Toddler Crafts

Jon has been out of town for over a week and Nate and I are about to drive each other crazy. I searched the internet for craft inspirations, anything to keep Nate busy. He was excited to do "craps" and I was happy he was staying out of the refrigerator.

I found a website called All Kids Network.com that has a lot of crafts, activities, worksheets and MORE for keeping your kids busy.  I looked through the Fall Crafts list for some ideas.

Pumpkin Patch Finger Painting

Nate's Pumpkin Patch

 Fall Fingerprint Tree

Fingerprint Tree + Blue bushes?

Even the dog got painted.

So that killed about 45 mintues. Now what.......

Mommy words

I try to not cuss. Growing up, I never remember hearing my parents cuss. When our teacher told us on the first day of kindergarten we shouldn't say "ain't" I thought it was because it was a curse word. Somewhere along the way I picked up some choice words.

My curse of choice is usually shit. It slips out of my mouth without any warning. Stub my toe, shit. Burn my hand, shit. Hit a big pothole, shit. That last one provoked Nate's first curse repeat. Jon hasn't let me live if down.

I've adapted other words to replace my cursing:

• Shiitake (I think I got this from Austin Powers)
• Son of a biscuit
• Oh, craptastic
• Frack (Thanks Battlestar Galactica)

I don't know if they're any better, but I won't get as many phone calls from school. I don't need my son being the kid to teach everyone the f-word on the playground. When the teacher calls, I'll have her call my husband.

Not Very Good At This...

I have had no motivation to blog lately! I feel boring and BLAH. I really want this to be fun for me. This week I will spend more time thinking about my blog and trying to create a more appealing set-up. I need a little more creativity and originality...will ponder.

I've also had no motivation for my C25k program. Stuck on the beginning of Week 3. Partly because it's been colder and partly because my son has been staying up later and I don't like running in the dark. I don't see this changing any time soon, but maybe I can find some inspiration while re-vamping my blog.

On a completely unrelated note, look at my little dinosaur!


Roaarrrr!

 Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

The Sweetest Thing

After watching "The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That" (an awesome new OETA cartoon), my little boy walked to his room and said "Nap!" When I picked him up, he put his head on my shoulder and we cuddled. He may be a toddler but I'm glad he's still a baby. I'm not ready for this growing up business.

xo,
Jamie Lynn

New Week Resolution

On this fall-ish morning, Nate is exploring the backyard after yesterday's rain. I'm sitting at the picnic table, trying to ward off the stray cat that thinks he lives in my house. We're still in our pajamas. I'm pretty sure that's why privacy fences were invented.

When I started reading blogs a few months ago, I stumbled upon Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry (and a few other mommy blogs listed over there ---->). I like that she doesn't sugarcoat being a mom. It's not all cupcakes and bon-bons at her house and it's not at mine either. Beth is also a talented photographer. If she lived in Oklahoma I'd hire her for all my family pics! (If we ever did that kind of thing...)

ANYWAY, Beth challenges people to take more photographs by doing a weekly You Capture. I meant to start this week, but of course I procrastinated and forgot. She comes up with an interesting topic and you take the pictures that week. My new week resolution is to start You Capture. This week's topic is Photographer's Choice. Let's see what I can find.

While trying to type this we had to put on warmer clothes, Nate let the stray cat in the house 5 times, stray cat knocked over my Diet Dr Pepper, and Nate decided long sleeves and shoes were for losers. Updating from outside seemed like a good idea but it's a lot of work! Maybe I should stick to nap time...

xo,
Jamie Lynn

Being a Stay at Home Mom....

.... is not easy.

I still work. And I don't get paid.

Sure, I don't GO to work.

Because my work is always here.

It's a lot harder than I expected.

But SO much more rewarding.

I wouldn't trade the cuddles, the kisses, the dance parties, the playgrounds, the tantrums, the diapers, the lack of sleep, or the headbutts for anything.

I know I'm very lucky to have this opportunity to be with my boy.

...just remember it's not easy.

My Baby's First Haircut

I guess it wasn't really my "baby's" first haircut since he is now 2, but it was his first time under the scissors.

Whaaattt are you doing????

Why are you letting them do this?

Why me?

I'm OK with this now!

BEFORE

AFTER

A special thanks to my friend Lauren for coming to the salon to watch Nate and take pictures for me! And a big thanks to Claire at Velvet Monkey Too for being so kind and patient with my little guy AND for my great new haircut!

Stylin'!

xo,
Jamie Lynn