When You Wish Upon a Star

During my first trip to Disney in 2008, I remember walking around Magic Kingdom with Reid and discussing how we’d never take our kids to Disney until they were 7 or 8, or at least, old enough to full experience and remember it.

Then, we had Jack.

And it all changed.

Reid and I were ridiculously lucky to go back to Disney by ourselves when Jack was 8 months old.

I remember crying while we watched the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. I was emotional because I was sleep deprived since Jack wasn’t sleeping through the night yet, and we were so far away from him and would be for a week. BUT, also, because I couldn’t wait to bring Jack and experience the magic with him.

So, we’ll be going to Disney this Summer. And I CANNOT wait. It really is my happy place. And to be able to take Jack is absolutely thrilling.

It won’t be just the three of us. It’ll be us, Reid’s parents, and Reid’s sister and her family.

Last time we all went together, Kilee and Carter were mere babes at 2 and a half and 9 months old.

I, actually, had someone this week tell me I’m crazy and that I’m going to regret taking Jack this young, emphasizing how miserable we’re going to be.

Yes, I realize we’ll be a part of this crowd:

And yeah, we may be crazy. But, I won’t regret this, at all.

To those naysayers, I say, it’s our decision. Sure, Jack will have meltdowns and might get too tired. But guess what? He’d have meltdowns if we were at home. You just deal with it. And the stroller situation doesn’t scare me- we’re down with taking the umbrella stroller. It’s not that hard to get on and off the buses with it.

And we might miss out on some things and not get around as fast, but we know this. Last time we were in Disney, we lived it up, knowing next time we go, it won’t be about us as much, ha! I’ll just be happy to be there.

To us, this is a major deal. We couldn’t be more excited to take Jack.

This will be my face (times TEN!) when we walk into the Magic Kingdom with Jack:

And to Reid’s dismay, I am THAT person that is planning all of Jack’s outfits for everyday.

I’m going to enjoy myself with it because next time we go to Disney, there’s no way Jack would wear this stuff. Plus, we’re slowly getting to the plain shorts and a t-shirt phase, and I’m going to milk this as long as I can.

I’m having a hard time narrowing down which outfits I’m going to make/order. Most of them, I’ll make because it’s cheaper.

As you can see, I have an addiction. I bet if Jack was a girl, no one would say a word about me planning and making his outfits, ha!

This will probably be the only main post, before we go, about this trip. I don’t want to be overkill about it (sorry for those following me on Pinterest!).

So, the end.

The circus was a huge success!

While we were walking to the entrance, we had great timing because we got to see an elephant up close!

Jack brought his own light up toy, which is a GOOD thing because the prices were unreal. They cost about $18-$25 there!

Jack was very interested in all the treats and toys that were being sold every 10 feet.

Before it started, they had clowns and an elephant on the floor.

Jack LOVED the elephant!

This was Jack’s face for most of the show.

I got a new jacket; Jack didn’t approve.

The Ringmaster in all his purple tights glory.

**Not my picture. It’s from their Facebook page.

It really was a great experience. The whole show was incredible. Jack did really good. He kept telling us he wanted to go play and sometimes he meant he wanted to go back down to the floor! We kept him occupied with popcorn, animal crackers, suckers, and an icee. Plus, I kept telling him the elephants were coming back.

It was a looong show; I had no idea. It started at 7:30, with an intermission at 8:50. I’m not sure what time it ended, but we were back in our cars around 10:30. Jack didn’t nap, so it was way past his bedtime, but he held up so well.

I’m not going to lie– the cat show might have been one of my favorite parts.

Jack says his favorites were the elephants, bicycles (motorcycles), and the dragon. When the “dragon” came out at the end, Jack started crying. It was really sad, but by the time the dragon left, he was ok and telling the dragon “Bye.”

He keeps asking me today about the dragon.

After the show:

I was really fascinated and impressed with the whole thing.

I want to find, if there even is one, some type of documentary or behind-the-scenes of the circus and what the people’s lives are like that are on the tour. Where do they come from, how did they realize they could spin by their hair, where do they stay in different towns, etc. A little strange, but I’m curious.

All that to say, we had a great time and I’m so glad we got the opportunity to go! Thank you, Nana and Papa!

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PS: Jack went to bed at 10:45 and was up at his normal 6:30 time. His internal alarm is strict. I’m hoping for an early and long nap for him; he’ll need it to function.

the end.

Circus Prep

Jack and I got a last minute invite from Samantha for story time at the Hoover library. We had a hard time getting moving this morning and getting ready, so we weren’t going to go, but I changed my mind and we went late.

We didn’t get any part of story time in, but we did get to play. Or Jack got to play.

I love this deceiving picture. Noah and Jack look like they’re sharing, but rest assured, these two year olds don’t share. Noah may be better at it, not sure, but Jack isn’t there yet.

So, the boys did their own thing.

Jack and I ran a couple of errands, then came home so I could make lasagna and he could take a massive nap (I hope!).

I don’t make this lasagna often, but I find it so calming for some reason. I, also, took this chance to wear my birthday apron from Deena.

Reid’s parents gave us tickets for the Circus for Christmas, so they’re coming over for dinner tonight and then we’re all going!

(When we got the tickets. I’m never over dramatic.)

I keep telling Jack about the circus, trying to prepare him, but he doesn’t seem to care. We’ve watched a few videos on YouTube and have colored pictures.

I think we all know who did a better job coloring, thankyouverymuch.

All that to say, I hope Jack’s not overwhelmed and loves it. He does have a thing for elephants, so I’m thinking this will be a winner.

Plus, how can you not love the circus?? I’m so excited to experience this with him!

the end.

Street Happenings

Yesterday and today are a blur.

I got up with Jack yesterday morning since it was Reid’s turn to sleep in. When Reid got up, I went back to bed for a really long nap and stayed in bed most of the day. I was nauseous and starving. Not a good combo. Also, a combo that screams, “holy crap, grab a pregnancy test.”

No pregnancy. Just sickness. I get this way every so often with this birth control.

I’m just glad Reid was home to take care of me and entertain Jack while I watched Hulu while zoning in and out.

By late last night, I was feeling better.

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Today, I picked up the pace and did some housework Reid and I have both been putting off–mainly the nasty kitchen floor. Between my messy cooking and Jack’s messy eating, it doesn’t stay clean long.

Today was so warm, Jack and I both wore shorts. And I turned on the air conditioner.

We met Reid at the driveway when he got home from work.

We went on a walk down the street. I walked, Reid pushed and led Jack slowly.

This picture is how I will remember Jack at this age, always jibber jabbering away.

We’ve lived in this house for fourish years and we don’t know many of our neighbors. Sad, I know.

There’s a cul-de-sac at the end of our street that is normally filled with kids. This afternoon was no different. They’re all older than Jack, but now he’s probably able to hang with them better than he would have before.

Jack wanted to go down there to see all the other kids tonight, so we followed his lead.

Most of the kids’ parents were out, too, and started talking with us. They’re all very friendly.

While weeding through the awkward, “Did y’all just move in?” “No, we’ve lived her for four years” conversation, we were starting to have real conversation.

Then, it happened.

Jack was standing in the street, squealing and laughing at the bigger boys zoom around on their bikes.

Then, one of the bigger boys on a bike didn’t swerve in time and side swiped Jack, knocking him to the ground.

Not knocking him on his booty, but he went total body straight to the ground.

Jack was screaming, of course, and we’re all gathered around him, trying to calm him down and figure out where all he was hurt.

He had a scraped elbow, a cut in between his eyes, and a cut right beside his eye. It took me a while to realize his eye wasn’t cut, which was my fear.

It was just so overwhelming. Trying to be brave in front of your son and not cry with him, all while these neighbors you just met are concerned and trying to get him calm, too. Oh, and trying to make sure the boy that hit him didn’t feel bad because it was just an accident.

Jack screamed while the neighbors dog did tricks for him, and even while a neighbor showed off his police car lights to him. And that’s huge; Jack is obsessed with police cars.

So, we scurried home to clean him up and get him calm. He cried the entire walk back home. Not cried, wailed.

It took a good while to calm him down.

Then later, while we were playing blocks, Jack told Reid he was sorry. And Reid asked him why and Jack pointed at his hurt head, telling us he was sorry he got hurt.

I shrugged it off, trying not to be emotional, and reassured Jack we weren’t upset with him and he had no reason to apologize, but seriously, it made me so sad that he thought he needed to apologize.

Jack’s not badly hurt, but it was a weird event, overall. Reid, in true Reid fashion, said this is what we get for trying to be social. He was kidding. (Maybe?)

Maybe tomorrow will go better when Jack and I go to the neighbor’s house to return their boo-boo bunny they graciously let us borrow.

the end.

Pictures from Yesterday

Yesterday was so busy. Busy may be a bad word; more like rushed.

I spent the morning working on grocery lists, menus, etc. Got myself and Jack ready, which takes longer than it should, for some reason.

Jack and I went to 3 grocery stores. Some had deals I wanted, like 88 cents for fresh broccoli. And 4 for $5 oatmeal cream pies for Reid, ha!

While we were getting in our car, this passed by and Jack stared in awe:

The firemen noticed Jack and honked the horn for him and waved. They parked and were walking into the store and I was able to thank them. They were so nice.

Then, we went home, I threw the cold groceries in the refrigerator, then ran out the door (and didn’t even get Jack out of the car!), to Chick-fil-a with friends and our 6 kids. It was really good to catch up and let the kids run free.

Then, I came home, changed, dropped Jack off with his friends, and got to work on time.

I’d rather say I take Jack to his friends’ house, rather than the babysitter. She’s my age with two little boys, Parker and Mason. Jack loves being there. She sent me these pictures yesterday:

By the time I got to work, I felt so frazzled.

But, after some time to relax and regroup, I trained three clients and had great conversations with them. I feel like I’m starting to build good relationships with my clients, which is so important when you spend 2-3 hours a week one-on-one with the person.

And I felt much better about the day.

Today has been the exact opposite- I haven’t left the house and I’m still in my pjs. But, in my defense, I’ve been “working” from home today on some things.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

the end.

PS: I finished The Hunger Games last night. It only took me 4 nights. I couldn’t breathe the last few chapters. And now, I see what everyone’s talking about.

Peeing for Suckers

Classy title, eh?

Yesterday was not our best potty training day. After peeing through FIVE pairs of pants and underwear (and socks and slippers and carpet) yesterday morning before noon, I thought I was going to lose it. (Jack did the peeing, not me. I feel the need to clarify.)

I tried so hard to relax and be calm with Jack, like all the books/articles say. Don’t encourage the behavior with negativity, don’t harm their self-worth and give them a complex about the potty. Blah blah blah.

But, I kind of lost it. It wasn’t pretty and I’m not proud. And I apologized and we hugged it out.

But, I told him he’d lost the privilege of pants for the day.

Today, he got no pants or underwear after pooping in his pants and blaming the wet carpet on the cat.

Notice his white booty in the air. (He was a little bored, so we made a ramp for his cars from a box in the garage.)

It took a little bit, but I realized a missing factor.

There were no treats.

We had Skittles, but they fell on the floor and got gross after Jack grabbed them all.

But Skittles aren’t really his favorite.

The trick? Suckers.

Apparently, this kid will only pee in the toilet if he gets a sucker afterward.

He even used the bathroom at Walgreens today when I told him we were buying suckers.

All this time, and all this wet underwear, and he just wanted suckers?

Now, if only he’ll poop in the potty. I’ve been bribing with all I’ve got- new cars, cupcakes, cookies, wine, anything. And nothing. I wish someone would promise me dessert anytime I pooped, ha!

As long as he gets the hang of that before June, when we go to DisneyWorld, then, I’ll be okay.

Until then, we will be buying a year’s worth supply of suckers.

**Oh, and should I mention how I never wanted to reward my child with food? I’m still not thrilled about it, but I’d rather reward with food than deal with wet clothes.

PS: A certain unnamed friend and I were talking potty woes this past weekend and laughed about the crazy things we never thought we’d say or do to get our kids to use the potty. For example, she gave herself a treat in front of her child after she pooped in the potty because she did such a good job and so her son would be inclined to go. And she, also, congratulated her husband for pooping and told him how proud she was of him, in front of her son, so he’d realize it’s a good thing.

That’s something they don’t talk about in pre-marital counseling, ha!

Movie Reviews

I don’t like to go in-depth with these. And don’t take me too seriously. This is for Casey.

Oh, and there were pictures for each movie, but as part of the SOPA Strike, I’m not posting them. (Plus, I tried, and they wouldn’t let me…point made.)

1. Midnight in Paris
I thought this was going to be a romantic comedy, meaning Rachel McAdams (my major girl crush) and Owen Wilson fall in love. WRONG. I’m not usually a fan of Woody Allen movies, but I liked the light feel of this movie. And I laughed and thought it was charming.

2. Win Win
Loved it! I probably won’t watch it again, but the whole movie was great. I felt like I knew the characters and was rooting for the right ones to win. Very good story, too.

3. Moneyball
Jonah Hill gives me the creeps, but I was able to get past that and realize how good he was in this movie. Who knew he could act when he wasn’t talking nasty and acting like an idiot?! I really enjoyed this movie, there was a lot of depth. And again, I was rooting for the team, so when that happens, you know it’s good.

4. Meek’s Cutoff
Reid enjoyed this movie more than I did. I kept thinking, “Can these people please find some darn water so I can get on with my life!? For the love!” And then it just ends. Not my cup of tea. BUT, I will say, the movie was beautiful and well-done, but I was really bored.

5. The Tree of Life
After about 20 minutes of random earth images and pleading, in my mind, for Brad Pitt to show back up on the screen, I almost called it quits on this one. But, I kept going. And I’m so glad I did. It was a little hard to watch at times. It made me not want to be a parent. And not want to have boys. (Encouraging, eh?) The acting was superb, even the youngest of actors. There were some things lacking, but overall, it was good. throughout the movie, the characters are whispering prayers to God, while we see the universe and all he created; putting into perspective that when we talk to God, we’re talking to the creator of the whole universe.

6. Hanna
I thought this movie was pretty kick ass. I liked all the action and the story. Until, the end. Oh, and Reid had to explain to me that it was playing off of Red Riding Hood; I had no idea. I don’t think Reid liked this movie as much as I did.

7. Cedar Rapids
Oh, Ed Helms. It was good to see him in something other than The Office. I thought it was ok. I laughed, but didn’t like everything in it. I did like the community feel near the end.

8. Sourcecode
The end made no sense, as far as it wasn’t realistic in the world they had created. However, I really liked this movie. Or maybe I just liked watching Jake Gyllenhaal. I’m not sure. Reid wasn’t a fan, saying it was too much like Deja Vu.

9. Carnage
I knew nothing about this movie going into it. I joked part way through it that they’d never leave the apartment the whole movie. And they never did. The acting, oh the acting. All four actors are extremely talented. I really enjoyed this movie. Although, come to think of it, Kate Winslet throwing up on screen isn’t my favorite, but it was really funny.

I’m not sure how many movies we’ll be watching in the next few days; I started reading The Hunger Games and have to force myself to do other things, like shower, feed Jack, etc. instead of reading.

the end.

Friday Fun Day

Photos from the week:

Reid and I watched two movies in one night because I got so excited that these two brand new (nominated) movies were both at the RedBox and got them without thinking, Oh yeah, we’ll have to watch these in one night because they’re due tomorrow.

I’ll do my version of movie reviews this weekend.

It finally got cold again. Jack can’t leave the house without his shades or his hat. And when we can’t find them when we’re in a rush to leave, well, it’s not pretty.

My mad Play-Doh skills.

We play Play-Doh in our pjs a lot.

Jack requests that I make Christmas trees, stars, and ornaments every time we get the Play-Doh out. He loves Christmas trees.

I had clients cancel last night (sickness, tired, etc). They must have known this was the workout I had waiting on them.

Pictures from last week, using the real camera:

Jack’s really into wooden blocks/trains lately.

And lastly, a funny video. Funny and sad.

What it is

I’d say I haven’t posted anything lately because I’ve been so busy, but that’d be a lie.

I’ve actually had a time of rest lately and I’ve been soaking it all in.

Back in the day, Reid and I watched movies.

Reid’s been making a mad rush of getting all Oscar nominated movies in before the show and has been listening to the Film Spotting podcast again, so we’ve been watching movies. Like watching TWO movies in ONE night.

I don’t think any of these have anything to do with the Oscar’s, but it was our warm-up for movie watching season.

I consider this part of Reid’s continuing education, since he majored in film.
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I didn’t sleep much last week. And when I did, it wasn’t very good. My first week back as a personal trainer was spent shadowing the owner as he trains current clients. The whole time, I was glad to be there and so thankful about where this can all lead, but I didn’t feel at peace.

The day I started back, I got an e-mail from a different job I had been waiting 4 months for, asking if I was still interested. Truthfully, I didn’t respond back immediately.

I kept running things over and over in my head, wondering if I’d made the best decision, not only for myself, but for us, as a family.

It wasn’t until Friday afternoon that I got to train a client 1 on 1 and it was then that the peace I had been searching for fell over me. And I’m very thankful for that.

Over the next few days, I’ll be working on the gym’s blog, twitter, and FB updates.

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Jack spent the night at his Nana and Papa’s house last night; I heard he woke up at 5:30 this morning and didn’t take a nap. Soooo, I better get my tail in bed.

Recent Pictures

Yesterday, Jack decided outside was the only place we could eat lunch. Thankfully, it was a little warmer, so it was possible, but regardless of weather, he was determined.

He’d just woken up from his nap; he has the worst bed head and I can never get it to go away.

Jack’s starting to get into Star Wars. He likes to watch the light saber fights and reenact them with Reid.

Reid has slowly started to let Jack have some of his Star Wars toys. Most of them he won’t get til later, but Reid let him have this.

Oh, and Jack likes to dress up for Star Wars, too…

the end.