...family night....

...Tonight we went on a small drive for family night... Nothing too long...because heaven forbid Jarom miss the Jazz Game....pathetic:)

***

....I practiced a bit....while my little stinker explored the old train station....

Nothing too spectacular...but Heather and (Mandi) my "Metering" is getting a heck of a lot betta' and I know you'd be proud:) Especially because I totally sucked before. ha!

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Funny story....I promise.

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My brother Stephen is working on his Final Project to earn his Eagle Scout. He is such a good guy and a wonderful example to my Jaxson...I sure am grateful:) Anyhow, his project is to interview and record the "life histories" of Seniors at a home here in B.C. ...and give them to their families. Pretty great idea huh???

***

Tonight was interview NUMERO UNO. Freaking hilarious...and so typical of an old fart whose had a rough go at life!

Stephen-Is there anything you want your kids or grandchildren to know about you?

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Old man- Not a damn thing!

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Stephen- Is there anything you want to say to your children?

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Old man-Hell NO. I had a stroke a few years back. Hardly even recognize any of them!

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Stephen- Tell me about your family?

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Old Man- (referring to his daughter-in-law) That little SOB took 500 grand out of MY checking account to build her dream house!

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Stephen-Did you ever play sports?

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Old Man-I was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds...but couldn't play cus' I was called to war.

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Stephen-Did your kids help you on the farm?

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Old Man-Hell NO! They were too lazy to do any farming. They didn't even come home in the summer!

******

You get the idea.
I just absolutely LOVE Seniors...and feel like this stranger...this "OLD MAN" sounds like the perfect mixture of my two

wonderful grandpa's: Ward and Dallis :)

***

I think I'll go along on the next interview...just for the free entertainment

They are so honest, wise...and down right hilarious.

Old...Old..Men that is.

...ReMeMbEr...

REMEMBER LAST WEEK...

***

When it was 70 degrees AND my child wore shorts AND cruised the neighborhood on his scooter...BAREFOOT:)

****

We are craving the sunshine...and have many things planned for summer!

---PLEASE HURRY---

***

We have been super busy the past few weeks. Jaxson played with his little friend Bella this week...and boy did they have fun. Bella is a spunky little thing! We joke (me and her mom) about how fun she'll be as a teenager:) She loves trouble...and experimenting. I gave them a NEW FULL BOX of teddy grahams for a snack...and left them alone for 20 minutes. I came back to this....

They made sure to grind every last one of them deep into the carpet...and I am still finding them in the most creative of places:)

He was pretty darn proud of himself. He has NEVER done anything like this...and the new found rebellion was a bit satisfying I think. He kept giggling...and "CHEESING IT".

Little stinker.

***

In my last post I mentioned that Jarom would be playing in the ALUMNI basketball tournament. I knew it would be interesting...and I know all to well Jarom's competitive personality. He came home with a great souvenir:)

Also-I snapped a few pictures of UN-COOPERATIVE little Lincoln Chad Ericson!

He is so sweet...and I can't wait to do it again when he's a bit more sleepy:) He was wide awake and competley uncomfortable! Isn't he darling???

---6 weeks old already...and getting blessed this Sunday---

Yep-I could go for another little boy right about now.

I could also go for naming him Lincoln.

****

Jarom and I are all about President names: Jaxson, Lincoln, Carter, Reagan...I want a whole handful of little president named kiddos:) I better start begging...

...sunburned...

***

I usually wouldn't be thrilled that my child has a sunburn....but, the fact that it's even possible to get one is just wonderful! Spring is almost here..thank heavens.

Don't get me wrong...I feel incredibly guilty that his little face and forehead are fried crispy...but 3 hours at the park today was heaven. Complete heaven.

***

I could have stayed all day.

****

I spread out a blanket...packed plenty of snacks and toys...AND let him run free for hours. I'm a little over protective you could say...and for the first few trips to the park this season I stuck right to his side and catered to his every move. I would sit him down, catch him as he slid down the whole 2 foot long baby slide...the works. It was pretty pathetic I tell ya. After our 3rd trip...I could feel the stares from the 20 other mothers. I was the ONLY mother NOT relaxing on a blanket and INSTEAD babying their Not-So-Much-A-Baby Toddler:)

****

I had to breathe in and out a few times and convince myself to "LET-GO".

This summer he's not my baby. Last summer he was...but no longer. Yes...I feel tears even now as I type hours later:( I am the most overly-emtional mother ever.

****

I'm pretty proud of myself...because I sat back (and visited with my good friend Pam and her girls) and learned that HE IS CAPABLE of way more than I thought. That a boy Jaxson.

*****

He climbed to the highest peak...went down the tube slides on his tummy...the works.

ALL WITHOUT MY HELP.

***

***

He also pulled some pretty priceless faces. What on earth is that?

The nose scrunch is the only dominant trate I passed on...Great...Just Great.

It was a wonderful afternoon...and we are looking forward to the weekend...(and to our next play date in a few days with the parson girls!)

***

Jarom has the alumni basketball tournament this weekend...and Jaxson can't stop talking about going to his daddy's game! It will be entertaining to watch the Class of '97 take the court again together and go at it....each of them 30 pounds heavier than the good old days...I'm sure.

The joys of getting old.

go carts...

My husband is pretty funny...(I think so anyway). He always keeps me laughing.

Always.

***

....and boy did he have me laughing one particular evening last week when he came waltzing in from work in an UNUSUALLY good mood with a grin from ear to ear.

I, of course, inquire as to why?

Afterall, this is not the norm after a long day of divorces, custody's, court and DUI's. :) :)

****

He promptly tells me how he "totally scored" that day. He begins to explain the details: you see a particular client in need of his legal representation didn't have the funds. SO...being the genius he was he swapped being his

ATTORNEY for UNLIMITED Go-CART racing

at the track the guy owned.

***

WHAT in THE?????

****

We might starve to death...but by darn, there WILL...BE...Go-carts!

***

Honey---you're going down.

....and I just so happen to be looking forward to this perk. I do, however, wish it was a little more practical:) ha ha ha.

***

(I bet ya 100 bucks the guys name is bob..and he has approx. 3 teeth)

***

....Honey....

****that's precisely why I love you

love, me

Modbe Swim Suits...Come See:)

I'm having a

Modbe Open House

to show off the New Line!

Swim is in...and going fast. I have every size and color/pattern combo available to see in person and try on....so please feel free to stop by:)

Everyone is WELCOME...so please bring your friends, sisters and daughters to my home this Saturday Evening anytime from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

(E-mail me for an address: kristinbishop1@gmail.com)

Modbe Swim is always extremely popular...and usually sales out of 2-3 styles in common sizes by Mid-April each year...so take a peek at my website (click picture on left side of my blog:) and then be sure to come see them in person! They fit wonderfully this year....padded bra, adjustable bra straps, underwire, rouching on sides to flatten tummy. They are a must:)

(I think they appear much different online than in person...so if you can't stop by Saturday...call me and we can arrange a time for you to stop by anytime during the week. You can also always e-mail me questions at kristinbishop1@gmail.com

Have a great day!

me

...SpRiNg...

Spring is not quite here, unfortunately....and it is FREEZING outside most of the time....but when the sun is shining we can't help but get out:) Several times this week we've packed the stroller and headed straight for the park... regardless of temperature:) After 2 trips down the slide...and a few kicks of the soccer ball we are running for home....completely frozen.. BUT it is oh-so-worth it to see the grin on his face:)

*******

Jaxson officially turned 2 yesterday...and we enjoyed spending the day together as a family. We went to lunch...shopped a bit...looked for a "big boy bed" and bought him an absolutely enormous airplane kite and ice-cream cone:) He is in love with airplanes right now...so I knew it would a hit the moment I saw it. I was so so so right. We just came inside from flying it.... while he scream with joy, cheered, chased it and pointed to the sky gasping.

Oh, to be 2 again.

We didn't get home til' after dark last night....so he wasn't too happy that he had to wait until morning to fly it. He did, however, enjoy helping his dad put it together:)

You know how everything at Costco is gigantic?!?

I mean everything...from the bags of frozen chicken, to the rolls of TP, to the boxes of laundry soap!?! That's where I found this kite! This kite is seriously enormous....which usually means expensive.....but NOPE.

Score.

Your looking at 12.99 baby. I was excited.

******

It was so much more fun than I thought....and it felt great to get outside with my boys.

Jaxson got a little OVER-EXCITED and kept running around in circles and straight into the road. I tried to teach him about running directly in to the street and about holding my hand, etc. He looked up at me (as if he totally COULD NOT HELP HIMSELF from doing it and flashed the look of complete annoyance with me...the overbearing parent) and said,

"I so sorry mom. I be a good boy -k-!"

I laughed. I couldn't argue with that:)

I also learned something today!

That is: I have ZERO ability to fly a darn kite.

A kite designed for an 8 year old to make matters worse. It was sad. Jarom put so much effort into getting it up and going for me...I would grab the handle and 2 minutes later...down she'd come. I plan to get better....and I'm pretty sure Jaxson will make sure I get LOTS of practice in the SPRING weeks to come:)

(look at my look of total concentration:) he he.

oh yah...earlier in the week we enjoyed the bubble BBQ. Tell me you've seen this toy???

I must admit...it looks completely stupid...but those always turn out to be the funnest ones!!!

ALWAYS, hands down.

******

It can get Jaxson gut-laughing so hard...I just love it. It makes millions of bubbles...and the best part is that I can sit back, relax and watch...instead of be the one blowing them for hours! He and Owen had the best time playing with it Friday. One of his b-day gifts that made it to the favorite 5 for sure:)

*****

Great idea for Easter gifts people...your kids would love it.

We tested out the scooter...he's a pretty coordinated little stinker...I have to give it to him. He get's that from his dad. He's always been pretty athletic...and quick to pick up on things. The other day we were kicking around a soccer ball...and I taught him how to drop kick it. He does it all the time now...and rarely misses. I was like "WHAT???"

I hear that he gets his "facial expressions" from me.

Jarom says I have been known to make this one when really excited.

Jaxson was excited this day. Oh dear.

The tail-end of blowing me a kiss:)

****

He has learned to press my buttons you could say...because all he has to do is say "peese mama"...blow me a kiss...or say "sowwy mama" and he get's whatever it is that he's begging for at the moment. Since he started calling me "mama" instead of mom....I am a sucker for him. It's just too darn cute. I love to hear it more than anything.

...cruisin up and down the street....
He got a peddle bike for his B-day...but he still prefers things with "MOTORS".

Therefore, he is still sporting the four-wheeler.

My dad says I'm in trouble one day. We'll see. He's probably right.

That sums up our week.

Jarom just woke up from his Sunday Nap...(the lazy butt)...and so we're headed to the park for more sunshine. I sure hope the weather cooperates next week...I am most definitely ready for

*** SPRING ***

Have a wonderful week

love, me

Birthday P-A-R-T-Y

Jaxson's Birthday Party was awesome:)

I would dare say that it was as HEAVENLY for ME as it was for HIM!!!

He's not officially 2 til' Saturday...but we had a blast kicking off his Birthday Week with over 40 family and friends:) WOW. I was so grateful and shocked at how many people love my little guy! I kept looking around and saying to my grandma (can you believe all these people LOVE him???)

It was a "CONTRUCTION" PARTY and I think it was enjoyed by all:) Jaxson sure LOVED it....that is FOR SURE.

Tools, tool belts, tractors, hard hats, dump trucks, cones, caution tape, road signs....my house looked like a "WORK ZONE" and Jarom (might) have laughed at me a little.

We had lunch...a yummy barbeque with hot dogs, pasta salad, fresh fruit kabobs, nachos, DIRT CUPS, slush and tons of delicious food!

***

It was so much fun...and was definitely a great way to celebrate my Son...my Jaxson John... and the day HE entered my life and changed me for the better:)

Enjoy Jax's Party:)

(front door)

***

...The food Table...

We had a Re-Fuel area....full of wonderful and yummy things to fill your "engines" :)

hee hee

***

The Dirt Cups were a hit...with both the kids and adults!!!

They fit my theme quite nicely...so dirt cups it was:)

***

The kids had a good time.

Last year I had all his guests sign a baseball for him to keep as a special memory! This year it was a bright yellow HARD HAT. Something special to remember the day!

He felt pretty neat wearing it around the rest of the night.

****

****

I can't believe I have a Birthday Boy:)
It seems like yesterday I was planning his 1st B-day party and my baby was turning ONE...now he's 2! I can't say I'm ready for it....but there's not much I can do:)

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---THE CAKE---

My goal was a Dump Truck Cake. The dump truck I purchased was huge...therefore, it took my sister and I a few hours to construct and finally FILL it completely:)

***

It was REALLY good...can I say that???

***

It wasn't hard to make something look like a pile of dirt....but man was it wonderful tastin:)

Anything that consists of: One Layer of Chocolate Cake, One Layer of Chocolate Fudge Frosting, One Layer of Chocolate Cake, One Layer of Chocolate Fudge Frosting, One Layer of Crumpled Fudge Brownies, One Pacakge Crushed Oreos, Sprinkled with Brown Sugar and topped with gummy worms!

******

I am totally Serious. We are still picking at it days later...YUM.

...Singing...

"Happy Birthday to you"

and waiting to blow out the candles:)

Jaxson grinned the whole time we were singing to him...and of course helped himself to a gummy worm while he listened. I also created a little (green frosting grass, oreos, brown sugar and gummy worm) WORK SITE to have the dump truck climbing on top of!

It turned out pretty fun.

We topped it off by CONSTRUCTING our own Ice-Cream Sundae's.

Clever, clever I tell ya! Ha ha.

(yes I made all of these signs by hand..don't make fun)

***

I also found the cutest tools and tool belts at Target. You can't beat the dollar spot...I love it! I also found the cutest little orange aprons at Home Depot.

Jaxson LOVED wearing his whole get-up.

Jaxson also helped me put together darling little goodie bags for his friends. They were filled with bubbles, candy and thanked everyone for coming!

***

"Thanks for coming...we had Truck-Loads of fun!"

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***

After Cake and Ice-Cream we opened gifts! He was spoiled and was on cloud 9 for the entire day. He took a 3 hour nap and was exhausted for the 2 days following! He had a blast...and keeps talking about his "PARTY" and "BALLOONS". I was overwhelmed with how kind people were. Thanks to all those who came and brought him such nice gifts. He was super excited...and we have been busy (jarom has been busy) putting them all together.

I am so glad he felt special....and knows that I did it all for him.

(little people airplane...LOVES LOVES LOVES airplanes right now)

...His new Bike...

***

He thinks it's a four-wheeler....which is kind of cute.

...Construction Set from Uncle Zenock...

Guitar from Aunt Brittany and Uncle Bryce

FISH TANK and 2 NEMO FISH from Aunt Kayla:)

He is in LOVE.

...a dump truck and backhoe...

...Radio Flyer Scooter from nanny...

...a FEW soccer balls....

He LOVES LOVES balls:)

...a huge playdoh set....

that we HAD TO play with because he was SO excited

We then let him release each and every one of his 30 balloons into the sky.

It took 20 minutes for him to release them ONE by ONE....but I think (actually--I KNOW) that was his favorite part of the day!

It was a success:)

This below picture is what you call the AFTERMATH

He looks like a complete orphan and has chocolate cake and possibly a bit of leftover dirtcup on his face. He had a blast...so my mission was accomplished.

It was also a great day for ME and JAROM.

*****

We were so appreciative to everyone for coming...and for helping us celebrate! We are so grateful that Jax is such a loved little guy....and that we have so much love and support that surrounds us. Over 40 people came by to see us and

P-A-R-T-Y.

***

I am looking forward to this year with a 2 year old!!!

I am trying to get over the "EMOTION" and embrace that I have a 2 year old:) I am looking forward to what this year brings us...potty training, talking, independence...the works!

******

Thanks again to all those who came.

I hope next years B-day doesn't come as quickly as this one did...I'm tired:)