having those awful toddler issues. You know when things don't go the way you think they should and the entire world seems to be against you, poor little man. He did finally settle down and have some fun playing in the sand. When Edel, Shady, and Rebecca got there he was much happier.

April 5, 2008

2008-04-09T08:05:00.001-07:00

As soon as Lee got off the phone with Edel to tell her we wouldn't be going to Fort Myers with them we changed our minds. We did some searching for a motel room and called Edel back. I figured there was no telling how I would feel after surgery so if we were going to have some fun during spring break we should go for it. We paid $152.37 for the room, more then I would have liked, but it was worth it. We had a lot of fun. The room was pretty big, two full beds and a kitchen. If we were staying for more then one night there would have been a discount also, not to mention we could have done some meal planning and cooking in the room.

We hung out by the pool when we got checked in. Lee took Eli swimming with Shady, Will, and Rebecca while I chatted with Edel. There was no getting into the pool with my special green bracelet. After a swim we went to S.O.B. for dinner (Smokin' Oyster Brewery.) Shady took her violin down to the square and did some playing. In about an hour she made $28 in tips, not bad for a kiddo that has only been playing for 7 months. I can't believe she had the courage to do it, I'm not sure I would have ever had the courage to play in front of a group like that.

We went back to the room and put Eli to bed. Edel, Johnny, and the kids came over and sat with us at the table outside our room for a while. Will was writing a story about a leprachaun named Gregory, we didn't get to hear chapter 3, but I am looking forward to it!

April 4, 2008

2008-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school before Spring Break... and I had to take a half day. I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital and my appointment to get blood work done. I don't have any pictures from today, not sure why I didn't take my camera. They gave me a LOVELY green bracelet when they type matched my blood at the hospital. The nurse told me I HAD to keep it on till my surgery. I told her my surgery wasn't till Tuesday and that was four very long days away. We had talked about going to the beach on Saturday and it would be close to impossible to keep the bracelet clean and dry. I had to sign a paper stating that IF I took it off I would have to pay to be retyped for blood and pay out of pocket, because my insurance wouldn't pay for the test a second time. That was so great... sigh! Oh, and I paid my $250 co-pay for the surgery.

April 3, 2008

2008-04-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

Today was Rose Fernburg's last day for the year. She has gone on maternity leave since the work of a music teacher has been very stressful on her tired pregnant body. I hope she gets the rest and comfort she needs and takes care of the bun in the oven.

The last nine weeks of this school year will be a bit stressful, due to the fact that I'm going to be by myself. I will have a wonderful sub with me, but she can't be asked to do lesson plans, etc. It will work out, it always does. It will just take a bit of extra work on my part.

April 2, 2008

2008-04-02T17:45:00.001-07:00

Another night of takin' it easy. We had dinner then headed over to Lowe's to snag some pond plants. We got some for around the pond and two for inside the pond.

We got our solar powered pump in the mail, it is so awesome. All I had to do was plug the solar panel into the pump and BOOM it was working! I can't wait to get a longer tube. Then Eli and I moved our fishies out of their tank into the pond. Hitler and Jesus (that would be pronounced with a "H" sound not the "J" sound.) It is a long story... but we will go with it is all based on their markings! I can't wait to get some big leafy plants in there for them to hide under. They are such little fellas I worry about 'em.

Ally experienced the pond for the first time this evening. For whatever reason, Eli picked her up and tossed her in. she came out just as fast, but sopping wet. She wouldn't have anything to do with me... I felt pretty bad but she did look quite amusing walking down the sidewalk all dripping wet from the neck down, hahah.

April 1, 2008

2008-04-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

We opted for a quiet dinner at home... with leftovers for dinner and some quality playing time. I had a migraine that wouldn't stop so I was out for the county, but Eli and Daddy had a great time putting together a new choochoo track and then playing trains.

March 31, 2008

2008-03-31T17:24:00.001-07:00

I left early from school today and went rock shopping. I swung by the house picked up Lee and we headed to Seffner Rock and Gravel. It was insane the number of choices they had. It took us quite a while to finally decide on a color, pick out each stone, and put them in the car. I think we got a great day and they look GREAT... I can't wait to get the waterfall running and the filter too. We purchased two little fishes that are currently living in a fish bowl in our bedroom (Eli is quite in love) that will go out into the pond on Wednesday (if they are still alive.) If I can keep those two critters swimming then in a couple weeks I'm going to go get a Koi or two. The rest of my evening is going to be about research for the water plants I hope to purchase tomorrow to live in and around our newest addition.

March 30, 2008

2008-03-31T17:03:00.001-07:00

We had a great day at the house. After donut day we came home and did some yard work. Lee put up my bird feeder the Easter Bunny brought me, Eli did some sidewalk coloring and erasing, and Lee mulched his gardens.

After we did a bit of work and had lunch it was nap time. Eli decided not to sleep AGAIN... but while he was resting I had a great idea. I wanted a pond in the back yard. Lee and I went out did some measuring and when Eli got up we did some shopping. While Lee was picking up the liner from Home Depot I took out the sod and started digging the hole.

March 30, 2008

2008-03-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

DONUT DAY!!

It has been two weeks since we have had a donut day with daddy... and it was a great day. According to Eli the blueberry donuts were exceptionally DEE-lusicious!

No Date, just cause

2008-03-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

I just can't get over how freakin' cute my kid is. I know I think that because I'm his mom, but when we go places and strangers comment... that must make it true, right? Often he is being so good that you can't help but think he is cute... or better yet, you are being good and there is a real brat near by, we have figured out that makes us look even CUTER... if possible!

March 23, 2008 (Easter Aftermath)

2008-03-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

So this is what it is like to have the meanest mommy in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! Mommy wouldn't let Eli finish off the entire Crunch Choco Bunny that was so lovingly delivered in his basket this morning. After eating the ears (and they were pretty big ears too) I told Eli that had been enough. He got QUITE upset with me and it became even MORE traumatic when he saw his "hands were dirty."

March 29, 2008

2008-03-30T19:27:00.001-07:00

It was Saturday and Lee was on his way back from Atlanta and dropping the boys off with their mother. Eli and I had played in the back yard and gone for a walk. He didn't want to come home yet, but I was very worried he would get to tired while we were out and want me to carry him back home. It was well over 80 degrees and there was no way I could carry him half a mile home. We spotted some chalk art on the sidewalk and I asked him if he would like to "color the sidewalk at home." He was SO excited he almost ran home. I had chalks from last Easter that Gran and Popo had sent. Eli spent almost an hour on the sidewalk and drive way "making pictures for Daddy." He would use every color, then put them back in the box and move to a new place. It was adorable. Of course, mommy being the teacher would try to get him to say the colors each time. The colors are coming, slowly but surely.

March 27, 2008

2008-03-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

The boys' last night in Florida for spring break we went and watched Shady and Rebecca's soccer game and then they chose Steak and Shake for dinner. Teddy had an ok time, I had my face onmy camera the entire time but Leslie had a blast. He and Will played soccer the ENTIRE time we were there. When we left, Leslie had very sore feet and a blister or two. He said next time he comes down he will bring his cleats!

March 26, 2008

2008-03-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Since Teddy would be in Florida the week after his birthday we decided to keep his gifts here and have a little party for him. Edel Stephens and the kiddos came over along with Grandma and Grandpa Clarke and every one had a blast. It was amazing how quiet the house got at bedtime, haha.

Dying Eggs... March 23, 2008

2008-03-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yea... so with the big guys traveling we waited for them to dye eggs. I'm not sure who ended up making the bigger mess Eli or Teddy. Eli had never dyed eggs before and he had an "ok" time I think. He got very frustrated with every one trying to "help" him when he obviously need NO help. He was doing a fine job all by himself. The countertops would look much better with a cast of blue, no green, no pink, no orange... or all of them. When it came down to it... Teddy's side did have a bit more color to it then Eli's, but Eli did do his fair share of creative expression.

I do believe Eli's favorite part of the egg dying was moving them in the carton after they were colored. For half an hour Eli shifted them from one place to another. Sometimes they were by color, sometimes not... whatever happened to float his boat. Every once in a while you would hear him call them by a color name and it seemed like more often then not he was right.

March 23, 2008

2008-03-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

It looks as though the Easter Bunny came last night. Not only were there baskets packed with goodies, but there seemed to be eggs ALL over the house.

Leslie and Teddy did a great job leaving the "easy" eggs for Eli and Eli did a great job finding them. The bunny did some pretty impressive shopping this year the big boys got: yoyos, crazy frizbee balls, $15 cash$15 iTunes card, oodles of other "gadgets, candy and eggs stuffed full of change. Eli got lots of fun new toys, playing cards with "my friend Tigger, Pooh" on them, and some giant Magntix. Daddy got a new tape measure, a fun little electric screw driver, and a gift card for Kerby's because the bunny didn't know what kind of tree he really wanted for the back yard, not to mention all sorts of yummy choco. My basket came with a BEAUTIFUL bird feeder. I can't wait to get it put up in the backyard. It is copper and can hold two different kinds of bird feed. It was a good Easter.

Grandma and Grandpa Clarke are coming over later this afternoon for dinner and some family time. I'm making ham, cornbread salad, broccoli cassrole, and dinner rolls. Beth is bringing potato salad and deviled eggs. Oh, and did I mention I have my godmother's icing recipe and I made an Easter Egg shaped cake? It is going to be a good day!

March 16, 2008

2008-03-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

THEY ARE DONE!!!!!!!!!
I think they look great, and I really like how they turned out. It took Lee and I two FULL days I mean from wake up till bedtime (ours, not Eli's... he slept through all the hammering and banging right next to his room.)

March 22, 2008

2008-03-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

I don't need no stinkin' nap!! Lee was on his spring trek to Atlanta to get Leslie and Teddy for their Easter/Spring Break visit so it was just Eli and I. The travel crew was due home around dinner time and we were heading to the mall for dinner and some Easter outfit shopping so I was REALLY hoping Eli was going to take a nap. He was in his room for two hours... and didn't sleep a bit! But he did let mommy take some GREAT pictures!

March 18, 2008

2008-03-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

It is FCAT testing and my special little person at school has seemed especially blue, SO... I thought it was about time give her something special. I "hop" she like it! I sure do love that little person!