Day One

So today is my first official day of the blogging promise. I have to say, over the last couple days, I've had doubts. How come I said I would do this. I never have any time as it is. Maybe if I don't do it, no one will care and I'll be off the hook. But... I would know and that means more to me than anyone else. It's really not even about writing about certain topics, it's more about being able to just take 5 minutes out of my day to do something that has to do with me. Although my blogs revolve around my two boys, I will try to venture out.

Today, I took the boys swimming at our complex pool. We met a woman and her son, (Jace's age) there last week and are going with them again today. It's funny because usually when I force myself to get out and do something fun with the kids (even though it can be hassle getting there), the event is well worth it and I usually get more out of it than expected. Like this last time, a new friend....for me and for Jace. Sure, it's easy to just sit inside and play or just relax (what's that?), but that doesn't stretch you. I have found everyone is happier when we do something out of the house. If you know anything about me, it's that I'm a people person. I enjoy getting out, inviting people over, meeting new friends and starting conversations. Whether it's going to the grocery store or the park, going out is good for everyone. :)

Acquarium

WE took Jace to the Long Beach Acquarium. Ali and Ryan watched Camden at their house so we wouldn't have to hurry through in case he wasn't doing great. Jace loved seeing the seals, the Finding Nemo fish tank, the sharks and the water fountain (go figure):) We had a blast! He bought Camden a little stuffed animal turtle just like his and said they were brothers. How cute.

inspiration come

I just got back from the movie, Julie and Julia with my friend, Jamie. I was inspired by Julie's drive to do something that stretched her to be a better person. I loved how Julia was always so positive. I assume she was truly like that....laughing or joking about when she could be angry, frustrated or sad. More than anything, it reminded me how nice it is to just write. just write. I used to do that a lot more often. In fact, I really miss it. Everything just comes out real when I write. no inhibitions, no judgement. I can just be me.

So, in lieu of this true story, I've been inspired to start writing again. Starting September 1st, I will blog everyday and end November 1st. So, two months of blogging everyday. Even if no one is reading it, I just want to start writing again...about anything. I've been non existent from the blogging world for a while. I was too busy having fun this summer. I guess blogs can be seen as a way to connect, an outlet, a brag platform, and for me, it's a starting point again to find the joy in writing.

I can remember in high school, we would have our 15 minute journal writing and the teacher would just write a topic on the board and we had to write about it. I'm going to do that. Each day, a new topic. If you have any suggested topics, please feel free to suggest. I'll decide what to write about but it will help me just start. Let the journey begin!!!

Before it starts, I'll have some posts about our summer fun. I better hurry though I only have a couple days. Before I forget, Jace's first day of preschool - he learned about coconut trees. :)

Trucking in T.O.

Our second week in Thousand Oaks, we went to a city event called TOUCH - A - TRUCK. It was a 4-year old boy's 7th heaven!!! It was free and they let all the kids get in firetrucks, police trucks, delivery trucks, cement mixers, street washers, ambulances, army tanks, bulldozers, tractors....you get the idea! They had about 4 different firetrucks and we had to go in everyone. Jace got to honk horns and push buttons. He LOVED every moment. Camden was there too....and was a perfect baby just happy in his stroller enjoying the loud noisy trucks all morning. He even fell asleep eventually. We wanted to go in the helicopter but the line was soooo long! We settled for watching it take off and blow dust all over us. :) It was a great family outing! Jace wanted to stay all day...oh wait, we did!!!

F U N

7 months already?

What...can that really be? Our little Cam is sitting up, saying Mamma (which I LOVE), eating plenty of solids, scooting across the floor, growing - 14 lbs (Small for all of you but good for him. He was only 6 lbs 7 oz. when he was born.) And the newest develompent...he has 2 bottom teeth! Yikes...nursing might get interesting! Well, I wish I could say he was sleeping through the night but that'll come in time. :) He's just cuter than ever! I love him and he brings a smile to my face every day! He has a demanding personality so I'm thinking he'll be just like Jace...but, we'll see. Once he becomes mobile, I'm sure I'll have a better idea what this little guy is all about. Somedays, I think he looks like Jace did and other times, he doesn't. It's a toss up. The best part of having 2, is seeing how much Camden LOVES Jace and vice versa. Seriously, he watches his every move, laughs at him, smiles at him and talks to him.

Soud the Alarm!!!

Jace turned 4!!! Happy Birthday Jace! This year, all he wanted was a fireman birthday party. He is still obsessed with all trucks, trains and moving vehicles...especially fire egines lately. In fact, every time we drive be a fire hydrant, he points it out. (That can get old when you realize how many are on just one street) We had the BEST birthday party ever!!!! Truly, I LOVED it! I made all the arrangements with our local fire station for a tour. We had a small group so the firemen were able to give the extended tour. They even said our group was so great so they just kept doing more activities....sitting in the firetruck, spraying the hose, seeing the axes and tools in the back, walking through the house. JACE was in heaven!! He was the birthday boy and got all the royal treatment he could ever wish for. They let him honk the horn and run the siren. Oh, and they had me see how fast I could put a fireman suit on...that was interesting...and oh so amazing heavy! Those firemen have to be extremely strong or extremely big! That stuff adds like 2o lbs. Afterwards, they gave all the kids a party favor bag and a hat. (totally unexpected!!!) We went to the park after that so the kids could run around and play, eat food and cake and open presents. I also made my first birthday cake--decorated and all (thanks to Denise :) I was so proud of it! Jace loved it so much that I've decided to make a cake every year....so worth it!!! It was really yummy too!!! It was a stress-free, fun-filled day!!!!
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Dear Jace, I just want you to know that I love you and love who you are. Sure, there are days that you make me want to pull my hair out, but those are always followed with days that make me so glad that I'm your mommy. You have the most energy of any kid I've ever seen. You have an amazing passion for life and learning. You always are trying to learn new things. In fact, you just learned the first 5 numbers in Chinese! Crazy! I'm amazed that you can go for hours running around, singing, playing the drums, imagining up how to build a town, playing baseball, shake your booty and still have energy for more. You certainly have a sweet side too. I love when you hold my face in your hands and kiss my forehead, I love that you LOVE when I come pick you up or get home and yell, "Oh, you're here!" and hug me around my legs. You are certainly a daddy's boy too. You love when Daddy is home to wrestle, play sports or just about anything wild with you. You are so funny....when I clean your room, you walk in and say, 'Oh, thank you mommy, it's all clean.' You are so appreciative and that makes me so happy. I also know it won't always be like that. You love helping around the house picking up your toys, helping empty the dishwasher, fetching baby toys for Camden and setting the table. Your little brother adores you!!! Sometimes, you are the only one that can keep him happy. I hope and pray you too will be good friends. He already looks up to you and I have a feeling he will follow in your footsteps. I love you and can't wait to watch you grow!