Melissa’s Blog

This morning we got ready to go to pre school. We dropped dad off at work so he could bike home. Also stopped to get green bagels for pre school, I was snack mom. So sad they didn’t have green bagels. But everything else was green. I brought kiwi, green grapes, and lucky charms. Nicole was so excited I was working at pre school. I was in charge of finger painting, messy! Justin played cars and trains and Nicole hung out with me helping me set up and doing the finger painting. Nicole sat on my lap at group time. Ms. Donna was talking about a farmer being lazy (book) and Justin gets up and says my daddy isn’t lazy, so funny. I love sharing time, I quickly set up snack so I could watch the kiddos. Nicole shared her baby. She was a little shy and got even more shy when she showed her baby. I think she was afraid someone would grab it. Justin shared his fishing hook and fish. He liked showing the kids how he catches fish. We played outside after pre school with our friends, the kids love running around out there. We came home to a clean house. Justin really wanted to take some sticks home so I let him. Sticks in my clean house-ugh! The kids played really well when they got home. They built tracks on the floor. They watched Curious George for a bit. And considering it has been 3 days since bath, I had to give them a bath. They loved drawing all over the tub with crayons. They love their naked time after bath and it was warm enough to be naked for a bit. I got the kiddos dressed up. Nicole had on the formal dress and I put Justin’s suit on that he wasn’t able to wear to Alan’s event. Oh my goodness, it was the cutest thing ever. I got some pictures but need Bret’s help with fixing the color.Here are a few:

Then they got back into their play clothes and made a mess in the backyard with dirt and rocks. I am so tired of cleaning up after everyone. I am just cranky today! Since I was cranky I decided I didn’t want to cook. So we went to Ruby’s by the lake. We took daddy car and the kids rode with their windows down, who knew that would be funny. They were laughing and commenting on their crazy hair. Really pretty by the lake and so nice we were able to eat outside. We got home and had hyper kids. We read lots of books and crossed our fingers they would go to sleep. Instead we heard laughing and giggling, Nicole turned on the mobile on her doll crib and her and Justin were cracking up.

This morning we were out early. We dropped daddy off at work so he could bike home, then headed to the foot doctor. The kiddos watched Elmo while I got my orthodics. Then we headed to Fashion Island. We had a great time reading books in the bookstore. We read Curious George, Thomas books, Train books, Purpilicious, etc. We played outside by the Koi pond. The kids had a great time and it was a beautiful day. They brought their doll strollers as well and had fun racing them around Fashion Island. They jumped over the stepping stones and loved finding the fish. We went to the really big fountain. Everytime the water went high up they screamed and covered their heads (they were not going to get wet anyway). It was fun to watch. We went to the pet store and there were 2 or 3 dogs I could have taken home with us, so cute. The kids loved watching the dogs play and the hamsters run around chasing one another. Justin just lets out these awesome screams. We met Jen (Ryan and Matthew’s mom) for lunch. It was nice to catch up since she started working we haven’t see her much. After lunch the kiddos played a little more by the Koi pond and we left. On the way home I needed to stop at Costco for some snacks as I am snack mom tomorrow. We came home and watched TV.It was beautiful out so we decided to hop in the bike trailer and head to Blue Gum Park. We had so much fun The kids loved putting sand on the slide and sliding down it-they were laughing so hard. They have been loving playing in the sand. On dad’s bike ride home he stopped us and joined us at the park. The kids were in the swings, they loved twisting the chain and spinning. So weird to see them on big kids swings. My babies are growing up. We came home and the kids grabbed a little bag with handles and pretended to go to work. So silly. During dinner I took a green bean and gave the other half to Nicole in our mouths (like the licorce kiss). Then Justin and Nicole did it, it was hilarous. After dinner we just played. Upstairs, we read a few books and told stories. The kids went to bed and Nicole called us. She said she needed to wash her hands then she went right to bed.

Bret should never answer the phone for work on the weekends. Bret had to re-build a server. This morning the kiddos just played and played. Dad brought in a ladder to check something, so the kiddos climbed. Big smiles when they got to the top. We also played trains. I took the kiddos and went to the grocery store. They were so excited to ride in the car cart but that didn’t last long. The cart has two seats up top so they both sat up there. They were so good in the store. They love helping me shop and pick out things. The box of Curious George gummy bears amused them. When we got home we had lunch. Then we played. The house was a mess so Nicole helped me clean a bit. Then we cleaned out some toys they never play with. We got drawing things out, race tracks, cars, and the little people cars. The kiddos watched TV. Shocker-Curious George. After TV dad was still working. We played outside. We played frisbee, the kids painted with water, swept, and pretended to clean my windows. Dad was finally finished. I was watering plants and the kids helped too. Then we were in the vegtable garden. There were a few carrots that were ready. The kids loved washing them off and eating them. I was proud-the first carrots I have ever grown.

We ran out and did some errands. Got a bookcase for the kids and some little toys to bring to Henry and Meghan when we go to Canada. Nicole was really into drawing on her drawing thing. She learned how to make an X.The kids played some more after dinner and we got the house all cleaned up. The kids ran around the downstairs in circles while dad took care of the baby dolls. I was making sure a DVD worked, so the kiddos watched CARS. Justin was loving it. Nicole said bad things happen in the movie, the cars crash, hit each other, and they don’t stop at the finish line. We went upstairs and the kiddos jumped on books for some silly reason. We read some books. When we left the room Nicole was looking to talk to Justin but he falls asleep so fast.

Nicole woke up so many times last night and was just wide awake. I had a hard time sleeping too. Guess we can’t have ice cream nights anymore. She is so cute and cuddly though in the middle of the night. But when she is asleep she is so kicky and movey if you are in bed with her. I went for a run this morning, did about 4.5 miles with a friend. I got home just as Nicole was waking up, she slept in. We were talking about Easter and a lightbulb went off in Justin’s head. He ran to get all the Easter eggs and baskets I saved from last year. They have so much fun opening eggs. Dad went to Starbucks. Then he called his car wouldn’t start, ended up being a wired that had been disconnected on the battery. We went outside to find daddy driving home. The kdis got in the car and loved turning with no seat belts on as they moved around the back seat. So funny. Then we played out front for a while. Dad mowed the lawn. The kids played with mud, so messy but fun. Affter cleaning the kiddos up we went to Blue Gum Park. The kids played really well in the sand and pretending the play structure was a boat. After lunch the kiddos used their drawing things. We gave the kiddos a bath. They decided to start spittting at each other. We kind of ignored it but they were laughing hysterically. Besides that they just fought in the tub. When they got out we went for a walk. Nicole keeps talking about taking a dance class so we walked to the dance studio to check it out. And looked into karate too. The kids just had fun playing in the shopping center. Just great fun! We came home and watched Curious George. After TV we played in the back yard. We put rocks from the back yard into the front and the kids were very helpful. Dad took out the moving dolly so Justin wsas really into it and happily playing with it. We did some gardening too. We went on the greenbelt for frisbee time. It was all fun and games until Justin got hit with the frisbee. So he and I came into play trains while dad and Nicole stayed out. We went out to eat tonight at a place that says home of the free ice cream, ugh! Came home and went upstairs. For some reason the last few days they have been going to bed a little late. I always feel like we are rushing the night time routine.

This morning we dropped daddy off at work so he could bike home. Justin just loved all the trucks out this morning. So cute listening to him, he wants to drive them all. We played at home for a while, then decided to head out to the mall. I wanted to go to Gymboree for some jeans for Nicole. We had a great time at the mall. I decided while we were there to get the kid’s hair cut. Justin looks so much older.

Nicole loved sitting in the rocket ship and Justin sat on my lap. They both watched Dora.Then we played in the play area. The kids loved pretending to hide and I had to find them. They also love jumping off things. Grandpa came as well for a little while. The kids took their doll strollers and loved pushing them around the mall. We went to play on the lights but they were gone. So we went to the pet store and there fountains. The kids watched TV in Gymboree while I shopped then we headed to the toy store. The kids played trains for a while and Nicole played with a doll house too. I couldn’t believe it but we were having so much fun the kids weren’t interested in eating lunch. Finally at 12:45 we ate and they were hungry. It was so nice just not rushing around and having a fun day. Driving home Justin was so talky, again looking at all the cars and trucks. He wanted to drive this old car, the biggest trucks, etc. Usually Nicole is the talky one. When we got home we watched TV. We played outside in the back yard for a while. The kiddos helped me garden for a while, then they put dirt in the frisbee and called it gardening. The kids helped me sweep the front walkway then we played on the greenbelt. So fun we played catch and rocket. The kiddos got on their scooters and we scootered down the street looking for daddy. We found him and came in and made dinner. Then we went out to Dairy Queen, it was so good and fun! The kiddos played happily upstairs and we read books. I didn’t think they would go right to bed, but they did.

This morning the kids had pre school. Bret had to go to Costa Mesa for a demo for a vendor then have lunch with his new boss. I dropped the kids off. It was so nice getting some time for myself. I went to the gym then came home for a while. I just cleaned up a bit inside and outside. I can’t believe how there is always something that needs to be done. I love picking the kids up from school and hearing all about their day. We had lunch then we just played. The kids ran away from the “storm” and into the laundry room. They helped me clean up the backyard, put all the rocks away they played with. The kids went to watch TV and Justin spilled his milk all over the couch, it was an accident as the cover probably wasn’t on tight. The kiddos watched Curious George and I played with my computer and did laundry. The kiddos got to their underwear and sock drawer, needless to say socks and underwear were all over the house. The kids and I played Lincoln Logs for a while. So fun to sit and play with them for a while and listen to their imagination. We were hosting play group today. It was a small play group but lots of fun. I am waiting for play group to go away since people aren”t coming anymore-I would rather just schedule play dates whenever. Nicole was a bit needy during play group. Dad came home a bit early from work. Then I got ready to go to a preschool thing. Since I am the membership person I had to learn how to deal with registration night. Nicole was so cute watching me leave the garage, waving and screaming I love you! Dad and the kids played games. Dad told Nicole I would give her a hug/kiss when I got home. So I ran right up there and Nicole was so happy to see me. I rocked her for a bit and just loved hanging out with her. Justin was snoring away.

This morning we were lazy. Kiddos stayed in their jammies until about 10:00. We had breakfast and played trains. I put the spiral track together. For some reason I have such a difficult time putting the track together. We stopped at Settler’s Park and met some friends. The kids played but also fought over other peope’s sand toys. Nice to see some friends as I have been a loner lately. Then we headed to My Gym. The kids had fun there. I loved watching them. Nicole saw me watching and gave me the biggest smile ever. We came home and daddy was home. We were so happy, we all missed him very much. The kiddos watched Curious George then we headed out for music class. It is a new class we are taking from the Pacific Conservatory. Not as fun as South Coast Music but the kids are learning more. They learned about a note, beats, etc. Dad came with us so that was a special treat. The most exciting part was getting bags with stuff in it. For some reason they loved their binders and pencils. We stopped at Blue Gum on the way home. The kids just can’t get enough of sand lately. Nicole hid her ball in the pail and buried it in sand. She pretended it was a present. Justin filled a bucket with sand and pretended to fall and dump it over. We came home and the kiddos were all over daddy, daddy read them some books and hung out on the couch with them while I made dinner. I figured the kids were hungry so we had an early dinner. After the kiddos took a bath. Dad played downstairs with Nicole while I got Justin in the bath first. So I had some playtime with just Justin while dad got playtime with Nicole. After bath the kids played. They got some big long paper thing and pretended it was a bridge and put coins on it. Then they would move it up and down. After taping it a few times we just let the kiddos rip it, it was hilarous. We read some books and the kiddos went to sleep. Nice to have the family all together again. And an update on Tierney-she is finally home. I talked to my brother and he said she was sleeping, she probably has a lot to sleep to make up from being in the hospital. I am just so glad to hear she is home.

I barely slept without Bret last night. I ended up in the kid’s room-I guess I was lonely in my bed. I had to work at pre school this morning. I finally woke Nicole up around 8:05, poor thing had to eat as fast as she could then out of the house. She was so happy I was working. We had a great time in pre school. I was red mom and was outside. I had fun playing with the kids but I am just tired. They celebrated Ms. Donna’s birthday again. On our way out Ms. Donna said my kids are so sweet and polite-best compliment ever as I try really hard. Nicole shared her wind up monkey toy and Justin his blue blanket, watching sharing is one of y favorite things at pre school. We came home and had lunch. The kids really wanted to watch TV, so I let them. I needed to get out of the house, so we went to Blue Gum. What a great afternoon at the park. The kids had so much fun, played with other kids and did everything at the park. I am so glad we ventured out. Then we went to My Gym for open play. Again so much fun. The kids loved the tunnel slide. They really have much more fun at open gym then their class. The fun didn’t stop there. We went to Chick Fil A with a friend for family night. The kids ate really well, did a craft, got a balloon…what more could a kid want. The balloon occupied them at home too. We went upstairs and played. The kids wanted to play money and put it between their toes. I think they learned that from Curious George. We had fun upstairs. I read a few books. Nicole is pretty wired, she is screaming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star right now. I hope she goes to bed soon.

This morning we all woke up a little later than usual due to the time change. Bret went to work this morning and will leave work early to catch his flight to Arizona. The kids and I just took it easy all morning. We just played, I played baby with Nicole. Justin loved the wind up toys and got his car carrier and fire engine to play with. The kids colored with markers in coloring books. I don’t think I got them out of their jammies until 10:30ish. I got some stuff done this morning as well. We ran to the grocery store. The kids wanted the car cart and with them sitting still I can do grocery shopping quickly. We came home and had lunch. Then we played outside for a bit, I did everything to get the kids not to play with mud. I gave the kiddos a bath. Nicole AKA Curious George played in our bed while Justin was in the bath. So fun to be alone with one of the kiddos. Nicole joined the bath finally. The kids love their bath time, playing momma/baby duck. The ducks go on a boat to the Island. Dad came home and packed up to get ready for his trip. The kids played naked for a bit after bath. Dad read some books to the kids then he had to leave. Then the kiddos watched TV. After TV we just played. Justin was playing with trains, Nicole was keeping herself entertained. They played play on mommy-I became a play structure. We ran to Target to get some things. Then we headed to StoneFire Grill for a pre school fundraiser. It was a great turnout. The kids loved seeing their friends there. Of course they wanted cake to celebrate Donna’s birthday. Justin manueverd his way up to get one of the first pieces of cake. He ws so proud of himself. We came home and we played with money for a bit. Then we played hide and seek and read some books. The kids were making lots of noise and I was worried they weren’t going to bed. But five minutes later they were sleeping.

Daylight savings, we lost an hour of sleep.We also got news that Bret’s grandmother, Maxine passed away (his dad’s mom). She lived to be 95. Tierney is slowly improving. I woke up and am a bit worried I am coming down with a cold so I am going to stay away from Alan and his family for a bit. We played at home and read the newspaper. We ran to Great Indoors to get a new light for the entry way and grab some lunch. When we got home the kiddos decided to go to Canada-that means everything goes in the play room. Dad hung the fan in the empty bedroom upstairs and patched and painted ceilings. So funny as he painted with high gloss instead of flat, including touch up paint along the walls. So he had to re-paint, reminds me I painted the kids room. It wasn’t funny but I am glad I am not the only one who painted with the wrong paint. The kids watched Curious George and I took a nap on the cozy carpet. The kids played outside in the backyard for a long time. They are loving playing with the rocks. Then the water came out, the kiddos were watering everything for us including the dirt. The dirt became mud and the kiddos couldn’t help but play in it. We had muddy kids-I had to get them naked by the backdoor and put them into the sink. We decided to get out and go to Castle Park. Justin rode his bike and Nicole took Justin’s Diego scooter. Nicole didn’t ride the scooter too long so we ended up carrying it, ugh. Nicole ws so excited to play in the sand-she spe nt most of her time playing there while I sat and watched. Dad and Justin played on the swings, the castle, and finally made it to the sand. It was hard getting the kids to leave the park. We got home and dad got a pizza for dinner. The kiddos and I played and cleaned up a bit. I couldn’t believe how much pizza Justin ate. The kids made drawings for their pre school. They are making plates out of them. They had fun drawing. We went upstairs and the kiddos were pretty hyper. We decided since the tiem change we should put them tp bed a little later. We read lots of books. I stayed in their room for a bit, so Nicole came and slept with me. I left shortly after because both kids snore. Bret is leaving to go to Arizona tomorrow for his granny Maxine’s viewing. Not sure if he can stay for the funeral due to work.