Monday, September 28, 2009

Not Me Monday!


This week has been very hectic, so I figured it'd be a good week to do a "Not Me! Monday." If you're not sure what it is, then head over to see MckMama at www.mycharmingkids.net and see what the hype is about!

I did not decide I was so tired I couldn't even keep my eyes open. I did not proceed to turn on the TV for Jalen and just go to sleep on the couch. It was only 45 minutes, I swear.

Jalen did not throw a rock at a tree this week and then, have the rock come flying back and hit him in the nose. Nope, my son!

I did not come in from work, kiss Jalen, and wake him up to tell him I love him and see those big brown eyes. Nope, not me. We did not stay up until 1 in the morning talking about monsters and rocks. Nope, my child is in bed by 9 o'clock.

I did not open up my sisters car door during the carpool line and let Jalen pee. Nope, I always find a bathroom for him.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Ry-Ry



It's Jalen Day!

Well, I'm not sure what day isn't Jalen's day, but yesterday was Jalen's day at preschool. He was able to share different things about him. He had lots of fun (and me too) getting his stuff together. We created a photo album of everyone in his family and put little labels in case he decided not to talk about it. Also, there were 2 books - one Thomas book and a Curious George book, a Thomas train, and a Curious George figurine from his birthday cake. I, being the Mom that I am, decided to see if the teacher would video tape it for me. I am very glad I did because it is so cute. He did talk about his pictures and he was very excited to show them how his train works. He did a great job introducing himself to his class and I was proud to see what he does when I'm not there.


After school, we went and ate lunch with Daddy. Then, we had to take Jalen for his 3 year old check-up. Yes, I know he's been three for a little bit but we had to wait for our favorite doctor and then, Mommy's schedule got messed up. He is in the 75th percentile for weight and height. He is a mear 35lbs and about 38 inches tall. Everything looked great and he was not scared. I was very suprised and he showed me what a big boy he was!! He would not let her check his ears though. He said nuh-uh, nope. That's Mr. J for you!

I love you, Jalen!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Our Boating Adventures




After the aquarium, we headed back to my Mom's house to wait for her to get off work. When she got home we went on the boat and headed to the cutbanks! We enjoyed it and loved being out. Jalen is a true boater and enjoys it all. Half of the time he falls asleep out there. I think if we took him boating in the winter, he'd still love it and still want to get in the water!!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Little Things...


Yes, I always say that it is the little things in life that mean the most and to me, it is. It's the little pitter patter of feet into my room at night that make me smile. It's turning over at night finding Jalen in bed with me with him smiling ear-to-ear waving at me - yes, I busted out laughing. It's watching through the little window at Jalen's school seeing him play with the kids. It's seeing my sisters pull up and hanging out with them all day. It's seeing Nicholas come home from work and Jalen saying 'Hi, Daddy!' It's seeing Jalen with all of his family. It's having a job to go to (even, when I don't want to work). It's having a dinner with all the people you love around you. It's seeing my nephew's face light up. It's traveling to the beach to see Mom. Sometimes in life it's the things that are free that make you the happiest...

Aquarium







Last Saturday, Jalen and I went to the Pine Knoll Shores NC Aquarium and got to see what it was like. I remember going when I was little, but I was excited to take Jalen. It was only $8 for me and Jalen was free (any kid under 5). It only took us about 45 minutes to go through. He enjoyed the touch exhibit, well, he enjoyed flinging the water all over me! I think the best part of the whole thing for him was getting a drink out of the drink machine. Oh, the little things in life..

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Thankful Tuesday.. Oops Thursday!

My beautiful rose picture - My of my roses from Nicholas!

This week I have so much to be thankful for I posted it a few days later (or I just forgot to post it?) I'm thankful...

* Jalen is doing better with school and seems to enjoy going. His teachers seem to be doing really well with him and I'm pleased with that..
* We had safe travels to and from the beach with an excellent time inbetween!
* My Mom got to come back with us and enjoy some time here in Cary with everyone.
* My sisters and I were able to hang out and see each other. Seems like when we go days from hanging out that we're really going weeks. Ha!
* My Dad won his golf tournament. :) Congrats!
* My Grandnana is doing very well and seemed in good spirits when I talked to her on Tuesday!
* I get paid tomorrow!!!

Lots to be thankful for and that is just a few of mine.. What are you thankful for??

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Stress! Ahhh!!




I'm sure some of you when you get stressed or something is bothering you, you shop, eat, or something similar. Well, my Mom and I cook. I love cooking. It is the best thing and I enjoy doing it. I do not find it an inconvenience and it is a pretty cheap therapy! This last time I let Jalen join in on the fun and he had lots of fun. Not sure if it was relaxing cooking with him or not, or just more messes, but it was fun. The rice crispy treats turned out okay, but we learned that you never can go with store brand for the rice crispy cereal. Harris Teeter brand isn't as good.. Little advise for you!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Happy Birthday, Grandma!





Happy Birthday, Grandma (Mama). You are the best Grandma and Mama in the world and without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. Thank you for everything that you do and we sure hope you have the best birthday ever. Today we are off to Grandma's house.. Over the bend and through the woods! We packed our bags last night and we are going to pick up some cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe on Glenwood Ave. to share and then, hitting 70! Hopefully, it will be a fun, relaxing adventure. Unfortunately, Grandma has to open at work everyday we are there, but depending on when Jalen wakes up and drives me bonkers and scares me half to death by the water's edge, we may head to the aquarium and do some exploring on our own. We will see! You never know what to expect on an adventure with us... Happy Birthday!!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Durham Bulls!



Jalen went to his first baseball game and had lots of fun. We got there in time to get some food, which of course, Jalen got chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, and a juice. He snarfed down his chicken nuggets, like always, and watched the first pitch. I have to say I was impressed by their food. I paid $8 and got a whole take out tray full of fries, 5 huge peices of chicken (real chicken), and a bottle of soda. Yes, for $8 at a game. I was in a bit of shock since 2 days before at the concert they wanted $16 for a mixed drink. Get outta here with that.. Ha! He watched some of the game, cheered a little bit, and then, decided he had enough. We went to the playground there for a few before we left. They have a rock climbing wall and he would get to the top and then, not go down the slide. There were 8 to 10 year olds and I could just see them pushing him off, so we had to leave. My nerves were shot. We got home around 9:30 and he was out for the night. It was a good night and relatively inexpensive. :-)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Thankful Tuesday!


I am thankful...
* Jalen had a smoother-than-I-expected first day of school drop-off.. I just know he is going to love going and I can't wait to hear all about his first day of school.
* I get to go see my Mom for her birthday and then, she gets to come back with us.
* I am off of work today! Whew, I am ready to be off...
* Yesterday I got to see my Ry and I noticed his first tooth was already breaking the skin. I love seeing that lil boy smile. I swear, lil ones just tear me apart in peices and have me wrapped around their fingers (and Chloe, too!) :)
* For everything I have!

What are you thankful for?

First Day of Preschool

Right now, Jalen is in school. How crazy does that seem? I was so sad walking down those stairs today, but I couldn't stop smiling. I am so proud of him. Do you know what it feels like to be the proudest Mom in the world? I am so very proud of the little man, or actually big, he has turned out to be. He has his moments, but don't we all. There is not a single thing in the world that I wouldn't do for that lil boy!

His first drop-off when pretty well and I was surprised. Let me tell you about my kindergarten year first and then, we can say like mother like son. In kindergarten, I had my own little bean-bag chair and I could sit in there until I was ready to join the group and got over the saddness of leaving my Mom and sisters. Jalen walked in ready to go and while Ms. Rachael took him to look at the play-dough we snuck out and went to the mirror/window to look in. He turned around and screamed 'mommy, daddy' for about 5-10 minutes. She picked him up and carried him around. Yes, his lil big self and trying to meet and greet as well. Ha. We already love Ms. Rachael. She carried him over to the kitchen center and let the kids bring him 'cupcakes' and different items. He finally let her put him down and he joined in slowly. He kept asking for us and she kept telling him we'd be back. We didn't tell him we were like big babies outside the room making sure he was okay and we weren't leaving him until he was okay. Eventually, he started playing, but then it was clean-up time. He hasn't caught on to what that is yet. Nicholas said he doesn't know what that is because Mommy just does it. Ha. :) They let him keep playing while they tried out circle time because he was calm. Once other kids caught on that he got to keep playing, they asked him to come sit. He said no and decided to stand. Then, they gave him a chair to sit in. He listened and seemed interested in the book. I hope he starts to want to read with me. :) We pryed our eyes off the window and walk off... Awwww... so sad, but so happy.

I can't wait to get artwork sent home and newsletters. Best believe I will keep it for years to come. :) I love you, Jalen! Aww you look so darn cute!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Twas' The Night Before School ...

...and the clothes were laid out

...the book bag was packed...

...and the little boy gets his rest for his big day!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Thankful Tuesday!

Whew... What a challenging week, but we still have things to be thankful for!

* I am thankful Lucky is able to rest it peace. I miss that little guy a lot, but I am finally at peace with him going. A family of rabbits was playing over him yesterday and it made me laugh. He still is a playful little pup at heart..

* I am thankful yesterday Jessica, Nick, Jalen, Ryan, and I were able to go to the NC Natural Science Museum. It was fun, despite the nasty rain.

* I am thankful Jalen had a wonderful open house today for school. He will have lots of fun!

* I am thankful that I get to see my Mom over her birthday and take Jalen to the aquarium and all when my Mom is working.

* I am thankful I have my family. They pull me through things that I feel like I can't get through many times. It's an amazing feeling to have your family be your best friends at the same time.

Remember when..? Aww, too cute!

Open House!

Jalen went to open house for preschool today and it was a great visit. His teachers all seem very nice and they seem like they will work well together. Jalen will be one of the youngest in his class because of his birthday. He is just turning 3 and many of them are turning 4 in the next few months. He'll still be one of the smartest, well, because he's Jalen. He'll go from 9-12 and I think it'll be a easy transition for him. He ran right in today and started playing. He got to make a placemat for him to eat snack on. I wrote a little message on it and so did Daddy. It was very special today for Jalen because Daddy and Mommy was able to come to his open house. We both commented that bringing him to preschool makes us feel old. Overall, it was a great time and he did great. I'm excited for him and all of the new things he gets to learn and relationships he gets to create. Here comes next Tuesday.. Ahh, Mommy will be scared.