Since so many people have been asking here is the Zuma Update:


She had gotten the splint/cast off: Obviously the foot on the right is the injured foot.
A close up of the foot.
Excessive redness and extremely swollen and lumpy, I don't know if this will go away or if this is how it will always be from now on.
Scabbing, I have hope that this will heal.
The foot on the Right is the injured foot. The incision was made on the inside of her foot. It is extremely swollen, lumpy etc.


Her foot is really bothering her.

The report from the doctor is that they are happy with the way that it is healing. But FOUR more weeks of inactivity ... that means CRATE ISOLATION. She's been HATING the crate. She desperately feels lonely, she cries and paws at the door anytime we leave the room. Her personality is really being affected by the isolation. She is depressed. Being sedated and placed in "Stress x-rays" again caused Zuma a huge amount of pain. For 3 days her leg quivered in pain and she wouldn't put it down on the floor and she didn't want to move out of the crate. As soon as the pain eases a bit she'll be back to hating the crate again and we will be heavily sedating her, of course.


We have to go in again for a check up in 4 weeks where they will once again sedate her and do the "stress xrays" and bend her foot in all sorts of directions to assure that the surgery is holding everything together. Remember, all of her tendons were torn away and all the tarsals (toes) dislocated, and that means that after all the cartilage was stripped out, the joint was fused, then two screws were put in and a figure-8 wire (called a collateral ligament) was put in and that is all that is supporting her foot. It is really important that it heals correctly because otherwise she won't have use of her foot.

Zuma has a long road of recovery. After the next check up, if she is approved for activity, they will be prescribing an activity regiment/routine to theraputically get her back into shape. She has had drastic muscle loss, in her thigh it is most noticeable, but it is all the way down the leg. See picture.


I have to have hope that Zuma will eventually be restored physically and emotionally to her pre-injury condition.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the relationships in the family. Don Small (and the Small family) have completely refused to respond to our many attempts to communicate with them. We have emailed multiple times and Mike has called, they have not responded at all to our attempts to resolve this matter regarding Zuma's care/costs AND the family relationships. It deeply saddens (and confuses) me why they would choose not to be part of the family and choose not to respond to our efforts to resolve this situation. I feel disappointment and a sense of loss of the treasured relationships with them because of what their apparent choice is. I don't understand. I thought family was more than this. Especially Christian family.

At least Zuma's prognosis is optimistic, even if now if VERY unpleasant for her to live through.

This last week was full of running around.

Monday, Caleb finally got to see his BFF Donovyn. He was so excited that he wanted to sleep in his clothes the night before so that he would be ready in the morning to get going fast. We met at the park and it was a beautiful sunny day. The boys ran and ran and had lots of pretend play, hiding from aliens etc. It was so great to see Caleb have a good time. I had been afraid to take him to the park because he would look for a new best friend every time and was crushed and sad when he couldn't find one... But this was great because I knew and he knew his friend was going to be there! Joshy had a wonderful time too. He did his best at keeping up. He is learning the ladders, give him 2 months and I'm sure that nothing will stop him! And once he can do it all by himself, I will finally be able to sit on a park bench and watch the fun rather than being just as active as the kids and have to help with every effort of climbing, sliding, swinging etc. But I suppose I should just enjoy being needed and the "slow" pace they are at now, because later they will be such daredevils I'll be worried.

Tuesday, we had the patience testing 2-year old picture taking session. I think the age of 2 is the hardest to photograph because they don't want to hold still and they want to say NO to everything. But I think we ended up with just a couple, which is really all we need anyways. I even did my due dilligence and took the boys to the kids play area at the mall to work the wiggles out. They really played nice with the other kids, Joshy of course wanted to be like big brother and jump off of everything. They might have gotten the wiggles out, but they certainly also got tired... not so great for the cooperation aspect of pictures. But we survived.

Cousin Tessa came out to our house on Wednesday with Grammy and Papa Dahl. Caleb was really excited. The kids played in the bouncy house and on the swing set the majority of the time. Tessa also got to hunt for raspberries on our bush, a favorite past time of my little guys. And yes, the raspberry season is still going strong for our small patch of bushes. It was great to see the kids have such a great time playing with each other.

Thursday and Friday Mommy worked. Thursday Joshy went with mommy to work, Friday both boys stayed with Mike. Then Mike took off for the weekend. Saturday, the boys and I went to surprise GG at her house for an afternoon walk. The day had turned out nice and sunny and just cool enough to make the walk pleasant. Joshy and Caleb were very happy to see GG, Caleb talked all the way down to her house that he didn't want a hug but instead wanted to hold her hand and walk to the park. Which he did just that. Both boys walked nicely next to the busy street, and both were relieved to run into the safety of the park and play heartily on the play equipment. They shocked me at how quickly they learned to watch out and get out of the way of the bikes on the Burke-Gilman trail (which runs through the park). GG kept a good eye out for Joshy while I made a quick run to the restroom with Caleb. Caleb and Joshy showed off for GG with all their confident stunts. She quite generously took us to dinner. Caleb chose Chinese food. I'll admit that I'm not practiced at Chinese food, and I was very afraid to go to the restaurant with two boys by myself. I don't generally like to go to restaurants with the boys, and I have NEVER dared to do it by myself... but they did 95% great and I kept holding my breath waiting for the behaviour to get bad, which it never did to my relief. I guess being seated next to the aquarium helps! I think Caleb impressed GG with how much he ate, and he had to explain that it was so that he would get big muscles and grow strong and healthy... then he flexed his muscles for her to see. At the end of the evening, GG said that being around my silly boys made her feel happy and silly too, I think this is great, isn't that was the young unfettered joy of children is for... to remind us of happy, uncomplicated simple joy.

Daddy came back early from camping/scouting. And we are off to the fair with our free admission coupon.

TTFN. I'll get the Zuma update posted soon.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y J O C K E Y!!!!!

It's Joshy's birthday today!

"We're gonna' party, we're gonna party, We're gonna' party like it's your birthday!"

What better way to celebrate than to go to a loud, crowded, festive place where they are throwing candy at you.... a PARADE! And that's just was we did. Jockey liked to wave and point at the interesting things. He did awesome at staying close to the stroller or the curb, I was prepared to leave if he wanted to wander off and go into the road. Even better than having candy thrown at you and stock piling it so that we have potty training candy to last us for a week, Joshy was given a little real toy. A plastic dog on wheels that makes noise and songs. The Lord's provision is great, isn't it! Caleb had a great time as well, although if you asked him what he saw, he'd say candy. Jockey was a boy after Uncle Brian's heart, candy candy candy. Of course, he didn't always finish the piece in his mouth to try the next one that was thrown at him. In the words of a parade participant "Here little guy, here's some candy because your face isn't quite sticky enough."

We (and I use that loosely) are going to round off Joshy's birthday with the Seahawks game and left over cake.

In other news, Caleb "cleaned" our TV and broke it. Yup, totally completely dead, irreparably. :( So the afore mentioned football game is being watched on a 13" portable tv. Somehow that hasn't dampened the volume of shouts being yelled at the screen by it's viewer.

Zuma is incredibly crate weary. It is really starting to bother her. In the last few days she had gone from the drugged up, weak acceptance of not feeling good and content to just staying put, to a crate hating depressed resignation. I can actually see her forlorned depression and sad acceptance of what she thinks her life now consists of. She is also starting to hold her leg differently. She use to just hold it tucked up, but in line with her body. Now, she holds it at an odd angle as if it's hurting her just to have it attached. I am going to be calling the vet on Monday to see if there is an earlier time to get her seen. She is absolutely miserable and now it's emotional AND physical.

We are going to try to go to the fair tomorrow. We've found discounts and coupons that have reduced the price so that perhaps it's doable, and the kids are free. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Pictures as promised of the birthday party and today at the parade:

A long time coming update:

Zuma saw the doctor on Friday last. The report is that she is doing well in her recovery. She was examined, her stitches removed, and her leg re-splinted. She is doing fine in healing, however she suffers greatly in other regards. For such an active dog is it brutal on her to be locked away in her crate for another two weeks! She is finally feeling a might better which makes her want and attempt to run, play, jump, and follow us room to room. She is not allowed to do any of these things, so she is rellagated to spent her time sedated. It is fortunate that she is healing and not chewing at the splint, but it is very difficult to hear her whimpering and pawing at the crate door to get out. It also makes me heartsick to see the muscle in her haunch wasting away. She will see the doctor again on the 30th, when she will have to endure sedation and "stress" x-rays again to see if she is healing internally. At that time we will know Zuma's fate of a splint or padded bandage and the prognosis more time in the crate or not.

As for other news, we took a second trip down to GG Dahl's house and painted again. We are trying to do our part as her family and as Christians showing love and support for the widows as commanded by the Bible. We are happy to help, and from what I'm told, the house is already getting a good nibbles since being on the market. We wish GG a quick, successful and happy house sale.

After painting we made a snap decision to use the restof the summer as must as possible. We asked Lynda if she (already being in Anacortes) could take a spin through Washington park and see if there were any sites left. There were so off the family was to rapidly pack and race up to Anacortes for a nice camping weekend. Grammy, Papa, Aunt Kristina, Tessa, and Uncle Ryan were already up there camping, so it was a miniature family reunion. We went on walks, Mike hiked, firewood hunting...in the dark, marshmallow roasting around the fire, and visited farmer's market. There were a few highlights... 1) at Sunday brunch, there were MANY seal sightings that were exciting to show the kids. 2) Tessa was unusually cuddly with me, which was great. and 3) BOWLING. It was Joshy and Tessa's first bowling experience and Caleb's second. The kids were set up on a lane with the special apparatus (typically used for handicapped persons) that has a ramp off the front. They just sat the ball up on the rack and then pushed with all their might. It was great.... but the ASTOUNDING news.... Jockey scored a 112! Out of all six of us (Ryan, Daddy, and Mommy) Joshy scored the second highest, beating everyone but Mike! My Two year old beat me at BOWLING!!!!!!!!! I hung in there by coming in third, though still not breaking 100. One of the best things was when Jockey threw up his arms and did a little hop and pony shuffle dance when he pushed the ball successfully...often long before it ever reached the pins... the successs was all the same to Joshy. He was a joy to watch, all the kids were really.

So that brings us to Tuesday. Joshy's birthday party. It was mommy's first time throwing a pool party, but when Caleb was asked what he thought Jockey would like best... I got the answer swimming! Joshy ran around eating a chicken drumstick, but when he spotted the cake it was all over. We had no choice but to sing to him and get the dessert served! He didn't exactly know what to make of the candles, but eventually he started feeling the excitment andjoy of the day. Jockey really did have a great time and he sure looked cute in his new goggles. He paddled and splashed and did it all over again in the hot tub. Thank you to all who attended for your presence and presents. It was very nice to see the family. Thank you especially to Cousin Tessa who gave up her newly grown out of TRICYCLE to little Jockey. He was so very excited when he saw it. He even took a spin on it in the nude right after swimming. I forsee many delightful times with Jockey crusing on his new wheels. And thank you Grammy for adding to the safety factor and getting the adorable helment. The whole party was a huge success. I can't believe he is TWO!!!!! Yikes, he's not a baby anymore! He is turning into a really sweet boy with great abilities.

A little news about Caleb: He is in love with his sword. He is always running around with it jammed in the back of his shirt. Funny, his sword has a scabboard, but he insists on stuffing in the back of his shirt with it hanging on the neck of his shirt by the hilt. It's aways a chuckle to see. I think he got the idea from TMNT, one of the turtles wears his swords this way. He wears them with pride as he swings from the swingset or marches through the stores with me.
Joshy is also blessed with a sword too. As Mike helped sort through things at GG's house, he stumbled upon the sword he played with when he was little. Mike brought that home and it is a huge hit with the boys, they switch around often but it is officially Joshy's. The two swords look remarkably similar. Of course, with swords come sword fights and fights over swords. The typical boy stuff I'm sure.

Joshy is talking even more. He can say complete sentences and I understand about half of what he says. He says Please Help, Cay (what he calls Caleb) Okay, Fanks (thanks), I Nake (I'm Naked), I fall (this one is perfectly clear), and he has 5 different ways to say NO. And just a couple of days ago, Joshy said his first prayer! He had remembered that my head hurt and he put his hand on my head and said a prayer... just like big brother showed him. I melted in awe.

The boys are getting along totally or complete bent on bending each other. Surprisingly, Jockey can hold more than his own. He can really get the upper hand. But regardless, they are spending a large portion of their summer playing in the sandbox converted to a pool, playing on the swingset, eating berries, and playing with the hose. I love letting them have fun free time, as long as they are playing, not fighting over who splashed who. I do have to admit I am the parent of two tanline-less boys, I can't keep clothes on them to save my life. On the bright side, Jockey is starting to potty train. He's starting to figure out when he does things in the diaper. He tells me when he toots (it took him a while to know it was just air). Most brilliantly, he only uses the potty when Daddy takes him!!

Jockey it also completely into "guns", it started with Caleb's nerf bullet gun and is prolific with squirt guns. He ducks behind the couch in a very cute way, pops up and with a sly smile and squirt....

Caleb has taken to dressing himself. This is really good because I can focus on getting Jockey ready, this is very humorous seeing the various outfits he comes up with. Today he was wearing long navy blue pants, a tank top (tourquoise) with the sword in the back of course, and a red knitted skiing hat.... on a near 70 degree day! It was very funny, but I'll encourage this type of independence... at least it's not a tattoo.

I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone. Caleb starts school in the 6th! And this brings in "parent" functions for me as well. Buying school supplies, Jitters day, etc. Am I ready for this? Caleb is just jumping for the chance to meet friends, I'm praying for a great friend for him. He needs a boy his own age to get to know and play with.

Hopefully, we are going to get to the zoo and perhaps anothe camping trip before the weather turns.
Well, time to go. I'll post the pictures of the camping trip, bowling, birthday party etc soon.

A Zuma update:

We received the call yesterday about 4:30pm. Zuma had her surgery and was just waking up. Everything seemed to go smoothly (I was really worried because she has allergic reactions to all sorts of medications). The surgeon was very happy with the way the foot came together and said that the post op x-rays show a superb alignment and repair. Everything went fine.

If nothing has arisen overnight, she will be picked up late this afternoon. Then she will begin her six weeks of internment and sedated isolation in a crate. The surgeon was very clear that if she irritates the foot or if the splint's position is altered in anyway that we have to take her in immediately otherwise the foot will heal incorrectly. So we will be watching her closely.

I'm relieved that she made it through the surgery (our last little pup didn't if you remember), and I'm relieved to know that the prognosis for Zuma's post-op function is suppose to be 100%.


I was surprised that Caleb didn't ask where Zuma was, and he hasn't asked yet today. Of course, Zuma often goes with Daddy to work and Daddy didn't get home until 9:30pm, so not a great deal of time for him to observe her absence. I'm glad in a way, he has been through so much in losing 2 dogs and 2 cats (one went to live somewhere else) in 18 months.

It is in the fires of adversity that you learn whom is your family and advocates. For those family members who have sent their best wishes and prayers for Zuma, THANK YOU for your support.

The Zuma Update:

The good news is that it could have been worse. (It could have been farther up the foot joint, which would have meant permanent immobility to the majority of the foot.)

The bad news is that.... it is bad news.

First, the vet-surgeon said he didn't have enough information to make an informed decision with just the regular vet's adequate, but not detailed enough, x-ray. The only way that he could provide an educated suggestion for Zuma's care was to remove the splint, for Zuma to be put under and perform "Stress X-rays", which is where they bend and flex the injured portion of her foot to see the exact part of her foot that is injured and how extensive the injury. In an attempt to stem costs, we negotiated with him to see if there was any way that he could examine Zuma's foot before she was put under and the series of x-rays were taken. He agreed that under sedation he could examine and palpitate her foot to asses the "stability" of the foot, but if he did not find sufficient stability, then he would have to perform the x-rays to get a thorough picture of the injury that would have to be surgically repaired. (Sufficient stability would mean that it would be possible to treat her foot "medically" with just a cast/splint for an extended period of time.) We left Zuma with Dr. Messigher and he took her right back to perform the procedure. Today's procedure cost $489.

We got the call about an hour later. Not good results.
Per the report, Zuma has "SEVERE MEDIAL INSTABILITY OF THE LEFT TARSOMETATARSAL JOINT", and she only has some lateral stability; meaning, that the dislocation of the bones and her muscular structures/ligaments are so injured, that left to heal on it's own, it would not support her weight and she would not have use of her foot. SURGERY is NECESSARY, there is no other way to treat this injury. The surgery will actually fuse the joint, two screws will be put in and a figure-8 shaped wire would be put on the screws to simulate a ligament and provide the needed stability; the surgery is called a TARSOMETATARSAL ARTHRODESIS. Cost is estimated for the surgery at $2200 to $2300, with the nurse suggesting the later amount as more likely, and payable at the time of service, no financing.

With no other possible course of treatment as an option, we had no choice but to book the surgery for next Tuesday, August 7th, waiting will only allow time for scar tissue to form and complicate the surgery. Zuma will be facing 1, potentially 2, nights at the vet's office, and SIX WEEKS of LIVING ISOLATED AND SEDATED IN A CRATE, this is non-negotiable. And then at least one, more likely 2, follow up check-ups at $100 each, to include x-rays, to monitor the repair and healing.

Zuma was sedated and VERY sensitive to having anyone near her foot for the rest of today. We are watching for nausea and vomiting. So that was what the rest of our day was like today. Except that a pipe burst at the club and Mike was called in to duty.

This is a very stressful and heart wrenching time. I keep looking at Zuma (who's splint is bright red like Caleb's cast was) and she yelps and looks at me as if begging for help, and there is nothing I can do. But I wanted to say thank you to Grammy for watching Caleb and Jockey while we attended to the needs of our other family member.

Hello everyone.

Just a little update, or brand new news for those on my side of the family.

Monday, Zuma and Molly got into a dog fight in the midst of the family gathering.

Most of those present saw Don Small interrupt the fight when he grab Zuma by the collar, stand up lifting her from the fight, turn and then throw Zuma approximately 4 feet in the air and a distance of 6 feet. She landed with a yelp in pain.

For the next 17 hours, Zuma did not place weight on her foot at all.

The update:

Zuma finally was seen by the veterinarian and x-rays taken, anti-iflammatory and pain killer medications prescribed and a temporary split applied... $197.00. This is to hold Zuma over until the surgeon is seen and a high probablity for surgery because she has been very seriously injured. The injury Don's actions have imposed on Zuma is: Traumatic Luxation (dislocation) of her left tarsal-metatarsal joint with possible fracture. She has 3, possibly all 4, of her toes/metatarsals dislocated and a possible fracture. Right now, they say she must be seen by a surgeon who specializes in and repairs these types of injuries. The current vet said that surgery is very likely, without surgery, if left to "heal" on it's own, it is likely she will not have use of her foot. She will be seen on Friday by a surgeon who will view her xrays and make a recommendation as to Zuma's care.

Surgery has been estimated between.... $2,000 and $4,000.



Even with the splint, she still isn't putting weight on it, and she has started to periodically yelp. The splint is a weight she isn't used to, so not she is off balance, hobbling and has a hard time getting up from a laying position.

With the information we have right now, I suppose the choices on the table are:

1) Proceed with all needed medical care to repair the injury Zuma has sustained.
2) Do nothing and live with an untreated injury leaving Zuma crippled in both body and quality of life because of someone's "accident".
or
3) the unthinkable, some would consider putting the her down if she was to live crippled.

I feel that, even in the events of "accidents", reparations have to be made. That's true in cars, children and in the Bible.




As you can imagine, despite the summer weather, a dark cloud has descended upon our home and emotions. I don't want to think about any of these choices, and I really don't want to have explain them to Caleb. He loves Zuma so much. Until Friday and more information is available, I am most concerned with watching Zuma to ensure shock or other secondary side effects are not observed, praying that the best possible prognosis is found for Zuma, and keeping the kids and Tigger away from her until Friday.


I most likely will not be able to update this posting until after Zuma's appointment on Friday.

If something specific changes in the lives of Zuma or the kids, I will of course post and update.

Aquarium pictures:

OK, I admit to "borrowing" these from Kristina's Blog. I wasn't there, but someone with a camera was, and I have Grandparents that check out this site that aren't Grammy and Papa Dahl who were present for the aquarium event. So thanks for the loan of the pictures. Isn't Caleb and Tessa cute?! And they held still and both looked at the camera at the same time!

Wow that was the easiest posting ever. TTFN.

Good Morning.

Caleb spent this last weekend with Grammy and Papa Dahl. He had a great time. They visited the Aquarium with Tessa, Auntie Kristina, and GG. He was excited to see sharks. He told me about petting a starfish with one finger. Caleb also did a great job swimmng; he's going to greater and greater distances each time he tries. Caleb is getting tall enough to stand flat footed at the shallow end of the pool, which is great for his confidence. One of the nights, Caleb went to sleep at 6:30pm, now why doesn't he do that at our house?!

Joshy had a great time here at the house. I think he likes being an only child sometimes. He was significantly less cranky, whiny or crying. He played, he cuddled, he talked. He liked the peace and quiet. He curled up with books. Josy did try to get into my scrapbooking supplies, but that's the worst things got. He was more easy going, although definitely still TWO. He says "No" and crosses his arms in the cutest and most frustrating way.

Last week was the end of VBS for the summer. That leaves the next 5-6 weeks plan free, with the very rare exception. I have got to come up with activities for the boys to keep them busy and mischief free. Maybe the zoo. Maybe open gym time at the local gymnastics facility. I don't think I'll try to manage both in the pool at the same time, but maybe I'll do a system of taking turns and using the Club's daycare. We'll see. Of course there are the parks and walks when the current rain clears up. And Blackberry picking is just a few weeks away. If the kids can pick more than they eat, then we will get ahead for storing berries for the winter.

So there isn't much else to tell right now. Time to get the guys moving for the day, maybe grocery shopping. Who knows. But have a great day and talk to you later.

Welcome back. Has it been that long?!

Well, let's see what the family has been up to...

We took a long camping trip. We left, Tuesday, July 3rd and headed to our favorite Anacortes. We were there until Sunday, July 8th. It was a nice long trip, great weather. We saw deer everyday, including the Mother and Fawn that we saw in May. It was nice to see little bambi growing and getting along well. Caleb and I even got to creep up on bambi and got about 20 feet from him. It was special and amazing. It made a big impression on Caleb, so that everytime I spotted a deer but he didn't get a chance to see it he was a little sad.

True to form, our boys were boys and played in the rocks, dirt, sticks and tried to poke the fire. It was a challenge to keep them out of the fire or from adding extra things to the flames, but in the end, they were satisfied with Mom and Dad cooking the special jam and butter biscuit treats...as long as we kept them coming! Marshmallows have food color, so we use ready made biscuits pressed over the end of stick which is covered in tin foil. It takes a little while longer to cook that a quick to burn marshmallow, but when it is finally toasty brown it is delicious to pull off the stick and coat the inside with butter and jam. Caleb doesn't even know that he is missing out on something, probably because he's not.

We went on quite a few walks, visited the park, threw rocks at the beach. We drove to the dog park, attended the Farmer's Market. Visited a few thrift store, luck Joshy got size 6 shoes for .75 cents... because I couldn't find his shoes, he had been crammed into 5 1/2s for the first few days! Mike and I both picked up a little something to read. Mike liked the idea because it meant that he relaxed and slowed down enough to read. We watched movies to wind down each night. It was great family time and a great price... movies are free this month due to one of mommy's "jobs". The other major thing: Caleb is showing all signs of being a little shutter bug, like mommy! He is really into taking pictures and then seeing what they look like. He wants to look around and capture certain things. Of course, his interests are bowed by being a boy, so he thinks bum shots are entertaining. But he took some great shots of me and Joshy. I was actually shocked and impressed, and grateful since I don't often pictures of me with the kids. I'm always the one behind the camera, but if Caleb is going to start showing interest and skill in photography, I think that is great! I wonder if he would like to enter a picture into the contest at the fair?! I'll have to ask. I'll try to post some of the pictures Caleb took here so that you can take a look for yourself.

Caleb took these:

We arrived home safely, and just in time for a hot week. Caleb got to spend the mornings of this week at VBS at Cascade Church. Next week it will be VBS at Peace Luthern/Little Doves Preschool. He likes keeping busy and doing all the crafts etc. He needs time independent of Joshy (and me I think too) and yet he is always so great at excitedly greeting me when I pick him up. Joshy also gets to have one-on-one time with me. We read, chat, and do errands. He doesn't have to fight over toys either which is a plus. Joshy says "I'm cold" and does a little fake shiver, so cute. He also says "I'm cute", "I did it", "Hot".... and ones I'm not so proud of "poop" and "more coke", oh, and the near constant "NO". It was just two weeks ago that I was hoping he would stop saying poop non-stop, but now that he has exchanged that word for NO... What was I thinking?! This is something amazing about Joshy: He is learning the sounds of his letters and the alpahbet song. He of course is not exact and has no understanding of it's significants, but he is doing both with weekly improvement! Caleb is also skyrocketing with his alphabet. He can name 90% of the letters and their sounds, and from there we sound out words together; he is truly doing awesome!

Tomorrow is the last VBS this week. I am a mom-helper tomorrow, sigh. I like my kids, but a gaggle of strange children seems daunting. But I have to do what I have to do. We don't have plans until next week where we plunge into the next VBS week. I guess we will have to occupy ourselves with having a good time in the great weather, which is easier to do since Daddy brought home and help set up the bouncy house in the back yard. That has been a daily treat for most of the week. I am so pleased with the joy BOTH boys get out of this apparatus. Joshy has shocked me that he can get in all by himself without help... which is a miracle since I don't have the endurance to stand in the sun for an hour helping to lift him in each time. And they play so well in the bouncy house, and I am so grateful for the foresight of buying one with a slide included. That is 50% of their fun. Daddy even snuck into the bouncy house with Joshy today!

Well, it's late. I will try to attach a couple pictures of the camping trip. Good Night.

The following pictures I took, but they are only the second part of the trip.

Mike is howling, Tigger joins in, Caleb is whacking everything insight with the bottle, and Joshy is bare-bummed. I sit calming in the back.

Joshy, our little pink pirate. Head wear made from an imfamous "Shirt".

And, Our boys, of course, with sticks:

Note: Caleb's summer SHORT haircut. I'll try to get a better shot soon.

Here we are for just a little catch up...

Monday, Caleb saw his best friend Donovyn. He had been saying for weeks that he missed him. So finally we got them together for a playdate. Caleb was excited and relieved. Of course, I got a call just after noon that asked if I had changed my mind on having Caleb in the Summer camp at his preschool. Apparently, I got my dates mixed up and thought that summer came was in July, but here is was at the end of June. So he missed the first day, but attended for the rest of the week. He had a wonderful time and did so many crafts. He is the best kid to run up to me shouting Mommy I missed you, each time I pick him up.

Caleb got his most extreme haircut to date on Wednesday. I decided for the summer to cut his hair really short so that he didn't need haircuts all summer and maybe he'd stay a little cooler. Mike is really happy with it because he looks like a cool little boy. I think that it is a little too short in the bangs, but hair will always grow.

Yesterday the whole family made a very, mad scramble to the movie theater. I found the gift card from the Surface family (from Christmas) and it was just in time to see the new animated, kids film "Ratouille". VERY CUTE! and a good number of chuckles. We got there just in time for the start of the movie, but missed most of the trailers. And Joshy was great up until the last 10-15 minutes when he ran out of things to eat (also purchased with the gift card) and needed to get up and stretch his legs. I thought that was pretty good for him to sit still for an almost 2 hour show. It was a great way to spend a rainy day and only spend $1.56 for the whole family! I'd recommend the show to anyone needing a light chuckle, has kids, or doesn't like the bad language in other movies. I look forward to the day the library finally has this one in circulation so we can see it again!

The boys and I ended the day with dinner and freshly made, home made Strawberry Slurpees. We have been so blessed with our berry patch this season. I had enough berries to make 3 drinks and freeze another whole bag. Caleb was thrilled to slurp down a RED slurpee that did not have food coloring. Not to mention totally organic and sweetened to perfection.

So all of that is the upside. The down side.... Jockey is entering the Two-year old phase. "No" is his favorite answer for everything. He says it for any question we ask just to show he is making decisions, and oh boy does he not like being contradicted. Can we say STRONG WILLED! and LOUD protests! He is talking alot more in general though. Full sentences even. You kind of have to be around him for a while though, because not everything is bell clear. One thing, unfortunately, totally clearly understood... "eat poop". This is repeated numerous times a day by our little Jockey-man. I can't imagine where he picked that up.... CaAAALEEB???!!!

In the meantime, the boys are loving life, the summer means swings, slides, sand and of course berry picking! For July, Caleb is signed up for two different Vacation Bible Schools, which I'm excited for. This will mean he is still around kids all summer, will learn some cool lessons, and I will get time with just Josh. Plus, one of the VBS is held by the church that I want to start attending. It is a bigger church with more structured programs consistently offered for both the kids and adults, as well as several programs not DIRECTLY church related: MOPS and boyscouts! So this is great!

Ok. That's all for now. Have a great sunny day.

Caleb and Joshy are back from their camping trip. It was a big success. Caleb talks about riding his bike, going down a big slide, and the various things he did in the pool. Joshy has learned the new word "cold" about a week ago, and he uses that word to go into the hot tub, get cuddled in Mommy's bed or to sit with Mommy on the couch... or just about anything as long as he gets what he wants he is "cold". The cutest is when he holds his little hands together almost in a praying has pose with a touch of wistful added in, then he fake shivers and says "cold". He learned "cold" when trying to run through the sprinkler, it was not like the warm shower water he was expecting, it was "cold"... he didn't want to shower for a few days after the sprinkler because he was afraid that the shower would now be "cold" too! Anyway, he also had a good time with Grammy and Papa Dahl. Both of the boys wanted to sit on me for a long time after they returned, which way nice, except I was trying to cook dinner at the time. Caleb know can thoroughly explain how Papa Dahl checks for sugar in his blood (he is Diabetic.) Caleb gave Auntie Brittany the full run down yesterday. He really is a smart little kiddo. I wonder what else he will have picked up this weekend that I'll get to discover.

Yesterday, we went to story time at the library. Joshy was a hoot to watch. For the first 8 minutes he wanted to sit on my lap and just watch. (Caleb too.) Suddenly, he wanted to get up and dance and stomp and clap as the librarian directed... then he wanted to run around and squeal happily and then land and sommersault on their special little blanket that they put in the center. Lots of the moms were chuckling at him and commenting on how happy he was. Joshy truly did want to interact and be center of attention. Caleb wanted to blow the bubbles, but he was so shy he missed a couple turns before I could convince him that it was no big deal, just go up and ask. I don't know what makes him so shy and afraid to ask. I was that way too, and I just can't figure out how I got through it... sometimes I'm still not, so how can I expect a child to get through it.

The sun is out, the berries are now getting very plentiful... at least the strawberries. Monday night I made Strawberry (and banana) milkshakes for everyone. It was a special treat, and I still had enough strawberries left over for a morning of strawberry topped pancakes. And there are STILL MORE berries to be picked. I might have to start cutting them up and freezing them for the winter just to keep up with the maturity rate. All of this, and I still have little guys out there picking when the like and heading off some of the growth by eating green ones!

We had family movie night last night. We watched Disney's Tarzan from our bed... good thing it's a king size, room for everyone. We had water and popcorn to make it a true movie experience. Joshy got to stay up later to finish watching the movie, he just relished the cuddle time. When they started wrestling, it was near the end of the movie anyway. Then off to bed time.

Caleb his now the proud owner of a new wardrobe. Grandma Bishop, ebay save extraordinaire, found a great lot of clothes and won them and had them shipped directly here. They are all nice, and Caleb is outfitted for good, well probably for the next 15 months... Caleb shouted I love this, when he saw the Pj top of Batman with the attached cape. Then life was complete when he saw the pj tops of Spiderman and "Mr. Incredible". Caleb changed clothes 3 times in a hour... and kept them on too. Normally Caleb might go through 3 outfits in day, but that is because he keeps taking his clothes off and I keep trying to put them back on. This time he actually stayed dressed. Then he wore the Batman top (with cap) to the library story time because in his words "everyone will think my shirt is cool". Caleb called and said thank you, although his excitment didn't really come through the phone, he really is excited. And Joshy would be happy if I tossed the pile on the floor and let him roll around on them. Go figure.

No real plans yet for the weekend. Daddy doens't work. Mommy doesn't have anything lined up as of yet. So I guess we are free agents dictated to only by weather and $. We'll see where it takes us.

(On a personal note, I loved my weekend "off". It was great. I got 5 pages of scrapbooking done, in goal of getting 12 done for Joshy's birthday party. I turned off the phones and didn't get a single phone call from anyone wanting to refinance my house during any naps. I watched movies that I didn't have to cringe because of little ears in the room. Plus, I got to watch Phantom of the Opear, a gorgeous cinema set, that the boys would never understand! I admit to eating food coloring, but did so without fear of having it nabbed and scarffed by little guys. Tigger was a ball of nerves. He would sit on Caleb's bed and bark out the window at the wind or whatever. He didn't pace but it had the same effect, even with going on walks and the chew bones I gave him. Can we say Co-Dependent....On MIKE! Zuma was a delight of low maintenance, just don't ask her to move once she was in a cozy sleeping spot. Anyway, it was nice time that I do feel different, better, to take on the kids for the time being. )

And speaking of kids... back to them... talk more later.

Howdy.

Joshy has learned a few words in the last 2-3 days. He now answers "noooo" with cute little puckered lips, like he is sucking on a straw. (Of course, I know there will be a day that he says no in defiance, but for right now he is just answering my questions.) He now says "Okay", and "Coming daddy", and "Caay" which is for Caleb. He is getting so good as using words, and as always he is a wonderful babbler, he babbles in the same cadence as words would sound in a foriegn language. He must be speaking alien boy-ese.

This is Caleb's first week without preschool. He's already saying he is missing his friend Donovyn, but we can't afford to drive to Granite Falls... so I'll have to come up with something else to keep him busy with.

The boys are going camping this weekend. Mike is taking them with Papa and Grammy Dahl to Toppenish. I'm sure that they will enjoy the time at the pool, the park and riding their bikes. And I will do my best to get refreshed and recharged while they are gone.

Today was icky off and on as far as weather, but that didn't stop the boys from running outside and picking berries. Yes, our raspberries are just barely coming in, and our strawberries will be going full blown here in another week or so. Of course, that is all hinging keeping the boys, Joshy especially, from picking the green ones. I try to tell them that green ones never get the chance to turn red and yummy if you pick them. Joshy still doesn't get it. But I guess we have all summer to learn.

We also made a fort today in the living room. The boys really like it. But what is it with forts and having to be naked in them?! I just don't get it. Caleb asked me today how come God fgave me two boys instead of a boy and a girl, and today I was reminded that I would rather build a fort than have a dress up tea party any day of the week. As for Caleb's question, I just told him that God had the best plans and I'm going along with it.

Well, off to the rest of life's duties. Talk to you later.

Happy Saturday!

Well this last week was Caleb's last week at preschool. He had a regular day on Tuesday and then on Thursday we went to the park for a picnic. It was a gray, chilly, occassionally misty day, but Caleb had a lot of fun. I felt like a good mom that day, I remembered scrap towels to wipe the slides and swings down. (Often it feels like the "good mom" days are rare.) Caleb got to feed the ducks, run around with kids, and eat lunch with the little girl that he kind of likes more than any other kid in his class. He played hard and I look forward to having him back in a peer group soon.

Joshy and I baked cookies this week.

Papa Bill brought over Burger King and played with the boys on Tuesday.

Grandma Bishop sent Caleb some new clothes; Caleb especially likes and looks like a cool dude in this vibrant red hooded sweatshirt. Then we got a really big box this week. It was a basketball hoop for the boys, particularly Joshy. I didn't get it all the way set up and Joshy already had grabbed the ball and started to say THROW THROW. And he did make a few baskets all by himself. The hoop is twice the height of him at the rim. He's having a great time. Caleb has learned all the places he can throw the ball from and still makes a basket. So far his favorite is standing on the couch in the living room and tossing it the distance... sigh. The other one he likes is standing on the piano bench and tossing it in while jumping. again, sigh. Boys.

No big plans for this weekend. Daddy works today, and ALL day tomorrow. But he mowed the lawn yesterday and now the kids can actually navigate outside... and since it's overcast right now, I might be able to convince them to keep their clothes on for warmth.

Well, gotta get back to it. Talk to you later.

Joshy's new phrase: "I did it!" and he lifts his little fists in the air for a big hurray! See picture, although he didn't really use the potty, He just said "I did it!"

Joshy now "Smiles" for the camera. Actually he, himself says "Cheese" and you get the following smile:

And I love this shirt that Joshy is wearing... it fits perfectly when I caught the boys hollering out the bedroom window looking at the things they had thrown out the window onto the roof.

That's all for now. Have a good day.

Well the camping trip for Memorial day weekend when great.

We got to the camp grounds at 9:50 in the morning and got the VERY LAST site! Including the tent sites.

We saw a deer and a very small spotted fawn before we even parked the trailer and then about a 1/2 dozen after that. We saw a bunny, chipmunk, and a ferret on leash.

We ate shrimp around the fire. Uncle Brian and Aunt Brittany came up Saturday afternoon. Papa Bill and Grandma Judy came up Sunday and met us at a park and watched the kids play. On Saturday, Caleb's actual birthday, we met Barb, Don, Matthew and Tyler at Chuck E. Cheese. Caleb had a great time! Joshy lost a few pacifiers this weekend, so we had to make a stop at Wal-mart in Burlington. And then on the way home, we stopped in at Barb and Don's for more visiting. Caleb had such a great time he was very sad to leave. He wanted to stay and play.

Caleb jumped right back into preschool this week. The surprising thing is that I think Joshy is just as enthusiatic as Caleb. He marches right in with Caleb and gets in line to wash his hands. And a couple times he has tried to join circle time... It is so cute! The teachers have already labeled him a "real go getter", especially on the playground. He is also very social and waves to people and tries to get their attention. I'm wondering if I should put him in the Two's only class in the fall at this school. I'll have to look into it. I'm sure Joshy will love having an activity and he is already so use to the routine and environment. I will have to make sure that it won't affect Caleb negatively to suddenly have Joshy move in on his territory. But the strange thing is that Caleb often seems to depend on the company of Joshy for social situations, bravery, companionship and all. I remember being that way with my brother; it just seems odd that the older child needs to have help doing something on their own, when he has spent 2 years on his own before Josh ever came along. Josh on the other hand, he has never had time alone and seems like he is bursting out and flourishes when he's finally independent.

Well, time to get Caleb ready for school again. The count down has begun. His last day is a picnic on the 7th! What will I do with that kiddo all summer?! He will have to be kept busy somehow, but in the heat like we had yesterday, I am afraid to let him spend so much time in the scorching sun with his fair skin. And especially since he most often is in the sun, NAKED! Caleb says "Grammy calls me naked boy". Never a truer word spoken.

Talk to you later.

Caleb's Awana Awards night was really neat. It was Caleb's first awards program ever, Awana is the first organized program ever (other than preschool). Caleb was blessed with the presence of Grammy, Papa Dahl, Papa Bill, and Cousin Tessa, in addition to our immediate family.

He had lots of fun, he showed all the grandparents his classroom, and he stood nicely in front of the crowd. He thought he was there to learn more verses and was a little sad when I told him it was an awards night rather than a class night. Caleb won 3 awards. A small bear, a bear pin and a patch for his vest.

So here are a few pictures with the brief moments I have left.

That's all for now, I've got to go to work.

As most of you might know, we are going camping this weekend. So I won't be posting until we get back.

Joshy's favorite words: Owwwwh, and Poo.

He says owwwh for everything. A good deal of the time it is because of a bump, trip, scuff, bonk, push and fall which would mean a valid reason for an owie, often an extremely minor owie. But then there are times that he just says it over and over. I can't figure out if he actually has something wrong that I can't see or whether he just can't think of anything else to say. He knows exactly what it is that he is saying too, and I don't think he's figured out how to cry wolf for attention yet. So I feel like I'm even more on call than usual.

The other word... well, I think that he just plain old learned from big brother. He's bound to have heard it so much that it just came natural. Now he says it all the time; in the morning from his crib he says that and MOM (and he is often correct), but then he says it out the window to the neighbors and the backyard. At home, I just roll my eyes, but out around other people, what do you do? I came up with a solution just this morning. I'm going to start making him carry around a Winnie the pooh bear (or anything). If they were crazy enough to name a children's character that, then I'm desperate enough to use it as a cover for the embarrassing vulgarity of my one and half year old. If I have to invest in shirts with that silly old bear or tie a bear to his hand I think I just might!

Joshy has also gotten VERY good at signing "More". It is his favorite word. More juice, more strawberries, more anything. He also discovered how to open the refrigerator this week. He then knew exactly what he wanted; he climbed up to the top shelf and harvested his own strawberries....again and again. I thought that big brother had been helping him all this time until I found the little stinker with his entire upper body buried in the frig as he dug.

I was going to go and get Caleb's 4 year old pictures today. I sat him down and gave him a haircut and everything. It wasn't until I was done and finally looking at his hair and how it looked on his face that I noticed a big bruise. It happened on Sunday at his party when he ran into a cabinet... I just can't believe I didn't notice it before I endeavored to cut his hair. But now I just don't think I want to immortalize a bruise in portraits. I have to wait until next week to get the pictures taken. I guess there is nothing to do but wait because (especially after the haircut) his hair just won't cover it.

So we don't have plans for today anymore. But that just means we will have to do something else...getting ready for camping this weekend perhaps. The plan is to beat a hasty path to Anacortes on Friday morning. Then of course, come back onto HWY 20 for some shrimp to eat around the campfire! Yummm. I hope there isn't rain forcasted for this weekend. I'm looking forward to poking around town a bit and just taking it easy.

Tonight is Caleb's award night for Awana. I know we have to be very prompt, but I really don't think that we will be there more than 20 minutes. I just want a good picture and a happy proud of himself Caleb!

So that's all for now. Have a great day!

Pictures of Caleb's modified to Spiderman themed room:(Note Buzz Lightyear and ball theme STILL carry on.)

Caleb said thank you again today to me for putting up the Spiderman things in his room. Also, we read close to a dozen books today, and when I looked at the bookshelf to select books, I discovered a Look and Find Spiderman book that we purchased close to a year ago (perhaps even longer). Caleb was delighted. Caleb liked looking for things, but I was surprised that even Joshy found some items too. This is a slightly more difficult book than the Winnie the Pooh versions. I bet that my little book lover, Joshy, will really enjoy the simpler book of Pooh, Piglet and Tigger... and perhaps it will hold hit attention longer.

I took Caleb out on his birthday rollerblades today. He will get the hang of it. He is fine if he just tries to shuffle, not that we get very far, very fast. But he likes to hang on to me and have me pull him, but then he is relying on me and loses his balance. I discovered while we were out that it was set at the largest shoe size (I thought I had seen it on the smallest before we left the house.) So I bet our second time out will be even better. I'm trying to show him how to keep his balance forward and his shoulders over his knees. He'll understand soon.

I weeded the strawberry/blueberry beds this afternoon. I started to have compassion for the choked out berry plants/bushes. I got help weeding, and well, Caleb is not a botanist and a few of the strawberry plants got the worst of it. He then started asking if he can have a strawberry, but they just aren't done yet, although I have berries that are tight and green about the size of a dime or nickle. I can't imagine what this summer is going to be like. I think I'll have to be up at the crack of dawn to get a strawberry, otherwise my 2 little berry munchers are going to beat me to it every day!

Also this evening, we had a silly string war, or rather spraying contest. It didn't last long, but it was a great novelty that Caleb had fun doing. (Mommy and Daddy too.) Joshy then tried to get in on the action; only he dug out the used up can and tried to spray out the last little dribbles. I was surprised that he knew what he was doing without having been shown.

Ok, time to eat.

Well, it's a good thing that Caleb's party was yesterday, because I don't know if it could be pulled off today.

It's become apparent the symptoms that Joshy and I have had that I thought were allergies are a cold/flu. Joshy had a runny nose all week, and one day I was confused as whether he spit or threw up, he has had a decreased appetite, and the started a cough. I started coming down with a runny nose yesterday, by the evening I was beat. Today is even worse. No fever or nausea, luckily. But I can't imagine Joshy has felt good for a few days. I'm hoping that Caleb doesn't get sick. I can't handle two sick kids, especially when I am sick myself. Sick kids don't stay in bed and rest like adults do. I wish they would because two sick kids rough housing with each other is a difficult whiny circumstance.

On the bright side, Caleb and Joshy are keeping busy with all of Caleb's new toys. They might fight a bit over them, but they are keeping busy. Joshy really likes his little spiderman. He was telling me all about it this morning. Caleb his in love with all his toys, he rotates which he plays with every 15 minutes or Jockey grabs it and then he moves on to the next.

Last night Caleb was still excited about the Spiderman theme. He had me hang up the banner, poster and a table cloth in his room. The table cloth from Grammy's present was so large it is tacked onto the ceiling like a canopy. He is really enjoying it... and it was alot cheaper to put those things up than to convert all the decorating/bedding to a new theme. Just another example of how kids are made happy with the simplest things, and how blessed we are to have our easily made happy Caleb. And Caleb was truly appreciative. Last night he came home and said thank you for all his gifts again.

Joshy had a great time yesterday too. He really liked being around everyone. He liked playing and having the freedom to run around and explore. He sat with many people and just talked or enjoyed the whole environment. He truly is a social little kiddo. He is getting very talkative too.
I'm sure he'll have a fantastic time when his birthday comes around. And we hope to see all the family gathered around having such a friendly, relaxed time again too. Perhaps birthdays come around just to provide good excuses at set times to get together and see family. (That's better than the other reason, just markers to prove you're getting old.)

Well, that's all I have strength for as I write on Mike's lap top from bed. I'll put a picture up of Caleb's spiderman room additions later.

We have celebrated Caleb's Birthday PARTY DAY!

We had a great time and he really is VERY happy. I'll drastically paraphase the events because to be quite honest, I'm exhausted! FIRST, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME, WHO HAD FUN, WHO BROUGHT FOOD, and WHO LOVE MY SON. And and HUGE THANK YOU for your generousity to Caleb, or as he calls himself "P. A . S. Big Boy", not that any of us know what the PAS stands for!

Caleb decided he wanted a Spiderman birthday party. I had 19 hours (8 of which were sleeping hours, though I wasn't asleep anywhere near that much) to shop, plan, and decorate a newly themed Spiderman birthday. Today I feel like a successful parent because I think I pulled it off to my little Caleb's delight. He had a custom made Happy Birthday web, a plastic tablecloth cut into 3 banners, balloons (one of which was cleverly, if I do say so myself, transformed from a red basketball into a web with a spider on each side), a spiderman poster/game and spiderman toys as gifts (thanks in large part to the lucky finds at the $ store.) He was so very excited to see Donovyn his Best Friend and the first thing he exclaimed was Look at my Spiderman party! That excitement made it all worth it! They spend half the party running around playing tag or playing with the toys in Daycare... which is really wonderful that we have the day care to play in rather than penting up everyone in a tiny living room at our house. P.S. It rained today., so having this facility available was priceless.


Caleb really was smothered in Spiderman gifts, which a completely ironic blessing considering we hadn't really gotten the word out that he was into Spiderman. Some people just know little boys.... Thanks Uncle Mel and Aunt Rene and Donovyn. And Caleb is thrilled with everything else that he got and is in a dizzy whirl trying to play with them all at once!

Caleb finished up his party activities with a swim in the pool with Cousin Tessa, Aunt Kristina, Uncle Ryan, Daddy and Jockey while Mommy cleaned up. He had such a wonderful time, and I think it is safe to say that he will sleep tonight!

I can't think of all the details right now, so I'll just post pictures...

Caleb in his new Spiderman shirt.
Lastly, for those interested... The AWANA awards night is this Wednesday, 23rd VERY PROMPTLY (even come 5-10 minutes early) at 6:30pm. Caleb's CUBBIES class goes first so you don't want to be even a minute late. I am told that he will be getting about 2 awards. I don't promise individual recognition of Caleb, it could just be done as a group. I have to be there, and I wanted to give those interested at least the option to come if they wished.
GOOD NIGHT!

Hello,

Tomorrow we are celebrating Caleb' birthday. We are hoping for good weather and are planning on putting up the jumpy house. I can't wait to see Caleb and Joshy on it. It's been 9 months since they have used it and obviously they have developed skills in that time that will make them use it better, especially Joshy. Caleb decided at the 11th hour that he wants a spiderman themed party! At 7:30 the night before! None of the stores have that theme in party accessories, so a couple small gifts will have to suffice. And some "Silly string" webs. (By the way, Grandma Bishop, your gift got switched to a Spiderman game for that V. Smile rather than the Toy Story.... I think you understand. And Thanks!) I'm fine with spiderman, but I am not ok with the inherent violence that comes with a "good guy" needing and "adversary" to fight. It's a fine line.

Joshy used the potty! That's right. And he didn't just use it, he told Daddy that he needed to and then they went upstairs and were successful. For a tyke that is great holding it until you're in the correct location! I'm so surprised. Although he has been facinated with putting on Caleb's big boy underwear. I have had to resort to putting them on over his diaper; it only takes a mommy once to forget that's all he is wearing for her to learn.

Joshy is talking even more. And he is even signing things too because we don't always understand fast enough for him. He's picked up "juice" in both word and signing this week.

The report on Caleb's Parent-Teacher conference: He is a pleasure to have in class, they really enjoy having him there. (Boy, did that sound cliche.) They have a check list that they sit down and run through with the child a few times a year. Caleb didn't have a previous checklist to compare for improvement, so I just had a basic report. Results: They hadn't seen any "self-help" activities, like zipping his own coat. So I will have to work on him on that. (At home we are working at other do-it-yourself things, mostly involving TP because I would much rather zip a coat up than that other thing until he's 6!) He knew most his colors, but not brown, black and purple. I know he gets black and white mixed up, but if you ask any artist, technically those are pigments/colors. I guess the Uno game he is in love with doesn't have purple cards. He knew some letters, bear in mind he came into the class mid-year and he missed all the previous lessons on those letters. Numbers, he can count 1-5, and they would like to see him go a little higher. Which is funny because this Tuesday he said 7-10 all by himself. So it could be just this one day the items he had the focus to display, which is like having just one snapshot out of an entire montage of pictures. The other thing that they wanted him to work on is cutting with scissors. They said that he held the scissors great, and moved them well, but when they drew a line on the page and told him to follow it, he was off. (mind you only by 1/2" at the most, but it is something they noted that he could brush up on.) We discussed that he is enrolled for a 3-day a week program for the fall which is classified as a Pre-K rather than just Preschool. I asked if he was ready for that and they said yes with full confidence. I was glad to hear that because I never want him in a situation that he is in over his head. They said that he likes a little girl Madeline. (Aka Maddy, is a little, red headed girl that Caleb asked me to help him get introduced to at school one day. She was sitting in the group and he wanted to sit with her. Suddenly some other little boy came up and sat next to her. That didn't stop Caleb, he laid down on his side in between them and wedged himself a place next to her and forced the other boy over. You go kiddo, don't let anyone stand in your way, go after what you want. And I looked at the teacher and she laughed and said that it was starting already.) So everything was great in their report. I did pry out of her, so it really isn't a huge thing if I had to pry it out, that Caleb gets very angry very quickly when he gets frustrated. Most of his frustration is when he can't put something into words, he doesn't know the words or just can't get the structure together to make the statement that he wants. He doesn't do anything bad when he is frustrated, but they have to say calm down lets take it slow and we will help you. I know what they are talking about because I've seen it here at home too. I'm not sure if it is a telling personality feature (like in the future he won't want to push through an activity that is frustrating him) or whether it is just something he is experiencing now since he doesn't have a full grasp of words and sentence structure.

Today the boys played outside. They loved it, and so did I because they took a break from aggravating each other and me. They went down the slides and on the swings and actually shared and played nice WITH each other. I captured this rare event on video so that I can remind myself that it actually did happen and that there is hope for it again in the future. The thing I thought was funny was that the neighbor's maple trees are dropping their seeds. Caleb shouted "Look at all these planes, look at the helicopters"; helicopters are what I called them when I was little.

Caleb is into pretending to be a pirate lately. (Thanks to seeing Peter Pan.) The problem is that he doesn't PRETEND to be mean/bad, he still hits and pushes his brother. I asked him why he was hitting and pushing and he said it was he was a pirate and pirates are mean. I told him that he could pretend to be a pirate but he still had to be nice in real life to his brother.

Joshy might be getting a touch of whatever is going around. He has a runny nose, which could be allergies. He has a few other things which could be allergies all by themselves, but in combination with each other and then a fever too... something might be up with him. But he is handling it well. It hasn't stopped him from getting up at 6:00 in the morning, and unfortunate by-product of our trip to California... or daylight savings and it's just brighter. I guess it would be cruel to make him wear a night mask, but I think about it every time I stumble into his room blurry eyed in the morning.

Speaking of mornings, it comes up faster than I know, which means I have to say Good Night now. TTFN.

Well, since you haven't been notified of any tragedy, then you've probably assumed correctly that we have arrived back safely from California. I don't have time right now to recap the entire trip, so I'll just paraphrase.

We had good flights there and back. We visited Chuck E. Cheese and the Chuck E. Cheese competition (John's Incredible Pizza). We got out for walks/bike rides to the park. We went to Funderland to ride the rides. We hot tubbed and watched cartoons. We were all tired lots, but we got some good time in and the Grandparents Bishop are now well versed in the the kiddo's crazy chaos filled and endearing personalities. Caleb came home saying he missed Sasha, mommy's aunt Sunny's little Chihuahau. Odd, but that is what he said.

Speaking of saying things. Joshy said "want your shirt", "Chuck E. Cheeessse", and "you have bum. Here. (and pat patted it.) Me bum here. (and pat patted his own." I'm shocked that he is saying these long sentences at 21 months! Caleb wasn't saying this much until long after 2. Joshy is also using a strong combination of signing and words to communicate. It is remarkable. He babbles alot, and then out comes sentences. He actually thinks he is talking all the time! Strangely enough, I really do know what he wants or is talking about most of the time.

Upon arriving back into town, I had to begin sewing on Caleb's Awana patches that he had earned so that he could attend that very same Wednesday that we flew back. He's very proud of his patches and he wanted them on his vest so that he could go to his meeting. He had has worked very hard to learn 5 or 6 additional verses to tell his teacher. She was very impressed with him, and guess what, he had finished the book! Before others even! He will have an awards night on the 23rd, I am told he has qualified for something; I'll find out more this Wednesday and let you know. Perhaps the Grandparents are interested in stopping by for this event. (6:30 on the 23rd in Monroe.)

The very first day back I had to take Caleb to Preschool, go to work and then go back to a "Mother's Day Tea" held by the Preschool. Caleb and his class sang songs altered to suit the event. They had prepared cards and special projects to say why they loved their mommys. Per his project, Caleb loves his mommy because she makes him French Toast, Pizza and picks up his toys. Is that a guy or what, food and being cleaned up after. He also made a necklace for me... If I was a clown, it would be the perfect accessory to my wardrobe. As it is, I will cherish it in a file with the card he made.

Caleb has his birthday party coming up, Sunday the 20th at 3:00pm (if you haven't gotten your invitation, sorry it is in the mail or I have emailed it to you, I'm running behind), but feel free to come. But as a result, I'm desperately busy trying to get ready, which is one of the reasons why it's taken me so long to post here. I'm trying to work diligently, so that I'm prepared.

Caleb's school has Parent-Teacher conferences this coming Thursday and I'm more than a little excited and curious to get a real chance to sit down and hear from his teachers how he is doing. I used to think that I would hate having to be drug into the school and participate in things, but I am beginning to see that that is not the case. Caleb is attending school so that he can be in a peer group, and I do hope that I get the report that he is managing well. I guess I'll know more on Thursday.

Well, that's all I have time for. I'll try to get more details from the past week up here soon.