A little behind....Mommy's fault

Well, I can admit that I have not yet started teaching Master Paul to use a spoon and fork because I know it will be very messy. He will be 2 in 2 weeks and I know I need to start! I came across this on a blog and am going to try it tomorrow. Wish me luck...

Teaching a toddler to use a spoon can drive a mother to put her head through a wall. It is messy, and it is (for a long time) an exercise in futility. Try this......put a teaspoon-size dollop of peanut butter on a the high chair, give them a baby spoon, and let him go at it. Because it isn't runny, he will be able to have success much more quickly, and it's (slightly) less messy than practicing on, say, apple sauce. Mmmmm, and he will smell so good afterwards you might just eat him up!

This same blog had an interesting item. Paul and I went to the playground today at 4:30pm. HOT, HOT, HOT. After over an hour of running around, he was sweaty and his cheeks were bright red. This item would be perfect for a kid like mine who is always hot. And since we live in South Texas....where it is really hot! A Seat Chiller
The Seat Chiller is a revolutionary car seat cooler that is the brainchild of Baby Dagny's senior vice president, Natalie Prust, who came up with the idea after hearing her children loudly complain about their hot seats on a very warm Palm Springs afternoon. Seat Chiller is a one-size-fits-all car seat cooler made of vinyl, flannel, and flexible non-toxic ice packs. The concept behind the product is simple and very effective: Mom or Dad takes the Seat Chiller from the freezer and places it on the child's car seat before buckling in. The seat and its buckles are instantly cooled, the Seat Chiller is removed, and then the child can comfortably be placed into the car seat. You can take it with you to use when running errands with your children to keep the seat chilled between stops or anytime the car will be sitting in the hot sun. A Baby Dagny exclusive. Works great for strollers too!
Bonus: Mom and Dad love putting the ice pack under their legs to cool them off once they've cooled of the baby's car seat

The Holy Spirit is moving all through me today. I have been thinking a lot about what I really wish to do in a couple of years when Paul is older. Life Coach, high school teacher again...Mrs. USA..who knows! Mostly I want people to know..especially women..that like a runner passing the baton, my heart’s desire is to pass on the hope, love and support I received. You don’t have to be alone. I believe feeling connected to others is a great source of joy.

"The blessings that we give to each other are expressions of the blessing that rests on us from all eternity.” ~ Henri Nouwen

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Check out this book. "When you Eat at the Refrigerator, Pull Up a Chair" by Geneen Roth
And I would suggest this book too.... "Changes That Heal" by Dr. Henry Cloud

My 40th Girls Weekend

I found this LOVELY place in TX Monthly magazine......hmm, maybe a place to go for my 40th birthday girls weekend! And of course Austin has 6th street and shopping! http://lakeaustin.com/ Any thoughts?????

Memorial Day Weekend Sickies

Danny and Paul are sick with colds. So far, Mommy has escaped the crud! We visited Danny's Dad at Ft. Sam Houston today....naturally a lot of people visiting all of our fallen war veterans. When Paul is a little older, we plan to take him to the special ceremony they have each Memorial Day at Ft. Sam cemetery. It always makes me sad to visit any cemetery. More so of course if there are people there I knew. Danny has many uncles/aunts and a cousin buried at Ft. Sam.

Paul said some new words this week......oh yeah, baby rabbit, stop it, love you, uh no, love outside....probably more, but this is what I can recall from the week. He is napping right now and Danny went to work for about 4 hours. The SPURS play tonight, so we will be glued to the tube! I went to Stein Mart to try and find something to wear next weekend for the St. PJs Children's Home gala. No luck--so I came home to drown my sorrows with a Michelob Ultra!
I am excited about our upcoming photo shoot on Saturday with my friend Maile. I think we're going to the Botanical Gardens here in SA. Paul has new shirt to wear..a light blue Mexican Guayaberas shirt. Do all know what that is? If you live in South Texas...you SHOULD know!!!

I am off to clean up the kitchen and watch a little TV before the monkey boy awakens. Remember friends, be ever grateful that we live in a free country! God bless you!

Potty Train?

I discovered this list...my best guess is that Paul will be ready to start potty training around Christmas or shortly thereafter...

15 Signs of potty training readiness Your child is ready for potty training when he or she:
1. Has bowel movements at about the same time every day
2. Can stay dry for a few hours or wakes up dry from sleep
3. Knows that he/she has to go to the bathroom
4. Understands the association between dry pants and using the potty
5. Can pull her pants up and down
6. Lets you know when he/she has soiled his/her diaper (likes to stay dry)
7. Can follow simple directions like, "lets go to the potty"
8. Understands potty training terms (wet, dry, pee, poop, dirty and potty)
9. Can tell you he/she has to go to the bathroom
10. Imitates other family members
11. Shows interest and asks question while watching you
12. Wants to do things "by myself"
13. Enjoys washing his/her hands (like to be clean)
14. Gets upset if his/her belongings are not in their proper place
15. Wants to please you!

End of May

I just put Paul down for bed...about 30-45 min early. He seemed very tired. We read about 5 books...Goodnight Moon, Curious George and the Bunny....a touch and feel book on baby animals, Hermie and Wormie and Curious George and ABC's. I can hear him talking to himself. He will eventually go to sleep. Danny is at CFP class tonight--every Thurs night!

Something pretty funny happened Tuesday. Oh, around 5pm, Paul was in the family room and I could tell he was filling up his diaper with poopies. When he was done..he said in a pretty cool tone of voice.."oh yeah!" I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. Will he continue this thru adulthood? Some of my GNO friends said..yes..he is a male right?! I told the girls last night--where did he get that? -- Danny does not say that upon completion of using the restroom. They laughed and said.."oh, how often are you in there with him?!" Anyway...next subject.....

Jennifer and Ryan (my mother's helpers) came over this morning. I went shopping for some birthday gifts, to party city and the all exciting post office and bank. It is so nice to get out without Paul and get things accomplished. I do believe Paul enjoys his time with the kids. I say kids..but they are almost 12 and 14. Young adults you might say.....

I exercised today...winsor pilates and Paul and I went for our usual 30 min walk. I need to drop 30-35 lbs and would like to get it done by the end of October. For dinner tonight--a salad and some crackers with peanut butter and lots of water today. Please pray for me that I can be disciplined to finally do this! I am bringing in my urban rebounder from the garage and going to do that 4 times a week...30 minutes every time.

Ooooooo, found out this week that 2 friends from Frost Bank are expecting their first child in August. A girl if I read the baby registry correct! I trained both of them..Jessica is a manager in Customer Service and Jaime now works for Wachovia (at least last we knew he did).

Paul and I had MOPS on Monday..last one until August. A nice time with other Mommies! And Krispy Kreme......which I am not supposed to eat right?! On Tuesday--we went to Destiny's house for a play date. Ryan, Drew and Paul played outside and inside. Paul was cute---hugged both the boys while we were there. Destiny and I chatted and began planning the baby shower we're hosting for our friend Jena B. in July. Jena is having her third--a girl! Sophia Marie. She will join 2 brothers..John and Ben (Paul's friends!)

I am now off to read and do dishes. My goal is to be asleep by 10:30. I need to make some calls too. This weekend is busy, and I know Mr. Danny needs to do some work and lots of studying. We have Teams of Our Lady Sunday night and we hope to do something as a family Monday AM. Until next time...cheers!

Visit from parents and other info

My Mom and Wayne arrived on May 9. It was so great to see them. We saw them last at Thanksgiving. Thursday was their 21st wedding anniversary. They love my king ranch chicken so I made that for them...only after the 3 of us took Master Paul to the zoo in the AM. He loved the lions, but hated the flamingo's..that's my boy!

We had a great visit with my parents. It was so nice to be with my Mom on Mother's Day. I have no clue when the last time that happened. Probably something like at least 10 years+. They flew back home to MI on Tuesday.

Wednesday was GNO. We went to Stonewerks for dinner and drinks. Then the usual suspects went on to another place for more cocktails. Although, Tort Tort had water and I had a virgin strawberry something....... Got home later than Danny likes...but has forgiven me.

I have had a busy week, cleaning up after the visit, keeping up with Paul, catching up with some friends like Tina, Marge, Debra and my Dad. My sorority sister Debra lives in KC and has a daughter Olivia...who will be 2 in Nov. She is expecting another and I found out it's a BOY! I think he is arriving in October. And Debra will love this info I am sharing..she will be 40 on October 19! Go Debra!!! Had lunch with a friend from my days at Frost..Donna. We had Mexican and I enjoyed our visit. She now works at Wells Fargo and happens to work with a friend from church..Stephanie! Small world....

Paul loves to be outside and he often will grab your hand and walk you over to the front door and try and turn the knob to go out..and if you don't go out...watch out!!!! I took him to a local park and we went walking on the trail. The whole time we are gone on this trail, I pray to God that no one hurts us or tries to abduct my son. Today my thoughts were a little wild...if someone attacked me...I asked they not hurt Paul and attack me but not too much that when it is over..I am able to grab my boy and get back to the library for help. Doesn't really make for a pleasant walk...but Paul enjoys all the trees, wildflowers and butterflies....then he played on the equipment for about 20 min before we headed home.

Dinner tonight with Gloria at Piatti. Salads, bottle of wine, ravioli and smores for 2! And she paid..silly GG! I need to get her tipsy more often. HA HA HA We had a nice visit about my ACTS retreat, her new job, and a new man she has met..Frank. We are kindred spirits and I always enjoy my time with Gloria. She is so cool and funny! She is the friend (from another parish) who talked me into going on my first ACTS retreat in 2004. Bless u GG for pushing me to go!

I should be packing. We're going to Houston in the AM. Our nephew's bday party. Danny is watching the SPURS game. If we win tonight--we win the series. GO SPURS GO!!

Adios amigos!

20 Years Ago.....

I graduated from high school in STL. When Danny had his 20 year reunion in October 2004, I thought, damn..you're old! Now I guess I am getting older...ho hum! Small world...an old high school friend..who is the one that first got me interested in attending Kansas...lives 6 miles from my brother in CO. He has a little girl...very cute...and his wife stays home. Who knew he and his family lived so close to Tom and Alleson...and Miss Lauren!

Mom and Wayne arrive today at 5:30. Picking them up and then we're off to meet Danny at Chester's. Paul is napping right now and I have been busy making brownies, laundry, cleaning the tub and cleaning the kitchen. I cannot wait to see them. We have not seen them since Thanksgiving. They have been tied up with the move, building their new home in MI and visiting my 2 new nephews in Seattle and Denver.

Monday night was a gathering of some of my dearest sisters from church. COPA wine bar welcomed us! David..or as Jackie...the older(est) in the group called him..hottie...was our server. We were about 15 strong and he did an awesome job keeping all of us happy. Naturally, a smaller group ventured to another location once we closed done COPA at 10pm. And yes, I was part of the smaller group. Cross Eyed Seagull was our next stopping place. Tina, Mary, Julie, Vicky, Madeline and myself enjoyed one more cocktail before going home to our husbands. I do believe many of them were not too thrilled with how late we arrived home..after 12 midnight! My old man was cool because I called him at 10 and then at 11:30 or so. So he knew....although he did say...if you get sick, I am not helping you during the night..like he does when I am sick.

I have come across some really fabulous toys...check them out on the web. 1. Mega Blocks--Wizard of Oz. I think I might get this for Paulie for his bday. 2. Neurosmith Music Blocks and 3. Automoblox---6 or 7 models of cars for ages 3+. Paul will be getting one next year!!!

I added some new songs to my IPOD recently.... and am always looking for more. So, if you have any suggestion for me...let me know!! I love all types of music! Cheers! Or as I like to say..KAMPAI!

Ahhhh, bees really love me!!!

Yesterday, Danny and I celebrated 7 years as a married couple. We took Paul to the zoo early in the morning. It was raining lightly so we all wore rain ponchos! We were there about 2 1/2 hours. Paul's favorite animals were....the lion, kangaroo and monkey. And I was stung by a bee on my arm. Fortunately, the location of the bee sting happened to be near a first aid center. I got some cooling gel and an ice pack. Still itchy, swollen and red today, but I will live.

This morning, I had MOPS. Mothers of PreSchoolers. A lovely group of Mommies! There is a new way to check in your kiddos. Instead of taking them right to their room, we had to check them in at a central location, then take them to their room. After I checked in Paul, and he was busy playing in the lobby right there..I visited for about 1 minute with my friend Amy Ison. And when I turned around to get Paul--he was gone. Nowhere nearby to be found. Amy went one way and I went another. I knew I was headed in the right direction when I found one of Paul's shoes in the middle of a hallway. I thought, how sweet--he left a trail. Found him..he was playing on stairs in another area. This was the first time he was not in my eyesight...not too bad I suppose for him being 23 months. We had a speaker who talked about Love and Respect in a marriage. Then we had a nice small group discussion. And great food!!! YUM!

Paul is napping now and I have a million things to do before my Mom and Wayne arrive Wednesday afternoon. So, I am off to do chores and have a quick bite of lunch.

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Welcome Houlihan's to SA!

Ahhhh, tonight was GNO..Girls Night Out. We visited a new restaurant in San Antonio, but not new to Tina or myself. Us Mid-West gals know of this place...Houlihan's. Established in Kansas City in 1972 and Chicago and STL have this chain. Sitting there I realized that a couple of the gals were not even born yet! Dare I call them out...Courtney and Maile....!!!! Way to go..two skinny, pretty and young gals hanging out with me. Who paid them?!

Before I attempt to drift off to a deep sleep, I need to write a little diddy about prayer.
Prayer is the opposite of leisure. It's something to be engaged in, not indulged in. It's a job you give first priority to, performing not when you have energy left for nothing else. "Pray when you feel like praying," somebody has said. "Pray when you don't feel like praying. Pray until you do feel like praying." If we pray only "at our leisure"--that is, at our own convenience--can we be true disciples? Jesus said, "Anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences" (Luke 9:23 ).

Prayer is like fancy perfume from Paris. It costs a great deal. It doesn't seem to accomplish much (as we mortals assess things). It soon dissipates. But God likes the smell.

Pray without ceasing.
P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens

Before and After

Maile and Natalie---when you see Tonie @ Glow Salon--offer your sympathy. She was a trooper cutting Paul's hair today! He kicked, hit, screamed, cried and tried to bite me b/c he was so dang mad!! She did a fabulous job and it looks great! We all survived! Here are the before and after shots.

And here is the infamous Toddler Creed and all I have to say is right on man!-and oh so true!!

Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it's mine.

If I give it to you and change mymind later, it's mine.

If I can take it away from you,it's mine.

If I had it a little while ago,it's mine.

If it's mine, it will never belong toanyone else, no matter what.

If we are building something together,all the pieces are mine.

If it looks just like mine,it is mine.

Haircut Day

We went to Paul's Kindermusik class this morning and had loads of fun. Next week is the last class for the Spring semester. He is like his Mommy....he loves music and dancing! When it was time to go, he wanted to give Willa a hug. She is 2 1/2 and a real cutie pie!

Paul is napping now, and at 3:30 today--he has his first visit at the salon. Tonie will be attempting to trim some of his hair. Wish us luck please!!!

And here is a little quote to help you along.....
"May you be a refreshing friend who is in turn refreshed by our Lord and others."
E. Stanley Ott