Sunday, August 24, 2008

The best (or worst) mom ever!

It all depends on your perspective...

Yesterday, Chris and Carter were off at a soccer tournament and I stayed here for Darby's tourney. Jack and Jaden stayed here with us, so we were busy as usual. So after Darby's games, I did some things around the house and before I knew it, it was 4:30pm. Dinner time was approaching and my charges would soon begin asking the dreaded question, "What's for dinner???" So, to head it off at the pass, I suggested that Darby look up a movie on the internet. We were goin' out. We settled on Wall-E and headed out.

I think Jack has only been to the theater once or twice, so he is still very excited about the whole experience. Jaden could care less about the movie, it is really about the junk food for her. So, when the previews are over, Jack has a pile of popcorn in his lap and the fireworks are shooting over the Disney castle on the big screen. He looks over at me with the biggest grin he can create and says, "It's boo-tee-full mommy!!!!" He was sooooo happy. Jaden was her normal self and pretty much talked non-stop through the whole movie. I swear the only time that child is quiet is when she is sleeping.

So here is where the best/worst mom in the world part comes in...

We all enjoyed the movie (excpet for Jaden who has no idea what she saw) and were headed home at about 8pm when Jaden has an epiphany in the back seat.... "Mom, we ate popcorn, candy and slurpees for dinner!!!" Darby and I just about died laughing. I don't think I have EVER fed my children such a meal in all my nearly 13 years of parenting. That's dad's job and the kids know it - ha.

So, here I am, hoping no social worker is reading this and feeling secure that my kids thought, for just one day, that I am indeed the BEST mom in the world.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Finally better - 7 months right ear, 3 months left

I am sorry, I know it has been a while since I posted last. Jack has really struggled since the bug bite. His left ear has been infected ever since. The latest round of drops appeared to be working much better. The inflamation in the left ear had visibly dissipated and the ear was much less red. We saw Dr. Roberson this week and he removed the wick. Both Jack's ear drums looked good and he can hear much better after having them cleaned. I think his ornery factor has gone down a fair bit as well! He was very happy to be cleared to go swimming on Sunday and was quite the fish! Here are the recent pics:




















So, we did a "staycation" this past week and toured around northern California with some good friends from out of state. We played on the beach at lake Tahoe, camped in the Santa Cruz mountains, hiked, toured Alcatraz, Fisherman's wharf and Chinatown in San Fran, drove up the coast and rode the famous "skunk train," drove through a giant redwood tree and toured a lighthouse. Some carsickness and lots of photos later, we arrived back home and send the kids back to school this morning. I think we are all relieved to be back in our routine. I highly recommend the staycation - discover your backyard!

Here are some pics from our adventures:















I will add more from the other camera soon.

Also another big day for Jack today! We finalized his re-adoption in California. One last pile of adoption paperwork complete! Jack will now recieve a California birth certificate. It's official, he is stuck with us for the rest of his life!