This is us....

Jamere has a sock fettish, so we temporarily as a family, we did too :)

Even with ALL the DIFFERENT personalities....everyone once and a while - we don't just LOOK great on the outside... we ARE great, through and through.
We got Auntie Ally hiding in the background (we'll get more of her later)

The big brother can leave em' in the dust.... He can also get dusted!!


They as individuals, amaze me.


We FINALLY managed to catch Jamere clowning around..

But.... here we are

The family of Superhero's... Mean Mom, the Lil' Spider monkeys, Cool Guy and Lil Ms. Pose alot

Just a quick question...did you notice Jarels facial expression???

Everyone but Jamere was willing to receive a token of my affection... a kiss... Jamere doesn't believe in receiving kisses from 'The Mother' in public.

This is our extended family - less Jason in the main picture (but you can see him hiding behind Jarel and Kial)

Well, thanks for tuning in... We'll see you later and oh yes, Happy Holidays!

it's been a while

Wow - it's been months since I've updated this thing... Sorry folks!

A lot has been going on in these past months, but as usual, God had our backs. We came thru some and are still working on some others so keep us in yours prayers.

Jarel is getting ready to have a birthday...my little runt is going to be 3 years old. He's working on being bossy and has been speaking much more clearly.

James, he's going to be going to Kintergarden soon. He's still bright as the sun, smart as a whip and unfortunately has started whining a lot. I hoping he'll grow out of it real soon.

Jarel and James are all into the Marvel Superhero's so we're into the Posters now, so far they have The Marvel Comics (cartoon version), The Hulk & Iron Man so I promised them we'd work on some more and we have to work on them being nice to each other so they can have bunk beds... Do a SERIOUS Prayer for that on!



Nikyle...God was getting me back when he gave me a girl. That old saying, 'you'll get it back 10-fold' wasn't even touching the surface. I just have to keep reminding myself that she is one of my blessings and I LOVE HER VERY MUCH cause Im ready to run screaming. Can I just say that I've managed to found my first and 2nd gray hair. It's her and Jamere!

I'm hoping that drill team will slow her down a little bit - yes folks, I've put my highly uncoordinated daughter into drill team. I can't wait to see her first parade :)



Jamere...I have to remind myself that I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH and that he is Also, one of my many blessings. I don't remember being this...trying as a teenager. Not to say it isn't possible because, well nevermind - we aren't talking about me right now :)
Jamere has recently made a promise to me so I make sure to remind him of that promise regularly hoping that our bargaine will help him acheive graduation.



Me - well...I am no longer at The Polyclinic which is a good thing and I'm now at Swedish Hospital. My ONLY comment to the change is, God may not come when we want him to, but he's ALWAYS on time.

We had a rough patch here while I was transitioning from one job to the other, but we seem to be getting back on track. I managed to maintain what LITTLE bit of sanity I've had over the last few years thanks to Gina and Ally. Without the close proximity of my two dearest friends, I don't know how long the thread will hold :) Love you guys!!!!!!!



Ok, so as usual per the tradition that began I believe two years ago, I'm sending out Christmas cards, yeah me!!

Gina as usually took the photos, told me where to stand, what to do, when to laugh and when to look serious as she snapped away. Finally I chose the pictures and Gina worked her magic...Christmas cards will soon be on the way!!! But, I figured it was time to share more photos.

Enjoy! I know I do every time I look at them.

Well - it looks like I may be down to getting in here maybe once a month if I'm lucky. I hope so, I'm already going crazy with the 365 project. I've been taking the pictures but I haven't been labeling them. It's really a good thing that they transfer from the camera to the computer in order. Unfortunately , I still need to go through and date each one and let's not mention the fact that I'm NOWHERE near as creative as G- is with her photos. She has all kinds of cool backgrounds and crap like that. Anyway - what's been going on with me???

Well, I'm sure that any of you that know me know that G- likes to get me started on all these books. First it was Harry Potter, then Artemus Foul - oh, let's not forget the Stephanie Plum series. This new series has like twenty something books in it - the 'In Death' Series.

I am a little traumatized right now because one of the books I need to read has mysteriously disappeared so I have to go to the library to retrieve another copy but I've been reading a lot - more reading than tv and we all know about ALL my tv shows :)

side from the fact that I still SERIOUSLY manage to get goofy after 3pm...For some reason, I allowed G- to obtain proof of my goofiness... People, be prepared and DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! Tape can be a dangerous weapon if put in the wrong hands..
A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS

The above for mentioned photograph is a new type of medication being studied by the FTA - Goofiness helps to reduce stress, reduce wrinkles, promote laughter. Side effects are - everlasting proof that you would never want another living soul to see...

So, my stress levels have been high as heck and I've noticed that stress gives me muscle spasms - not a good feeling. And it started out just in my back - ma'an. I have spasms in my hands, it's recently moved to my feet and in my dang toes, the upper back of my shoulders and shoulder blades. It's pretty aggravating but I'm maintaining however, I'm not appreciating getting older. Al' gold me that she's looking into meditation or holistic something or other for me. I love her. My god-brother moved out earlier this month which was a good thing. I've moved my house around I believe 3 different times and I hope - I said hope - that I finally have it where it will stay, at least for 6 months :) Oh - G- and Jason had their REAL anniversary last month and she brought me back a lil' something from disneyland -She says the Cheshire cat (Alice in Wonderland) reminds her of me. I don't know where she could get that idea from because if you look, there's no resemblance.

What do you think????? (hopefully you provide the correct answer)

OK - here's another thing - I went for my consultation with the plastic surgeon. I'm hoping and praying that my insurance will find medical necessity in my request to have my frontal nuisance chopped off :) Reduction people - it's time for reduction. Old age and heavy frontal weight is taking it's toll on my poor back. Unfortunately, there really hasn't been that much happening with me because well folks - it's all about my bad little babies :)

So, who shall we start with this month??? Jarel!

Oh My Goodness about this one who by the way has recently developed a fondness for putting his hands in his pockets. I went earlier this month for my parent teacher conference. Jarel is learning fast, talking up a storm and even has a girlfriend (previously mentioned). Well - he's gotten to the point that when I take him to 'school', before I can even get him to his class, he's walking off talking bout 'bye mommy'. He walks in class, washes his hands, takes off his shoes and asks for help with his coat. I had asked his teacher why he wasn't talking as good as JT was at the age of two and it was a simple fix. He's the baby - everyone anticipates his needs and wants so all he has to do is point, whine or scream for a response from the all of us. Let it suffice to say - that stopped immediately and he was forced to talk - and naturally - now he won't shut up.

Since he's gotten his new bed -yes the boys have gotten their new room. Spiderman won out they traumatized mommy with that. I don't understand why there hasn't been an invention yet that allows women (forget the men) to simply open up a box and everything is wondrously put together all ready. All we would have to do would be to arrange the room how we deemed appropriate (even to speak the words and have it automatically move to my desired location would be just 'mag') But since I know that is NOT gonna happen - we'll just continue to do it the old fashioned way. Put it together ourselves with teenage assistance - lol. So here we have the old look and then...the new look.

Trust me folks, it was one hell of a process.

I find myself more and more waking up thru the night (more than previously when he was in a crib) taking him BACK to his own bed. He walks to my room and climbs in my bed. One night I went to take him back to his bed and and looked at me with this grown expression (the kind that makes you want to turn away so you can laugh without being seen) and says 'No, lay down mommy, lay down' he put his little chubby hand on my chest and pushed me down, adjusts my arm so he can lay on it and proceeded to lay his little but down and went back to sleep. I gave him 30 minutes before I carried him back. There are some nights that we go back and forth every half hour too - he doesn't hear me when I tell him that it's NOT a good look. Stubborn little troll.

Speaking of looks, with 3 separate incidents and all very close together since the 12th of March, headlice were announced at school (THE BOYS DID NOT GET THEM). However, the mere thought of many many little bugs gives me the itches (just shivered) so I decided to bring the boys home and cut their hair off. Now Jarel was really the only one that had any hair left so his new look is the most obvious, which was actually not as bad as I thought it would be.

Jarel called 911 this month from my cell phone. I felt so horrible about it. The boys have recently learned how to dial their dad on my cell phone so when they want to talk to him they can just do it. Well unfortunately, Jarel also likes to turn my phone off. Upon turning the phone back on, you have the option to contact SPD (Seattle Police Department) via and SOS call and THAT is what Jarel did. I was so embarrassed when I figured out his conversation had nothing to do with daddy.

Did I mention that Jarel is starting to potty train??? Just pray for me folks :)

I've noticed that Jarel, like his big brother and sister are learning the words to many a song...To hear them sing makes me laugh. I'm going to have to record them one day so I can put their singing on here but you can't help but laugh.

The boys also took pictures at school, some 'artist' came and photographed the kids. Now she got quite a few GREAT shots of Jarel, including one that I think should be posted on a billboard somewhere - the caption would say 'I may be two, but I got you!' I'm sure when you see the picture, you'll figure out EXACTLY which photo I'm referring to...

This is a face that shows character, strength and a flirty old soul.

Now the boys

recently did a hop-a-thon at their school to raise money for Jerry's Kids, the school raised $1000 (folks - always have a good cause to donate to or help raise money for) and Jarel-had 23 hops.

James...had the 2nd highest number of hops in his class with a whopping 57 (the other kid only had him by 5) . This is one of the good pictures that the 'artist' took of James. Doesn't he look manly??? That's my 'Butter'. Ya'll see those side burns??? I know you're looking at his dimples too :) The other pictures that she took didn't come out so good, but here they are:

Now, my child is looking manish - have you noticed that? And just as yellow as he wants to be. I hoping that will change. Now, whereas Jarel is the little evil one, James T is the loving senstive one. He's fights everyone's battles - I like that. He's doing so good in school too - he can count to like fourty something, knows all his shapes and most of his colors. He can almost right his own name - he's got the J, the A the E & S. He's also speaking in spanish - I keep having to tell him, no hable le espanol which he finds completely hilarious.

Remember I mentioned the kids and their singing... Well,on the 8th - JT had gotten in trouble and I put his little butt in time out, 10 minutes later - JT was singing 'We're not gonna take it' by Twisted Sister (old 80's rock band). So I recently took the liberty of recording the kids sing their rendition of the song... unfortunately this dang thing won't let me put it on there - I'll figure it out though - just watch.

I'll have to get to the other two shortly. This entry has taken a lot longer than I expected :)

February

Well folks - my friend G' has been riding my butt about not staying on top of my blog. She calls me names, taps her fingers on the desk, makes funny faces and even worse makes many, many comments. So I've come to the conclusion that weekly updating will not work for me :)
At any rate - what's been happening around town let's see let's see.

Whereas I'd love to say that tax return time was a wonderful time for me, I can't say that it was. Mine was rather 'minimal' this year so I went and paid off credit cards (it's hard being responsible) and then I bought the kids new beds. It felt good to see the smiles on the face and the pride in their eyes at their new space. Niklye got a daybed and whereas we are still working on her area, she's absolutely girly and I want her room to reflect that. We're going for pinks and purples with her, we still have some purchases to make which include posters for the bare walls. It's funny to hear to telling the boys 'get out of my room!' or 'get out of my bed, I don't want your crumbs in my bed!'. I very often have to remind her that there is only 1 mother in this house, and it isn't her. But I look at her and she's just growing and she so much reminds me of myself which automatically means she gets on my last nerve (STOP LAUGHING) but that's my girl. She really hasn't had much going on this month. The most excitement would be from me doing her hair which with all her drama makes me want wrap my hands around her throat and squeeze - gently of course.

James & Jarel - they have both somehow managed to learn how to call their father on their own. One day Jarel snatched my cell phone and the next thing I know, he's having a conversation. I think to myself, I know I locked up my phone so I go and look and what do you know, he's talking to his father. So I figure the best thing to do is to explain it to James as well - when you want to talk to daddy this is what you do. All I know is there have been quite a few times that my phone has gone missing and I hear my children in conversation. It's actually rather cute.
So I was going to choose their bed as well and I showed it to them just as I did Nikyle, well they didn't like the bed I showed them. James says he wants spiderman, Jarel was right behind him 'sminaaman' - so let it suffice to say that I ordered my boys spiderman beds. They haven't arrived yet but when they do, I'll be sure to inform you all and follow with pictures.

Jamere - Now this is another story all together. I always grew up with the saying if you don't have nothing nice to say then don't say nothing at all.


Now, the space above should say it all :).
Remember the last time I was praising Jamere and how he was doing in school - he changed that for me recently. Changed it so much that I took his cell phone (which dang near killed him) and sent him to Grandma's (for whatever this last week long vacation they just had from school) to be babysat. That was better than me putting my hands around his throat and squeezing - tightly :)

I will say however, at the end of the day when the kisses and the hugs come in - that's the reason I became a mom.

pics to come.

January 14 through 26

Well, these last couple of weeks have been entertaining to say the least.

Jamere - As a mother, I'm learning to relax a little (not that dang much) where my son is concerned. He asked last weekend if his friend and ex girlfriend could come by for a visit. I agreed but can I just say, I'm having issues with the female friends thing. I'm trying to be strong. My son is growing up and friends of the opposite sex is absolutely normal. IT IS NORMAL right? I it doesn't mean that he's being sneaky and lying and things like that...Just the thought of it makes a lump swell in my throat. That child is however, incredibly handsome.

He has also proven that just a little bit of hard work can pay off. His final grades this semester gave him with the exception of 1 C (which is the end result of both quarter grades combined) he received ALL A's & B's. I'm telling you, that kid is something else. He also did his final project for History and he received 105 out of 100. I think that part of the turnaround in his attitude is this program that he's recently joined at school, it's called STEPS, what that stands for exactly I don't know, I do know that he's excited about it. He attends weekly meetings, plus he does activities with his mentor regularly. He's also involved in MESA (Mathematics, Engineering & Science Achievement) and he sessions that he attends. The last one was a couple of weeks ago, the only reason I remember is because I ended up getting up early on Saturday morning to get him to the University of Washington, driving around a campus I know absolutely nothing about.

Jamere is also trying to learn how to drive.........................................May I just say that I am grateful for his father. That man has the patience to teach a teenager how to drive - I don't. Especially after almost sideswiping a parked car to avoid hitting a pedestrian that was walking in the street (whispering) on the other side of the street. I just love my baby daddy. I love his wife even more for allowing him to teach our children how to drive because if it were my husband, I'd say 'Doesn't driving school provide them with a vehicle?'

Nikyle - she had a rough couple of weeks. Her teacher has been out (Her father passed) and Ky's class had and still has a substitute teacher thus leaving her with her mind left somewhere in Olympia. I received calls from the substitute teacher, every day from LAST Thursday until THIS Wednesday. On Thursday, I'm sure the only reason I didn't receive the call is because she was on a field trip. Her class went to the Children's Theater and saw The 3 Little Pigs. She was full of excitement as she told me about her day and the play. Friday she had free dress and let me just say, she can truly traumatize me at times. Her ensemble Friday morning was - a jean skirt w/ leopard print chiffon material attached, the leopard print tights which have a little bit of pink for highlights, the ivory sweater w/ the black tank underneath and the pink converse low tops. Just someone tell me why? She still under the impression that she's given birth to someone in this household - she's bossy, she yells and he's stingy - heaven knows that I don't know where in the world she gets that from so it's GOT to be from her father :)

Jarel turned 2 this year - MAN O MAN - He as taken the term 'Terrible Two's' to a whole new level. That kid is a 'Tenacious Tyrant' but then he smiles. it's ridiculous, utterly ridiculous because that smile is so ridiculously gorgeous. He had his 2year checkup on the 21st and he's still he runt but because he's the runt, he's the meanest of all my kids. He runs around demanding, screaming and abusing. If he doesn't get his way - he throws a fit, when that doesn't work he'll smack the hell out of his siblings or he looks at you in a way that says it all.

At the daycare, he has a girlfriend named Maya. She's actually a very pretty little girl. From what his teacher has told me, Jarel will fight for her, fights the kids and his teachers. He pats Maya's back at nap time until she falls asleep and then he'll go to his mat and go to sleep. He comforts her when she's upset and hugs her every day before she leaves. He can count by HIMSELF to 5 but if you count with him he can go to 10 and he LOVES to sing and dance, I'm going to have to get video of him dancing one day because whereas he's no JT, he's got skillz :) Oh yea, Jarel finally learned how to open doors 0 can't say I appreciate that either because my moments of 'privacy' have just completely gone out the window.

James - He's full of new words. I thought I was in heaven when I heard him tell me that the cheese malicious (delicious) but now he has extended his vocabulary to include words such as ridiculous and irrelevant; phrases like 'that makes me nervous' which for the record, I don't know where in the heck he got that one from. He's doing good in school - his girlfriend would be his teacher -lol- teacher Georgia. Let's just say that JT will bust out in tears every time she leaves with her boyfriend. He is counting - he's made it to 21, although he always skips 16 and he can do his ABC's. He had his first headache on 1/18, can I Just say, I am unable to express the guilt I had for passing that particular gene or whatever else it is onto my children, first Jamere and now James, it truly hurt my heart.

I'll have to add the pictures later -

Intended Innocence

Trust me, if you believe that these two are innocent little angels... think again.

They are my little hellions. I have to say, the remind me a lot of their father :) (Hey James, how you doing)

I think Jarel would make the cutest nerd.

Jarel is now trying to talk, I'm making out so many words and sentences from him that it's crazy. I come to work everyday with some new story about him. This morning, he woke up and ran from my bed (he had climbed in @ 6 because he's learned to climb out of the crib and shimmy down the side post) into the bathroom as I was curling my hair. He says in a rather stern voice ' Where's JT'. I quickly reviewed the expression on his face and saw that he was seriously wanting an answer. I told him JT was sleeping. He paused a moment, looked at me and asked (I'm sure he wanted to make sure I was speaking english) 'Jt's sleep?' I nodded my head and he then proceeded to run in their room screaming 'JT, wake up JT'.

Jarel also loves to wrestle with his older brother...In these pictures I called him my African Zulu Warrior...please note that he had on my hair beads on his arm and his brothers silver chain...

So, right before Christmas, JT had an accident. He was trying to call his dad on the phone and run around the room snatching toys from Jarel all at the same time. During his multi tasking moment, he managed to crack his head on the side of the dresser.

Now the only reason I'm adding this info is because Ky decided to call him Harry Potter...here's why :)

My friend has decided she's going to threaten my physical well being for not being cosistant with my blogging.
So family and friends, my most humble apologies in regards to my deliquencies :)

Now - not only is Gina got me blogging, we've also got a new project. A Photo journal, yes that right, a 366 day photo journel. I will attempt to keep you all updated as to the project.
Basically, it's us taking a picture a day, inserting a caption on each pic. Even though I grumble, it sounds pretty cool :)
So please folks, keep me motivated. You'll all also be included because the most of the photos will end up here. I'll try to keep it weekly here as opposed to daily.
Will all that being said....
Happy New Year!!!!!!

I even cleaned my nose for this picture (hahahahaha)