Go, Dog, Go!

Do you remember this book from your childhood?

Tonight, Jax "read" Go Dog Go to his MoMo. He did a wonderful job!! I was actually shocked: I have read the book to him only twice, and he basically told the story by looking at the pictures WORD FOR WORD to her tonight!!! She would confirm that he was "reading" the story correctly and he would comment "Wow, I wheel-wee can weed!"

I am so proud of him! And it was exciting to see his self-confidence boosting as he "read" more and more.

But, I have to throw this out there... all my Teacher Friends can tell me if I am crazy or not.... I am pretty sure that the word "good-bye" is misspelled multiple times throughout the book. It is "good-bye," and not "good-by" as the book states, right???? If I am correct, I have to say that I am sort of disappointed that such a classic could be teaching beginning readers incorrectly ("good-by"). There's no telling how many children learned to read through books like this one. Of course, most children would not notice and probably would not know the difference at this age, nor become traumatized even if they did notice. But, I guess you could say that this is another one of those things that I have been pondering over, and can't quite come to a firm conclusion on my own. So what's the opinion of my blog readers?

Optimism

I love this; too good not to share:

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl,
One was an optimistic soul;
But the other took the gloomy view,
"We will drown," he cried, without more ado.
So with a last despairing cry,
He flung up his legs and he said, "Good-bye."

Quoth the other frog with a merry grin,
"I can't get out, but I won't give in!
I'll just swim around till my strength is spent,
Then will I die the more content."

Bravely he swam till it would seem
His struggles began to churn the cream;
On the top of the butter at last he stopped,
And out of the bowl he happily hopped.
What's the moral? 'Tis easily found:
If you can't hop out, keep swimming 'round!

I should be sleeping

So, Jax is in bed; has been since 9pm.
And, Joy is in bed; has been since 10:30pm.
(well, she did wake up around midnight, but nothing the vibrating bassinet couldn't take care of for me!)
And, I just finished grading papers for my online classes....
So, I really should go to bed too, right?
Well, yeah, I should.
But I really wanted to blog tonight.
I did all of my little tasks and I just can't help that it is now almost 1am. I still want my reward! I've worked hard. So I am going to add ONE post to my blog, about something really important... well, it's actually a really important question. It's something that I've been pondering for a while, and just can't figure out on my own. Maybe some of you more experienced moms can help:
why do newborn-sized socks have the little gripper thingies on the bottom?
I mean, aren't those there to keep the wearer from slipping and falling down when they have only socks on? Do they really think that the gripper stripes and other cute gripper patterns are really necessary for newborn-sized socks? Has anyone ever had their newborn to slip down due to lack of grippers on their socks???

Now that I have that off of my chest, I believe I can sleep well tonight! thanks!

for the love of Felder

Most of you know Felder. Or at least know of him by now.
Felder is my 4-year-old little buddy who was diagnosed with ALL (a type of leukemia) last August. He's a little trooper - he's been taking treatments like a big guy for a while now.
Several events are going to be happening very soon to help Felder and his family and also to honor the little fella.


This Saturday, February 21st, there is going to be a 5k run/walk in Jackson to benefit the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Yours truly will be participating. Do I know what it will be like? no. Have I ever done this before? no. Am I in shape? uh, NO, I just had a baby so that magnifies the out-of-shapeness. Have I been training for it? goodness, NO - when? But, nevertheless, I will be there, with my tennis shoes on and some sort of comfortable clothing. Thank goodness this is not a dress-up affair, as I still can't wear my "dressy" clothes. ha. So, anyway, all the proceeds from this race will go towards the Children's Hospital. It's a wonderful place that has been so important to Felder and his family since his diagnosis. And many other kids, too. Even my nephew has been a patient there. So, any of you up for a run? or walk? or 5k drag????? If you are going to be in the area this weekend, come on out and do it! It will probably be worth it just to see me with my tongue hanging out. LOL. Sign up here: http://www.southgroup.net/ Or, contact me and I'll help you get it all lined up.



Ok, and now the second upcoming event: a benefit for Felder and his family will be held Saturday, Feb. 28th at Bogue Chitto School gymnasium. It's from 6pm - 10pm. This event includes lots of gospel music and a live auction of all sorts of cool items. Also, there will be a concession stand, games and fun for the kids, and a cake walk. It's going to be lots of fun for the whole family! If you're in the area, come on out and join in on the fun!

As the Feb. 28th event gets closer, we are still looking for volunteers to help provide some of the items for the concession stand, prizes for the games, cakes for the cake walk, and cool items for the auction. I know all my blog readers are so talented - so get busy making your cakes and crafts and convincing your bosses to give gift certificates or wares or whatever!! It's for a great cause.


To see pictures of Felder and to keep up with his progress, click on his site to the left on my blog page, or go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/feldersartin Meanwhile, make plans to support and attend the benefit. It would mean a lot to the Sartins and you could win some pretty cool stuff too!!
Let me know if you need more info!!

This is how I Blog...

Just in case you are wondering, I type the journal portions of my blog posts as the events occur, or as soon as I get a chance... Then, I go back and add the pictures for several posts all at once. Having dial-up at our house makes it very difficult to upload photos. I usually take my digital pics to Walgreens to have them printed, and I order the photo CD as well. They always place a file of "low resolution" photos on the CD in addition to the regular photo files. (i haven't figured out how to save digital images as "low resolution" myself) Once I have the photos in "low resolution" they are no problem to upload... it is very quick and easy for us dial-up users in the boonies!
I thought I'd post my process so that you'd understand why a bunch of posts "appear" all at once, and also as advice for anyone else who is stuck with dial-up as the only option... maybe "low resolution" will save you a lot of time, too!

With that being said, check out the updates I made to my blog... I finally added photos and published several posts (8 to be exact; there are a couple in "january" too) tonight in between bathing and feeding all my children.

this is what a 3 year old boy looks like

Jax is three years old! I still find that so hard to believe. 3 seems to be a milestone age. If you don’t think so, just go to any toy store … almost every toy, book, or movie is suggested for only those that are “age 3 and up”. Restaurants and other public places recognize this milestone age also… many begin charging for kids at age three. Oh, yay! ha ha. Jax is 3, but he thinks that means he's grown. He's 3, going on 16.
Jax’s birthday is Jan. 9th. We celebrated with him on his actual birthday with an ice cream cake that he picked out all by himself. Later, we had a birthday party with all the family and several friends there to help sing “Happy Birthday to Jax”. I took these pictures a couple days after the party… to commemorate this milestone age even more formally, I suppose.

6+ weeks - 'portraits'

I planned to have Joy’s picture made professionally at 6 weeks, mainly because Jax’s first professional pics were taken at this age. Well, with all of the birthday party planning, I failed to research professional photographers to find one good enough to photograph my baby (just kiddin’! I mainly needed to research prices and availability). Anyway, at last minute, I mentioned it to a couple friends to get suggestions and opinions. Josh overheard and quickly (but unsolicited) threw out his opinion: I should do them myself. Hhhm. I had thought of this, but was just scared to try it, I suppose. As the party got closer, and other things unfolded which took my time, I ended up deciding to take some pics myself, mainly due to time. I decided to give it a shot myself first, and THEN find a professional if needed. Here’s a few of my attempts. I still think I would have liked a few professional photos but time ticked by so fast, she would have been well past the 6 week mark by the time I got around to booking a professional. So, I guess we’ll go with the professional at 3 months… I should probably start thinking about and planning that right now (being that she is already 8 weeks old now!).
These pics, by-the-way, were actually taken at 7 weeks. I had good intentions to get the 6-week pics, but… what can I say?! I’m not a professional. Ha.

sweet dreams

This one just makes you want to smile, huh? Joy was snoozing away, but apparently dreaming about something good!
Sweet baby girl!

Birthday Boy

Jax had a birthday party on Jan. 24th. We down-sized tremendously since we have a newborn in the house, now. I am still very nervous about getting Joy around too many children, because I certainly don’t want to have a sick newborn! Everything with the party worked out well – Joy slept the entire time and the kids all had a good time playing in the Play Room, as evidenced by every single toy so strategically placed in the middle of the floor rather than on the shelves and in the bins. We really didn’t do any sort of “entertainment” because 1) activities are tough for Winter birthdays and 2) we weren’t expecting a lot of guests this year. Josh and I did get Jax a swing set for his birthday, and we intended to have it up and ready for the kids to play on if the weather was nice…. But it didn’t arrive in time! Oh well, the play room was just as good, it seems. Jax was just happy to have his friends over to play with him.

we loved the cake - I think the lil cowboy looks like Jax! Thanks Ms Lisa! It was yummy, too!

Everyone wore their Cowboy attire to the party, including Joy, when she finally did wake up from her beauty sleep!

Priorities: honey-do's or hunting??

We got all of the nursery furniture put together except for the armoire. I finally convinced Josh to tackle this very last piece so that I could begin to organize all of Joy’s clothes and other items in her room. I was so excited when he disappeared in Joy’s room – he was finally going to finish it! Ten minutes later, he comes out of Joy’s room, and says, “Neisha, this thing has a million pieces! I’m not putting this together; I’m going hunting!!” And that was it. The armoire still lies in the floor, mere pieces, begging to be assembled for my sweet girl. I was a little perturbed that he had made the executive decision to go hunting instead of completing his task, but I was not surprised. And, just a couple hours later, this is what I saw:

I don’t generally like taking pictures of dead animals, but Josh was absolutely thrilled with his trophy and I was happy to preserve the moment for him. I was even happier that he finally got a big buck, so that I could plan his time more wisely for him, ha; specifically, get that armoire done!

not in the mood

I decided to take some photos of Joy before I loaded her up to tag along with Jax & I to his 3-year check-up appointment at the children's clinic. Well, Joy just wasn't interested... until Jax helped out by providing lots of kisses, and some silly faces!

1-19-2009

get the nursery before the carriage?

Yes, we’re still working on the nursery!!! I had planned to have the nursery completed before Joy was born, but I guess Josh had other plans. Deer hunting, to be specific. Nevertheless, the nursery is coming along. We have the dressing table set up, and that’s really all that we use right now anyway. Joy doesn’t sleep in her room yet – she sleeps in the bassinet in our room. So, technically, it doesn’t matter that the nursery is not perfectly finished. If I keep telling myself this truth, hopefully I’ll eventually believe it, and stop stressing over the unfinished nursery.

2008 Baby

Our local newspaper prints a special section in January of each year, which features babies born during the previous year. Born December 9th, Joy barely made the “Babies of 2008.” I enjoyed reading the special feature, and trying to pick out all of the kids that we know. Joy’s friends (and many soon-to-be classmates) also featured in the “Babies of 2008” feature were: Lucy, Layla, Addyson, Jase, Amelia, and Dawson.

cameras help, but don't do justice

Babies grow SO FAST! I try to take lots of pictures... pictures of the baby, but also pictures of the things that amaze me so much. Her feet; her hands; her ears... everything is so tiny. But within a blink of an eye, she'll be grown! I just love hands and feet photos. I thought I'd share a couple with you here, although the pictures are not accurate in showing just HOW small they really are.

Big Brother, Little Sister

Jax is a proud, protective big brother. I sorta thought he would forget about Joy once the "new" wore off... but, nope, not yet. Every night when he says his prayers, he says he is thankful for Joy. He may not mention anyone else, but he always says he is thankful for Joy. He's a sweetheart!

Catching up

It's been a long time since I last blogged. I think about it everyday, but just don't always get around to it after doing all of the "necessities". I try to make myself do the not-so-fun stuff first, or else it won't get done. The sad part of that policy is that, when strictly enforced, then I NEVER get around to the fun stuff.

After several attempts to try to get a few hours out of the house to spend time with the "girls" last night, I just gave up. It seemed to be one disaster after another, that only Mama could solve, of course, until it was simply too late to make it to the gathering. So, since that didn't work out, I figured I'd reward myself tonight! I got all three of my children in bed (yes, I said three! the oldest is the most stubborn, by the way!) so I am gonna blog FIRST tonight, darn it!

Wow, a lot has been happening since I last blogged.

Josh has been working for the last two weeks solid. He did manage to bag an 8-point buck one afternoon. Ah, yes, that was the day that I finally convinced him to put Joy's armoire together... he opened the box and exclaimed, "Neisha, there's four million pieces to this thing! I'm not putting this together today! I think I'm just gonna go hunting" ugh. And, so, the armoire remains in the box still and my child suffers with no place to hang her darling little clothes.

Jax has been hunting with his Daddy and Paw-Paw a few times, when the weather wasn't too terribly cold. He also had a birthday party which was scaled down from previous years, but still loads of fun. Pictures coming soon!
I still can't believe he is 3!

Joy has been changing almost daily. She's still beautiful, of course, and she's growing like a weed. She holds her head up very well now, and she is also smiling and even cooing at everyone and everything. She especially thinks it's funny when her Daddy and I make all sorts of sounds with our mouths... clicking, smacking, blowing... all are just so funny to her! (have you ever wondered what aliens would think if they observed our silly behavior??? LOL) We've had several photo sessions since I last posted to my blog, so those pics will be coming very soon. As a matter of fact, my 2-gig memory card is FULL as of today! So, that means, I've got to get to work on some of those pictures so that I can erase and start over again. I had photo sessions with both Joy and Jax today (separately) so I will try to pick a few favorites to share with you as soon as I can. Sadly, dial-up internet is my enemy when it comes to blogging. I know, I know. Posts without pictures are blah, but dial-up causes my pictures to take a very very very long time to upload on here. They say we live too far in the sticks to get DSL, but maybe if I'm really good this year, Santa will pull some strings for us here in the deep woods of B.C.!

Here's just a couple - you knew I couldn't resist!! That's ok - I really don't need any sleep anyway. I would much rather share pictures with you all instead.

These seem "old" now, but I must post in chronological order. (ha, pet peeve - one of many)

Joy - 6 weeks old

For some reason, I love this picture. I know it's off-center and all, but something about it gives me warm-fuzzies. ha. Had to share!

And, here's a picture of Jax, my 3-year-old full of personality. ha ha. He's into making faces now. The thing is, he's still learning when it's appropriate to do such. ha. For example, imagine this: you're scolding this ever-so-cute 3 year old, which is hard enough in itself, and you make eye contact with him, and you see something like this:

Can't help but smile, right? LOL, Me too!

3: a bittersweet day

I just put my three-year-old to bed for the very first time.
Jax was officially three today - at 11:46 p.m. to be exact. It is a bittersweet occasion. I am so excited to see him grow and change and accomplish new things; yet, at the same time, I am sad that he is becoming more independent in the process and he doesn't depend on me as much anymore.

Today, I have been thinking about all of the things that have happened over the last three years, and how FAST time flies. I remember being so excited about finally getting to meet the sweet little boy that I had been carrying for nine months. The hospital was so busy that day, we got the very last room, and that was only after they sent home another mother-to-be who was scheduled to be induced. I will never forget hearing him cry for the first time. Boy, did he let us all know that he had arrived. ha. I remember that head full of hair and quivering bottom lip; I remember noticing his wide hands and long feet. There were so many baby Boys born that day, they actually ran out of blue blankets. So, Jax was welcomed into the world with a warm, pink blanket instead. ha. He hasn't worn pink since. I remember staring at him at three o'clock in the morning, just barely three hours after he had made his grand entrance. I was wide awake and the hospital was quiet, and I was just... well, staring... in awe. He was amazing. He still is. Amazing.

I am reminded of the sweetest children's book. I'll Love You Forever should be required reading for all parents - especially Mama's of little boys. In the story, the mother sings this song to her little boy as he grows:
"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

so, so true. Happy Birthday, Jax! I love you... forever.

got pictures!

I have finally gotten the pictures uploaded for the last several posts. Be sure to look at the Christmas pics from December as well as the January photos!!!
I hope to post some more very soon! Jax will officially be 3 years old tomorrow!!! I can not believe my baby boy is 3 already. How time flies!

problems blogging

yes, yes, I hear your calls and requests! I just wanted to let you all know that I am trying to get some new pictures posted... but technology is not exactly cooperating with me. I have about 7 blog posts typed and ready to publish, but I can't seem to get the pictures to upload. I am very frustrated with that. But, I work on it every chance I get. So, hold your horses, folks, the pictures are coming... eventually.

Jax and the BB gun

Jax got a BB gun for Christmas. He can aim it and shoot it pretty well for a first-timer. I guess he's gonna be left-handed which presents a challenge for both me and his dad when trying to show him something new- we're righties. Here's some pics from his shooting 'lessons'.

Yesterday, Jax went deer hunting with his Daddy. Of course, he had to take his BB gun. They didn't get anything, but I believe they had a great time.