New Blog Site

Sorry to make you update your info on us, but we are changing our blog address.

Come and read about our incredible lives at:

http://templemansoverexposed.blogspot.com/

See you there!

The {City} Pumpkin Patch

It's that time of year again . . .



A few years ago I went to a farm and had the boys dress in costume and pick out their pumpkins in the patch.


It was pretty crazy. Jayden was 3 and Jackson was 1. I found myself lugging Jackson (with 6 extra spider legs) and a heavy camera around on a tractor ride and through the pumpkin patch. That was hard enough on its own . . . but trying to juggle two fair sized pumpkins as well . . . that was tough!


This year, I wanted a similar shot, but with much less work. (And since the farm now charges $8pp entrance and about $20/pumpkin, I wanted it a bit cheaper too.)


So, we went pumpkin picking like city folk.


We went to a local garden centre and picked from their oodles of huge pumpkins for half the farm price.


We had a great time. There were so many to choose from, and they were all pretty large.

We searched high, and we searched low. We looked for pumpkins with nice smooth fronts, and of course I looked for three varying sizes that would look good grouped together on my porch.

In the end, we walked away with a "small", "large", and "extra large" and a lot of bickering between the bat and the monkey (aka: Jayden and Jackson) as to who got to carve which pumpkin.

Personally, I wouldn't want to carve any of them! They are all huge. But the massive one (and I do mean massive--like 60 lbs worth, no joke) the boys have claimed stake on. I still don't know if we will really carve it. That's a whole lot of pumpkin guts to scoop!

Our massive pumpkin on the cart.

The little bat looking for the right pumpkin victim.

Why I Love Jackson's Preschool

In one 2.5 hour class, they did two worksheets: the letter "O" and the number "2",



made an "octopus",



and made a pet rock. (Jackson named him "Mr. Knuckle.")




They do such a great job there--all for $8/hr. And Jackson loves it.



When he walks in, he enthousiastically calls out,



"Hi Guys, I'm here!"



And then he wiggles his way in to where ever the rest of the group are sitting and joins them. (Okay, sometimes he just takes their stuff, but that's kind of joining them at this age.)



Yesterday he sat down and asked who knew how to say, "Au rawr" (aka: Au Revoir en francais). Apparently, they have a French part to their preschool. I think it is supposed to be only for morning students, but it must be seeping into the afternoon because Jackson comes home with new French vocab almost daily.

I've Been Tagged . . .

Never have been tagged before, but here goes. (Thanks, Meri.)



8 TV shows I love to watch:

The Office

Grey's Anatomy

American Idol

So You Think You Can Dance

CNN

Saturday Night Live



(Do movies count?)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Count of Monte Cristo





8 places I love to eat:

Cafe Rio (when in Utah)

Olive Garden (When in Buffalo)

Old Pancake House (When in Michigan)

Jack Astors (at home)

Canyon Creek Steakhouse

Bistro 77

Greentree Marche

Macaroni Grill (When in the States)



8 things that happened yesterday:

How about 8 things that happened since Friday?

Worked out at the gym

Went and looked at some houses

Out to dinner with Brad's employers

Lounged around Sat am

Went to a tennis lesson with Jayden

Made breakfast for dinner

Went to bed early

Church Sunday morning



8 things I look forward to (in no particular order):

Time with Brad

New seasons

Long Weekends

Tennis lessons

Skiing

Christmas

Vacations

Buying a house and settling down somewhere . . .



8 things I love about fall:

The colours of the leaves

The crisp air

THANKSGIVING--turkey, pie!

Back to school buzz

Sweaters

Apples

Halloween costumes

Pumpkins



8 things on my wish list:

Only 8???

Nikon SB 800

A house ;)

Black ski pants

Subscriptions to Vanity Fair and Rangefinder

New Jeans

Cuisinart Brick Oven

Some new cartilige for my knees ;)

Le Cruset 5.5 qt dutch oven in lemongrass . . . Anyone taking hints for Christmas??



8 people I'm tagging:

Mark

Tricia

Jasmin

Heather B.

Paige

Lauren

Shelley

Heather M.

Boris and Bella

If you are looking for a great Halloween book for kids, look no further!

I came across this one at my favourite store (PBK, of course!) and didn't have a chance to read it. I searched online to find better pricing (amazon.com $12 hardcover, Borders: $6 paperback, and amazon.ca $13 hardcover, with 1-3 months ship time), but then walked through PBK the other day and it was on sale.

I snatched it up and let me tell you . . . I was not disappointed in the least.

Very cute. Very sweet. The illustrations are just grusome enough for kids. And the story line will lend itself so well for our Halloween Party--or any Halloween party for that matter!

Pick up a copy for yourself before they sell out so you can enjoy it this year!

Break-Neck Speed

I like to live in the fast lane.



I am always impatient to get to my destination. Once there, I look around for a few minutes, and then I am on to something new. A newer, better, more interesting place.



But life for me is starting to break the sound barrier, it seems.



I don't understand how I was barely done "back to school" shopping in August (well before school was starting), and then somehow missed the sale (let alone first crop) of Halloween costumes the first week of September.



Next thing I knew, Christmas decorations were floating around amidst Thanksgiving decor. (And it wasn't just Costco--they seem to be thinking of Christmas in July.)



Perhaps I could try to ignore all the commercial signals that speed life up, but still, my life seems to move at mach 2 and keeps getting faster. All the busyness, the running around that I do on a daily basis . . . sprinting to school, running errands for 2.5 hours and then sprinting back . . . and popping in the house for a bite for lunch and then shuttling the kids somewhere else . . . Well, time flys by at break-neck speeds already.



When does it slow down?



I'm sure life gets a bit slower at 60, but I'd really like to savour the moments I live in right now.



Like sitting at the table, dunking cookies into milk and chatting with my kids about their day.



Or taking the afternoon off to go to a pumpkin patch and hand pick out our own pumpkins.



Or just being a little more relaxed and able to be more patient when someone can't run out the door without tucking each new bug into their proper "bug bed"--in the garden, I hope.



How do you slow life down?

Creepy Crawlies

Well, it was inevitable.

Afterall, we have two boys.

In a row.

The love affair with bugs was bound to start some day.

I think this one started back in June when they decided to go skinny dipping with grubs.

Later this past summer, I discovered left over dinner and dessert remnants under Jackson's bed. Why? To feed his pet beetle.

This was disturbing enough, until he introduced me to his "friend" . . . a dead, dried up potato bug.

Later, Jayden discovered his inner scientist and began mutilating any and every bug he could find.

Today . . . I caught them smuggling, into my house, a pocket full of worms and an old bubble bottle of about a dozen creepy crawlies.

I tried to convince them that bugs belonged outside and needed to stay there. I even tried to scare them into leaving them outside, saying, "If you bring those bugs in they will crawl out of the bottle and crawl into your ears."

But I was still met with tears and a screaming match.

"I need my bugs!" "If they can't come in, then I won't stay in." "It's too cold for them outside."

(Roll eyes.)

I think I got them all out. But I really can't ever be sure what they might have smuggled in when my back was turned. (Shudder.)

Judging

On my walk to school the other day I followed behind two young men, probably in grade 8 or so, who were dressed "with the times."

They were approaching three of their friends, one of whom was a minority . . . and in this area, very probably from a recent immigrant family.

I overheard their conversation as they looked upon their "friend" commenting on his new look, which seemed to mimic theirs.

They chuckled and ridiculed him about how odd he looked with an over sized sweat shirt and long jeans, saying that he looked like a man on top but a girl on the bottom.

I had several thoughts run through my mind.

First off, I am normally discusted with people who change their identity just to please someone else. However, I am always cheering on the person who is trying something new and trying to find their identity. I chose the latter road this day.

Secondly, I thought about myself and our society and about just how quickly we are to judge, and judge harshly.

How many people are out in the world, desperate for some approval or a little nod of encouragement from us? And how easy it is for us to bite our tongue, smile, and perhaps offer those few encouraging words?

I Broke Down . . .

After three years of head banging, several reports of teachers who find him to be longer lasting than the energizing bunny, and a gymnastic instructor's complaint that he can't be disciplined . . .
I bought this book:

*photo curteousy of Amazon.com

I feel a bit like a failure buying this book, but at the same time, reading it has really helped. I have only started it but have been able to put into practice the first few chapters of new tools.

The labels section really helped. Each day I try to see Jackson in a more positive light. He is not stubborn, but determined; not troublemaking, but curious and creative; not over emotional, but passionate . . . the list goes on.

In addition, I have tried harder at seeing things from his view. Instead of ripping him away from staring at the pebble on the ground because we are late, and then getting into a huge screaming match that makes us even more tardy . . . I now take a few moments to acknowledge how interesting the pebble is and go quickly on our way.

And do you know something surprising?? Life has become much more enriching! I never realized how many specks there are on pebbles. ;)

Do you know the most surprising part of this whole "Spirited Child" program? In the book there is a quiz on traits expressed by spirited children. There is also a quiz on traits expressed by spirited adults . . . and somehow, I scored higher. :0

That may come as no surprise to most of you, but it sure surprised me.

At any rate, if you find yourself at wits end with your incredibly energetic and "curious, creative, determined" child, you may enjoy reading this book. I know it has made a huge improvement in our communication, outlook, and has even improved behavior issues . . . on both sides.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

It's hard to believe that my baby is one.

I worked so hard, dragging my feet, doing everything in my power to keep her small and baby-like. (It's funny that I would feel that way, since with Jayden I just couldn't wait for him to start growing up the minute he came out of the womb.)

Maybe it's because she is number three and I have wised up about just how quickly that first year really goes. Maybe it's because she has been an absolute dream. Maybe it's because she is our little girl.

At any rate, here she is, one whole year today. And, I am finally at peace that she can no longer be called "a baby." The exciting milestone of walking last month has really helped, I think.

Instead of reflecting on a year of firsts that will never come again for her, I can focus more on the lifetime of firsts ahead. And just how exciting those will be!

When I think back to this past year, I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it.

Those first few nights when she was only days old I would lay her beside me in bed and she would just stare at me and smile. (Yes, smile, no it wasn't gas.)

All the late night feedings. I really didn't mind.

She was a pleasure to cart around on errands, to dinners and movies, and even to Europe. Her sunny personality was a true delight.

Even sitting in the hospital for five days when she was a month old. Though it was painfully boring and hard to be away from the boys, it was so nice to have five whole days of one-on-one time with my baby.

Avery has been such a breath of fresh air for us. I can't begin to expain how much fun I had breaking out "pink" for the nursery, or gathering cute little dresses and girly outfits. Or how just having a female temperment has been delightful in our house. A great way to balance all our boys.

We are so lucky to have her as part of our family.

Happy Birthday, Avery!

A Recount

"This may be the first time in US history where the winner of the election asks for a recount."

I can't take credit for that quote, I heard it on one of the CNN commentaries. Unfortunately, I can't remember which one.

But, I think it might be true.

What a mess the next president gets to tackle head on.

And then there is the Bailout Bill . . . that has passed the senate at $850 billion. I've tried to do a bit of research on this bill and the implications it has for the US, and subsequently the rest of the world. Unforutnately, my studies in microbiology and chemistry left little time to study economics in depth, so I have a handicap. I'm not sure it would make a difference though since all the experts in economics can't agree on whether this is a good idea or not.

I think I would have to lean towards not passing the bill though. It seems like they would postponing the inevitable, and possibly make whatever is coming our way far worse. The longer we put off a recession, the more likely we'll be faced with a depression. It might be better to rip the band-aid off quickly and deal with the pain.

And on the other hand, I feel like it is somewhat noble to at least try to fix the economy rather than just go like a lamb to the slaughter.

I am just so glad that I am not faced with having to make this decision and taking responsibility for it.

The real problem though is looking to who will take over the presidency. Every election there always seems to be some grumbling about how "unfit" the candidates are to lead the country. Both Obama and McCain have their flaws. But have you seen Palin's interview with Katie Couric??? It is down right terrifying.

Check it out here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml

Ican't imagine a more terrifying situation for the American people: having a really old president in a stressful, cardiac-arresting economic crisis, and a VP who thinks that being geographically close to Russia and Canada makes her a good foreign relations negotiator.

Is it too late to re-do the Republican and Democratic primaries? Where is Mitt Romny when you need him?

A lot of you may be wondering why this Canadian is taking such a deep interest in American economics and politics . . . especially when we are having our own election in two weeks and sadly, I haven't really studied anything about our own candidates.

Well, American politics are far more interesting, even if they are scary. (See Palin's interview. Even SNL's spoof on it made Palin sound more intelligent.) Secondly, we have an expression up here: "When the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold." What ever happens in the US will come up to Canada and hit us even harder.

That's pretty scary given the doom and gloom predictions for the States right now.

However, there was an economist interviewed on CNN last night who was asked about the accuracy of leading economists in predicting recessions/depressions. He said, "Economists have predicted 9 of the last 5 recessions." (Meaning, they always predict the worst and it doesn't always work out that way.)

Here's to hoping that things won't unfold as badly as they are predicting.

700 Billion Bail Out

If any one is in the dark about this bill, check out the link below. It's a summary of the bill.

http://media.npr.org/documents/2008/sep/bailout/economic_act_summary.pdf

For an analysis, click here
http://media.npr.org/documents/2008/sep/bailout/economic_act_analysis.pdf

For the whole 110 pages, click here
http://media.npr.org/documents/2008/sep/bailout/economic_act_draft.pdf

And for a (hopefully) unbiased review of the pros and cons, see
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/3087027/Financial-crisis-Good-points-and-bad-points-of-US-bail-out.html
and
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/29/miron.bailout/index.html

I Am So Popular

I am popular.


So, very popular.


People are always ringing my door bell, wanting to talk to me.


Others are calling me constantly. In fact, I get at least three calls a day by someone with a broken English accent asking for who I can only assume is "Meester or Meeses Tem-Templetonne."


Perhaps I would enjoy my popularity if it wasn't always in regards to getting my eaves or ducts cleaned, saving so much percentage on my phone bill or credit cards, or whether I am interested in moving and need the services of a realtor.


And the visitors who come to my door just might be more appreciated if they weren't carrying "The Watch Tower" magazine and giving me a sermon about how important families are when I have a screaming baby in my arms, a car load of groceries in the car, a dog running out the door and two boys jumping on my furniture.


Yes, I am popular. But only to solicitors.


It's to the point where I shudder to answer the phone. As soon as I say "Hello?" and hear that pause, I know what is coming.


"May I speak with Meester or Messes?"


"No. We're not interested."

"You have been selected to receive . . . "


Click.


My favourite visit though was by an energy salesman who asked as I opened the door carrying my baby on my hip,


"Hello, is your mother here?"


"No, I'm sorry she lives in Calgary. What do you need her for?"


Is it just me, or do I have an over-abundance of solicitors trying to get my business? It's quite ridiculous.

For My American Friends . . .

Actually, I stole this from Heather's blog, but I thought it was a great tool. Any of you Americans who are still on the fence for the upcoming election, or want to make sure you are voting for the candidate who will (try) to meet your needs, check it out.

www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com

I wish they had one of these for Canadians! With all our millions of parties and slightly different platforms . . . (okay, small exaggeration), it would really come in handy.

Avery, Sugar with Extra Spice

She started out sweet.

And perfect.

A mini version of Jayden.

We thought we had it made . . . and we did. She still is sweet, and usually perfect.

However, she has shown us that she has more of Jackson in her personality wise than Jayden.

She loves to find adventure. Loves to tempt danger.

Loves to play with the toilet. And loves to eat things like rocks, bark, crayons . . . but especially pastels. (I've had to throw out all of Jayden's art supplies.)

And now she has a fascination with shoes. Absolutely loves them. She will even bring them to us and ask us (in her own little language) to put them on her. She won't stop until we finally oblige.

If only I could get her to stop throwing things into the toilet! I've found magnets, toy cubes, pens, whatever she can find.

Jackson . . . There's Always a New Story

Sigh.

Chuckle.

What do I do with my sweet little tazmanian devil?

We were passing through the check out line in the grocery store the other day and the clerk looked over at him and said,

"Your boy looks like he's a sweet little guy, but I can tell that he gives you a run for your money."

"How can you tell?" I asked.

"By the twinkle in his eye."

Twinkle? I think that is more like a "spark" or a grand display of fireworks to rival Bejing's Olympic display.

He is such a sweet little guy though. I just don't have the energy or patience to keep up with him.

Fortunately, we've been able to put him into preschool and gymnastics. He loves both and is doing extremely well in both classes.

Gymnastics does wear him out while he is in the class, but it gets him all fired up to try things at home afterwards. It has kind of backfired. Instead of giving him an outlet for his cartwheels, headstands, and jumping, it has given him new ideas of what to do on my furniture!

He is "Mr. Popularity" in the preschool class, naturally. Every day he greets the class with a cheerful,

"Hi you guys! I'm here!"

Today his teacher was beaming about how well he did on his letter writing.

I'm just so tickled that she was beaming . . . and not steaming because he did something awful . . . like break something.

The other day we were traveling in our car and Brad snuck some fuzzy peaches. Jackson, who was sitting in the back called up,

"Hey, what are you eating? Is it candy?"

"No, Jackson. We only have carrots up here."

"It doesn't smell like carrots. I smell candy! I want some."

Seriously, I think this kid has some super duper smelling ability! That must be why he finds all the wrapped and hidden food in our house.

Today I took the kids to the park to take some fall photos on one of the last beautiful days. Do you think he could stay out of the mud puddles long enough for some shots? Absolutely not! His shoes were a write-off, and the back of his pants had mud all up the bum.

And yesterday, we were at the mall and I stopped to look at a lotion store. He picked up a large (expensive) bottle of body lotion and Jayden tried to take it away . . . then CRASH.

Shattered. All over the floor.

He is sweet, and cute, but usually only at 8:30pm when he is silently sleeping away.

Current favourite passtimes: stealing food from the fridge, anything that Jayden does or likes, gymanstics and preschool.

Jayden, the Sweetheart

Warning: Mother Bragging--but I just wanted to write this down for our family journal, so skip it if you are getting a little queasy.

I went to pick Jayden up from school the other day and his supply teacher greeted me at the gate.

She asked if she could keep him and take him home with her, she just loved him so much. Apparently, she was so impressed with him that she felt the need to tell me about how above average he was in every respect: scholastic ability, politeness, speaking, thinking, etc. She said that she has been a teacher for 36 years and has never seen a boy stand out as much as he does.

Of course, we already know all of this! ;) Seriously, he could sing the alphabet, say the phonics, and a word or two for each letter before he was 2. But it is nice to hear coming from a stranger who has been around kids for so long.

Currently, he is enjoying school. I am doing reading lessons with him at home (when I can find some quiet time with just the two of us) and he is doing great with that.

We attend tennis lessons together--he goes in the 5-6 year old class and I am in the adult class. It's pretty fun and the time we spend together in the car is nice too. Last week he was pretty cute. We didn't think his class started until 3:30 so he sat on the sidelines of my class, watching and practicing his "air swing." Really adorable.

His interests are still in cars and drawing cars. He is starting to get really interested in stuffed animals and taking care of them, like he would a child. (They need naps, baths, dinner, etc.)

And lately, he has been a great babysitter for Avery so I can get a few things done around the house.

He is such a sweetie and we are so lucky to have him!

Okay, you can gag now!

"Zhouzzz"

Should we be concerned?

Avery's first word was "bah" (or ball), and her second word was "Zhouzzz" (or shoes).

First of all, will Cinderella ever get enough of her shoes? And secondly, I am beginning to feel a little hurt that "mama" and "dada" aren't even on the list yet!

But in all honesty, I really don't blame her. She has always had the cutest shoes since she was born. I'll post pics of the other two sets later.

Here are her current "Zhouzzz."

Her second pair of shoes. I should have taken a picture when they were new and still had their label filled in with rhinestones on the buckle.

To Starve, or Not to Starve

What do you do when your preschooler refuses to eat anything that isn't candy-coated or out of a cereal box. (And I mean right out, without milk.)

Last night I made chicken pot pie. Jackson refused to eat it. Any of it. My current rule is that you can choose not to eat one thing on your plate at any given meal, but you need an extra helping of something else (usually a vegetable).

Jackson refused anything. And the only things on the table last night were the pie and salad.

It might not have been so bad except that he refused to eat lunch earlier that day even though HE chose hotdogs.

Instead, he went off to bed . . . until he snuck out later to steal some cookies.

What fun I had scraping them out of his mouth so he didn't get to enjoy them.

This morning he awoke to chicken pot pie and salad. Obviously, this is not what he had in mind. After hearing him scream and whine about it--even with a bribe of a chocolate chip eggo, I finally tried to force feed him. You would have thought I had put him in a torture chamber that was ripping his body apart.

When I did get something in his mouth, he began dry-heaving and threw up all over the floor.

So now we are at a stand-still.

Do I starve him all day, or give in and put something in his tummy?

I'll tell you, preschool isn't coming early enough today!

Family Albums

Nothing takes more time than putting together an album.

Especially a yearly "history" that I do each October. (I always do them in October because that is when mypublisher offers a 50% discount.)

Sometimes it seems like a bit of a waste of time. Okay, a big waste of time as I am probably the only one who cares. Certainly I would be the only one to notice if it was perfect or missed the mark, but it doesn't stop me from aggonizing over every tiny detail.

But this morning I came downstairs to find my two little boys looking through last year's album and our Europe album. They were thrilled to see photos of themselves when they were little. And when Avery was "a baby."

Jayden was amazed that we actually saw the Eiffel Tower. The whole thing too.

It was at that moment that I felt all my time and energy was worth while. It gives me extra motivation to undergo that long process.

And not a moment too soon since I am beginning work on our 2008 album.

First Day of Preschool

Somebody had their first day of school today.

It was bitter-sweet. Not because I was sad to see my little boy "grow up." He is only three after all. Still very little to me.

But, I feel somewhat guilty for sending him away. Like I should be able to take care of his needs at this young age. How can I turn my baby into someone else's care and miss out on all those wonderful moments?

Of course, my moments with him aren't always wonderful. They do make for good stories later on, but when you can no longer give your actual identity to poison control, well, you've got a handful.

Gymnastics was fun, but it wasn't enough to wear him out completely.

In the evenings I sit down to do reading lessons with Jayden and much less involved "preschool" workbook/lesson for Jackson--both simultaneously while watching Avery and keeping her from ripping either book. With very little help, Jackson would tear through each lesson. And he still wanted more.

More lessons, more worksheets, more.

This little busy-body is just too bored.

I must admit, I am relieved that it is boredom and not ADHA. But unless I can find about a million times more energy to keep up with him, Jayden, Avery, the house, and photography . . . I will have to accept the fact that preschool will be very good for him.

And after today, it seems as though it will be very good for us all.

Jackson went in without a problem. In fact, three of the ladies who work there had to physically help him turn to us and say "good bye." When I picked him up they said that it was as if he had been there forever. He had no problems.

Jackson came home with his art projects and worksheets, beaming with pride and told us snippets of what he had done. (The rest was apparently "classified" information that we couldn't hear about.)

And I must admit, it was nice to have a bit of peace and quiet in the afternoon, spending time with Jayden and getting things done. When the boys did reunite, they played together famously and didn't fight at all.

When bedtime came, I heard Jackson mumbling, "I big boy. I go to preschool. No Jayden, it's my preschool. I'm big. . . . " as he drifted off to sleep.

It was fabulous.

But a little sad too because, in spite of what I tell myself, I think he grew up just a little.

When A Mom Gets Tired of Headstands on Couches . . .

. . . she signs her able-bodied preschooler up for gymnastics.

I had to do something. He was driving me nuts.

(Sorry for the poor photos. The gym was dark, he was far away, I didn't have a flash, was using a point and shoot and had Avery wiggling in my arms while I was trying to shoot a moving target.)

Boys are notoriously busy. They don't walk like girls would. They bounce, leap, climb, and swing instead.

But this little boy was a few steps above that even.

He was doing cartwheels, headstands, and front rolls both on and off of the couch. He was jumping off half walls, trying out new twists and turns in the air.

I knew I had to get him busily involved in something outside of the house.

Something that would suck his energy up and leave an almost-limp boy in its wake.

Judo, I thought, might promote more martial arts fighting between the boys. Swimming was a big NO when I thought of cold temperatures, soggy boys who both needed help changing in a gross change room while I juggled Avery in my arms. All for a measely 30 minutes. Absolutely not.

So, gymnastics it was.

The program seems great. There is only one other child in his class so he gets semi-private lessons . . . and even more time to be running and exerting energy for that full hour.

I knew he was in the right place when they did suicides for a warm up.

Ahhhh. I had some marvellous visions of Jackson sprawled out, unconcious on the couch for an afternoon nap. I could get things done without wondering if I needed to worry about laundry detergent being used to wash his stuffed animals in bed. I didn't need to worry about calling poison control. (By the way, am I the only one who has a 24 hour hotline for poison control in their personal--friends and family--phone directory??) An afternoon of not breaking up fights between the boys.

My dream looked even more like a reality when I watched him going through his rotations with less and less energy. His little legs went up lower and lower in the air on every headstand.

By the time he got to the tramp circuit he could only do 3 runs of jumps, seated landings, and "gymnast crawls" before he just gave up and started walking it. Not even the thrill of jumping could entice him to move his body to jump anymore.

(Of course, he somehow found more energy for the afternoon and forewent the nap.)

But he did absolutely LOVE gymnastics. And I am glad that he has something fun to do. Something all to himself, that Jayden doesn't do.

And maybe (I mean, hopefully) the program will get so energy intensive that my dreams will come true too.

Cover Shot

Guess who's photography will be featured on the cover of a magazine??

Yup!

Okay, so it is only a magazine for a private school. But still . . . it will be sent out to 2000 of the most influential, wealthy families in the area!

The wedding that I recently shot was held at this private school. I have done a lot of shooting for this school, so I already have work being published in it. But then they called me to send in a few shots so they could do a double page spread of the wedding.

I sent them to my "Sneak Peaks" to get an idea of which types of shots they wanted and they really liked what they saw. So, they asked for more and told me that they will be using one for the featured cover shot!!

Unfortunately, it will come out in November, just missing holiday portrait season. But I guess exposure is exposure and maybe some of the alumni will be planning weddings for next summer?

I Can Fly, I Can Fly, I Can Fly

Our two boys have been taking a keen interest in practicing their "flying." Not that they ever walked anywhere. Or sat still. They always seemed to be climbing, jumping, leaping or running to get anywhere.

But now they fly.

The other day I caught Jayden in the backyard climbing up the fence with a plastic shopping bag secured over each arm, like a parachute. He was practicing to fly.

I catch Jackson almost hourly standing on our half wall in the living room, swan diving onto the couch. Again, practicing his flying skills.

Nightly, I argue with them to just go to sleep, but instead they stare out their window, trying to stay up all night for just a glimpse.

A glimpse of what??

Peter Pan, of course!

Brad found the old classic movie and oddly enough they have been watching it over and over and over. (Usually those old classics just don't cut it for them and they are out of there in under 10 minutes.)

But I think it needs to stop.

First of all, I can foresee several broken bones coming their way before they realize that they absolutely need their special fairy dust to fly.

And, the plain fact that when they aren't Peter Pan or Lost Boys wanabes, they are pirates. Pirates who are up to no good.

Pirates who not only make Mr. Polar Bear and Big Dog walk the plank . . . but also subject innocent bystanders like Guillermo and Avery to do the same.

Poor things! (Guillermo and Avery, that is.)

So, while I am grateful that an old classic has finally held my boys' attention, and that they could be stirred to such extensive imaginative play, I am afraid Peter Pan will have to be laid to rest in our home.

At least until Avery can fend for herself and we move into one of those air-filled, bouncey houses.

And He Looked Up At Me and Said,

"Mom, I need a napkin."



Slightly an understatement in my opinion. A huge understatement.


Never mind that he already had a napkin . . . and it was virtually spotless.

Obsessions

Yes, our family knows about obsessions.

Take Brad, for instance. As soon as he hears the word "tennis", he is completely out of commission for anything that doesn't require a racquet and ball. Don't even think of having a conversation for about three hours after he has heard that word.

My brother jokes about my fettish for Pottery Barn anythings. He quips: "If it isn't Pottery Barn, it's not for Mel."

That's quite a strong accusation.

But shamefully, it appears true.

Our kids are no different when it comes to obsessions.

Jayden is obsessed with cars and art. And drawing cars. He has had it since he was two and it doesn't look like it is going away.

Jackson is obsessed with food. Okay, junk food--candy, chips, anything sugar or unhealthy. And he can sniff it out of the best hiding places like a police dog. Seriously, you can't hide anything sugary from him.

So, now an obsession has appeared with Avery.

Along with a new word.

Her first word.

"Bahh!!"

(I think Brad is secretly relieved that it isn't Pottery Barn or credit card.)

Anything round needs to be in her hand. Guillermo is no match for Avery's demands either.

In fact, she has a special ball that she must hold at all times. Even while eating, crawling, sleeping, and while holding or trying to obtain another ball.

Obsessed? Perhaps we are. I prefer to think of it as "passionate" though.

First Day of School

Last week Jayden had his first day of senior kindergarten.

He was excited. At first he told me he wouldn't miss me at all. He must have sensed my disappointment so he added, "Okay, I think I might miss you a little bit."

On the morning walk to school, he told Jackson that he could come too, if he would follow all the rules like putting your indoor shoes on and hanging your bag on the hook.

The poor little guy was just so excited to go with his big brother.

When we arrived, Jackson walked right up to the gate with Jayden. He would have made it in if I hadn't grabbed him at the last second.

"I want to go to school with Jayden!"

"I know you do, but you can't. You're not allowed in there."

"But I'm big enough!"

"You might be, but you're not old enough yet."

I dragged him away, kicking and screaming. I could see that trying to use logic with him wasn't going to get me anywhere but a nuclear meltdown. So, I used the "distraction" technique.

"Why don't we go home, I'll pop some popcorn and we can watch "Peter Pan"?"

A quick moment of thought.

"Okay."

Whew! That was close.

Summer 2008

It's hard to believe that our summer has finally ended.

In some ways, I don't feel as though we did anything spectacular.

And, we really didn't. (Except for Europe, but that was technically in Spring.)

Brad started working just about as soon as he had his diploma in his hand. That meant that any family vacation time--outside of Templeman Cottage Week--was out of the picture.

But we did carve out a few days of the summer for fun around home.

We bought a season's pass to the local amusement park and had many great days there. There is something to be said about having a season's pass. It seems like kids don't make it for longer than 2 hours and it was really nice to be able to leave when we needed to--guilt free.

Some of our memorable moments:

Seeing the difference between the boys in terms of how they viewed rides. Jayden liked the "safer rides" and of course loved "Bumper Cars." However, he was such a cautious driver that he would wait, swerve, or avoid any other cars coming in his direction. We usually found him driving around the outside of the track, always looking around for other drivers.

Jackson, however, will not be getting his driver's licence until he is at least 21. He would look around for other drivers, and then put the pedal to the metal and ram into them as hard as possible. When he recovered from the crash, he would look around again for someone else to bash into. When the ride was over, he would stand up triumphant in his car and point at everyone else, yelling, "I won you! I won you! You lost."

When it came to roller coasters, it was much of the same. We took Jayden on his first "big" roller coaster and he went white. He decided that five was too young to go on such a scary ride.

Jackson, we had to sneak on because he was just under the height restriction. Naturally, he loved it. And wanted to ride it again, and again, and again. Not only that, but he started pointing out to the adult roller coasters and begged us to take him on them. As we left the park, they had a three-person bungee ride and I had to take him out kicking and screaming, "I want to go on that ride!!"

The most ironic moment of the amusement park? One day we were on our way out and the boys wanted to play a game. We picked one that said "winner every time" in the kiddie section.

It had a 4x4 blue game board with holes every 6 inches, just large enough for a ball to sit in it, without falling through. In each of the four corners was a small pink triangle. To play, you got three balls to throw onto the game board. If your ball landed in the blue, you got a tiny little hacky sac, but if it landed in the pink (which was really hard) you got a large stuffed dog.

So, we bought three balls. Jayden went first and landed in the blue. Jackson went next. It landed on the blue, but then kept going, rolling all the way around the game board until finally, it landed right smack in the middle of a pink triangle. Our little boy who walks into walls, spills every single drink, and drops just about anything he holds . . . won without breaking a sweat.

Brad finished off the game, thinking it was going to be easy to repeat Jackson's win.

Unsuccessful, we ended up buying another three balls for him and Jayden to try to win another dog. Again, all three balls landed in blue. The game keeper started to feel bad for giving Jayden a little hacky sac when his little brother had this big, cool dog so she asked if he would like to switch his prize for another dog.

So very nice.

Cottage highlights of the summer included:

The kids playing with their cousins on Grandma and Grandpa's beach. They loved to splash around in the water, testing out the new skills they learned at swimming camp. We also put on a pirate's treasure hunt on the beach and that was a hit too.

Mom and Dad enjoyed some tennis and spa time, in addition to relaxing on the beach with the kids.

It was nice and quiet since this year dogs weren't invited. However, it was hard not to think about poor Guillermo (sitting in a tiny kennel in the "Happy Hound Hotel" amidst all the pitbulls) and how much he loves the cottage--and how we wished he was there.

(This thought especially crossed my mind as we had several kids in high chairs who were experimenting with gravity and tiny, chopped up pieces of their meals. In the past, we never saw traces of this because the furry vacuum cleaners would take care of it right away. This year though, there were certainly traces of it. Smushed traces of it after the other kids would accidentally step on it.)

One of my summer highlights, was day camp for the boys. What a productive week I had. Jayden went to art camp where he experimented with all sort of art mediums--from clay, to water colour paint, to making his own puffy paint. They even went to the museum for a day to admire some mater artists. Jackson was placed in a half-day "Mini-Adventure Camp" where the activities were so "top secret" he couldn't tell me anything about them. I did see some craft projects come home and heard that they went to a splash pad.

One of our favourite things to do was go to parks and picnic. We found some really beautiful parks along the lake shore that we enjoyed and frequented. Most of the ones we went to had splash pads for the kids to cool off on.

The summer ended off by going to a farm to do a corn maze and pick up fresh vegetables and driving down town to watch an air show.

The air show seemed a bit of a waste for our kids. They didn't really care. All they wanted to do was play in the dirty sand and mud.

Our Top Five:

Highlights:
5. Discovering a "Cold Stone" imitator 25 minutes away from home.
4. Spending time with extended family, including at the cottage. (Of course Guillermo would have to differ and say that this was his low light since he was sentenced to the "Happy Hound Hotel." )
3. Swimming lessons and camps.
2. Picnics at the parks.
1. Amusement park days.

Low lights:
5. Wasting time on house hunting. We've been on the fence about whether to buy or keep renting, where to move to, etc.

4. Cleaning out our garage. It wasn't fun, but I must admit, it was nice to see it all organized finally.

3. Brad's commute. It has started to get to him and he has just barely begun.

2. An attempt at the drive in. We tried to see "Batman" at the drive in. Since it started at 9pm we figured the kids should fall asleep in the car. Just in case the boys had extra energy we brought along a portable movie player for them and set up a comfy place in the back for them. After ten minutes of: "I need more popcorn!" "I need more candy!" "I need a drink!" "Whaaa!" "The movie stopped." "Arf, arf." (Of course, we had to bring Guillermo.) "Why won't our movie work??!" "Whhaa!" we packed it in and left. It was an unfulfilled way to lose $40.

1. Taking the kids to the air show, trying to convince them to stop playing in the dirt and sand, taking Jackson to the disgusting bathroom--twice, and then having to retrace our steps because we lost some articles of clothing on our way back to the car.

I think the kids enjoyed it, and that's what counts. Fortunately we have a few more years before their expectations will be high.

(Keep checking back, I will add more photos as I get them done.)

Christmas Cards

New Christmas Card designs are starting to roll out!

Check out:
melanietemplemanphoto.com and go to "Sneak Peaks"

or, you can bookmark:
melanietemplemanphoto.blogspot.com if you would like to constantly be updated on new studio news!

Crazy to be thinking of Christmas this early . . . but with family portrait sessions and trying to get things ready for Christmas delivery . . . I kind of have to.

Good thing my mom prepared me well growing up. She'd have carols started on the cassette player in July.

Heartbreak Flash

I have been pretty busy these days, trying to live up the last bit of summer and working hard!

I had a wedding a few weekends ago and it went really well. Photo-wise anyway. I blew out my flash and have been in mourning ever since.

I keep pulling it out of its case, hoping that maybe it was just "tired" or "overheated" and after this break it would magically work. Unfortunately, each time it doesn't and I well up with tears again.

It is just heart breaking how fast $350 can leave your pocket. I think I need to go off and cry now.

To check out my "explosive" new work, see:

melanietemplemanphoto.com follow the links to "sneak peaks".

Count Down to School

I already posted about just how much I love the new school year. The chance to "turn over a new leaf" just gives me so much hope.


Hope of being more productive, more frugal, more stylish, more loving and kind towards my children, more--you name it.


But at the same time I have been dreading it.


With fall comes a new year of school for Jayden. I know he is only in kindergarten, but this is his last year in kindergarten . . . next year will be the first day of First Grade . . . and that will mark the start of real school . . . for a very long time.


It's sad to think of your little baby growing up. As much as I try to "live in the moment" I can't help but to think of how each year of grade school will start to fly by and the next thing I know, he will be in university. Away from home.


It also makes me sad to think about the "lost time" from this summer.


What did I do to make it really special for him? Did I make the most of our one-on-one time together? Was it fun enough or exciting enough for him? (Because, let's face it, as parents, no matter what you do during the summer, you really don't have a lot of fun. Taking three kids out day tripping to an amusement park, the cottage, out to movies, whatever, always requires so much more work and refereeing than what we have energy for.)


I started to drag my feet for school to start. I wanted to have more quality time. I wanted my kids to wear their cute summer clothes for a little bit longer (which they probably will since it's still so hot here). I wanted more time to read and just play.


Until last week happened.


I don't know what was in the water or if there was a full moon or something. The kids went wild.


And I mean wild. Like needing-to-be-caged wild.


So, without having a cage handy, and thinking of the social punishment for such an act (wink, wink), I decided to put them in their room.


I thought that they couldn't do much damage to house--or themselves--in there. (All the pennies were collected so they couldn't blow up the electrical outlet again.)


Clearly, I was wrong.


This is what met me when I opened the bedroom door.

So now I am definitely counting down to school.


How much longer do I have to wait??


Unfortunately, it is the wrong kid going away for half of the day and so I am looking around for some programs for Jackson. Apparently art classes would be fitting.

Attack of the Fudge-E-O!

Do I really need to explain anything?

Jayden's school starts every year with a "get to know you" lemonade party.

Today we went for some refreshing lemonade on a hot morning walk to school.

Only, it wasn't lemonade. It was apple juice. (Which only makes a difference because Jayden was so excited for lemonade since he "hasn't had a refreshing glass of lemonade in a long time."

And the room was so packed that I could hardly move around with a stroller, baby in my arms, and a Jackson on the prowl for new toys to mess up--or worse, more juice and cookies to steal.

Surprisingly this year, Jackson busily played with the puzzles instead of tearing around the classroom like the year passed. Deciding to leave while we were in good standing, I got them their juice and said they could each take a cookie for the walk home.

I thought a cookie was safe enough to eat without making a huge mess.

I obviously thought wrong. Very wrong.

We we on our way back home, walking ever so pleasantly when out of nowhere, the Fudge-E-O jumped out of Jackson's hands and smacked his face.

How dare this little boy try to eat a chocolate cookie! This tough little cookie wouldn't stand for it.

And smacking his little face was only the beginning. The cookie began assulting Jackson in the stomach.

Well, if anyone knows Jackson, he doesn't take things sitting. He threw a few punches, but that cookie must have studied karate because he turned around and drop-kicked Jackson from behind.

Fortunately, all the wrestling that Jackson does with Jayden paid off. He flipped the cookie over on the ground, bit his head off and then polished him off . . . Wiping his sleeve on his mouth.

Okay, so maybe that isn't exactly what happened. It could have though, since I never did see anything.

How it got on the back of his shirt, I will never know. This boy has some serious talent. I'm not sure what it will be useful for . . . maybe he could the be test cases for new stain removal products?

Sigh.

Grandkids

13 Grandkids.

That feels huge.

Until I started chatting with Brad's grandmother who has 20 plus grandkids, 41 great-grandkids . . . and acutally remembers each of them by name! Pretty impressive for an 80-something lady!

At the rate our family is expanding though, I am sure we can "beat" this legacy record!

Help! I've Stood Up and I Can't Get Back Down!

Well, it has finally happened.

(Actually, it happened a while ago, I'm just getting to write about it now.)

Avery figured out how to stand up in her crib . . . but hasn't mastered getting back down.

This means that during nap times and the middle of the night I will hear a blood curdling scream (or several) until I go in to help her find her way down.

Our little floor sweeper (as her clothing can attest to) is really making tracks these days. Her prefered mode of transport is walking, but as she is still unsteady she needs a helper . . . usually Mom. And naturally, she never wants to walk to the laundry room, or alongside mom as she vacuums, or does ANY cleaning. Nope, it's always to the basement or up and down the staircase, where ever the boys are usually.

When I do manage to get her to move on her own she bee-lines for the dog's food, water dish, or any of our three staircases. (It's almost easier to just walk around with her.)

The cutest thing about Avery and transportation though is the little motor sound she makes with her lips . . . kind of like a car or boat motor. It seems that it helps "propel" her around since she doesn't try to move until the motor is "running."

I guess that is what happens when you have a girl with two older, car-infatuated brothers.

busy, Busy, BUSY.

Things are really getting busy in the editing department here! After all the photoshoots this summer, it's time to start editing and printing images. So, there might be a lag in family photos for a bit . . . especially since I am shooting a wedding this weekend. YIKES.

But, if you would like to see what I've been up to, check out my work at: melanietemplemanphoto.com Follow the links to "sneak peaks" to see my current work. There have been some fun sessions.

And cottage pictures will probably be finding their way there too in the near future. (Of course, I will have to find some time to write about the week here too.)

Dude, I'm Getting a Dell

But I really should have held out for a Mac.

Business has been good lately and has brought the need (and money) for a more powerful computer.

We toyed with the idea of a Mac, but since I had other "needs" on my list and limited funds, I had to settle for a Dell. (Truly, you just can't beat their prices. And in the past we have had great luck with them.)

Until now.

I don't so much have a problem with Dell, or the quality of their computers. I think that is still the same. My problem lies within one word:

Vista.

I cannot tell you the aggrevation this word has been in the last few days.

Why MS has launched such an annoying program before they have fixed all the kinks . . . I will never know. Or why they insist on shoving down everyone's throat when they know full well that it has major issues.

I think they have done improvements with it, but unfortunately for me the one program I absolutely need (and ironically was programmed to be the one program that was vista compatible) is incompatible.

I spent the weekend transferring everything from my old hard drive to this new one. This isn't an easy feat considering that I have 3 cameras and about 9000 photos from one alone. After all of my hard work I realized that my program doesn't run properly.

That means we need to get a new hard drive, buy and load a down-graded OS on it, hope it sovles the problem, and then reload all my software and files again.

What a hassle.

Thank goodness the head of my technical department (aka: Brad) is so clever with computers. He has been a life saver.

Next time though, I will have to do better planning and save for a Mac. Vista has really turned me off PC's.

A New Start

Most people use the New Year as a good time to start fresh.

Not me. I'm too busy eating left over Christmas cookies and candy.

My "Fresh Start" begins with each new school year. I guess it must stem from the fact that between myself, Brad, and now Jayden, there is always someone in school.

There's just something that happens as soon as the stores put their "Back to School" signs and sales up.

Something inside me that makes me feel the urge to get everything in order. To get the kids fall clothing somewhat set; to get my house organized; to arrange extra cirricular activities.

This year is no different.

The kids have clothing ready for the cooler days of fall. I am in the midst of getting together kids' (and big kids') activities for the fall (and winter and spring--I like to plan ahead!). With Brad's absolutely insane schedule with commuting, work, personal time, and church callings, we will have to do some serious and strategic time management planning. And then there is the reality of Brad being out of school . . . and the repayment of loans.

So in addition to all the other stuff, this year we have looked to balance our financial lives a little better. In doing a search online for some free software, I came across this site: http://www.lulu.com/content/1581272
I thought it looked fantastic and decided to share it. Let me know what you think and whether it works for you.

Only time will tell if it will work for us, but gosh, it really feels good to see where our money is going on paper. If only it will feel this good when we are implementing our new budgeting strategies.

Now, as for the organization of the house . . . we'll see how far we really get with that!

Coming Back to Reality

After spending the last week up in Cottage Country with the Templeman clan, we had a rude awakening on our return home.

In addition to mountains and mountains of laundry and bags of stuff to put away, we had some fun surprises too.

On one of the days that Brad travels 1.5 hrs to work, the alarm didn't go off. Oops! We didn't realize it until he had about 45 minutes to get to work. On his way, about halfway there, his car ran out of gas on the highway. What a fun day he had!

Unfortunately, I didn't have reason to be jealous. While I was in the shower, Guillermo was a little sick. He shot little piles of diarrhea all over the upstairs carpet. A few in this room, a few in that room--you get the picture.

The worst of it was that I wasn't the first to find them.

Jackson was. And he stepped in the piles and walked everywhere else upstairs until he realized he had poo on his feet.

Fun.

Yes.

We are wishing we could escape reality a bit longer these days.

Jackson's Third Birthday

Now that it is August, I figure I should get around to blogging about Jackson's birthday . . . held in May.

Our little guy had a Monster Party. The invitations were made by Jayden who drew a fabulous monster.

I tried my best to find "Monster" food, but it was tricky. Especially since I couldn't really make anything myself as we were leaving for Europe the following day.

We made do with gummy spiders, "Monster Claws" (aka Bear Paws), chips, monster juice and Jackson's personal favourite treat: caramel popcorn.

Unfortunately, Jackson was too clever and found his present from us early on. It was a Little Tykes firetruck car. I guess the big blanket we put over it wasn't a great disguise.The worst of it was that once Jackson saw the car, he refused to get out and participate in any of the activities.

Grandma from Calgary flew in the day before and brought a slew of handmade books. She had written a story especially for Jackson called "Jaxonatto". It was about a little boy who wanted to be a scary monster but could never seem to scare anyone. (And of course, the only way we could get Jackson to listen to the story was to let him "drive" his new car over to the story corner.)

Activities included making monster puppets out of brown paper bags. These also doubled as favor bags. (Obviously, the puppet making occurred before the car was discovered. Just barely though.)

During the time between when Jackson finished his puppet and when everyone else was finishing theirs, he found the car. Getting a photograph of the group and their puppets proved difficult until we relented and let Jackson sit in his car for the photo.
The car proved to be a great purchase in the weeks to come. The boys spent hours playing with it in the back yard. That was the best $50 I've spent.

The cake was a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake decorated with Mike from "Monsters Inc."

Jackson got some great presents: sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a monster pencil sharpener, and of course, the firetruck.
The guests went away with a copy of "Jaxonatto" to colour and Monsters Inc pez dispensers.

Brothers

My sweet little boys.

Individually, they are both such sweet little boys. Together, they can certainly cause a lot of noise . . . and bruises.

But at least they enjoy being together and take care of each other. Even on this rock by the water, Jayden was worried that Jackson was going to start rolling over the edge (even though they weren't anywhere close to the edge). So, he held onto his little brother to make sure he was safe.

I love this portrait. There is something so peaceful and serene about my boys in it. You would never think that these sweet little boys could possibly have blown up an electrical socket with a penny . . . or have conceived the idea of putting a little dog in a fridge.

But you do see how they care about each other. When one boy is crying, the other (without fail) will go comfort him. And when one is in trouble and sent to bed without dessert, the other will sneak a snack up for him.

Okay, So I Lied.

It seems that ripping myself away from "work" is harder than I thought.

We have been doing a lot of fun things with the kids. Lots of parks, picnicing, swimming, building a bookcase, etc. But with all the great comments and suggestions for my website I've been burning the candle at all hours fixing things and tweaking others.

In the midst of all of that, I have had to make some new business cards and flyers. This flyer is for FRIENDS AND FAMILY. My guess is that if you are on this blog, you fall into that category.

To view the business cards, head over to: melanietemplemanphoto.blogspot.com

A Great Accomplishment

The gym was booked solid this morning for childcare so I thought I would get to things that I had been putting off.

Like getting a bookcase for all those books that seem to multipy and hide everywhere: in the living room, the kitchen table, in the bathroom, the laundry basket, the foyer . . . well, you get the point. Everywhere.

But getting a bookcase is just not as easy as it seems.

First I need to lay sutle hints for a month, or two to ease Brad into the idea of spending money on another piece of furniture.

Then I need to convince him that the one that I have cased out (because I naturally am a researcher, for every item in our house!) is the right one, the best value for our money, and the one we need . . . now. That part is pretty tricky.

When I finally got the "go-ahead", I piled all the kids in the car and zoomed off to Ikea, making a pit stop at the pool for swimming lessons.

(By the way, getting two boys changed in a gross change room while holding a 17 lbs baby in one arm and juggling a cell phone, car keys, two towels, a massive purse, and four shoes is a work out in itself. That is why I normally just take them home sopping wet. But not today.)

We got to Ikea and I thought I could minimize my excess baggage by dropping the kids off at the free daycare . . . only to find out that they don't let them in unless they are wearing socks!

The boys, and even Avery, were actually pretty good shoppers . . . if you can forget the part of both boys hanging off the cart, making it near impossible to steer clear of people or displays . . . all while carrying 17 lbs of baby in one arm.

The bookcase itself was all right. I actually ended up going for a completely different one, that felt like it was made of solid steel. (Of course it wasn't, this is Ikea, and things are only build of the cheapest material that they can find.)

I sat through a long line up with three wiggly, starving children to find out that the lady wouldn't help me find someone to just bring the bookcase to the check out. I had to go out on the floor, find someone, and then cart everything, and everyone, back to a line that was now double what I had already stood through.

That was one feat. (Or four if you are a mother to young children and consider the facts that: I convinced my husband to budget for a bookcase, and that I even left the house, went swimming and changed, and zipped around Ikea with three kids and no a dad great accomplishments in themselves.)

Getting to the car I soon realized that I should have been more specific in my requests. Instead of just asking for help loading the bookcase into my cart, it might have been handy to have someone help me lift it into my car.

Fortunately, a lady passing by helped me out and we made it home without any injury occuring to Jackson who had to sit right beside/underneath the bookcase.

To get it out of the car and into the garage, I flipped it over itself several times. Then I just took it out of the box and carried pieces upstairs.

The directions said, "Two People Needed to Assemble."

That was pretty odd for Ikea furniture. Should I really wait for Brad to have some free time to do it with me? I was a bit nervous, especially since the last piece from Ikea that I tried to do in my impatience was our coffee table and it never once stood sturdy.

Whatever. When was I going to find time for Brad to be around? And besides, it is a bookcase. How hard can that be?

I may not have another adult around, but a 5 year old and 3 year old could suffice, right?

I must admit, I love to put things together. It must stem from my early woodshop days--if you forget the time I almost severed my thumb off with the bansaw. It just provides me with a sense of accomplishment.

Ikea stuff, however, is usuallly disheartening. You follow the picture directions perfectly and can still end up with something that looks like a piece of junk. (Case in point, our current coffee table.) But, it was cheaper than anything else I could find and I was sick of shoving books into corners or tubs.

Putting the shelf together was a major workout.

I really mean, major.

I am more sore from putting this bookcase together than from my first day in spinning class, or after a weight training class.

Even with Jayden's help pushing on one side and using all the leverage I could find, I had a heck of a time joining plywood planks together close enough to put it together properly. (Because if you have ever build anything from Ikea you know that if you don't screw things in right the first time, you've wasted your money. It will never be sturdy.)

The boys had a great time "helping". Jayden brought me the pieces that I needed and put a bit of muscle in when I needed it; Jackson was in charge of suppling me with the screws and wood pegs . . . and sometimes got a little carried away and placed them in random holes for me.

But we did it.

Without an extra person, or a man. And I was even wearing a skirt.

It actually looks good. Especially with all the books on it.

I stand amazed that we actually had that many books! No wonder I was going out of my mind!

The boys helped me organize the books onto each shelf and so far (crossing my fingers) they have been very good about putting each book back in its place . . . with the spine facing out.

We'll see how long that lasts though.

It is nice to see a finished product for my 5 hours of work. But the biggest bonus? Hearing that in spite of swimming lessons, going out for lunch at Wendy's, or playing with toys, building the bookcase was the highlight of the boys' day.

Now that is a great accomplishment. And it makes all the exhaustion through the day worthwhile.