Poor Neglected Blog

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month. My apologies to all six of my readers. Things have been busy in March-land, but I can't quite put my finger on why. When I really think of the things I have accomplished since school began, the list is lame... 1. I caught up on all my Nip/Tuck thanks to Netflix. I can now watch season six with the help of TiVo. 2. Hayden appears to show curiousity regarding the toilet. I vow to take this on over Christmas break. 3. I conquered the Schoolmaster program at work. I thought it may get the best of me, but I came out on top. 4. I am currently renewing the teaching license... although after my day at school, I am wondering why. 5. Ummmm. Like I said. The list is lame. Particularly compared to this list of things I WANT to accomplish...

WHAT?!

Chase started kindergarten today. Wow. Major milestone. I cannot think of anything else to say that doesn't sound enormously corny, but it all applies ("They grow so fast," "Wasn't he just born yesterday?" etc.).While I'm living the milestones - Hayden, would you mind pooping in the toilet? I'm ready.

If You're Going To San Francisco...

... (sing along now) be sure to wear some sneakers on your feet! We walked EVERYWHERE. What a good time! We spent two days with the lovely Lin family, taking our children to actual restaurants with waiters and such. This was our first family vacation where Shawn and I found ourselves having fun with our children... Perhaps that didn't come out right... well, yeah it kinda did. We enjoy them at home, but when we take them on a trip... you guys get it, right? Anyway, in three days we did the zoo, the aquarium, the warf, the trolley car, and Alcatraz. The boys were troopers, and totally into everything. Even the 10 hour car drive wasn't that terrible. We may take them out on another vacation before they each turn 18.

Prehistoric Gardens in Prehistoric Times

If you want to feel seriously old, take your children somewhere, and photograph them where you once stood as a child. I'm sure there's a picture of Shawn in front of the T-Rex at the Prehistoric Gardens south of Port Orford as well, but I may have to search a while to find it. I wonder how many times this poor animal has been the backdrop for a photo opp. He is a testament to the longevity of paper mache, most definitely. Do not inspect my photo too closely - you will find numerous fashion faux pas, most notably my navy socks with sandals (this was probably uncool the mid1980's day it was taken). Thankfully, my hood is hiding a dreadful femulet. Perhaps someday, Chase and Hayden can post similar compare/contrast pieces on their blogs. Three generations of giant-dinosaur-statue-loving-children...

Daddy's Big Helpers

Shawn built a patio in our backyard this week. This is what they call, "helping Daddy." This looks strikingly similar to "helping" with other assorted chores. I wonder what the work force holds in store for them.

June 29, 2002

We have been married seven years today! Doesn't this couple look young and fresh-faced? They have not yet spent years enduring sleepless nights, screaming airplane rides, severe infantile dairy allergies, and millions of poopy diapers. I must say, I wouldn't take this ride with anyone else! Happy anniversary, Shawn!

Life Recently (In Photos)

The spring is disappearing quickly! Here are some recent happenings:

Chase graduated from preschool!

Hello, Kindergarten! Here we are doing the Hokey-Pokey in celebration:

Hayden is blowing out the candles on his third birthday cake!

We took a weekend trip to Newport. Both boys loved the sea lions below the pier. My excellent friend Becca is getting married. Here is the best shower/batchelorette gift ever. I would tell the story, but I think you had to be there... I promise, this blog and I will get really friendly this summer! Stay tuned!

So Happy!

How lucky is Brendan that THIS girl is his mom?!We are so happy and excited for you, Abby and Matt!

Happy Easter!

Pretend you are reading People Magazine. Who wore it better? I can't decide. Chase went with a classic look, while Hayden put a stylish (lop eared) twist. Will homemade head decorations ever stop being funny?

Hayden The Deer Whisperer

Animals love this kid! Here he is with his latest block masterpiece. He was so proud of himself!

Someone is 5!

At the risk of sounding horrible corny: THEY GROW UP SO FAST!!! It seems like this kid just came out yesterday; all 8 pounds, 10 ounces (with no epidural for Mommy, thank you very much). All colic and no peace. Chase now does homework before bed. Without complaint, I might add. He also loves the computer, navigating YouTube and ISpy independently. He recognizes about 5 sight words, including his Chase, Hayden, fire, trucks, stop and McDonalds (because my parenting skills ROCK). He talks on the phone. Here he is telling Auntie Monica all about his birthday party. He loves baths, Transformers, and torturing his little brother. He hates cleaning his room, vegetables, and sharing toys. When he grows up he wants to be a firefighter. Every day he asks when Kindergarten starts. He counts to 100 every time we ride in the car, and always demands stickers from the girl at the bank. He is too big to ride in the shopping cart, thank you very much, unless it's the kind with a car attached, or the big kind you can ride underneath. He loves to chew gum, but leaves it wherever he pleases when he's finished with it (goodbye lovely furniture!). He has taken a recent interest in video games. He loooooves helping Daddy do anything around the house. I have a feeling next time I turn around he'll be steering a car instead of his new bike with training wheels. He'll be wanting money for nights out with his buddies, playing football (hopefully not for the Ducks), and bringing girls home. Sigh. In the meantime, I'll be saving pictures like these to embarrass him down the line. I have officially turned into THAT MOM. And he has officially turned into a big boy. Happy birthday, Bud.

I Stink at Blogging

Alright. Just lately. But in my defense, I have been very busy. Here is the top 10 list of reasons why I have not blogged in over a month: 1. I bowl. On a league. I'm not kidding. 2. The theater has had auditions and rehearsals have begun. 3. Shawn is finishing his final year in nursing school. He studies NONSTOP. I admire the enthusiasm, and wish to nap through June when it's over. He probably does too! 4. School is so much WORK this year. I feel like this blend is making me do twice as much work. My kids are awesome though, so I can't complain. 5. Chase has homework. In preschool. The teacher in me looooves this. He isn't always as excited. 6. Hello! Lost has started. I'm so confused... and addicted. 7. Hayden is talking! So I have to listen! 8. Facebook sucks up much of my internet time lately. I don't know why! 9. My Netflix queue is getting longer every minute. 10. Well, sometimes I'm just plain lazy! Sorry, no new pictures or exciting stories. Just life. Stay tuned. I'm sure something fabulous from the March house will happen soon!