The Gentiles

After talking to my Dad's girlfriend we learned that the illness that hit our house came from our night spending Hanukkah with her family. It was a "How do you spell Chanukah" party and it was a blast. Lots of kids playing, awesome fried food and great company. Apparently, someone at the party was carrying the creeping crud and everyone got it. At least 20 people got sick a couple days later.
So, the question of the day is....were the Jews punished for fraternizing with the gentiles or were the gentiles punished for partying with the Jews? Since we all got sick, perhaps there's some rule about crossing party lines that I'm not aware of. Of course, it could have something to do with mixing religions.
Then again, it's possible that a party with numerous three year olds is just a recipe for the creeping ick no matter which flavor of God you choose.

Donate Blood, but I have more Christmas Shopping to Do!

From the Red Cross today:
Premature babies, cancer patients, accident victims, burn patients - they thank you too, as they could not receive critical treatment without donations from people like you.
Okay, so they know I haven't been there in a month or more, but they are better at guilt than a Catholic Mother-in-Law, aren't they?
So when are you considered safe to donate after spending two days hugging the porcelain goddess for her oh so cool comfort on your flushed forehead?
Okay, okay, I'm going already. I wasn't stalling, honest. Pushy pushy. Sheesh!

Sick

For the first time in years the creeping crud has hit our house. The stomach flu is seriously no fun, but to have it and also have a three year old to take care of is the worst. My hubby has been stellar, holding a bowl for my son while I was in the bathroom myself and going to the store feeling awful.
I was so impressed with Jake. As he's retching, I'm holding his head and as soon as he can take a breath he's saying "I'm okay Mommy, I'm okay." How does a three year old know to give comfort at a time like that?

Baby Talk

I orignally started blogging to record all the fun and minor events of my son's daily life. An online journal to remember all the little things that fill the days with happiness and smiles. I've found many other things to talk about however keeping a log of my son's exploits will always rank high on my list of reasons why.
So, that being said, I wanted to record a few things that recently disappeared from my daily life, some before I started blogging. These precious things are those words or phrases that are unique to Jake as he has learned to speak. All the other parents out there will know to what I'm refering. Every parent I've met can recall the funny little words and phrases their kids used when they were little.
I'm going to use today's post to see if I can keep track of some of the words that have disappeared recently. I so love that Jake's vocabulary skills are growing but with each stride in growth one of those precious heartwarming misspoken words diappears forever. So, here are the ones I can remember today, I may add more later.
Nuggle - This is so much more than a snuggle. Those little arms wrapped tight around my neck, those chubby cheeks pressed up against mine...pure heaven.
Mo - When Jake first started talking this was what he called cars...any cars. It comes from the noise that we do to immitate the sound of a car's engine. You know how it goes...mmmm mmmm mmmmo! A trash truck was a much revered Mo. He would run around the house on trash day, so scared of the big noise but in awe of the BIG truck. He'd have this look of rapture on his cherubic face and whisper in a low gutteral voice "Mommy.....Mo!"
Pack Pack - This is the most recent phrase to leave us, for which I grieve. Jake has several backpacks and loves to carry his comfy monkey (that's another one, the monkey's name has become Comfy Monkey) and other toys around in his 'pack pack'. The other day I noticed he had finally figured out that it is a back pack...I was heartbroken.
Smooky - Every night after dinner Jake goes around the house and turns off all the lights, saying with a mischevious grin, "I'm going to make it all smooky in here!"
As I think of other words I'll post them here, but I would also love to hear what your children's funniest or most cherished words were. They touch us in so many ways, those little voices, don't they?

The Tecate Challenge?!?

I'm on my way to a client this morning and the traffic is moving very, very, very slowly. As I pull up along side a semi-trailer carrying crushed aluminum cans, I can't help but notice that most of the cans are red.
Now, I grew up in the midst of all those rivaling commercials between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, I'm sure most of you will remember them well. It seems they've taken a break from that marketing concept lately but I imagine there is still a healthy ad campaign on both sides to cull market share. Anyhow, back to the cans. As I noticed that most of them were red, I thought to myself that Coke most definitely won the Coke vs. Pepsi Challenge.
If traffic hadn't been so slow I would never have noticed that the majority of the cans were in fact Tecate beer cans. Perusing the surface of the bricks of cans, all I saw was beer and more beer. My thought is that the cans had probably come from all the bars lining the border in Tijuana.
So, I guess the challenge is no longer between Coke and Pepsi....more accurately it would be Soda vs. Beer

Let it Be Ugly

I rarely drink coffee but one morning this week I was working for a client whose office is in mid-remodel and hovers around 60 degrees most mornings until I put the ceiling tiles back in place after the last electrician and turn on the heater. So, I opted for coffee to warm up from the inside.
I was heavily lacing my coffee with sugar and cream. Their coffee station, a grungy cart, is in the loud machine shop section of the warehouse and without my knowing the owner was watching me. He is a kind and witty Austrian gentleman who has just enough accent to make him interesting. It seems no matter how long a European has been in the states they always have an interesting and different way of speaking. He approached and said to me "Just let it be Ugly", meaning the coffee. He went on to explain that he has high cholesterol and used to also drink his coffee the way I was. He told me, if you just "let it be ugly" for a week, you'll get used to it.
With a smile on my lips and my coffee in hand I went back upstairs thinking of his words. After pondering them awhile, I decided that is a great motto. We tend to want to gloss over the surface of things, make them pretty, hide the dirt under the rug. I think he has a point. If we just let it be ugly, be honest and look at the reality...it gets easier to face.
So, that is my philosphy for the day. Would do you think...can you let it be ugly?

The MENSA Challenge

At times I think myself rather intelligent. ((Of course, my husband will tell you I have some seriously blonde moments, too)) I've taken the MENSA home test for IQ and scored fairly high. For those who don't know about MENSA, they are a high intelligence group for those that score in the top 2% of the population on approved intelligence quotient tests. Why do I care if I qualify and why would I want to join MENSA? I only have a vague idea. The only MENSA member I know personally told me about being a member...the meetings with a group of smart people all trying to one up each other, a group that was very tight knit and gossipy. Does this happen in all small groups or does being in a group whose premise is to put themselves above others as their first tenant cultivate this attitude? Secretly, I'd always hoped it would be an enlightening experience full of great conversation and the real possibility of being with a group that can make a difference in the world.
Well, I took the home test and scored high enough but I know damned well I took waaaaayyy more time than allowed. I've toyed with the idea of going to a MENSA testing day, knowing I would probably not pass muster. Why do I say this? Well, I signed up for the MENSA Culture Question of the Day. They email trivia questions to you each day and then the answer follows with the next question. I have yet to read a question to which I know the answer! I don't live in Kuwait, I don't need to know the name of their currency. I have no idea who the third president of Botswana was...does Botswana even have a president? Unfortunately, if the question doesn't include... "Mommy, why......." there's a good chance I'm not interested enough to find out. Is it possible that once someone calls you Mommy that all your knowledge of anything other than Wiggles lyrics drains out along with your sex appeal?
So, any MENSA members out there who can shed some light on the wonders of being a member, or should I just go back to learning the lyrics to "Frosty the Snowman"?

Fire and Scabies...What!?!?!

I'm just about to Jake's school this morning and the whole block is surrounded by police and fire trucks. Smoke is rolling from the roof of the apartment building next to his school. When I say 'next to' I mean the building is in essence the back wall of the school yard. So, it seems I have the day off from work.
I decided to go to today's client, pick up the work I can finish at home and then wait until the fire department sounds the all clear. Jake was in rare form at my client's office. For two months now, every time we go somewhere...his aunt's, school, my mother's house...he tells me "I will be shy!!" and proceeds to hide next to my leg for the first five minutes. Now, Jake is nowhere near shy usually, so it's been amusing to watch this appearance of shyness. Well, today, there was no sign of the shy boy. He was full of spunk and silliness, running across their offices, dancing, pounding on the hollow floor (these offices are in portables) and generally being an exuberant three year old. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. The only saving grace was that it is a high school business office, so they are used to children in some fashion.
On the way home, I called his school to get an update. Yes, the fire is now out and the children can come to school....but, oh by the way, we've had two cases of scabies! What on earth are scabies...sounds like something from WW11. Well, I found out it's not fun. Itching and scratching all night, clean everything, wash the bedsheets every morning....so, even though he can go back we're staying home. I don't need scabies for Christmas!
So, I'm home with two kids now. Jake's cousin Kyle also goes to the same school. I'm cleaning, they're pulling out every toy in the house. Oh yeah, this will be a fun day!

Poetic, I am Not

In one of my writers groups there are many poets. I love poetry and am stunned by those with the ability but I will never aspire to be a poet. I find that I'm so attached to the need for the perfect word, the perfect meaning, that to forsake the best word for one that rhymes is something I have no desire to do, lol.
I gave them a challenge to write a poem and felt I'd better be worthy of the challenge myself.
Here is the only poem I am apt to write:

"Words"
Words have a power all their own
Words can put you on a thrown

Words can easily knock you down
The pain cutting you from across town

Words can serve to lift and inspire
To bring us to heights, to light that fire.

When seeking just the right word that will serve
I find that for rhyming, I lose my nerve.

New Territory

There is space in time that begins in self and ends in motherhood. I remember so vividly the feeling of accepting my son’s presence in my thoughts. It didn’t begin with conception, though I know the exact moment that happened. I can recall my accepting the idea of having a baby as a possibility in my life. That night, making love with my husband, I felt no barriers any longer to the idea of ‘baby’. Afterwards, I knew. Though, as in anything new, I doubted it for a while. Even through the first couple weeks of maddening breast tenderness and all consuming fatigue, I still wouldn’t let myself believe it until I finally took the test…saw the magic pink line, telling me what I already knew.
It wasn’t even during the entire nine months of divine pregnancy. I know, most of you think I’m nutty for saying it but I simply adored being pregnant. For the first time ever I had a reason for being fat. My body had a purpose other than attracting men and getting me from point A to point B. I was in the process of bringing life into the world. Talk about an amazing experience! It doesn’t hurt that everyone you know loves to dote on you, talk about babies, baby stuff….baby everything! Okay, I could have done without the unending versions of the birth horror stories, but its all part of the sharing.
It happened when he was finally born. From that instant when they took him from my belly and held him near but infinitely far away while they cleaned him and stitched me up, I will never forget the feeling. It was as if someone else had invaded my mind. I was no longer alone….and I wasn’t entirely sure I liked the sensation! It was as if I needed to move myself over in my mind and allow room for this other entity…these all consuming thoughts of my son.
In the first couple weeks after he was born I felt my mind adjusting to this newfound duality. During this time I would wake up and sit bolt upright in bed…. “Where is he? Is he okay? Is he crying?” As soon as I saw him asleep in the bassinet I’d contentedly fall back to sleep. I felt as if my mind were not my own, my life was not my own. It took awhile to assimilate the understanding of what motherhood encompasses. But today I know that part of it is sharing your every thought with your thoughts of another and knowing that you are never alone.

My Little Brother

This is my brother Mike along with Jake, my son. Mike just moved to Arkansas, the first of our little family to move away from California. He's found his true love, after many, many, many, lol, many years of happy bachelordom. Okay, so he made a fine art of it. His wine cellar was impressive, the stories of poker triumphs heroic, but all it took was one look at Gloria and he was off to greener...and less crowded...pastures. The roads will be less crowded but his home will be overflowing with women...mom and three girls! Lord, grant my little brother patience!
I miss him already and he just left.

3 Year Old Reasoning

I'm in the car with Jake this morning. He has commandeered my change canister (a little compact sized metal container that holds my loose change in the car) and is counting the coins. Among the coins are some duds I've received, a metal plug, some plastic toy change, and some Canadian pennies. So, I'm telling him that I'll need the change to buy breakfast on the way to school, always the mother trying to instill some useful concept, today's being that breakfast costs money and that money has value.
So, he asks me, "Mommy, what kind of money does it take to buy breakfast?"
"Real money" I say, since we've just spent 10 minutes discussing the difference between the misc. 'pretend' money and the real change he's holding.
"Dollars, Mommy?"
"Yes, dollars would be good"
"We don't have any dollars!" Smart kid.
"You're right, I'll have to use my credit card. Remember, Grammy showed you hers?" From our credit card conversation last night, though I have no idea if he understands the concept.
"Oh, okay Mommy. You need my real money?" The nickel, he's holding.
"Yes, Jake, I need the real money too"
"Not the pretend money?"
"No, we can't buy food with the pretend money" I'm still pushing that lesson, lol.
"But we can buy pretend food with the pretend money!" Can't argue with that one!
"You're right Jake, we can"

For Love or Money

I work for an accounting firm in Irvine. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Irvine, California, it is the center of industrial commerce for the OC. Orange County, the OC as it is now called, is a whole other topic, one that the media and Hollywood has splashed on the big and little screens for the whole world to view in all its superficial and self-involved glory. So, Irvine being the center of big business in a small pond, at least compared to LA or New York, is quite conservative, quite affluent and quite narrow-minded in its focus on the good life surrounding the all consuming focus of making big money.
All this is said mainly to set the scene for the reasoning behind my thoughts on the matter of quality. You see, I have a concern about my present choice of accounting firms and I can’t quite put my finger on the reason. I spent 9 years at my last firm, one that had their own unique way of doing things. So much so, that I knew if I ever wanted to learn ‘real’ accounting I’d have to venture out to other firms. The senior partner at that firm was a cowboy of sorts. You know the type, did things his way, and got sued about once a year because he could care less about the ‘right’ way or regulations. He only hired women because his theory was that women would just do the work and be happy to have a flexible schedule to raise their kids. Specifically, he thought men were too competitive and would try to take his clients or run his practice. I loved the schedule and the complete lack of supervision because it made having my son easy. I also loved being able to serve my clients as their sole contact, much like having my own practice without the stress or the liability. But after 9 years, I couldn’t take the lack of ethics any longer. I finally got off my ass and went out into the ‘real’ world to find a ‘career job’ that would give me experience in the ways of honest accounting.
This choice led me to my current CPA firm. They are all the things that my last firm wasn’t. They are moral and ethical, almost to a fault. An amazing amount of time is spent on making sure all the work follows the law and the new guidelines set up for the accounting industry after the whole Enron scandal. I won’t bore all the non-accountants out there with the history of that whole debacle and the outcome. I’m sure you remember the news worthy details. Anyhow, the resulting laws and guidelines put into place for accountants increased the workload threefold and opened up the job market exponentially for accountants. ((Take note, anyone who is looking for a new line of work.)) It has been so very interesting to see accounting theory work as it should, to see a firm as a whole follow that ideal and serve their clients well.
Another benefit has also been the corporate culture. My last firm had no management structure whatsoever. The manager annoyed the owner one too many times, so he fired her. She, too, had gotten to the breaking point dealing with the idiocy and unreasonableness. After that, he refused to hire another. The resulting infighting and bickering that took place between several smart, educated women was ridiculous. It came to a point where my office partner and I ignored everyone else in the firm. We came in, said good morning, went to our desks and worked solely for our clients and our paycheck.
Now, at my new firm, everyone is amazingly nice and cordial. They all abide by the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I have always been a very positive-minded individual. I try my outmost to keep my thoughts uplifted and to focus on the solution instead of the problem. At first, I was so refreshed by the atmosphere. How else should people act? I couldn’t imagine my good fortune to leave the “Jerry Springer World” of my last firm behind and to finally be in the company of thoughtful adults. But the longer I’m here the more I think there is something decidedly wrong with this picture….and I think the problem is me!
I feel like I’m lost in a sea of gray. There is no color, no fire, no interest and no excitement. I sit in my cubicle in a designer decorated, beautifully appointed office and I want to get up and dance or actually turn on a radio to drown out the quiet clickety-clickety of all my wonderful co-workers being so industrious. But it goes deeper than just being a liberal in a conservative world. ((This is not a political comment, so let it go, lol))
The deeper reasoning behind my angst is this. I am finding that the temperament of the firm, of the office does not stop there. The clients that are drawn to this firm are of the same fold. I have combated the insanity of the quiet office by becoming more of a consultant and so spend a majority of my time out in the field, with my clients. And over the past two years I’ve noticed a trend. My clients and my firm are similar in some key aspects of personality. They are hyper-focused on detail, overly focused on billable hours, time spent, etc. There is so much focus on the minutiae that the person or the main point is somewhat lost in the shuffle. But it’s so hard to pin down the main problem with that point of view. I think it somewhat boils down to a difference in the idea of perfection. My firm and my clients want the work done perfectly, if it’s not done perfectly there is this pervading stressful attitude. It’s a feeling that the “niceness” façade is going to explode and the boiling, seething beast underneath is going to attack, lol.
I have several of my own clients, who I have kept over the years. I tried to give them to my firm, but they were completely over-charged and now they are back in my lap. These are nice people, quality people and even though I’m overworked I keep them. But what I see in these clients is an entirely different form of quality. They see through the façade. They are real with me. If I screw up, they just say, “Hey dork, you screwed up, don’t do it again, ok?” They show their appreciation and have never cared how much I charge them….and in return I always under-bill them. Do you see the difference? I have been looking at this difference for a year now and wondering about it. I’m getting to the point where, I see there is a major difference between these two types of quality. My clients allow for the human error, for the mistake. They don’t freak out with every penny lost or gained. And I feel the better for being around them, and I’m much more fulfilled in serving them.
The confusing part for me is that these clients have a harder time in business and in life than the uptight perfectionists. Like me, they struggle through life, as my family has struggled through life. Both my parents have spent their lives working and living from paycheck to paycheck. And here, finally, is the part of this line of thought that is the main issue. I could easily change jobs, find one where the people are nice and also not uptight. But will that teach me the life lesson I need to learn?
My firm’s clients are uptight but they do well in business. Their bank accounts are growing with every decision they make. So, they freak out when they’re over-charged $5 dollars and spend too much time getting it back. The bottom line is that this attitude breeds wealth. My grandfather lived like a pauper most of his life. He’d make repairs to the house when needed but he never took any big trips, never saw Europe, and never splurged on himself. A couple months ago, he died at the age of ninety, worrying about spending too much on an in-home caregiver. He had been retired for 45 years. He lived all that time on his inheritance and was able to leave enough money for both his children to retire. And I'm sure without some assistance my mother will spend it, because she doesn't know a better way. I see myself supporting both my parents into their old age but I don't see that it should have to be this way. I love them both and won't mind caring for them but it shouldn't need to be a financial problem. They both should have enough to keep them happy and comfortable and not feel like a burden. Getting old and dealing with the health issues is hard enough.
So, after having said all that I’m still unable to determine which way is better. I need to learn this lesson before I’m old and poor myself, having spent every minute working and not having any time with my children and whatever retirement I was able to scrape together for myself to live out my own ‘golden’ years. So, I guess the question is…..isn’t there a better choice? Does it have to be uptight and rich or flexible and poor?

Halloween 2006

I'll lengthen this post laster, but I just had to share a little of Jake's antics last night. First, it took a while for him to get the hang of saying "Trick or Treat." The first 10 houses or so, as soon as they opened the door he would say, "We came for candy!" Then, after he got the hang of it, he switched to starting conversations with every adult that opened the door. "What YOU goin' ta be for Halloween??" One soft spoken little woman didn't have an answer, he just giggled and giggled saying "She's soooo funny!" He was so gone with tired excitement by that time. The last straw though, was when a big guy opened the door. He had short cropped gray hair and looked like he could have been an ex-marine, very solid fellow. Jake took one look at him and said "You got a flat head!" OMG, all the adults tried to keep from bursting out laughing. Kids are so blatantly honest. They think it and next thing, it's out of their mouthes. We had his cousin Kyle with us, who was the candy monitor. If Jake got more than one, he'd give it back to the person. And Ethan, his other cousin kept giving my brother all the KitKats he was given. A 7 year old who will share their candy...I was impressed. All said, it was a great time.
I hope you enjoyed Halloween as well.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I have been giving blood since I was 19 and worked at a trauma center and hospital in So Cal. I know many people are sqeamish about needles, trust me I've tried to talk many people into giving blood and have heard all their horror stories about fainting, big scary needles, mean or untrained nurses, etc ad infinitum.
In all my years of donating....crossed the 3 gallon mark last year, yeah me!....I have had one uncomfortable blood donation. The nurses at the Red Cross are great and they take blood all day every day for months and years. If you are going to find someone who knows what they're doing...it's going to be them.
The blood shortage in California has been at record hazard levels for years now. Much of the blood needed here is imported from other states. Our population is such that this shouldn't be happening. It takes an hour of your time and you can feel so good afterwards that you are saving a life. One lunch hour, a couple times a year...is that too much to ask? And, they give you all sorts of good things....juice, cookies, good company, a feel good high for doing something good, and lately everytime I go they have a T-shirt or free lunch coupon from a local restaurant....Wahoo's fish tacos last time. They are not above bribery...something's got to get all you sqeamish folks in the door, lol.
Okay, so that's my sales pitch for the day. I could guilt you all into it but then that would defeat the feel good purpose of the whole idea.
Now, get out there and give Blood!!!!

Pumpkin Carving

We had a fun and festive pumpkin carving evening last night. Sally, Mark and their kids Katie and Tristan came over along with my dear friend Caroline and my brother Mike. We all had appetizers while the kids played with all Jake's toys....I don't think his toys have gotten that much play time in a while. It is so nice for Jake to have friends come over to our house and play. He was in absolute heaven.
Then, after everyone was in the spirit, we got to work carving our pumpkins. I was the official goop scraper outer...mainly because my brother requested that I bake the seeds. He's good at those requests. "My sister makes the BEST pumpkins seeds!" while giving me a big 'ol grin. Okay, I'm a sucker, I cleaned all the seeds and baked them for him.
The picture is the results of our labor. I think they all did a fine job carving those pumpkins into Jack O' Lanterns. Afterwards, we had the roast I had made (just love that crock pot Sally gave me) with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes....a very fall menu to stick to the ribs of all my busy carvers. Caroline made a divine pumpkin cheesecake. I can't wait to get home tonight and have more!
Mike, the stinker, who stayed over last night left this morning before I came down with Jake and had taken his seeds and the biggest piece of the leftover pumpkin cheesecake with him. I guess I won't cause too much grief over it...he's leaving for Arkansas soon and won't have too much of our home cooking for a while. :(
I hope you all had as fun a weekend as we did!

Halloween

We went shopping for Jake's Halloween costume this weekend. That was the most fun I've had in months. He had me laughing so hard and trying not to laugh so that he wouldn't notice! As soon as we turned down the aisle he went nuts with excitement. I said offhandedly that we had to find one the right size. His little chubby finger was pointing to every costume and he kept saying...."Right D'ere, Right D'ere, Right D'ere Mommy!!" So excited, and in so many different directions, that little finger and his cherubic, upturned face seeking a costume his size.
He finally decides on a Green Power Ranger, even though he's 3 and all the costumes started at 4-6 years, we tried one on. He's a big boy so it fit him well, though the arms and legs were too long. He was in rapture, sliding around on the floor of Target in socks and that very GREEN costume. And if you're not in the mommy brigade you won't have noticed that all the costumes this year have built in padding for muscles. Now, a 3 year old with chiseled six-pack abs is something you don't see too often, lol.
Jake's first Halloween he was a pumpkin. He was adorable and had no idea what we were doing. Being very social he soon got the hang of knocking on everyone's door and walking right in their houses! For weeks afterward I had to drag him away from all my neighbors doors before he rang their bells. His second Halloween he realized what candy was and that he could get some at every door. So, then it was a two-fold event, keeping him out of the neighbors houses and leaving some candy for the next round of kids. I can't wait to see what happens this year! I haven't had this much fun at Halloween since I was a little girl.
Halloween is coming, it's just around the corner.....Right D'ere, Right D'ere, Right D'ere!!!

Mondays

I'm noticing a trend. I stay up later on Sunday than any other night. I just don't want the new week to start yet. The later I stay up the longer the weekend lasts. Silly mind games, yeap, but it still makes me happy for a while. My son is not wanting to go to school on Mondays either. We snuggle longer in bed and he clings to me when I drop him off at school. This morning the amazing Miss Kim went to work drawing butterflies for all the kids and soon enough my son was eagerly awaiting his own butterfly and I was able to escape. I don't usually sneak out, prefering the more honest approach to our goodbyes, but this morning I grabbed the chance.
The picture is of Jake on the San Clemente pier during Oceanfest a few months back. I love the tossled hair and the beachy look on his face....I can just smell the intoxicating mix of baby skin, sun and ocean spray....mmm, I'm in heaven.

Flaming June

This is Flaming June by Frederick Lord Leighton, one of my all time favorite artists, and my favorite painting. He found a way to paint the dream, the woman who is dreaming and the rapt sense of exploring the dream...perhaps this is why I love it.
If you wish to see more of his paintings, the following site has a wealth of information on this artist and many more of his genre.

http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/art.asp?aid=14&page=1

Enjoy!

Q and A

Last thing you burned while attempting to cook?:
A. Pancakes.
Q. Describe yourself in three words?:
A. Patient, Intelligent, Practical.
Q. How long does it take to get ready for your day?:
A. 15 minutes for me, 1/2 hour snuggle time with hubby and son, and about 1/2 hour to convince my son to shuck his jammies and get dressed.
Q. Favorite place to blow 50 bucks?:
A. Bookstore.
Q. How many people have you thought were "the one"?:
A. Same one it's always been. *smiles*
Q. What is something that turns you off from the opposite sex?:
A. Egotism
Q. What kind of car do you drive?:
A. 1990 Maxima.
Q. What's in your CD player right now?:
A. Dave Matthews Band
Q. What celebrity would you have coffee with?:
A. Can't think of one interesting enough. Being popular doesn't necessarily mean you're interesting.
Q. What celebrity would you NOT have tea with?:
A. Any Politician
Q. What kind of toothpaste do you use?:
A. Doesn't really matter as long as I use it.
Q. What time do you usually go to bed?:
A. Alternate between 8:30, falling asleep when I put my son to bed and 11:00pm the rest of the evenings.
Q. Last movie you saw?:
A. "50 First Dates."
Q. Last TV show you watched?:
A. " Lost"
Q. Who is your best friend?:
A. Sally, Caroline and Kerri. Everything good comes in 3's.
Q. Who in your family do you best get along with?:
A. My Brother and all my sisters-in-law.
Q. Who do you have a crush on?:
A. My son
Q. What time is it right now?:
A. 3:00 pm
Q. Are you planning a vacation/travel soon?:
A. Camping for Thanksgiving
Q. When/Where was the last time you traveled?:
A. San Diego by train about a month ago.
Q. How many times have you been in love?:
A. One
Q. How old will you be in 10 years?:
A. 47
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?:
A. Studying Art Restoration
Q. Sinful snacking weakness?:
A. Ice Cream....always Ice Cream
Q. Roller Coasters?:
A. No thank you!
Q. Ever run out of gas?:
A. Last time, I was in my twenties....young and pushing the envelope, lol.
Q. Ever been on a train?:
A. Yes, last month.
Q. Ever been on a blind date?:
A. Nope.
Q. Ever been to Europe?
A. Yes, loved it, can't wait to go back.
Q. What would you do if you could be the opposite sex for one day?:
A. I think I'd try to pick-up a girl to see just how hard it is, lol.
Q. Would you tell anyone it was really you?:
A. No way, I'd have too much fun playing the part.
Q. Ever been arrested?:
A. Nope, I'm too boring.
Q. Have a crush on anyone you work with?:
A. Yes, worked with my hubby.
Q. What is something you believe in?:
A. Myself
Q. What is something you fear?:
A. Death
Q. What time did you wake up this morning?:
A. When Jake yelled "Mooommmmyyy!!!" From the next room.
Q. What is the worst physical pain you have ever experienced?:
A. Having a miscarriage
Q. What is your favorite television show?:
A. "The Actors Studio"
Q. Ever photoshopped yourself to look better in a picture?:
A. No, but will that make me look stunning...someone show me how to open that program!
Q. Tell us something about your childhood?
A. I lived in the same house my whole childhood, it was wonderful and I appreciate my parents deciding not to sell our home until after we graduated, even though they divorced may years before that.
Q. What would it cost you to flash the person next to you?:
A. My job, most likely, lol.
Q. Best time to catch you in a good mood?:
A. Anytime, I'm usually in a good mood.
Q. If you could be anything for one day, what would it be:
A. Thin
Q. Most prized possession?:
A. My son, though he's not a possession.
Q. Would you ever sell it/for how much?:
A. Not a chance.
Q. What is one of your pet peeves?:
A. Dirty clothes on the floor
Q. Favorite kind of ice cream?:
A. Mint Chip
Q. What song are you listening to right now?:
A. None... enjoying the silence as usual.
Q. If you could punch one person who would it be?:
A. I'm not into physical anger, I'd hurt my hand more than them, lol.

Not Fair

My mother's best friend died today. She was a sweetheart of a lady. I met her when she and my mother were both single working moms who gave each other love and affection and someone to share their current state of life with, someone to share laughter and tears. Annie was a bright star of joy whenever she came to our home. I remember going to the movies with my mom and Annie and being embarrased by how loud and obnoxious their laughter was, thinking that everyone around us was being bothered. Only later did I appreciate their pure joy at being together, their zest for enjoying each other's company. She was indian and chose to return to the reservation to care for her father and be there to watch her grandchildren grow up. With a sister who was manipulative, breaking into her apartment and stealing things and a son who is even now in jail, she did not have an easy life. One of those rare people who always had a smile and a laugh, no matter what the other did to her. And now she's gone. 59 is too young to die. I have never been one to abuse the word 'fair' knowing that we all make our own way, create our own fortune. But tonight I can't help but think....she deserved better.

Inspiration and the Muse

My thoughts today run in the direction of writing and the muse. I have recently been part of a writers group and more recently have been blogging my general or specific thoughts, whatever strikes my fancy. I am realizing that I change my mode of writing as suits the audience and wonder if this is good. Do we write because we have a need to voice our opinion or simply a need to entertain others? My first interest in blogging was to record the odd quirks and anecdotes of my son's daily life. As I started to gain 'blog' friends I noticed a change in my choice of topics. Soon, I found myself writing to amuse and entertain rather than continue on my original mission. So, does having an audience predicate a change in the writer's motives? I think it is a very strong individual who would say that input of others wouldn't sway them. For myself, I noticed it does. Being a people-pleaser, I would expect it of myself and have decided to keep watch over how my current muse changes my desire to write. Stay tuned. *smiles*

Pet Peeves

So, it seems the world wants to share their pet peeves...so, I'm game.
1. Dirty Laundry on the floor. Or actually, this could be called, the floor as a storage area. It seems easy enough for some in my household to simply strip down and leave the clothes where they fall...having no concern for the fact that I don't particularly care to traipse over said laundry to get through my tiny bathroom, up the first few steps of my stairs, etc. What would take the offender half a second to put in a hamper, takes me twice as long. Plus, a little consideration anyone?
2. Procrastination. Mine in particular. I have a healthy supply of my own, why point a finger anywhere else. Just get it done, for goodness sake!
3. Emails which contain some dire warning at the end that if you don't pass on this idiotic drivel to some other poor unsuspecting friend, something bad will happen. Come on, I know I'm not that stupid or superstitious and I keep thinking my friends can't be either....but I still keep getting those emails. I'm warning everyone right now...don't send them to me, they go immediately to the trash bin, without passing go or collecting $200. And so far, my computer hasn't crashed, my world hasn't come to an end, and I still seem to have friends even though fate and the email fairy should have 'taken care of me' by now with the thousands of warnings I've axed.
4. Let me be the next in line to add 'Drama' to the list. How is it that there are enough people in this world that have such a lack of drama in their own lives that Jerry Springer and Reality TV (of any kind) still have growing viewership?
5. Deleted - Please refer to #6. *chuckles*
6. Complaining, which is why I'm ending this list now, as I've already fallen into the trap myself. I try my earnest best to accept others as they are and work on myself, but sometimes I find myself muttering under my breath....a sure sign it's time to let it go. Complaining only begets more complaining in my humble opinion.

To Lift and Separate

Today I was faced with a decision that I’m pretty sure Victoria wouldn’t admit is the secret of some women’s lingerie experience. Now, being somewhere between pleasingly plumb and goddess stature, I am always in search of bras that will hold back the flood gates of the bounty of my décolleté. And since I have, in the last year, traded swiftly between budget and timing droughts, I haven’t had the opportunity to make the trek to my favorite bra store, dubbed the “Wizard of Bras” because they carry sizes above DD, for those of us that are more well endowed than the implant storeroom of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon without having had the luxury of choosing the size ourselves. ((Blog stalker beware, there’s no need in wondering what size when you’ll never see ‘em)) So, unfornuately, the sad state of my current stable of support equipment is quite limited. Now, to side step, this weekend was spent sanding and painting the new drywall in my kitchen (a whole ‘another story for another blog) and the remainder of the weekend spent cleaning up the resulting thick layer of dust from the sanding (and ‘nuggling Jake as much as possible) which meant that the usual mountain of laundry awaiting me each weekend is still waiting. So, this morning, I was faced with very few options as far as clothing and quite a few less for lingerie. What to do? After perusing the usual slim selection of bras and determining they were entirely too me-scented for one more day, I was left with no other choice than to delve into the wasteland of the dreaded (drum roll, please) bottom of the lingerie drawer!!! Every married woman knows what’s down there in the dark recesses that never see the light of day. Those ‘fun or sexy’ but incredibly uncomfortable g strings, boy shorts or otherwise not to be trusted to provide comfort underwear as well as the bras that don’t fit, cause a pooch to pop out over the top edge of the bra or otherwise fail to give us some vision of loveliness that will bolster our sagging images of ourselves if not actually bolster our sagging bosoms. What did I find? Today, my lovely ensemble is complete with a soft cotton, completely lacking in support maternity bra left over from the wondrous days of nursing my little one and a pair of itchy, lacy g strings stuffed between my copious cleavage to serve to separate the ‘twins’ as I’ve heard someone call them recently. Now, for those of you not endowed with more god-given blessings than you truly need, you will wonder why the need to separate. Well, men have the uni-brow, some women on the other hand, when confronted with materinty wear which thinks underwires are evil, have the uni-boob. So, I'm all about "Lift and Separate."
I hope you all have a great day, no matter what's in your wardrobe. *grins*

Stall Tactics

My son has gotten creative with his stall tactics lately. Or perhaps a better description would be deviously cute. To keep me from getting him dressed or leaving his preschool he has come up with a stall tactic. Usually, he grabs onto me and doesn't let go, saying "Mommy, I want to give you 'nuggles." Today, as I bent down to take him in my arms I said "Okay, one more snuggle before I have to go to work" He proceded to wrap his soft, chubby arms tightly around he and moved his body back and forth to imitate repetitive hugs all the while saying "nuggle nuggle nuggle nuggle" with the most mischevious look on his cherubic face. I just about fell over laughing right then...the little stinker!

Padres Game - Part II

I forgot to mention a couple things about the trip. When we arrived at the Padres game, we were about 1 1/2 hours early. We had seen an interview at the field the evening before about a green belt and play area they call The Park at the Park. It's a big grassy area with a small baseball diamond. The kids get to play a mini game of ball with light bats and wiffle balls. When it was Jake's turn at bat they pitched a few to him unsuccessfully and finally broke out the baseball T and let him hit one. I thought that was so nice of them to remember that for the little ones, who aren't quite ready for a full pitch. After he hit the ball, he was so nervous in front of all those people that instead of running to first base he ran straight for mommy! I'm so bad, I absolutely loved it. For those who aren't moms, you need to know that it's a sinful pleasure for every mother to know that you are the first person your little boy wants to run to when he's scared. Other parents around the field were smiling and giggling at my son's antics as my hubby did his best to show my son how to run to first and my son turned back halfway and ran right into my arms. *grins*
We found out later that you can buy tickets for $5 a person to watch the game from this area. It's such a great idea. They have a set of bleachers right at field level, a sandpit for the small children and the big grassy area...all open for running around while the game is being played. What a great way to have a picnic and enjoy a sporting event at the same time.

Sea World, San Diego and the Padres

This past weekend, my wonderful hubby took Jake and I down to San Diego for a very relaxing weekend. We took the train, because Jake loves trains and we knew he would love the experience. He had so much fun on the train, working the seats and footrests, flirting with 2+year old girl and watching the ocean roll by. He was so interested in the button to adjust the seat that Shawn finally let him push the button. He was so light that the seat, which had been slightly reclined, jumped to attention and just about knocked him to the floor! The look on his surprised little face was priceless. *smiles*
The hotel was convenient and after the 3-hour-tour which was the train/bus/rental car event, we decided to have lunch at the hotel restaurant and enjoy the room.
Saturday we went to SeaWorld. Jake loved Shamu, which we saw as soon as we got there, though I think he was more taken by the big moving screens and the possibility of being splashed than by the whales, lol. He was quieter than I expected, he was so busy taking in every detail and watching all the goings-on.
Shawn orchestrated our way through all of the attractions at SeaWorld beautifully, I so enjoyed it. Jake got to feed the dolphins and Shawn fed the bat rays. Jake loved feeding them but we couldn't get him to touch them, just a little too young yet I suppose.
Our day at SeaWorld ended abruptly at the beginning of the Walrus and Sea Otter show. This is by far the cutest show at SeaWorld, I always look forward to it. Shawn and I were both excited for Jake to see it. As soon as the show started however, Jake saw that the lead actor carried a sword. He got it into his nap-deprivated mind that pirates were about and suddenly he burst into tears. He was so scared that pirates were going to get us we couldn't calm him down. So, that was the end of SeaWorld, lol.
Shawn bought Jake a SeaWorld Sings DVD that Jake watched avidly for the rest of the trip. I think this DVD will end up giving Jake more of a lasting impression of SeaWorld than the actual visit, lol. At 3 years old, I'm not really sure how many of his memories will be permanent ones yet. I'm sure Jake's next trip to SeaWorld will be even more fun, now that the way has been paved, so to speak.
The next day we had a very peppery breakfast at 222 Cafe in the gaslight district and went to the Padres/Pirates game. More pirates! All the noise at the beginning of the game and the name Pirates and Jake was ready to leave before the game started. It took a while of both Shawn and I talking to him and then Daddy had to pull out all the stops and firmly talk to Jake before he finally settled down to enjoy the game. After that we had a fun time. Jake and I talked to a woman named Annie, who was an avid Padres fan and a long time San Diegan. Her father had been an archeologist at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, a very interesting lady. Shawn bought peanuts and Annie shared her Cracker Jacks, so Jake had a full experience at the game. Trevor Hoffman broke the all-time saves record at the end of the game, making it quite interesting.
After that we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Jake finally took a three hour nap, catching up from two days without one. We thought we would explore old town but I wasn't up to leaving the hotel by the time Jake woke up, so we just relaxed for the rest of the evening. I don't think I've ever had such a relaxing trip, one I very much needed.
Monday, we got up and made our way back home. It is so nice to be away and always so nice to finally be home

Flashing - Take II

The dark side of Flash...

~ The Voice ~ (under 500 words)

Bill kept swatting at the voice dancing around his head. He forgot how this behavior scared people away.

"Bill, clean up that mess, I've told you a thousand times not to leave your socks and dirty underwear on the floor of the bathroom!" Swat, went Bill's hand.

"Bill, eat your vegetables, they're good for you. I didn't cook them to entertain myself, now did I?" Swat, again hitting at the empty air. He could still hear the resounding twang of the shovel as it bashed in the side of his mother's head. But damn it all if her voice still wouldn't go away!

"Bill, I've told you more times than I can count...if you start a job, finish it!" Swat, went his hand again as he filled a glass with water and set it on the tray next to the sandwich. He could hear her moans before he opened the basement door.

"Bill? Bill?"

Flashing

Okay, minds out of the gutter, lol, I'm talking about Flash Fiction. I thought I'd post my first successful flash fiction tale here. I hope you enjoy it.
~ Cliche ~ (under 100 words)
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" Wally said with an imperious wave of his hand. "You know how maddening it is that you always answer in cliches. Damn it Wally, I just want a straight answer....do you want dinner or not?" Exasperated, June turned back to the stove. "Bang Zoom Alice! Straight to the moon!" Wally strode from to kitchen, back to his usual place in front of the tube.

Acting and Parental Manipulation

So, I'm dropping Jake at school today and he's doing is usual best to keep me there as long as possible. Playing shy, telling me he wants nuggles and showing all the teachers his new lunchbox...while sitting in my lap. Miz Kim, a sweet and savvy pre-K teacher, starts to tell me about my son's act yesterday morning. When the kids are doing the attachment thing and not letting their poor overworked, sleep-deprived, guilt-ridden parents leave them at the school, the teachers have a great ploy. They open the front window and make a big production of letting the kids wave goodbye to their parents, who by then have safely retreated to their cars. Well, apparently Jake was doing his best impression of sorrowful...head down, glancing up from under his eyebrows to make sure someone was noticing his sad, sad situation. *chuckles* Jake is a consummate actor at the grand age of 3. So, he sees me finally and gives me big sorrowful waves...and as soon as I leave he's off and running with his buddies. The little stinker was trying to play me like a Stradivarius, lol.

8 Things about Me

This is "8 things you don't know about me." For some, you may know these things, others may not know any of them about me, so here goes.
1. I was in gymnastics as a child and dreamed of being the next Dorothy or whoever the best was that Olympics season. I loved it the two years I was involved and always regretted not going back. I look forward to the Summer Olympics each season, just for the gymnastics.
2. I love to paint, but never seem to find the time. People who see my work say I have talent, but it is pretty raw. I get frustrated that I don't practice and the ideas I have never quite gel into the mental image I have of the piece. Though, recently I was talking with a friend about a painting I did for her and I have a thought for a new way to create. The painting I did for her was somewhat in the genre of pop culture. It was an ocean landscape but very comic-like, very stylized. I'm wanting to try my hand at art in this way for a while...see what happens. It would be a way of forming my own style, rather than continuing to copy others. Still, I would like to go back to school and hone my skills. In my next lifetime perhaps. *smiles*
3. I enjoy writing and recently joined an online writers group. It is a group dedicated to Flash Fiction...which are very short, short stories. So far I just lurk, watching the other writers submit pieces, listen to the critiques offered. I offer critiques but have yet to really jump in and write much. Stay tuned.
4. I would love to finish my degree in art and become an art restorationist. Though I keep being pulled back to the idea of finishing my accounting degree, which is a much shorter journey and would pay off immediately, since I'm already an accountant. Both have to wait until Jake's a little older, but I still need to decide a direction.
5. I have three best friends. That is incredible to have three, I'm so very fortunate. Does it sound weird to call someone your 'best' friend in front of another one of your best friends? Doesn't the 'best' signify one is rated higher than any others? Well, I give up on trying to decide that word play...they are all three my best friends and I love them tons!
6. I love long hair. I cut mine off a year ago to look more professional and I miss it. My hair grows fast, so it'll be back soon enough. When you're pushing the envelope of pleasingly plump and live in So Cal...with the beautiful, cosmetically engineered Cali women...it's nice to have at least one vanity, one thing about your image of which you can be proud. Mine is my thick, long hair.
7. I would love to have a dozen kids. Not very practical, I know, but being a mom is so amazing...and I actually think I'm pretty good at it. *smiles*
8. I would love to ride horses well and plan to take lessons with my son when he's old enough. Is it possible to be a horse person and not like country music? lol
So, that's 8. If you feel like playing too, please let me know where to find your list...I'd love to read all about you. *smiles*

Separation Anxiety

Usually I can drop Jake at school and he'll play his shy boy routine for about a minute and a half, then give me big hugs and I can pull myself away once Nicholas or another friend gets his attention. This morning I had a few more minutes to spare and sat in one of the tiny preschool chairs and gave Jake a good, long _nuggle (those s's strike again). I think it had an adverse effect, though. After getting a long snuggle he didn't want me to leave and just held on to me even tighter. *sighs* It's so hard to leave him at school on the mornings where all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch with him and give him all the love he wants.

Our Deepest Fear

The following is a quote from a book by a metaphysical writer by the name of Marianne Williamson, it is often misquoted as part of the inaugural speech of Nelson Mandela. It speaks to all of us, no matter the author.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Jakaroo and the Amazing Three's

It's amazing how it seems to come out of nowhere...the next level of change in your growing baby's development. His favorite show is "Bob, the Builder" and so he has, for months, been 'fixing' things with his imaginary screwdriver or hammer. However, in the last few weeks it has changed. Suddenly, he wants to fight with swords, vanquish dragons, shoot the boogie man, etc. Every stick is now a weapon of some sort. The new stage seems to have come from his little band of followers at preschool...because he still is rapt with Bob the Builder at home.
So, I'm driving Jake to preschool this morning and he's in his seat, pointing his little forefinger at me saying "Mommy I'm burning you with fire....shhhh shhhh (fire sound effects) shhhh" I turn to him in mock shock "Honey, don't burn me, that would really hurt me" full of the 'mommy' need to explain the reality of fire to my son. He looks at me like I'm daft and says "It's just pretend fire, Mommy," and pulls out his pretend hose to water me down.
He is way too smart for my own good, lol

Projects

Oh, I am the project queen!! Give me a hearty dose of inspiration and I'm off to the races planning my next 18 projects, lol. The murals in my son's room....unfinished for a year or more...the new mural for the sandbox...I was planning a beautiful sand/beach/ocean scene until Jake said with vigor and firmness....no, no mommy "_piderman sandbox" (still working on those s's)...three piles of work from clients untouched for a month...and various other painting, cleaning, etc, ad infinitum stuffs-to-do. So, where to begin? A little me time....yes!! Not a familiar notion, taking time out for myself but that was the standing order from one who knows best. Mmm, so back to my scrumptious Terry Goodkind book....9 out of 10 in the series...oh agony until the next one in 2008, but I still can't stop reading until my eyes won't stay open each night, lol. There's no stretching it out when it's this good! Then a little inspirational study. Yes, that's the ticket. I can address the multitudinous projects tomorrow.
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow.......*sings off key on the way to her book*

Inspiration

Ahhhh, take in a deep purifying breath of inspiration! There is absolutely nothing like it in the world. All it takes is a couple precious hours with my sister-in-law and I'm fully charged and ready to take on the world. You can't beat in-laws like mine...doesn't that make me sound like the most fortunate person on the planet? *grins*

Labor Day

It was a grand weekend, full of anything but labor...and I needed it! Jake and I spent Saturday with Grandma and Papa Ed, Uncle Mike, Uncle Gary and Aunt Penny at the pier in San Clemente. It's such a great place. We had lunch at the bar side of the pier, the most excellent clam chowder in So Cal, with a beautiful view of the sparkling ocean and great service. Then we took a leisurely stroll down the 1/4 mile pier, looking in every fisherman's bucket to see what they caught and listen to the fish tales.
Sunday, we took off for the high desert to visit Papa and Grandma Suzie and the rest of the clan for the B Boys Birthday Bash. We had a great time swimming in the pool, snacking all day and celebrating the September birthdays. At one point in the evening, Shawn looked around noticing my brother and my dad on their laptops, my other brother and my sister on the x-box...and said, "Babe, you should have brought your laptop". If I had, we could have all been in the same room, IM'ing each other and would have had no need to talk at all, lol. Is it possible my family is entirely too techy...or is this the new age??
Monday, we got up and went right back in the pool. Jake had a great time squirting everyone with a super squirter...though he needed help aiming it and playing in the kiddie pool dad had set up on the grass, right next to the big pool. At one point, dad threw a huge yoga ball into the pool. We all had great fun trying to balance atop the precariously tall ball. Shawn was the winner, lasting a good 10 seconds on top. As I watched us all balancing on top of the ball, looking like beached walrus', I thought to myself that it's a good thing we're all on the road to better diets and trying our hands at being health conscious in one way or another.
I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend as well.

Nicknames

My name has always been shortened, mispronounced, misunderstood, etc. Though, I love my name and would never trade it for another...I was happy that we gave Jake a good solid, easily understood name. I thought Jake was such a good, short, masculine name...already shortened from Jacob and no need to change it. Well, silly me for thinking that, lol. He's only 3 and the nicknames continue to morph. He's Jakester from grammy, Jakaroo by me and his dad, the Jake man, little man, sweetie pie, etc. etc....and I'm the worst culprit, lol. It seems that long names get shortened and short names get lengthened no matter what you do. Everyone loves to personalize...even other people, lol.

The Jakester Files - #2

My little man turned three and started school today in the big three-year-old class. *sighs* He's getting so big...and he's such a little character! I found out last week that all the kids at school call him by his full name, lol. And he's the only Jake in the school. He must have told them his full name, such a little leader he is...and so outgoing. His teacher snickered when she saw him shyly hiding behind my leg. "Yeah", she says, "There's Jake, the shy one" and rolls her eyes, lol.

The Jakester Files - 1st Edition

This morning we all slept in, seems the whole house needed a good, long night's sleep. Usually, Jake's footsteps are heard across the bare floor and I pull him in bed between us for morning snuggles. This morning, I had to get up and open his door, peak my head in and say "Come into mommy's bed" He got up and followed me in. After Shawn got up to take a shower, Jake rolled over and snuggled into his dad's pillow. His first words of the morning were "This is the best pillow ever in the Whole World!" *smiles*