NBTB...

Hello summer!! AAAHHH, it was a gorgeous day, warm and sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect day to work and play outside.

So early this morning, Matt and Tracey (our neighbor directly across the street) went to buy a couple of truckloads of mulch for the landscaping. While they were gone, I took Katherine and Caleb on a walk around the neighborhood... Caleb in his stroller, Katherine on her new "big girl" bright pink bike complete with Ariel helmet.

When we were about 2 blocks from home, we came up to a house that had a boat and a car in the driveway -- both on the same side. The sidewalk, which, by the way is a public right of way, was completely blocked. The other side of the driveway was empty. Anyway, the boat took up a large portion of the driveway, so the car was not only covering 100% of the sidewalk, but it was also about a foot from the street. So, the question is... what would you do??? You have two kids, one in a stroller, the other on a big girl bike with training wheels.... Do you have your 4 year old daughter go in front of the car (ie between the car and boat) or down the driveway and very close to (if not IN) the street?

Being the safety freak that I am, I had her go between the car and the boat. There is NO WAY I'd EVER teach my child that it's a good idea to drive their bike in the street. So she gets off her bike and I help her wheel it around the car. As I'm doing this, a guy comes out from the house and we have the following conversation...

Random Guy (RG): I guess I should have moved my car.

Me: That's fine, don't worry about it.

RG: Well I am worrying about it, because you had your kid ride her bike through my grass, and now look at the lines that will be there for the next several hours.

Me: Wow, I apologize, but the sidewalk was blocked, and

RG: No AND... you should have taken her out in the street rather through my lawn.

** OK, for the record, she put small tire tracks in a two foot stretch of grass. If I had gone down the driveway, she would have tire tracks over about a 6 foot stretch of grass.

Me: Again, I apologize. I didn't realize it was that big of a deal, but if it's something you feel strongly about, I suggest you don't block the right of way in the future. (Especially considering there's a billion kids in the neighborhood).

Random Guy get in his car, moves it to the totally vacant side of the driveway and wants to keep yelling at me. As much as I would have liked to had it out with him, Katherine was there, and this, more than anything was a lesson for her.

On a totally different note....

I am so thankful for my girlfriends. Some old... some new... some right in my back yard... others far away... some I chat with daily (OK.. several times a day)... others I talk to less often. Some I share the bond of motherhood... others a memory of single days living in the sorority house... and some like Val, a shared childhood... a similar history... memories from way back in elementary school... and dreams of what our future would be like... Back when we were both on the high school debate team (and NO we weren't nerds!) we always put "NBTB" on the bottom of our briefs.... It represented a funny similar characteristic that we both had and it was something we always kept from the boys....just our little secret, an inside joke.... So today when I opened my blog and saw NBTB in her comment, I had to laugh. Thanks Val -- it's been a day, and you have no idea how much I needed it. There are some (but very few) things I can't put in this blog, and let's just say, one such thing happened today. Yes, I'll call you later, but the last 24 hours have been ....... UUUGH, I can't even find the words.... But.... I'm so thankful for you... so thankful for our friendship... for our shared history... and so thankful all the wonderful girlfriends I'm blessed to have in my life. Thanks for making me smile. Oh, and NBTB to you.

Dentist

Today was the day Katherine had been looking forward to for over a month now. Unbelievably, she couldn't wait to go to the dentist, and has been awaiting today with great anticipation. She's the only child I know who puts going to the dentist right up there with a trip to to Cold Stone. LOL!!

While I took Katherine to the dentist, Matt's mom offered to watch Caleb so that I wouldn't have to chase him around the office while she got her teeth cleaned. No brainer there!!!

As I dropped him off at Todd and Caroline's and told him goodbye, he gave me a great big hug and kiss and told me goodbye with a smile on his face. I can't tell you how wonderful it is that he's starting to get over the "separation anxiety" stage. He's growing more independent by the day, and in his own little way, he knows I'll be back for him soon.

Katherine could hardly contain her excitement as we pulled into the parking lot of the dentist office. All she could talk about was the cool new toothbrush she'd be getting along with the stickers, bracelet, and princess toothpaste. Let's just say she definitely hit the jackpot. She sat in the chair like such a little lady and chatted with Cindy about going to Disney World this fall and everything Caleb. Oh how she loves that kid!!

The bad news came a few minutes later... She's got an itty bitty teeny tiny cavity. UUUUUGH! No matter how small it is, a cavity is still a cavity... I can't believe it. I feel like the worst mom in the world. I have no idea how this could have happened. I feel awful..... Just terrible....... So, we're returning next Friday to get the cavity removed. Evidently it's "very surface" and "barely there" so she won't get a shot of anesthetic... thank God. Apparently it won't hurt, but still.... I totally get an "F" in the mom department today. The thing that I hate the most is that right now she loves going to the dentist and I'm afraid that next Friday will change all that. I'd trade places with her in a heartbeat.

After we got done at the dentist, we picked up Matt's parents, Caleb and Leo and went to Jumpin' Jacks. (Jumpin' Jacks is a place that has tons of inflatables, arcade games, surprisingly good pizza, and bubble machines). The kids had a blast jumping around in the inflatables and eating pizza!! They just went nuts in the big frog house and the three of them were laughing so hard at one point that they could hardly stand up. Let's just say that Katherine and Caleb slept like rock stars this afternoon.

We decided to head to Valley Junction after naps and hit the farmer's market. Matt was craving all of the yummy street vendor food, and Katherine and Caleb split perhaps the largest snow cone I've ever seen. It was heaven in a cup!! Their lips were bright blue and they had smiles plastered all over their little faces the entire time. And I got to go to one of my favorite scrapbook stores. Oh, happy day!

When we got home, we went outside to play with the neighbors -- 6 families in total. The kids had a blast and before we knew it it was pushing 9:20. It was a late night, full of fun and friends. And really.... isn't that what summer is all about?

Caleb.....

It seems that with every passing day Caleb's little personality is blossoming. He's incredibly funny -- and knows it, he's learning more words by the day, and always trying new things. He's such a boy, and has this innate competitive drive to always keep up with his big sister. It's amazing to be able to sit back and watch him develop into a wonderful little man.

Today we spent the morning with Matt's parents and Leo. The kids had a blast playing together. They ran around the backyard, played in the sandbox and acted like little monkeys on the swing set. Katherine's latest obsession is "skinning the cat", and she does it until her hands will no longer hold her up. I'm shocked at how flexible she is, and can't believe the abs on this girl. I've got a gymnast it the making!!

Caleb followed Katherine and Leo around with stars in his eyes. If they were doing something, he was going to try it! Leo is in the process of being potty trained, and at one point, Katherine had to go to the potty so we put Leo on as well. Guess who also had to give it a try???? You guessed it!! My little Caleb. He ran over to the potty chair and was pulling at his pants. So I took off his diaper and put him up there to see what he'd do. He sat there for about 30 seconds and was done. He had no idea what to do, but at least he sat there... No potty success, but at least he isn't afraid of trying! I haven't pulled out our potty chair yet, I wasn't planning to even think about potty training until he was 2 1/2 or so.... But who knows......

Caleb is all about kissing today. It's pretty funny. I always give the kids a kiss after I'm done buckling them in their car seats, and Caleb kept asking for more kisses. After about 5 or 6 of them, he held up his little hand and said, "ALL DONE MAMA". LOL.

Then, at nap time Katherine rushed into her bed while I changed Caleb's pants so that she could be the much coveted "nap leader". (Oh yes, that's a beautiful thing!). I told Caleb to run in and give Katherine a kiss good night, and he took off at a dead run into her room, grabbed her cheeks with his little hands and yelled, "MMMMMMMMWWWWWAAAAAA"!!! Then, just as quickly as he ran in, he took off into his own room and tried to get into his crib. Katherine was laughing to the point of crying. It was so funny to watch him!!

Then today, he gave Grandma and Grandpa both kisses on the cheek. It's all about the love today!

Speaking of Grandma and Grandpa, they're quickly learning all of Caleb's little quirky behaviors. I don't think I've blogged about this before, but he's never (yes NEVER) said yes. Actually, he's never EVER given an answer in the affirmative. For example, if he's on his favorite ride at Adventureland and I ask him if he's having fun, he'll yell "NNNOOOOOO!" If I ask him if he wants to go to the park, he'll raise his little fist in the air and yell "NOOO". Katherine calls him "Our Mister "NO" guy". (Sounds like a pretty good title for a future scrapbook layout huh???) He says "NO" about 50 different ways, and trying to watch Matt's parents figure out if he really meant it or not, was hilarious. They kept asking me how they'd know if he really meant "NO". I kept telling them "Oh, trust me. You'll know". Finally when it was time to go home he didn't want to and he stamped his little foot, pulled his arms in close to his body and yelled "NO". They just laughed and said, yes, they knew what he meant.

One other cute Caleb story.... Yesterday at Adventureland Fran and I took Caleb and Leo on these little toddler cars. They had soooo much fun!! Caleb started pumping his little fist in the air and yelling "GO GO GO GO" the whole way around. The boys were having the time of their lives!!!!

Night terror

Last night was a rough one. None of us got much sleep.

Caleb woke up up around 2 am screaming and crying. He's cried out in the middle of the night before, but immediately falls asleep. Last night... not the case. He cried for about 5 minutes so I went into get him and make sure everything was OK. When I opened the door, I could hear him roll over and then stand up. He wasn't standing up in his crib crying, he was laying down, holding onto his beloved Big Bird and crying in his sleep.... Bad dream? Maybe, but I really don't think so. After I picked him up he continued to cry and scream for a bit, but then realized that I was holding him and he settled down. I was up with him until almost 3 am and then put an exhausted little boy back to bed.

This morning he slept until 9 am! Much later than normal, but considering what happened in the middle of the night, my poor little boy was tired. I sooo hope that he sleeps peacefully tonight.

The kids and I spent the day with Matt's parents and my nephew, Leo. We met them at the mall, played in the play area and had lunch. The kids had a blast! Then after everyone woke up from naps, they came over to our house for dinner and to play. Leo was in heaven! He ran around outside with some of the neighbor kids, played with tons of new toys, and went over to Rick and Danyel's house for popcorn and cartoons.

While the kids played outside tonight, Fran and I went to Hobby Lobby. A ton of their scrapbook stuff is on sale 50% off, so I had to pick up a few things. I needed an off color of paper for Katherine's new pictures, so I was able to find the perfect stuff on sale. Gotta love that!!

Tomorrow we're headed to Adventureland and for the first time this year, Matt is meeting us out there after work. WOO-HOO!! Katherine can't wait for her Daddy to take her on all the water rides.

Friends...

Val sent this to me today and I wanted to share it with all of you. I am so thankful that I have so many wonderful women in my life I consider friends, and am amazed at what strength, courage, support, and love they have brought into my life. My life is richer for them, and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends. One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together," another, "Let's fight together," another, "Let's walk away together." One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several... one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters, and on some days, your daughters.

So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years, AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO, pass this on to the women that God has placed in your life to make a difference.

Party at the Hanson house

Matt's finally done with the CFA. Now it's just the long wait until we find out if all his studying and hard work paid off. We'll find out if he passes sometime in the middle of August. The waiting is horrible!!

To help celebrate the end of the studying era, we're having a neighborhood get together. Everyone is out on the deck enjoying a beverage and relaxing, even as I write this! It's so nice!!

Matt's parents are in town for a week watching Leo while Todd and Caroline are in San Francisco, so while Matt took the test today, we all went to the zoo. Here's some pics -- none of them are edited, but I at least wanted to get them on line so that Caroline can see them.

This was just too funny....

...not to post. Thankfully I have a sense of humor about it!!!!

This morning as I was getting out of the shower, Katherine came into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. This was the conversation that we had --

K: Mommy, do you like freckles?
M: Of course, sweetie. They're adorable on you.
K: Thanks. I think so too...... But, Mommy, why do I have them?
M: Well honey, they're angel kisses. Every place that you have a freckle, is where an angel kissed your face.
Katherine gives me a puzzled look, thinks for a good 30 seconds and says...

Mommy, why did an angel kiss your bottom?

OMG -- this girl doesn't miss a thing!! And for the record, it's one small mole, my butt is not covered in freckles. GEESH!