May 2009

Day 151-Silly Sunday Pics

Isn't Sunday the best? I've officially changed my favorite day of the week from Friday to Sunday...

Day 150-Tater Tot T-Shirt

I was sorting through the garage this morning and found a box with office supplies that had somehow got misplaced in storage and I had completely forgotten about it for well over a year. Anyways, Tate pulled out these "iron on letters" and BEGGED me to make him a t-shirt. I really do have a hard time telling this kid no, especially when he looks up at me with his big brown eyes and says "PLEASE". 

So, I found a blank t-shirt from his closet and ironed the letters on .

Simple Easy Project=One Happy Kid :) You know what I think... TATE IS SPOILED ROTTEN WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING WHAT HE WANTS!

Day 149-Water World Project

I've mentioned in previous posts how busy Bryan has been lately with the Water World Project, but I haven't shown many pictures. So if you are a visual person like me-these pics might give you a better idea of what he's been up to...

He is the Project Manager and has been working hard to get this job finished ASAP so that they can open this Summer. Bryan is supervising having shade structures built throughout the park. That includes putting up steel columns and tensioned shade sails. (You can see all of the white poles in the pictures that they have already finished putting up)

Here is another view. They got their first shade sail up yesterday, so that was exciting for him!

As you can see, there are still quite a few more to do (some that are very high)... He tells me that it is way harder than it appears to get these things up.

Day 148-A Funny Conversation

We've been trying to get donations for the upcoming dinner/benefit auction from some local business'. I made the mistake of forgetting to bring drinks with us today. Since it was a hot day, we stopped at the nearest grocery store to get some water bottles. While there, I eyed some Popsicles. You know those REALLY good kind with fruit chunks in them? I picked out my favorite flavor-coconut, and Tate got strawberry. 

After about 1 minute of eating his Tate asks, "Mom can I try yours?" So, he took a bite then handed it back to me. About a minute later, "Mom can I have another bite of yours?" Same thing-one bite and then he gave it back. Another minute later, "Mom, I have a great idea... How about we switch! I'll have yours and you can have mine." Ha/Ha. I love you Tate! You are just too cute.

I guess we both like coconut the best!

Day 147-Oh What Do You Do In the Summertime?

We hang out with family and eat watermelon! YUM.

Day 146-Lazy Play Day

Not sure exactly why, but today I had like NO ENERGY whatsoever. So, what did we do? We lounged around and PLAYED-playdoe, beads, dolls, matching games, sang Primary songs, and watched High School Musical (Tate's request of course). See the shirt that Tate's wearing? Yea so he wore it yesterday, slept in it last night, and wore it again today. LOVELY. Ha/Ha. Sometimes it feels good to have lazy days:)

The FRIEND Website

One of my friends posting about the new friend website on her blog. They have new interactive games, puzzles, coloring, scripture stories, etc. with primary songs playing in the background-so cool! Tate tried it out yesterday and he LOVED it. Just wanted to share this info with each of you. It's a good thing to know about especially for the Summer...

Click HERE to check it out.

Day 145-A Visit to the Cemetery

Memorial Day was awesome-even if Bryan did have to work Saturday & Monday. Tate and I stayed home all morning yesterday and cleaned the house a lot (It always feels good to have a clean-er house), then we visited my parents in the afternoon. Bryan came home a little earlier than normal-about 5 PM :) so we headed out to the cemetery. We had fun finding

 Bryan's Grandma's grave

And his Great Grandparents Grave

My Grandparents Grave

And my Great Grandparents Grave

(It took us a long time to find Grandma and Grandpa Call's grave. Honestly, I don't remember ever seeing it before. We've always been off in the section number. When Bryan found my Grandma's brothers grave, I knew that we were close. So I looked for the same kind of flowers that were at his grave, and wola. There it was right under a tree and dirty... very dirty. We cleaned it off a bit and got this picture.

Baja Fresh Fundraiser is Today!!!

Anyone who is in the Mesa area (Val Vista and Baseline) today can enjoy Baja Fresh and benefit Margaret. Print off this flyer and bring it with you. When you order, a percentage of today's proceeds will go directly to Margaret's health fund. Happy Memorial Day!

Day 144-Sippy Cups

When Tate was a baby, he basically jumped straight from drinking a bottle to drinking from a straw cup (He called it a BUP). He didn't like sippy cups, in fact he hated them with a passion and in less I forced him to use one, he drank from a cup!

Now that he is almost five, he's decided that he LOVES sippy cups! He prefers them to cups any day. Silly Kid.

Italian Dinner and Benefit Auction for My Mom

What are you doing Friday June 5th? I'm going to this Italian Dinner and Benefit Auction, and I wanted to formally invite each of you! 

You can purchase your tickets through PAYPAL or credit card on the top left corner of my blog. Or... If you get with me or anyone else in my family, we can hook you up with some tickets.

 There are going to be some great items and deals at the auction. Click HERE for our growing list of auction items. We are still looking for additional items for the auction. Please email me onesmartchicken@gmail.com if you have something to donate. All donations are appreciated:)

Thank-you all in advance for your support! I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate each and everyone of you.

Day 143-Altered Board Book Gift

One of our close family friends and past neighbor (Brittani) just graduated from High School. I made her a little book for holding some photos-using THIS tutorial. As you can see, I kind of went crazy with the ink-FUN.

Since we were unable to make it to her graduation, my sister Christina and I were able to go visit her today. We had a nice visit and it was fun "catching up" a bit.

April 2009 Collage & I'm Off a Day!

So I just realized that with my project 365, I'm off a day. Today is actually day 142. I have taken all the pictures and they are up on the blog, but somehow the numbering got off. Woops.

Day 141-Bird's Nest

Tate loves birds. He spends most mornings in the backyard listening to them and watching them fly here and there. His biggest goal in life right now is to catch a bird. He's tried various ways of catching them-dressing up like a bird so that they won't be scared of him, tempting them with small pieces of bread, and putting pictures of birds in the backyard are some that come to mind.

Tate's been asking me for several weeks to help him make a bird's nest... Well today has been such a lovely day outside, so I figured that I could "handle" being outside this afternoon and help him build a nest. He was so happy with the way it turned out. When we were finished he said, "Now a bird can come live in this nest and then I'll catch it". I really don't think he's going to quit trying until he catches his bird!

Day 140-Centa, Hissy and Desi

These are Tate's all time favorite toys that he drags everywhere. He is OBSESSED with his centipede named Centa, his snake named Hissy, and his caterpillar named Desi. He plays with them constantly and has to tuck them in bed every night or else he has a very hard time sleeping. He's so cute!

Day 139-Tempe Beach Park

We went to our first play group in our new ward today. They had it at the Tempe Beach Park. Tate had a blast and I had fun too-although I wish that I wasn't quite so paranoid about keeping an eye on Tate. I've just had too many bad experiences with him running off, and so I feel like I can't relax when in a huge group setting. I did get to meet some Mom's and visit a little so it's all good.

I overheard one Mom saying that she always buys her children the ugliest and brightest swim suits out there just so that she can spot them easily. I may need to try that :)

Day 138-Happiness Is...

Singing around the piano with my boys! (Today it was just Tate and I but yesterday I was able to convince Bryan to join in with us and that was just awesome). I can't tell you enough how grateful I am to have a piano. To me it is the difference between having a house and a home. Growing up-singing around the piano as a family was something that we did almost daily, and now it is one of my favorite memories. I want to continue this tradition with my own family.

Day 138-Tate's "Little Light" Preschool Graduation

Tate graduated from Preschool Tonight. His graduation was incredibly cute! Instead of graduation caps they had balloon hats.

The Graduation Ceremony went as follows:

• Flag Salute
  
• Song "This Little Light of Mine"-Here's a little video clip that I got. (He's on the far left)
  
  


• A Reading of "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn


• Song "Tootie Ta" by Marcia Louis-They asked that one person from each family come join them on the stage (Bryan was the lucky one from our family) Here's some funny pics
  

• Presentation of Diplomas (Here's a picture of him with Ms. Nancy and Ms. Thea)

• Closing Prayer
  

(Now that Tate is done with Preschool I feel like it's safe enough for me to post his Preschool Name online) If anyone is looking for a very good Christian oriented preschool, "Little Light" would be it. They are awesome-click HERE for a link to their website.

Day 137-I Have Some Exciting News

My little brother is getting married! He proposed to her yesterday while in Sedona and she said YES. The whole family LOVES Julie, she is completely adorable and just perfect for James. I think it's so cute, she calles him Jems and her calls her Jewels. Check her blog out HERE.

Day 136-I am So Blessed!

I was feeling a little down Saturday morning... Bryan had to work, my car battery was dead, and there were clothes EVERYWHERE in my bedroom due to the curtain rod in the closet that has been broken since we moved to this house.

Then, there was a knock at the door... Uncle Colin (who lives in New Mexico and was down visiting Grandma next door) unexpectedly asked me for my car keys because he wanted to check under the hood of my car to see what was going on. Then, next thing I know he and Grandma were gone. I couldn't find them anywhere. And then, they came back with a brand new battery for my car. Uncle Colin put it in and wola-I have a working car again!!! Yeah! Thank you so much Uncle Colin for working on my car and Grandma for paying for the battery until we can pay you back-you are both so awesome to do this for me.

So, at this point, I was very overwhelmed with happiness. But then it got even better!

Tate and I got to attend my Grandma Manning's 80th Birthday Party. My Grandma is just too cute. I love her so much!

So then after the party, my Dad randomly offered to come help me with stuff around the house. I just mentioned to him about my closet and he volunteered to build me a brand new closet system-right away too. He headed to Home Depot and got all the supplies while I took stuff out of the closet. Here's a picture of the mess before.

And then just 4 hours later this is how my closet looked...(This is just a portion of the closet. It is about 10 feet long and the camera just couldn't capture it all because the closet doors were on). No one is as talented with building shelves as my Dad.

Here is a picture of him and Tate afterwards.

Dad you are my hero-literally!!! You are the best.

Day 135-Daddy's Work

Bryan accidentally locked his keys in his truck this morning... So we got to take a trip all the way out to "Water World" (In one of Bryan's parents cars-see post below) where he is currently working building some shade structures. Unfortunately everyone on site is required to wear a hard hat and I had "baby Autumn" with me, so I had to wait in the car. Tate on the other hand had a grand time riding in a fork lift all around the construction site while Daddy gave him a private tour of his work. Tate was very excited when Bryan told him that when the job is all done, we will get to come back and go down the water slides.

Day 134-Jim Needs a New Battery

This is my beautiful old car-his name is Jim. (Please tell me we aren't the only ones who name their cars). We bought Jim used in February of 2002 at a vehicle auction for only $6500. That was back when he had only 56750 miles on his odometer. To this date, Jim has over 171000 miles put on him. Jim has been the best vehicle for us (It's great that he is paid off)... He's had minor issues here and there, but for the most part he still runs awesome. Yesterday morning Jims battery decided to die. Darn-hopefully we can get that fixed soon. I plan on driving Jim F-O-R-E-V-E-R!

Great Deal!

If you know of anyone looking to rent an apartment for a good price please feel free to share THIS info with them...

I should add, for those of you who follow my blog... All of the quirks with the apartment have been fixed so it really is a good deal.

Day 133-Pretend Little Sister

We're babysitting Autumn this week while her Mom is in California. It is so much fun having a baby around the house. Tate keeps asking me "but Mom, is she a real baby?" He loves Autumn so much and is having the time of his life having a pretend sister! One thing is for sure... Tate will make a really good big brother when we get our own baby someday.

Baja Fresh Fundraiser-Every Little Bit Counts

Day 132-Simple Way to Organize Cards of ALL Different Sizes

Supplies:

• Cards
• Cardstock
• Binder Rings
• Ribbon
• Staples
• Glue Stick

Arrange the cards in piles by card sizes (Large, Medium, Small). Glue large and medium sized cards to cardstock (put cards that are similar in size back to back) and trim closely around them leaving a rectangle or square of paper. Determine by the size of your cards how many binder rings are needed and how far apart they should be. (It looks best if the rings are an equal distance apart on the largest card). Punch holes. Make paper pockets to hold the small cards and staple where needed. Punch holes in pockets. Glue small cards to cardstock (single sided) and trim around them. Place small cards inside pockets. From large to medium sized cards, place the rings on them. Tie cute ribbons on the rings to finish it off. And you're done, no more cards hidden away in boxes. Now you can display them, and read the sweet messages from family and friends over and over again!

Tip:

• Don't overstuff. If you have several cards to display, make two different sized card books-for example one for large and one for medium.

Day 131-When did Tate Learn how to Read?

We were playing with Tate's doodle board the other night. I drew a picture of a cat and wrote the word cat next to it. Tate surprised me and read it by himself. I continued with more and more 3 letter words this time without the pictures and Tate was able to sound them all out.

I borrowed some phonics practice readers from my Mom today to see how Tate did with an actual book. And... He read the entire thing. All 8 pages of "Sam and Al". GO TATE!!!

Day 130-My Honest Mother's Day Thoughts

I'll admit that "PAST" Mother's Days have been rough... It has always been a very emotional day for me. Just the fact that I don't pop out babies like most women-I think that I've felt somewhat inferior to them. Also, on Mother's Day I can't help but feel sympathy for those women who have not been able to have any children of their own. So much so that it's been hard for me to fully appreciate those that do...

Yesterday was different. In fact I didn't feel any of the feelings that I normally do on Mother's Day. Instead of being so self absorbed and focused on what I and other women who suffer from infertility don't have, I found myself being entirely grateful for what I do have. I am so thankful for my little Tate! As crazy as he is sometimes... He is the greatest little kid and I love him so much. I have also been blessed with the most wonderful Mother! She is an amazing woman and such an inspiration to me. My Mother in Law is equally awesome.

I feel so blessed!

Day 129-Jonathan's Graduation

My brother Jonathan graduated today from the University of Phoenix! He got his Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I'm so happy for him and his family. It can't be an easy thing going to school, having 4 children plus one on the way and working full time. Congratulations Jonathan!!!

This is a picture of my nephew Peter. He was so exhausted after sitting through 3 hours of graduation. Poor kid-he fell asleep while waiting for Pizza afterwards.

Day 128-Not So Child Proof House

Kristy and her kids came over yesterday. It didn't take me long at all to realize that with the stairs-our house isn't very kid friendly. Spencer wouldn't leave the stairs alone-which left Kristy constantly chasing after him, Melanie was fine going up the stairs but was terrified of coming back down, and Savannah nearly killed herself tumbling down 8 steps. Thankfully she has an amazing balance and landed directly on her feet.

THE ANSWER

Just in case you have been wondering... The answer to the quiz below is #17. Yes, I am the Llama Mama as Kristy put it.

Can You Guess Which One is Me?

Tate's preschool teacher emailed me this special Mother's Day Project. She asked me to guess which one Tate made for me. (There were a lot more-but I narrowed it down a bit for you). Can you guess which one?