Zach and Mommy...

2008-06-10T07:41:00.001-07:00

this sums up our day yesterday

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2008-06-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

Zach and Diego being dogs :)

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2008-06-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Zach looks so big in this picture. He was all ready for bed in his jammies streached out on my bed. We spend the last few minutes of the day cuddling on my bed before he goes to sleep. He's such a sweet boy!

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2008-05-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

Kaylie sportin' Zach's sunglasses at church on Sunday.

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2008-05-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

Lilia on Sunday making a cute face.

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Presidential limo

2008-05-28T00:36:00.001-07:00

Zach went with Papa today to a retirement party at the airport firestation. If you didnt know, today President Bush was a in AZ (I think Mesa) and Zach and Papa got to see his limo! They were able to take this picture infront of it. How exciting to see something so important so upclose. Not too many people get to be this close to the limo!
limo at airport

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D-backs Game

2008-05-16T08:58:00.004-07:00

We went to the Dbacks game last nite..here are some pics...
We met at my dad's fire station. This will probably be the last picture we take as a family in front of a truck :(

Zach watching the game.

Kristy and I

Cracking peanuts

This is Eric Byrnes (well a huge poster of him). My dad says Zach runs like him. He has a Byrnes t-shirt that he loves to wear.

They have a really cool play ground and Zach loves going down the slides.

There's also a mini field there that kids can play on. Zach was so excited to run the bases. I'll post a video of him later running the bases! Zach being an "outfielder".

Liz (or "Miss Wiz") and her mom were at the game also, 2 sections over (not planned). Zach was a "Zach Pack" (we call piggy back rides that...kinda like a back pack).

Praying that the Rockies don't hit a homer!

Enjoying a Diamond Dog.

Whistling with Papa.

Binkie Update

2008-05-14T09:25:00.001-07:00

Well, day 2 was perfect. He didnt have a nap because we were running some errands and then it was too late, so when he went to bed, he was EXHAUSTED. He didnt even mention Binkie!!

Set back happened today when he found one!!! I'm not sure where it came from, I'm sure he's got them hiding all over the place, but we'll see how nap goes today, when he "remembers" that he "found" a binkie. eek. I'm a little afraid, but I'm going to stick to my guns!!! NO BINKIE!!!

Wish me luck on that ;-)

Bye Bye Binkie!

2008-05-12T21:53:00.003-07:00

Well, its time. Zach turns 3 1/2 on Monday, and its time to give it up. Granted, he only uses it at nap/bed time...and of course he doesn't want to give it up! But we decided that on Saturday we will have a Bye-Bye Binkie Pirate party. If you have read any of Zach's doings, you know he loves dressing up like a pirate, so what an appropriate theme to have the party in.

So, last nite, after Church I misplaced his binkie. And I told him I lost it. Well, I did. I still don't know what happened to it, but it seems to be working! We weren't going to do it until Saturday, but this worked out great! I told him that his binkie is lost and that he's a big boy now. He doesn't need it.

Last nite was a little rough. Nap time today was a bit rough, too. So far (he's been in bed 1/2 hour), he's not made a fuss, we had a talk about it, saying that he was going to be a big boy and have a good nite sleep.

So..here's to a binkie free life....I hope it continues to go this smoothly!!!!

Swimming....brrr

2008-05-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

The boys attempted again to go swimming. Its not a big pool, but it sure doesnt get that warm. We havent had many "hot" days yet, so it hasnt had a chance to warm up!!! BRRR....

Icecream

2008-05-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about Zach, you know he LOVES icecream. ALOT. We went to Dairy Queen after Ashley's Talent Show tonite. (The pics didnt turn out very well :( too far away...shucks) Here he is enjoying the treat!

Busy Bodies

2008-05-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today I actually took some pictures of Busy Bodies! We go every Friday and its tons of fun. There are a couple of other kiddos from Church that go with us too!

Cuteness

2008-05-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pics from today.

The Bank

2008-05-05T12:35:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not...one of the most favorite things Zach likes to do is go to the bank...this is why!

Fuzzy Yittle Catapiller

2008-05-03T22:48:00.001-07:00

This is such a sweet song that the kids sing in Bible Class. I absolutely LOVE it! Zach has been singing this song non-stop lately and I caught it on video :-)

Snoopy

2008-05-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Tonite, we went to Stephanie W from Church's play about Snoopy. Zach loved watching it... He did good! He got to meet Snoopy after and get his picture taken with him. He wanted sooo bad to go up on stage, so he got to follow Alex up for a few minutes!

Let Sleeping Babies Lie...

2008-05-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

I take pictures of the boys quite often...but no other picture is as sweet as these diva poses in their sleep. What cute sleepers. This was on the same day at the same time. Its almost like they are posing.

Swimming....

2008-04-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

We attempted to go swimming tonite. The pool is only about 6 feet by 10 feet, but its cooooooold! Zach INSITED on going. And..he didnt want to get out! Poor thing was ICE cold!!

Zach and Kaylie

2008-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

This isnt a recent pic. It was taken back on December 10th. But, its one of my favorite of Zach and Kaylie together. They are such great pals. I smile when I look at this pic :-)

Zach meets Lilia

2008-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Zach got to do a quick meet and greet with Lilia yesterday. He was excited to meet Kaylie's baby sister!

12 things about Lilia

2008-04-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends had a baby yesterday. I got to go hold her and love on her for a few hours last nite. Here are 12 things about her!

1. She's precious
2. She makes crazy, serious faces
3. She's almost 3lbs larger than Kaylie when she was born
4. She eats...alot.
5. She's strong. She flipped her feet out of my hads 2 times when her diaper was being changed.
6. She's got the coolest hair.
7. She's got looong finger
8. She's got a sister who adores her (now LOL).
9. She's not as chunky as I expected. She's LONG, too!
10. She's fun to look at while holding her.
11. She's got a trooper of a mom.
12. She's got great parents who will love her (and and aunt Jen who will love her too!!!)

Here are a few pics from yesterday! Enjoy! Babies are such a blessing!!!

A real pirate!

2008-04-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

My sister bought this costume for Zach. He wnt to her house tonite and this is the pic she sent me. Notice the earring! I guess if he gets his ear pierced, I can blame it on her!!

Cover your mouth!

2008-04-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

*cough* Diego (the dog) coughs.
Zach: Diego, cover your mouth!
Mommy: Sweetie, Diego is a dog, he doesn't know how to cover his mouth.
Zach: Yes, he does, he as to cover his mouth.
Mommy: Well, dogs don't understand how to.
Zach: Yes, he does! He has to take his leg and put it over his mouth.
Mommy: Okay.

By the way, he also tells me (or anyone) that coughs with out covering their mouth (or even if they do in the other room and he can't see it) to cover their mouth. I guess all that reinforcement is "helping"?

Poor Baby!

2008-04-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yestday, my dad took Zach hiking. He loved it! He had a lot of fun going up the mountain. I'm not sure how, but my dad carried him in a kid back pack up (my dad turns 60 in a few months!!) the montain. Then Zach walked down! It was a paved one, granted, but still! Zach is 30 pounds!

Anyhow, after he ate lunch, he complained that his tummy wasnt feeling well. He took his nap and when they were on the way to bring him back, the poor little guy threw up 2 times, once Bath and Body Works and then a 2nd time in the car! He threw up 3 more times before bed, then once in the middle of the nite (he found his water, and drank too much).

Today, he's been so much better! No throwing up and he's been in a much better mood! Poor thing, though! He's never really threw up before! This on the heals of a family at church having the Rotovirus. I was soooo scared he got it!! If you don't know... Rotovirus is a horribly contagious, horribly awful virus that kids under 5 get. There is lots of throwing up and diahreah and it comes out both ends at the same time. Very messy, and last for up to 10 days...it can "go away" and then come back with no warning a week later! SO, you can see why I was afraid for him to have this horrible virus!!!

So, we were blessed with being passed over...I'm so glad. Hopefully tonite, we will get better sleep!!!

School!

2008-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today, we started "school". Zach is a sponge and love to go to Bible class. He always talks about it being "school". So, in keeping with my post below about spending time with your kiddos, I decided that it was a good thing to start. My goal is 1/2 hour a day. Zach's goal seems to be all day LOL. He loved it! I'm sure that with a few "lessons" he'll get tired and it wont be as much fun. His favorite thing, cutting with scissors. I think he now associates "school" with cutting. And I do have to say that in 1 day, he has learned how to hold the scissors properly and he's figuring out how to use that motor skill for opening and closing. I didn't realize how hard it is to use scissors for a kid!!

Jay is also participating, altho most of his lessons involve coloring and picking up Zach's cutting scraps (I didn't make him..he decided that was the most fun thing to do!!)

I am using the letter of the week program. Its slow and steady. I think that a 2 and 3 year old will do fine with it. This week, we're learning about cows, calfs, the letter A, the number 1 and the shape square. Each day you add a bit. Since we had 3 1/2 hour sessions today, we did cows/calfs and the letter A. Here are a few pictures of our "first day of school".

oh..p.s. I let him cut as many tiny pieces of paper as he wanted. I sat there for like a half hour one time.

Something to really remember as a parent...

2008-04-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am guilty! I am always so "busy" and sometimes, I have to stop myself and remember that God gave me an amazing little blessing, and that I need to stop and spend time with him. This little poem is helpful to remember that....As a matter of fact, I am printing it out and putting it on the fridge!! There are so many times in life I need to be reminded that there are other things more important...raising my son and spending quality time is for sure one of them!!!

Go play with your baby :-) No matter how old they are. Go give them a kiss and tell them they are the most important thing to you. Remember, we can only tell people things while they are here. I know that right now, I can kiss Zach and tell him how much I love him, but in a few years, he wont want to have anything to do with that!

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.
*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
*Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
*I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............

Flagstaff trip

2008-03-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

So, the trip to Flag this past weekend was a blast. We will be going to Globe this weekend, so look for more updates next weekend!

We drove up on Friday and spent the nite. Short. Sweet. But fun! The boys both napped almost the whole way up, so it was very nice. My roommate and I got to catch up about the week she was gone, and the big kids played their DS’s in the back seat! LOVE the mini van hehe

We stopped in and visited a co-woker who lives in Flag. We played in her mound of snow for about a half hour. Funny how Phoenix city kids think “playing in snow” is fun for about 20 minutes. Then they get cold hahahah Here is a pic of Zach walking up the mound!

We stopped off and had lunch at a park by Lowel Observatory. It was nice to play outside when it was chilly! It wasn’t too cold, just a bit of wind! I didn’t take any pics of that… woops!

Next stop was the Deer Farm. This was surprisingly fun, albeit a very quick activity. We could have stayed longer if they boys weren’t both very tired and and worn out from the snow and park. Zach LOVED all the animals. I really tired to get this one where he’s walking and has a whole herd of deer around him. It was like they just followed him. And a cute thing about him and his pronunciation…he says… “Followf me” (with the F on the end of follow) So, he was going “Followf, me deer, over this way!” Precious. Some of those deer were quite aggressive getting in there for some food! A few of them even tried to chew my shoe strings!!

Here are the pics from that. I’ll post easter hopefully sometime. I know..I’m late..but I’ve been feeling kinda icky and we’ve all had a bad cough!!

Followf me!

My Week Off!

2008-03-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I know when people take a week off, they usually spend more time on the computer. Not the case when you take time off to get AWAY from the computer! I had a great week. Sort of my "spring break" week LOL

The boys and I stayed very busy. Wednesday, we went to the Zoo (no pics yet).
Thursday we went to an egg hunt at the Leach's (most of the pics are on my real camera, not my cell phone, so I may post more later, but here's what I have so far from my cell...)

I'll post about our weekend trip when I get the pics transfered to Photobucket :-)
Hope you all had a great Easter!

p.s. I added the names of the kids and who their parents are for those of you who used to attend valley, you may remember their parents!

Back row, Zack (boy I nanny for) on his lap, Jason (boy I nanny for, Tall light blue striped - Titus (Betsy (Clouse) Mellor's 2nd boy), Short light blue striped - Josiah (Tracy (Leach) and Aaron Greeley's 2nd boy), Maggie (Dewey Leitch's only daughter), Noah (Tracy (Leach) and Aaron Greeley's 1st boy), Brandon (Heidi (Heaufglockner) Zukas's boy).
Middleish row - Hiding behind the boy in red is Anne (Betsy (Clouse) Mellor's youngest), James (Vanessa (Banks) Ivanesko's boy), Peach - Yesmeen (Matt Duncan's oldest girl), Pink Hat - Kaylie (Jenny Griffin's oldest girl).
First row - Belle (Matt Duncan's middle girl), Red shirt ZACH :-)

Happy St Patty's Day!

2008-03-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of the boys tonite before bed. I put them both in green jammies (that both have dinos on them LOL)

I wish you could hear the recording of Zach saying "Happy Patricks day". He couldnt fit the St. in there hehe

Oh. I have a pic of me somewhere with the same exact smile. I need to find it and post it. We look identical! (Except I have hair down to the middle of my back haha)

Updated Hair Look!

2008-03-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, on Saturday, my hair "cut" was not actually the real cut it was supposed to be. See, it was a 5 minute hair cut in the blowing wind. And it was a dry cut. SO...Kristy came over to my house on Sunday afternoon and fixed my crazy hair cut. (Trust me, it looked like I did it. It was just sooo windy she couldn't get it to stay still long enough to see if it was going to look okay.)

So, here is my updated pic.

And, I do have to say, Zach was such a sport about all the people touching his head on Sunday! He went up to his best girl and said "Kaylie, touch it!!" and grabbed her hand and rubbed it on his head. It was soo cute. Altho, Kaylie wasnt all that trilled about it! I think she liked his long hair better hehe

Oh, and be sure to ask him WHERE his hair went... He said "I Dunt know!" Like its missing! Both monrings he's woken up and looked in the mirror, its like he discovers again that his hair is gone! Its so cute to watch that reaction, like someone took my hair!!

This isnt the best picture...but...

Hair is gone!!!

2008-03-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I do have to say that the events today were so amazing! Just the amount of people (mostly men, but yes, a few women) shaving their heads and getting donations for sick kids. Its so neat tobe a part of it!

I have to tell you the story before you get the pics, LOL you can scroll down, cuz I'm going to ramble ;-)

The past few days, I have been talking to Zach about the events today. Prepping him for the fact that Papa was getting his head shaved, and mommy was getting her hair cut. He was very animate about NOT getting his hair cut. Today when we got to the place, he was still very against getting his hair cut (he has been since about 2). Every time we mentioned getting hair shaved, he said "Nooo mommy, I'm not getting my hair cut". So, we pretty much gave up on the idea, we wernt going to push him.

So, Papa gets his hair shaved (along with Phil Woolbright, Chandler and Alex Woolbright and Roger Tripp). Zach wasnt very thrilled that Papas hair was gone. But he started getting used to it.

About a half an hour later, I went up to get my hair cut, and he was very worried that I was getting my hair shaved, too (he loves when I straighten my hair, he plays with it all the time). He came up on the stage to make sure I was okay. The man interviewed me asking me various questions about myself. And he asked Zach what his name was, he said "My name is Zachary" and he asked him how old he was, "I am 3 years old" and then he asked who his mommy was and he goes "She's right here!!" and points to me. It was so sweet.

Well, about 45 mins later, after talking to Zach, Kristy somehow convinced him to shave his hair!!!!!!!! He marched up on stage, sat down in the chair, and he got his head shaved! It was the cutest thing. He was such a trooper and he was so proud of himself!! All evening he kept saying, "Its sooo soft!!" and feeling his head. I think it made the entire family tear up to see my brave little boy getting his head shaved!!

So when you see Zach, you'll have to tell him he's a brave little boy and feel his head, because he loves it! (Zach LOVES his head rubbed and his back scratched, so he's eating up all the attention!!)

Here are some pics of us!

Cutting my hair!!

2008-03-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been growing it out again for the past year and 1/2. I'm going to be donating it again to Locks of Love. Last time I donated 12 inches, this time probably 10!!

On Saturday, my dad will be shaving his head for the St Baldericks charity. Please go take a look, and concider donating to my dad's cause!

GO HERE TO DONATE!!!

Here's my before....

I'll post my after. When I get it cut! Yippe!

Actual "conversation"...

2008-03-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dog: "woooooffff woooofff wooofff wooof" (very mean sounding - over the back wall of our neighbor's house)

Zach: "Hi doggie. How are you...good. Well, I'm just playing"

Dog: "woooooffff woooofff wooofff wooof wooof woooof wooof"

Zach: "Well, I don't know...no, just Jay and I are playing....okay....bye"

Dog: Silence...

about 30 seconds later....

Dog: "woooooffff woooofff wooofff wooof wooof woooof wooof"

Zach: "Oh, I did not know that! Okay!...well, we're just playing...okay...bye!:

I honestly thought I had another Dr. Doolittle on my hands. I've never heard this dog bark before, and it was a BIG dog that sounded intimidating. Jay stopped in his tracks and had a completely petrified look on his face!

Kids....:-)

The icky crud...again

2008-02-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it struck. The crud. Again. I'm sure this is what it's going to be like now that our little ones play with other little ones. They pass the ick. I think though, I got it the worst out of my bunch. They boys just had runny noses. I am not sure if they had the sore throat I had.

Well, I've been lysoling (is that a real word?) the house pretty consistantly so, I hope it will only hit us 1 time and not go for the 2nd round!! We weren't able to attend a birthday party for a 95 year old woman this weekend because of the crud. I was pretty sad about that!

Well, here's to a germ free week. Be nice, don't share your germs!! Stay home if you are sick!!!

Children say the sweetest things...

2008-02-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last nite, I was blessed to attend a bonfire/prayer at Becky's parents' house (Alan and Brenda). There were probably about 40 of us (young people and a few older) sitting in a huge circle around a bonfire. We went around the circle and said something we wanted prayed about and a few of the young men said some very nice prayers.

Zach was sitting on my lap and when it came around to us, the man who was leading it asked Zach what he wanted to pray for..and with out skipping a beat or even THINKING about it, my sweet little boy goes (well, its not a word for word quote, but, you get the gist) "God..and Jesus...and everything, and balloons, and the store, and everybody and the grass and the sky and the fire..." The whole circle just melted and aww'ed at how sweet that was.

It was the sweetest thing ever

Ahoy there, me hardies!

2008-02-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I think that's what they say, anyhow! Zach is SO into the Wiggles. Well, not really the wiggles, but Captain Feathersword. He has been talking like a pirate for about the past month. And says, "Mommy, I'm Captain Feathersword, AHOY, Me-hardies". Its the cutest thing ever. So a few weeks ago, I bought him a Captain Feathersword outfit (and paid a pretty penny!). Its the cutest thing ever. He gets into charachter and really lays it on thick with the pirate talk. Here is a pic of him the day he got his costume. By the way, last week, he wore the costume 3 days in a row. He even went to the doctor's office dressed (minus the hat) like a pirate. The ladies in the dr's office really got a kick out of him dancing around and saying Ahoy! to them!! I guess the money was well spent :-)

Being 2 and 3 is hard!

2008-02-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

The whole reason toddlers go through a terrible 2's/3's is so they learn how to exercise their right in saying no or doing what they want to do. Unfortunatley....it seems as if they always pick the wrong time to exercise it...when mommy/jen is busy and doesnt have time to play the game.

Its been a tiresome day at our house....

Garbage can, you are very special!

2008-01-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you know how children look around and pray for what ever they see? "Thank you God for the moon, and the stars and the curtains and the wall and the....." Well, today Zach was singing a song that I've song to him since he was a little guy that I learned while teaching the 2-3 year olds. He loves for me to sing it to him, and he asks me to sing it about EVERYONE we possibly know, over and over again. So, as he was singing it, he went through the normal ones (Jay, mommy, Zach, grammie, etc) and then he started going on to the inanimate objects...and the one that cracked me up was this...

Garbage can, Garbage can, garbage can dear, you are very special.
You're eyes are blue and your hair is blonde and we love you just that way.

Well. How sweet. He even thinks of the garbage can.

Then he asked me to sing for him... and he introduced me..In his best announcer voice...

"Ladies and gentleman! Mommy will now sing for me!!"

So I sang (something we OBVIOUSLY do alot of here LOL).

And then he says "Thank you, mommy!"

How fun are kids! Oh to be a kid and think garbage cans are worth singing about!

~jen~