Animal Sounds

I have been trying to capture this on video for over a month now. Finally, I have Jack showing us his knowledge of animals. He knows what sounds are made by a kitty, a dog, a sheep, a cow, and a monkey. (He also knows froggie, but I forgot to ask him that one on tape.)

Yes, we know that his cow impression sounds more like mad cow...we have no idea why. And if you are wondering about the bunny, I have an explanation. In Jack's Easter basket, he got a stuffed bunny that bawked like a chicken when you squeezed his paw. It has now become one of his favorite sounds.

My Mother's Day Gift

I am so grateful for the gift of Jack. To have the honor of raising this fun little boy is such a blessing. Let's just hope I don't screw it up!

Happy Boy

We just love this happy, crazy, energetic kid.

Making Cookies

I had this image in my head of how nice it would be as a stay at home mom, doing all kinds of fun activities with Jack. But, reality came along and ruined it. But, I keep trying. This week, Jack helped me make chocolate chip cookies. He loves to help in the kitchen. He also loves to cause trouble. Here are some quotes of what I said to Jack during the fun:

• Jack, no. We don't put our hands in there, we use the spoon to stir.
• Jack, leave the flour alone.
• No Jack, put the bag of chocolate chips down.
• No, do NOT put your hand in there.
• Get your hands out of the flour!
• Don't throw that.
• Stir it, don't touch it.
• You can put the salt in for me. NO, not the pepper. Stop, put that down.
• OK, that is enough salt. STOP! I said STOP. Put it down.
• I said, get your fingers out of there!
• Listen to your mom.
• No, don't wipe your hands on your clothes.
• Stop. Bring those chocolate chips back.
• Here, you can lick the spoon.
• No, don't put the spoon in the bowl. Let me help you. Stop!

And Stuart wonders why I don't bake more often.

Oops

I have been trying to capture video of Jack speaking for a couple of months now, but he refuses to do it on camera. It has been frustrating, so I came up with an idea. I thought if I wasn't holding a camera in his face, he might be more cooperative. I set the camera on the shelf and started filming. Jack, however, is too smart for me. Not only did he notice the camera, but he waited until I was occupied cleaning up his mess to make his move.

The last video on the camera clearly implicated Jack in the crime. The funny thing is, years ago, when our last camera broke, we looked at the pictures stored on it and found Karen prominently featured in it's dying moments, despite her protests that she hadn't used it. Our kids are not so good at getting away with stuff.

Unfortunately, our camera no longer works. We are hoping it can be fixed. In the meantime, my blogging will be limited to what I already have stored on the computer.

Fun at the Zoo

Sunday morning we went to the zoo. We figured we should enjoy it before it gets too hot. We didn't bother with attempting to see everything and instead focused on Jack's favorites: monkeys and water. He tried his best to climb over me to get into the orangutan exhibit. He loved the squirrel monkeys and when they got close to him, he kept repeating "hi" as if he was waiting for a response.

I realize that I have few pics of me with Jack since I am usually holding the camera. Wow, do I look pale.


I love this pic because it looks like even Jack was embarrassed to be seen with his dad in that silly hat.


The best part was the water. Jack was, of course, the loudest kid there. He stomped his feet and danced around with joy. Stuart caught just a second of the happy dance at the end. Jack played until his lips were blue. He just loves the water.

I, however, made some poor clothing decisions for our excursion. Once, when running after Jack into the tunnel, one of the fountains shot straight up my dress. That's one way to cool off on a hot day! After awhile, Jack got tired of his parents following him into the tunnel to watch him. After we went through the last time, he grabbed me by the hand and dragged me over to the grass and then went back in to play without me. I was officially snubbed by my son!

SPICY

Jack likes it hot.