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As many of you know, I am involved in an organization called AFFIE (Anna Foundation for Inclusive Education) Please vote today to help us raise funds for our non profit!

No, I want Appa Juss!

This Sunday, Jake and I drove over to the Schuylkill River to meet my family for their regatta. Christian and Courtney are both rowing now. We were there all day and it was beautiful. Jake loved spending time with his Pop Pop and GG. He also loved seeing the boats, dogs, cars and many people going by. It was an exciting day. I didn't get many pics because we were so busy keeping him safe near the water, but I did catch one cute one!We are now in toddler mode over at the Sharp house. Jake has discovered that he can make choices. I like that Jake is independent. He always has been. Lately, however he wants to do everything on his own. I do like to encourage him. Although, some of the choices he would like to make, he is just not ready for. Our latest examples are walking alone when mommy says this is a time we need to hold hands and sitting in the kitchen chair without a booster seat. Both of which he is not ready for. So, fun times over here! Being a mom is tough. I knew it would be. Teaching was tough in that way. Of course I would love to just give in and let him be happy. That would be much easier and we would definitely have less tears and drama. But, I know that what I am doing is right and after we have a rough moment, I feel good about teaching Jake.

Playing with Cousins

Fall Festivities

I will say it again... I love fall! There is just something about it. The past few days we have had such wonderful weather. Jake and I have been loving being outside again. Yesterday we cleaned up around the pool and Jake said," buh bye pool." Soo sad. Pool you will be missed! We also racked leaves and played in the yard. Today we went to the park with Aunt Janet, Jake's cousins and one of Jake's friends came along. It was a wonderful morning. Lately, Jake has been talking a lot more. He has always been a talker but now he is really trying to make sense of it all. I love it. He has learned the letters A, B and C as well as his colors. Who knows how long he will remember them, but it is fun! He loves to do activities with me, which I love. I am a huge nerd when it comes to school stuff and crafts. So I am enjoying that I can teach Jake a little here and there. He is also officially in his, "big boy" crib. He now knows not to come out of his room and he can only get out when he is awake. We are no longer jumping out and refusing to sleep. Thank goodness!Running around the house, one of his favorite pastimes

Giving five to buddies

Halloween Weekend

This past weekend started out with my wisdom teeth being removed. Not so fun. Jon took the day off and I was lucky to have a lot of help with Jake so it was not too bad. Saturday, we took it easy for for the most part until it was time to trick or treat. Jake loved trick or treating this year. We visited some neighbors and had some visitors too. We made it a family affair and everybody was dressed up. Jon was the man with the yellow hat, Jake was curious George and I was a banana. It covered my swollen face! We had a lot of fun and Jake was loving the freedom of being allowed to run in the street.

Jake with one of his best buddies!

Jon's best friend Gary came to visit!

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