Our Little Shepard Boy

Grant was a shepard again this year in the church Christmas program. He practiced his two songs and his three lines. He was ready. We went to the rehearsal...which was a little chaotic. Everything was good. It was almost too smooth. I was worried.

The day of (last Sunday), we arrived and put on our costume. The excitment was in the air. In fact, the excitement was starting to get to Grant. He became a little "wild." So, I had to regulate. Then, he met up with his two shepard buddies (Andy and Andrew). Then, they gave the boys five foot staffs. OH MY!!!

Bottomline, he read his line, sang his songs and did not hit anyone with the staff (a couple of stars and flags...but no people). :) It was success!!! I was so proud. What was the reward? Playdoh Spaghetti Factory. No, I am not kidding. Oh, and the privilege to continue to play Fishville.

Should I brag...maybe I will offset it with a challenge

As you all know, Grant started kindergarten. He has been in for almost four weeks. He is loving it. However, he definitely wants us to pick him up no later than 4pm. In fact, I picked him up today at 4:10 and he nearly lost it.

Anywho, I must brag a little...not to worry because I will offset that with a few challenges.

Grant knows his ABCs and has "graduated" from the "Alphabet club" to the Accelerated Reader program. He started the AR program last Monday and has read seven books so far. The AR program has them reading books on their own and then taking a comprehension test the next day on the material. If they pass (which he has), then they pick another book. I am very proud that Grant is five and reading at a first grade level!!! Whoop! Whoop!! I must give credit to everyone for reading to him (from us to family to friends to preschool teachers)!!!

The challenges of kindergarten. Well, it turns out that when a child is misbehaving in his teacher's class, they do not receive a stamp. Grant has missed this opportunity (due to poor behavior) twice! OUCH! I literally called the first time because his teacher called me. Thank goodness for good friends to help me feel this is "normal." Grant was super exhausted after Back-to-School night. That following day, he was laying around the room and not doing what his teacher told him to do. Therefore, the phone call home.

Thankfully, the past three days he has received the stamp. I hope this continues. I will continue to remind him how wonderful it is to be a good listener.

A side note: Tonight, Grant told Scott and I (very nonchalantly) that his new table was very great because all of the people around him listen to him. LOL The teacher made some seat changes last week due to what she called as "personality differences." Really? In kindergarten? Anywho, she changed seats of several students (one being Grant) and he is happy with his quieter audience of tablemates. LOL Surprise, he wants people to be quiet around him. ;)

This all started in Arkansas and it is too cute!

Grant and I went to Arkansas this summer for a little over two weeks. In this time, we were relied only on ourselves. In other words, we did not have dad to help us (like we ususally do). So, Grant was told by Scott before we left to take care of his mother.

Well, one morning I woke up and did not feel well at all. In fact, I ended up throwing up and being really sick. I needed some help. I called Grant into the bedroom. When Grant walked in, he asked, "What is it my little angel?" I could hardly even remember what I was going to ask him for because it was so cute. I did ask him to get me some water (which he did). I figured that he heard that from some show or movie or something. I also figured that would be the only time I would hear that.

Well, now when I ask Grant to come to me, he says one of two things: "What is it my little angel?" or "What is it my little princess?"

I did not teach him this and I am certainly not going to end this! I am going to enjoy this for as long as he will dish it out! I had to share, it is way too cute.

Wii and Wii Fit

Okay, while my camera and computer are on the outs, I will make the best of my situation. My computer is not recognizing my camera. I think they must have been in a fight and not over it yet. I am going to re-install the software for my camera again...maybe that will solve the problem.

Anywho, I am writing this blog in response to the Wii that I was given when I returned from Arkansas. Scott and Grant came home with it the day after we returned. I've been wanting a Wii forever. So, I was pleasantly surprised and happy to get that (and Wii Fit). Grant loves to create Wii Me's for everyone. He is actually really good at this task.

Well, I have realized that Wii Fit is rude. When you step on she sounds like you have hurt her. "OOOHHHH" she says. I wished she would. Scott and I laugh at her. The other night we were ready to jump on her and see what she says. LOL

Grant is so into Wii, Wii Fit, Wii Sports and Wii Carnival. We have to play daily. Oh, did I mention he was competitive? Well, he is very competitive. I think that Scott has that same competitiveness. I only mention this because Scott has to set every high score in ANY game we play. I am not kidding. I held the "hula hoop" spot...not for long. Also, the step aerobics is being practiced. I know I will be 2nd soon. LOL

Long story short, if you don't have a Wii....go out right now and buy one. I don't care if you have some other gaming system. It is different. We have PS2 and that is fine for Rock Band and such. But the Wii is too fun!

285th Post!!!!

This is the 285th post that I have made. WOW!!!! And some of you think I am a slacker. LOL.

I wanted to thank everyone that reads the blog and keeps up with Grant.

Grant started kindergarten

Hi everyone! I know it has been awhile. In fact, a whole summer has passed by and I have blogged nothing. Don't feel bad...Scott went to Arkansas in June, then Grant and I went in July/August and I have posted nothing about any of these trips. Also, I actually printed out pictures of our trip to send to people and have not done anything with them...like send them.

Well the point of the blog was to tell you about Grant and Kindergarten. We met his teacher last week. She is nice and experienced. She is about 40ish and been teaching kinder for 20 years! CRAZY! Anywho, we met her one day and the next he started. Carol, Scott, Grant and I went to meet her. Then on the actual day of kinder it was just G and I. We did well. We had to park about four blocks away. Not much talking going on...now, that is an oddity in itself (for both of us...LOL). We walked in and placed his backpack on the hook, played and all of a sudden whistles were blown. The kids lined up, marched in waving bye and off they went. Grant was officially in kindergarten. No tears, a little sad and joy, but no tears. I had to call my friend Christi and make sure that it was "normal" not to cry. She said she didn't either!!!! Yeah! So, either we are normal or abnormal, but at least we are both together. LOL

That day when we picked Grant up, he was loving school. I hope this love continues. I am sure it will if he is anything like me or Scott. :)

Oh, I would add pictures or video, but my computer is not recognizing my camera at the moment. I need to find the software for my camera and re-load it.

This is the deal....

This is the deal, we have joined a camping group. Why? Well, I think that I have probably talked about this before. Well, here is the deal. We have some good friends that belong to this group. So, we like hanging out with these friends. How do we make sure to hang out with them? Well, we go camping. It turns out, we always have fun. And, honestly the kids have a blast. What do I mean by this? I mean that Grant plays with Natalie who is a year older because he is really liking her (if you know what I mean). I think Grant thinks that Natalie has hung the moon. Then, when Natalie has had enough of the boys...Grant hangs with Matthew who is a year younger. It is perfect. He loves hanging with both of them. Where do we fit in? Well, we hang, play games (Jenga, Trivia Pursuit, etc.)and watch the occasional movie.

This has been some of the biggest highlights of my year thus far. I am not kidding, that is how much we enjoy camping. We find that camping allows us the luxury of indoor plumbing, but forces us to take time out to enjoy one another. We play, do crafts, read, ride bikes, go swimming, play in sand, play Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Yahztee,etc. We spend time together. It is nice. Here are some fun pics of our time at beach.

Dland with Dad and Mom

We took Grant to Disneyland the other night because he had earned his ten stars that he needed to go. Unfortunately, right when he had earned the stars, he came down with a viral infection. So, we had to postpone. I really think this awaiting him was helping him get better.

I was glad that Scott has a pass now because Grant loves the "big rides" and I am too much of a chicken. They went on Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and Star Tours. We all went on Buzz Lightyear and Midway Mania! We had a blast and we were home by nine!

Palm Sunday in lieu of Easter Sunday

Scott and I went to Hawaii over Easter and so we spent Palm Sunday with the family. Here is a picture of us after church on Palm Sunday. We went to Norms afterward for lunch. It was a very nice time! Everyone at church asked us if we planned our outfits...we did. :)

Angels V. Dodgers

Lisa got us tickets to go to the Los Angeles Angels versus Los Angeles Dodgers pre-season game!!! We are total Angels fans and Carson & Jason were Dodgers fans. So, this was a fun game. Well, the Angels did lose and the Dodger fans were a little out of control (but hey, it was at Dodger stadium). ;)

Thanks cuz!!!! We had a blast!

Oh, btw to anyone going to a Dodger game...they now let you bring in food and drink. So, no need to stuff your pants and pockets full like we did. LOL

Grant's Open House

After a day at Disneyland with Grandpa and dad...Grant was due to go to his Open House. Aunt Lisa and I went with Grant to his Open House while Grandpa and dad went to our Bowling league plays.

Grant's class had a theme of fishing and water. So, Mrs. Anjie made a theme of "Fisher of Men." She is very creative as you will see in the pictures below. I was very impressed with the many books and projects Grant has completed. He had an ABC book that was on letter S at the time...he has a few more to go, then we can keep it. He made a book of shapes. Another book on the five senses. He made several different types of fish (ones with his handprint, one with gluing tissue paper down, one out of 2-liter bottle, etc.). I loved how Mrs. Anjie created a boat full of disciples with Jesus. She took a large picture of our children and made fishermen out of it. It is too cute! Here, see for yourself....

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Although Grandma and Auntie Diney were in Ireland on Grandpa Gary's bday, they still made sure he would have fun. Grandma signed Gary up for the new Disneyland gift on your birthday...free entrance on your bday. So, Grandpa Gary, Scott and Grant had a day at Disneyland. I know that they had a fun time.

Scott actually bought a pass because I won a contest recently and said I would buy him one with my winnings!!! Grant and I are excited that he has a pass and can go with us now. He has already proclaimed that he will not be pulling an "all-dayer" like my crew normally does.

Grandpa Gary, Scott and Grant had a fun time and rode several rides. They went on Matterhorn, Autopia, Mr. Toad's, Toontown, Pirates of the Caribbean and formally Tom Sawyer's Island (now called Pirates' Lair) and ate at Pizza Port.

They came back in time for us to go to Grant's Open House. Then, off to bowling where we all sang to Gary and wished him a very happy birthday. I would have to say that Gary had a smile on his face the entire day. :)

Orchestra

Well, we went to the LA orchestra on Sunday. We met up with our camping crew and went to the orchestra. There were activities and crafts for the kids. We only got to go into the Kidspace tent with the spiders and color painting.

The kids seemed to enjoy it. Kara said Matthew was a little "wiggly" and I agree that Grant was the same way.

It was fun and this 14 year old came and played so well. Grant was so impressed, he asked if we could buy him a violin. We will if he sitll shows interest by the time he starts kinder.

Sportsman!!!

Okay, so ever since Grant was a little tike, I have been into "registering" him for any class that he is interested in at that time. I know that the swimming at six months was my own doing but other than that, we always have the same conversation...

Mom or Dad ask, "Grant soccer starts in a few weeks, do you want to play soccer?" Then he responds, "Yes, oh yes!" Well, he has successfully completed t-ball, soccer, an indoor sports with all kinds of games...even football, swimming, and most recently; basketball. He wanted to play basketball so badly because cousin Lisa convinced him that he needed to play this sport. Lisa said it was her favorite and then Grant decided it was his favorite too.

Anyway, here are three pictures. One is of Grant, William (his friend) and Coach Brianna (Grant's fave coach). The next one is of Grant accepting his soccer trophy and "high-fiving" his coaches! The other one is of the boys playing at the park after their trophy ceremony!

Camping with our Friends and Club

So we went camping this past weekend. We have made it a regular thing to go camping with our camping group. We belong to a camping group, but really mostly hang out with our friends. So, we had a blast with this particular place because we had good weather, great heated pools and fun with friends.

Anywho, we enjoyed heated mineral pools and a great kiddie pool. The kiddie pool had a level of about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet. This was perfect for all of the kids to walk around and swim.

The spas and sauna on the premise was super nice. Kara and I were able to get away for a bit and enjoy the specialty pools. Then, the guys took a turn. We fed the ducks, fish and geese at the pond.

We had some crafts, games, and the club potlucks to keep us busy. Plus, we were able to see the Space Station fly over us at night.

Okay, here are the pictures...

CA with the Grandparents and Dad??

When I was out for my surgery, we had some luck happen where our friend Brian had two extra tickets to Disneyland. Scott didn't want to leave me to go to Disneyland because he felt I might need him. Well, I convinced him that he and his parents taking Grant to Disneyland for the day was what I really needed. It was hard for Grant to understand the "surgery." He would come home from preschool and ask me, "Do you still have surgery today?" I would ask him why he needed to know and he would tell me about not being able to sit on my lap. Awe, how cute.

Anyway, Grant, Grandpa, Grandma, and Dad went to California Adventure and had a blast. Gary had never even been to Cali Adventure. Scott hadn't been since it first opened. So, needless to say Grant and Carol were busy "showing them around." They had a blast...check it out....Thanks Brian!

Her Name Was Lola, She Was A Showgirl...

Lola

9/4/96 - 2/23/09

Well, I think you all know now where we got her name. We met Lola nearly 12 1/2 years ago. She was only two days old when we met her. She didn't come home with Scott and I then, but we had already "picked" her out. She was so tiny that she fit in our hands. She was so cute and "ittle."

Lola became our first child. She was our parents first "grandpup." Lola was born and raised her first 3 years in Arkansas. She was a great comfort when we needed her and lots of laughs. We would say, "Party, Lola" and suddenly she would start shaking and wagging her bottom uncontrollably. It was so funny. We are still having a good time with that.

Scott and I were discussing our favorite Lola moments on Monday night (while going through the photo albums). We had many. One of my favorites was at Christmas time when Scott had gone home to Cali. I worked long hours during the Christmas season...that's the life of retail. I would open and close sometimes which was at least a 12-hour day (longer if you count drive time). So, poor Lola could not stay outside all day and I had a neighbor that would check on her once. When I returned home that night, Lola had knocked over the Christmas tree and got the strands of lights wrapped around her neck. The tree was resting on her back horizontally and she walked around with it and all the broken ornaments. She couldn't fit through any of the doors because of the wide tree! She could only stay in the living room. Poor Lola...but she had done the same kind of thing with our blinds so often that it wasn't that big of a deal. :)

Scott's favorite was when we took her on a three-week camping trip (yeah, camping in a tent). We had broken down in a small town outside of the Redwood Forest in a town called Orick, California. Orick reminded us of something out of Twin Peaks...and that is NOT a compliment. Anywho, we had to pay a pet deposit at this sleezy motel. I mean sleezy. It was the only place in town. The curtains had holes in it. The door had tissue stuffed in holes to cover up the incoming sun. The bed was not made up (NO LIE). The bathroom, well, I still have nightmares about this place. The best part about this whole situation was we paid a pet deposit and we couldn't get Lola to enter the place. We literally had to coax her and she was UNHAPPY. Lola wasn't having any part of this place. That was hilarious!

Grant referred to Lola as his "sister." In fact, when people would ask him if he wanted any siblings, he would answer, "No, I already have a sister, her name is Lola."

Lola passed on Monday, February 23, 2009. She was the apple of our eyes. She will be missed greatly but her quality of life was deteriorating with pain and we would have none of that.

Do you have a favorite Lola moment or memory?

Disneyland and Aunt Diney

Aunt Diney, Grant and I went to Disneyland last week. We had a blast and rode many rides. In fact, we tried to ride some that we had not been on in awhile; like, Nemo, Midway Mania, Indiana Jones, etc.

We enjoyed the small amount of crowds, cool weather and chocolate/carmel popcorn that Aunt Diney bought! YUMMY! Oh and for the record, we loved the new and clean Small World ride. I guess there is some stink about It's A Small World ride being ruined because they've added Disney characters. Well, if you know me and you know Aunt Diney...then you know what our smart alec comment was to that...."What? Disney characters at DISNEYLAND??? How could they?" LOL We thought it was cool and non-intrusive. Lighten up people...relax, it's a ride.

Okay, enjoy the cute pics I took of the three of us.

Camping part 2 with our new group

Well, we tried another camping trip with our new group. We like the new camping group because we like to spend time with the Prices. It was interesting, the first trip there were winds that could blow us away. This time, we camped in the rain. So, now we joke that maybe there will be snow or sleet. However, we are supposed to be in the desert, so this could be hard.

Well, one interesting thing that happened on our trip was the interactions that Ryan and Scott had with some of the older members. They basically encouraged us to all really appreicate the fact that we are able to form close friendships with people that we've known for a long time (Ryan and Scott since 3rd grade...I've known Ryan and Kara for ten years!). The older members emphasized how lucky they felt that they could "raise" their kids together camping. That was really neat.

This campground had some interesting things, like a zoo...which was really a bunch of birds (pretty birds...but birds and no other type of animals). Kara was super-prepared for our trip and the rain, so we had tons of crafts. Thanks, Kara! We can't wait to see you guys again...the next place looks really nice (and this time, Kara and I are going to go mingle) LOL

Grant and Mom at Disneyland

Okay, I had promised Grant a couple of weeks ago that I would take him to Disneyland. We organized three of his preschool friends and their moms to go with us. Then, my gallbladder decided to have an attack. I've not felt very up to it since, but decided to go to Disneyland today. I mostly decided to do this because I will be having surgery soon to remove my gallbladder. I know that I will be out for that, so Grant needs to go to Disneyland in February...so Superbowl Sunday sounds perfect. I guess that wonderful idea was shared by many. I felt it was pretty crowded, but not too bad. I say not too bad because we went on fifteen different rides (of course, some of those "rides" are places like Goofy's house in Toontown).

Here is our list of things we did or rode:
1. Playhouse Disney Live Onstage
2. Monsters, Inc.
3. Caterpillar ride in Bug's Life
4. Grizzly Bear ride
5. Brother Bear area
6. Goofy's House in Toontown
7. Donald's Boat in Toontown
8. Chip N Dale's house in Toontown
9. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
10. Snow White's Scary Adventure
11. Alice in Wonderland
12. The Tiki Room
13. Pirates of the Carribean
14. Winnie the Pooh
15. Buzz Lightyear

Here are the limited pictures I took today. We had fun, but I am exhausted!

Basketball Boy

Okay, so motto is: If Grant is interested in it or wants to join it, then so be it. In other words, our conversations go something like this; I say, "Grant, do you want to play basketball?" He says, "Yes, I want to play basketball, soccer, t-ball and swim." He always includes all of the sports. Maybe he fears if he doesn't mention it everytime, then I will forget. Hey, I am getting older. LOL

So, last week his practice was cancelled due to rain. So, today was his first basketball practice. They will have several weeks of "practice" and then the last three weeks, the kids play "friendly games."

One of Grant's best friends, William, also signed up and they had a great time. Although we parents decided they play off of each other. You know like when one is pouting, then the other will and so forth. Luckily, they were pretty into the basketball thing for most of the time, so we only ran into a few minutes (and a few threats not to go to dland) and all was good. LOL Here are some pictures:

My Son the Comedian

Here is how the jokes go:

Grant asks, "When does a rabbit jump away from a moose and a moose follows the rabbit?"

I say, "When?"

Grant says, "On Saturday!!" Laughter ensues.

Oh, what a funny little one.

I learned another funny fact. Grant and I were talking about how I was wearing one pink sock and one white sock. I have a lot of the fuzzy socks that can keep your feet warm. Well, I had a hole in one of my white and one of my pink; therefore, I threw the ones away with the holes and there were two good socks left. So, naturally I put them together. Anywho, I told Grant that my socks reminded me of when he use to wear one yellow Croc and one blue Croc.

He was notorious and anyone that has seen him this past summer, you know exactly what I am talking about. Grant received a pair of blue Crocs and a pair of yellow Crocs. He hardly ever wore them matched. I thought my son was being creative. So, people would ask me if I realized that he had on two different colored shoes. I would always agree that I noticed but didn't want to hinder his creative talents. Oh, how funny is the next thing I tell you???

Today, when I mentioned to G that my socks were like his shoes. He said, "Really you can't find the other socks?" I asked, "What do you mean?" He says very matter-of-factly, "I only wore my shoes like that because I could never find the other shoe." What? All this time I thought my son was being creative...nope, more like practical. LOL

I am still laughing at the way he told me. He is such a clever little guy with a great personality. I know I am relishing in my fortune!!!!

Magic Garden

So, I went to a toy store before we went camping. I found this really cool retro-type toy called the Magic Garden. The kids (and adults) were pretty into this growing item. You had to set it up and then water...then watch. Oh, how it grew. Look, the pictures say it all.

Camping with our friends

Well, we were invited to join a camping group with our friends, Kara and Ryan. They have two adorable children, Matthew and Natalie (ages 3 and 5). So, naturally we were excited to get started. We had our first campout in January. Everything went well...except for the winds that nearly tipped us over. LOL

We arrived on Friday at the same time (unplanned). Then, we were able to get checked in and hang out a bit at their camper. Then, the next morning we had a potluck breakfast where we introduced ourselves to the camping group. We were later invited to join. We played at the park, ate dinner at another potluck and played games the rest of the night.

It was a great start to a lot of good times camping with our friends. Ryan and Scott have been friends since third grade. I feel like I've known Kara forever, too. They are reall easy-going and our kids got along so well! We can't wait for the next trip in a couple of weeks!

Introducing Our Newest Member of the Family....Rhino

Guess what Grant asked Santa for this year? Yes, a hamster. Well, he asked for a rabbit, too (and the dogs were super excited about this request). However, we felt that he could not have a rabbit with the dogs. He has been asking for a rabbit for two years.

Thankfully, the movie Bolt came out and he then moved to wanting a rabbit or a hamster. He asked for Santa Marbleworks and a hamster. So, Grant was a good boy. He received both Marbleworks and a hamster.

Surprisingly, he named the hamster, Rhino (just like the character in Bolt). He has a ton of nicknames for him. He calls him, "Rhino, Rhines, Reo, Rhinnie, R-man, Rees"...the list goes on.

Jessica's house and fun at the beach!

Well, our cousin Jessica lives about two blocks (at most) from the ocean. So, we finally got together to go to her house and visit with her. We rode our bikes at the beach and then went out to eat. Jessica is such a doll. She has such LIFE with her personality. She just makes me smile. Anywho, we met up with her at the beach and she, Grant and I rode bikes while Scott rode his skateboard. It was a fun time!

Then we went back and saw Jessica's house. She has three roommates and a WONDERFUL house! Katie, her best buddy, and Jeremy met up with us and we headed two blocks away to a restaurant and some YOGURT!!!! We went to a place called Yogurtland!!!! Oh, how I wished there was one next door to me. Oh, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea. LOL

Thanks Jessica, Katie and Jeremy for the fun times! I hope you enjoyed your night of movies after we left! :)