Jack's Night Night Routine

As "Guest Post" by Jack:

First, I tell Mom & Dad that I'm tired by crying. Then I climb the stairs so I can go to bed.

While Mom runs my bath water, I choose a book (or pull all of them off the shelf).

I play in the bath tub and Mom gets me clean.

She puts my PJ's on (Santa PJ's are totally appropriate year-round! They act as a reminder to be good!) and then we sit on her bed while she read a book. I drink a bottle of delicious Soy milk.

Mom says dental hygiene is important, so she brushes my teeth.

Sometimes I try to brush, too. I'm still learning.

Finally, I'm tucked into bed with my blankies, Uno, and my paci.

(don't hate on the paci, I like it.)

And that's how I go to bed.

Night, night.

Love, Jack

PS: Dad does this routine every other night...except he usually skips the bubbles in the bath tub and the teeth brushing.

Welcome, Cameron Jacob Moses!

We received a text yesterday morning that Jaime's water had broken...and a Baby Moses would be arriving soon! Last night the text (finally) came - IT'S A BOY! Welcome, Cameron Jacob! We don't know too much about you yet. But we know you are unbelievably handsome and we know we can't wait to meet you!

Cameron decided to do things his way - arriving almost a month early! So thankful he is a healthy little boy! Congratulations, Jeff & Jaime!

I love you, Me.

Jack has a message for his friends/family to the south...

Now please come visit.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys...

Okay, I've mentioned my drives to and from work before... The radio station I listen to plays a lot of rap/r&b. Eminem is back at the top of the charts and his renewed success reminded me that he's been my "Bad Boy Crush" since high school. I feel like most women have one. That guy that is SO different from "your type," yet you find him strangely attractive.

Sure Josh Hartnet is good looking...Paul Walker is gorgeous...Josh Duhamel is hot. But Eminem - dang! Maybe it's the tattoo's?! I've never dated anyone with a tattoo.

He actually lives in the metro Detroit area. But Tyson has nothing to worry about. I have no chance of running into Eminem. I highly doubt he frequents Jo-Ann fabric, Michaels, Kroger, or Target.

Shots of (happier) Jack

Yum...crackers!

Nom nom nom...

What'chu lookin' at?!?

Just to clarify...

I never owned nor have I ever driven a Pontiac Aztek. I say this because the other night I received a phone call from my family. They were confused as to when I owned one. I NEVER owned one. I never said I did. I mentioned "this little beauty" (and it was a link to my Avalanche post back in September). Come on, family...get with it.

There is no "Shot of Jack" today because he was in a lousy mood and NO ONE would want to see the pathetically sad faces he was making most of the night. He comes home EXHAUSTED from daycare. I'm pretty sure it would be in everyone's best interest if he went to bed at 6:30. I just can't bring myself to do it. I guess I'd rather suffer through the cries.

Finally, one of my first graders yelled out the "s-word" during class today. Hilarious. I know that isn't supposed to be a teacher's reaction...but it was innocent. He is a good kid and he learned the word on the bus. Pretty sure my jaw was on the floor and my eyes were as big as saucers. The entire classroom was quiet when it happened. And it was a valuable lesson in teaching for me, too. Never say, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?", because Lord knows - it will be repeated. The kids had no reaction...except for one little boy who quietly asked, "Isn't that a bad word?" Love that first grade innocence.

Shopping with Molly

Molly stopped by this afternoon for a play date with Jack. It was a win-win. Brooke could run errands without a baby in tow and Jack had someone to keep him company. I've learned (on my two-day vacation/return to stay-at-home mom life) that daycare is REALLY fun and REALLY entertaining...and Mommy is not. It's been a rough few days.

Anyway...Jack and Molly were playing with lots of fun things: legos, remotes, colored bowls...

Then Molly discovered the shopping cart. It was like Christmas Morning! Her eyes lit up and she was ready to SHOP! (Think she's been to Target once or twice?!?)

A woman's instinct took over and she was walking that cart ALL over the place.

Jack didn't know what to think. He had never seen Molly so deranged excited.

Jack: Hey, Molly, can I come shopping with you?

Molly: Uhhh, I guess. But stay out of my way!

And then she gave him the "stink eye" for throwing a bunch of random things in the cart.

Typical male.

Uncle Eddie

Jack had an Uncle Eddie moment today. After WEEKS of suffering through a cough, runny nose, and sporadic fever I decided I'd had enough. I want my happy, healthy little man back. So - we headed off to our pediatrician's office (cue squeals of delight from Virginia Slim. Long time, no see!) Jack wandered the room in his (saggy) diaper and slippers. He was exploring everything!

Good news - he does not have an ear infection. Bad news - it's just an on-going cold. Nothing can be done for him - which is frustrating.

Oh and he weighs 22.2 lbs! Not too shabby for a baby whose birth was induced because he was "too small."

Waiting for Superman - Review

I watched the movie "Waiting for Superman" this weekend and I was impressed. It definitely illustrates the difficulties and downfalls in our educational system. It was heartbreaking to see that so many families are in a losing battle to get their children into the best school possible. Education is definitely something I have taken for granted in my life.

My one "issue" with the film was the depiction of charter schools. While the schools that were highlighted in the film seem to have high academic standards and positive outcomes for students - I know this is not always the case. The film even states that only 1 in 5 charter schools is able to achieve such "amazing results." However, the film quickly skips over this statistic and paints the picture that charter schools are the answer to many of our educational woes. I completely disagree. I think the focus shouldn't have been on the fact that these charter schools were successful - but instead, it should have focused on the leadership within the schools, the curriculum taught, and the dedication of the teachers working there.

One of the most shocking parts of the film came when the (appointed) Superintendent of the Washington, D.C. Public Schools proposed a new plan to the Teacher's Union. They had the choice...keep tenure and only have the potential to earn $53K OR get rid of tenure and have the potential to earn up to $122K. Sadly, but not surprisingly, the NEA did not allow the teachers to participate in a vote. They decided that they would not acknowledge the proposal. In my opinion, their actions speak volumes. If you are a great teacher - you would be willing to give up tenure, prove your worth to the district & your dedication to your students, and earn a six figure salary.

All in all - I definitely recommend seeing the film! It will infuriate you, inspire you, and leave you wondering..."what can I do?"

Big Shoes to Fill

We are getting another 3-8 inches of snow. I'm not happy about it. Jack has some "big shoes to fill"...as a true Michigander, it will be his job to shovel the snow. But don't worry, buddy, you have about 8 years before we put you to work.

Shot of Jack

Wild hairs...do what they want...on Saturdays.

A little game I play...

Being part of "the working world" requires the daily commute. I'm fortunate that mine is fairly easy. I listen to a great Morning Radio Show that provides mind-numbing stupidity - just what I need before embarking on a day with 7 year olds. Jack is my backseat driver and he remains pretty quiet on the drive. To spice things up I have a little game I like to play. It's called: I SPY A PONTIAC AZTEK.

If you are unfamiliar with this car...here is a picture for you.

It is "special" because it can do this:
Boo-yah. Okay, so why do I play this game?

I truly believe that Metro Detroit is the final resting place for these cars...once voted into "The 50 Worst Cars of All-Time" by TIME magazine. The reporter of the article said:

"I was in the audience at the Detroit auto show the day GM unveiled the Pontiac Aztek and I will never forget the gasp that audience made. Holy hell! This car could not have been more instantly hated if it had a Swastika tattoo on its forehead." - Dan Neil

Back to my game...I do not judge these cars or anyone who chooses to drive one. Remember I once drove this little beauty - which I admitted was NOT an attractive vehicle. However, the Aztek is easy to spot on the road and I count how many I see on my 14 mile (round trip) commute. My average is 4-5 per day. However, yesterday I had a record day and saw 8. EIGHT Pontiac Azteks in one day!

Seriously, try it out for a day and report back how many you see. I'm 100% sure Metro-Detroit has more Azteks than any other city in America.

Choo Choo

A few nights ago we ate at Bagger Dave's - a hamburger place near us. We hadn't been there in a while...which was evident, because this time Jack noticed and LOVED the train that circles through the restaurant. We caught this quick moment - of him pointing at the train.

He pointed just about EVERY time it came around...which is about once a minute. It is perfect entertainment for a one year old!

To those in Florida...

Please continue to send your warm, sunny days our way! We are enjoying these spring-like days!

Daddy's Home

"I think I heard a car pull up!"

"Yay! Daddy's home from work!" (Coop & Tuck are excited too)

"Missed you, Daddy!"

Morning sunshine

Be My Valentine

Yesterday Jack had a Valentine's day party at his "school." When he got home he opened his valentines from all of his buddies. How fun! He also got Valentine cards from his family too! He says "thanks" and he loves you right back!

In the words of first graders...

They always have something funny to say...

Today we were talking about Presidents. I asked if anyone knew who our President is right now...and they all did - Barack Obama. Great. Next question - who is our Vice President. Hands shot up all over the room. First little boy..."Abe Lincoln?" Close. The next three guesses - George Washington, George Bush, Joe Bush.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm a lucky girl.

PS: Tucker got in about 4 licks...and it took 5 tries to get a decent picture.

Jack, on the other hand, had no love for his momma. Too busy.

Jack and his Dinosaur

Jack's best friend today was his toy dinosaur. He is trying to figure out how to turn it around so he can continue to push it for hours on end. Right now he just ends up running into the couch/wall and has to wait for his Mom or me to turn it around. Once figured out we'll be looking at hours upon hours of uninterrupted excitement :)

There she is...

...the newest Indy 500 Princess!

Congrats to Jack's Aunt Karley...she was chosen as one of 33 women to be an Indy 500 Festival Princess!(almost 300 women applied) What an honor!

She has always been a "princess" - we all know that. Her daddy even calls her his "princess," so this isn't a new title for her. She's just happy it will be recognized publicly for once.

Though this is GREAT news - she will still have to work on her pageant wave

and sorority girl "hair flip."

Karley is still in the running to be the Indy 500 Queen -

which be announced at a later date!

Goooo Aunt Karley!

Go IU!

Tyson and I are taking a afternoon off from Mommy & Daddy duties - to watch the Indiana Hoosiers play the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor! Jack has a babysitter coming...his first ever (besides family, friends, & Judy, his substitute mom from 8-4 M-F). Actually, his babysitter today is Judy's college-age daughter, Emily. She has a great mentor in her mom, so we know he will be in good hands!

Look for us in the stands...we will be under one of the baskets and we will be the people in RED!

HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOSIERS!

Two Best Buddies

Two best buddies. One picture window.

One in chocolate brown, lab fur coat. One in fleece PJ's with labs on them.

Love you forever, best buddy!

It's FRIDAY!!!

Hey Jack, are you happy it's Friday?

"Did you say it's FRIDAY?!?!?!"

"I LOVE FRIDAYS!!!"

Happy Friday Everyone! And happy weekend...

Go HOOSIERS!

Waiting for Superman

This film just won the award for Best Documentary Feature at the Critics' Choice Awards. It comes out on DVD/iTunes/Netflix on February 15th - and although I haven't seen it yet, I plan to! It discusses the issues facing education in the United States, with a focus on inner city schools. Being in education - along with many members of my family, as well as many of my friends - I thought it would interest some blog readers!

You can click HERE to see the trailer for the movie. I caught one trailer that ended with an education reformist saying, "If you're a lousy teacher, and I know you're a lousy teacher - and I can't get rid of you...then that's a disgrace." Amen, sir.

More Spaghetti, I Say!

"Seriously, Mom, not in the mood tonight. Put your camera away."

"I said PUT IT AWAY!"

"Okay, fine...one picture. Cheeeeeese..."

Jack enjoyed spaghetti for dinner last night and the evidence was all over his face. It reminded me of a book my first graders like to read called "More Spaghetti, I Say!" I will have to pick this one up for my little spaghetti lovin' boy.

Jack-o-saurus

I spiked Jack's hair in the bath tub last night. Couldn't believe how long it is in the back...compared to the front! He reminded me of a little stegosaurus dinosaur...or in this case, a Jack-o-saurus.
Which then raised the question...is he getting a rat tail? (Grandma & Great Aunts - see definition of "rat tail" below.)

Definition of a rat tail (from Wikipedia)

A rattail is a hair style that is characterized by a long "tail"-like element of hair growing downward from the back of the head. The rattail usually curls naturally; however, it can be braided, treated as adread, permed, straightened, or curled with an iron. In some instances, an individual might choose to grow several tails as opposed to a single very long tail.

The rattail saw a brief period of mainstream popularity during the 1980s and has rapidly fallen out of vogue.However, it has recently seen renewed popularity.

Ball Hog

Jack has so many toys that he enjoys playing with...thanks to Christmas and his birthday! He stays busy going from one fun activity to another. But he is his father's son - and he LOVES throwing balls. Tucker just wishes we would buy Jack some balls of his own.

Look at that form!