2nd Annual Halloween Party

Jake and I threw our 2nd annual Halloween party today. We had a lot of fun. Jake was a little over whelmed at times, but then cheered up once his costume was off and he ate lunch. We played with play dough, painted and shared with friends.
Thanks to all who could come!The monkey to my banana

Poppel and Jake saying CHEESSSEE!!!Mommel and Aunt Jill to the rescue!

New friends and neighbors!

play dough time

A lion and a raccoon

Painting pumpkins

A magician

A Ballerina

Mini-Superman

Hugs, Jake and Brooke

Family Sunday

This past weekend we spent the morning at a local park. We stayed for a few hours enjoying the beautiful weather and ate lunch together. It was a really nice way to spend a Sunday.

kisses for mommy, such a sweetie

Jake loved this car

Running down the hill with Daddy. Which he requested many times!

Spooky halloween tale

So, a few days ago I was in the middle of tutoring when I heard the sound of a creaking door upstairs.CRRRREEEEAKK... Then, the sound of faint footsteps. Stomp, Stomp, Stomp...Was it a ghost?...Was it a monster? No, it was something FAR scarier than anything mother can imagine... it was a...

Toddler who learned to climb out of his crib!!!! Ahhhhhh

Yes, Jake has learned how to climb out of his crib. A nightmare to me. He is loving it too! Yesterday, it took me six attempts to put him to sleep for his nap. He just kept hopping right out. I felt like super nanny. I just kept going in, saying," No Jake nap time. Mommy loves you night night." Then, he would cry like he has never cried before and pop... he would climb right back out. The third time I went up, I heard him say "cool!" When I went in, he was on top of the changing table with all five fingers in his vapor rub. Needless to say his room has been stripped of everything. However, he finally gave in and I felt very successful. Last night he went down normally. However, it means decision time. We have to make a decision about how we are going to handle this. This morning I woke up and he was half way down the stairs! Jon and I think we will try making his bed a daybed and attaching a rail then lock his door from the outside so he cannot hurt himself. That way we can go to sleep knowing he is okay. Who knows... we will try and see what happens. Who knew parenting was this tough? You never know if your making the right choice. You just have to stick with what you think is right then hope and pray for the best. Wish us luck!!

Jake having fun at mommy and me preschool

Fun day with My Cuz

This afternoon, Jill and I spent time together with the kids. The sun has finally come out again so it was time to get outside! Enjoy the pics and videos.

Taking a wee walk

Swing Time

Lollipops from a friendly neighbor

Pretend night night time.
Jack's comment," Aunt Jo, you can leave and Jakey can sleep here."

Jeep time, hope this doesn't make you nauseous

Weird slow mo dancing, hopefully you can see it...priceless

Organizing

Lately, I have been in an organizing mood. I love to organize but find that I don't always have the time now with Jake. This weekend was so rainy that it was a perfect time to get some stuff done. I chose to do my bathroom closets which have been driving me crazy. I love using bins to organize and wanted to make homemade labels. Here is one of the closets! What do you think?

BEFORE

AFTER

Pumpkin Candy

Has anyone seen these in stores??? I love holdiays for the candy they bring. Easter I look forward to Cadbury Mini eggs (not the creme filled kind) but the type with the pastel candy shell. Christmas it is the Reese's peanut butter Christmas tree. Halloween it is the candy pumpkins. I have never really been a candy corn person, but for some reason I love the pumpkins. Where are they??? They used to sell them in bags separate from the corn. Have they discontinued my guilty autumn pleasure?? If you have seen them let me know.

Growing Up Quick

Helping Daddy move tree brush

Barney Spotting... SOO excited

Chatting Up Barney

Giving Five

Family Fun Weekend

Fall, oh fall...

I do love fall but things just seem to get a little too busy for my liking. Between tutoring, preparing for the Buddy Walk, decorating the house, school starting for Jake and bible study starting for mommy, things have been nutty. Jake has been such a good sport through all of it. I am happy to say things have finally slowed down and we are getting back to the park and our usual playdates. The past month or so has been wonderful with Jake. He is really showing his ability to learn and obey mommy. That is HUGE!! Of course we still have our moments, but overall I am soo proud of him. Yesterday, we went to the farm with friends and had a blast. He held my hand the whole time without a fuss and stopped when I said stop. I love days when I can see my hard work paying off. I am really learning the kind of kid he is. When he wants his way, which is most of the time... a little chat with mommy can usually calm the situation and then he obeys me. It's nice when I figure something out and see it worked the next time a situation arises. We have also been "teaching" him colors, letters and I'm trying to show him how to count. I love to see him pointing in his books and pretending to read. I will often ask him how many trees or buttons are there? He so cutely points and points the whole time saying four, four, four... so adorable! I always loved teaching, but seeing my own child learn is a very cool experience.

Feeding the ducks at Aunt Janet's

Jake wanted to sit all by himself on the hay ride

pumpkin in a pumpkin

so big

Jake and his buddy
Preparing for Halloween.. hint hint...

Here is a quick clip of my new favorite thing he does. I am trying my best to incorporate prayer into our day. Here is Jake's version so far!

School days and fun with cousins

Last Thursday, Jake had his first day of mommy and me preschool. It is a once week program where you attend with them. I was a little nervous because we have never really taken a structured class before and I didn't know how he would react. He LOVED it! He learned how to say school, play with play dough, he made a craft, met some new friends and "sat" for story time and songs. After each song he said,"YAY!" I loved it too. The teachers were so sweet and I like being in a school again. The other moms were really nice and I think it will be great for both of us! I also included some pictures and funny video of Jake with Jack.

1st day of school outfit, notice the belt...

here's why... skinny legs

Freedom park fun
Large, Medium and small together

This is Jack and Jake's new thing. Jack pushes the button for Jake and then
they dance to the music. When Jack stops we hear," more... more!"

Jake loves to roll. We were at a party recently and Jake had a hot dog roll. Someone walked by and said," do you have a roll?" Jake immediately got into position and began rolling. So funny.