The Little Frisky Cow

I Have Raised Some Quality Entertainment.

2010-06-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, my son is rather witty. He says things that make me swell with pride and quite frankly, jealousy. To speak with the innocence and honesty of a child is amazing and hysterical to say the least. Most of them are directed at me or Brandon.

I, as his victim - ahem - I mean mother, laugh and correct him as needed.

I think it’s kind of great how the public's acceptance of speech works. When you are young, it’s innocent honesty, you know "kid's say the darndest things!". When you are old, you get to use the ol’ with age comes wisdom card. Have you been to shitmydadsays.com? I follow him on twitter and facebook. HILARIOUS. I feel like I should start a site. Shitmysonsays.com perhaps?

On beauty:
“Mom, you are even beautiful when you wake up and have those one glasses on.”
“Mom, I love the heck outta yer face.”

On love:
“Ugh. My girlfriend at school dumped me.”
Me: “ I am so sorry! What did she say?”
“Hey fool. I’m breaking up with you because you are odd. And a little awkward.”

Video Evidence of this conversation to follow….

On laughing at inappropriate times:
“You can’t fight funny. You just can’t.”

On promises:
“That’s right or my name isn’t Isaac Shawn East. Well….It still will be, but I’m not wrong.”

On diversity:
“Mom, I do like black girls. I do. Brown ones, black ones, light ones like me…whatever. Just not fat ones.”

Yes, I know the last one is pushing it. I never said the stuff he said wasn’t offensive. He now calls them fluffy.

He picked up a few choice bad words from a boy at school. I’m blaming someone else and their mother. That’s where Isaac said it came from and that’s what I’m sticking with. I went to my parent’s on my lunch break to hang out with Isaac for a few. Haley informed me (and Haley, I am counting on you to be the informant until he’s at least 20) that he got in trouble for saying a bad word.

-Isaac was carrying my sister’s dog and apparently she leapt for freedom…
“Nocchi, you little bastard.”

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

I asked Isaac where he learned it and without missing a beat, he sold out his classmate. He proceeded to explain how he now knows it’s a bad word and there was no need to keep talking about it (AHEM….BRANDON).

Favorite Part: SHE IS WAY OFF THE LINE.

Favorite Part: YOU DON'T LOVE ME, YOU LOVE YOUR MOM!

And then the DARLING look on his sweet face when he says 'I love you.'

I keep notes on my cell phone. Any time he says anything funny, I make a new note. I ran out of room.

THE OTHER WOMAN.

2010-05-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

I should start by saying that my husband texted me the other day and said 'We're having a girl!'. That was the finish to a very crazy few weeks of phone calls, faxes, and shipping brokers.

Brandon's daddy has had a 1974 Dodge Power Wagon since '76 (I think?). Brandon grew up riding along with his daddy in that truck. Every time we go and visit Arizona, we always make sure to spend some good quality time with her. She's yellow. Took a while to grow on me. But I, too, have grown to love sweet Daisy like she is my own.

And now she is.

She's a big girl. A loud, yellow, big girl. In 8 years, I haven't seen my husband this happy. Except for ya know, our wedding and the birth of our only human child. We had Daisy shipped to OKC and we picked her up Sunday. She has settled in nicely in her new home. Brandon gets all teary eyed when he thinks about his boy riding along beside him in it.

Isaac is at the age where he KNOWS he's awesome. We are loving every second of it.

Yes, It's Been Exactly TWO Months Since The Last Post.

2010-05-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yikes. I'm not so good at this.

So much has happened in two months!!! Isaac is STILL amazing. STILL hilarious. STILL adorable. STILL terrifying me with his death defying leaps from crap he shouldn't jump from.

But this month brings us to his last few weeks of pre-school! Unbelievable that my child is almost five. He starts Kindergarten on September 7th and the very same school his mommy and grandma went to growing up. Warm fuzzies anyone?

I bought my ticket to Germany. No big deal. I'm not like grinning when I type that or anything. I leave September 1st. Now re-read the last paragraph. Now re-read this paragraph. Notice anything tragic? Yeah. The school district hates me. I planned the trip after the end of August when NORMAL people start school. I will miss Isaac's first day of Kindergarten! I cried. And cried. And then cried some more. But Brandon has reassured me that Isaac will survive. We plan on Skype-ing before school starts that day and racking up phone bills so mommy feels better. Regardless of Brandon's reassurances, I am convinced my child will think mommy is a slacker and harbor feelings of resentment for years to come (let's be honest. Isaac couldn't care less. He will be focused on the amazing playground and the cute new teacher).

I got a new camera and sadly can't post the beautiful HD video it takes because that little sucker is smarter than me. I can't figure out the video conversion. I have a few clips of Isaac's Spring Sing. He was grumpy and giving me hate-face all through which made it HILARIOUS.

Here's a few cutesies to get you through another day.

Treasures in Papa's backyard:

First day of Spring!

Sweet little secrets

You know you're from Kansas when.....

Isaac and his sweet Great-grandma on her 77th birthday!

Easter goodies:

Uncle Matt, Isaac and Little G on Easter:

I hope all of you mother's go out and CELEBRATE this weekend! I know that I don't know what I would do without all of the wonderful women in my life. I thank the Lord each and every day for my mommy, grandma, mother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, grandma-in-laws:)

And because I have only this picture of my mommy on this computer, this is what you get:

Happy Mother's Day!

Reasons

2010-03-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, folks, that was a John Denver song in the previous post. Wasn't it amazing?!

I have mentioned before that my son dances to beat of his own drummer (see this post). I wasn't kidding ...

I was blessed to have been raised by two amazing people. Their strength, beauty, and humor are what I try to live my life by. Few people were given the opportunities that my brother, sisters and I were given in life. We were able to watch love grow. I have laughed every day of my beautiful life. There is no greater wish for my children than to have exactly what I was fortunate enough to be given.

I think the drummer that Isaac dances to is on lease from my father. My daddy has watched Isaac since I went back to work when he was 6 weeks old.

There is no reason to wonder where Isaac gets his love for the outdoors, guitar, bluegrass, or Spongebob. My heart and MY SOUL smile every time I hear that boy ask for John Denver. When he tells me that he is going to do something a certain way because that is how his Papa does it - or how he gets that smile and raises his eyebrows, just like my daddy. That bowl of ice cream (or four...) that he eats every day, snuggled up in Papa's bed. These are things that life is made of.

Isaac is so blessed - and so are Brandon and I. Mom, thank you for sacrificing your living room for toy boxes full of racecars, guns, and army guys. I know you wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you Daddy (and Mommy!) for taking care of our sweet boy for the past 4 1/2 years. And thank you for being so darn wonderful.

P.S. Mom, Dad....my glasses were never cool. What were you thinking?!

Prepare Your Heart For Maximum Meltage

2010-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Download Isaac

If you want to die from happiness, click the link. Do it.

Little Bit of Random Happiness

2010-03-03T18:47:00.001-08:00

These are just a few of my favorite pictures of my sweet little man. As I'm sitting here, tearing up, I think about how quickly time has passed. His sweet little baby hands have lost the dimples and he's getting taller by the day. His vocabulary grows every minute and his mind is always going a thousand miles an hour. He is truly my greatest treasure.

So I'm sitting here typing all these things with him next to me. He crawls up to look at the pictures, burps, and tells me it smells like corndogs.

No amount of sentimental gushing can take away from the reality that he is a 4 year old boy.

My treasure burps, picks his nose, and whines.

The Day I Discovered Why My Purse Was So Heavy

2010-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

My poor co-worker couldn't stop laughing.

I had an 'I'm-going-to-go-crazy-with-all-this-shit-in-my-purse' attack.

Sadly, I think I should be embarrased by this photo going public. Obviously, I am not. However, there is a slight sense of fear. My anti-anxiety medicine should not be so close to my pepper spray.....

It's an update, yo!

2010-02-25T10:48:00.001-08:00

So I come to you asking for forgiveness and mercy. Basically, I suck. I have made a promise to myself and my laptop - I will be a more dedicated blogger. I have tons of pictures piling up, waiting to be blogged. I have a mental cache of witty quips from my child that are pleading to be released into the world wide web.

I'll start with my happy happy joy joy news! Isaac was released from the pediatric opthomalagist's care!!! The doctor feels that Isaac slightly droopy eyelid (we refer to this as his 'wonky eye'....with love, of course) is not interfering with his vision and he does not see it doing so in the future. We'll go to a normal eye doctor yearly now. Yesterday we had our final appointment and the poor little booger had to get his eyes dilated. His mother is a heinous biatch because she couldn't stop laughing.

Isaac: Mom, can I watch Phineas and Ferb on your iPod?

Me: Sure, bub. Here.

Isaac: What the...? It's blurry, mother! I'm sorry, this just isn't going to work.

[Isaac looks at Papa]

Isaac: AAARRRRGGGGG, Papa you are blurry when I look at you!!!!

Isaac: I have nothing to do but close my eyes and sleep now.

Nurse: Isaac?

Isaac: WHHHHAAAAAAAT?!

That boy was so stinkin' funny all afternoon.

A few more Isaac-isms to get you through the week:

"Dear Jesus, please be with my fami- pause. Mom, I need a drink."

"Isaac, look! It's snowing!"

[a very sleepy Isaac raises his head and screeches "It's FAAAAAKE!"]

"Mom, isn't my voice so cute?!"

He's just non-stop. There are so many more I need to write down. Kid cracks himself up.

In my last post I mentioned how awesome our Wii Mario game was. I retract anything positive I said about Mario and that damn Luigi. They are horrible people and pulling my son down into a deep dark place. It's a MARIO AND LUIGI ADDICTION. Drives. Me. Nuts.

Let's Kick It Old School

2010-01-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

As I approach my middle age years (bahahahahaaaa), I have come to realize that they just don't make stuff the way they used to. Hmph. Insert old man grumpy face here. Isaac gets toys that fall apart on the way home from the store. Video games are all about killing, zombies, or killing zombies.
BUT...the gods of yesteryear heard me whining. Oh, yes, they did. Behold.....SUPERMARIO FOR THE WII!!!!!

I know, right?! This was a staple in my life for a good 5 years. I would walk to my best friend Melissa's house and play Mario and Tetris for hours. I sucked. Still do, but I'm having fun at being terrible. Melissa and her sister, Megan, rocked at it. Every single time I see Mario and Luigi I think of those happy times in their basement and it warms my heart! Now that I TYPE it, I sound crazy. Mario, a black haired Italian midget, makes me think of my best friend, a quiet blonde Swedish girl. One of those 'it's the thought that counts' kind of things.

I could not put into words how excited I was to get this damn video game. Isaac looked at me like I was nuts. It was then I realized that I was old. It was a 'back in my day, son' moment. OH. MY. GOSH. I have come to the point in my life where I am telling the 'I used to walk to school in the snow, uphill, both ways' stories.

Then I got to thinking about all the 'cool' things I did, wore, said, etc.,....let me tell you what - I was awesome, dude. Psych! Bahahahaha!!!

Exhibit A:

This must have been an off day, for I am not rocking the trademark 80's side ponytail I wore so frequently. Or the knot tied in the front of my shirt. However, my socks are slouched and my jeans are acid washed. Let's revel in the beauty of the too short pants while we're here. And, yes, thanks for noticing...those are black Keds.

Our Fraggle Rock, The Smurfs, David the Gnome, Hey Dude, and Saved By The Bell have been replaced by this generation's Sid the Science Kid, Spongebob Squarepants, Phineas and Ferb, iCarly, and Wizards of Waverly Place. I played with Matchbox cars that would put a 3" divot in my head when my brother would chuck it at me. Now? The thin plastic car loses a wheel when we pop it out of the package.

I feel like Earl Pitts (You know what makes me sick?! Listen up America!) - but I am not complaining, just observing. It's pretty cool growing up, watching things change. The Smurfs never had an episode about paying a mortgage or what to do when your son whips out willy talk at Wal-Mart (Mom! The hanger just hit me in mineweiner. It's said just like that - all one word). I miss my youth - the carefree days that were nothing but wondering what mom packed in my lunchbox. And yes, mom, I will pack the little notecards in Isaac's lunchbox, just like you did in mine. And where I cherised mine, Isaac (I blame T.V.) will turn around and trade it for two Bakugan cards and a fruit roll-up.

I leave you with this. No one, and I mean NO ONE, rocked leg warmers like I did. Screw Flashdance, I WAS AMAZING.

Oh, and I guess you can see Isaac in this post, too.

I'm A Brainiac, Brainiac....

2009-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Get it? You know the song? I'm a maaaaaniac, maniac....

Pathetic. I know.

But seriously. My sons ROCKS at anything computer related. He can find, do, and fix anything on our laptop. Educational games, photo editing, painting....all things my son can do to stimulate and increase his brain power. What does he choose to do? And what does my husband encourage? Command and Conquer. For all you non-nerd folk out there, that is a war game that works with strategy and using your thinker to blow crap up. Stimulating the brain? Sure. Encouraging blowing crap up? Yes.

Ladies and Gentleman, let me introduce you to our nightly education ritual:

Do you see the look on Brandon's face? That is a look of defeat. Isaac wanted to place a bomb or rocket or something in one place and Brandon said it wouldn't work. Isaac said,

"Hush Daddy. Watch."

And you know what? It worked. I have no doubt in my head that my son will be helping me with my college homework in a few years. Score!

A Photo To Make Up For My Lack Of Postings...

2009-11-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

“Mom, this candy makes my eye move.”

I’m assuming this explains the sour face? It does not however explain the horrible lighting in which I take my photos. Sorry. Funny things happen when the sun goes down, folks. I am but the (horrible) messenger.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T12:23:00.001-08:00

Happy Happy Fall!!!!

#%$&

2009-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

There has been a lack of posting due to an over-abundance of random crap in my life.

Let me catch you up:

1. My family has fallen victim to H1N1. I think SWINE flu is a rather nice way of putting it. 'Swine' only makes it sound dirty. It should be called 'Dirty Nasty Wild Boar Who Rolled Around In It's Own...' - Oh. What? This is a family blog? Never mind then. Let's just say that it was BAD.

2. Isaac learned the phrase 'you little bastard'. Again, I know this is a family blog, but I'm not going to paint a false picture of my life. 'You little bastard' is something that came out of his mouth and I feel obligated to blog about it. Proud? No. Curious? Of course. (Yes, grandparents and concerned citizens....we have disciplined him. Don't report us.)

3. Booger wiping is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation. My son has fallen ill of this and I find him indiscreetly wiping his nasty little boogers all over my pretty little clean (bahahaha) house. When I catch him in the act, he innocently waves his hands in front of himself and says "Never mind me, mom." This cute little line is also used when he finds himself being a smartass and knows he is about to be in BIG trouble - example: "Uh, I'm trying to watch TV MOTHER. GET OUT OF MY WAY, er.....never mind me, mom."

4. I thought for a good month or so my son wanted to be a 'bonfire' for Halloween. I was like WTH?! A friggin' BONFIRE?! Yeaaaaaah.....Isaac was saying vampire. I think back at all the times I was discussing how we could make him into a bonfire and he would just shake his head. Makes total sense now. He thinks his mother is an idiot and didn't have the heart to tell her.

We did, in fact, go on vacation. I do have pictures. Later. Promise.

My Sidekick. My Partner-In-Crime. My....'Take A Retarded Picture With Mom' Buddy.

2009-10-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to tell you that this was just a quick random picture. I'd like to say 'Hey, check out the funny picture of us I snapped yesterday'. But..................

No, I made my poor son take like 75 pictures until I didn't look like I was on crack. I get so super excited to be taking pictures with him that I get this face. No words describe it. My eyebrows go 4 inches higher on my face than humanly possible and my eyes look like I'm....special.

This was only successful picture. We had to look mean...for we were about to go get the bad guys hiding on the porch. I had to cut Isaac a deal - you pose for ridiculous pictures, I'll be Robin to your Batman.

I got the better end of the deal. Now that I look at the picture more closely.....we look like a momma platypus and a baby platypus. And yes that is spelled right. I just googled it.

Don't Make Me Put A Hit Out On You.

2009-10-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

No big deal. I was cooking dinner tonight (grilled cheese and soup in case you were wondering) and I overhear a conversation between Isaac................and...........a tealight.

Isaac: 'What did you say? What did you say to me?!'
Tealight: .......................
Isaac: 'Imma give you one more chance to talk. Then yer done.'
Tealight: ....................................
Isaac: 'I don't want to do this but you give me no choice.'

Now tell me......what am I supposed to do here?! Discipline him or pay him off for protection?

Grandmaster Matthew and Dirty Coin.

2009-10-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a new rap group, right? Oh, no. This is the product of something much greater.

Uncle Matt and Isaac have.....bonded. If you could call it that. When my brother moved back to Winfield, he started insisting Isaac address him at 'Master Matthew'. Matt would act like he couldn't hear a word Isaac was saying until he was properly addressed. Eventually 'Master Matthew' just wasn't enough....it turned into 'Grandmaster Matthew'. It is so stinkin' cute hearing Isaac say it in normal conversation.

So one day, Isaac was in the bath playing with his little Army guys. He was talking in little voices when I heard him say, 'Get over here, Dirty Coin!'. Of course I KNEW this would make one hell of a blog story so I asked what he said.

Me: 'Isaac.....did you just say Dirty Coin?'
Isaac: 'Yes, mom. Grandmaster Matthew calls me that.'
Me: 'Uh......?'
Dirty Coin: 'It cracks me up everytime.'
Me: 'Uh......?'

Heck no, it doesn't stop there. And again, the big reveal happens in the bathtime. My son apparently does his best work naked.

Dirty Coin: 'Mom?'
Me: 'Yes?'
Dirty Coin: 'Uncle Mat-er, I mean, Grandmaster Matthew calls me Zachary Wayne Quagmire. I think that is SO funny.'
Me: 'Uh.........?'
Zachary Wayne Quagmire: 'I'm not Dirty Coin anymore. I still think it's funny, but I really don't know if it's nice or not. It's not a bad word, is it?'.
Me: 'Uh...........................?'
ZWQ: 'He is just so silly. He said he's going to take out my kneecaps. But I told him I would jab him in the throat with my light saber. I would win.'
Me: (are you seeing the trend?) 'Uh......yes.'

So my phone rings at work this week.

Me: 'This is Lindsey.'
Grandmaster Matthew: 'Isaac is no more.'
Me: 'Uh.....?'
Grandmaster Matthew: 'A greater man has taken his place. His name is Isaac Falcon, ZK. He doesn't really like it, but we need to keep calling him that. That is who he is now.'
Me: 'Uh.......okay. What exactly is it that I am calling him.....?'
Grandmaster Matthew: 'Gah, Lindsey. Zombie Killer? He's taken out like six of them in Dad's living room this afternoon.'
Me: 'I'm....so................................proud.'

Never, ever, in my life am I left speechless. My brother continues to amaze me. I just asked Isaac what else he would like to include about Uncle Matt.

"He's really a weirdo and I'm not kidding. I sure love him, I'm not kidding there either."

Dirty Feet.

2009-09-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

My favorite things about Bluegrass:

1. John McCutcheon
2. Finally getting out my rope sandals and tie-dye
3. Watching crazy people
4. John McCutcheon
5. Tom Chapin
6. Long lost friends
7. Watching drunk crazy people
8. SO. MUCH. GOOD. MUSIC.
9. Taking pictures of drunk crazy people.
10. John..........Mc..........Cutcheon.

What a weekend! So many great pictures, so little blog space. I can't tell you how much fun it is being sober when so many around you are drunk. I met a man with a parrot. His shirt said 'Saucy Wenches Follow Me". Sadly, it made my day.

I was surrounded by amazing music and great people all weekend. The talent these musicians possess blows my mind. I was born without that gene entirely. My dad can pick up an instrument and just play. I grew up listening to hammer dulcimers, mountain dulcimers, guitars, and more recently mandolins. Keyword there is LISTENING. I can't carry a tune to save my life and I sure as hell couldn't play a darn thing on an instrument - he didn't pass his talent onto me. BUT...he passed on a great love and apprecation for it. Now Isaac? That boy will do something great in his life. Music and/or dancing will be involved. He griped and complained about going to Bluegrass, but as soon as we got down there it was like...."Dirt? Music? Food? Suh-weeeeet".

I have a small obsesssion with John McCutcheon (no, seriously?!) and was so happy to see him this year. I'm a total McCutcheon groupie. I could go into great detail as to why I heart him, but that's not what is important. The important thing is that I got this amazing picture that will be framed on my bedroom wall. Brandon has never understood my strange mind (insert insane laughter here) and my love for Bluegrass music and John McCutcheon just further fuels that. I have to stare at his camoflauge everywhere. He can stare at John:

The amazing Tom Chapin:

Walking into Pecan Grove:

There are all different kinds of camps in the grove. This was Isaac's favorite!

Hanging out with my boy on the midway (fooooooood!):

MOMMA!!!!

Halloween Hint

2009-09-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Can anyone guess what my sweet little boy will be for Halloween?

Little Moments....

2009-09-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

2009 Music Video of the Year

2009-09-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this by saying that I am singing and I am sorry. I know I am not Shania Twain although you wouldn’t know it by how I freely warble away in this video. When I started filming I didn’t know what an EPIC movie I was shooting. I thought my quiet little whisper of singing would be drowned out by my car stereo and The Zac Brown Band. Sadly, my mouth was DIRECTLY in front of the mic on my camera. What the hell, Zac Brown?! I blame you.

Isaac loves the song ‘Whatever It Is’ by the aforementioned group, The Zac Brown Band. He knows almost every word and it’s become ‘our’ song. I pulled up to my house Saturday night and had both the kids with me. I let them out of the car and let them play in the yard while I finished my jam session with Jason Aldean. The second ‘Whatever It Is’ came on, Isaac was ready to boogey. And I was ready with my camera. You are so welcome.

Okay, I know this one is long, but stick with it. Gracie does some interpretive dancing/tai kwon do at the end that is just amazing/hysterical/slightly scary.

And with September comes THE WALNUT VALLEY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL!!!! I don’t give a hoot if you don’t listen to Bluegrass music, this festival is made for everyone. I remember sitting on my balcony in California and seeing the infamous “I Can’t – I’m Going To Winfield” bumper sticker. Our town’s population doubles and the energy of the fairgrounds is just soooo laid back. My mom and I were talking about it this weekend and she said it perfectly – it’s the spirit of Bluegrass that we love so much. There is no such thing as a stranger – everyone is your friend. The people are so eclectic and so is the music. Down one dirt road there is a hillbilly with a washboard and a banjo and right around the corner there is a jam session with mandolins, guitars, fiddles, etc.,. No one cares who you are or what you do. It’s a family. My brother and I drove through the grove the other night and it’s already packed. The festival is only 5 days long, but for two weeks before the festival there are thousands camping. And glory, glory, halleluiah – I get to be me! There is tie-dye everywhere! And I’m not the only one in rope sandals!!! Wooo!!!! And you bet your sweet little BUTT my kiddo is rocking the tie-dye too. He is totally in his element down there. So there may not be too much blogging going on this week. You can find me in the Grove =)

Those are the campers and tents at the Fairgrounds. The bottom of the picture is cut off, but that's Pecan Grove - where the REAL party is!!!

P.S. Thank you Brandon for working your butt off this weekend doing security so we could have free tickets. Isaac and I love you more than you will ever know. MUAH!!!!

Sniff, Sniff, Sob, Sob.

2009-09-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me these videos she took years ago....and I just found them. Time flies when you are having fun...and wreaking havoc on society. You're welcome, Earth. He's all yours. And I know the second video is a broken file...you will have to put up with only seeing 1/2 second of his screaming until I can find the original one!

NOTE: Put clothes on our next kid.

Oh, School....How We've Missed You.

2009-09-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today was Isaac's first day back to school! Wooo!!! He's been ready for a while, asking us when he was going to go back to 'normal school' (which I believe means NOT Sunday School). He laid out his clothes last night and was very specific when he told me what SHOES he wanted to wear (which, by the way, I'm looking for a bigger size...anyone find a size 10.5 or 11 in black one-star Converse low-tops, holler at me. Life will end when these shoes are outgrown.) He looked so nice. I can't believe this is his 2nd year going to school. He is just too grown up. Isaac thinks it's "SUH-weeeet" that he is the only kid that has long hair. It's starting to curl in the back. Momma loves it! Okay, I got off track there. I get started on sweet-boy's luscious blonde locks and I get lost. Sheesh. He seems to really like his new teacher, Ms. Kristi, and I think he's happy to be back at school. There. Now....Let's talk about his hair some more.

It is TOTALLY his decision to grow his hair out. He's old enough to choose colors of shirts and shoes, and by golly, how he wants his hair. If all my son asks for is to grow his hair, can I really complain?

Isaac cannot STAND to have his hair spiked up. He will have none of that tomfoolery. I'm scheduling an appt. to trim it up and I guess we'll start training it to fall to the sides instead of hanging in his eyes like Shaggy off of Scooby-Doo. I can't even tell you how many people have said I needed to give my son a haircut. It's like me walking up to someone and telling them they should change their lipstick because it looks heinous. In fact, next person to tell me to cut my son's hair, I'm going to. I'll let you know if it comes to blows and let's hope she is a not a woman of great size.

There Is Absolutely No Title That I Could Think Of That Would Suit This Amazing Video.

2009-09-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here's Looking At You, Kid.

2009-09-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

So hey. Isaac is four now. I could blog about his birthday party, but you wouldn't believe me. Harry Potter was there. How did I do it you may ask? I don't reveal my secrets, thankyou. (Okay, so I work with a wonderful lady who's son looks JUST like Harry Potter. She asked him, I gave a puppy dog face to him, SHABAM. That's my secret.)

But, seriously Isaac - you are an amaaaazing 4 year old. I swear I'm not biased, you really are a genius. You are my best friend and have an energy that lights up my life. You're laughter is infectious and your smile is so genuine. You are my greatest joy.

Now, the good stuff. You dance, jump, and boogey to the beat of a different drummer, my child. You want your hair long like a hippie and have a love for music. You make the cutest comments:

"I can't wait to open up Jesus's birthday presents."

"I love you all the way behind the moon and daddy's back."

"Man, mom you gave me alot of cheese. That means you really love me a lot."

"I shot a tiger. It's okay though, he was with the bad guys."

"The bad guys have girlfriends, but I didn't get them. I left them in the yard because it's not nice to hurt a girl."

"I don't know what rockstar that is, but someone should tell him he's amazing."

"My mommy lets me be weird."

We dance in the living room and we don't care who watches. You lip-sync 99% of the time, because that's what you see mommy do. I sound like a dying goat when I sing and I hope that you learn to use your voice instead of just mouthing the words (ask Hawa about Grandpa Barlag and his quote - "I, even I, will sing unto the Lord"...you'll get a kick out of it, buddy). We hunt for bad guys and protect the world from all things evil. Right now, your favorite color is purple and you want to be a purple rockstar for Halloween. Your converse and your 'skateboarder shoes' are your favorites. You still love Thomas the Train, but now have a love for Star Wars, Harry Potter, and iCarly. Mommy has a friend that is on iCarly every once in a while and you love to get excited and scream "I KNOW HER!!!". I have passed my love for Silver Dollar City down to you and you ask to go at least once a week. You are a Wii Master. I challenge ANY adult to a showdown - you will whoop them up, down, and sideways. You love going to movie theaters and always ask 10 minutes in if the movie is almost over. Frisbee and soccer are a few of your favorite games, as well as baseball, which is usually played with the skinny edge of a tennis racquet. Your heart is so big and sometimes I can't believe it's all held in that tiny body.

If you remember ONE THING in this crazy world, please remember that you are perfect just the way you are. Every single hair on your head and every crazy thought in your mind is exactly how it is supposed to be. You're my superhero, my Mr. Fixit, my confidant, and my best friend. That drummer that you dance to? It's the same one I've been jammin' to my whole life. And I've had a lot of stinking fun, kid.

Soooooo Predictable...

2009-09-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, Dr. D - you were right. I'm blogging about it. But, seriously....I am so proud of my boy! I sat down with Isaac and told him about shots. I didn't sweeten it up, I just told him - Son, they are going to stick a needle in your leg. It will hurt, but it will be over SO quick...and you will get showered with love and hugs and kisses after it. He got upset, but knew he couldn't go to school without them. Yesterday morning, he was pumped. He was ready. Bring. It. On.

We walked across the street to the Doctor's - and Isaac was in SUCH a good mood. Two nurses in, two needles in the thigh, ABSOLUTELY no tears, and a cute little "That didn't hurt so bad, mom" - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! Wooo! I feel so bad that I had little to no faith in my sweet Isaac. I pictured Brandon and I holding him down while he beat the hell out of the nurses. Oh well. There's always next time =) Oh, and his wonderful nurse (we'll call her J for the whole privacy thing) gave him a handful of stickers and two, count 'em TWO, pencils for school. Isaac was so happy to have a G-Force sticker that he told me to take a picture for my blog. That's right folks....he encourages my behavior!!!

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, bloggers - I've seen your 'Wordless Wednesday' and I love it. Sadly I forgot to update last night. Soooo.....

You get Thankful Thursdays now. Every Thursday (hopefully...) I am going to let all you sweet blog-people know what I am most thankful for in my life. And of course I will use photos to prove it, because a post just isn't complete without a picture. But mainly because I have a really cute kid.

Here goes!!! My first Thankful Thursday!

I am thankful for the joy that I have in my heart. I never want to know life without joy. It's the 'on-top-of-the-world-superhero-soaring-through-stars' feeling every minute of every day, no matter what that day has brought me. It's going to bed at night knowing that I have life, love, and happiness. It's thanking the Lord that I get to live another day and trying to share my joy - usually shared in an awful joke or a cheesy smile. It's being 25 and singing LOUD in my car with my son. It's laying in bed at 2 a.m. with my husband, laughing hysterically at his ridiculous impersonations. It's being able to laugh when I dump coffee all over my desk. It's curling up with a good book and a quiet house. And it's thinking of this song everytime I hear the word joy (thank you Trinity Lutheran Chapel):

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

And it's true!!!! Thanks Mom. I learned this from you.

Quite Possibly The Funniest Thing I Have Ever Seen

2009-08-09T17:13:00.001-07:00

NOTE: I spent an HOUR - I repeat - AN HOUR - trying to rotate this %&$*&# clip so you would not have to tilt your head to watch it. Did you friggin' know that there is no easy way to do that?! It takes 3 college degrees and a black belt just to rotate a video. And my cheap butt ain't buying no software to do it (horrible grammar and redneck words just fly out of my mouth when I'm pissed). Take THAT software developers!!!!

I repeated this over and over and over and over and over. My favorite part? The shrug at the end. You see her glance over at her daddy and then it's like, 'whatever' and she walks off.

Over and over and over and over. It's funnier every time.

Crazy Cousins

2009-08-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Brandon and I took Gracie and Isaac to Chuck E. Cheese. Clean, No. Fun, HECK YES!!!! I DO NOT like Chuck E. Cheese. It's a breeding ground for germs, viruses, and Lord knows what else. But, my son and Gracie had an absolute ball. In between handwashings, of course.

We followed up Chuck E. Cheese with an yummy Orange Julius at the mall and some good ol' rocket launching while driving home. We sure a safe, clean bunch of hooligans, eh?

If you've never met my niece, Gracie, you need to. She is a pistol; a fun, sparkling kiddo with an incredible personality and a quick wit. Her laughter is infectious - it sounds like bubbles erupting out of her and I can't help but laugh when I hear it. She's a Sawyer through and through - she likes earrings and barbies, but knows the difference between a shotgun and a rifle. While her and Isaac bicker like siblings, they make each other laugh more than anything. They've been able to spend more time together the past few weeks than they have in their whole lives. Uncle Matt and Isaac have bonded, too and are sure to be hunting/fishing buddies in the years to come. I think in a few weeks, Matt and Brandon will be taking the kiddos camping at the lake with Papa. Papa doesn't know it yet, but they'll have a blast. And mommy will be able to update the blog in the piece and quiet. See? Everyone wins.

Isaac vs. The Duck

2009-08-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Wal-Mart clearance aisle,

Please don't ever leave us. You provide my son and I with hours of endless entertainment and discounted prices on random crap we don't need. It's because of you we continue to survive in this crazy retail world.

Love,

A dedicated shopper and her protege.

Typical Morning At The East Household

2009-08-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

I don't feel any more words are needed. And yes, Brandon is asleep.

My Boys

2009-08-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Daddy! This picture just happens to be one of my favorite pictures of all time. I snapped it with my phone, so it's not clear - but it's perfect. Just pure magic, if you ask me.

The Curious Case of Isaac East

2009-07-21T14:04:00.001-07:00

I know, I know. I promised a video. I'm experiencing what people like to call a lack of motivation. I'll trade you a video for two pictures.

My son, from a very early age, was a tiny old man. He's like my own little Benjamin Button. My dad has taken care of Isaac since he was 6 weeks old and Isaac has picked up some if his mannerisms and gestures. When he was about 11 months old, he started grunting when he would bend over. He cleared his throat like a little gentleman and would even straighten his eyebrows at about 2 years. Now he claims to be blind without glasses, this claim comes complete with a squinty face.

Exhibit A:

And who can forget the lovely Exhibit B:

Problem solved.

Light-Sabers and The Cool Dude.

2009-07-06T18:59:00.001-07:00

Whew! It's been a while! I never understood why my parents liked getting their four children involved in summer activities...until I had my own child. Wow. It's like Isaac just. doesn't. stop. Is it just this age? There are times that I just want to sit on him. Like, say, RIGHT NOW. I'm sitting here attempting to work on the blog and he is attempting to invoke a pet riot in the living room. All I see is ONE toy, TWO dogs, and NO chance of all THREE animals making it out of this alive. Yes, I just counted my son as a pet.

Funny conversation from last week:

Isaac: 'Hey mom. Pass me my light sabers.'
Mom: 'Uhhh.....when did you get light sabers?'
Isaac: 'Mom, Howie and Papa gave me a whole bunch of them. Just find them.'
Mom: 'Hey, I am. Watch your mouth.'
Isaac: 'I am watching it. You know what it's saying? Find my light sabers.'
Mom: 'I see this conversation is going nowhere. What does your light saber look like?'
Isaac: 'Oh! Here they are! I never thought I would find my Star War candy anywhere.'
>Isaac proceeds to pop a LIFESAVER into his mouth.

Did you follow? There was some confusion between LIFESAVER and LIGHTSABER. He is his father's son, huh?!

SO many pictures to post and I apologize that this has taken so long. Sadly, here is ONE. I know, what a tease. But, I will give you lots of pictures and even throw in an AWESOME video from 4th of July - if you can wait until later this week.

Brandon's been working some overtime and I am enjoying(?) some weeks with fewer hours at work. It's been nice spending more time with Isaac at home. Of course it's crazy wild and it makes me want to hug any single and/or stay at home mother and buy her a drink. A very strong drink.

Okay, now - I desperately need to get some sleep. My body is revolting against me and I desperately need to go to the doctor. BUT...because I think my doctor reads this blog I will throw in that I think I'm just fine. It's my husband that is urging me to go. I should probably also throw in that I live across the street from the doctor's office....not like I have to put in much effort. I am the epitome of ridiculous when it comes to the doctor. He is one of the most wonderful men you will ever meet (and I mean that too!), but I just don't like going to the doctor. Plain and simple. Anywho, if you don't hear from me by Friday, call my doctor and tell him to meander on over across 19th and make sure I'm still kicking.

Love,
The Mama Bear.

Summer Lovin', Had Me A Blast......

2009-06-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the movie Grease? Everytime I hear someone say summer, I automatically think of John Travolta hitting that high note at the end of the song. Sad, but true. I actually get that same cringing feeling about summer that I do about that note..........

BUT...Isaac is thoroughly enjoying his summer. We have him enrolled in tumbling/gymnastics and swimming. He seems to really enjoy tumbling. Swimming starts in July and I think he will love it. So far this summer Daddy has been on doubles and mommy is on reduced hours. Isaac's schedule is a little mixed up and I think it's put him in a funk. I am sick and therefore NOT wanting to go outside in the 100 degree/90% humidity hell. He is not the type of child to want to be inside...at all. Siiiiighhhhhhhh.....

So here I am. It's 8 o'clock in morning and I'm sitting on the front porch. Pretty sure it's pouring down rain and still 95 degrees. Bllleeeehhhh. But Isaac's happy though. Further proof that he might be better off as an only child. Although we did have an indepth conversation about how babies are born. He seems to think that he needs and/or already has a sister. My dear sweet friend Charli is about two months pregnant and after explaining this to Isaac (there will be no big belly yet, Isaac, the baby is tiny...but it's growing!), I was met with a blank stare and a tiny voice asking, "How will her baby get out when it's big?". So I did what any good mother would do and I lied. Well, not lie, but omitted. I showed him my c-section scar and I told him the story of his birth. Somehow the child is not traumatized and my story seemed to be sufficient enough to ease his.....uneasiness. Ask Isaac someday how babies get out. He mumbles something about babies big heads, sewing mommies tummy, and gluing stuff back together. Not quite how I told the story, but it will do....

:)

Like, WHOA.

2009-06-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

My sweet innocent THREE year old and I were in the driveway. I look in the rear view mirror only to see him deep in thought. Being the kind, loving mother that I am, I quickly turn around and see what is troubling my son. He looks me right in the eye and says......

"Mom, did you know that there is no fence around Mexico?! Crazy, huh. They don't even make him wear leashes."

Uhhhhhhhhh.....WHAT?! Don't know who taught him that, but the first thing I thought is that they better thank the Lord above that it was repeated somewhere that only I heard it. Then I realized that he must have thought Mexico was a dog's name.

Oooohhhh, to see the world through a child's eyes is amazing. And comical.

My Green Thumb Astounds Even Me.

2009-06-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

WOOOOOOOOOOO!

I wish I could express in blog form how excited I am. You've read about my expertise on plant life here. Well, I'm a changed woman!!! A plant. has. bloomed. ON. MY. PROPERTY!!!!!!

See, this is the life I come from. Lush. Green. Amazing. A plethora of plant life.

And this is my single victory:

One small step for me, a huge leap for plantkind.

Desperate Times Call For.....Desperate Looking Dogs.

2009-06-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on being somewhat thrifty. I don't buy clothes for any of us unless they are on sale. I shop the sale ads. Times are tough and as far as I'm concerned they are only going to get tougher. My hours at work have been cut and I'm working anywhere between 24-32 hours. It's not fun, but we are learning to have fun with my extra time. Brandon and I decided to not turn the air on until June 1st. There were some nasty hot days in there, but it wasn't too bad. We've had some other adjustments and >gasp< we've survived!!! But.....our dogs might not.

Brandon had the bright idea to buy dog clippers. I totally agree that with two dogs, bathing and grooming them ourselves would be soooo much cheaper. But....and it's a BIG but....WE HAVE A SHIH-TZU!!!! Those dogs are not meant to be owner-groomed unless that owner is a professional.

I set out to the garage to begin the grooming. Of course it was me. Brandon bought the clippers so I could do it. Patience is not one of his greatest virtues...

Chewy is a sweet cuddly dog. When you come at him with a giant vibrating razor, not so much. He went catatonic. I am a woman. I do not shave my head. I don't actually KNOW the best way to use a pair of clippers. I brushed the dog and thought I would just shave the darn thing. Nope. Sweet tiny Chewy has a coat that resembles an Alaskan Grizzly bear. I couldn't find his skin. Like, TWO hours went by and I just kept shaving him. The hair was never ending. Then I got to his legs. Yikes. That is all I am going to say.

The highlight of that morning was shaving my dog's butt. Yes, his butt. Have you ever seen 'The Great Outdoors'? One of the best John Candy movies ever made. Rent it. Rent it only so you can see the legendary bear. With the bald butt. Why you ask? Because that is what my dear Chewy looks like. I had some clipper issues and removed the guard. It was me vs. some tangles and my patience had run thin. Chewy now runs around with a nice 3/4" haircut and a bald ass. It's amazing. I have never laughed so hard...by myself in the garage.

There is no photo evidence of this morning for my dog's sake.

Curse You, Humidity!!!!!

2009-05-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Arizona, and don't get me wrong...it's HOT, but there is a SMIDGE of truth to the whole "it's a dry heat" crap. This Kansas humidity is ridiculous. It's only 83 outside, but my hair is sticking to the back of my neck two minutes after I go outside.

Cousin Morgan's wedding was beyond beautiful and the location was amazing. Isaac was DARLING in his tux. I stepped out of my box and wore a red dress. For those of you who know me well, pick up your jaw. I know, it's a dress and LORD it's red. To be quite honest I felt like an leprechaun in a tutu. People may point and say 'how cute!' when they walk by, but all the poor leprechaun can think about is how ridiculous it must look. I know, I know, I'm crazy (but you now have an image of a leprechaun in a red dress in your head and I bet it's hilarious!). I'm glad I wore it and I hope to get a chance to wear it again. Brandon looked great. It's been 5 years since our wedding and 5 years since I saw him in a tux. It will probably be another 5 years until I see him in another. Very handsome though.

Now that we are back home, it's back to working on the house. Or NOT working on the house, which is what I've been doing lately. It's such a mess and Isaac is not so good on the cleaning up after himself thing. In fact, he's on the other end of the cleaning spectrum. He's a filth tornado. Oh well. Rather be happy and dirty than clean and grumpy. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

One Small Voice

2009-05-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

I sat in the bleachers last night, watching Isaac sing and dance, and then I realized what I was doing. I totally get it now. I used to get so irritated in high school when parents would scream from the bleachers...it never failed, I would always be sitting in front of a parent and their screams and cheers would echo in my head all night. That was me last night. At Webster School's Spring Sing, I was that parent. I screamed. I laughed. I cheered. I clapped. I whooped. And I didn't care who I bothered. My son could see me cheering and he was just as proud as I was. TEARS!!!

They sang many songs, all but one had me laughing my bobo off. 'One Small Voice' still has me in tears. Basically it goes something like 'I am one small voice but I am strong. I will sing my song....' It was one of those moments out of a movie for me. Very surreal. I know I am the one who is supposed to make Isaac feel as though he can do anything, but that little man make me feel as though I could do anything.

Okay, cheesy mom stuff aside. My son can ROCK. Every single one of his teacher aide's came up to me last night and told me that my son can rock like no other. They love watching him play air guitar and he obviously holds nothing back at school. I'm thrilled that his wonderful little personality comes through.

If you click on the picture, it will make it BIG. I mean BIG.

After his concert debut, we went out for chicken nuggets and ice cream to celebrate. It brought back a LOT of memories for me. My parents would ALWAYS take us kiddos out to celebrate after a concert. I played the flute (not just ANY flute, my grandmother's flute) in middle school, and I remember my mom and dad taking me out after every concert (usually a Wendy's Frosty...right, mom?). It was very cool to do the same with my son.

Jealous much?

2009-05-05T12:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The East Family celebrated by having lunch at El Maguey's. I even got a little festive and told Isaac that his enchilada was 'delicioso' - I know, I know....I'm wild.

Isaac told me at lunch that he had a present to give me. They made Mother's Day presents and sent them home today (Isaac only goes to school on Monday's and Tuesday's). This is my very first Mother's Day present from Isaac and THIS mommy couldn't be more proud to show it off. It's BIG and BRIGHT and BEAUTIFUL!!!!

The first picture is me wearing it at work. I want Isaac to look back and see that I DID wear it to work - I even walked into management's offices and showed it off. I think it looks fabulous with my zebra shirt...

Witty, witty child.

2009-05-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

This week has been full of Isaac-isms.

"I feel bad for Snoopy, mom. I think he's really just misunderstood."
"I can't hear you, mommy. You're breaking up" (By the way...I was standing in front of him, telling him to clean his room)
"Those dishes are not for me. They are for my customers."
"I have told you two times already and I don't want to tell you again, mom."
"I already answered that mom and the answer has not changed."
"I'm not able to help, mom. I have a hole in my leg. I mean, my eye. Or my ankle."
"I kind of want a baby sister, but I don't want her to live at my house. And she can't ever play with my toys. And no drool. That's so gross."

I don't think I need to tell you that he's going to keep me on my toes for a very, very long time.

For The Isaac That May Care In 20 Years....

2009-04-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I started this blog as a way to keep family updated with all of Isaac's adventures, but it will be so much fun to look back through this website with Isaac in a few years. I just looked back at the first few posts and Isaac has grown so much. So, Isaac, here are a few of the things you love:

First and foremost, your imaginary friends. I couldn't catch one of them on camera...they're pretty quick. But this little cartoon made me laugh...we don't leave the house without at least one friend.

Strawberries, blueberries, oranges, bananas, pineapples...you name it, you love it.

All beef hot dogs. Your mommy is weird and won't eat regular hot dogs, so she's passing down her quirks to you. Sorry, kid. Eat up knowing you are only consuming one animal at a time...later you will thank me.

Isaac, you are so intelligent. From the time you turned 3, you could turn it on, go to the internet, and click on the link you wanted. Now, you can beat your daddy on internet games. GO COMPUTER NERDS!!! It's getting to the point now that you can fix something on the computer when it gives you an error.

Oh, lime sherbet, how we love you. Orange sherbet, you are loved too, but just not as much as lime.

You are a soccer genius. All of your hereditary clumsiness just disappears the second you get a soccer ball in front of you. I hope you keep it up and I get to cheer you on from the sidelines for many years to come.

So. Stinking. Cute. You run around catching the bad guys and I love watching you talk into your imaginary radio-watch. Seeing you save the world gives this mommy warm fuzzies.

Trucks, trucks, trucks. More trucks. OH wait...more trucks. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE.

Shapes and colors in any way shape and form. I am so happy to see that you love art. You are already drawing very detailed people and can write your name. You favorite color is pink and it kills your father. I die laughing everytime you tell someone you want a pink dog. Then I try and think of ways to give you a pink dog.

Last, and DEFINITELY not least, trains. I count 15 just from where I'm sitting and I know there is 5x that many in your room. You know them all by name and care for them greatly. You know when one is missing and will force mommy and daddy out into the backyard to search for Percy at 10pm. And we do it.

SO many things give you joy, Isaac. You find beauty in everything and everyone is your friend. Nothing makes me happier than to see you being such a happy little boy. You gotta WHOLE lotta love, kiddo.

XOXOXO,

Your Momma.

Quote of the Day

2009-04-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

You know, I pride myself on being able to have adult conversations with children. They have amazing minds and far too often, adults underestimate what they are capable of. Two words sentences and hand motions lessen a child's confidence and they just live up to the standards and expectations that adults have set for them. I like to see Isaac carry this on to social settings and watch the amazement on other people's faces when my son speaks to them confidently and articulately.

That being said, I am the mother of a 3-year-old little boy. It is inevitable that he will say the most inappropriate things at the worst possible time. For instance, his word last week was 'boobies'. Don't ask me, I know not where he learned it. The last few weeks it was 'friggin' and yes, he got that from me. Real classy, I know. I have since dropped that from my vocabulary. But, I do my best to let Isaac express himself in every other way, shape and form besides the word 'friggin'.

This week, he has been a grump. He has been scolding Mom and Dad and getting onto us for a variety of things. For example, I was telling Brandon about my day and apparently Isaac had enough of it. Out of my wee little babe's mouth I heard,

"Keep it to yourself, mom".

Other kids? Probably would have talked right over their parents and just interrupted. Not mine. He has to make you feel two inches tall first. Aaaahhh, I love the monster I have created.

The Zoooooooooo

2009-04-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm lazy. Sorry, I promised these, like, a week ago. Isaac did NOT like the zoo. At all. I think he had a problem with seeing the animals but not touching them. He INSISTED on spending the entire day with his 'girlfriend' Taylor. He's crazy about her and had so much fun. (I should clarify that she's a 'girlfriend' because she's a girl and she's a friend...that's Isaac's explanation...) Thank goodness her daddy was a good sport and stuck with us most of the day. And Taylor is just a DOLL and since Isaac was being grumpy, I really enjoyed watching her have fun! I rode the bus up there with the kids and daddy followed us.

This little guy was adorable. I think the cat enjoyed watching the kids more than the kids enjoyed watching the cat!

In the gorilla cave:

Mommy's real smart. Let's look into the sun guys!

All in all, it was a good day. Isaac got bit by a goose - not as bad as it sounds. After the zoo, we had a full day in Wichita running around. We were all exhausted and couldn't wait to get to bed.

How NOT To Eat a Peanut.

2009-04-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

We sit down for lunch yesterday, and my sweet tiny boy grabs a peanut and says, "I know how to eat one of these!". He promptly chomps down on the peanut, shell and all, and starts chewing. Mom and Dad are in shock until Mommy finally screams, "SPIT IT OUT!!!!".

Scared the hell out of him, but that could NOT have tasted good.

I know, I know. You want photo-proof. Of course I have it.

I mentioned on the last post that we had a Zoo Day. I'm not leaving you hanging on those pictures, I just thought I'd put more thought and effort into that post - so it might take a day to get those up.

After the zoo, we went out for a quick bite to eat and it was there, at Logan's Roadhouse, that my dear son ate the whole peanut. After teaching him how to shell a peanut, he decided those suckers were hard to open and he quit.

The field trip was yesterday and there were no preschool fights until the field trip ended. Brandon has to have the last word. On anything. But see, so does Isaac. I am literally sitting in a booth at Logan's, wedging myself between a 3 year old little boy and a 27 year old man. It's hysterical. I actually had to separate them and put them on different sides of the table. There was silence and lots of dirty looks from Isaac, until Brandon couldn't take it anymore and instigated something else. I have to tell Isaac to be the bigger person and keep quiet - and Brandon sits over on the other side of the booth, just beaming.

The boys eventually called a truce and made up. Until next time.

The Lobster.

2009-04-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Aww, isn't Isaac's pet lobster cute? Wait, you can't see it? OH....That's because it's an imaginary lobster. Yup. My child has 3 puppies, 3 cats, a lobster, a hamster, and a grandma. All imaginary.

We went on a field trip yesterday to the zoo with Isaac's class. His teacher, Miss Amy, asked me about his 'friends'. I am completely comfortable with his imaginary companions, as is his teacher. His friends go with him to school and his teachers love it.

Every week it's someone or something new - last week he added the Grandma, the hamster and the lobster. Next week, who knows....but I look forward to meeting them!

No Nap + Isaac + Mommy = This.

2009-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Every birthday since Isaac was a tiny bebe, I get a picture with us lovin' on each other. He never looks directly at ANY camera and rarely does he smile - it's usually a grimace. This birthday, however, he was a RIOT!!! I had so much fun yesterday and could not have asked for a better way to celebrate my 25th birthday.

Strapping Young Lad.

2009-04-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mommy found an amazing Easter outfit for the little man. He was loving it and thought he looked like a 'business man'.

I know, right? He's amazing

But then I told him to take it off. This is how THAT went.....

"I DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND ANYMORE!"

I Call It Culture.

2009-04-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

You know those parents who want 'cultured' kids? Yes, THOSE parents. The ones that take their 18-month-old to friggin' India to make him at peace with himself. Or the parents who send their 13 year-old to Paris with her friends so she can 'find herself'?

Yeah, I take MY kid to P.F. Changs. All the culture he is going to see for a while. But you know what? He's MASTERED chopsticks and thinks the Japanese/Chinese/Asian dragon he colored on his placemat is amazing.

Well done, child, well done.

Victory Thy Name is PERENNIAL!!!!

2009-03-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Lindsey East and I am a plant-killer.

My grandmother was a lover of all blooms. My mother is a lover of all blooms. I....kill all blooms. I have unsuccessfully tried to keep plants alive for about 5 or 6 years. When I got married, I figured, hey, I'm a wife now - this means I miraculously obtained the magical gift of the green thumb. FAIL. I kept a bamboo plant alive for a short 9 months and it died a long painful death.

I was at Wal-Mart recently and saw some clearance plants. I have to be honest. I bought the first plant because the pot said 'Made in Germany'. I thought it was a sign from my Grandma Barlag so I bought it. I have three of those now and NONE are dead! Granted, it's been three weeks, but that's beside the point......

On to the moral of this victory story! When we bought our house in August of '07, there was not a living plant on the property. Growing up surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers, I needed some sign of life at my house. I talked to my mom and dad and they were so wonderful about helping. The following fall, they dove right in, helping me dig and collect rock. They probably went home and snickered..."Lindsey's going to try to keep something ALIVE!!!" (Just kidding!) Mom guided me step-by-step on the how's and what's of planting bulbs. It was late fall, so there wasn't much happening. Dad collected awesome rocks for my flower bed and it looked so put together. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS WATER IT, RIGHT?! Wrong. My lilies were in bloom when I planted them and shortly after, died. My hostas never came up. It's me. I'm a natural born killer.

Isaac waters them last week. Guess what?

Needless to say, his chores now include watering mommy's plants. We're headed off to buy more mulch tonight. We need to cover all the plants because apparently Kansas has decided to throw some snow down and IT'S ALMOST APRIL. Ridiculous. Mother Nature hates me.

So It Begins....

2009-03-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Isaac just asked me why he doesn't have a baby sister. He DEFINITELY does not want a baby brother, but said a baby sister 'would be wonderful.'

What do you think is the right age between kids? I have a brother who is 2 1/2 years older than me. My sisters and I are all 5 years apart. I am thinking 5 years might be the way things work out.

Brandon and I have had this discussion numerous times over the past 4 years. Isaac was a surprise, but we knew that once we had one, another was bound to come along sometime...might as well plan for that one, ya know? But now that I think about it, surprises are nice. I'll never be ready for another child...my mom always said that if you wait until you are ready to have a baby, you'll never have one.

All of that being said, NO I'm not pregnant....just thought it was cute that Isaac wants a baby sister :)

Long Time, No Blog.

2009-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am dragging today. Bllllaaaaaaaaaah. I spent the weekend procrastinating on housework and that's exhausting.

Isaac has had a fever the past day or so. He is sooo sweet and cuddly when he doesn't feel good. Breaks my heart when he just lays on me. He tells me that his eyes are leaking. And for some reason he thinks when you are sick, it means you need to be naked. Let me assure you that at my house we don't run around nekkid when we are sick. I think Isaac is so hot that he just wants to be BARE!

I just got off the phone with Brandon and apparently Isaac is already feeling a little better. He's a young whippersnapper though...my dad's been down for 3 weeks now with this crud! Isaac is playing at the park as we speak, er...type...and hopefully the beautiful weather is making him feel better.

Brandon might kill me for telling his story, but....oh well!:)
Isaac has discovered the power of the groin-punch. He's mastered the art of making it look like an accident, too. When daddy makes him mad, he'll run over and sock 'em good. Brandon really has been getting on Isaac about this and Isaac knows better. Last night, Isaac had a meltdown and ran over and just punched Daddy RIGHT where it counts. Brandon found his voice again and hollered at Isaac that was NOT OKAY! Isaac squares up, points his finger at Daddy, and screams, "I AM A MAN!", with a very serious, angry look on his face. I lost it. I was all about backing Daddy in the disciplining when it came to protecting the jewels, but where my son got THAT?!.....baffled me. And to hear that coming out of a 3 year-old's mouth was just....priceless. I had to run in the hallway and hide, I was laughing so hard.

Ahhhhhhh, just a day in the life. :)

Bi-Polar Kansas and Those Who Enjoy It.

2009-03-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Kansas is bi-polar. I've come to realize this after almost 25 years. In the late winter/early spring months, it can go from 30° one day to 80° the next. Brandon's allergies LOVE Kansas.
My work went to a shortened work week and I had a BEAUTIFUL three day weekend with Isaac. It was 75°-80° every day and we took atleast ten walks around the neighborhood. We got to play with the activity table that Grandma and Grandpa got Isaac and it was a blast. It's a sand and water activity table, but somebody had suggested using rice instead of sand. Such a genius idea. It worked out great.
Another perk of Kansas is the lovely dead grass that we get 4 months out of the year. As you can see in picture #2, it creates a lovely background for pictures.
Also in picture #2 you will see a large plastic tub. I would like for you to take a minute to picture mommy filling up that tub with water. You see, I killed the hose. Ran over it several months ago. So there's mommy in the kitchen with a dang 30 gallon tub. I didn't think about how awkward that would be carrying it outside after it was FULL of 30 gallons of water. Duh. Isaac thought mommy splashing those 30 gallons of water all over her was hilarious. Mommy did not. Mommy survived.

Batman vs. The Yogurt

2009-03-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

This 'Yogurt' is not to be confused with our dog, Bella Yogurt. You see, 'The Yogurt' is apparently a bad guy. My son is not Isaac, but BATMAN, the superhero that is sure to save the day. I'm told daddy is the evil villian that is trying to destroy everything. Isaac crushes The Yogurt with his death-ray and dodges defeat by using defensive moves only Batman would know. Batman towers over his enemy as he eliminates him with one final blow.

"Hahahahahahaaaaaa! I got you Yogurt!"

Mommy is very curious as to what an evil villian would do with a name like 'Yogurt' and Brandon and Isaac both break character, looking at me astounded by my question.

Apparently my son thought that Batman's arch nemisis was The Yogurt. Also known to you and I as........"THE JOKER".

Mess with me mommy. I dare you.

Batman and The Yogurt at their final showdown.

I like to think of this as Batman....deep in thought.

There's my sweet boy!

Be Still My Heart.

2009-03-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Imaginary Boats and Lunch Breaks.

2009-03-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

They go together like peanut butter and jelly.

He was the captain of a large freighter in the Pacific. Our journey was long and mommy had a hard time getting her sea legs. We found land (LAAAAAAND HO, MOMMY!) and dropped anchor (he had an AWESOME sound effect for that) - all in a day's lunch break. 'Tis a wonderful adventure, my life.

Oh, look. Isaac acting shocked that mommy is keeping her plants alive. Cute. Real cute.

Getting him to look directly AT the camera is quite a feat....I am just excited the boy's eyes are open.

It's Called Crop Camp, and It's a Beautiful Thing.

2009-03-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

Okay. Some people might think that's crazy to pay for quiet time. These people don't have a crazy three year old and two wild dogs. I mentioned a scrapbooking convention that I went to with my mom, and though I haven't managed to get pictures of my pages up here - I did get a few cute ones of me and my mom!

If you can see in the picture, we are all laughing hysterically. I went with an AWESOME bunch of my mom's friends. Not just friends, but friends she had for almost FORTY years. My mom and Vicki (who is behind me in this picture) have been besties for a very long time. We may or may not be allowed in Cracker Barrel....ever again.

Do you see the absolute MADNESS that surrounds us?! My mom and I were some of the very few that didn't have a conversion van full of stuff. People are so crazy about scrapbooking! We had a very good time and I will be doing it again someday. 'Cuz LORD knows I can't get any scrappin' done at MY house.

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night........

2009-03-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

And this boy LOVES sunglasses.

As Promised.....

2009-03-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

And yes I know I promised them forever ago.

This was taken FOREVER ago, but I just absolutely LOVE this picture of the two of us.

Yay for new glasses!!! Yes, I am blind - try not to focus on the coke bottle lenses. Focus on the adorableness of the frames....

I know this is hard to make out, but it's Isaac being Isaac. He learned from the best. He likes to use my phone to take pictures. We get some interesting ones.

Isaac being a big boy at Dr. Whitfill's office in January. He said he wanted to be brave and sit all by himself. It made mommy want to cry.

The Things That NO One Told Me.

2009-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

I heard so many different things when I was pregnant. This will change my life. Nothing will ever be the same from now on. Once I saw his face, life would make sense. Motherhood will be the most beautiful, inspiring thing you have ever experienced. These 'pearls' have proved themselves to be true over and over again in the last 3 years. There are times (let's be real, I'm a pansy, I do it a lot...) that I look at my son and I cry. I am so proud of who he is and what he does. He's THREE for pete's sake, it's bound to get so much worse. People were right, I never KNEW my heart could know such love. But what about the stuff no one ever told me? There is so much that people forgot...or maybe just wanted me to find out for myself.

1. Parenting is by far the most difficult things I have ever done. Not because I struggle with disciplining Isaac, more due to the fact that I have no SELF discipline. Do you know how HARD it is to put a sobbing child in time out that is screaming, "Does this mean we aren't friends anymore?!"

2. Who in the HELL forgot to tell me that parenting is so friggin' FUNNY?! Here I go with self-discipline again. I simply cannot stop laughing at my son. Yes, he is mouthy, but what he says is the TRUTH! I can't discipline my son for speaking his mind, especially when he does it so honestly. Example #1: I like to crouch down and get on Isaac's level when I talk to Isaac. We have this thing where all I have to do is say 'eyes' and he looks at me. I try not to get in his face, but sometimes when I am trying to talk to him, I am RIGHT THERE. He looks me square in the face and says, "Mom, your face bothers me right now. Please close your mouth and walk away." OF COURSE it angers me, but he isn't saying it hatefully.
Example #2: I got new glasses. Isaac broke my old ones when he was about a year old. The whole side piece broke off and I have been sporting opera style glasses for over two years now. It was far overdue. I asked Isaac if mommy looks nice in her new glasses. He says yes and continues to say sweet things..."you are beautiful, mommy"...."so cute!"......"I love your face with glasses on them!". I don't wear them regularly, just when my eyeballs can't handle 16+ hours a day with contacts plastered to them. Once a week, maybe. Last weekend, I wore them Friday and Saturday. I popped my contacts in when we were running uptown and he says...innocently and very matter-of-factly..."Mom, no glasses look ugly. I got used to your face when it wears glasses."

Let me repeat, he is NOT mean. He is very nice to his friends at school and his teachers have sung his praises many times. It is the pure innocence of his thoughts that amazes me. Brandon and I don't hold back when talking to Isaac. We address him as an adult so maybe we have created this fact-generating child? My fault or not, I do teach him to say things more nicely. BUT....not before turning my head and laughing my chubby little butt off.

Emergency Situation

2009-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Isaac: "Mommy, I really want that train!"
Mommy: "Isaac, that is a train statue. The wheels don't even move. Let's look at something that won't break so easy and one that you can have more fun with."
Isaac: >proceeds to throw fit in the aisle of Hobby Lobby<
Mommy: "C'mon, Isaac, let's go, we're not going to do this right now..."

>Enter crazy old man<

Old man: I have trains like that all over my house. I started collecting 'em about 60 years ago, and they're not for little people. They'll break and not be worth anything.
>he continues to talk for a good 2 minutes about the value of a mass produced balsa wood train<

Isaac: >looks at old man and raises his eyebrows<
Mommy: "Yeah, that's what I was trying to tell him, but you know three year olds...they want what they want when they want it!"
Isaac: >flips open an imaginary cell phone and begins to dial< "I'm calling the police....I don't know you, stranger."
Mommy: >While trying to talk over Isaac so the poor old man is not offended, Mommy makes awkward small talk....all while trying not to laugh hysterically<
Isaac: "Yes, police? I need some assistance here. I've got a situation."
Mommy: "Isaac, let's go. Now."

>We proceed to the checkout line without the train, and I very quickly usher out my sarcastic, and now crying, child.<

Ahhhhhhhhh, the joys of having a witty kid.

Krabby Patties and Appliance Hell.

2009-02-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend at a scrapbooking ''convention". It's the first time since Isaac was born that I was away for two nights! It was only in Wichita, but I missed the boys SO much. They drove up on Sunday to eat breakfast with me, so I tried to get my Isaac lovin's in that hour. I got some great scrapbook pages done and really enjoyed spending some time with my momma.

Isaac discovered that Wal-Mart has gummy Krabby Patties. This is apparently the GREATEST creation in the world to three year old little boys. He collects all the change he finds and when he walks into Wal-Mart, he runs STRAIGHT to the candy aisle and grabs 2 boxes. Somehow the little guy knows how many boxes he can get with what money he has. Daddy and I have had to ration his Krabby Patty intake. Isn't that hilarious? We have never had to worry too much about him eating too much candy. He loves it, but he loves green beans, peas, carrots, oatmeal, cheese and yogurt WAY too much to get full on candy. We got very lucky with a son that loves healthy food.

Brandon and I were under the house working on some duct work and waterpipes while my dad was watching Isaac in the living room. I heard Isaac's little voice holler down, "Have you reached the center of the Earth yet?!"

It's been a year full of appliance deaths. Last March our washer died. No warning, no final hoorah, just DIED. In November, our water heater blew up. In January, our fridge light went out and we thought it was just the light. Turns out it was the whole stinkin' electrical panel. It gradually quit cooling and I have to admit, I was NOT sad. Yes, NO ONE wants to have to buy a new fridge, but our fridge was AWFUL. We got the deal of the century on a new fridge and paid HALF what we thought we would. If an appliance is going to die, dying when there is lots of clearance model fridges at Sears is the time to do it!

I'm hoping to put some photos of my scrapbook pages up here for everyone to admire:)

The Thinker.

2009-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Isaac is learning "Big B, Little B, What begins with B?" this week. He's also trying to find as many hearts as he can when he is out of school. So far, everything looks like a heart - his skittles on the table, the bubbles in the shower, rocks, the list goes on and on.

Isaac and I were busy little bees all weekend. Our refridgerator went out and he was helping mommy at Sears. He put his finger on his chin like he was thinking and told me that he thinks we better go with one that gets really cold...because he only likes cold milk. He really enjoys being mom's helper and is so much fun when we are out and about. People get such a kick out of him and his sense of humor. He is very witty and never fails to ask questions....about everything. We love it and try to answer the best we can..."Mom, why does ice cream melt?". Like I said, we try to answer the best we can, but there are times that Brandon and I look at each other and are just plain stumped. High school chemistry escapes me and I have no easy answer.

Letter from the Editor.

2009-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Isaac would like me to point out that this is his page. He doesn't like the dots, but does not see any other layout that he likes. He shrugs his shoulders and says 'I guess dots will be okay...', all while rolling his eyes and pretending to be disappointed. He's a riot!

School was called off today due to icy roads, so Isaac and daddy got to spend all morning hanging out. It's very apparent by the train set, race cars and monster trucks strewn all over the living room floor. I'm sure it was totally worth the mess:)

He is really into grapes and yogurt right now, so it's been fun shopping with him. Teaching him fruit names is hysterical. Have you ever heard a 3 year old say 'papaya'? It's hilarious and adorable all rolled into one.

We went back to the opthamologist last week. We really like our old doctor, Dr. Eisenbaum and were reallly bummed to hear he was moving. The new doctor is actually the old doctor before we got Eisenbaum. Dr. Whitfill is nice, but just wasn't thorough and really left me with no answers. This appointment went SO much better and things look good. I got a really cute picture of him sitting in that big eye doctor chair and he looks like such a big boy. I'll try and get that up here tomorrow. No eye surgery, and if the next two appointments go well (one every six months), Isaac will only have to come back once a year. His ptosis has not gotten any worse, and if you ask Brandon or me, it seems to be less frequent. We only see his eyelid droop when he's tired. He's beautiful and perfect, and God made him pretty spectacular.

We're now lying in bed, waiting for Brandon to get off of work. Isaac is on this 'wait-for-daddy-all-night-even-past-my-bedtime' kick. He thinks it's okay because he hugs me and tells me, "Mom, you make me happy"....and it works, so.....whatever. He stays up late. :)

Isaac wants me to tell you guys 'i luv you fam-ba-lee'. When I can figure out audio, you will actually be able to hear that and it will be even cuter.

For now, here's some adorable pictures of the little man on Halloween...simply because they were the first pictures I came across when looking.

Quote of the Day

2009-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

I am pitifully yelping from the living room. Isaac comes running in, shedding his towel from the shower, and yells, "I am here now, what seems to be the problem?!". He has his hands on his hips like a superhero and his face is dead serious. I proceed to tell him that his daddy is snapping mommy with a towel, and Isaac shakes his head and says...

"That's just crazy talk, mom. Just crazy talk."

I don't know when my child began speaking like an adult, but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
So far...

And my heart is SINGING!!!

2009-01-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

Five minutes before these pictures started, Isaac decided to go CRAZY and throw fits. We were a little worried that it wouldn't work out, but as soon as we saw Austin's farm, Isaac's face lit up and he was a happy boy. Alisha and Dac with On The Wall Photography did a beautiful job. These pictures are truly amazing and they captured my family perfectly. I can't thank them enough!!! Well, except for booking them for every possible future event I can think of!:)

I know this layout is not exactly what I had planned, but it will work. If you click on the thumbnail, it will go to another screen with a bigger pictures. Just click the back arrow to get back to the main screen. Let me know what pictures you want - we will be getting a list together for Dac and Alisha later this week.