Food or Fashion?

Not sure what she is enjoying more... eating her rice, or wearing it!!??

I NEED YOUR VOTES

Okay... I need your help, I think.

My favorite picture of Eliza is the one from Embassy Day where I took pics of her in a diaper holding a flag with stars on her head... long story short, one day a photo contest popped up on my e-mail and where I usually would delete... I submitted that photo just on a whim... fastforward... the photo has been selected for something... not really sure what... but evidentally they need votes. So cast your vote for my picture and share with your friends too. I do not know how it works, but I guess the more votes the better the chances of winning something.

Here is the link to Eliza's photo.

Back to Regular Programming

That is what you come here for anyway... right?

This is Eliza supporting her new grin. She has the "woppyest" jaw I have ever seen. They are all growing in on the left, but not the right.

And this is what she did when my mom put the camera in her face... CHEESE BALL!


AND THIS... is the wackiest expression I think I have ever seen... but it tells me one thing... this chica is HAPPY and that is all we care about!

Flash Back from 14 years ago

Funny enough... as I have been pondering my thoughts in the past few days my freshman year of college came to mind. And although I have thought it silly, it is in essence true. In college, at The University of Tennessee at Martin, in 1993... I pledged a sorority. As a pledge, one of the first things we had to learn was our sorority "Symphony". The "Symphony" believe it or not was still partially in-grained in my mind. I share it with you today because it keeps coming to mind, and I just think that for the most part ( you will see what I mean) it is a good "life rule" to live by. The second part about my Fraternity does not really apply... but if you stretch it a little you can replace Fraternity with God.

( I know my Chi-O girls that read this are going to fall out of their chair)

"To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be, in the best sense, democratic rather than 'exclusive', and lovable rather than 'popular'; to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demand; to be womanly always; to be discouraged never; in a word, to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note. "

Living my dash

WARNING: Today's post may be too much for the blog world... but it is my life... this is me... and this is my lesson.

I think God has been trying to teach me something for a while now and I have been playing the "nah, nah, I can't hear you" game. And when I say a while, I mean a few years... and today... was my come to Jesus day.
(When my kids and I have a really rough day or event, we have what I call a "come to Jesus meeting" so we can get it all back together, straighten it up, and start again)
In fact, he really moved some mountains to talk to me today... they were ones I created, but they moved so that I could hear His voice. I have never left Eliza in worship care at church, in fact IF I put her in at all she is usually upset in the first 15 minutes and I have told them that she is not to be upset (because I do not want her to feel abandoned by me) so they are to get me immediately. She stayed in there the entire Sunday School hour and when I went to get her they told me she was doing so well, just to leave her... so I did. Today was the first day I have sat through the worship service since May. Pastor Tom's message was "How to make right decisions". It really spoke to me and decisions I have been struggling with in my life for a while now. I won't go into detail because I know that this post will be long enough and the details are not really important... but I really feel like if nothing else, the message was meant for me.

THEN... if I had not heard enough I went back to church tonight because I was asked to speak on safety in the preschool classroom to our preschool teachers. Again... I thought I would have to sneak in and out and have Eliza on my hip, but my mom came to visit because my dad had to go to a meeting in California. So, I was able to go to my meeting freely and leave Eliza with my mom. I was expecting to soak in all things preschool, but instead God again had something to tell me. A man came in to talk to us about our churches focus in the upcoming Bible Study Classes and shared a passage of scripture. It was 2 Peter 1:5 which basically talks about WHO we need to be by possessing certain qualities.

I know this was meant for me... you see as it was so aptly put in the message this morning. Your life is simply a dash... that is, the dash between the 2 dates on your headstone. What you are is what you do with your dash. Am I the person I was designed to be? Do I surround myself with things that help me be that, or do I allow others to influence me to conform to their behaviors? Do I live my life in anguish trying to be something to everyone else or do I just be as I am... a child of God? Do I show others who I am, or do I stand back, be run all over just because I do not like to "rock the boat" or want to give others "something to talk about".

I know I am being very vague, mostly because it is not the details that are important... it is that I got the lesson. The lesson I have been trying to "get" for years now, and I post this here mostly for my friends... my accountability... I hope you can visually see that I got it... it has been 32 years in the making... but I got it and my prayer is that you will see it.

Lunchbox Success

I finally did it!!! I found something good for Baylor to take in his lunch box that was a hit. He decided last year that he did not like sandwiches AT ALL in any shape, form, or fashion. We moved on to cheese on tortillas but that fad has past. Last week he wanted a salad but it was a unique one (for a first grader) and he told me the strawberries were making the lettuce soggy. Today we had a pita pocket filled with a little pizza sauce, about 5 pepperonis and some shredded cheese. He loved it ( and I know this because I had to go get the low-down on the spitter and did a surprise show up for lunch). It is basically the Pizza Lunchable in a mom re-make without the price. Just wanted to share... in case you needed lunch ideas too.

We took care of business, and I think the spitter will spit no more.

Spitter update

I know some of you have asked. So I thought I would update. I thought it was solved, in reality it is not. Baylor has managed to remove himself from the situation as much as possible, but the kid is still taking aim while getting on the bus in the afternoon. Baylor did his proper investigations and took note of his name, his bus color, and his teacher's name and reported so that we would be armed with information.
I asked Baylor to please just let me pick him up in the afternoons and he said "But mom, I really like riding the bus" and well since he is enjoying his freedom so much, I hate to punish him for the other kids behavior.

So, this is their final chance... I e-mailed his teacher again and she already took steps to handle it (after school hours I might add) and is involving the child's teacher, the principal and the bus monitors.

I will let you know tomorrow how it goes... if you could pray that this be a positive thing and it not turn negative. I made sure to tell the teacher that I wanted it handled, but that I did not want Baylor to be newly targetd as the tattle-tale or cry-baby... because as it is I have had to DRAG the info out of him.

I am going to the big P... and I mean POTTY

Well... it just kind of happened. Personally, I am tired of the 2 in diapers deal and I can pretty much predict when he needs to go. He always wakes up from nap and in the morning dry... so since Baylor started school, I thought we would take the opportunity to see where it took us. Last Wednesday we played with the idea wearing diapers but going to the potty for treats and he did great. Thursday he woke up wanting to wear underwear...so we did. He had 2 accidents... but just enough to "get it". He has not had wet pants or diaper since Friday!!!! We may digress, but we are on our way.

Carrie... this was a little gift for you because I wanted to try to have him potty trained before Mom's Day Out started.

Handy Papa

Papa (Brent's Dad) has found a wonderful hobby during his retirement. He can whip up furniture like nobody's business. One day I was staring at this wall (that had an antique Pie Safe on it... see the walking Eliza video) and I really wanted something bigger and black (to match my TV table and side table). It was like 3 days before my birthday so I put in the request...POOF... look what appeared yesterday... AMAZING... and I LOVE IT!

Spitting Bandit

A mom's worst nightmare... when your child comes home from school and tells you that someone is "being not nice" to him.

This is the story from Baylor:
"Mom, there is this kid, and I don't even know who he is, but I know he is in first grade, and in lunch today he just spit on me in the face. I do not know why. And then he did it again 2 more times when we were going out to the bus (long story, yes I have been letting him ride the bus because he loves it and it is "way cooler" than being a car rider). He does not ride my bus, but tried to spit on me again 2 times and missed. I told him, THAT IS NOT NICE, MISTER."

After 2 billion questions from me we resolved that Baylor would try tomorrow to resolve it for himself telling him to STOP, and if that did not work... we would resort to other methods. Like MOMMY DEAREST showing up for lunch in her tank top and cammo pants with a do-rag on her head and black under her eyes.

I know Baylor can handle himself, he is a brown belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. But I do not think that he has ever been faced with someone not liking him. Everyone he meets loves him... and he does not even know this kid, YET.I hate that feeling, the feeling of him being out in the world having to figure things out for himself and learning that some people are just MEAN!!!!

I did send his teacher a note just to tell her what was going on, and that Baylor wanted to handle it himself tomorrow... I mean come on, we are talking bodily fluids in the face here!

WHAT?????

BIG DAY

Today was a big day for a 7 year old in our house. Not only did he get up this morning 7 years old...it was also the first day of 1st grade!!! I really want to go into the sappy how does time fly that fast... it only seems like yesterday when I met the 10 pounder... but, I will keep it to this. Momma's heart is full of pride and joy at what this new 7 year old already is and the possibility of what he might become.

Here are a few shots from our little bit of time this morning.

Baylor opening his gift bag full of baseball cards... all unopened wax packs Brent got of the internet from various years but mostly the 80's and early 90's. ( This is a new hobby and love for both Baylor and Daddy)


Baylor calling Dad one of 4 times to tell him someone he opened up... Cal Ripken, Jr. , Ozzie Smith, and Robin Yount (Dad's collection fave from childhood... literally he has an entire binder full of this guy)


Baylor's official on the front porch with backpack, first day of school shot. ( It was also the first day of school EVER for his school, we are at a new school so all the kids got a commemerative shirt for the occasion).

Baylor headed into the big building carrying his bounty of school supplies over his shoulder.

Finally, in the class. I got one of him and his teacher, but hated to post it. I was really impressed with her and the organization of the classroom. I pray it is a good year.


OH... and I am still not sure about the bus yet... we watched at waited for it this morning to see. It really did pass by at exactly 8:04 and the driver was not the same as last year. We will see.

Poll

I need your opinions.
Personally I have never been a school bus fan. I had a bad experience as a child and well to be honest just another area I am not ready to let go in. I took Bay to school and picked him up last year... but this year, I am thinking...

I checked the zoning and a bus drives by our driveway between 8:02 and 8:04 (he is required to be at school by 8:30) and back by in the afternoons by 3:54 and 3:56. It seems too good to be true. I would leave here by 8 AM to get him to school and that would require me having EVERYONE dressed and presentable not just Bay and in the afternoons, I would not have to wake any nappers up to sit in the 30 min. or more car rider line. I know it seems like a no brainer... but I am afraid to let go. Last year the "I am sure nicer than he seemed" man that drove our bus route scared me away from even considering it. I do not know if it will still be him or not.

Do I let go and let him ride (assuming he is interested) or do I keep what little control I have so he can hear the songs I want him to hear and say a "good day" prayer on the way to school or do I give in and go with the "but mom, I learned it on the bus" as my hubby and his brothers always told their mom.

WOW

In one swoop, Eliza has given up formula and bottles.

It all started last week (when it was beginning to get so hot) I started offering her a sippy cup more to keep her hydrated and cool. Then, I began to notice when I gave her a bottle she struggled with latching on to it. So, I forced the bottle for over a week and she was taking less and less formula. So, Wednesday I started putting formula into her cup, which was kind of difficult with no measuring guides and having to carry around different cups.

I decided that this was my window of opportunity to jump in and see where it took us. So I tried regular Soy milk in her cup instead of her formula which was soy. She loves it and is drinking it like crazy... and loves that it is cold!

I realize that formula would probably be better for her. But in true Jones baby fashion she is giving up forumla right when the boys weaned themselves from nursing. So I have been through this before... 3 times. We are just going with it.

48 hours later... we are bottle and formula free!

Public Service Announcement

Just an FYI ( I pulled it directly off the Crayola web site)

Question
Do Crayola Washable Markers come in 10 count package?

Answer
The 10 count marker assortments are only available in the original formula. The assortment that includes red, yellow, blue, brown, green, orange, violet, black, gray, and pink is not available in a washable formula. The 8 count and 12 count packages are available in both formulas and in both barrel sizes. If you need to have the colors pink and gray in the washable formula, we recommend the 12 count assortment. The two extra colors (making 12 colors) in that selection are sandy tan and blue lagoon.
Edited to add: I bit the bullet and ordered them online from Staples. I got the 12 count, but you can bet I make sure they know what kind of trouble they caused. I hated to pay shipping when they probaby have them down the street, but then again... I am so tired of looking... I just want it done.

Look at me!!!!!

I am thrilled to let all my readers out there know... I am one happy girl...

Because today... I decided I could do this... even if it is only 5 seconds at a time, I am doing it all by myself from a squat. Next step... getting those wobbly things to move.

Soccer stuff

We had a blast today (well okay Callan had a blast today) going to Academy and loading up on essentials for soccer. This is a first for us because it was not something that Baylor ever wanted to do. He is more of the baseball and karate kid. Callan on the other hand is going to enjoy running circles around the field chasing a ball. We had to get brand new cleats (a first for Callan who usually gets brothers hand me downs)shin guards, soccer socks, and a size 3 ball. He put them on when we got home and has not taken them off. He also scored a ball bag because he was so cute when he asked for one. We had just bought his cousin one for his birthday and he was convinced that the bag was part of the attire. He starts practice (in this 100 degree heat wave) on Thursday. I think he is going to LOVE it!

My 11 months old

Our sweet Eliza is 11 months old today. It does not seem possible. In just 4 short weeks she will hit that one year milestone. I cannot believe that she has only been in our arms for 2 months. It seems as if she were always here and part of this family, I guess because in our hearts she was.
She is an amazing baby, and I have trouble with not eating her up. We smother her with kisses and she lights up whenever she sees any of us. Each of the boys have to have a kiss AND a hug before we can put her to bed. She loves them so much too. She loves to be right in the middle of whatever they are doing. She played puzzles with Callan this morning, colored with Silas, and crawled all over Baylor. She also has a special language for them. A lot of the ride home from Atlanta she would point her finger at them and just "doh, doh, doh, doh" endlessly. Is she imitating mommy already with that little finger just a waving? (I am going to have to get video of that)
I think she is developing right on target, especially for someone who only heard Spanish for the first 9 months of their life. I want to think that perhaps her Foster Mom really did play the tape we sent down of our voices, reading and singing to her.
We love her more each day and can only hope and pray that she will know what she has done to our hearts, our home and our family.

HOTlanta

For Baylor's 7th Birthday coming up soon, he asked to go to a Braves game. Brent pulled a few strings and got tickets for this weekend. We had a blast and Baylor was in "hog heaven"

Thankfully he wanted the whole family to tag along. It was a night game, but it was HOT when we first got there so we all enjoyed some flavored/shaved ice.


Nommie and Gandie also got to come along, we were thankful for the extra hands AND LAP!

Of course the cutest girl at the park, was none other than our very own littlest Braves fan.


We woke up Saturday morning and headed to the Georgia Aquarium. It was very nice, but I think everyone in Atlanta decided it was a good day to go too. If you ever go, buy your tickets in advance on line!!!!
We always get so many stares when she is in the sling. You would think we were a circus side show. It is almost comical, but I have tried my other carriers and this one works the best for both of us.

The entire family

Washable or NOT?

Okay... silly post, but with school just around the corner... we have been trying to get all of our supplies together. I am finding that you have to be a serious shopper just to find all the stuff you need. AND I still am missing one very important piece. The "Crayola 10 count WASHABLE Classic Color Markers". Now, it should not be that hard, they are everywhere, but this is what I am finding... 8 pack washable or 10 pack not washable. What is more important having the washable markers so marker is not all over the kids, clothes and tables, or the extra pink and grey that the 10 pack provides? UGH... so many questions. I EVEN went to the Crayola web site... they do not seem to offer a 10 pack of WASHABLE markers... was it a joke to stress me out or are they out there ( because the Wal-Mart lady told me they had them, just not that day).
Next year I vote for the PTA "wrap packs" and I will buy them in advance. ( Our school is brand new and were not able to offer it this year)