Twenty Things a Mom Should Tell Her Son

TWENTY THINGS A MOM SHOULD TELL HER SON

1. Play a sport.
It will teach you how to win honorably,
lose gracefully, respect authority,
work with others, manage your time
and stay out of trouble.
And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone
for the sexual relationship,
so don't take something away from her
that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.
Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young
because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you
to the dishwasher, oven,
washing machine, iron,
vacuum, mop and broom.
Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully
and don't ever start a fight,
but if some idiot clocks you,
please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something
that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.
Forever is a long time to live alone
and it's even longer to live with somebody
who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.
This includes her having a successful career
and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.
Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir"
still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts"
is because they're "private".
Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.
Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason
is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind
than to be right.

18. A sense of humor
goes a long way
in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.
My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me
spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother
because I might be missing you.

From - Love Quotes - 16quotes.com

Christmas Morning

We all got up and put on our Christmas pjs.  You helped me make muffin plops and hot chocolate and then we opened our presents.  You were very helpful and even "helped" Riley by opening his presents for him!

Chistmas Eve 2012

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Jones' house tonight.  Grandma and Grandpa invited some of their friends to join us.  We sat around, told funny stories, and ate wonderful food.  Your Grandma has a knack for getting you awesome truck toys!  

Before we went to Grandma and Grandpa's, I made some french bread for tomorrow night.  In my family, we have a tradition of licking the beater/s.  Apparently you plan on continuing that tradition - you had bread dough all over you!

Bread dough central.

Snacking at Grandma and Grandpa's

Opening your present.

We Pray for Children

"We Pray for Children" by Ina Hughes

We pray for children
Who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
Who like to be tickled,
Who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
Who sneak Popsicles before supper,
Who erase holes in math workbooks,
Who can never find their shoes.


And we pray for those
Who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
Who can't bound down the street in new sneakers,
Who never "counted potatoes,"
Who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead in,
Who never go to the circus,
Who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children
Who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
Who sleep with the cat and bury goldfish,
Who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,
Who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,
Who slurp their soup.

And we pray for those
Who never get dessert,
Who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
Who can't find any bread to steal,
Who don't have any rooms to clean up,
Whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
Whose monsters are real.

We pray for children
Who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
Who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
Who like ghost stories,
Who shove dirty clothes under the bed,
Who get visits from the tooth fairy,
Who don't like to be kissed in front of the car pool,
Who squirm in church and scream on the phone,
Whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray for those
Whose nightmares come in the daytime,
Who will eat anything,
Who have never seen a dentist,
Who are never spoiled by anyone,
Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
Who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children
Who want to be carried
And for those who must,
For those we never give up on
And for those who never get a second chance,
For those we smother.
And for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind
enough to offer it.

We pray for children. Amen.

Tia's Thoughts on How You Eat

Last night Tia treated us all to dinner.  Below are some of her thoughts on how you eat after spending the week with you ;)

Mom and Dad's Anniversary

Last night was our anniversary so Tia Medina watched you and Riley while we went out to dinner.  I'm sure you had the most fun.  Riley slept the whole time while you and Tia colored and made a fort out of a roll of Kraft paper she brought with us to Seaside!

From Tia Medina's Cell Phone

The morning after ;)

Thoughts from Grandma Jones

Nearly every Wednesday since you were born, Grandma Jones has come and spent time with you.  I'm so grateful that you will know your grandparents and great-grandparents.  It is so rare for people to have met their grandparents much less actually having the opportunity to get to know them in this day and age.  I thought I'd share her thoughts on your most recent day together (from a family email):

The absolute high point of the week for me was getting to take Dylan for four hours on Wednesday.  We went to story time at the library and to play at McDonald's.  Then, we waited for Loren to get his eyes tested. (They are fine.)  I am learning why the Savior loved little children so much.  For example, while we were waiting for Loren to get his blood work done, Dylan (who says "hi" to everyone he sees) started saying "Hi" to a woman who walked past us.  She did not see or hear him, but he continued to greet her until she was past us.  He did not get his feelings hurt because she did not respond.  He was ready to say "hi" to the next person who walked by.  I want to be like that when I grow up!  Dylan likes to go through everything in my purse when I go to see him.  So, I got an old purse and filled it with little things for him.  It has different pockets and zippers, which he loves.  He found a little tiny toy mouse that Nicole gave me once.  He was so thrilled by it.  Mouse was a new animal to him, so he kept saying it over and over.  I told him that mouse says "squeak"  and he kept saying "Mouse, Mouse Mouse, squeak, squeak squeak."  He was really enjoying playing with it when a little boy, who was about eight or nine years old came in with his mother.  The boy had a paper mask like a surgeon's mask tied over his mouth and nose.  Dylan stopped playing with the mouse and just stared at the boy with his face all screwed up.  That just wasn't right.  He looked like it was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen!  Then, he picked up the toy and started saying, "Mouse, Mouse, Mouse, squeak, squeak, squeak." What a ray of sunshine that little guy is.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate and the Double-handled Mug

When I was little, Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Bud wanted a local potter to make a double-handled mug. He died before he could make one. When you were born, they asked our friend, Lynne, to make one. She made two! One for at our house and one for at Grandma and Grandpa's. Guess we'll have to have her make a couple more now for Riley!!!!

Today's picture brought to you by homemade peppermint hot chocolate and a roasted butternut squash - portobello mushroom omelet.

Thanksgiving Day 2012

Today was low key.  Grandpa Bud had to work part of the day so your Dad and I took you and Riley mushroom picking.  It's really too late in the season and we only found three chantrelles but it was a nice walk!  You loved the mud puddles.  Can't say that I blame you.  I still love them, especially on my bike!

PS The blue blob in the center of my chest is Riley in the front-pack!

Crappy cell phone pics cause I forgot my camera...but you get the idea!

Helping Make Oatmeal Muffins

Starbucks with Auntie Medina

You, your brother and I met Medina at a Starbucks in Portland this afternoon.  She's not feeling well and is pretty sick.  I took this picture of the two of you with her cell phone and this is what she posted on Facebook.  Thought I'd share it here with you.  Love you both!!!

First Time Trick or Treatin'

I'm not particularly fond of Halloween and I'm not sure why.  But, you Dad is all about the candy and you had the opportunity to take your Dad and go with Eames and his family.  You were a skunk and he was a ladybug.  I didn't get any pictures of the two of you together but I got some pictures of you before we went to Deepwood Estate (before you went out with Eames).  Too darn cute!!!!  Riley and I stayed home while all of you went Trick or Treatin' :)

Being Silly on The Bed

This was taken sometime before Riley was born on my cell phone.  I can't remember when exactly and the phone didn't add a date to the photo!  But, I thought it was cute and silly ;)

Ready for Winter

The four of us (you, Riley, Bailey, and I) went for a walk today.  Right before we left, your new raincoat and pants came.  I was so excited I put the raincoat on...even though it wasn't raining.  It's a little big but it should work for quite a while!  You looked pretty darn dashing in it too.  And, you left the hat on that Annie Potter made for your birthday present!

Pressing Cider at the Babbitt/Thorpe House

We went to Auntie K's and Uncle Mike's again to press cider this year.  It was a really cold, rainy day so it was mostly Uncle Mike and Daddy pressing cider.  We went into the Mini to get warm and you acted like you were driving with Auntie K's glasses on!  Then, you enjoyed playing with the shop vac and other misc. stuff in the garage ;)  It was a fun day even though the weather didn't really cooperate this year and you got to wear the rubber boots Grandma Colleen got you for the first time (although they are still a bit big).

That's No Baby

Your Dad and I both thought this picture was a big boy picture.  Our little baby is growing up!

Grandma Colleen's Thoughts After Getting Home

Your Baby Brother, Riley, Is Here!!!

Your baby brother came 16 days early on 10/10/12.  You did great.  Aunt Mary came across the street and stayed with you.  Your Dad came home after they got Riley and I up to the baby and mommy area.  Then, Grandma Bonnie and Grandma Colleen hung out with you the next day.  I think you are going to make a great big brother!

Another Pumpkin Patch 2012

We went out to Another Pumpkin Patch again this year.  If you notice, we are all wearing orange or orange and black.  I wanted a family picture.  You were not having anything to do with that.  You did enjoy climbing the hay bales and playing with the goats.  Baily enjoyed the Pearmine girls and running around the pumpkin field.  We stopped at Jones Farm on the way home and the three of us split a bowl of ice cream.  It's a beautiful day today.  Just an amazing fall day!

Fall Afternoon Nap...Or, You Really Are Part Cat!

Another picture of you napping in a sunbeam.  This time on the back deck.  Wish I could have taken a nap like this!

Mini-Vacation to Garibaldi

Since things like Groupon and Dealchicken have come out, I keep buying us these half-price deals.  This weekend, I got one that allowed your Dad and I to ride the old steam engine train between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach for half-price.  You are still young enough that you were free!  So, since we haven't gotten out much this year, I decided to make it a mini-vacation.  I got us a room at the Garibaldi Inn.  It's not like there are too many places to stay in Garibaldi itself but this place was pretty cute. 

We drove over Friday afternoon and checked-in.  They have cheese and sausage and later had homemade clam chowder.  Your Dad gave blood recently and the Red Cross had a special going with restaurants.com.  So, I got one for a nice restaurant in Netarts.  After we checked-in and got settled, we drove over to Netarts for dinner.  The food was great.  Your Dad had Surf and Turf with prawns.  The steak was just melt in your mouth perfect.  I had oysters.  You know they are fresh when you watch the fish monger guy walk in with a bag of them.  Both meals came with the best mashed potatoes we've ever had - bacon, fresh red-skinned potatoes, and probably heavy cream and cheese!!!  You seemed to enjoy your grilled cheese and fries as well.  After dinner we walked around the bay a little bit and watched the sun start to go down.  I miss sunsets on the coast.  They can just be so beautiful.  We also drove to Oceanside on our way back to the motel and you and your Dad walked on the beach while I took pictures of the sunset.

The next day you and I wandered down to the breakfast area in our pjs.  You ended up eating an entire make your own waffle with whipped cream cheese and marionberry syrup.  Your Dad eventually joined us ;)  You and I went swimming in the pool and played in the hot tub for almost an hour after that.  You are pretty fearless around water and just seem to love it!  Then we went and found a little park and you played on the slide.  Your Dad got you and him donuts from the local bakery.  I tried to get you to take a nap but you were more interested in destroying the room while I napped and your Dad watched a Beavers game.  I really wanted you to take a nap so you would be awake and happy for the train ride.  Not exactly how it happened. 

The weather was sooo nice and your Dad was able to find a seat for us on the open-air car.  As soon as the train started, you feel asleep.  We got off at Rockaway Beach and you and I sat in the sun while your Dad walked around the beach a bit.  Then you woke up and got to enjoy the train ride home.  They had pulled-pork sliders at the hotel that night so you and your Dad had some.  Then, we went and split blizzards at the DQ down the street for the rest of our dinner :)

Today, we got up and again you had a waffle for breakfast.  Then, we drove over to Cape Meares beach.  Your Dad and I had never been there; only to the lighthouse itself.  The beach was beautiful.  You and your Dad walked a lot on the beach and I just sat in the sun and enjoyed myself; didn't get any pictures of this beach like I should have.  Walking at this point in the pregnancy is pretty uncomfortable.  After that, we went to the Cape Meares lighthouse.  It's probably my favorite lighthouse on the coast.  Maybe because it looks miniature to me.  Not sure though.  You did pretty well and walked most of the way.  Your Dad carried you a bit on the way back up the hill.  Then we drove back along the coast and through Pacific City.  On our way back, we stopped at Gma and Gpa Jones' house for dinner.  I cannot believe how much you ate!  At least three pieces of ham, half an ear of corn, bunch of funeral potatoes, and a LOT of strawberry shortcake!  All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good weekend.  You only had a couple of meltdowns.

In a Sunbeam

You would think you were part cat.  I woke up from my nap to find you snoring (your nose is a bit stuffed up) on the floor in the front room in a sunbeam!  Your dad's comment, "A warm baby is a sleepy baby."  Too darn cute.

On Our Own and Tamale Pie

Your Dad had his first class with H&R Block tonight so we were on our own.  You helped me make Tamale Pie and we read books.  We both enjoyed the Tamale Pie and you enjoyed eating the olives and fresh corn while we were making the Tamale Pie.

State Fair with Grandma and Grandpa Jones

Your Dad and I had free tickets to the State Fair and Grandma and Grandpa Jones were going with us.  When we got up to the ticket booth, a guy came up from behind us and handed free tickets to them too.  So, we didn't have to pay anything for the five of us to go to the fair today.  That was extremely cool.

But, you had a meltdown during the hypnotist show.  Afterwards you enjoyed the petting zoo and the reptile exhibit.  Especially, the tortoises.  Then, Grandma Bonnie got you an ice cream cone before we watched some acrobat type folks from Africa.  None of us really wanted fair food so Grandma and Grandpa treated us to Apple-bee's afterwards as a thank you for your Dad helping them paint the garage last week.

Now you are all jacked up and screaming your head off...not exactly going to bed like we would hope.

Pointing the turtle out to Grandma Bonnie!

Playing with stuff out of Grandma's purse.

Almost Last Game of the Season

Last night we went to a Keizer Volcanoes baseball game - 2nd to last of the year.  I got a coupon so it was half price for Daddy and I and you were free.  Also, Friday nights are fireworks night after the game.  Good thing we were in the outfield seats.  It gave you and all the other little kids plenty of room to run and roam and roll down the hill.

Running around the fence along outfield.  Kept Daddy busy for most of the night!

These pictures show you with your sandals on...this was one of the only times you had them on.  You really seem to dislike shoes as much as I do!  Later I put you in pjs so you would stay warmer and it would be easy to put you in bed since we didn't get home until after 10:30.

I'm always a little surprised at how comfortable you seem to feel in situations that I know would have freaked me out as a kid.  You are perfectly happy to explore and talk to new people.  I want to encourage this and figure out a way to teach you how to keep yourself safe!

Silly faces!

 Before the game ended, they had a water truck spray down the area where they were setting off the fireworks.  You were especially interested in watching that.  I'm not sure you were as excited about the fireworks this year as last.  The picture below makes you look concerned...you weren't.  I think it was the multiple flashes on Mom's silly camera that made you look concerned.  All in all, a pretty pleasant evening.  I could have wore warmer clothes or brought another blanket.  Darn, it's starting to feel like fall already!

Watching the fireworks show after the game.

Your Birthday Party...Or The Pinata that Would Not Break!

We had a wonderful time at your birthday party today.  You had a little meltdown over sharing the stick to whack the pinata but considering you hadn't taken a nap in two days, I'm surprised there wasn't more drama.  

Speaking of the pinata...that darn thing was solid.  I thought by getting a small one you little guys would have a better chance of breaking it.  It was only through sheer persistence that Bryanna was able to finally break it open.  Eames did have a bit of fun with it with his Daddy's help.  You enjoyed it until you had to share the stick!

Your Grandma Colleen did a wonderful job on the cake again.  Everyone thought it was pretty darn cute and said it tasted great.  Not bad for a Devil's Food cake mix!  Grandma Bonnie brought wonderful chicken enchiladas.  Everyone also enjoyed munching on the huge container of cookies Grandma Abbie sent up with Grandma Colleen.  

The rest of the food folks brought for the potluck were none too shabby either!  The weather was cooler this year than last year and we all enjoyed it very much in the backyard.

This Year's Birthday Invitation

Twenty Four Month Check-Up

Wow, you are a big guy!  But, you haven't really gained a lot.  At your one year check-up, you were 75 percentile for height and weight...still there today!  You gained 4.8 lbs to reach a whopping 29 lbs and gained 4.5 inces to reach a whopping 35.5 inches :) 

More thoughts on your birthday...and some pictures!

Your Dad and I had a great time with you today.  I kissed your sweet little cheek while you were sleeping in bed with Daddy before I left for work.  I'm sure you didn't even notice.

Daddy took you to get gelato today.  And, then for dinner tonight, we took you to Red Robin.  While you and I waited outside, Red Robin came out and you gave him/her a high five...and then rushed back to me.  We got you a grilled cheese sandwich with mandarin oranges and lemonade.  You ate all of the oranges, most of the sandwich and some of my fries and drank all of your lemonade.  Apparently you hadn't ate too much all day.  Saving up for your birthday dinner I suppose!

Then, when we got home, we gave you your birthday present.  A trike.  You tried pedaling but you aren't quite there yet.  You still had a blast.

Thanks again for sharing your special day with us little man!

You are Two...How Did That Happen So Quickly?

2 years old - What an amazing adventure it has been!  I can't imagine these last two years without you.  I love you, you frustrate me and yet you make me stop and re-evaluate life's priorities - and that is a good thing!

I worry a lot that your Dad and I aren't the best parents you could have.  Hopefully you will forgive us when you are older.  I'm sure by then you'll be used to me worrying about everything.

I'm also very concerned right now about how you will react to your baby brother joining our family in a couple of months.  Not having siblings, I can only imagine what it might be like.  To some extent, I'm jealous of your opportunity to have a brother.  And, I hope you two will grow up loving and respecting each other, with a sense of identity and companionship that no one can ever take away form you.

Know you are loved and wanted and that both myself and your father care very much for you!  Happy birthday my curious little monkey!

Enjoying a Book in Your New Room

Your First Big Boy Room

As I've told many folks, I think your Dad and I might like your room as much or more than you do...seems logical since we picked everything out for you!  Thought I'd share a few pictures since I'm sure it won't stay nice too long.  Not with you being a little boy and all.

First page from first Curious George book...designed and made by Carolyn Otsen.

As usual, shocked by the flash.

Lots of storage for toys, books, etc.

View from your bed.

Little boy next to his big, queen sized bed.

Side view!