Just Jonesing Around

Tip of the Day

2009-06-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Our family safety monitor. You can never be too careful when cooking dinner.

Who Do I Blame For This??

2009-06-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

...Diego or the Planet Earth series??
A few weekends ago, okay more like a few months ago (yes, yes, I am soooo behind on this blog!), we went to a carnival-type-festival-kind-of-kids-celebration in our community (okay, it was free!). My normally shy child who cowers behind me whenever an adult talks to her walked right up to this man (who is creepier than his birds!) and wanted to hold a bird.

Here she is plotting how she is going to hide the bird under her sweatshirt and bring it home without the creepy man noticing:Luckily she noticed a nearby pony ride and we escaped the birds. Sometimes I'm not sure how this is really MY child. I love her, but we have some different interests!

Our Good Deed for the Day

2009-06-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

The other night we decided to get a treat and stopped in at Baskin Robbins. I haven't been there in years, and about fell over at the price of one scoop of ice cream. Remember when ice cream (blue bubblegum ice cream!) at the local drug store was .35?? I use to beg my mom for the money and I remember her saying no most of the time.

Anywho, we saw this homeless child in front of the store and decided to invite her in for some ice cream. I mean, come on, who would dress their child like this? I wish we would have gotten a picture of her whole outfit: you can see the knit cap and scarf, the flower dress and pink sweater, but you are missing the tights and red sparkly shoes (none of which matched).

She seemed pretty happy about the "pink" ice cream we bought for her. She was pretty cute under all those clothes, so we brought her home with us.

Triple Please

2009-06-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

My almost 3 year old is obsessed with snacks. She begs and begs like I never feed her. Here is how our post-lunch conversation went in the car. (Keep in mind that this conversation is in her most high-pitched, almost 3 year old voice):

Her: "Mom, I need a snack."
Me: "No, you don't need a snack, you just ate lunch."
Her: "Moooommmm (now moving to her 13 year old, annoyed with her mother voice) I am really hungry."
Me: "You should have finished your lunch."
Her: "Mom, let's have popcorn, that's a good idea."
Me: "No, you should have eaten your lunch. Remember when we ate lunch, like 20 minutes ago?"
Her: "Triple please, Mom. Let's have popcorn. Triple please."
Me: "Where did you learn 'Triple please'?"
Her: "'Livia."
Me: "Who??"
Her: "'Livia (again, in the 13 year old voice), the pig. She's so great."
Me: "Oh, Olivia."

Next time I'm on the phone with a hard to deal with customer service rep, I'm going to use this technique. "Triple please. I just want to cancel my internet service. Don't charge me an early termination, don't argue with me, just do this for me. Triple please." Wouldn't life be so much easier if we just "triple please'd" everyone?!?

Show Those Pearly Whites!

2009-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was driving with Baby J (which I know is a ridiculous blogname for my almost 3 year old) and we drove near her pediatric dentist. I didn't mention where we were, I'm pretty sure I was caught up signing, "My Life Would Suck Without You". Not signing well, just loud, when I heard this from the backseat:

Baby J: "Mom, the dentist cleaned my teeth. They are so shiny. See." (as she is opening up her mouth and pointing to those pearly whites.)
Me: (Thinking in my mind - how the heck does she remember this is where the dentist's office is?? The last time we went was February!) "That's right, he did clean your teeth."
Baby J: "They are soooooo clean, Mom."
Me: "Do you want to go back to the dentist?"
Baby J: (In her most annoyed 13-year old voice) "Mooooommmmm, I already went to the dentist, 'member."

Her pediatric dentist rocks because every night she reminds me to use the "temperature" while brushing her teeth (it's actally a sand "timer" that the dentist gave her to remind us to brush for 3 minutes). If the timer isn't finished, she tells me to keep going because that's "what the dentist said". (Have I mentioned her bossy side. Weird, don't know where that comes from!)

Her dentist takes a picture with every new patient on their first visit. The original is a Polaroid (I thought they stopped making those??) that immediately started fading when I held it in the sun too long (oops!). Baby J. is pretty shy with new people. She'll talk all about them afterward (like her new BFF Dentist), but she won't look at them and usually is hiding behind my legs if someone tries to talk to her. The dentist sat next to her for the picture and every time she inched away from him, he kept getting closer. The picture is priceless! That's our little miracle!

Hello, Are You There??

2009-05-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Blogland. It's me, Dana. Sorry it's been for-ev-er since my last post. I won't bore you with my *pathetic* excuses, I thought I'd give this another whirl and let you know what's been going on since February *yikes*.

We are in the downward slope of moving. The moving truck arrives in 19 days (not that I'm counting), and then we head out about a week after that. Right now I am purging (one of my hobbies), making to do lists, eating pantry meals (black bean soup all week!), and trying to avoid any talk about goodbyes. (I'll tell you more in later posts - that will also make me accountable to do more posts! I'm debating about making this blog private so that I feel more comfortable giving further details about our move - thoughts??)

I'm still struggling with our nomadic lifestyle. It's given me the opportunity to meet amazing people that I might never have crossed paths with, as well as taken me to places I'd never dreamed of living (such as the deep South. It was a great experience, just a wee bit different from my West Coast roots). But I still miss "home". Home being a place where (as I steal from a famous song) "everybody knows your name." I'm over small talk - "Hi. Where are you from? Where were you stationed before this? What does your husband do?". I'm over idle chit-chat - "How do like living here? How long will you be here?" I know that it takes these foundations to feel out friendships, learn who you connect with. Maybe that's why this move is so hard for me. I'm leaving the comfort of friendships that have moved past these simple question and answer sessions, and going into the unknown of a new town, a new region, a whole new set of insurance paperwork!

I'm blessed to have a wonderful family unit. A husband that could live out of his suitcase indefinitely, and a daughter who is still shy around most people, but can't get enough of our neighbor, Miss Cathy. They are both adaptable. They love new adventures. I am still learning to love adventure. I'm mostly a creature of comfort, of familiarity. God is definitely stretching me past my comfort zone. But praise the Lord for unlimited long distance and the internet!

Thanks for listening!

My 2-Year Old, My Stylist

2009-02-23T15:03:00.000-08:00

In light of the Oscar's last night and all the chit-chat today about the fashion hits and misses from the red carpet, I'd like to share the fashions found lately in our household:

Rain boots and umbrellas are HOT. They go with anything, rain or shine:The best outfit of all - the shirt that use to be a dress one year ago, paired with the sparkly red glitter shoes that cost $1:

Helmets were big in December, but are so passe. Now only worn when riding a bike, in a dress. And it doesn't matter that it's a summer dress you wore to your 2-year old birthday party. Whine enough, and your mama will pair it will a sweater in January:

Accessories - the more the better. Wings, necklaces, whatever. They don't have to match, they just have to "go". Also, princess silhouettes are still fabulous, and are perfectly paired with pjs:

The sad part is that my 2-year old passed me in fashion sense about a year and a half ago. The other day she told me, "Mom, you need a necklace." Also sad is that whenever I put on jeans she either cries, "Mama, don't leave," or asks, "Where we going?" That's because if mama gets out of her sweats, it's a big day out!

We Now Pause for a Little Rant, No Rave!

2009-01-23T16:48:00.001-08:00

Argh! I have had the worst luck with dentists in the last few years. Four years ago Mr. Jones went to a really nice dentist and recommended that I see him as well. We have the same dental insurance (or at least I thought) so I didn't bother checking that this particular dentist was "in network." A few hundred dollars later, along with a few nasty phone calls, I left that dentist.

When we moved I put off finding a new dentist because I was frustrated. My father-in-law came into town and wanted to get his teeth cleaned. I asked around for a recommendation. He came back from this dentist raving about how great she was. He was so enamored with her, he was thinking about calling her for a date. (That part of our family could be a TV show!) I thought, well, if she's so fantastic, why not give her a try. After checking and double checking that she was "in network" I made a cleaning appointment, and arranged for Mr. Jones to watch Baby J. That day I learned that you should ask two additional questions of your dentist: # 1. Is the first appointment for a cleaning, or for a consultation. I left after an hour of X-Rays and teeth counting with no cleaning. When I asked why they couldn't also clean my teeth they looked at me like I was crazy. Clean and count?! and # 2. Do they allow their pet dog to sit on the patients laps? What!? I love dogs, but not when my mouth is wide open and supposed to be in a sterile environment. Three appointments later I still hadn't receive a cleaning.

Since then I've been avoiding the dentist. I just don't have time to make multiple appointments. Aren't you supposed to go just two times per year? How hard is this people!?! After picking up my records and X-rays, and brushing off the dog hair, I made an appointment with a new dentist. While giving the receptionist my information, I could not remember our home phone number. Maybe because I've had 20 of them in my life (well, I had one number for the first 18 years, which my parents still have, and 19 or so since). Anywho, I gave her my cell number after a few sorry tries at getting my home number in the correct order. Yikes! I made the appointment on a day that Mr. Jones could be home with Baby J. Yesterday I drove up to the new office, only to find the receptionist sitting in the waiting room watching TV because the dentist went home sick. She called my number, my cell number, which at that moment I remembered does not ring in our house.

I have two solutions. Baby J. needs to go to her first dentist appointment. I'm thinking I might ask the pediatric dentist if he can see us both. Or, better yet, it would be easier for me to drive 7 hours to my childhood dentist. I saw him from age 2-20 and never had trouble like this! I'm making an appointment, as long as he takes my might-as-well-be-free-clinic health insurance.

Potty Training 101

2009-01-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the lack of blogging. I will blame it on the same thing I've been blaming all of the slacking in my life (lack of returning phone calls, lack of catching up on trashy TV, lack of wearing anything except my yoga pants): we are potty training. That right folks, I bit the bullet and started a new stage in my daughter's life. Let me tell you, it is hell. No, wait, we are trying to use a purely positive approach: It is fantastic! (At least sarcasm is lost on the under 3 crowd).

Now, I am not going to be preachy. I won't judge when you potty train. I am not going to endorse what we did (unless you ask) because I think everyone needs to find the method that works for them. After all, you are trying to teach a toddler...a stubborn little person who has quite a lot of opinions for being so young...to use the restroom. This can send any mother to say things she never thought she would. For example, "Yeah!!! You went pee pee on the potty!!! You are such a big girl!!!" (Accompanied with lots of clapping - insisted on by my toddler - along with a few cheer leading high kicks. Another thing I never thought I'd do in my lifetime).

In not pushing any particular potty philosophy on you, I will give you a few tips that worked for us...so far:

Clear your schedule.I'm just pretending that I'm either hibernating, or that I'm trying to save the environment by not driving so much.
Have a reward-based system. It's amazing what a sugar-starved child will do for a jellybean.
Buy the Costco-sized Clorox wipes, paper towels, and carpet cleaner. While there pick up a few bottles of wine for post-bedtime.
Go to Target (or similar store) for a panty/underwear outing. It's amazing how excited a toddler can get over character undergarments. Then be ready for arguments over why she (insert boy characters where necessary) should be happy with wearing The Little Mermaid panties, and that Cinderella is in the laundry.
Oh yeah, while at Costco pick up laundry detergent and oxy-clean spray. Then prepare your husband for the higher than normal water bills.
Most importantly, the Mama must be ready. Sure it's great to watch clues that your kiddos are ready for the potty transition, but seriously, it's not the most pleasant experience and why push it early? As with everything else I've experienced in her young life, it is a process. I'm saving a few diapers to pack in her college bags.

Soon your toddlers will be pushing you out of the bathroom, telling you, "Just a minute," and actually go to the bathroom all on their own. Then while you are gloating to yourself and planning your mother of the year speech, they will pee in their pants while playing in the neighbors toy car. Or so I've heard! :)

I just keep chanting, THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

A Christmas Montage

2008-12-27T09:20:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope that you all had a nice holiday. It was a busy, but fun, one in our household this year. Mr. Jones and I have been married for 6 years now, and we've never spent a Christmas at home. This year we stayed home and hosted both my parents and his. Baby J. was in Grandparent heaven. I was knee deep in cooking meals and laundry, but wouldn't have changed a thing...well, maybe I would have wanted an extra guest room so that Mr. Jones and I weren't on the aero bed in our (now I realize freezing!) living room.

We've also never decorated for Christmas. Guess I'm just practical, or extremely lazy, but I figured if we weren't going to be home, why bring out the decorations when they have to be put back?? Plus we didn't even have a home a couple of those holidays because our stuff was in storage while we were between stations. I've been collecting decorations the past few years in anticipation of one day actually looking like we acknowledge that it is the Christmas season. Who can resist Target the day after Christmas?

This is the first year Baby J. really "got" the whole present thing. "For me?" was a phrase we heard over, and over, and over all morning...which turned into afternoon when she wanted to play with every present she opened. Here are the highlights.

She is just over the top with dressing up, and now she has her first set of princess dress up shoes. They go with everything, or so I've been told:
But the princess shoes look much better when paired with the princess clothes. Here Snow White meets Tinkerbell meets Jasmine. She loves to mix and match. Well, mainly mix. Gotta love the toddler godfather-style rings. We waited to give her this gift because Christmas was a little overwhelming. Plus it was rainy and cold outside on Christmas and I selfishly didn't want to argue over actually waiting to use the tricycle on a sunny day. After trying to ride the tricycle with her princess shoes we convinced her to put them in the storage bucket and wear them when she arrived at her destination. You know, city commuter-style.
The drive-in Play Doh station. This is for you Asha's Nana. I'm not a fan of Play Doh (man that smell makes me gag!), but luckily her grandparents love her a little more! (And I caught my mom taking a whiff of the Play Doh, with a smile on her face.)
It's always important to practice good safety habits while in the kitchen. But don't forget the high heels!
This is a good look! I think she'd sleep in her helmet if we let her. She already took a nap in her princess shoes.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

A Green Christmas

2008-12-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

This Christmas we are reducing, reusing and recycling. The focus is more on reusing, mainly because my parents keep visiting and bringing us "treasures" from their garage and closets. Last visit it was my old prom dresses, this visit it is my "green dress". The "green dress" was made by my Grammie when I was in preschool, and I insisted on wearing it every Tuesday and Thursday (Hmmm...wonder where Baby J. gets her stubborn side!). Now, I'm not a math major, but that means the dress is 30 years old. No wonder our house smells musty! I'm afraid to wash the dress because it may not make it through the wash cycle. Baby J., of course, ADORES the dress. She calls it her "princess dress." I would say it is more Laura Ingalls Wilder (no offense to Laura because I read and loved all her books, but calico isn't quite my taste).

Here I am in the "green dress" circa 1978 (the picture is faded, and a little blurry. Plus the stucco on our house was the same shade of green as my dress. It was sweet. Too bad this picture doesn't show the bright red concrete front steps!)Here's Baby J. in 2008. (Oh, and the ornaments on the little tree, you ask? Yup, those were mine also.):Good thing the red sparkly shoes go with everything!

I Love You Brett

2008-12-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Mr. Jones and I ventured to another Jets game, this time in a much safer stadium! Mr. Jones bought tickets this past summer, way before the announcement that Brett Favre was going to be leading the green and white as their new QB, so we got pretty sweet seats. So sweet that this was the first face we saw as we got near our section:What you are missing is the sound byte of me yelling, "Brett, look up here. Hi Brett!! Brett, Brett!! You're the man!" I'm sure he was just too engrossed discussing the details of my restraining order with his lawyer to look up and say Hi.

Then, not 5 minutes later, he walked in:Anyone...anyone?? Ed Hochuli, of course. Only the hottest ref around. Again, I'll tell you the (pathetic) sound byte behind the image, "Hey Ed! Ed! You are awesome, Ed!" As Mr. Jones was laughing at me for taking a picture of the ref, these 2 ladies walked up to get his autograph. Yes, it is nice to know that I'm not the only fan of a ref. I would tower over him, but look at those guns!

Mr. Jones, before the game. Notice that he's still smiling. Not so after the game. The Jets lost again. We've seen them 5 times since we've been married, and they are 1-4 when we are in the stadium. I love going to the games (with the exception of Oakland), but it's better for the team if we stay home. Plus we sat in the parking lot for 2 HOURS before even starting our car. The traffic was that bad. Maybe next time Brett can hook us up with a ride out of the parking lot. I'd better check the terms of that restraining order first. "Brett, Brett! You are still the greatest! Brett!!!"

Christmas Outtakes

2008-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is going to the mailbox and finding Christmas cards. Now I know that it is easier to catch up with old friends with Facebook and email these days, but there is just something special about receiving a Christmas card in the mail. Especially one with a picture!

My poor husband has to start hearing about "the Christmas card picture" for months in advance. Outfits are purchased, hair and makeup have to be done, and locations determined. Last year we lucked out with a beautiful snowstorm one of our first days in New England:
I thought I had the best scenario this year: a picture at the beach, Baby J. in her new Christmas outfit, and my parents in town to help with taking the pictures. This past Saturday we woke up to a beautiful, clear and sunny day. We got dressed, did our hair and found the best spot near some rocks under a very blue sky. The problem, it was too sunny (my husband could not stop squinting) and too windy (goodbye hair!).

Here are some of the outtakes.

These were the only 2 pictures where Baby J. was actually looking at the camera AND smiling. I didn't realize that I should have been more concerned whether or not her father was ready for the picture as well:
Now in all fairness, I wasn't always camera ready either. What is that look all about?? Must be the crazy "I NEED to get a good Christmas card picture" lady coming out of me:

And Baby J. was much more interested in finding hermit crabs than sitting still:Next year I'm signing up for a photoshop class. Or starting this process in August.

Christmas Just Got A Lot More Expensive

2008-12-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Return the tricycle, now she wants a pony.Over the Thanksgiving holiday we visited another member of our family, my cousin's horse. My cousin definitely got the horse-loving gene. Me, I'm not too fond of them. They are beautiful to look at, and nice to pet, but I've had my share of riding horses who sensed my fear. I still have nightmares of the time in Yosemite when the saddle wasn't on the horse properly and fell off, with me still attached. Needless to say I haven't introduced my daughter to the world of horses. In books, sure. Pointing them out as we pass by in the car, of course. But up close and personal, no.

Baby J. was nervous at first, and wasn't ready to feed the horse carrots, let alone take her out for a spin. Until, that is, she saw two other kids riding horses, then it was "My turn, my turn." Nothing like a little competition to rid a toddler of fear!
After the first turn around the ring she was hooked. Here she is showing off riding bareback.
A BIG thank you to my cousin, and a BIG thank you to Sedona, the horse. What patience on both of their parts!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I know this isn't the easiest time of year for everyone. You are all in my thoughts, prayers and list of things I am thankful for.

Here is a quick ditty about the little girl I am thankful for (and sometimes I have to remind myself that I am thankful for her when she throws herself down on the floor because I served her pancakes for breakfast when she clearly asked for waffles, or did she ask for pancakes...she can't remember the details.)

Baby J loves to sit on the kitchen counter whenever there is activity in the kitchen. She is a cross between an interested culinary student and a bossy lunch lady. As many of you know, toddler hands can never be idle. She has to always be touching something, or in the process of getting into something. I have a small glass bluebird on the kitchen counter that she loves to hold. Mr. Jones taught her to sing Zippyity Do Da, and added in the motions of putting my glass bluebird on her shoulder (don't worry, someday they'll get a variety show on NBC). Now it has become a family ritual, we must sing a couple verses of Zippyity Do Da before preparing our meal.

The other day Baby J and I were singing a pretty robust chorus, hand motions and all. After the song ended (well, after it ended the 5th time), she gently set the bluebird down and exclaimed, "Good singing Mama!" Wow. Melts my heart. And makes me think that we need to expose her to more music, good music that is.

Wish you all a wonderful week of Thankfulness!

Free Snapfish Photo Book - Expires Tomorrow

2008-11-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Oprah kicked off a new 6 month series on her show - Clean Up Your Messy House. I love it! I'm finding that I am becoming more and more OCD when it comes to clutter. I am definitely not the most organized person, but I love to purge, purge, purge. I am going to start a campaign begging Oprah to send Peter Walsh to my parents house and help them!

Here is the free offer:
What do you do with all the artwork and projects that the kids create?? Here's a great idea they presented on the show - take digital pictures of the artwork, upload it to Snapfish (or any photo site that makes books, this one just happens to be free right now!), and turn the artwork into colorful bound books. Great Christmas gift idea for those Grandparents!!

Thanks to Jillian for sending me the link, and prompting me to watch the show.

The offer ends tomorrow, Friday, November 14: http://www2.snapfish.com/info18

Oh, she also has a coupon for 20% off at the Container Store. This one expires November 19: http://images.containerstore.com/messyHouseTour.pdf

Enjoy Spring cleaning in November!!

Do You Think Celine Needs A Harmonica Player??

2008-11-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I was getting ready to put on a show for Baby J. so that I could make dinner in peace (can I get an Amen!). Before I could switch to her new favorite, "Querious Dordge" (don't worry, Hooked On Phonics will be her stocking stuffer), she said, "No, Mama, 'dis show.":

Her Grandma sent her a harmonica and a recorder because music is her new passion. We've moved on from Tots 'N Tights, mainly because this is how she spent most of the class: Plus I think I've traumatized her because anytime we go to the park next to the rec center dance studio she cries, "No ballet."...I mean, "No bowway."

Now we are in Musical Beginnings. Doesn't that class just sound hopeful? Like a bunch of 2-year olds running around with instruments is one day going to lead us to selling out Madison Square Gardens. Hey, who knows??

Well I was hoping to get some pictures of class today because Mr. Jones accompanied us. The teacher looks just like my BFF Ina Garten, and parent participation is highly encouraged (I can do a mean penguin march while hitting musical sticks together). Oh, why didn't I get any pictures, you ask? For this one I win Mother of the Week! We "skipped" last week's class because it was cold and rainy outside, and I was inside in my nice warm yoga pants (I've only done yoga once in my life!). Since I missed last week, I missed the announcement that there wasn't any class this week. That sucked since we drove 30 minutes to class, and played outside for 20 minutes because we were super early.

As we walked back to our car this is how Baby J. reacted, "<insert large dramatic sigh> No music class <insert large dramatic sigh>." Seriously, folks, where do they learn this stuff?? Oh, right, from the Mother of the Week!

Back to Celine and her harmonica.

All Hallows Eve

2008-11-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Our "buzzy, buzzy bee". The red sparkly shoes are not just for the costume, they are becoming a staple in her wardrobe.

We hosted a small Halloween bash at our house with some neighborhood friends. Well, less of a bash, more of a hearty meal before we embarked on the marathon known as trick-or-treating. Last year we only made it to 5 houses, this year we lapped some of our friends. However, the reward has been great. Baby J. barely remembers all the candy she has "donated" to her parents.
Mr. Jones and I decided to get into the Halloween spirit. The last time I dressed up?? I cannot even remember. I'm sure it was in the late 90's. Last year a lot of our friends dressed up, so we thought, why not, it will be fun. Why don't we have pictures of our friends' costumes, oh, that's because after weeks and weeks of costume discussion...detailed costume discussion...they all showed up in street clothes. You know those dreams where you are the only one dressed up in costume and no one else is (except for the 4 and under crowd), that dream came rushing at me when I opened up the front door. Thanks a lot, guys. (They are lucky they don't have blogs, otherwise that last statement would have some carefully placed links). Thankfully our driveway neighbors showed up moments before we left the house, dressed in costumes.

So my costume was supposed to be Kelly Wearstler, but turned out more like Madonna circa the Material Girl era. The other day one of our neighbors said, "Hey I saw you dressed up in your 80's costume." I tried my best. I know it was a stretch. I really just wanted an excuse to use my crimping iron. Let me clarify -- my crimping iron from junior high that my mom still had. Put your flatirons away, ladies, I'm bringing back this look. It's a lot of work, and requires a lot of aerosol hair spray, but it was fun...until I found several grey hairs. I think that's the sign that it's time to stop crimping, or time to start highlighting again. I was a bit jealous of Mr. Jones' costume. It was easy to recognize, easy to put together, and much more comfortable trick-or-treating shoes.
As Mr. Jones and I recovered from the toddler version of Halloween, Baby J. woke up the next morning asking to go "for a walk as buzzy, buzzy bee."

Tag, You're It!

2008-10-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

I've been tagged by a dear college pal. Start reading her blog, it's fun and inspirational all at the same time. Plus, she has a super cute family. The first time I met her we were both high school seniors trying out for the Westmont volleyball team. Man, that was a long time ago!

Here it goes, 7 random facts about yours truly:

1. I hate play dough. I do not like the smell of it, I don't like the mess it makes, I don't like the feel of it. It just freaks me out. Sorry Baby J., that's why you'll be going to preschool next year.

2. I love to watch golf on TV. Even my husband makes fun of me for it. I play golf now and then (mostly then), but don't know how far I'll excel because it's a sport that frowns on talking.

3. I am a closet scrapbooker. It started about 7 or 8 years ago when I went to a Creative Memories party with a friend. Right now I am in the middle of Baby J.'s baby book. Well, I should say books. I'm on my third book and have only used pictures from her first 10 months of life. I keep saying that this is my last project...

4. I'm an only child. Some of you already know that, but it's been coming up a lot lately as I make new friends. Most of the comments I get are, "You seem pretty well adjusted and get along with others well for being an only child." Ummm, thanks, I guess?!

5. My secret career dream is to be a sideline reporter for NFL Football games. I saw Al Michaels at an airport once, I should have asked him for a job!

6. I worked at Disneyland the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years in college. I worked in the gifts shops of Fantasyland, Tommorowland and Toon Town. Yes, I had to wear the costumes, and I got into the park for free. I even participated in the early morning employee canoe races around Tom Sawyer Island. I made $5.50/hour and loved every minute of it. Have a Magical Day!

7. I love to drink coffee, but never learned to make it at home. When we use to have guests I'd set out all the ingredients and tools and let them help themselves (mind you, I'd grab a cup myself). When I worked full-time I supported whatever local coffee shop was on the drive to work or within walking distance of my office. Now that I'm at home full-time I've decided that I need to be an adult and learn to make coffee. I'm glad you weren't there the first few times when I had the measuring cups out and the calculator at hand. My inspiration for learning to make it myself has come from hosting a playgroup at my home. What better way to spend a morning with friends! Come on by, I'll put a pot on for you. (But you might want to add a lot of creamer and sugar! I'm still in the learning stages.)

Alright ladies...I am tagging: Kristi, Robin, Stacie, Kymberly, Mikele, and Astraea. Mrs. Spice, you are off the hook because of your ice breaker game.

You Never Call, You Never Write

2008-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my lack of posting, I've been a bit overwhelmed by the to do list in my head. Now, my to do list is nothing like this gal's to do list. In fact, I feel like I should grab a few items off of her list so that my complaining might be (slightly) justified. I'm still adjusting to tackling projects in this new(er) phase of life: toddler-living-life-in-segments. You know: pre-nap, nap, post-nap, dinner time...aka witching hour, bedtime, repeat.

Now on with the show...or at least a quick update on our family:

Baby J:
She is in full-on Halloween mode. She is already wearing her costume daily, and talks about trick-or-treating with our 2 year old neighbor. Seriously, how do they even know about these things? We haven't even discussed the door-to-door-begging-for-candy part of Halloween. I knew she'd get most of her education off of the streets (or Noggin!).

Her Mimi and Boppa (my parents) came up for a visit and brought her the best toy (a toy that provides hours of solo play!). It is a set of plastic fruits and veggies that are held together with velcro, comes with a plastic chef knife, and inspires her to cut up fruit and veggies and make "de-wish-ish" food. Baked bananas, anyone?? (Aime - E would LOVE this. They have a BBQ set also!) Oh, wait, I didn't tell you the really best part - the old plastic cutting board that my Mom brought along from her kitchen and nonshalantely added it to the gift set. Oh, Mom, even Martha (the master of "never throw anything away") says that plastic cutting boards have a limited life expectancy.

Mrs. Jones:
We went to our favorite local farm for their annual Harvest Festival. I was counting down the days because I wanted pumpkins. These are not just ordinary pumpkins, these are organic pumpkins (I don't know why that matters when I'm only going to carve them, not eat them. Maybe our carvings will be safer to look at??), and they come in cool shapes and colors. For $20 a team of 3 people get 30 seconds to grab as many pumpkins as possible and keep them! I couldn't wait! My parents were in town for the weekend, so Mr. Jones, my dad and myself ran around like crazy people and got 14 pumpkins in 30 seconds. I have never been so tired in my life! I know I'm out of shape, but come on. I'm going to start training for next year.
Okay, remember the cutting board that my Mom "gave" to Sydney?? Well, I think that we have now officially become the Goodwill drop off site for my folks. My parents have lived in the same house for 30 years. I'll have to find a picture of their garage. You would gasp, and probably have a heart attack. I do every time I visit. Actually, for the past few years I've been secretly throwing things away while I'm at their house. In about 20 years I should have the place back into working order! Maybe that's why I've chosen my gypsy lifestyle - it gives me a reason to purge, purge and purge some more. I asked my Mom if she still had some of my old prom dresses for a potential Halloween costume. I'm not sure why I thought she would have thrown them out, but I have hope that she might get the urge someday. Anywho, not only did she bring me the dresses, she brought my high school graduation dress and gown, a dress from college that I am too embarrassed to even take a picture of (can you say floor-length plaid!), and my high school letterman jacket. Here's a quick trip down my wardrobe memory lane. I can't decide which one is the best: the short blue brocade with the LARGE lace detail (I'll have to find the picture with my side pony tail of curls, yikes!), or the long black brocade with the white satin straps that I had custom made (like I actually picked the pattern and the fabric and have no one else to blame for this! Oh, and you are missing the matching white satin bow in the back. I also wore long white gloves to finish the look. My date to that prom even went out with me a few times afterwards. Amazing!)

Mr. Jones:
I earned major wife points on this one! Last weekend, Mr. Jones and I snuck out of town for a night while my parents were adorning Baby J. with gifts and constant attention. (My dad even patted her back at nap time and bed time until she fell asleep. Love the grandparents, hate the re-training once they leave!) Mr. Jones' work gave away free football tickets. He would tell you that they were giving away free Jets tickets, and the Jets just happened to be playing at the Oakland Raiders stadium. We've made the pilgrimage to see the Jets at several different stadiums around the country, and I knew that the Raiders crowd is unlike any other. I grew up in LA when the Raiders were in SoCal. Mr. Jones didn't have to convince me to go to the game, in fact, he left the decision up to me. I am a football fan, and I really enjoy going to games, however, I can now officially add this to my, "Things I Never Need To Do Again List" (along with going to a Lollapallooza concert in a dirt field, and sleeping overnight at the Rose Parade. It took me two times to check that one off). Anywho, we went and I was glad to get to see Brett Favre in person, but I only needed to see him for 2 quarters. I was growing tired of the drunk fan in our row who kept falling out of his seat (I so wanted to get a pic of him, but wasn't descrete enough). Oh, did I mention that that Sunday was our anniversary?? That's where the major wife points come in. Katie - Chris would have a been a better date for Doug that day!

Thanks for reading my long-winded post. Updated Blog - Check it off the list...

Is Anyone Else Freaked Out???

2008-10-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

These are the cookies I was mentioning in this post about Martha. I think I'll pass...

Wish You Were Here!

2008-10-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Christopher Columbus,

I've sung a song about you, I've been to Columbus Circle in NYC, I've worked for an Italian company that did promotions in your honor, but, honestly, how should I celebrate your day? Like a good government worker, Mr. Jones had the day off (when I worked full-time I remember begging to leave early on Christmas Eve).

Actually it was awesome that Mr. Jones had the day off because we had the most beautiful summer day...in October. We live in the backward vortex of seasons here, and had endured a cold and foggy summer. So it was our turn for a warm summer day. Where else do you spend a warm summer day? That's right Mr. Columbus, the beach. You would have loved the West Coast, it's spectacular (with all due respect to my East Coast friends, it's beautiful there as well!)

Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better, Mr. Jones cooked dinner AND baked chocolate chip cookies. Columbus Day, my new favorite holiday!

Oh, and thanks for the Ocean Blue and all that stuff.

A Star in the Making

2008-10-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Mr. Jones and I attended our 10 year college reunion. More on that later (I still need to decompress and get my thoughts together. And find old college pics to post)...for now, a funny story from our weekend away:

Baby J. is super shy. She is clingy and doesn't even want to look at people when they talk to her. I am finally starting to appreciate her shyness. It's been hard for me to understand because it's the opposite of my I'll-talk-to-practically-anyone personality. I've joked that she gets her shy demeanor from her father, now I have proof.

Our reunion was Baby J.'s worst nightmare of a weekend - meeting new people. Not just new people, but new people who are old friends and are super interested in meeting her. She spent most of the three days either hiding behind our legs, or burying her head in our shoulders...until Saturday night. That night was our class dinner. The kiddos were in childcare for a couple hours, and then we brought them into the fellowship hall when dinner was finished. Or were we supposed to take them back to the hotel and put them to bed? Well, those kiddos who were waiting for their parents to stop talking (like us!), were running around the stage. Not Baby J. She stood in the middle of the stage, unfazed by the other kids running around, and proceeded to perform all the dance moves she learned from her 8 week ballet class. The same class where she spent 6 of those weeks holding onto my legs and crying.

How is she like her father? Shy in big groups, but give them an open stage and they are home. Watch out Broadway! Maybe they can have a father/daughter show. I'll be in the front row. I'm good in groups, but get physically ill if I have to be on a stage. (Please don't ask about the church play. All I'll say is spotlight, loss of lines, and the reason I dreaded public speaking class.) Notice in the picture she has both of her shoes on. Fast forward a few moments. I am standing in front of the stage talking to one of my favorite professors while Baby J. proceeds to throw one of her shoes at me. Yes, sir, that's my lovely daughter. Did I mention she is shy??

Quick Commentary

2008-09-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Please excuse me for a moment while I have a chat with the Survivor fans out there. Notice anything different this season? Is this "Survivor: Professionals"?? Do you see the lack of bathing suits and the addition of business suits? In Survivor China I noticed that there were a couple of weeks of bras and underwear and boxers, and then suddenly the next week everyone had a new bathing suit. I guess the producers were tired of blurring out body parts. But this season is crazy; who wears a shirt and tie to tribal council? Or a button down shirt and their boxer briefs to go fishing? I don't know about you, but if I was chosen to be on Survivor, I'd have a shopping spree at REI. How about a bathing suit that COVERS (no blurred out stuff here), water shoes, and a tank top and shorts that dry fast? Do the producers tell these folks to wear dresses and suits the first day and then confiscate their suitcases of camping gear, or are they doing this jury duty style and choosing contestants who have never watched Survivor before? Does tree mail accept care packages?

I Miss You, Too

2008-09-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Baby J.'s favorite saying (of this week) is, "Mama, I miss you too." It's very cute, but totally out of context. She'll say this to me even if we've been together for 12 hours straight, and I don't know where the "too" comes from because I haven't said it to her first.

The past couple of weeks have been bittersweet for me. I've been able to enjoy some Mom's night outs, but they have been in honor of friends who are moving away. "Mama, no go. Mama, noooooooo goooooooooo." Seriously, just because I'm not wearing my "Mommy Uniform" - jeans or rolled up jeans if it's a little warmer out; flip flops or flats that can withstand the park or a dirt patch or any type of terrain that I have to chase Baby J. out of on the way home; my hair pulled back in some sort of pony tail (after the "haircut incident" it's now 30 bobby pins with my pony tail); and pick up a purse instead of the baby bag, Baby J. knows I'm leaving the house without her.

As I walk out the door, listening to her sad cries, she suddenly remembers. "Popcorn. Dada, popcorn." When Mommy leaves, Baby J. and Dada have a new routine, popcorn and a movie. This particular night Mr. Jones told me that Baby J. was asking for "her bowl" (she is very possessive these days). When he handed her the bowl she put it up next to her cheek and said, "I miss you, bowl."

Glad to know that I'm on the same level as her bowl. That Baby J., always keeping Mama in check.

Just A Few Years Too Late

2008-09-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Well, more like 14 years too late. One of the pitfalls of our nomadic lifestyle (besides moving away from friends, and ruining our daughter's sleeping schedule) is that I am constantly having to find a new hairdresser (or stylist - what are all the kids saying these days?) I have two schools of thought on this decision making process: I either ask people who have great hair for recommendations, or I go to the cutest salon in town. Because going to the salon isn't just a haircut for me, it's an entire experience. I mean, who doesn't love to sit and have someone else wash and blowdry their hair (especially my mess of frizz). Every time I leave the salon I think, "Wow, why don't I have someone on staff blowdry my hair daily?" And then I remember, I am the staff!

This past Friday I tried a new salon that met both of my critical decision making criteria for finding a new salon. Mr. Jones was home spending time with Baby J. and I left for a morning pampering session. I also had timed the appointment just right so that I wouldn't have to worry about washing and drying my hair during our busy weekend. My hairstyling stars were all aligned...

...or at least I thought so until I saw my "new" look. This is where the 14 years too late comes in: I am now sporting "The Rachel". That's right folks. I specifically asked to have the ends cut a couple of inches and to keep the layers long. As much as I love going to the salon I am not the best about going as often as I should. The last hair cut I received was 4 months ago and 3000 miles away, and finding a new person was at the bottom of my to do list. So I had a few (million) split ends. Is my punishment an outdated style?

What is a girl to do? I've only complained once about a bad haircut and got my money back. (For full disclosure, I called the salon owner the next day. I didn't tell the stylist how awful the carmel and orange highlights were). I am not the person to call to help with a confrontation. But I was ready to tell this girl, I was so mad! Plus she kept trying to sell me all kinds of product, and winced when I told her all I used was Pantene. Then she didn't get (or didn't appreciate, you decide) my joke about how my 2 year old uses the same bottle of body wash for her hair and for her body and yet her hair is soft and curls just right at the ends.

Anyone have any good tips? I'm willing to travel for a good haircut!

Martha - Love Her? Hate Her?

2008-09-17T22:06:00.002-07:00

Here's my deal with Martha Stewart: I love her ideas, just not fond of the pretentiousness (do I really need to raise chickens to get the freshest eggs?). I use her recipes, I receive her (numerous) emails (organizational tip of the day, craft of the day, cookie of the day...I don't have that many days!), and I watch her show. Here is a super cute idea for taking pictures of your baby each month of their first year ("Outfit Picture"). I also used an idea of hers for Baby J.'s birth announcement. ("Sweet Tea")

Having said all of that, I feel like it's my civic duty (next to voting) to let you know about a new show -- Whatever, Martha! The premise is genius (and created by Martha herself): Martha's daughter Alexis (who is spending her inheritance on therapy) and her friend Jennifer sit around and critique Martha's old shows from the past decade or so. I've only caught the first couple of episodes, but it is hilarious.

I hope that they use a clip from one of her old Halloween shows. She was dressed as a witch, and served cookies shaped like fingers, "blood punch", and other assorted scary/creepy foods. Then she invited some children to join her party. She obviously didn't know her demographic very well because when she offered the kids some of the finger cookies, or blood punch they just stared at her and shook their heads. You know inside they were thinking, "Lady, you are freaking me out! Why would I eat a finger, or drink blood." Martha then tried to backtrack, "Oh, kids, it's just pretend."

Set the DVR, grab a cup of tea (loose tea leaves you brought back from your summer trip to China, and only the freshest water from your well) and be prepared to laugh (and cringe a little at some of Alexis's, well, interesting, comments).

Look Mama, I'm Swimming

2008-09-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

The first time Baby J. went swimming was at 3 months old. She wasn't so sure of the experience. She would smile periodically, but she was pretty concerned most of the time. (Don't you love the balding head and sausage arms! People use to tell me that she was chunky and honestly, at the time, I didn't see it. Now, when I look back at pictures, I see it!)
Now that she is 2 she wants to do everything on her own, especially swim. Lately she's been trying to push us away when we're swimming with her. Seriously, I know we were Phelps-crazy this summer, but do think you're ready? We decided it was time to introduce her to floaties. Just enough independence to satisfy her, but still an arms length away from a parent.

In her excited (and very phonetic) words, "Ook, Mama. I svimmin'." (Note: for those concerned parents out there with one hand on the phone to CPS, Mr. Jones is just outside the frame of the photo, she isn't alone.)
She loves the freedom of floaties, but she'll never give up on her first love, the baby pool. She could spend all day walking up the one step out of the baby pool and then back down the one step into the baby pool, up the one step, down the one step...you get the idea. I can only tolerate an hour of it.

Party Foul

2008-09-15T20:28:00.001-07:00

Friday night we went to a BBQ for Mr. Jones' work. The BBQ was being held at our favorite beach, and it was a beautiful night. There were a lot of new people at the event, so I was trying to be a good wife and chit-chat and make small talk. Which, as many of you know, isn't easy with a hungry 2 year old in tow and an open fire pit nearby. So I did what any good mom would do, I kept feeding her...and feeding her. It started off with greasy potato chips, moved on to a hot dog, I slipped in some veggies, a few sips of soda, several graham crackers, a roasted marshmallow and topped the night off with a couple of chocolate squares (Not quite a traditional s'more. Somehow I thought that would be too messy?? I guess you could call it a s'more toddler-style.)

This post was originally going to be, "Please don't call CPS, my child is just really dirty tonight and I will bathe her as soon as I take her picture." There was old charcoal and burnt wood all over the beach. Did I think she would come back home perfectly clean, no. This dirty, definitely not. Someday I'll learn. Baby J's feet are on the right.

When we got home I wanted to document just how dirty she got. And as any good Mom with a blog I said, "Honey, I'll give you a hug as soon as I take your picture."
I had to prove to you all that I actually cleaned her up:
So far all sounds pretty normal, right? Are you asking, when did the Party Foul occur? Well, we aren't certain. All we know is that the Party Foul was discovered the next morning when Baby J. woke up covered in puke. Yes, puke. (And no, Mikele, I didn't take any pictures.) I am not a good person with puke, but it's true what people say, it's different when it's your own kid. Sure, I still gagged here and there, but I got her cleaned up, threw away her pjs and crib sheet and feed her saltines and bananas for the rest of the weekend.

Baby J. has had 3 major puking incidents in her young life (this isn't counting the numerous piles of baby spit up on all my clothes the first few months), and I finally discovered the common denominator...greasy potato chips. Sorry Lays company, we will not be partaking in your deliciousness any longer in the Jones household (well...at least not the younger set). Please, nominate me for Mother of the Year. Yikes!

SU2C

2008-09-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Did any of you catch the Stand Up To Cancer telethon Friday night?? In honor of this campaign I want to share an amazing story with you. During my senior year of college my roommate, Kymberly, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Almost 10 years to the day of her diagnosis she gave birth to her first baby, a son!! Praise God.

Please take a few minutes to read her story here.

Are You Ready For Some Football??

2008-09-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Also known as...I'll see my husband again next January or February.

Actually, I have a confession to make. I love to watch football. To me it's a fun activity on a Sunday afternoon (and Monday night, and Sunday night, oh, and Thursday night). Maybe it's all the snacks we eat during the game, maybe it's an excuse to lay around in comfy clothes, maybe it's the cuteness that is Ed McCaffrey (he's retired now, but still cute!). Listen, I'll totally understand if you look at me differently now, need to take a break from my blog, or just outright make fun of me.

So Mr. Jones is a New York Jets football fan. Can you hear the yelling through this post (J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets). Did Mr. Jones grow up in New York City? No. New York State? No. New Jersey? No. Anywhere on the East Coast? No. He grew up in Colorado. Ummm...doesn't Colorado have a team...a really good team...the Denver Broncos? Yes. Why isn't he a Broncos fan? You will have to ask him. He has a very (long winded) good reason, but I still don't understand it. The Jets are pretty notorious for being, well, not so good. It may have started back in 1983 when the Jets took Ken O'Brian (who?) in the draft, and the Miami Dolphins took Dan Marino (come on, everyone's heard of this guy) 3 picks later. (How do I know these facts, you ask? Well, I'm pretty sure they were part of our wedding vows).

Three years ago I surprised Mr. Jones by going to his Mecca, aka The Meadowlands. The Jets just happened to have a homegame on his birthday, how could I not take him?! So I sold my car, and the naming rights to our firstborn and we headed for New York. (Well, the stadium is in New Jersey, but those are just details). We were a little early for the game:Now the Jets are in the news again. A little known player named Brett Favre came out of retirement and is the starting quarterback this season for the Jets. Mr. Jones bought tickets to see the Jets play the SF 49ers before the announcement of Favre becoming a Jet. Now our tickets are worth a lot more money. Are we going to sell the tickets and buy a house?? No. We will have another picture of Mr. Jones at the game, by himself, 2 hours early. I love him.

A Spicy Reunion

2008-09-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege last Friday night to have dinner with Mrs. Spice's parents, Nanny Spice and Boppa Spice, and her sister, Spicy Spice. I'm secretly hoping that they'll adopt me someday. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but who wouldn't want to be part of this Spicy clan?It was a fun evening, complete with delicious seafood, great conversation and seals and otters frolicking right below our table. Yes, you can be jealous of the beautiful location, we are so blessed! We don't go out a lot (I'm not mentioning that for you to feel sorry for us, it's by choice. Who wants to go out with a 2-year old?), so this was an extra special treat.Nanny Spice was nice enough to accompany Baby J. into a FINE ART gallery. Nannies are the best. Mommies would steer clear!Did I forget to mention that Mrs. Spice was not in attendance because she and Mr. Spice were moving last weekend?? Oops, well, we toasted to them! Don't worry, Mrs. Spice called to GENTLY REMIND us that she was moving and hoped we were enjoying our leisurely evening.

Oh, and Baby J. LOVES her new dolly. She has the seat of honor at the sandtable. This is a huge compliment, toddler-style.

I'm Back

2008-09-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Verizon Internet,

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that it is the year 2008. Please do not cut me off from the world. I need my internet. I don't appreciate you telling me that we shouldn't complain because we have SOME signal. I'm not sure if you are still in 1994 using Prodigy, but we pay for high speed, so dial up kilobytes (are those lower than megabytes? And what are gigabytes?) just will not do. I don't have an extra 20 minutes a day to wait for ONE picture to upload. What am I supposed to do while my daughter naps, laundry? Ha! Internet is the lifeline for Moms. While our internet was down I missed one outing to the park, a day at the local children's museum, reading my friends' blogs, and updating my status on Facebook (I've been watching Olympic VB for 2 weeks now). Oh, and we also pay our bills online. Verizon, don't you understand that I need to stay in touch with my millions, I mean tens, of blog fans.

Well, Verizon, thank you for finally sending a tech out to our home, and no longer threatening us with an extra $75 charge if nothing was wrong with our service. Now that I am happily back online makes the FOUR (painfully long) phone calls with you seem insignificant. By the way, the tech showed up at 12:30pm when his appointment time was between 1pm and 5pm. I'm sure we'll see an extra charge for that on next month's bill.

Your faithful customer (because you are the only option in my neighborhood),
Mrs. Jones

Hopefully Stair Racing Will Be in the 2024 Games

2008-08-24T20:15:00.001-07:00

Tonight Mr. Jones and Baby J. were racing up the stairs. Her racing style is a hybrid of a spider crawl and a move I'm sure came from a 1992 step class. She won the race, as usual, but her celebration was new.

"I did it. I won. Thank you, thank you." All said while both hands were in the air like she was on the gold medal podium. Do you think we've been watching the Olympics too much around here?!?

Tots 'N' Tights

2008-08-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Baby J. started dance class - "Tots 'N' Tights." It's through the city rec department, so I thought we could get away with a t-shirt and shorts (maybe some tights underneath to keep with the name). No, no...the dress code is a leotard, tights and ballet shoes (well...the ballet shoes were optional, but way too cute not to buy).

The first class should have been titled, "Watch My Mama." Baby J. was not having it, no dancing, no sitting, no stamps at the end of class. Oh well, I got a good refresher on first position. Yet as I was fixing her lunch when we got home, what did I find?? Baby J. in the living room performing all the moves she wouldn't do in class. At least she was paying attention.

Then last week we had a breakthrough. She was a little clingy at first, but slowly joined in the fun. Enough so that I could get some cute pics.
She's already more flexible than I am.
Our Clubsprouts friends know that getting stamps at the end of class is a major step in Baby J.'s young life.

I'm Awake

2008-08-14T20:16:00.001-07:00

Around 2 yesterday afternoon I heard a high pitched voice float down the stairs, "Mama...Mama...MAMA!"

This is what I found. I guess she was done with her nap.

And ready for her Broadway debut in Flashdance, The Musical.

I can't decide which look is my favorite, the sock on her hand, or the bare shoulder.

Now We Pause for a Commercial Break

2008-08-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

This site was recommended by a good friend. She said that it will turn your blogs into memory books. Hurray! I was wondering how to save all these great pics & "witty" commentaries for my future generation. http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook

Please Tell Me...

2008-07-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

...do I take Baby J. shopping too much???

The sale was so great, she didn't even have time to put on pants...

I'm In Heaven!

2008-07-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Our favorite local farm hosts a Flower Walk a few times each summer. I love, love, love to have fresh flowers in our home. Besides Trader Joe's, this farm is one of my fave places to buy flowers. The entrance fee is $20 and they provide a basket and some clippers, and take you out to their fields...

Mr. Jones & Baby J take a raspberry picking break...de-lish!
I thought we'd get a bouquet or two...by the end of the 2 hour walk I felt like I was stealing. My basket is the one in front...
Towards the end of our walk they announced that once a year they allow the Flower Walk folks into the sunflowers fields...can you tell these are my favorite?!!!
Enjoying a beautiful and lazy Saturday afternoon. Don't you love summer!

The Next Food Network Star

2008-07-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have a slight obsession with the Food Network. In my mind I am the Barefoot Contessa. In fact, one of my favorite lines from the Gilmore Girls is "WWTBFCD: What Would The Barefoot Contessa Do?" (I'll be taking orders for the t-shirts soon!) Hopefully one day an invitation will arrive to lunch with her in the Hamptons. My other fave chef is Giada De Laurentiis. I secretly wish that I was part of Giada De Laurentis' family, or one of her friends. I love her new show, Giada's Weekend Getaways , and stalk, I mean visit, the places she's visited.

Baby J. is catching on and asking for "Coo-keying show, coo-keying show", the request becoming louder and at a pitch that only the neighborhood dogs can hear. What can I say, I would much rather share some TV time watching Paula Deen than the same episode of Diego saving the spectacle bears.

Here is my cooking diva in action. The sunglasses are apparently the essential kitchen accessory:

My Favorite Festival

2008-07-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

We live near a super cute farm that has a raspberry festival every year. This was our second time going, so it was fun to compare pics of Baby J from last year's festival to this year's.

Highlights from our day:

Same free (and not so safe) train rides.

(um, sir, did we really need to do THREE donuts in the parking lot.)

Baby J. was in the Under 6 Division in the raspberry picking contest. Her strategy: pick one, eat two, pick one, eat three more...needless to say she didn't win. But she also didn't need to eat much for lunch. We're going to start training for next year.

All in all, a fun day out! (Baby J. is giving stink eye to the 6 year old who won the raspberry picking contest. Just wait till next year!)

Can I Get A Moment of Silence

2008-07-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Starbucks,

I wanted to send my condolences to the 600 US stores that are closing. I feel like the public needs to know the truth. The real reason you are closing is not because gas is nearing $5 a gallon, it's not because half of Americans have foreclosed on their homes, it's not because we can't even afford milk or eggs. The truth is that for 7 months I switched to Dunkin Donuts coffee. Yes, I said it, I switched. Now, don't get me wrong, I still walked (that's right, walked) to get a Starbucks now and again, but my heart (and wallet) went to Dunkin Donuts. I couldn't help myself. I could get a cup of delicious coffee with milk and sugar and a munchkin donut for my little munchkin for under $2 bucks. That's a savings of at least $2 - $3 per visit versus my favorite Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte.

There's hope on the horizon, Starbucks. I am back in your good graces, there's not a Dunkin Donuts in sight. (However, I did notice that they sell Dunkin Donuts coffee beans at my grocery store, but that's for another letter).

Sincerely,
Your Faithful (well, let's be honest, Fairweather) Friend

**I have to give kudos to Mr. Spice for alerting me to this startling fact - that it's my fault!**

Parenting Tip the Books Don't Teach You

2008-07-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

We are in full blown 2-year old tantrum mode here in the Jones household. Anything can set off our girl - being strapped into her car seat, changing her diaper, asking her to sit down to eat her dinner...you know, terrible, terrible requests by her mama. Anywho, last night Mr. Jones graciously baked us homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. DE-LISH!

Baby J. (I'm going to have to change her blog name since she obviously is no longer a baby, and reminds me of this daily!), was all about having a chi-chi (aka: cookie). However, it was precariously close to her bedtime and I wasn't about to have a sugar rush ruin my post-toddler-in-bed-free-time. So Mr. Jones (being the nice daddy he is) suggested she put on her pjs and then she could have a cookie. Before I could turn around she was halfway up the stairs yelling, "Jamas, jamas." Needless to say, my protests to the pre-bedtime cookie went unnoticed.

As I went up the stairs I was gearing up for our usual bedtime routine, "Please stand still so that I can put on your pajamas...please lay down so that I can change your diaper....please just stand somewhere near me so that I can shove this pajama top over your head...." Yet when I got to her room she was not only asking for her pajamas, she was laying perfectly still. Hmmmm....I think I'm on to something here....cookies equal easy bedtime routine.
The best part -- I actually had to wake her up this morning...at 8:30am. Cookies every night at the Jones' household! Come by around 8pm!!

(Oh, and yes, she is eating the cookie out of a small strainer. Don't ask, I stopped trying to understand awhile ago.)

You're My Inspiration

2008-07-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, this blog needs updating! Who is in charge here??

I had a funny experience this past week. I went to visit my spicy friend, Mrs. Spice, for her sweet-16 birthday bash thrown by her spicy Mama. The party was full of Mrs. Spice's friends that I have been blog-stalking. It was like meeting celebrities. I was meeting these gals for the first time yet I already knew their name, the names of their kids, recognized them from their pictures, and knew who spent $15 on a Maclarren! It was so much fun and I thank the ladies for a great weekend away full of fun, laughter and lots of water aerobics. (There's one more blog-gal, but her blog is private, so no links.) Thanks to all of them for inspiring me to keep on bloggin'!

Oh, and let me give you a quick update on the last 9 months: moved across the country twice. That's it. Sounds simple enough.

"I pledge to keep my blog updated...as much as possible during nap time and after bed time."

New Look For Fall

2007-10-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Make-Up, Toddler Style. Aka: "I do not want to stand in line any longer for the hayride. I would rather sit on the ground and play in the dirt." Someday I'll learn that nap time trumps harvest festival hayride.

Craigslist: Crib Sheet For Sale, Slightly Soiled

2007-10-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Poop Fest 2007...that's right folks, I said Poop (with a capital P).

Baby J. has been bouncing back and forth between her usual 2 naps a day to her big girl schedule of 1 nap a day. She never tells me her plan for the day, it's up to me to guess. Just because she rubs her eyes, or even lays on the floor for a few minutes doesn't mean she's ready for a nap. Guess I'm not on her morning memo distribution list yet.

Monday morning I decided that I am the Mommy and I should determine when Baby J. naps and when she doesn't. (That was problem # 1 - I thought I was in charge...ha, ha). I put Baby J. down for a morning nap so that I could finish up preparations for a play date lunch we were hosting at our house for 10 other Mommies and babies.

Baby J. did her usual crying when I put her in her crib, but finally settled down for a good nap. About 10:45am or so I heard her crying, but I was still in the middle of skewering cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (I guess she didn't read my morning memo). Finally at 11am, and after much crying, screaming, and downright yelling, I went into Baby J.'s room... however... the smell hit me before I even reached the door.

Pretend that there is a picture here. I took one for the blog (and to show Mr. Jones what he was missing while at work all day), but it really is too gross to share.

That's right...just like I told you...Poop Fest 2007. Her diaper was clean, but no longer on her bottom. It seems as though she took off her diaper, pooped in her crib, and then stepped in it, touched it, and smeared it all over her crib rails. Praise God she didn't get any on her handmade crib bumper sewed by her Grammie.

That's why I am posting this on Craigslist: Crib sheet. Slightly soiled. Two books included as well. Free to a good home. Come by my trash can and they are all yours. Enjoy!

How Far Would You Travel for a Pumpkin??

2007-10-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Can I hear a shout-out for fans of Little People, Big World!?! In honor of the new season that starts tomorrow, I'm sharing our recent pilgrimage to the Roloff Farms Pumpkin Patch!

Before searching through the pumpkin patch for our souvenir pumpkin, we took a hayride around the farm and got to see all of the fun structures and areas featured on the show:

Zach drove the tractor for our hayride - while drinking a Mountain Dew and wearing his signature civil war hat (in another pic) and Adidas soccer shoes. (Notice the trebuchet in the background. It was not operating while we were visiting. They are working on a better, and safer, model.)

Jeremy was driving the tractor in front of ours. (He is CUTE, by the way!)

Zach drove us right up to their home. Notice Mom Amy's white minivan on the right. There is the Bohemian flag under the American flag because the family just returned from a vacation in the Bahamas.

We got to walk around the Western Town for a few minutes, and met The Marshall, aka Grandpa. (He's my favorite on the show! And SO nice in person). I asked him if he was exiled back to the Western Town. He said he chose to be out in the back because everyone is too bossy in the front of the farm. Ha, ha!!

Also, the detail on the Western Town was amazing! The buildings aren't just facades, they have furniture and decorations inside the structures as well. What a fun place to grow up!

The Pirate Ship. The moat was drained because they are doing some construction.

The Castle.

The Tree House.

We saw their Grandma walking around the farm as well. This really is a family run business.

Baby J. found her pumpkin.

What a fun day! Baby J. is looking for Matt, Amy, Jacob & Molly!

New Addition to Blog Roll

2007-09-26T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hi folks. I wanted to point out a very special new addition to my Blog Roll: Claire's Blog. My very dear friend, Claire, recently had a tragedy in her family. Her 24 year-old cousin, Luke, was struck by lightning while running and died as a result. As a tribute to his life her family is running in a relay race from Idaho Springs, CO to Glenwood Springs, CO. Luke was training for this race.
Please keep her family, and "Team Luke" in your prayers!

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

2007-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I have learned a few things over the past few weeks:
I love to travel.
I love Baby J.
I DO NOT love to travel with Baby J.
(Isn't that some sort of geometry theorem?)

We have been on the go visiting friends and family (and already have a few more trips planned before this year is through) and I have one thing to say: Thank you Frontier Airlines for putting Direct TV in every seat on your planes.

The best 5 Bucks I've ever spent!

Baby J. is a little too happy to be back home.
I'd better check what's in that sippy cup of hers.

Life of the Party

2007-09-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hurry, call CPS. I am forcing Baby J. to eat a cupcake.

Calling All Invisible Mommys

2007-08-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today a friend forwarded this email to me...

I'm invisible.......

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick me up right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.

It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read -- no, devour -- the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals-- we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."

And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.

You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand-bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot see if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

My A-Ha Moment

2007-08-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

I decided that it was time to branch out a bit and get more involved this Fall. (Like we Mamas need to add anything else to our already overflowing plates). A friend of mine is very involved with MOPS at her church has been encouraging me to join. I didn't participate last term because I felt like Baby J. wasn't quite ready to be a MOPPET and be left with other MOPPETS. Truthfully, I don't think I was ready to leave Baby J., nor to give up her coveted morning nap routine. (Really, truthfully, I'm still not ready to do that!)

A new MOPS term is approaching so I thought, why not?! I filled out all the forms (yes, plural), wrote a check (do we still use those?), found a stamp (again, do we still use those?), and mailed it all in before the deadline. Whew!

My aforementioned friend then asked if I'd be interested in being a Discussion Group Leader. Before thinking too much, I hastily said, Sure!

Here's where the title comes into play: we pray and hope for one situation without thinking about another, sometimes more obvious, situation right in front of us. AKA: I was so worried about leaving Baby J. during my meeting today, so scared that she'd bite another child, push to take a toy away, or just cry when I left her, that I didn't spend any time thinking about my own situation - what I had volunteered for.

As I was handed a "DGL" training guide I suddenly got nervous. I haven't even attended one MOPS meeting, why am I volunteering to lead a table group? Hopefully some of my former camp counseling days will flow out of me during our discussions. If not, I can always break out a craft or a game of wink-um.

When I picked up Baby J. from the nursery with glowing reviews from the ladies who were watching the kids, (I had to first double check that her name tag hadn't gotten mixed up with another child) I realized that if she can make it, so can I.

Mom's Night Out

2007-08-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went out for a child-free dinner with some other Moms in our neighborhood. What fun it is to sit through a whole meal and have adult conversations without worrying whether or not your child is throwing Cheerios at the next table. Or to be able to finish a conversation and not talk in segments.

After dinner we walked over to Starbucks to chat a little more. Hey, we finally got out of the house, we weren't in too much of a hurry to get back. I ordered my usual - Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but with only one shot since it was past 8:30pm.

The total came to $6.05. Hmmm... usually it's around $3.60ish, so I asked, "Why is it so expensive??" The lady behind the counter answered, "Because you ordered 6 shots." YIKES!!! I know that it's Mom's Night Out, but I wasn't planning on staying up until 5am. "I actually wanted a single shot, not 6 shots."

We all got a big laugh out of the mishap. Lucky that I was half paying attention and caught the error, otherwise the neighborhood Moms would have found me wondering around our street two days from now still unable to sleep.

And For My Next Trick

2007-08-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Baby J. was busy playing in the living room on Sunday while I was getting lunch ready for some friends that were coming over. I realized that it was quiet, a little too quiet for a 14 month old. So I peeked my head in to check on her and saw her sitting on the couch (that's new) holding the phone in her hand, mimicking her Mother. Ha ha, so cute.

Then I realized that there was a voice coming from the phone:
"Hello, hello?" other voice
"Hello??" Mrs. Jones
"Who's this? " other voice
"Who's this??" Mrs. Jones
"This is Mrs. H.," other voice is now Mrs. H., a Mom from playgroup with a cutie-patutie one-year old boy.
"What, Mrs. H., didn't you call me, wait...," Mrs. Jones finally puts it all together, "I think Baby J. called you."

Yikes! Baby J. is already calling boys! She's still not dating until she's 30.

And in this corner...

2007-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

...Baby J. And in this corner...her playgroup. The playgroup that we might get kicked out of for not sharing, hitting, and throwing ourselves down on the floor crying over being told to share.

Ummm...just wondering where my sweet baby went. You know, the one that use to love to be held, coo'd in my face and couldn't get enough of her parents. Now we have the one that loves to kick when being held, screams in my face and has had enough of her parents. When does this stage end...age 13??

I wish I had a better story to tell, something fun and witty. But we are in the middle of the terrible two's at 14 months. Luckily I can buy my playgroup off with Bob Barker's pasta salad and cupcakes. "Pat The Bunny" wasn't so lucky during naptime...

My First Internet "Thanks"

2007-08-13T15:00:00.001-07:00

No need to thank me, Celebrity Baby Blog, I was more than happy to tell you about the appearance of Sam Alexis Woods at the PGA Championship on Sunday. Really, it was my pleasure. I should say, "Thank You" for the quick mention. Mr. Jones will be so proud (ha ha).
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/08/tiger-woods-sha.html

My Name is Mrs. Jones and I'm An Addict

2007-08-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

I have to admit something about myself and I hope that we can all still be friends once you know: I love to watch golf on TV. I know what you are thinking: "It's so boring." Well, it isn't boring to me, and I don't know why. Maybe it's the fact that I can multi-task while watching. Maybe it's the fact that I'm interested in the players. Or maybe deep down I know that there is a good golfer in me just waiting to get out.

The ironic part is that I'm not a very good golfer...at all! I like to go out once in awhile (well, the last time was pre-Baby J), but I get tired of playing around hole 11 or 12. I'm better focused if I just play 9.

Anywho, today was the PGA Championship, the last major of the year, and it was won by a newcomer, Tiger Woods. :) I'm a Tiger fan. His determination and focus are amazing to me. Maybe it helps to have a caddy that carries around your clubs, hands you a Power Bar when you need a snack, tells you what club to use when, and rakes the sand back into place when you leave the trap (man, that really slows down my game!).

Today was extra special because when Tiger Woods was signing his scorecard at the end of the round, the camera caught a shot of his wife, Elin, and new baby girl, Sam Alexis, in the background. Now my two favorite worlds collide: golf on TV and celebrity gossip. What would any concerned celebrity gossip aficionado do next...I emailed Celebrity Baby Blog.

Their response: "Thank you for your tip. While we may not get to credit you in a post, we appreciate that you let us know about something for the site! CBB Staff Celebrity Baby Blog"

What a day!

My New Favorite Holiday

2007-08-10T15:58:00.001-07:00

Some people live for 4th of July BBQ's, some look forward to Labor Day, me, I have found my new favorite holiday: Lazy Day.

The fact that I just found out about Lazy Day at 4pm shows just how much I am the epitome of this holiday! Call me the poster child of future Lazy Day events and festivites. Well, there won't be many events and festivites because the would-be participants would be too lazy to organize them in the first place.

Lazy-it-up folks and enjoy the rest of Lazy Day!

Me and Mrs. Jones

2007-08-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make: Mr. Jones and I haven't been out alone since Baby J. was born...13 months ago. (I can hear the gasps). I know, I know, I never thought I would be one of those Moms. You know, the kind who won't leave the baby and go out on the town (well, in our case, dinner and a coffee). Being a former babysitter (back in the days when the going rate was $2 per hour for an unlimited amount of kids) I didn't understand other parents who were unwilling to leave their babies for an evening. "What's the big deal?" I thought.

Isn't it amazing how our perception can change with our circumstances?? Side note: In our defense, we don't live near any family and Baby J. use to cry hysterically when I left her in the living room with her visiting Grandparents while I went upstairs just to shower. Dinner out just didn't seem worth the effort...

...until this week. The Grandparents are visiting again and Baby J. has been having a great time playing with them and letting me take an uninterrupted shower. We thought this was a good time to take the next big step and go out on our own. I put Baby J. in her highchair with dinner, plopped her in front of the TV so that she could watch Giada's Weekend Getaways with her Grammie and we left the house with only a couple of tears.

I called to check-in (I made it through dinner without calling) and her Grandpa reported that Baby J. was fast asleep and that we should stay out longer. After a Starbucks run where Mr. Jones almost fell asleep at the table, we headed home to the biggest tears I've seen in awhile. Apparently the phone call was just moments before Baby J. woke up and realized that it wasn't just a nightmare, her parents had really left her.

All in all it was a fun night out for Mr. Jones and I (or should I sing "Mr. Jones and me..."). Don't worry, we're back to our usual routine: Baby J. in her crib, Mr. Jones upstairs watching TV and myself at the computer enjoying some Jelly Belly Flops. Oh, and Baby J. -- this will only make you stronger!!

Baby J's Vocabulary Dictonary

2007-07-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

We were so proud when Baby J starting turning her cooing and babbling into sounds that resembled words. We felt like we had an honor student already. However, as our friends and family looked around with confused glances during Baby J's "conversations", it dawned on me that Mr. Jones and I were blessed with some sort of Harry Potter-type gift that changed Baby J's sounds into words once they entered only our ears.

As a public service announcement for those of you that interact with Baby J I have translated a few of Baby J's "words":
"Met Ba" - I would like more of that, please (while pointing at food)
"Ba" - Dog (while pointing at a Dog, usually while stomping her feet in excitement)
"Ba" or "Bu" - Plane (while pointing towards the sky when she hears the jet engines)
"Bur" - Bird (while pointing towards the bird that lands on our fence to be fed peanuts)
"Bu" - Book (while wobbling over to you with a book to place not-so-gently in your lap)
"Ah" - I would like to go outside, please (while pounding loudly on the front door)

Then, there are those small, fleeting moments of brilliance:
Mrs. Jones, "Baby J, what does a duck say?"
Baby J (very clearly), "Quack, quack, quack."

Priceless.

Her Posh-Ness

2007-07-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Watch out Victoria Beckham, I don't know if there is enough room in America for both yours & Baby J's sunglass collection.

Drew Carey, Come on Down

2007-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of The Price Is Right for a long time...like more than 20 years...when I was in Elementary School my friends and I use to watch the show daily (Which I'm not really sure how we pulled that one off because I'm pretty sure it was a day time show and these were the days before Tivo. Oh, how did we survive in the days before Tivo??) When we didn't get enough of our daily fix in, we played the board game (This link is to the newest edition, I'm sure my parents still have my circa-1985 version in their garage. No really, they do.)

It was just announced that Drew Carey would replace good 'ol Bob Barker as host. Now, I know that Bob had his share of scandals with the Barker's Beauties, I know that he wore way too much makeup, and I know that it was a tough transition for all of us to watch him go from his dyed brown hair to his natural silver, however, he was a classic just like the show. I'm not sure about Drew Carey as his replacement. I don't want to make any quick judgements, I'll have to give it a few episodes to weigh in with my official opinion. All I'm saying is, Bob Barker with his skinny microphone and pancake makeup will always be the winning showcase showdown on The Price Is Right for me.

It's How I Roll

2007-07-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Baby J has now turned around in the world. That is, in her car seat. This is yet another right of passage for a One Year Old, an exciting moment in their young lives. She was super excited when Mr. Jones took the big girl car seat out of the box, wouldn't leave him alone while he was working on adjusting the straps and getting it ready for her inaugural ride to Costco (where else does a young family have a nice meal??).

Once we hit the open road, however, her laughter turned into concern: "Am I the correct weight for this? Is Daddy driving with his hands at 10 and 2? Where is my Snugride filled with my emergency stash of Cheerios and Animal Crackers? I just don't know about this..."

Maybe she's embarrassed because she just realized that we only drive a Mazda.

Baby J's Summer Book Club

2007-07-16T19:27:00.001-07:00

Thankfully Baby J loves books. Or, as she calls them, "Buu." She also loves to remind her parents to turn off the TV by handing us books while we are watching shows. If that isn't conviction...

Here are her top summer picks for the under 2 crowd:
Shiny, Touchy, Smelly (see picture)
Noah's Ark cut out book in the shape of an ark
Fisher Price School Bus - with flaps
Anything with animals, especially by DK Publishing (they also publish great travel guides) - My First Animal Book, Touch and Feel Animals, and Baby Animals.

What's that? What is on my summer book list? So far half of a Parenting magazine, and a couple of chapters of Jenny McCarthy's Baby Laughs.

Please help with any suggestions. I'm starting to get scared that I've memorized the order of the touch and feel animal books.

Back To My Roots

2007-07-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not referring to finding my real hair color. My heritage extends back to a Nebraska farm where my Mom was raised. Baby J's Grammie & Great Grammie would be proud that we took her to a nearby farm to enjoy their "Raspberry Revelry."

"Don't pay attention to that man behind the curtain, I mean tee pee."

Wait, I dooooo like ice cream. (Baby J wasn't a fan when she tried it for the first time on her bday).

Free train rides by the Kiwanis...

...whow...slow down there...hang on kids...we're going around again...I said "free train rides" not safe train rides! :)

Baby J LOVED the dirt. So much for those new Pedipeds...

Mrs. Jones got a "solid" 4oz in the raspberry picking contest. Never mind that the winner of the senior division was about 13 years old with 15oz of raspberries.

What a sight!! I love my family...

Don't You Just Want To Lay Around And Watch Oprah?

2007-07-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is the question I posed to Baby J as she was banging on the front door to go outside today. Weren't you just sitting nicely in your bouncer seat? Don't you miss your swing? When did all the walking and needing to be outside start??

No one told me about the harsh transition (on the Mommy) from the Baby stage to the Toddler stage. Now don't get me wrong, it's been fun to watch Baby J explore and be so excited at her new found freedom that comes with mobility, but no one told me that another big change was imminent. I'm starting to think that experienced Mommy's like to watch us Nubie's go through these stages, and then say, "Oh, yeah...I went through that." They get a certain satisfaction with watching us rather than warning us.

The biggest change has been at our Mommy and Me playgroup. We had been going to the Baby group (and I was still planning on going for a few more weeks), but when we received our new class list in the mail last week there was a note at the bottom, "The Toddler class is designed for children walking (or one year) to two years of age. The class meets on Wed. from 9am - 12pm." Hmmm...let me see...Baby J is now One....and she's walking. Wait a minute, do I have a....a....Toddler??

In the Baby class the Mom's sit in a circle with small chair/recliners to lean our backs against, we put the babies in the middle to play or just lay and coo at us, we listen to the teacher's lesson for the week, we sing songs softly and slowly...honestly, it's really a chance for Mom's to connect with the outside world.

In the Toddler class they have stations for activities like art/play dough/toys/puzzles, then we clean up the stations and have story time, then we pull out the instruments and have music time, then we have snack time, then during the snack time the teacher goes over the weekly lesson for the Mom's and wants us to join in and have a lively discussion on the topic (Umm, I'm still wondering where the chair/recliners went...).

Pretty much what I wasn't ready for was one word - Structure. I'm sure that I will grow to love and appreciate this word in our new lives, but for now...I need to get some rest!!

I Love You Snack Trap

2007-07-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

**Warning: This is a shameless plug for a baby product. We are not being compensated for this advertising, however, we wouldn't say no if asked...**

I was getting tired of handing Baby J one Cheerio at a time while pushing her around the grocery store. I thought, there has got to be a better way. An open bowl won't work because she would just spill them all over the place. A bowl with a lid won't work because she wouldn't be able to open it herself. Then one day while on a playgroup field trip I found the answer, The Snack Trap. Perfect - the small snack cup has a soft plastic lid that allows the kids to reach their snacks without spilling them all over the place. (Well, that is until they realize what fun it is to shake The Snack Trap around wildly until the snacks come flying out the small opening. But Baby J didn't do that - I heard it from a "friend". **insert sarcastic tone**)

I thought it would take Baby J a few days to get the hang of using The Snack Trap. Ummm, I then realized when there's food involved, especially Cheerios, it's only a matter of minutes. Now she is a Snack Trap addict. She crawls with The Snack Trap, she walks with The Snack Trap, she wrestled The Snack Trap we gave to her 16 month old cousin right out of his hands. If she were a pirate, she would have a Snack Trap instead of a hook. She is a walking advertisement for the wonder that is called, The Snack Trap. **insert shameless plug**

Why didn't I invent this?? Just wait America...there's an invention in my head simply waiting to be discovered...

A Whole New World

2007-07-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Baby J has discovered the outside world. I guess I didn't realize how exciting walking around our house could be. Let me paint the picture for you - dead grass, gopher holes, a few flowers here and there, yet Baby J just can't get enough. I guess I should enjoy the time when walking around our house a few times is a fun-filled afternoon for her.

Much cheaper than a trip to the mall at age 13.

Where Do I Begin?

2007-07-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

First, I want to apologize to all my fans...I mean, FAN. I have no excuse that I haven't blogged since June 13th. Well, I have one excuse - "Hey Paula." What a train wreck of a show that I can't stop watching. It just makes me laugh...but we can take that conversation off-line.

The biggest excuse I have is that Baby J turned One. That's right folks, I am officially a parent of a One Year Old daughter. How did that happen? Aren't I still 9 months pregnant eating dinner in bed because it was the only room in the house with air conditioning??

Here is the obligatory (got that word out of my old school Random House Webster's College Dictionary that I really did use in college!) cake-eating-for-the-first-time-picture:

She was so dainty with the cake eating. It's like the kid had never tried sugar before...wait...she never had had sugar before. You know, you always want your kids to be better than yourself! The only reason that you see some frosting missing is because her Daddy put her hand on the cake to show her how to eat it. Baby J's Auntie D flew in all the way from Germany to bake her First Birthday Cake. Thanks Auntie D! Here's the cake she baked for the rest of us (so cute AND so delicious!!):

We are so blessed to have a daughter and want to thank our friends and family for their support during her first year. I especially appreciate all the advice, phone calls, visits and Starbucks runs from my fellow mama friends! You girls are the best.

Watch Out - Mama On A Soapbox

2007-06-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day - I had a hair appointment. Now you ladies who are part of the anti-frumpy movement understand, a hair appointment is not just for good grooming, it's an event. Everything was planned: Baby J was sleeping peacefully when Mr. Jones came home to watch over her, I had printed out directions to the new salon, and left with plenty of time to find parking. I was nervous about the new stylist I would be seeing, but looking back I should have been more worried about where I left my car. I pulled up to the salon, found a spot just a couple of doors down and glanced quickly at the one-hour sign posted. I thought, I'm only getting a cut today, no color, so I should be fine. Famous last thoughts. When I exited the salon with my shoulder length, silk-infused straight hair (I walked in with middle of the back length, frizzy underneath, flat ironed on top, old color at the ends hair) I noticed a piece of paper on my windshield. What?! That's right folks, I had a parking ticket. Now I realize that I should have been more responsible, checked the time and moved my car, but that's not the point. Who puts one-hour parking in front of a salon? I'll tell you who - a city that just wants to make some fast cash. Because they know that women are not likely to run out to move their cars with foil or frizz exposed. Parking Ticket: $25 bucks. The salon only accepting cash so that my husband doesn't know how much my new hair cut cost: Priceless!

Shout Out to Mrs. Spice

2007-06-11T15:19:00.001-07:00

In The Pilot post I mentioned that one of the reasons I started this blog was out of peer pressure. Let me clarify that - pressure from ONE of my peers, Mrs. Spice. (Wasn't that one of the characters from Clue?? Mrs. Spice in the library with the lead pipe...) Mrs. Spice gives you the background of our 10 year friendship on her blog, so I will steal that info from her and not repeat. Seriously, I should thank her for getting me out of my comfort zone by creating this blog and posting. Now I am addicted to blogging and find it fascinating to read other ones as well. Thanks Mrs. Spice! Are you related to Mrs. Dash??

Disney - I Knew I Could Count On You!

2007-06-11T12:47:00.001-07:00

Our 11-Month Old hasn't taken much of an interest in television or movies (thank goodness since her Mother has a little bit of an addiction...does Promises have a program for that??) Like most new parents we have been working on expanding our Disney movie library, but she would only give the movies a passing glance as she crawled toward her toys. That left her Mother to relive her own Disney movie childhood while watching Cinderella, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins. Well, I know that nobody wants to admit that they use movies or television as a babysitter for their kids while they eat dinner, work on the computer, or chat on the phone with the outside world, but hey, it happens and I'm going to admit that I was a little sad that Baby J wasn't into it. Until yesterday...(I feel like there should be some kind of dramatic movie music placed here - just imagine it in your mind)...Mr. Jones was watching Baby J so that Mrs. Jones could have brunch with the ladies (Ahhhh...), and he found the show that captured Baby J's attention like no other show could: My Friends Tigger and Pooh. Normally nothing will stop her when there are Cheerios to be had, but as you can see, even a good helping of General Mill's best can't take away her attention while the supersluths are on the case (you'll have to watch the show to catch that one - believe me, I've already watched it 3 times since yesterday).

My Petition to Keep Ginger Ale Grounded

2007-06-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

I needed to make a girly punch for a Baby Shower I co-hosted recently, so I consulted my entertainment guru, Martha Stewart. Martha's recipe - Ginger Ale, lemonade and frozen raspberries (delicious!) - called for 2 quarts of Ginger Ale. Being the math whiz that I am, I bought two 1-liter bottles of Ginger Ale. I figured that there were 2 quarts somewhere in those two 1-liter bottles, plus I was so excited to find out that Ginger Ale was available to the general public. I always enjoy a refreshing glass while flying, so I thought, why not have some extra on hand?! Well, let me tell you why not, Ginger Ale should be reserved for airplane travel only. I filled a glass with ice, poured in my chilled Ginger Ale, and took a sip. Huhhh?!? It's the same reaction as drinking 7-Up when you are not sick - only pairs well with saltines and a bought of the flu. However, I do recommend the Martha punch.

The Pilot

2007-06-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hello cyberworld. After much peer pressure, and a need to release some creative energy, I have finally created a blog. "Do Something Creative Every Day." -- This is a tagline from Paper Source, a great paper company, and it has inspired me to do just that - be more creative. Whether it's working on a scrapbook, organizing my home, planting some flowers, or now blogging, I need to be more in touch with my creative side. It doesn't take much, creativity can be found anywhere. This blog will be my little spot in the cyberworld to share stories, ask advice, comment on pop culture, give reviews, share coupons and deals, and any other tidbits that I find interesting or have a need to share. Thanks in advance for reading and helping me to seek my inner creativity.