Another week

We are still in Missouri. Enjoying our time here very much. We have had a bit of snow. We are supposed to get more, but I'm not sure if it will be much. Jack and I took the time to go outside and play for a while. I was glad to have a reason to pull out my camera. I'll be glad to get home and get some editing done.

If I have a computer to come home to. Our computer was attacked by a bunch of viruses. I guess there is something going around that is getting through the security programs. All I can say is backup your stuff people.

Do you watch Oprah? Have you heard about her trying to get people to stop texting and talking while they drive. I usually hate how people jump on the Oprah bandwagon, but I like this one. Before she started this whole thing I heard that texting and driving is like driving under the influence of 4 drinks. That opened my eyes. Also that 6,000 car related deaths were due to texting or talking while driving. No life is worth a text or call. I hope you will put down your phone and drive.

Friday Five

1. Any Valentine's Day plans?
2. Do you text or talk while driving?
3. If you do would you consider stopping?
4. Any movies you are hoping to see?
5. Will you be watching the Olympics tonight?

Missing my blog

I haven't been able to blog since I'm not close to a computer. Why I don't have a laptop considering all the travel I do I'm just not sure. We keep saying we will get one, but it get's put at the bottom of the list. Either way I can't imagine I have any readers considering it has been so long.

I'm still in Missouri trying to get my grandmother's things sorted out. I am really missing Zach and our home, but at the same time I am very at peace here. Maybe I can do a little more blogging now, but then again maybe not. Here is a Friday Five. Please feel free to play along.

1. What is your favorite Disney movie?
2. What is something you hope to accomplish this year?
3. Are you excited for spring?
4. What's for dinner tonight?
5. Have you read anything good lately?

Santa Train 2009

We were able to visit the Santa Train again this year while we were home. This was a perfect combination for Jack Santa Clause and a train. It was freezing outside so we had to bundle up. I don’t think it was near as cold as it was last year. I was a little worried that Jack wouldn’t have the patience to wait his turn to get on the train. We are having some issues with waiting, and not throwing a fit if he can’t do what he wants right away. He stayed in good spirits though, and we were able to board the train. He kept asking me if we were going to ride the train, and if the train was going to chugger. He loves to talk about trains.











Just for fun I was going through my photos, and I spotted this one from the Santa train in 2008. It is nearly identical to the picture I took this year. He's grown so much in a year.

Getting ready to leave

I only have a few days here left in Mo. My week has been busy. Getting my hair done one last time from my favorite stylist, packing 6 BIG boxes to ship home, running around seeing everyone, and pedicures with my Mom. I guess the 6 boxes equals one box for every month. I can't really even think about leaving because I get a sick feeling. I don't think I will be excited to be home until I step off the plane. I am hoping to have all of the packing and shipping finished by tomorrow. That way I can have my last few days to relax with my family.

Birthday Pics

The day of Zach's birthday Jack and I hadn't really talked about it being Daddy's birthday very much.  I had mentioned it to him the night before, but that was about it.  While my mom was putting Jack's shoes on he said, "birfday cake for Daddy."  That made my heart melt so of course we had to get some cake so Jack could celebrate.  So sweet, but I also know he'd find any excuse for some birthday cake.  So, later that evening we had cupcakes while, Jack held his Daddy Doll and we sang.  I think we did it ten times.  He is even in different clothes because we sang early on in the evening, and then he did it again just before he went to bed.  He ate the icing off of two cupcakes so he was on a sugar high.  

A Warm Day In Winter

Yesterday, I really felt like the mom of a little boy.  Jack, and I went outside because it was 60 degrees outside.  Simply gorgeous.  I love to get him out when I can to burn off all the extra energy.  He decided to bring his fire truck, and two of his other trucks.  He is just now getting into his trucks and trains.  For the first time in his life he got down on the ground rolled, crawled, and pushed those cars all through the grass and leaves.  Yesterday, he was all boy getting filthy, and having a blast.

He was busying running the length of the yard over and over again.  Then we took turns kicking a ball back and forth.  I was very impressed with his kicking skills.  Although, it isn't my favorite sport we might have a little soccer start down the road.  Then he found a patch of dirt next to the patio, and he sat down to dig around in it.  He emptied and filled the backs of his trucks a hundred times.  It felt peaceful to sit with him, and play in the dirt.  This went on for a long time until I had to finally force him into the house.  

Baking Christmas Cookies

                   



We continued on our Christmas tradition of baking Christmas cookies.  Something my mom and I have done for many years.  Jack, even had his own apron this year.  He really got into cutting out the cookies.  Then he wanted to eat the dough.  He had the flour everywhere!  Later that night he helped me decorate them.  I gave him a couple of cookies to "paint" with the icing.  He had to taste all the icing, and I think for every sprinkle he put on 10 went into his mouth!  Needless to say he was rolling around on the floor later that night on a sugar high.  I'm so glad he's at the age where he can start participating in these holiday traditions.

Santa Train

Jack and Adrianna all bundled up.

Santa Train

Jack and Santa

Every year here Santa's train comes rolling through the town. Making frequent stops for all the boys and girls. We took Jack, and his cousin came along too. Poor things it was freezing outside. I think we had just had our first snow the night before. Luckily, Aunt Janet tagged along and she had her lawn chair. The little ones snuggled together under a blanket, and I hand fed them popcorn. They were so cute, but oh so cold! Neither of them were that thrilled to meet Santa by the time we got our turn, but it was fun anyway. It was a quick say hi to Santa, and off again. Any longer and I think Jack would have burst into tears. He loved the train part of it though. He talks about it everyday now. He says, "Santa...lap...train." When we leave the house he thinks we are going to see Santa and his train again.

Birthday Boy!

Excuse the amount of pictures. They are for his daddy.

Trying on his winter coat and hat.

His daddy doll

Giving daddy kisses.

Checking him out.

Opening his daddy doll.

Big boy opening his gifts.

Listening while we sang to him.
His cake

Jack, is turning the Big two! His birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we had his party today. All the family showed up, and it was so nice to see everyone. Zach requested that I blog about it tonight so he can get a chance to see it.

We had a nice day. His party theme was Mickey Mouse. Luckily he took a really good nap, and was up and ready for party time. He wasn't shy at all when the family was here. That really surprises me. I was such a shy child. His little cousins came over, and he soon fell in love with them, and played really well. He is the only boy with three little girls. He had lots of presents to open. It didn't take him long to start ripping through the paper. Forget about reading the card, he wanted to get to the good stuff. He got some warm clothes, and a very nice winter coat. We will be needing them here in the Missouri winter. Many fun new toys to play with. When he opened his gifts he would say, "Wooowww" to each and every one of them. It was so cute! We saved the best for last. He opened his hug a hero doll, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I was crying my head off. It was really hard for me not to cry the entire time. I couldn't sing to him when we sang happy birthday. I had a lump in my throat missing Zach, and wishing he was with us. The first thing he said when he opened his doll was Daddy! He's cuddled up with him tonight. We enjoyed our cake and ice cream, and visited the rest of the evening.

We made it

Playing outside

Sam

We made it here to Missouri yesterday afternoon. It wasn't the best traveling experience. I had a really hard time managing things all alone. Once we got on the plane I was going to have to carry Jack's car seat down the aisle, and that thing is really heavy. I didn't have an extra hand for Jack. I asked the flight attendant (a guy, I know it should matter) if he could help me carry it so I could manage Jack because I was alone. He told me he couldn't move from his spot. His job was to greet passengers as they boarded the plane. Are you kidding me?! Somehow we managed to get into our seats, and tick off several people as they waited. Oh, well I guess. The flight went well, but Jack was pretty restless. He finally fell asleep for the last 20 minutes of it.

We were both so excited to see our dog Sam. Sam was excited too. He was all over us. I was just glad my day of traveling was over. We slept in this morning, and spent the day settling in. I took Jack, outside to play in the leaves. He was trying to play in the five leaves I had in the yard back home in San Diego. So, I figured he would have a hay day with all the leaves on the ground out here. He ran around with the dogs having so much fun. He is sleeping in a big boy bed out here. That was a little difficult last night. He only ended up staying in it half the night, but we are working on it. He napped in it this afternoon. We are just so glad to be here with family. Just wish Zach was here with us.