tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45224842572174282592024-03-14T01:58:15.118-07:00Jack AttackKathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-33142022770301020272012-06-08T05:45:00.000-07:002012-06-11T11:05:53.099-07:00The Treacherous ThreesThree......is.......really...........HARD! For everyone. It has been tantrum city around our house for the past few weeks. Two definitely had it's moments for us, but it was nothing compared to this age they call "3". I feel that parents are sorely mislead. It seems that everyone talks up the "terrible twos", in fact, it even has it's own title. Why is three never mentioned?<br />
<br />
At three, many children have the abilitly to focus on a task for longer periods of time = tantrums that last for at least (seemingly) 90+ minutes.<br />
<br />
At three, many children are more verbal and comprehensive = LOTS of talking back. Some of my favorites: <i>"It's not FAIR to wear a blue shirt!"</i> or, <i>"I DON'T WANT TO EAT MY YOGURT WITH A SPOON!"</i> and, <i>"I don't want the bubbles to melt...WHAAAAAAAA"</i> (in the bath).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmZj_rYsZJo/T9Hr7aF5RqI/AAAAAAAAPvM/a-mMBZSMkBU/s1600/P6246543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmZj_rYsZJo/T9Hr7aF5RqI/AAAAAAAAPvM/a-mMBZSMkBU/s640/P6246543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>how is it possible to be sad over chocolate ice cream? ....from the ice cream truck???? </i></div>
<br />
All of these have fairly easy solutions, change shirts, try yogurt with a fork or as a fruit dip, add some more bubbles to the bath.... We can't even get to the solution part though. Before I can even ask or talk about how we can resolve the problem there is a screaming, kicking tantrum. AGGGGGGHHHHHHH! Once the tantrum starts, forget it. It's OVER (the peace in our house I mean). I try to think of and be sympathetic to how he must feel when he is in the midst of this all out fit, and I try to be as patient and loving as I can, but also firm. Sometimes, there is no solution, every suggestion is wrong. Every suggestion results in a new wave of angry tears. Sometimes it is down right funny, sometimes it is downright draining. (A lot of the time it is down right draining). Sometimes the only solution around here is to let him cry until he is done. Then, just as if I never gave him a spoon, all is well and he is laughing and hugging.<br />
<br />
**Three is no where near 21 so we are outlawing the use of whine. When *whine occurs, mommy needs lots of extra *wine. The amount yesterday would have put me in a stupor for a week straight.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
My conclusion: Tantrums topped with wanting to be naked constantly are starting to wear us down just slightly...<br />
<br />
Calling all parents...how was three for your child and how did you survive?????Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-74877321661339941302012-06-01T07:44:00.001-07:002012-06-01T07:44:40.171-07:00Johnson's FarmLast weekend, (I know I am still a little behind) my friend Gail and I took the kids to Johnson's Farm for the day. If you live in the South Jersey Area and you have never been, then I do believe that you are really missing out. Even though it is a VERY commercialized farm (and a little pricey) it is totally worth it to go and check it out. There is SO MUCH for the kiddies and adults a like. Playground, animal feeding barnyard, splash pad, beach sandbox, discovery barnyard and play area, hayride, any kind of "picking" you can imagine (we picked strawberries) and a wonderful fresh farm store that features anything from the farm and beyond that you heart desires. We easily spend a few hours enjoying all of the fun and then had a delicious lunch before Bella was ready to nap!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1N-bEIw8og/T8EWnBLentI/AAAAAAAAPsU/3jfhXMjn300/s1600/P6176457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1N-bEIw8og/T8EWnBLentI/AAAAAAAAPsU/3jfhXMjn300/s640/P6176457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
First the hayride, where one certain kid just couldn't leave the hay alone, and got Mommy yelled at by the tractor driver...(well more like scolded).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hL_zyb8JZZo/T8EWh-MRxnI/AAAAAAAAPtE/oDy0zm0o8ho/s1600/P6176447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hL_zyb8JZZo/T8EWh-MRxnI/AAAAAAAAPtE/oDy0zm0o8ho/s640/P6176447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPWaFw5yq-A/T8EWhf-qVjI/AAAAAAAAPsE/PU4M7mod_fM/s1600/P6176450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPWaFw5yq-A/T8EWhf-qVjI/AAAAAAAAPsE/PU4M7mod_fM/s640/P6176450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Hey! I have hay on me!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkV5TI3Xjyk/T8EXCoGFNDI/AAAAAAAAPuI/vKJL8PbPV-g/s1600/P6176481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkV5TI3Xjyk/T8EXCoGFNDI/AAAAAAAAPuI/vKJL8PbPV-g/s640/P6176481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We got off of the hayride (THANK GOODNESS) to pick some of the most delicious red plump sun warmed strawberries. They were so good, more eating was done by <strike>me</strike> some than picking.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekHPrRdbKcQ/T8GBNc7sx2I/AAAAAAAAPtM/JG2yH6lrSlE/s1600/P6176463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekHPrRdbKcQ/T8GBNc7sx2I/AAAAAAAAPtM/JG2yH6lrSlE/s640/P6176463.JPG" width="510" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSjNviMn6SY/T8EWubuk0VI/AAAAAAAAPsc/LdBjTH5YgEk/s1600/P6176462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSjNviMn6SY/T8EWubuk0VI/AAAAAAAAPsc/LdBjTH5YgEk/s640/P6176462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zow3xV-G5hk/T8EXD-vWPEI/AAAAAAAAPuE/0DBcF4ZAJQs/s1600/P6176478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zow3xV-G5hk/T8EXD-vWPEI/AAAAAAAAPuE/0DBcF4ZAJQs/s640/P6176478.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFojMQLiNAQ/T8GBYyy5LaI/AAAAAAAAPts/Cx_f3uc_68M/s1600/P6176469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFojMQLiNAQ/T8GBYyy5LaI/AAAAAAAAPts/Cx_f3uc_68M/s640/P6176469.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oQPyYR3kjE/T8GBSEcxmDI/AAAAAAAAPtc/jRbixKmMYhI/s1600/P6176466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9oQPyYR3kjE/T8GBSEcxmDI/AAAAAAAAPtc/jRbixKmMYhI/s640/P6176466.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKzKf6t14b0/T8GBXO_NtvI/AAAAAAAAPtk/90Wqn36wkjo/s1600/P6176468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKzKf6t14b0/T8GBXO_NtvI/AAAAAAAAPtk/90Wqn36wkjo/s640/P6176468.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_4bX_1nfeI/T8GBbPpd-BI/AAAAAAAAPt0/uDvDulVoj9U/s1600/P6176471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_4bX_1nfeI/T8GBbPpd-BI/AAAAAAAAPt0/uDvDulVoj9U/s640/P6176471.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> An inherited love of strawberry snacking</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRFm8szd6hc/T8GBedxC2WI/AAAAAAAAPt8/jB9yEfR1wsQ/s1600/P6176477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRFm8szd6hc/T8GBedxC2WI/AAAAAAAAPt8/jB9yEfR1wsQ/s640/P6176477.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After a ride back to the farm Jackson found a cool spot in a pile of sandy dirt to keep himself occupied while I paid for our strawberries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUzlRY_Vgk/T8GBnT8uCKI/AAAAAAAAPuM/OJSs9wzo_IE/s1600/P6176487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUzlRY_Vgk/T8GBnT8uCKI/AAAAAAAAPuM/OJSs9wzo_IE/s640/P6176487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So obviously clean up was the next logical thing to do which ended up being great fun for two kids who could easily reach the sinks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfu1CPdGFgE/T8GBrVr-wSI/AAAAAAAAPuU/BniabwAQvKM/s1600/P6176489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfu1CPdGFgE/T8GBrVr-wSI/AAAAAAAAPuU/BniabwAQvKM/s640/P6176489.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUnvGwrOWw/T8GBvreW4WI/AAAAAAAAPuk/aYGJQDRMdGQ/s1600/P6176492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUnvGwrOWw/T8GBvreW4WI/AAAAAAAAPuk/aYGJQDRMdGQ/s640/P6176492.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
By the time we got to the play area, the sun was blaring and my toddler was running so my camera took a break. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1QVq95Wp-Q/T8GByw-UIXI/AAAAAAAAPus/rJhpM4LiciM/s1600/P6176501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1QVq95Wp-Q/T8GByw-UIXI/AAAAAAAAPus/rJhpM4LiciM/s640/P6176501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally we cooled off with some fun at the splash pad and little shopping from the farm market for lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PDw7D1QgzQ/T8GB2pdw2bI/AAAAAAAAPu0/B_Qh1gotyhA/s1600/P6176503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PDw7D1QgzQ/T8GB2pdw2bI/AAAAAAAAPu0/B_Qh1gotyhA/s640/P6176503.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAx9A5K1qO0/T8GB-Q37c7I/AAAAAAAAPu8/2QTE1qTl4iU/s1600/P6176506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAx9A5K1qO0/T8GB-Q37c7I/AAAAAAAAPu8/2QTE1qTl4iU/s640/P6176506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, a perfect way to spend a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon! Thanks to Aunt Gail for being amazing and suggesting this awesome outing! We certainly will be heading there again soon!<br />Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-15912902457679805402012-05-16T07:11:00.001-07:002012-05-16T07:11:10.235-07:00Gone Fishin' For Mother's DayOn Sunday we ventured out to church and then for a special treat, we hit up the <a href="http://www.treehousecoffee.net/#/">Treehouse</a> Coffee shop for some yummy mother's day chow. It seemed that every place serving breakfast was PACKED with the influx of mom's and their broods <strike>trying to enjoy</strike> enjoying a little pampering <strike>amidst the wiping of hands, faces, butts...</strike>, but no matter, we were able to claim a huge overstuffed couch that we happily lounged on. We love the Treehouse and don't get there nearly as often as we would like; they feature organic coffee and light fare that includes vegan and gluten free treats, YUM!<br />
<br />
After we got home we relaxed for awhile before Uncle A.J. and Aunt Maggie came over. As the day went on somehow it was decided that we should take Jackson on his first fishing trip. Jackson had received a fishing pole for his birthday and Frank was anxious to use it! After to trip to the sporting goods store for some fishing essentials, license, and a new pole for daddy (it turned into a more costly trip then we had anticipated) we were ready to hit the great out doors (pond in a little wooded area about a mile or so from our house). <br />
<br />
And, the fishing began......for about 15 minutes......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJIpdRFK8VI/T7OwAAnxdKI/AAAAAAAAPqQ/YP_W0B7_jXY/s1600/P6126394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJIpdRFK8VI/T7OwAAnxdKI/AAAAAAAAPqQ/YP_W0B7_jXY/s640/P6126394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> putting the "worm" on</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm1ej_W9Qlw/T7OwA54gZVI/AAAAAAAAPrE/is_nzchvdt8/s1600/P6126401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm1ej_W9Qlw/T7OwA54gZVI/AAAAAAAAPrE/is_nzchvdt8/s640/P6126401.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><i>Uncle A.J. the fishing expert and coach</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rm1ej_W9Qlw/T7OwA54gZVI/AAAAAAAAPrE/is_nzchvdt8/s1600/P6126401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB54af1kyPg/T7OwBM3RNbI/AAAAAAAAPqk/RxqDRbvVHwE/s1600/P6126405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB54af1kyPg/T7OwBM3RNbI/AAAAAAAAPqk/RxqDRbvVHwE/s640/P6126405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4JQ3IbWkTI/T7OwBQvLZ6I/AAAAAAAAPqw/T3VfGS3rqMA/s1600/P6126429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4JQ3IbWkTI/T7OwBQvLZ6I/AAAAAAAAPqw/T3VfGS3rqMA/s640/P6126429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Fishing with my dad"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op4JxOqHLHk/T7OwB__yDtI/AAAAAAAAPq4/kNQImAqC9dk/s1600/P6126433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op4JxOqHLHk/T7OwB__yDtI/AAAAAAAAPq4/kNQImAqC9dk/s640/P6126433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx3W6qSWUBo/T7OzIpZdUNI/AAAAAAAAPrk/IPlwe7cZrqg/s1600/P6126444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx3W6qSWUBo/T7OzIpZdUNI/AAAAAAAAPrk/IPlwe7cZrqg/s640/P6126444.JPG" width="510" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>unfortunatly only Aunt Maggie caught something....</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTLi-3hyar0/T7OzH_FMOII/AAAAAAAAPrU/gE1VZ5b6eEo/s1600/P6126442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTLi-3hyar0/T7OzH_FMOII/AAAAAAAAPrU/gE1VZ5b6eEo/s640/P6126442.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I know I say it often, but I am so thankful that this little guy is why I am a Mama!</i></div>
<br />
Happy Mother's Day to all of you fabulous Mama's out there....especially my own Mom and my fabulous Mother-in-law! I love you! <br />
<br />Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-83724295341395972962012-05-15T06:54:00.000-07:002012-05-15T06:54:07.057-07:00Mustache BandwagonOk, ok. So we have, I guess (not really) jumped on the mustache bandwagon. Made popular by <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=mustache">pinterest</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=mustache&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ&min=0&max=0&ref=auto1">etsy</a> but, in my opinion this trend was totally started by my friend and fellow blogger (much better than I, I might add) <a href="http://www.crumbbums.com/?p=683">Lauren</a>! <br />
<br />
As painting goes, we do get pretty creative making rocketship and spider tatoos on our arms and legs, but when Jackson asked for a mustache, I couldn't resist!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmumH8lJFYM/T7JZslDrPqI/AAAAAAAAPpc/TKF10iJ9--A/s1600/P6106348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmumH8lJFYM/T7JZslDrPqI/AAAAAAAAPpc/TKF10iJ9--A/s640/P6106348.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Happy Mustache Man</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4iSVoSKIRs/T7JZzanAXSI/AAAAAAAAPpk/heCCSW1bYiQ/s1600/P6106349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4iSVoSKIRs/T7JZzanAXSI/AAAAAAAAPpk/heCCSW1bYiQ/s640/P6106349.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Stoic Mustache Man</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-cJZj5BwQ/T7JZh98r9tI/AAAAAAAAPpM/YmwQLP-Yqd4/s1600/P6106350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-cJZj5BwQ/T7JZh98r9tI/AAAAAAAAPpM/YmwQLP-Yqd4/s640/P6106350.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Confused Mustache Man</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muhOdsbI6dY/T7JZiSI-eUI/AAAAAAAAPpU/_DaJvAsyb0k/s1600/P6106351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muhOdsbI6dY/T7JZiSI-eUI/AAAAAAAAPpU/_DaJvAsyb0k/s640/P6106351.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Potty-Trained Mustache Man</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank goodness this happened before he was able to grow a 'stache!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIq9VQDItzM/T7JZ31RYl7I/AAAAAAAAPps/XdVLpMWiR08/s1600/P6106353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIq9VQDItzM/T7JZ31RYl7I/AAAAAAAAPps/XdVLpMWiR08/s640/P6106353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and...my favorite.....Sneaky Mustache Man</i></div>
<br />
<br />Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-74152304036376431732012-05-02T07:29:00.002-07:002012-05-02T07:29:42.226-07:00Back To The Blogging BoardWell here I am! I am back! (I hope). Life has a very funny way of getting in the way of....well, life. Upon logging back into 'ye olde long lost blogger', I realized a lot has changed. So now, here I am, to navigate new templates and settings to get back to the part of 'life' that satisfies me and makes me feel like I have accomplished something.<br />
<br />
It's funny how it's like that, but it is. I have been working non-stop on trying to build a choral program at the high school, vocal directing a musical, preparing and rehearsing for and then performing at the Kimmel Center, managing a household, oh yeah and....raising a child....can't forget about that... All of these things are very fulfilling, and of course accomplishments, and yet also <u>very</u> demanding. I feel like I have worked and worked...and worked, and in the process lost a little piece of me. Well here I am! Back to claim what is rightfully mine. Back to blogging and photography and gardening and cooking and taking sometime for myself and my family.<br />
<br />
Here is what we've been up to since Christmas...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8sECEY3Kls/T2ksBiOZ8AI/AAAAAAAAPX4/5RSvEIllRt0/s1600/P4105515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8sECEY3Kls/T2ksBiOZ8AI/AAAAAAAAPX4/5RSvEIllRt0/s640/P4105515.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Jackson turned 3!!!!!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjmmiZ0Zaqk/T2ksGDy27lI/AAAAAAAAPZQ/gW2dWdXnEXw/s1600/P4105497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjmmiZ0Zaqk/T2ksGDy27lI/AAAAAAAAPZQ/gW2dWdXnEXw/s640/P4105497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> You believe it???? THREE!!!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDG5da_IaI8/T2ksHpQN78I/AAAAAAAAPZw/09jsiC9jbv4/s1600/P4095444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDG5da_IaI8/T2ksHpQN78I/AAAAAAAAPZw/09jsiC9jbv4/s640/P4095444.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and got a flashlight for his birthday...Daddy's bright idea...</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC5DvtjxN60/T6E1laJAFVI/AAAAAAAAPk4/6ndcUZGQRnM/s1600/Headshots+Into+The+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC5DvtjxN60/T6E1laJAFVI/AAAAAAAAPk4/6ndcUZGQRnM/s400/Headshots+Into+The+Woods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67GyzBXRo8s/T6E1k0yElTI/AAAAAAAAPkw/T9Z_iHq4DQQ/s1600/Headshots+Into+The+Woods1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67GyzBXRo8s/T6E1k0yElTI/AAAAAAAAPkw/T9Z_iHq4DQQ/s400/Headshots+Into+The+Woods1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC5DvtjxN60/T6E1laJAFVI/AAAAAAAAPk4/6ndcUZGQRnM/s1600/Headshots+Into+The+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFZ1sAOJmKo/T6E-aAswlyI/AAAAAAAAPm4/j59S1CUDZMo/s1600/P1150760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFZ1sAOJmKo/T6E-aAswlyI/AAAAAAAAPm4/j59S1CUDZMo/s400/P1150760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> Two Casts for Into the Woods and Kimmel Center Concert</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> </i><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVUkUAKXHMk/T6ExKi0JCHI/AAAAAAAAPg8/iLm_lsaIbDE/s640/P5085978.JPG" width="480" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Spent Easter at the zoo (pre first hair cut)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpKp3t6C_NI/T6ExKFiwj0I/AAAAAAAAPg0/t8lktkEZEKQ/s1600/P5085973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpKp3t6C_NI/T6ExKFiwj0I/AAAAAAAAPg0/t8lktkEZEKQ/s640/P5085973.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Hockey Mullet in full effect</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-wbI6hDLkM/T6ExYh-uEEI/AAAAAAAAPkc/FdouBqfvDIM/s1600/P5085941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-wbI6hDLkM/T6ExYh-uEEI/AAAAAAAAPkc/FdouBqfvDIM/s1600/P5085941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-wbI6hDLkM/T6ExYh-uEEI/AAAAAAAAPkc/FdouBqfvDIM/s640/P5085941.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>stunning parrot</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC8drNtUAy4/T6ExVuj6jBI/AAAAAAAAPjo/zNiYrIplljo/s1600/P1150724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC8drNtUAy4/T6ExVuj6jBI/AAAAAAAAPjo/zNiYrIplljo/s640/P1150724.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqnD9LGurg8/T6ExWwl6aXI/AAAAAAAAPj8/ZrXbq7Q3NgU/s1600/P1150726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqnD9LGurg8/T6ExWwl6aXI/AAAAAAAAPj8/ZrXbq7Q3NgU/s640/P1150726.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>First (real) hair cut</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpqHYvGh0TM/T6ExK5kFkpI/AAAAAAAAPhA/cZfKiIVIs3c/s1600/P5085980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQKwLXpT8cc/T6ExRZ_QAPI/AAAAAAAAPig/WTQnC-auiQ4/s1600/P5156166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQKwLXpT8cc/T6ExRZ_QAPI/AAAAAAAAPig/WTQnC-auiQ4/s640/P5156166.JPG" width="510" /></a><br />Post hair cut - happy child</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hdqMgXDFVg/T6ExRrtK3uI/AAAAAAAAPik/o9CKopCJdvU/s1600/P5156175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hdqMgXDFVg/T6ExRrtK3uI/AAAAAAAAPik/o9CKopCJdvU/s640/P5156175.JPG" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iCe27IQHx4/T6ExTYLecII/AAAAAAAAPjA/YHM8N81zo44/s1600/P5156124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iCe27IQHx4/T6ExTYLecII/AAAAAAAAPjA/YHM8N81zo44/s640/P5156124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>bubbles and chalk</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-vZHBkaqPA/T6ExQ6aG4ZI/AAAAAAAAPiY/nbTZMqN1XTI/s1600/P5126093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-vZHBkaqPA/T6ExQ6aG4ZI/AAAAAAAAPiY/nbTZMqN1XTI/s640/P5126093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bring it on life. I am ready for you....BRING IT ON! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-20622639764974065022012-02-04T18:39:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:42:59.941-08:00Christmas, Alabama StyleWow. It is February. I am a mess. I am now posting about Christmas. Before it escapes my mind forever..........<br />
<br />
Alabama (fondly referred to as Alavama) or bust. We headed to right outside of Fort Benning GA, where my favorite Brother-in-law is stationed, to the tiny little southern town of....honestly I can't even remember the name.... Anyway, my sister-in-law Lauren, who is absolutely one of my very favorite people in the world, lives there with my beautiful nephews, fantastic Hubby and two dogs (one is a puppy!). Even though the drive was longer than I would like to remember (we actually made it there and back with minimal tears and a boy who slept the better part of both ways! Lucky us!) it was SO good to see our awesome family. We spent Christmas week with the Gables and just relaxed....and laughed....a lot. It was exactly what we needed and who we needed to do it with. Tristan and Jackson had such a great time together. It was amazing to me how they bonded instantly and were best buddies.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UaYAjl9zeKg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<i>Best buddies who jumped and taught each other how to climb in and out of cribs....</i><br />
<br />
They of course, among being the best of buddies, were at times the worst of enemies. <i> </i>What do you expect from a couple of 2+ year olds?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJNHnBwUEp0/Ty3XBOJzH6I/AAAAAAAANE4/PhjLO1FqndE/s1600/P1234706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJNHnBwUEp0/Ty3XBOJzH6I/AAAAAAAANE4/PhjLO1FqndE/s640/P1234706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>He did, took and said xyz to (from) me!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAs27I7AScQ/Ty3XBxdKbtI/AAAAAAAANFI/c7yNyJsjn-8/s1600/P1234722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAs27I7AScQ/Ty3XBxdKbtI/AAAAAAAANFI/c7yNyJsjn-8/s640/P1234722.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whaaaaaaaaahhhh</i> <i>(the preferred form of toddler communication)</i></div><br />
Most of the time though, they were best buddies. Playing and coexisting together, thrilled to have each other. Cousins at their best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcpfDY1IA9A/Ty3XHqxUpxI/AAAAAAAANHI/Pk2b_tieHrk/s1600/P1254847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcpfDY1IA9A/Ty3XHqxUpxI/AAAAAAAANHI/Pk2b_tieHrk/s640/P1254847.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgDORPWMrmk/Ty3dvyaOaxI/AAAAAAAANOM/F8usd5fnpUI/s1600/P1254853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgDORPWMrmk/Ty3dvyaOaxI/AAAAAAAANOM/F8usd5fnpUI/s640/P1254853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfpt7J764AI/Ty3XAWN5rvI/AAAAAAAANEo/k7HE-ifFyyM/s1600/P1150402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfpt7J764AI/Ty3XAWN5rvI/AAAAAAAANEo/k7HE-ifFyyM/s640/P1150402.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtnUWKcSDFI/Ty3XNO1HJMI/AAAAAAAANJI/xFB_XZSS8Sk/s1600/P1275003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtnUWKcSDFI/Ty3XNO1HJMI/AAAAAAAANJI/xFB_XZSS8Sk/s640/P1275003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6lscnjy5yE/Ty3XONxzj8I/AAAAAAAANJY/2pnkCAwgEm8/s1600/P1275008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6lscnjy5yE/Ty3XONxzj8I/AAAAAAAANJY/2pnkCAwgEm8/s640/P1275008.JPG" width="480" /> </a> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X9ptOsMoaQ/Ty3dvNEVRhI/AAAAAAAANOE/CyY7W0ugJ3w/s1600/P1150354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X9ptOsMoaQ/Ty3dvNEVRhI/AAAAAAAANOE/CyY7W0ugJ3w/s640/P1150354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Two wonderful little boys (who mostly refuse to look at the camera) who are the light of our lives. Oh yeah this one too....Sweet, sweet Sam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4spZrbXNpFw/Ty3XPMXzO1I/AAAAAAAANJs/RPlfiyxjTJs/s1600/P1275035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4spZrbXNpFw/Ty3XPMXzO1I/AAAAAAAANJs/RPlfiyxjTJs/s640/P1275035.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Don't believe anything my Mom or Dad says....I am a perfect baby!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe it is just my presence (he he) but while I was there (at least in the room with this precious little guy) he did not make a peep. He was honestly perfect! Love, love, love this little bundle!<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHVnFyPFiY4/Ty3XLhC35GI/AAAAAAAANIo/a5w1DFZ2eng/s1600/P1264968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHVnFyPFiY4/Ty3XLhC35GI/AAAAAAAANIo/a5w1DFZ2eng/s640/P1264968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cousinly Love</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">We took a couple of nearby excursions, both of which I can laugh about now but at the time were, for their own reasons, horrendous.... In just a few words, wind whipping, frost bite inducing, frigid air that literally came out of nowhere, and way to sunny to get a good picture - but oh s**t my memory card is full of (the crappiest I have ever taken in my life) pictures anyway. You guess which is which...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiB8zGqXE0g/Ty3qG7XNWbI/AAAAAAAAOHI/B5PrNfz0qfk/s1600/P1264939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiB8zGqXE0g/Ty3qG7XNWbI/AAAAAAAAOHI/B5PrNfz0qfk/s1600/P1264939.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kcwORRHY80/Ty3XKbkBqoI/AAAAAAAANII/XxINoLOZ_yU/s1600/P1264907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kcwORRHY80/Ty3XKbkBqoI/AAAAAAAANII/XxINoLOZ_yU/s640/P1264907.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXB0HyAf2lk/Ty3XK5Kde0I/AAAAAAAANIY/a_OmZ0TPqBs/s1600/P1264918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXB0HyAf2lk/Ty3XK5Kde0I/AAAAAAAANIY/a_OmZ0TPqBs/s640/P1264918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diDZ9akwNG0/Ty3XRA7MTGI/AAAAAAAANKU/nIOBG6L9wtw/s1600/P1285154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diDZ9akwNG0/Ty3XRA7MTGI/AAAAAAAANKU/nIOBG6L9wtw/s640/P1285154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFrA49Tvu6w/Ty3XQg7cUHI/AAAAAAAANKM/YEeNhQRe4CY/s1600/P1285126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFrA49Tvu6w/Ty3XQg7cUHI/AAAAAAAANKM/YEeNhQRe4CY/s640/P1285126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Before I dump the rest of my (hilariously horribly taken) pictures on you and yours, I have to just comment on the tradition of opening Christmas presents...with 2+ year olds..... In my mind it all went differently. We literally could have given then each one gift to fight over rather than several a piece. It really wouldn't have mattered because the only thing were distracted by was what the other was opening or had in his had so that they would drop their half opened gift for Nikita to chew. Not quite the Bing Crosby kind of Christmas morning I had envisioned. But now a fond memory. The best part was the huge motorized-drive-it-your-self-tractor that both boys IGNORED when they came down stairs. That pretty much says it all. (Eventually the tractor was successfully a hit Babci and Dziadzi).<br />
<br />
<br />
Memories in action:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1GUZiVY9wME" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jackson the sloth</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_Bq_1T7CUc/Ty3XAr5A6II/AAAAAAAANEw/_CRdfWoePfA/s1600/P1150406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_Bq_1T7CUc/Ty3XAr5A6II/AAAAAAAANEw/_CRdfWoePfA/s1600/P1150406.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Boys who won't look at the camera.....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">....and then they finally do....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhJMFmUxrXw/Ty3XFbaqbFI/AAAAAAAANGQ/9laO6GpWxlA/s1600/P1244789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yhJMFmUxrXw/Ty3XFbaqbFI/AAAAAAAANGQ/9laO6GpWxlA/s1600/P1244789.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvdHDT3csN8/Ty3XJJlyAxI/AAAAAAAANHw/dQc4nWdgyJ0/s1600/P1254877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvdHDT3csN8/Ty3XJJlyAxI/AAAAAAAANHw/dQc4nWdgyJ0/s1600/P1254877.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37OxpOa1Q00/Ty3XMcPGg_I/AAAAAAAANI4/jhVCd7QM2PA/s1600/P1274996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37OxpOa1Q00/Ty3XMcPGg_I/AAAAAAAANI4/jhVCd7QM2PA/s1600/P1274996.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mYVSa0Rj7I/Ty3XI_vGfPI/AAAAAAAANHo/SqIuZov1P60/s1600/P1254866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mYVSa0Rj7I/Ty3XI_vGfPI/AAAAAAAANHo/SqIuZov1P60/s1600/P1254866.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bohFGqCvGjM/Ty3XUJ5yWHI/AAAAAAAANLU/Y10KY_oIkrk/s1600/P1234700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bohFGqCvGjM/Ty3XUJ5yWHI/AAAAAAAANLU/Y10KY_oIkrk/s640/P1234700.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> Christmas Scooter</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EUtNDITo2c/Ty3XCZL85cI/AAAAAAAANFQ/l-T7HXhMxxw/s1600/P1244750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EUtNDITo2c/Ty3XCZL85cI/AAAAAAAANFQ/l-T7HXhMxxw/s640/P1244750.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>....or two</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8U_mhLxPstc/Ty3XIbtt69I/AAAAAAAANHg/gx0QomsZ4OE/s1600/P1254829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8U_mhLxPstc/Ty3XIbtt69I/AAAAAAAANHg/gx0QomsZ4OE/s1600/P1254829.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGWzAw9laEg/Ty3XIHzjBMI/AAAAAAAANHY/j3h-ZJ7TYiE/s1600/P1254857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGWzAw9laEg/Ty3XIHzjBMI/AAAAAAAANHY/j3h-ZJ7TYiE/s1600/P1254857.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tractor success coming your way NOW!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qF8VQUxFr4I/Ty3XGg1a2XI/AAAAAAAANGw/Mt8rOkUOMw0/s1600/P1244803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qF8VQUxFr4I/Ty3XGg1a2XI/AAAAAAAANGw/Mt8rOkUOMw0/s640/P1244803.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz9jZDV03XM/Ty3XENC4ofI/AAAAAAAANF4/oQh3evWQAzE/s1600/P1244766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz9jZDV03XM/Ty3XENC4ofI/AAAAAAAANF4/oQh3evWQAzE/s1600/P1244766.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlbIGLqcm7w/Ty3XEn_t-PI/AAAAAAAANGA/Ly6q9EuBIlA/s1600/P1244772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlbIGLqcm7w/Ty3XEn_t-PI/AAAAAAAANGA/Ly6q9EuBIlA/s1600/P1244772.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>well, almost.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving on to the animals <i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDACsLoWQzQ/Ty3XE9k9OxI/AAAAAAAANGI/5WZVQbf70qs/s1600/P1244781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDACsLoWQzQ/Ty3XE9k9OxI/AAAAAAAANGI/5WZVQbf70qs/s1600/P1244781.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> 3-dog Christmas</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKNGtNFmzy0/Ty3XPgUQD_I/AAAAAAAANJ0/7TfDuxHXnlQ/s1600/P1275082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKNGtNFmzy0/Ty3XPgUQD_I/AAAAAAAANJ0/7TfDuxHXnlQ/s1600/P1275082.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Love (or torture, you decide)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UhX8zDsb8g/Ty3XMAnjDkI/AAAAAAAANIw/Li6Z13GDJ7Y/s1600/P1274991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_UhX8zDsb8g/Ty3XMAnjDkI/AAAAAAAANIw/Li6Z13GDJ7Y/s640/P1274991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>world's biggest litter box (this one's for you Lauren)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvwhSAswV4o/Ty3XOhdqfpI/AAAAAAAANJg/9dAwWV9ae38/s1600/P1275029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvwhSAswV4o/Ty3XOhdqfpI/AAAAAAAANJg/9dAwWV9ae38/s1600/P1275029.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sam</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P8UwvciUfiQ/Ty3XBglL56I/AAAAAAAANFA/hymt2ua9pdM/s1600/P1234717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P8UwvciUfiQ/Ty3XBglL56I/AAAAAAAANFA/hymt2ua9pdM/s1600/P1234717.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>stamps</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg9fCjqzXP8/Ty3XKmjnotI/AAAAAAAANIQ/wXyb0e-ZHDU/s1600/P1264913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg9fCjqzXP8/Ty3XKmjnotI/AAAAAAAANIQ/wXyb0e-ZHDU/s1600/P1264913.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>freezing...but a moment of happiness</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZsoU3uurVg/Ty3du6gOkTI/AAAAAAAANN8/bagzdRU5X1Y/s1600/P1234658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZsoU3uurVg/Ty3du6gOkTI/AAAAAAAANN8/bagzdRU5X1Y/s1600/P1234658.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-3z4ri18N0/Ty3XTagKZhI/AAAAAAAANLE/ehX1UjRLRdA/s1600/P1285177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-3z4ri18N0/Ty3XTagKZhI/AAAAAAAANLE/ehX1UjRLRdA/s1600/P1285177.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xD_Bf5GzRAI/Ty3qIPqpPAI/AAAAAAAAOHY/_EyMk_jmAQM/s1600/P1264959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xD_Bf5GzRAI/Ty3qIPqpPAI/AAAAAAAAOHY/_EyMk_jmAQM/s640/P1264959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Who thought this would be exciting?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5wwupqy8_s/Ty3XQBdWm4I/AAAAAAAANJ8/6cw81AV91mk/s1600/P1285119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5wwupqy8_s/Ty3XQBdWm4I/AAAAAAAANJ8/6cw81AV91mk/s1600/P1285119.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I48GGHQRXDA/Ty3XJ4Qjp-I/AAAAAAAANIA/doKoGhW2B1I/s1600/P1254893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I48GGHQRXDA/Ty3XJ4Qjp-I/AAAAAAAANIA/doKoGhW2B1I/s1600/P1254893.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59sG7Lg1v5o/Ty3XR_QfnGI/AAAAAAAANKk/Du8lSJ3U9Kc/s1600/P1285157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59sG7Lg1v5o/Ty3XR_QfnGI/AAAAAAAANKk/Du8lSJ3U9Kc/s1600/P1285157.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> the boys (in slight blur, just for effect)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now for the one and only picture of Lauren and I, and if you know us well then you will know that this is only fitting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72GZFpOX6-E/Ty3XT9JaURI/AAAAAAAANLM/ctKBM6RCtig/s1600/P1285179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72GZFpOX6-E/Ty3XT9JaURI/AAAAAAAANLM/ctKBM6RCtig/s1600/P1285179.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Trip to Alavama. We love you Gables!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-3872016435957432142012-01-21T09:27:00.000-08:002012-01-21T09:27:33.483-08:00Christmas CookiesI know, I know....it is way past Christmas cookie baking time. Our tree is even down.....the embarrassment looms. Just a little forewarning: the next few posts will probably be about Christmas....which happened last month...yes I know. My excuse? <strike>Full-time-working-mom-whose-almost-three-year-old-is now-pretty-much-a-non-napper-now-but-clearly-needs-one-isn't-enough? Ok, then.</strike> None.<br />
<br />
Directions for making Christmas cookies:<br />
<br />
1. Find or make your apron. We chose to fashion one out of one of Mommies old t-shirts and it has instantly become a piece of choice apparel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwA2zYjhgSU/TxNNlo4J0kI/AAAAAAAANCI/YK4s-80lhfs/s1600/P1150282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwA2zYjhgSU/TxNNlo4J0kI/AAAAAAAANCI/YK4s-80lhfs/s640/P1150282.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
2. Choose someone you love to bake with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPlZkzieKuM/TxNNqbbrrQI/AAAAAAAANDI/r4bX5pYstzY/s1600/P1150318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPlZkzieKuM/TxNNqbbrrQI/AAAAAAAANDI/r4bX5pYstzY/s640/P1150318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3. Make the dough, make sure you have plenty for cookies as well as eating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ZMX_Sfkms/TxNNmHO3DsI/AAAAAAAANCQ/UwUugfKy6D0/s1600/P1150287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ZMX_Sfkms/TxNNmHO3DsI/AAAAAAAANCQ/UwUugfKy6D0/s640/P1150287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
4. Decorate. Sugary sprinkles are not just delicious but create a nice decorative effect when they are all over the counters and floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-potbv4v7mL0/TxNNnvWktTI/AAAAAAAANCk/lubZSgSlaEE/s1600/P1150293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-potbv4v7mL0/TxNNnvWktTI/AAAAAAAANCk/lubZSgSlaEE/s640/P1150293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnV36Nxwjo/TxNNn_0Q-6I/AAAAAAAANCo/YD5Md_inF8I/s1600/P1150298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnV36Nxwjo/TxNNn_0Q-6I/AAAAAAAANCo/YD5Md_inF8I/s640/P1150298.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOcru64Ncnw/TxNNrsoRE8I/AAAAAAAANDY/Dz5CbqKNMWc/s1600/P1150323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOcru64Ncnw/TxNNrsoRE8I/AAAAAAAANDY/Dz5CbqKNMWc/s640/P1150323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
5. Wash up! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxzmYirLPhU/TxNNohV66OI/AAAAAAAANCw/2gSeBxOiVJE/s1600/P1150304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxzmYirLPhU/TxNNohV66OI/AAAAAAAANCw/2gSeBxOiVJE/s640/P1150304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
5. Bake and Eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd1N6zzRud8/TxNNpdf5_VI/AAAAAAAANC8/zkHhRxLTB2A/s1600/P1150308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd1N6zzRud8/TxNNpdf5_VI/AAAAAAAANC8/zkHhRxLTB2A/s640/P1150308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcBPoGtFbq4/TxNNptNXxBI/AAAAAAAANDA/9_LqSGFWhfA/s1600/P1150315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcBPoGtFbq4/TxNNptNXxBI/AAAAAAAANDA/9_LqSGFWhfA/s640/P1150315.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><u>Footnotes</u> <br />
Reminder: Dziadia's really like Christmas cookies so make sure to make a few extra batches so that there are enough for you to enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw_a4RnaG7s/TxNNsFGn_nI/AAAAAAAANDc/2zPszHi_Z1o/s1600/P1150331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw_a4RnaG7s/TxNNsFGn_nI/AAAAAAAANDc/2zPszHi_Z1o/s640/P1150331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-56625951710610907072011-12-13T07:59:00.000-08:002011-12-13T07:59:20.737-08:00Fun with Santa...............NOT! <br />
<br />
Each year my school holds an annual 'Lunch with Santa' where tots can make Christmas crafts, eat lunch, and of course, sit on Santa's lap. As soon as we walked in, Jackson begged to see Santa. Demanded to see Santa. Cried to see Santa. As I took him to get our tickets, he tried to escape to see Santa. I was excited by the excitement that he possessed about Santa! Then it was out turn, time for us to walk down the red carpet toward Santa..... and then...... meltdown city. <br />
<br />
"I DON'T WANT TO SEE SANTA!"<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0H1wO_TRZQr7mz12uGG1LFHfl5HV8joktC4H06ZAB8fbG7k1E6Pg-9DUiexL0CwLVmwwRglsOS6Ag4Vqo7CnAx3qLao2PjeQyF3uJCCnTepgaroGM0Yw1fnpQPPJ5XE-KSqYNtvkyjs/s1600/P1150264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0H1wO_TRZQr7mz12uGG1LFHfl5HV8joktC4H06ZAB8fbG7k1E6Pg-9DUiexL0CwLVmwwRglsOS6Ag4Vqo7CnAx3qLao2PjeQyF3uJCCnTepgaroGM0Yw1fnpQPPJ5XE-KSqYNtvkyjs/s640/P1150264.JPG" width="422" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Trying to desperately get away!</i><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i>I even tried to do a picture together, thinking that maybe, just maybe, he would be alright with me there too.<i> </i>Um, a big fat no to that one too, thank you very much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUwQHOt1WhMZ6kfZsfX5Z0xSc3sO8UUCAmrF8v9rXFdliSFmxuqhST3RaitPlVV3RNB-bm5-ddG-Mb4I-Zqss_5_kz4mmdA62TItXGf6k1xKIDpkHMREjtWS023O6kDC7xjuYKo1qHZA/s1600/P1150263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUwQHOt1WhMZ6kfZsfX5Z0xSc3sO8UUCAmrF8v9rXFdliSFmxuqhST3RaitPlVV3RNB-bm5-ddG-Mb4I-Zqss_5_kz4mmdA62TItXGf6k1xKIDpkHMREjtWS023O6kDC7xjuYKo1qHZA/s640/P1150263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing that a few instruments and some Backyardigans couldn't solve though...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUhyphenhyphennVtot1stpYg7rMxQX_qleIhr5rr13t-9JuEWNXgatvIzZ_SVjEoy3rg_e0ppt984hZN4hMBJz_9CitmJaqLWXfy-MyaeDkudeN-n6qQx_Ka9pLfXA_wtMG_8mzvS8WA0ICCiJ2Rs/s1600/P1150270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUhyphenhyphennVtot1stpYg7rMxQX_qleIhr5rr13t-9JuEWNXgatvIzZ_SVjEoy3rg_e0ppt984hZN4hMBJz_9CitmJaqLWXfy-MyaeDkudeN-n6qQx_Ka9pLfXA_wtMG_8mzvS8WA0ICCiJ2Rs/s640/P1150270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> In Mommy's class room, making <strike>noise</strike> music</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1la7owBPY64V3X4r2aZ76MOQ_p-VlRdqmel-oTGSu-KgvEvYyaWxFXzAWR6kId-xWJQe6cVjMT51aFlW1iuM-qh98gVWffjMUChHn7rQYq88bTcyTwdO-b1CtXvN0Hysp_ElfBM12FSc/s1600/P1150278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1la7owBPY64V3X4r2aZ76MOQ_p-VlRdqmel-oTGSu-KgvEvYyaWxFXzAWR6kId-xWJQe6cVjMT51aFlW1iuM-qh98gVWffjMUChHn7rQYq88bTcyTwdO-b1CtXvN0Hysp_ElfBM12FSc/s640/P1150278.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Backyardigans on the big screen can make almost anything better.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The best part of the whole Santa incident was really the conversation that came after. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">M: "Tell Daddy whose lap you sat on today."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">J: "Santa's, but I didn't want to, I cried."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">M: "You didn't like sitting on Santa's lap very much did you buddy?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">J: "No, I didn't, but you made me (short pause for dramatic effect), and I cried."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Ah! The wonder of the holiday season!</div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-29924414546114016152011-12-04T14:16:00.000-08:002011-12-04T14:16:45.952-08:00Happy HolidaysYes folks, it's that time again!<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #e9e9e9; width: 425px;"><object data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=w9XYVOwWzn3oXNh5&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself" height="319" id="A556973" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" wmode="transparent"><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=w9XYVOwWzn3oXNh5&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=w9XYVOwWzn3oXNh5&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-83552077849168159632011-12-04T06:17:00.000-08:002011-12-04T06:17:14.393-08:00Playing Catch UpBlogging has so taken a back seat to this CRAZY thing we call life. But don't worry blogging world, I haven't forgotten about you. In fact you are in the forefront of my mind, but ah, time is the culprit. Yes that thing called time that I seem to have none of these days. Well I seem to have found a sparse few minutes, so here we go!<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving<br />
This year we spent our Thanksgiving festivities at home and then with friends. It was so low key, and so non-stress, that it ended up being EXACTLY what we needed. I made a cheesecake and then we spent the rest of the day with friends and family. Mari and Dennis, hosted the most beautiful and delicious dinner party I have attended in a very very long time! And, they get an extra shout out for making it kid friendly to the only kid there *by letting him take over your basement for the evening! We thank you so much for that! Pictures are lacking (I am totally off my game right now!) Of course, Jackson missed his Grandparents very much, but all in all it was a wonderful day. We are and continue to be thankful. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KbZ--x_TpU/TtGOaJsO6RI/AAAAAAAAM9g/-uNk34jlMcQ/s1600/PC244525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KbZ--x_TpU/TtGOaJsO6RI/AAAAAAAAM9g/-uNk34jlMcQ/s640/PC244525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Playing with his racetrack in his *boy cave</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fall</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We have tried to pack the most into fall as usual, and the weather has been so unusually warm and just pain awesome this year. We have gone on hikes, trips to the city, played in the leaves, gone to the playground...you name it. Amidst the craziness of Mommy working a lot, we are still trying to squeeze in some fun. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxXVKihqfqE/TtGMr22jITI/AAAAAAAAM_A/JrTKI_liU0k/s1600/PC204364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxXVKihqfqE/TtGMr22jITI/AAAAAAAAM_A/JrTKI_liU0k/s640/PC204364.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> A Christmas card finalist that did not make the final cut....Daddy picked this year so when you get it....you'll understand....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6mG0rxiu5k/TtGML_upMeI/AAAAAAAAM9w/AzFkyUNu20E/s1600/PC134293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6mG0rxiu5k/TtGML_upMeI/AAAAAAAAM9w/AzFkyUNu20E/s640/PC134293.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-W4AI_2_58/TtGMN4hlKkI/AAAAAAAAM90/pT1o7eJe03c/s1600/PC134290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-W4AI_2_58/TtGMN4hlKkI/AAAAAAAAM90/pT1o7eJe03c/s640/PC134290.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2CQY0C7M6c/TtGNhzkKBAI/AAAAAAAAM-0/UGo2lUb5KWM/s1600/PC244470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c2CQY0C7M6c/TtGNhzkKBAI/AAAAAAAAM-0/UGo2lUb5KWM/s640/PC244470.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> little blue eyed lad</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Hope fall is wrapping up nicely for you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-48049439649883101602011-11-09T17:02:00.000-08:002011-11-09T17:02:54.882-08:00Trick or TreatOur Halloween festivities stretched over the course of a couple weeks and costumes as they seem to every year. We enjoyed our annual trip to the pumpkin patch, although this time we knew to go to the much less commercialized and drastically cheaper farm that was still complete with hayride to the pumpkins! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp1Zo1TUGPs/TqVdm3g_OBI/AAAAAAAAMZA/YugXu5xtiFE/s1600/PB143980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp1Zo1TUGPs/TqVdm3g_OBI/AAAAAAAAMZA/YugXu5xtiFE/s640/PB143980.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxfdzfTk-Xg/TqVdnTg5-CI/AAAAAAAAMZM/AAlwu9-OaRA/s1600/PB143959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxfdzfTk-Xg/TqVdnTg5-CI/AAAAAAAAMZM/AAlwu9-OaRA/s640/PB143959.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Jackson, our animal aficionado, begged us to take him to the zoo for "Boo at the Zoo". (He asks to go to the zoo at least once a day anyway, so it really was not a surprise... zoo + candy = two-year-old-bliss! I think was I was the only parent who caved though and let him eat candy for lunch.... I heard screams and cries all around from tots and parents of all sizes.... "I want candy." "After Lunch." "I want candy NOW!" "NOT UNTIL AFTER LUNCH!!!". And on it went all day.... Not for us though, Jack and Daddy (ok me too) happily chomped om chocolate and treats and enjoyed our day. And, the best part? Jackson wolfed down his extremely healthy dinner of baked fish and broccoli that night! Win-win!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJsdY4AZ-uo/TqVdmjo11TI/AAAAAAAAMY8/4eTQYHcma04/s1600/PB204015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJsdY4AZ-uo/TqVdmjo11TI/AAAAAAAAMY8/4eTQYHcma04/s640/PB204015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJNXkv1nsWM/TqVdjLkf5WI/AAAAAAAAMYI/jnFLFWgMi_Q/s1600/PB214170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJNXkv1nsWM/TqVdjLkf5WI/AAAAAAAAMYI/jnFLFWgMi_Q/s640/PB214170.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAMaeBkdHF4/TqVdiahpMLI/AAAAAAAAMX8/049xf26OOZ4/s1600/PB214161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAMaeBkdHF4/TqVdiahpMLI/AAAAAAAAMX8/049xf26OOZ4/s640/PB214161.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
This year Jackson informed me upon seeing the costumes that Old Navy had to offer (half off...) that he wanted to be a scary dragon. So, a <strike>not so</strike> scary dragon he was! The day before Halloween we attended a birthday party complete with face painting and the face painter was amazing and painted a really cool dragon on his face. I am disappointed that I didn't get a picture of dragon boy with dragon face, but it just wasn't meant to be I guess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbdYE4Qg8YX9kXFryE8ix7PrV-_N_DEvvlcmxUaVZfcY1FmheQG4U0Atj3DCJxBBONJUI4Tht7-Glpqu-0qLMwisMGUUdkW0056sZoaST75UsbUnOcTZZ9BDNMtImrWmBF1-Ave1_1ps/s1600/PB294220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbdYE4Qg8YX9kXFryE8ix7PrV-_N_DEvvlcmxUaVZfcY1FmheQG4U0Atj3DCJxBBONJUI4Tht7-Glpqu-0qLMwisMGUUdkW0056sZoaST75UsbUnOcTZZ9BDNMtImrWmBF1-Ave1_1ps/s640/PB294220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju8ahc6323e52_0fxkwoyTiz6KIuPQdomFQG4CP3ki7QUwRpfci65Zs06-hewVvLa3SLuwtiVuhn8ubLp20w9Pcz_RImaa-X03TwHG9Dd5Ol2dtYoUZrIUAmh-OPwDMOE60onsVURwGA/s1600/PB294219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju8ahc6323e52_0fxkwoyTiz6KIuPQdomFQG4CP3ki7QUwRpfci65Zs06-hewVvLa3SLuwtiVuhn8ubLp20w9Pcz_RImaa-X03TwHG9Dd5Ol2dtYoUZrIUAmh-OPwDMOE60onsVURwGA/s640/PB294219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Trick or Treating was much more interesting this year. The concept of "getting candy" was understood. No problems with that one. I think Jack's trick was to see how much he could quickly grab from each candy bowl when the unsuspecting candy-passer-outer put it in his reach. Shouldn't they have learned by now? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ypPzS9qXGEBWA8WPZ2UHMtwlEluXSB4zOxp6_HOjg6Y7XacQ9SGbdSMJBsHslXBSZM8Ssv__FPPFGkAezcI-dFS78nMBI9PyERWQv5wcMyNJ1GcAxtnGpwGhnvRmwtnrRgxaXQ70l5k/s1600/PB304240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ypPzS9qXGEBWA8WPZ2UHMtwlEluXSB4zOxp6_HOjg6Y7XacQ9SGbdSMJBsHslXBSZM8Ssv__FPPFGkAezcI-dFS78nMBI9PyERWQv5wcMyNJ1GcAxtnGpwGhnvRmwtnrRgxaXQ70l5k/s640/PB304240.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Xg3aK8LzN_BXeabkcj4icbIvdhVSCXkA-gxQHuQb1EFxQWVC8ec_qcr_kmBiQ_kL4RTlFDfTg213Efl4dgOX3hSGhwPYFldVHoh8PMYd_3nJ1js3qx5ylvszI9eNg7hNuXKyjEhk1w/s1600/PB304250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Xg3aK8LzN_BXeabkcj4icbIvdhVSCXkA-gxQHuQb1EFxQWVC8ec_qcr_kmBiQ_kL4RTlFDfTg213Efl4dgOX3hSGhwPYFldVHoh8PMYd_3nJ1js3qx5ylvszI9eNg7hNuXKyjEhk1w/s640/PB304250.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Frank's trick - slaying the scary-candy-stealing dragon</i></div><br />
All in all, a spooktacular Halloween! Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-81059904086979833712011-10-23T16:33:00.000-07:002011-10-23T16:35:21.979-07:00The Lie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0fpKQwHzZmqA-ilqLme84w-Xvdmf7U7HxdUkETmGOii4E-NCr8WHHY5ZH9x1GF2Giv_mohNgxvXCemxYtfCKreaoCETSYgywTZHurhU9LP-od2rMp2_SKteDDiFM2szEhl6CX7o58pc/s1600/PB214178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0fpKQwHzZmqA-ilqLme84w-Xvdmf7U7HxdUkETmGOii4E-NCr8WHHY5ZH9x1GF2Giv_mohNgxvXCemxYtfCKreaoCETSYgywTZHurhU9LP-od2rMp2_SKteDDiFM2szEhl6CX7o58pc/s640/PB214178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> I cannot tell a lie</i></div><br />
<br />
A few days ago I walked into the living room to find dried beans scattered all over the floor. I obviously knew where they had come from (the candle vase on the dining room table) and how they had gotten there (one very blond, very spirited little kid). But I <i>figured</i> I would ask the inevitable and try to make a teachable moment out of it. I <i>figured</i> our conversation would go something like this: <br />
<br />
Me: "How did these beans get here?"<br />
<br />
Jackson: "I put them there" (he is extremely and utterly...well...honest.)<br />
<br />
Me: "Where do the beans go?"<br />
<br />
Jackson: "In the dining room"<br />
<br />
Me: "Ok, let's put them back there"<br />
<br />
Jackson "Ok Mommy"<br />
<br />
I <i>figured</i> wrong. The true version of this story was ironically a lie. An, in your face, flat out, bold faced, LIE. The real conversation:<br />
<br />
Me: "How did these beans get here?"<br />
<br />
Jackson: "I don't know"<br />
<br />
Me: "Well, how do you think they got there?"<br />
<br />
Jackson: "Zoe put them there"<br />
<br />
Me: <i>Shocked silence/stifling laughs</i><br />
<br />
Jackson: <i>Big smile</i><br />
<br />
Me: "Why did <u>YOU</u> put them there?"<br />
<br />
Jackson: "Because, I put them there, but I don't want to clean them up"<br />
<br />
I guess that answered that! In the end we cleaned up the beans together and went on with our day. Still, even I as write this, I am laughing, but at the same time I am so not laughing. Parents out there, please, PLEASE tell me... How do you deal with lying? Even the cutest, whitest lies? I didn't think I would have to deal with this until at least three.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyOXFFnIz7IJ6wluT9U9TkqcmiE7eXa1UAgcaVUFJA8e9DYWXVtpaIPzg9YkO6_kUcbuCNuGPv3Ov8d9x50FP1tSxTiM-WmF3D4Nv87-3QwVVIFHie-hbdiiP9iPnj9s3sN4bjgyfjk4/s1600/PB214177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyOXFFnIz7IJ6wluT9U9TkqcmiE7eXa1UAgcaVUFJA8e9DYWXVtpaIPzg9YkO6_kUcbuCNuGPv3Ov8d9x50FP1tSxTiM-WmF3D4Nv87-3QwVVIFHie-hbdiiP9iPnj9s3sN4bjgyfjk4/s640/PB214177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>On second thought, I can...</i></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-16647443180789997062011-10-17T17:03:00.000-07:002011-10-17T17:03:58.077-07:00Ode To A Working MomMommy is so busy,<br />
<br />
she can't find time to blog.<br />
<br />
She is working, working, working,<br />
<br />
and her head is in a fog.<br />
<br />
She realizes, as the days fly by,<br />
<br />
she hasn't written many posts.<br />
<br />
And then she stops to remind herself,<br />
<br />
of the thing that matters most.<br />
<br />
Mommy takes a minute,<br />
<br />
to cut herself a break,<br />
<br />
For loving her wonderful child,<br />
<br />
is something she could never fake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW4aJ0FK9ryEOZ_uj_29f8EpWocCIjnLAkVk5lnFZRkEkGXOspihq9ig5mFoNxwaRp-HyzV6oHYWEpnuDCh6-9aeU5xU3pBly1NGYx5mg5cRnZIS-v6AtLSvveXci6vtfYO0hJimgKwg/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW4aJ0FK9ryEOZ_uj_29f8EpWocCIjnLAkVk5lnFZRkEkGXOspihq9ig5mFoNxwaRp-HyzV6oHYWEpnuDCh6-9aeU5xU3pBly1NGYx5mg5cRnZIS-v6AtLSvveXci6vtfYO0hJimgKwg/s640/IMG_6455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-76420316041284476972011-09-26T04:40:00.000-07:002011-09-26T04:40:31.018-07:00Basket-Head JacksonBehold...he is not trying to scare you...he is just...<br />
<br />
BASKET-HEAD JACKSON!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UndRzfbjAXw?hl=en&fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-43208469193226343702011-09-25T10:08:00.000-07:002011-09-25T10:08:43.503-07:00On Children<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="head1">On Children</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i> Kahlil Gibran</i></div></blockquote><blockquote> Your children are not your children.<br />
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.<br />
They come through you but not from you,<br />
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.<br />
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, <br />
For they have their own thoughts.<br />
You may house their bodies but not their souls,<br />
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, <br />
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.<br />
You may strive to be like them, <br />
but seek not to make them like you.<br />
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.<br />
You are the bows from which your children<br />
as living arrows are sent forth.<br />
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, <br />
and He bends you with His might <br />
that His arrows may go swift and far.<br />
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;<br />
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, <br />
so He loves also the bow that is stable.</blockquote><br />
I read this poem recently after an acupuncture treatment and the words were so meaningful...so meaningful that I just sat and re-read...stunned. It is so easy to let your own mindset take over, or someone-else's for that matter. Hence, how another parent wants me to react when my kid takes the train from their kids hand at the train table at Barnes and Noble, and then tells their kid to come and play on the other side away from him.... This puts it all in perspective. I can guide and model good and loving behavior, but I can not and will not CONTROL my child. I can remove him from a situation if necessary and/or take a break with him if need be, but not scream and yell at him and force him to apologize. It just isn't in me anymore....and when the last little bits of it seep out....that feeling of "need to control" I am ashamed and I re-evaluate. I realize that re-evaluation may be a life long process and some days it comes easier than others, but when I look into my child's eyes I am doing the best that I can to be the best mom I can be. He seems happy enough anyway...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pseaE4KcVq6pDRZm_j6mNbEEORdlH-x95It1waFV7zWgSNrexgcu-BEBRHNFNVk9Ssfx1vDDTtEUv9ESM3Rje1wyGWldtsyekU0Naj37LE-2ZrwLPmbWK2SMNqejrPwZKtdLVdXl9_o/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pseaE4KcVq6pDRZm_j6mNbEEORdlH-x95It1waFV7zWgSNrexgcu-BEBRHNFNVk9Ssfx1vDDTtEUv9ESM3Rje1wyGWldtsyekU0Naj37LE-2ZrwLPmbWK2SMNqejrPwZKtdLVdXl9_o/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-39562613082203239342011-09-10T18:33:00.000-07:002011-09-10T18:33:57.584-07:00Big Boy BedFor quite a long time (I won't say how long) Frank and I have been tossing around the idea that we should take the front off of Jack's crib and convert into the next step, ie, toddler bed. Maybe it was because of <a href="http://jacksonfrancis.blogspot.com/2010/12/escape-artist.html">this</a>... or maybe it was because, as all things seem to happen in our house, it was just time. <br />
<br />
There was limited adjustment to his "big boy bed" (which we still all refer to as his crib..and probably will until he is 15). There was only minimal crying when he saw Daddy take the front away and when he realized that the fun of climbing was no more (at least in and out - he climbs up on the side to turn the light on and off now...he won't be stopped!) At nap time we followed our normal routine (reading 26780870989873408 books) and...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaEP6z1AzI/TmwO9MzmnzI/AAAAAAAAKqY/yg3169QlQsE/s1600/PA053013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqaEP6z1AzI/TmwO9MzmnzI/AAAAAAAAKqY/yg3169QlQsE/s640/PA053013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
He was <b>OUT! </b>And, he loves his new <strike>crib</strike> bed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbCNWxwJgvY/TmwO-T3dhPI/AAAAAAAAKqg/RUV2ablHu48/s1600/PA053021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbCNWxwJgvY/TmwO-T3dhPI/AAAAAAAAKqg/RUV2ablHu48/s640/PA053021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Sleep tight little guy...and stop growing up so fast!</i></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-44256958193520609152011-09-05T17:58:00.000-07:002011-09-05T18:11:11.584-07:00End of Summer, A New BeginningThe last day of summer vacation is a hard reality. Tomorrow brings uncertainty, unknown... I will remind myself to look at it as a new adventure. I am saddened that I will not be returning to direct the middle school choir this year, but I am excited (and nervous) to direct the high school choral program. Big changes, big responsibility.... I am drawing on the positive and I know it will be a good year.<br />
<br />
Just as so many changes are occurring, I take comfort in the familiar. Jackson will be returning to Bebe's, to see old friends and, as he said "eat yummy lunches, like Arthur Loops". (His favorite organic spaghetti O's). I will enjoy seeing and having coffee (or my dreaded green tea - blah) with amazing co-workers each morning (THANK GOD that's not changing yet)!<br />
<br />
Although I am not ready for summer to end, I look forward to a new school year. New possibilities, new students, new challenges, new adventure. As we all take a few weeks to adjust, I must remind myself of the amazing family, job and life that I have!<br />
<br />
<br />
Goodbye Summer....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYqYh_cjSRznyxTQUDmIKp58ewdkzIUh6VTuuXdwJ8O0UL_0_9Woqx3MGPxZMepcIDcJS5U3O9XsnbSlzgQbe1yQeGWMhnhdDUn47yMqcGoHbjono1hcR_OfNiCwDsEukJqQLRm0dHqQ/s1600/P9062428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYqYh_cjSRznyxTQUDmIKp58ewdkzIUh6VTuuXdwJ8O0UL_0_9Woqx3MGPxZMepcIDcJS5U3O9XsnbSlzgQbe1yQeGWMhnhdDUn47yMqcGoHbjono1hcR_OfNiCwDsEukJqQLRm0dHqQ/s640/P9062428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOop85kJ8lea0fkXSatUT-qqpHQz8rEkT27G5FulZKVual64HRUX60l_vb2FnCtl3r71S7-fZl4O1ZltWIDmexuLlgSjy6naUexJ4K88t1PRe90aLrAsNtuwXFDP0mWVCoPHCr98FbDCM/s1600/P8060567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOop85kJ8lea0fkXSatUT-qqpHQz8rEkT27G5FulZKVual64HRUX60l_vb2FnCtl3r71S7-fZl4O1ZltWIDmexuLlgSjy6naUexJ4K88t1PRe90aLrAsNtuwXFDP0mWVCoPHCr98FbDCM/s400/P8060567.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMywCzh9HVPOev-cbkIzf1XdlyJ_vMdQh3EOTRso7WzJC7xYHBDR1nBGBNEv_6lbg1E2BDhNH6HOs03eYkEuY6O5ulXLPMiDzYFeT75j552QvPopkl6uvPMCvLlkCfRCdmCAGkg_3C0M/s1600/mom%2526jack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMywCzh9HVPOev-cbkIzf1XdlyJ_vMdQh3EOTRso7WzJC7xYHBDR1nBGBNEv_6lbg1E2BDhNH6HOs03eYkEuY6O5ulXLPMiDzYFeT75j552QvPopkl6uvPMCvLlkCfRCdmCAGkg_3C0M/s400/mom%2526jack2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbCr3bePLkdRNSEZCtFGz14y64qn5zi178RaXpzBoEBnNBc0u-FzlqN_HQ4NnHb5yZ5Vz9pM80XNohCwYyRru9sho4qF-oZ7CfY9tDuG9a5gzZK6EV0KatmcNED5wtXqyZ8jKkHGz26k/s1600/P8060587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbCr3bePLkdRNSEZCtFGz14y64qn5zi178RaXpzBoEBnNBc0u-FzlqN_HQ4NnHb5yZ5Vz9pM80XNohCwYyRru9sho4qF-oZ7CfY9tDuG9a5gzZK6EV0KatmcNED5wtXqyZ8jKkHGz26k/s640/P8060587.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLSkerHFERVdT3XLYcE1DQLxLt2J5ceXOWfJi-nP_cv8pknsQVFCzVe2DUFvxOiwYnsQxxUk6J5piC0sGO4IVLCDWUhyphenhyphenwEFW87i-tGsFJsF-DNlOuHxam6yX5FFWC2KvhtrAeuNU65Sc/s1600/P9062909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLSkerHFERVdT3XLYcE1DQLxLt2J5ceXOWfJi-nP_cv8pknsQVFCzVe2DUFvxOiwYnsQxxUk6J5piC0sGO4IVLCDWUhyphenhyphenwEFW87i-tGsFJsF-DNlOuHxam6yX5FFWC2KvhtrAeuNU65Sc/s640/P9062909.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxQMFaiQ14P-DkVnfsp7m-X7AfFUkIPfJPZj9l-ktfSconstXGj160mXUeCD3v7acSkucXJjTKOmWcUhP_mdgDOmwqNJp9CONVYny3RmXrOjLSEBU2o2jcQfE8a8FukFIEQhup3O5lXA/s1600/P9062915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxQMFaiQ14P-DkVnfsp7m-X7AfFUkIPfJPZj9l-ktfSconstXGj160mXUeCD3v7acSkucXJjTKOmWcUhP_mdgDOmwqNJp9CONVYny3RmXrOjLSEBU2o2jcQfE8a8FukFIEQhup3O5lXA/s640/P9062915.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerMF4y8LmwCY5faZLeA8G9U49GlsdK81Qj1cf5ZjGW_1ASlvIGsWOU9NB2hWJTW9Dd_Gsa-p8N6WjvWRAytkcUgrQAbwUmcIHappJk1lePwV6V0qZhFYJ8sUxYp0hxwAAqtHxNP3ozUE/s1600/P9172987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerMF4y8LmwCY5faZLeA8G9U49GlsdK81Qj1cf5ZjGW_1ASlvIGsWOU9NB2hWJTW9Dd_Gsa-p8N6WjvWRAytkcUgrQAbwUmcIHappJk1lePwV6V0qZhFYJ8sUxYp0hxwAAqtHxNP3ozUE/s640/P9172987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJPC9cug48Jz2qYgKbnejEGEfmpYP8gKqPHHMbQJtgiZLA8x6mjWRqKAc9qrp8Rnwattyy96TO0HsHL0EiYpfmwNGZKrEWEqvxiQgwzJwkh24uTNO3a3_JHlhBPGXFva6_MRerRUvT3I/s1600/P9072941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJPC9cug48Jz2qYgKbnejEGEfmpYP8gKqPHHMbQJtgiZLA8x6mjWRqKAc9qrp8Rnwattyy96TO0HsHL0EiYpfmwNGZKrEWEqvxiQgwzJwkh24uTNO3a3_JHlhBPGXFva6_MRerRUvT3I/s640/P9072941.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-34828162564743461052011-08-31T18:48:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:48:48.814-07:00The Wonderful World Of DisneyMaybe I should say, the wonderfully expensive world of Disney? Aside from the money that you get suckered out of, they do make you feel like you are in the "most magical place on earth". I guess it's called that for a reason. I forgot just how magical it is, and is it hundreds of times better when you experience it through your child's eyes. Maybe it is because Jackson is just shy of two-and-a-half and gets excited about things like puddles, but he was in pure amazement and bliss pretty much everywhere we went. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGnXfFifXgPVIg49AQEfhT8qwFQB3ZuXl-EDGMR3paQ5txIHp5k5KNdVkITReT4Nhpr2N_MNGVr3UTdGLN3jGcW19Iu404Zq5XQzZ50KssuXIow47bZRx2SnXvif3eS4vC0Nqxvhwyb8/s1600/P1140617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGnXfFifXgPVIg49AQEfhT8qwFQB3ZuXl-EDGMR3paQ5txIHp5k5KNdVkITReT4Nhpr2N_MNGVr3UTdGLN3jGcW19Iu404Zq5XQzZ50KssuXIow47bZRx2SnXvif3eS4vC0Nqxvhwyb8/s640/P1140617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Happy x 109783847826387462983471937</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We were very lucky really to not wait in many long lines. The longest that we waited was only about 20 minutes to see Mickey and Minnie, by which Jackson was completely star-stuck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1_DUB_WOUb0II1yjh56UL0NmiVeEDK6E-FQMZk8jCoE20d7cF26qjM9HEr23_ba6iHmpxcowkPMYQI9-zIaM3KIb2u02aS2OhBhypGl6CS41OZlIFKBW6hI43kHnibpWPHfcCY5Hk8/s1600/P1140694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m1_DUB_WOUb0II1yjh56UL0NmiVeEDK6E-FQMZk8jCoE20d7cF26qjM9HEr23_ba6iHmpxcowkPMYQI9-zIaM3KIb2u02aS2OhBhypGl6CS41OZlIFKBW6hI43kHnibpWPHfcCY5Hk8/s640/P1140694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcycPxEJPDrTgSAn19kwJWyc-xCs1pTxbqmeKGuXhd2le1Iw-FffPlfvrCVQ0FpdKIdHRw8uMDng7-qNQN876PUAU0YW1RpeQh5j6m7lXkGhyphenhypheneVCMOX8n3shm2flzbL3tOdoqGoZlocY/s1600/P1140699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcycPxEJPDrTgSAn19kwJWyc-xCs1pTxbqmeKGuXhd2le1Iw-FffPlfvrCVQ0FpdKIdHRw8uMDng7-qNQN876PUAU0YW1RpeQh5j6m7lXkGhyphenhypheneVCMOX8n3shm2flzbL3tOdoqGoZlocY/s640/P1140699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Same deal with Pluto... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A8fPOytiHS80HsPxO98XDxuEc9fuqHghGQfhMZJgHn2zLdJW3ve41JmwMgfh59FAfHXqhzcbqeElqFcXymvlsGC-G-1g_BagU1oo97lwqghm-QxMNMSVcxxm4xT-vP5-fNXQLtN9AqU/s1600/P1140709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A8fPOytiHS80HsPxO98XDxuEc9fuqHghGQfhMZJgHn2zLdJW3ve41JmwMgfh59FAfHXqhzcbqeElqFcXymvlsGC-G-1g_BagU1oo97lwqghm-QxMNMSVcxxm4xT-vP5-fNXQLtN9AqU/s640/P1140709.JPG" width="510" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> One of my very favorite things about this trip was the amount of relax time we allowed ourselves. Time to lay by the pool and just 'hang out' was so necessary! This one little kid I know became extremely brave in the water with the help of a beloved Disney yellow life jacket. Too bad we couldn't just 'forget' to turn that in at the end of our stay...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEr8ew8G6FPl52xvUUZFzRyHug3lIi5A91lUQapWZMJVkrKUTNnjaXrzXlPsKnSsyMYW1K6J4nPUJNFRB9FgR9s5OB4eFL4aLceltzQpRtIIAoprbXYqVDPACnyV1_GE4r_A1epVSHuA/s1600/P1140835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEr8ew8G6FPl52xvUUZFzRyHug3lIi5A91lUQapWZMJVkrKUTNnjaXrzXlPsKnSsyMYW1K6J4nPUJNFRB9FgR9s5OB4eFL4aLceltzQpRtIIAoprbXYqVDPACnyV1_GE4r_A1epVSHuA/s640/P1140835.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Professor Swims-A-Lot</i> </div><br />
In case you are wondering, those glasses belong to Disney World's own Mr. Potato Head complete with Mickey ears, glasses, ice cream bars....you name it. (yes we were suckered into buying it....one of only two souvenirs that Jack acquired I am happy to say though)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG47gsmbq8YAHYg9R5wh-yHPh5mVJDZdzDaD9DX1F6Y-N8kkJKF2oE06z5INVW_xTPJqEx7MjCvG4f5LKaGAeQuScn-8s9HX_xNCHbjW5fiYvPRL-_tzv2a89s6-PtfQ7em6swsg_jVA/s1600/P1140895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG47gsmbq8YAHYg9R5wh-yHPh5mVJDZdzDaD9DX1F6Y-N8kkJKF2oE06z5INVW_xTPJqEx7MjCvG4f5LKaGAeQuScn-8s9HX_xNCHbjW5fiYvPRL-_tzv2a89s6-PtfQ7em6swsg_jVA/s640/P1140895.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I_YuuWi-aH4HfnbDRKSChFOX2ELYk_PhObfIbizy6-4JYnQBtdKxylFH1ls5ES3fe99HAT48M7_rN1_apyA52uWvdfEn4_IXMZ_aF2k81sAGtebepxX2XhyphenhyphenIW8JAqqGOGKnD9a2qsDA/s1600/P1140908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I_YuuWi-aH4HfnbDRKSChFOX2ELYk_PhObfIbizy6-4JYnQBtdKxylFH1ls5ES3fe99HAT48M7_rN1_apyA52uWvdfEn4_IXMZ_aF2k81sAGtebepxX2XhyphenhyphenIW8JAqqGOGKnD9a2qsDA/s640/P1140908.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> I love how they are both squinting with the same eye...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We loved our trip to Disney so much that we decided we should go back at least every two years....I guess I'll let you know in two years how that one turns out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some of my favorite random snapshots...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF8hZgBuV8kPFWQtPkvgQeKvsdOEXeN6gFJmT_MdTKQYzTcJKZjuWRSKrB7wDYAQ9RdPSqExoA4bovn_5HUFpXgXSHwy6VIyUkK3TY-0V4CplDwojnoTnbg8u2OIQPxR2F99pSYvi5xo/s1600/P1140788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF8hZgBuV8kPFWQtPkvgQeKvsdOEXeN6gFJmT_MdTKQYzTcJKZjuWRSKrB7wDYAQ9RdPSqExoA4bovn_5HUFpXgXSHwy6VIyUkK3TY-0V4CplDwojnoTnbg8u2OIQPxR2F99pSYvi5xo/s640/P1140788.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-zTHydSWyqbADgYBo6fnfT5ml8o3L3IlHonwYPI3dfeG7yL628bNE-EQfV4xtTqu-J7KM2-mvUpFWfKf4HWUrkKYZjADCp3VkPXDqVmX-CCk5C201GSSULemZsv1-XkjzP7RVdwpKfk/s1600/P1140785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-zTHydSWyqbADgYBo6fnfT5ml8o3L3IlHonwYPI3dfeG7yL628bNE-EQfV4xtTqu-J7KM2-mvUpFWfKf4HWUrkKYZjADCp3VkPXDqVmX-CCk5C201GSSULemZsv1-XkjzP7RVdwpKfk/s640/P1140785.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJntIxxVZAzANfJkXjHwbR6y2uFAncHTJjfxL3FoZlpaqYemmVkVjDkYpPFx4BLqBA5MvgHE_iCStsChMXLriU8VYzZcNKogUykM5ZS3yUGcvhIQ99OxsMhemlQNtZhZL0c1Udu4GjaVU/s1600/P1140808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJntIxxVZAzANfJkXjHwbR6y2uFAncHTJjfxL3FoZlpaqYemmVkVjDkYpPFx4BLqBA5MvgHE_iCStsChMXLriU8VYzZcNKogUykM5ZS3yUGcvhIQ99OxsMhemlQNtZhZL0c1Udu4GjaVU/s640/P1140808.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOWSDGR__EQlN_hlm_j7OVyMhfsCrRBoZ_KFY6szthWh8VCd3hA7jt6CjvG682c3xBFLKS2QhZQf2HhUrC-eol08ew6rtk7gbzrekV18xE5xDQblss4yxi3sUzUGpzGJEJk3rencWRoo/s1600/P1140661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOWSDGR__EQlN_hlm_j7OVyMhfsCrRBoZ_KFY6szthWh8VCd3hA7jt6CjvG682c3xBFLKS2QhZQf2HhUrC-eol08ew6rtk7gbzrekV18xE5xDQblss4yxi3sUzUGpzGJEJk3rencWRoo/s640/P1140661.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Diapers in Disney on the splash pad</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wc1L1vZ3-LSMEwqT5re0F7pZiAndO1pOvcvujJ28nPR32erd-mDn3Au3B7H6_QCREQ870YfuNKMH1kaKRpYKn1m2f8xNi5WcLHD0Ovn3nIsJmxga4SSy19Bp-16x8N89JzcHDKhhXtg/s1600/P1140795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wc1L1vZ3-LSMEwqT5re0F7pZiAndO1pOvcvujJ28nPR32erd-mDn3Au3B7H6_QCREQ870YfuNKMH1kaKRpYKn1m2f8xNi5WcLHD0Ovn3nIsJmxga4SSy19Bp-16x8N89JzcHDKhhXtg/s640/P1140795.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Jack swore up and down that was a real giraffe </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and a real dinosaur was going to eat him at the t-rex restaurant too) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0_FDJUFP3k_8hy8Vb2_PIh66lTGDsSUrPeQPLcXSOiNvGZxklJrr8APAooAbDr2JFpLQVq87zafrPI-ytBzITYSNvC5YCc_oUJQVAc8nTnId8omtvthyphenhyphenODuUvV6x3Df_Y5nF1k56244/s1600/P1140749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0_FDJUFP3k_8hy8Vb2_PIh66lTGDsSUrPeQPLcXSOiNvGZxklJrr8APAooAbDr2JFpLQVq87zafrPI-ytBzITYSNvC5YCc_oUJQVAc8nTnId8omtvthyphenhyphenODuUvV6x3Df_Y5nF1k56244/s640/P1140749.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> A special shout-out to our Disney tour guide Jaime! We love you!!</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kSHpJKppVvi4L1nKUKMi2qQrBGnQvNMedeymfj9enDaMsyAOEJoRRIoMTVy8IhB6g1I5RLeMD8OMAZY5nwjgccL7tB-do1M-C4Y5na2eFfqW9t7lgU6N1GwRvNifUNwMQTY4YhOB8kU/s1600/P1140676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kSHpJKppVvi4L1nKUKMi2qQrBGnQvNMedeymfj9enDaMsyAOEJoRRIoMTVy8IhB6g1I5RLeMD8OMAZY5nwjgccL7tB-do1M-C4Y5na2eFfqW9t7lgU6N1GwRvNifUNwMQTY4YhOB8kU/s640/P1140676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9ARNxzDVQxWHKmRoiYEWaL_BTugwINa9O0SP8HIjSJD_aS-0LvrDfgnU0jnwrX8o_m5Iu72AMVHjSgP95LHhAqgSTIGjSIsoNvVD2kjxk9TTiRfbGbF5b_LFDzngPp1BzMdbjGCkJo/s1600/P1140774-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9ARNxzDVQxWHKmRoiYEWaL_BTugwINa9O0SP8HIjSJD_aS-0LvrDfgnU0jnwrX8o_m5Iu72AMVHjSgP95LHhAqgSTIGjSIsoNvVD2kjxk9TTiRfbGbF5b_LFDzngPp1BzMdbjGCkJo/s640/P1140774-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qZ9q7YqsKViE1epFD1coBiU_Vh3f53TtEiGENy91g-DJB8u69VykVny7iBPjdTCReXjD1_0Cqb_Wz4hwOn1YvhE8WZcaItzmHP8MxEI6KdD9uee_7rIbLxqUzz9ZwmPnEbZweYU4Jd8/s1600/P1140823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qZ9q7YqsKViE1epFD1coBiU_Vh3f53TtEiGENy91g-DJB8u69VykVny7iBPjdTCReXjD1_0Cqb_Wz4hwOn1YvhE8WZcaItzmHP8MxEI6KdD9uee_7rIbLxqUzz9ZwmPnEbZweYU4Jd8/s640/P1140823.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Yummiest Mickey Waffle...that sat in my stomach like a rock for 5 days </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7HUkINVwNDGIRtsGj4_UO0lX-mYqklGoUNXAfI9z2k5PnCgpd94EGA710jAY4zgZ22bcqGWGhjDjtnnaapX-WebD-oTHbikibSBB08Cep7DS176EohReDDPo-poR1vkHEeXMtP69AQI/s1600/P1140670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7HUkINVwNDGIRtsGj4_UO0lX-mYqklGoUNXAfI9z2k5PnCgpd94EGA710jAY4zgZ22bcqGWGhjDjtnnaapX-WebD-oTHbikibSBB08Cep7DS176EohReDDPo-poR1vkHEeXMtP69AQI/s640/P1140670.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> kid in a candy store</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUOWNsHLspigDcugBm8USsNIDUFBLKbxyaMcPliehxlci_WtYS2B8hoZ8V3Kddr_V9Bm9CBpaqaNU51KdsdapgjGD8Sq6JwSpipmGe3fq0vFAxW4c9QKUA4nuEliRb3A6kjiwI9Be5VY/s1600/P1140934-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUOWNsHLspigDcugBm8USsNIDUFBLKbxyaMcPliehxlci_WtYS2B8hoZ8V3Kddr_V9Bm9CBpaqaNU51KdsdapgjGD8Sq6JwSpipmGe3fq0vFAxW4c9QKUA4nuEliRb3A6kjiwI9Be5VY/s640/P1140934-1.JPG" width="480" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More diapers in Disney!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our trip was magical, so magical in fact that we missed the earth quake that shook the New Jersey and Hurricane Irene completely bypassed Orlando. No delayed or cancelled flights....no craters in our front yard...success! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg_wOjpkAsFqtezZMVecxTZ3_RPTFkdi_MzBBdcitSeTvSKEnYEX5AVNsyQ4qus9DjfCxZ6pO-QMtCrGCovBLmsQlx9T1GBwKAbNe-8rpzQrO_LG_0vBJuTlNiF0Iy1JeVcyqVu9xHSM/s1600/P1140737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg_wOjpkAsFqtezZMVecxTZ3_RPTFkdi_MzBBdcitSeTvSKEnYEX5AVNsyQ4qus9DjfCxZ6pO-QMtCrGCovBLmsQlx9T1GBwKAbNe-8rpzQrO_LG_0vBJuTlNiF0Iy1JeVcyqVu9xHSM/s640/P1140737.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Magic</i></div><br />
Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-329566731533660272011-08-07T18:02:00.000-07:002011-08-07T18:02:12.397-07:00Summer HiatusI wish I could say that I have actually taken a hiatus and (ha ha) relaxed, but actually NO..sadly the hiatus was only for this blog! I have been SO busy that I am ready to revel in this next week of nothingness! Between three AMAZING summer camp shows, play dates, appointments, photo sessions, this summer has flown by. No, actually more like, took off like a runaway train and didn't stop... <br />
<br />
In two weeks we head to Disney World for Jackson's first meeting with Mickey and Co. Needless to say, it was really something that I would never in a million years imagine myself doing, taking a two-year-old to Disney World that is, but the stars aligned and we jumped on the opportunity. We are all really excited to get away and enjoy some family time in the happiest place on earth. (I'll let you know how that one goes). <br />
<br />
And, now just a few pictures of my favorite little guy loving life in the summer! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb0j8n0T45o/Tji2LYBLEtI/AAAAAAAAJxA/aaE1WUud0g8/s1600/P8131362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb0j8n0T45o/Tji2LYBLEtI/AAAAAAAAJxA/aaE1WUud0g8/s640/P8131362.JPG" width="554" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9GcINZDm4w/Tji2OhXF6sI/AAAAAAAAJyo/yu4diuoS4ww/s1600/P8131421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9GcINZDm4w/Tji2OhXF6sI/AAAAAAAAJyo/yu4diuoS4ww/s640/P8131421.JPG" width="510" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXLeicjaG9o/Tji2PMXbJSI/AAAAAAAAJyw/SHVZj--zBYw/s1600/P8131427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXLeicjaG9o/Tji2PMXbJSI/AAAAAAAAJyw/SHVZj--zBYw/s640/P8131427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2p4QuM4hfE/Tji2cRfXLaI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/zNpaGDITuSQ/s1600/P8131566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2p4QuM4hfE/Tji2cRfXLaI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/zNpaGDITuSQ/s640/P8131566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk0u-_IsGnM/Tj80kpsIutI/AAAAAAAAKIY/ozyUMCzZ9a8/s1600/P9062428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk0u-_IsGnM/Tj80kpsIutI/AAAAAAAAKIY/ozyUMCzZ9a8/s640/P9062428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFrcPdgCQkg/Tj8008P_ZWI/AAAAAAAAKIo/hhR7xDt8mOg/s1600/P9062455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFrcPdgCQkg/Tj8008P_ZWI/AAAAAAAAKIo/hhR7xDt8mOg/s640/P9062455.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8KpF95z0Y/Tj81GFlGi6I/AAAAAAAAKIw/8ZlPndOkd2w/s1600/P9062438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jo8KpF95z0Y/Tj81GFlGi6I/AAAAAAAAKIw/8ZlPndOkd2w/s640/P9062438.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-60863323001736257802011-07-13T19:48:00.000-07:002011-07-13T19:48:32.009-07:00Lost Phone PhotosIn a pinch, I will snap a few pictures with my phone if I am sans camera when we are out and about. Usually I forget that my phone takes pictures and I forgo all together. Occasionally I will remember that I live in 2011 and I will catch a moment in time on my iphone's not-so-great camera. Once the picture is taken however, it seems as if that instant it is wiped from my memory. I totally forget that they are there...all of these not so great pictures of really great moments. <br />
<br />
Today in Target as Jackson and I were shopping for undies (for him, he requested monkey undies) I quickly grabbed my phone to take this picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hVGp5yLaTE/Th5R8tuxVLI/AAAAAAAAH7I/jhl_A9PUuIA/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hVGp5yLaTE/Th5R8tuxVLI/AAAAAAAAH7I/jhl_A9PUuIA/s640/IMG_0756.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I am a lion" he proclaimed</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So that is what underwear are for. I get it now! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnhJShFTjyM/Th5R991mS6I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/CXSMq0C7lng/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnhJShFTjyM/Th5R991mS6I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/CXSMq0C7lng/s640/IMG_0759.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"ROAR!</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I quickly texted Frank the picture, I looked back at some of the previous iphone photos, all of which I deem worthy of there own individual post but for time and memory sake (mine) I will post them as the lost phone photos. Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaUnPIhFslk/Th5RvwubrYI/AAAAAAAAH48/otPA_RqMKgs/s1600/IMG_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaUnPIhFslk/Th5RvwubrYI/AAAAAAAAH48/otPA_RqMKgs/s640/IMG_0662.JPG" width="484" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>bathing with balloons</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zDQR5Oma9Y/Th5RxJSWa8I/AAAAAAAAH5M/nTUt0NetOe0/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zDQR5Oma9Y/Th5RxJSWa8I/AAAAAAAAH5M/nTUt0NetOe0/s640/IMG_0684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>resting in Mommy's bed (as he calls it)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYxLXOQWQdg/Th5Rx1niIdI/AAAAAAAAH5U/mSrt-aNR25Y/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYxLXOQWQdg/Th5Rx1niIdI/AAAAAAAAH5U/mSrt-aNR25Y/s640/IMG_0693.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>double brushing at the zoo</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s359_3zwJLk/Th5Ry8SvUuI/AAAAAAAAH84/CpUVJKMAo0Q/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s359_3zwJLk/Th5Ry8SvUuI/AAAAAAAAH84/CpUVJKMAo0Q/s640/IMG_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>taking a break at the farmer's market</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aROOjzl5iSk/Th5R0lw7N3I/AAAAAAAAH9E/-5s9P7o4xgs/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aROOjzl5iSk/Th5R0lw7N3I/AAAAAAAAH9E/-5s9P7o4xgs/s640/IMG_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>stickers are for arms</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9G822ow8GLY/Th5R1o5fekI/AAAAAAAAH54/-TFiBPlMn-E/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9G822ow8GLY/Th5R1o5fekI/AAAAAAAAH54/-TFiBPlMn-E/s640/IMG_0720.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and legs</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUABzjjvC_g/Th5R6Sio4EI/AAAAAAAAH6k/PK7qp8fycsc/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUABzjjvC_g/Th5R6Sio4EI/AAAAAAAAH6k/PK7qp8fycsc/s640/IMG_0750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Clyde the Lion</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZU3_EqHGfA/Th5R7euGeII/AAAAAAAAH6w/HH05e-QsB8A/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZU3_EqHGfA/Th5R7euGeII/AAAAAAAAH6w/HH05e-QsB8A/s640/IMG_0755.JPG" width="540" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jack roared louder than Clyde</i>...<i>not really a surprise to me</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtK-ErWuAIg/Th5RwTd6_SI/AAAAAAAAH5E/A113Pp758Io/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtK-ErWuAIg/Th5RwTd6_SI/AAAAAAAAH5E/A113Pp758Io/s640/IMG_0668.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Phun at the Phillies</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17mr4TIRU4k/Th5R4PJJvPI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/90iydNsg0T8/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17mr4TIRU4k/Th5R4PJJvPI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/90iydNsg0T8/s640/IMG_0733.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the lovely lime lolly</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There you have it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-69360200786791861832011-07-06T19:31:00.000-07:002011-07-06T19:34:04.872-07:00Happy SummerThere are moments in my life, often the most trivial or seemingly meaningless, are the ones that I wish I had a picture of. Of course, my camera is not within arms reach for the majority of these mundane daily occurrences that might mean nothing to the average guy, but to me are everything. Any parent might have a shred of an idea of what I am talking about.... Being greeted with a huge toothy smile first thing in the morning upon opening your child's bedroom door. Watching them miraculously master and use words like cylinder and trapezoid. Catching them opening up their art kit on his own (while Daddy left the room) and taking the cap off of every single marker and organizing the caps by color. That last one, the non-washable marker one, was where the distraction of his first visit to the ice cream truck couldn't have come at a better time. (marker was all over the toy box, hands, paper....)<br />
<br />
I was lucky enough to remember to grab my camera as I grabbed my kid and headed out the door just in time to greet Mr. (Miss) Softy. Well actually I missed the actual truck and the money exchange but I did get the devouring of the cone. Chocolate with chocolate sprinkles, just in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bu2gruswv2g/ThUVjjSatfI/AAAAAAAAH28/OFOCWE_sdJo/s1600/P8020403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bu2gruswv2g/ThUVjjSatfI/AAAAAAAAH28/OFOCWE_sdJo/s640/P8020403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_wjAsekTnI/ThUVkraV3LI/AAAAAAAAH3E/naR7jfvg3Ks/s1600/P8020409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_wjAsekTnI/ThUVkraV3LI/AAAAAAAAH3E/naR7jfvg3Ks/s640/P8020409.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPgXyrPRlA/ThUVlv8g0UI/AAAAAAAAH3U/56S450oo748/s1600/P8020412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPgXyrPRlA/ThUVlv8g0UI/AAAAAAAAH3U/56S450oo748/s640/P8020412.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I love the one lone sprinkle on his chin</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These are the moments I am so thankful for. These small happy snippets bring so much joy and meaning to my life. And, here are a few more....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAlJYcfjP2U/ThUVhBkmc2I/AAAAAAAAH2c/-ppTM63NN0w/s1600/P1140308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAlJYcfjP2U/ThUVhBkmc2I/AAAAAAAAH2c/-ppTM63NN0w/s640/P1140308.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>King of the turtle shell</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFcwQNbrXDU/ThUVmlpO07I/AAAAAAAAH3c/pHGYd6wQz5s/s1600/P8030486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFcwQNbrXDU/ThUVmlpO07I/AAAAAAAAH3c/pHGYd6wQz5s/s640/P8030486.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hanging on the "monkey branch"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2WJfv8TCsg/ThUVh3WaQxI/AAAAAAAAH2k/Z_r1Zp0CBF8/s1600/P1140362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2WJfv8TCsg/ThUVh3WaQxI/AAAAAAAAH2k/Z_r1Zp0CBF8/s640/P1140362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In awe of the fireworks</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48TjeRklTD0/ThUVf9x5FnI/AAAAAAAAH2U/xA-bDhEs3OI/s1600/P1140270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48TjeRklTD0/ThUVf9x5FnI/AAAAAAAAH2U/xA-bDhEs3OI/s640/P1140270.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th, Happy Summer, Happy Life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-67478392983151633572011-06-28T18:40:00.000-07:002011-06-28T18:40:04.533-07:00Ducks For The Tub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyx0mYnCboE4VSrHg8zKTjRFa_wFXBTeCl3Dau4ZWUrowj-vtDanAq2YwcmShbuY4zfRyduecN-6FVGxY7IqWeeiKKrX08VUzh4YYFfP8dCwMe2p70iTFNqPH4a17cSDi_H_fjQW13U4/s1600/Jackcanalday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyx0mYnCboE4VSrHg8zKTjRFa_wFXBTeCl3Dau4ZWUrowj-vtDanAq2YwcmShbuY4zfRyduecN-6FVGxY7IqWeeiKKrX08VUzh4YYFfP8dCwMe2p70iTFNqPH4a17cSDi_H_fjQW13U4/s640/Jackcanalday.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
On Sunday our family ventured out to Phoenixville, Pa to visit friends and family and to enjoy Canal Day, an annual tradition with canoe races, live music, even jousting (? if that is even what you would call it?) over the water. The favorite this year, surpassing even the craft table and blow up bounce house was the rubber duck pond where every child is a winner. Not only was this great because they could choose from a myriad of blowup baseballs or footballs with arms and legs (Jackson actually chose a soccer ball man), but for the sheer fact that they could cool off in the duck pool. The above picture was snapped by the photographer for the Phoenixville Patch newspaper, showing our happy toddler delightfully splashing away....right before the meltdown and tears when I told him that, "<i>No buddy, I'm sorry we can't take ALL (or any for that matter) of these ducks home for our bathtub."</i> Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-88273155042142136322011-06-21T11:06:00.000-07:002011-06-21T11:08:06.704-07:00The (Busy) Beach Bum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe7BDzGNTjwDDSHNseQ6DAYa-DbbgNk9RT4oD7L9IHA3u7F2XAYZ5M39uBy4aVnw2SppWxOMm7jKBao3BQqhaz-gN5-MLjA1XKEio4sfgB2PQcpn0sQln5Im8vHLke65sTLM0iFZr3Ds/s1600/P7180209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe7BDzGNTjwDDSHNseQ6DAYa-DbbgNk9RT4oD7L9IHA3u7F2XAYZ5M39uBy4aVnw2SppWxOMm7jKBao3BQqhaz-gN5-MLjA1XKEio4sfgB2PQcpn0sQln5Im8vHLke65sTLM0iFZr3Ds/s640/P7180209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Taking a two year old to the beach is a production all it's own...one that really can't be managed without some help. When I was asked to do a beach family photo shoot for one of my very favorite families I jumped at the chance. When Frank told me he would be away that weekend, I quickly became re-grounded to the earth. I didn't take me long to figure out that I was going to need a helper to come along for the day, and by the time Sammi (babysitter extraordinaire) agreed I was back to jumping for joy. <br />
<br />
The photo shoot was great and Jackson LOVED playing in the sand with Sammi while I blissfully snapped away. Easy breezy day at the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5iGyCb-qgmoI6Ep4MWk362OWcgXPYnNRDXKeQnHnwJKYPyb62zHFZHvDxjHm5-EgFfdm72O4zLd4dD-5WxY80i7_gFyZfoPeQQHNba9k6tv4e-U6N_1ADcgIDAIn7s1e9EfMaWRWGuk/s1600/P7170093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5iGyCb-qgmoI6Ep4MWk362OWcgXPYnNRDXKeQnHnwJKYPyb62zHFZHvDxjHm5-EgFfdm72O4zLd4dD-5WxY80i7_gFyZfoPeQQHNba9k6tv4e-U6N_1ADcgIDAIn7s1e9EfMaWRWGuk/s640/P7170093.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX9YzUmNzOhAdRrOLL4YY_OW-EA2xIpD0qOtjrY76_P_JIpjqa6AQ9O21dx1nZz56MF4FOOmnz4TzCsrugRYzZERXnmsjTJbPq-cPwgCysF1URWkK4uG3syoA1tRiZJQeGs0Xo8SJIp4/s1600/P7170091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX9YzUmNzOhAdRrOLL4YY_OW-EA2xIpD0qOtjrY76_P_JIpjqa6AQ9O21dx1nZz56MF4FOOmnz4TzCsrugRYzZERXnmsjTJbPq-cPwgCysF1URWkK4uG3syoA1tRiZJQeGs0Xo8SJIp4/s640/P7170091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjX1b7SaCv42gN1s8Yhti7Uz2gSQNoR9FPYHNcSjlazLy9rq-NWippKP7z6wYgMOEqfEko1C5LqgGwhmOt6gHWdDNoWYL_crg0ZQKXUSBs39OGLP6LWz__qGZimxegd6RlzZ-I4b0KlQ/s1600/P7180262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjX1b7SaCv42gN1s8Yhti7Uz2gSQNoR9FPYHNcSjlazLy9rq-NWippKP7z6wYgMOEqfEko1C5LqgGwhmOt6gHWdDNoWYL_crg0ZQKXUSBs39OGLP6LWz__qGZimxegd6RlzZ-I4b0KlQ/s640/P7180262.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Ha ha ha ha ha.....until he discovered the ocean. Which he did not want to ever get out of. Needless to say, by the end of the day not only were Sammi and I both exhausted, but my back, arms, and legs were all sore from the workout of chasing a non-stop (and when I say non-stop I really mean didn't-stop-for-one-minute-to-even-have-a-drink-or-a-snack-or-give-mommy-even-one-second-to-catch-her-breath kind of non-stop) two year old around in the hot sun all day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwH4lWlrDeRrRTXJ114Fj0RE8LuRqCW2iPK6lCv3a6EZTnWLt2VfGhdpRb-pC02S7B8Teaajn-XN690dHnptbKcJi1MQ_iOZx2bmcdruQMUkPT9lsDPQd-RLDkUanYfmlbwvPC5T7pvU/s1600/P7180218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwH4lWlrDeRrRTXJ114Fj0RE8LuRqCW2iPK6lCv3a6EZTnWLt2VfGhdpRb-pC02S7B8Teaajn-XN690dHnptbKcJi1MQ_iOZx2bmcdruQMUkPT9lsDPQd-RLDkUanYfmlbwvPC5T7pvU/s640/P7180218.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGB8ggNbx65a1sUKnIGItfn2DWJzFXKDOkmm_GpfBcsO96ZpwBH8foyK7fmkD9MHaHb6FvtxrpCbno-tK0t2anugpkOwUCfO8doHi7_LLRaroFQ1aNzN07ja4c3nrBq6c4Mn4VjuAi9eI/s1600/P7180219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGB8ggNbx65a1sUKnIGItfn2DWJzFXKDOkmm_GpfBcsO96ZpwBH8foyK7fmkD9MHaHb6FvtxrpCbno-tK0t2anugpkOwUCfO8doHi7_LLRaroFQ1aNzN07ja4c3nrBq6c4Mn4VjuAi9eI/s640/P7180219.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQxqgLjRgWYUYpV4Q-K8oh_m_NxHUJT1I5_yfUYGPb5L0Yy0J9LVYCi4aMA2mRrO9p6Dl9_vguWhDMvWkez-yzn9jco78PYuSoom96YiKU8wlgAWprN6lkFnz_BXoqAHTpqlfuIxtoBs/s1600/P7180249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQxqgLjRgWYUYpV4Q-K8oh_m_NxHUJT1I5_yfUYGPb5L0Yy0J9LVYCi4aMA2mRrO9p6Dl9_vguWhDMvWkez-yzn9jco78PYuSoom96YiKU8wlgAWprN6lkFnz_BXoqAHTpqlfuIxtoBs/s640/P7180249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvcMAua6rKQhbChojjKQrwVVpu5xfqtwQBDPYv_Uk7c7qx9GDnT1LnHty41HIcAacXe14EDFqoYmTELyNAfpl-LuYSx76GXxjrHjtbmEpSV6CVeg6O_GE5RRPN3bgrSxyKIhq9A515w8/s1600/P7180223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvcMAua6rKQhbChojjKQrwVVpu5xfqtwQBDPYv_Uk7c7qx9GDnT1LnHty41HIcAacXe14EDFqoYmTELyNAfpl-LuYSx76GXxjrHjtbmEpSV6CVeg6O_GE5RRPN3bgrSxyKIhq9A515w8/s640/P7180223.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NU4M5vh_buEC_My-b6V7j6KRtzii2G7SAU96vEObW0JZfNpw7NYZyTaOglYOJe5ymB0vmE-o1A_x_knfAjBkAhC6hNPOQ9nbK_zimfflm7qSlAwu1OeuG1hhREwbsxXk_POaveZgaPw/s1600/P7180238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NU4M5vh_buEC_My-b6V7j6KRtzii2G7SAU96vEObW0JZfNpw7NYZyTaOglYOJe5ymB0vmE-o1A_x_knfAjBkAhC6hNPOQ9nbK_zimfflm7qSlAwu1OeuG1hhREwbsxXk_POaveZgaPw/s640/P7180238.JPG" width="510" /></a></div><br />
The gleeful shrieks and screeches of "Mommy we're in the ocean!!!" and "Ha, ha, I wanna swim again" made it all worth while! I can't wait to take him back to the beach with Daddy, I have after all been told that he takes after his father when it comes to the water!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-Xmm_xvIFOcHOZTTDd25Y_5LTHne4bAc3raCAEAQQTA7Iog3xTsFY9XkyPlzC2PqUdus3lh0S2bPzw9fL4SqS-V2AQQNj8AeWHyFnQaE0W1NC_kGSS77r2OSLeBrrhGUPx1y807l1f0/s1600/P7179955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-Xmm_xvIFOcHOZTTDd25Y_5LTHne4bAc3raCAEAQQTA7Iog3xTsFY9XkyPlzC2PqUdus3lh0S2bPzw9fL4SqS-V2AQQNj8AeWHyFnQaE0W1NC_kGSS77r2OSLeBrrhGUPx1y807l1f0/s640/P7179955.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdezaqofawAUQ8EZzeyVzeNoc7poFXv4FqMLs7y_uRn1XGfVQRNAEPwVWdz8u6YXcbBmRKJ4-6X_BtNctsEA_4xIheyiNwFxZ_cPA8KmboXIm-uncHyvoclNEt592MgVUZXZ-2NR4FXJw/s1600/P7180206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdezaqofawAUQ8EZzeyVzeNoc7poFXv4FqMLs7y_uRn1XGfVQRNAEPwVWdz8u6YXcbBmRKJ4-6X_BtNctsEA_4xIheyiNwFxZ_cPA8KmboXIm-uncHyvoclNEt592MgVUZXZ-2NR4FXJw/s640/P7180206.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> I will conquer the ocean!</i>...<i>.(and, he did</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-51905616288408624352011-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:002011-06-16T19:30:21.521-07:00Father's Day PreviewWith Father's Day this weekend, I thought I would post a few of my favorite pictures of Jackson with his Daddy. Sadly this daddy will be out of town for the weekend and won't be returning until the ending hours of actual "Father's Day". We will miss you Daddy, while you are away, and I guess it just means that we will have to celebrate extra hard when you return!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMuxvKFCJPk/TbnhVeMMaEI/AAAAAAAAFEc/o5fWuetuAIY/s1600/P5248436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMuxvKFCJPk/TbnhVeMMaEI/AAAAAAAAFEc/o5fWuetuAIY/s640/P5248436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgOVY2LWvxAcHuiTUr_9-SIfgNqWfHcdvfTdyMfQu17Di0_6Q4oyqpNRLo0H-848Nqo5DUmLM2nCWNNpSyMKgiWOyRoL6jIawQ9nbBNN3SKWsTHeo1mo2Vge0TlZv9Ukcc5ZlW78M5eA/s1600/P7119363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgOVY2LWvxAcHuiTUr_9-SIfgNqWfHcdvfTdyMfQu17Di0_6Q4oyqpNRLo0H-848Nqo5DUmLM2nCWNNpSyMKgiWOyRoL6jIawQ9nbBNN3SKWsTHeo1mo2Vge0TlZv9Ukcc5ZlW78M5eA/s640/P7119363.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgqdhDrIcFw/TfoQCMcGPUI/AAAAAAAAGVs/an9dEPaJJlo/s1600/P7119333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgqdhDrIcFw/TfoQCMcGPUI/AAAAAAAAGVs/an9dEPaJJlo/s640/P7119333.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsFUhjdLVqMhlz_swbfu24PN98zCofRLIpInn2wk8gJZkP1hlKDkGLPAED5oeVzmIDPERVIQPQE6E_tVXN6ZZCpLIse15Ek6-GUmik-CkmafB05dG680gKbpn17TcwOSaMuewSIlJ4oQ/s1600/P5097453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsFUhjdLVqMhlz_swbfu24PN98zCofRLIpInn2wk8gJZkP1hlKDkGLPAED5oeVzmIDPERVIQPQE6E_tVXN6ZZCpLIse15Ek6-GUmik-CkmafB05dG680gKbpn17TcwOSaMuewSIlJ4oQ/s640/P5097453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwIyCbo_tqBPHJpMv9hnrk409ecKM99a8pqWmNGr2EcmTwjEgdcOyyvElZ5iffSNKCOP16bkIexZ-4_UJY0Vqj1cgaLuWRgda6FmQrJNljSsHvxA6jzcKNp95Qi3rfd5nTH0sZvhG2gw/s1600/P1100511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwIyCbo_tqBPHJpMv9hnrk409ecKM99a8pqWmNGr2EcmTwjEgdcOyyvElZ5iffSNKCOP16bkIexZ-4_UJY0Vqj1cgaLuWRgda6FmQrJNljSsHvxA6jzcKNp95Qi3rfd5nTH0sZvhG2gw/s640/P1100511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Sons with their Daddies</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span id="goog_1538130843"></span><span id="goog_1538130844"></span>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522484257217428259.post-58487881938809364622011-06-07T10:07:00.000-07:002011-06-07T10:07:35.164-07:00Say Cheese!Usually when I try to take a picture, Jackson runs away from the camera full tilt or turns his head away in a flash leaving only a hazy trace in the picture. Lately though, he has been saying <i>"Cheese Mommy!</i>" when I pull out my camera. Here are some of our latest pieces of <i>"Cheese"</i> (which, yes, just in case you are wondering he loves the edible kind too).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh7Do3NlLNGzK7QORt1QSGLj9QQ80eW23f0Cg7lPknoFfq75h1vdYBtGf5LJjhncPwszvcwNJFBP3NbUJJVUwvXg6nQoc-YBJoNYlGoQg2Y4rh_AmjSg6b0ESyxoosrR_BGcMQUJP3aM/s1600/P7049156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh7Do3NlLNGzK7QORt1QSGLj9QQ80eW23f0Cg7lPknoFfq75h1vdYBtGf5LJjhncPwszvcwNJFBP3NbUJJVUwvXg6nQoc-YBJoNYlGoQg2Y4rh_AmjSg6b0ESyxoosrR_BGcMQUJP3aM/s640/P7049156.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Would you like some cheese whiz with that?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIujIRDXhMXUZCHpy2qcdYIFcvxADEhDjpwO5JLwO1dlyONM79QRwkOAIxgBIR49gi53Puj7L7gSpH1ZiiwsWXv_bYW3mE6pkaF0Cv03xu0qto5AIWMYAN_HVw4lQ1xyqSpJarr7V_Cg/s1600/P7049157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIujIRDXhMXUZCHpy2qcdYIFcvxADEhDjpwO5JLwO1dlyONM79QRwkOAIxgBIR49gi53Puj7L7gSpH1ZiiwsWXv_bYW3mE6pkaF0Cv03xu0qto5AIWMYAN_HVw4lQ1xyqSpJarr7V_Cg/s640/P7049157.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> How about some cheese fries?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9HaHNWTIw1Q9WesLMRZ-iaEgQ8oNtwTrNFqKKcCB95Kb1J4-9s90bI0eumsGvq1Vr5NAIVFlYUFhEkY_qTeVDVPXSuur2HFcoRxoK0ZQgMimS9uZbJPKuJv9oqgnn_Ae0IRaW0LGpA/s1600/P7049158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9HaHNWTIw1Q9WesLMRZ-iaEgQ8oNtwTrNFqKKcCB95Kb1J4-9s90bI0eumsGvq1Vr5NAIVFlYUFhEkY_qTeVDVPXSuur2HFcoRxoK0ZQgMimS9uZbJPKuJv9oqgnn_Ae0IRaW0LGpA/s640/P7049158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Yum! More Cheese Please!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kathy Drachowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17999702392344517309noreply@blogger.com0