Lazy blogging

I've actually had plenty to say - just not a whole lot of time to write it all down. It's only four days before Christmas and things are getting HECTIC. I don't have a whole lot of stuff going on, and my shopping is pretty much done, but maybe in a few days I'll have the time to catch up. I'm still knitting like a mad woman. I shipped out all Christmas stuff and just have a few more things to knit. My friend Julie just found out that she is having a little boy in late April, so I have some good baby knitting coming up! I just love knitting for babies. That's about all for now - I'll blog more when I'm off next week.

I'm also very excited that my LYS is having their annual end of year 30% off sale a week from Saturday - AND I have a gift card so I'm extra excited about that. I'l have to go after Christmas and before the sale to pre-plan my purchases! YIPEE!

Catching up

Thanksgiving was hectic and fun and relaxing! It was awesome to just be at home - and to wake up whenever I wanted and to nap. Cooper and I spent lots of time together and had fun playing. He's become a little obsessed with Bob the Builder. He wants to watch it all day long. I't difficult to explain to him that it doesn't come on all day. How much does a 2 year old really understand about television programming?

Two nights ago, while I was cleaning the kitchen, Don put Bob the Builder on and sat with Cooper to watch it (which was great - I could clean the kitchen without telling Cooper over and over again to stop trying to crawl into or sit on the dishwasher!). When it was over, I sat in the living room with my boys and we started watching regular tv. Cooper thew a fit - he wanted to watch Bob the Builder again. This was one of those fits where he threw himself on the floor - and there were real tears! I tried to calm him down by telling him we would go and look in his room and see if his jammies with the tools on it - like Bob's - were clean. That just started another crying riot!! "Mommy - I want Bob the Builder jammies". It took us FOREVER to calm him down. But he eventually did!

So, my lunch hour yesterday was spent searching stores for Bob the Builder jammies and other stuff. I bought him a lofty figure.

Yesterday afternoon, I get a call from my MIL - she said that Cooper had something to tell me - and she put him on the phone. His little voice told me that he went pee pee on the potty! I think everyone around me knew he went potty by the end of the conversation! I was so proud!!

My mother will be so pleased

I called my mom on Sunday when I was on my way to church to tell her that Cooper was wearing his Thanksgiving outfit that she made him last year. We got off the phone and I put my phone in my purse and Cooper yells from the back seat "Mommy, did you call Nana?" and I smiled and said "yes, honey I did" and Cooper said "Sweet!".

Just as I thought

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
The Midland
The Inland North
The West
Philadelphia
North Central
The Northeast
Boston
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Interesting... and smart

Cooper was very tired yesterday - he had no nap. MIL said that he wouldn't nap - and that he said "no nap grandma". Who is the grown up here??

Anyway, while in the bath tub last night, Cooper was playing with his foam letters and numbers. He loves to play with them. We've been working on colors, so when he picks up a letter or number he tells me what color it is, "mommy this is geen" or "mommy this is yeddow". Lots of fun. Last night, he picked up the yellow letter T and I was prepared to hear him announce that it was yellow or yeddow as he calls it - but he proudly tells me "mommy this is T" and picks up another one and says "mommy this is I" (correct again) "mommy this is J", and "mommy this is W" (correct again, but butchered the pronunciation adorably) "mommy this is O". I found this completely fascinating since when we sing the ABC song, we can't get past G, put he can pick out and name several letters at random. I have to wonder - is he getting this from watching PBS? Sesame Street has a letter of the day, maybe he picked it up from that. I haven't taught him any of this - or maybe Sunday School? My MIL doesn't read to him at all, so I can't imagine it was her - and I can't ask, because she would take credit for it anyway - she takes credit for ALL of his accomplishments. My boy is just so smart!!

My $50 table

Saturday morning was spent running errands. One of my errands was to look at a few things in Mardel Christian Book Store. Don, Joseph and Cooper decided to go into Big Lots instead. Which was fine by me - it allowed me to look at what I needed without being interrupted. I left Mardel and looked down the side walk to see my three boys waving me over to Big Lots. I was afraid. There was no-telling WHAT my husband was waving me over there for. As soon as I get close, Don says, "hey, did you know that Big Lots has furniture?" and I reply, "yes, but it's Big Lots, I've never really paid any attention to the furniture in here". Don then tells me that there is a kitchen table in there that I need to see for only $50. I was VERY nervous. Don knows I don't like our kitchen table. It wobbles, it has a tile top that collects every little crumb in the house. Don't like it at all. But, it serves its purpose and hasn't been a priority to replace. The table at Big Lots looked nice from a distance, but I thought it must be too good to be true. It wasn't. It didn't have chairs to go with it, and the manager just wanted to get rid of it so put a sign on it for $50. It's solid wood, matches my chairs and now resides in my kitchen. It also has a large leaf that goes in the middle! The legs are a ligther yellow than how it shows in the picture.

Halloween Fun

Cooper did great saying "trick-or-treat" on command. Don brought him to my office, like last year and we walked around the building gathering candy and goodies. One of the goodies was a blow up chair. Very cute. We arrived home, and went back out in the neighborhood. I tried to get get Cooper to actually eat dinner - but that didn't happen. He ended the evening by coming home, and pitching a little tantrum in the kitchen wanting his candy! I now have a love/hate relationship with Halloween.

A night without Baby

I got a frantic call from my MIL at 4:15 yesterday saying that she couldn't find Baby. She thought Baby was left at Wellas. She said that she would go back over there and get Baby (it's about 45 minute drive), but I told her to wait. She couldn't afford the gas, besides, she was going back over there today anyway, so one night without Baby would be too bad.

Cooper was in a very strange mood - and being a bad little boy (found out later that he didn't have a nap AT ALL). Anyway, a little after 8:00 PM - Cooper started looking around for Baby - and looked at me and asked, "Mommy, where's Baby". I decided not to totally lie to Cooper - so I said that Baby was taking a little vacation, and going to spend the night at Wella's. And that Baby would be back tomorrow. That didn't go over well at all. He stood in the middle of the floor and made the ugly-cry face and just balled. I felt so bad. I tried a distraction - bath time! That worked for a little bit. We got his jammies on and went into the living room and he cried again for Baby. Daddy to the rescue - he said he had a surprise for Cooper - peanuts! He sat with Daddy, ate a few peanuts and fell asleep. I really thought we lucked out! Until Cooper woke up crying for Baby at 1:30 AM. I went and got him and brought him to bed with us. He is a restless sleeper - he kicked me in the back all night long!

Hopefully, my MIL will be able to get Baby today!!

For the love of shoes

Cooper has always been somewhat facinated with shoes. Lately, the facination has moved from his own shoes to my shoes. He had a brief interest in daddy's shoes, but they are too big and clunky to try to walk in, but mommy's shoes are just right.

It all started with Baby. Baby still goes everywhere with Cooper (as well as Monkey). But we also have what Cooper refers to as "everybody". Which is all is other stuffed animals. Here they are - he's actually added another monkey, yet another monkey he named George, teddy bear, and Happy.

SLACKER!

Yes, I am a slacker! I have had a lot of stuff going on lately, and I just haven't been in the mood to blog. A lot of stuff happend at work and it really upset me - but I'm mostly over it now and maybe I can pull myself together and begin to blog again.

And knitting news - I have been working on a gift for a friends baby shower this weekend - I thought a MD kimono and booties. I'm not done with the kimono yet and haven't even started the booties - I'd better get on the ball!!

I think I'm coming down with strep throat AGAIN! I'll go to the doctor today (they have an after-hours clinic from 6-8pm). I have to wait until then, as I have two meetings that I can't miss today. FIGURES!

And to other news - I just love my new church. I'm getting involved and I just love everyone there. And Cooper loves it too. The past two Saturday's when he woke up from his nap, he cried when he realized that it wasn't Sunday and he couldn't go to Sunday school. The teachers are just awesome and the just adore him and give him the love and attention that he needs. And, Cooper is learning to play with other kids. I was picking up the living room the other day and he starting singing the clean-up song - "clean up, clean up, everybody". He's already learned so much from them, and I get a peace knowing he's also learning about God and Jesus.

The two people that come over every day to work with Don are strange. Tammy and Tim. They are both in their 20's and seriously lack manners!! I'm not sure what they were taught growing up, but what happened Monday night really upset me. I cooked dinner - pork chops. Tammy doesn't like pork chops, so I thought it was just me, Don, Cooper and Tim. But Tammy was really hungry and wanted to eat. Before I got the table set (spinach was still on the stove), Tammy and Tim just started eating! They ate, and ate and didn't say a word. They were done and got up before Don and I were even half way finished with our meal. Don and I talked and we decided that we would talk to them and set the rules. We have kids that we are trying to raise to be respectful and have manners and we don't want them to see this type of behvior and think it's OK to eat and run. The new rule, we sit at the table and before ANYONE (except maybe Cooper) starts to eat, we pray. Then everyone stays at the table until everyone is done. Then we all get up and begin to clean up. I've struggled to get Don and Joseph on beard with this and now that I have, I don't want these two to mess it up.

The other thing that bugs me is that Tammy uses my milk (that I take my vitamins with everyday) as her creamer in her coffee. I should say my coffee that she makes every day. That has to stop as well. I will occasionally feed them dinner, but I will not support someone elses habit!!

That's all for now.

Crazy Weekend

On Saturday, we went to Don's dad's office to get Don and Joseph and adjustment (Don's dad is a chiroprator). We went to Wal*Mart later in the afternoon and had a lazy evening. On Sunday, Cooper and I went to Bible Study at 9:00 and stayed for the 10:30 service at church. I went home at noon - fixed lunch for Coop - then went to Liberty's baby shower at 1:30. Cooper and I stayed until 3:00 when he got really cranky (no nap) and he fell asleep on the way home. I had to be back at church for a class at 4:00 and was there until 6:00. I came home fixed Cooper dinner, we all put our jammies on and lounged for the rest of the night. I went to rock Cooper at about 8:20 PM and we both fell asleep in the chair! When I woke up and came out of Cooper's room, Don figured either Cooper gave me a hard time - or I fell asleep. Deep down, he knew.

Blogger is having trouble with pictures today - so I'll post pics of Liberty's present later.
Update: Here are the pics - I made her a MD burp cloth and a modified MD bib.














Also this weekend - I received my swap pal dish cloths. I just love them. She did such a great job! I'll post more later - when blogger lets me post pics!!
Update: Here are the pics - thanks again Stephanie! You can see more about Stephanie at www.stephanieknits.blogspot.com

Family Madness

Cooper's "baby" has been missing since last night. (Baby pictured here on Cooper's lap) Don and I searched and searched and couldn't find him. So, I had to put him to bed last night without Baby. It wasn't easy. I just told Cooper that Daddy would find him. He eventually fell asleep - but it was late. This morning, my MIL retraced her steps with him yesterday and Baby was nowhere to be found. So began the online search for another one. Don finally motivated himself at some point (I'll explain in a minute) and did another search. I asked him to check the garage. Sometimes on the way into the house, Cooper will get side-tracked by a tool or something else he isn't supposed to touch or play with and drop Baby like a hot potato. Anyway - my husband listened to his all-knowing wife and began the search around some of his favorite sites in the garage. Sure enough - Baby was behind the bin of dog food! THANK GOODNESS Baby was found.

And now - on to the husband. He thinks he's on his death bed. I swear he's worse than Cooper when he doesn't feel good. He just has some sinus drainage (no fever, no sore throat) and he thinks he's dying. Last night when I got home from work, he was in bed watching TV and had his jammies on. When I got up this morning, there was an empty Crown Royal bottle on the counter (he didn't drink it all - there was only a little bit left) and other evidence where he made himself a hot toddie (I think that's how it's spelled?). And today, he took a morning nap because he didn't sleep very well. He got up and found Baby - but he probably went back to bed. Men are pansies!

My MIL, MD

I've been getting along a lot better with my MIL. It takes a great deal of patience, but I like myself better when I'm in a good mood - rather than when I'm cranky about things she does. She doesn't mean any harm. But, here's a funny story from yesterday. I got home from work, changed clothes and started dinner. She hung around for a little bit. When I walked into the kitchen, she was feeding him something while he sat on the counter - it looked like pudding. So I say, "yummy yummy Cooper - Grandma got you some pudding" and my MIL answered - "no, it's not pudding, it's prunes". She was feeding him Gerber baby prunes. She continued, "his breath stinks real bad because he's constipated, so I'm giving him some prunes". I really had to control myself from laughing and screaming! But I said nothing. I wanted to tell her that no, his breath stinks for two reasons, first, because he just finished dinner and hasn't brushed his teeth, and second, because he's having a bad allergy day and has been breathing out of his mouth instead of his stuffed up nose all day!! I'm no medical professional, but to my knowledge, the two aren't directly connected. I've tried to explain to her that Cooper is not constipated. She continues to believe that he is. Oh well, I'm chosing not to fight that battle any more.

Can you believe that I paid $2.26 for gas this morning! YIPEE!

Also, I have to do a BUNCH of knitting this week. I have a baby shower to go to this Sunday, and I'm not done with one thing and haven't started the other gift. I need to get a move on! I'll post pictures after I gift them.

Remembering

Lots of television channels had 9/11 programming on this weekend and I tuned in to a few of them. Last night, Don and I watched a documentary that started out as a documentary on NY firefighters, and ended up being a 9/11 documentary. Don and I like to comment on what we watch - as it's usually something that we've seen before. However, last night we were quiet. No sarcasm, no comments - just some reflection and remembering. It was a great documentary and I highly recommend it!

I've also been listening to the CNN pipeline of 9/11/01. They are replaying their broadcast exactly as it was broadcast on that day. It's amazing listening to it. I remember the chaos, but not the extent of the chaos.

I pray for those mourning those lost, I pray for the rescue workers still suffering and I pray for our country. God Bless America. In God We Trust. Amen.

Good to be home

Last Thursday, Cooper and I left with Aunt Debbie and Uncle Freddy to the Annual Family Reunion. I love the we do this every year. I just wish I lived closer so that I could see everyone more. It was an eight hour drive and Cooper did great! I didn't even have to hook up the DVD player! He was facinated with all the "big trucks" on the road and made sure to point each and every one of them out to all of us. We had great fun visiting with everyone and most importantly, Cooper got to interact and play with his cousins. Cooper only got to hang out with his Pawpaw for a day - Dad couldn't make it to the reunion, he had to work - total bumber! But he did hang out with his Nana and he like that a lot.

I did a little knitting, but not too much - there was a lot going on.

Cooper is TWO!

I can't believe that my baby boy turned two years old on Friday. The party-that-almost-wasn't went on just fine on Saturday. I have to wait for my Dad and Carol to email me the pictures of Coop as we didn't take any (bad, bad parents!) We did get video though, thanks to Heather! He got lots of great gifts and he was pretty much back to normal (he had to go to the ER Wed night with a very high fever and a strep infection - poor baby!). I'll post more pictures later.

Dang socks!

The socks are no more. I had to frog those socks. I've decided that I need bamboo dpn's and a different kind of sock yarn - thinner. I'm kinda bumbed as I did really well - turned the heal, and started on the gusset - but somehow got turned around. I'm determined to figure this out!

I haven't heard from my mason dixon swapcloth pal yet. This is my first ever swap, I hope I didn't get a dud!

Socks, Part Dos

I have been knitting away at my sock. I even put in the marker so that I would know the beginning of each round. However, I have forgotten to mark all my rounds. I have no IDEA which stinkin round I am on. Oh well - these are just for me anyway. When I got home last night, I pulled it out of my bag to show it off, and the hubby's first statement was, "what is it supposed to be?", and I say "a sock" and he replys "a sock for who?" I say "me!" and he says "oh" and then made a few facial expressions. He has no vision!

Socks

I've attempted my first sock! Holding four needles at once is still a little uncomfortable - I'm just not used to it, but I'm excited about it!

I always seem to have a dishcloth on the needles - here's the latest one - along with the project bags that my mom is making. They are SOOO much cuter than the zip-lock bags I was using. Definately need more bags!

Cooper's birthday is coming up and I'm still just planning away. Trying to get everything in order and ready for the big day. I can't believe he's going to be TWO!

Knitting

This is my latest project from the MDK book. I just love all the projects in there. This is a moss grid hand towel. I started it some time ago and I put it down, and forgot to pick it back up. So, I did some more last night after Cooper went to bed. This one is a little more complicated than some of the simple stuff I do when Cooper is awake. Look out family - you may see this again around Christmas!!

What's in a name?

Cooper has really learned his name. He's always known it - just chosen to ignore it most of the time, I guess. More and more, Cooper hears at least two - and sometimes all three - names together - "Cooper Brooks, stop that...COOPER JAMES BROOKS - MOMMY SAID NO!" etc., etc. He's ptting it together what his whole name is.

Last night at dinner, Joseph wasn't paying attention to him. Cooper kept calling him in a normal tone, "Joseph, Joseph". Joseph didn't respond so Cooper yelled "JOSEPH BROOKS". And we all just died laughing. Now, I'm Mommy Brooks, and there is Daddy Brooks, Cooper Brooks (he pronounces it Coopah Books) and his favorite to say over and over is Joseph Brooks!

cousin Sydney reads to coop

cousin Sydney reads to coop
Originally uploaded by lisabrooks.

What a Vacation!

Cooper was such a good little boy! He was great on the plane - both on the way to Mom's and back! I boarded first with him and as everyone else boarded the plane - I could see in everyone's eyes - they didn't want to sit near us! I can't really blame them. I used to think the same thing. On each plane, the people around us commented on what a good boy he was. Made me feel like a proud mama!!

We had some great fun, Jeff and Sydney came up to see us for a few days, so the cousins got to play together. We went swimming a few times out on the boat. And once Cooper saw Sydney jump off the side of the boat, Cooper just had to do it too! I almost had a heart attack - but he was having so much fun! It was just pure joy on his little face. Here's a couple of pics, and there's a lot more if you click the link on the right.

My Coopie!

Cooper loves to play with mommy's "pretties". That's what he calls my make-up because I told him that the make-up helps mommy look pretty. Just another morning when I didn't want to leave him! But we'll be together all next week! Yeah!

More knitting

I have lots of these dishcloths! They are so much fun to knit. I have also modified the ballband pattern (the square one) to make it into a kitchen towel. I haven't started it yet - but I'll post it when I do. I'm also working on a tea cozy for a friend at work. I love having several projects going at once!! A friend of mine at work bought several of my dishcloths. She also knits with me during lunch, and wanted to give hand knits to a bunch of people for Christmas, she just didn't think that she could do it in time. So, she bought some of mine. She said it lifted some "knitting stress".



This is the burp cloth that I made for one of Don's friends that just had a baby - and he has another friend who's wife is expecting, so I have another one on the needles as well. These are really fun to knit too! Also from the Mason Dixon Knitting book that I just love so much.

My mom has already asked for socks for Christmas. I think I'm ready to give it a try. I've been longing to try double-pointed needles, I suppose this is my opportunity! I'll let her pick out the sock yarn when I'm there next week.

Cooper is very excited to go on the "big airplane"!!

Proud Mommy

Lately, Cooper hears me stirring around early in the morning, and usually, as soon as my fanny hits the couch with my coffee and knitting, I hear him "mommy, mmmoooommmmy". This morning, we just sat and played. For several months now, we have to take Cooper's "baby" (the hippo named Speckles) everywhere we go - and we certainly can't take a nap or go night-night without him. At the Company picnic, Cooper got a Dr Pepper monkey. And now, Baby and Monkey go everywhere. Baby is still the favorite, but Monkey is a close second. This morning, Baby and Monkey kissed!! It was very sweet.

Cooper is constantly doing something new that amazes me every day. Since the day he came home from the hospital, I have rocked him and soothed him by singing "You are my sunshine". It worked like a charm for some time. Before Cooper could communicate well, I would still sing that song to him and when he didn't want to calm down or go to sleep, he would put his hand over my mouth to stop me from singing so that he wouldn't have to sleep (or maybe it's because I sing poorly - and he's a baby genius!). Lately, he loves to sing songs (I sing loudly and poorly and he smiles and asks for more!). I sing the ABC Song, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, and of course, You Are My Sunshine. Last night, I asked him to sing it by himself, and right on cue he sang, "dible dable my sunshine, mine sunshine, um hatty, labe labe gay". Well, I jumped up and applauded like he had just received a The Noble Prize! I was just about the proudest mommy in the world! And then just this morning (as I do every morning) I ask Cooper to tell daddy good morning - and today - on cue - he said "mornin daddy". Again, I was the proudest mama!!

Fun Weekend

This past weekend was great. We were busy, busy people. Saturday, was our company picnic at a ranch. We all had fun. Joseph stayed in the game room most of the time, Don played poker and me and Coopie hung out with friends. I took Cooper and Joseph to the petting zoo (which was just petting and feeding the animals through the fence). Cooper liked the goats (especially the baby one, it was close to his size) and the sheep, but not so much the cow. It's head was bigger than Cooper, so he didn't want much to do with him. Joseph was soo good helping his little brother!!

Saturday night, Don and I went out with a group of friends and had a great time. We didn't get home until 1:30 and I just knew that I was going to be tired in the morning - and that was going to suck. And it did. But at 11:00 AM, Don, Cooper and I laid in our bed to watch TV and all three of us fell asleep - for two hours! It was GREAT!

Back to Saturday night. I realize that it's been a while since I've gone out like I used to - and maybe I'm just getting old, but the stuff that was happening on the dance floor bordered on vulgar! I'm all for going out, having fun, having a few drinks, flirting, etc, but there were things going on between people that didn't even know each others names!! It was sad really, because clearly there were a lot of drunk people doing things that they probably wouldn't do if they were sober. I dunno - but some of it was gross!!

I have been knitting like a mad woman. I have lots of friends having babies (all little girls) and with my new book that I am completely obsessed with - Mason Dixon Knitting - I am knitting all kinds of cute little things. I'll post pictures when they are done.

Cooper in the morning

The past two days, Cooper has gotten up with me in the morning. I think he hears me stirring around the coffee pot - even though he never has before. So I got him up and decided to unload the dishwasher. I put Coop on the counter, gave him some milk and his favorite cereal - Fruit Loops - and just kept going. We had such fun just chit-chatting and Cooper saying he was "helping". He loves to help mommy. After I snapped the first picture, he started to stand up and wanted mommy "up". It was just a lot of fun to have some great quiet early morning time with my little man.

Knitting, knitting, knitting

I've been on a couple of knitting blogs recently, and it seems that I am not the only one that can't seem to stop knitting. I knit daily. My latest inspiration is the book Mason Dixon Knitting. I pack it back and forth - to and from work - just in case I want to look at it. Sick huh? Oh well, there are far worse obsessions than books!! I've been knitting these dishcloths lately. They are really fun to knit. Don says I should try something a little more challenging like a sweater, but I'm afraid that I have to wait on that. I have to knit things that I can throw down and pick back up - with nosey little toddler, I can't really work on complicated projects yet. But I will - eventually.

Like Father, Like Son

Cooper woke up crying at 3:30 this morning. So I went and got him and put him in bed with us. All was fine after that. As I began to get ready for work, I walked out of our bedroom to get some more coffee, only to return and see this. This is scary. From day one, Cooper has made the same facial expressions as his father, and now look! Mini Me!

Church

Until recently, I haven't been to church since I was pregnant with Cooper. After he was born, and especially after I went back to work, the thought of putting him in someone elses care on a weekend stopped my heart. My guilt from working made it too hard to do. So I didn't. Over the last few months I had often talked about trying to find a church I liked in Garland. The trouble is that I compare every church to my old church - Grace Community. I love that church and it was very much another home to me for several years. But when I moved, the commute was just a little much. So, I started checking out churches around my new home. I tried a couple and there was one that I went to a few times, but I didn't really like the preacher's style of preaching, and I also didn't like that the church had a LOT of recovery and 12-step programs. There's nothing wrong with that, it just wasn't for me. I also realized that Cooper needs to be around other kids, and thought that if I go to church and put him in the nursery, that would be good for him - not to mention I really want him to grow up in a good church home.

Cooper and I went to Firewheel Church for the first time two Sunday's ago. I went plenty early so that I could hang out in the nursery with Coop before church started. This worked pretty well, but I was definately distracted during the service - guilt and worry (and the topic of the service was part 2 of a 2 part series on the Divinci Code, which I have no interest in). When I went to get Cooper we both had tears in our eyes. I decided I HAD to stick to it and go again. So last Sunday, we went again. The pastor was on vacation, so there was a guest speaker that was really good. Cooper had a hard time and was really clingy in the nursery. When I dropped him off, he was crying and calling for me, so I sat outside where he couldn't see me and waited for him to calm down - all the while, I was crying and my heart was breaking. When I went to get him, he ran from across the room to get to me and knocked over a little girl that was in his way! I know it's going to be hard, but I also know I have to keep going and keep putting Cooper in the nursery. Hopefully he'll get used to it and enjoy it.

Then last night, some kids from the church stopped by to invite Joseph to the service tonight! He said he wanted to go! I was so excited and so proud!

For the love of discloths

One might think that because of my obsession with knitting dishcloths, that I might enjoy doing dishes. I actually just enjoy knitting these easy, fast little projects. I might actually do a couple of towels like these new dishcloths that I am working on. I wonder if I used a new dishcloth from my stash each day, how many days would go by before I had to wash them all? This is a new style that I am trying. They are really fun to knit. I saw these in the book Mason Dixon Knitting - a book that I am totally obsessed with. Should I seek out a 12-step program?

More new knitting

Here is the little hat and booties and bib I made for Hillary's new little one - Ruby. She's due any day now! YEAH! I love to knit for babies. I can't believe I didn't knit hardly a thing for Cooper. But I didn't really get into it as much as I am now.

We had a great Memorial Day weekend - we didn't do much, just hung around the house, but it was fun. We got Cooper a swing and that's all he wanted to do all weekend long.

Saturday, we went to one of Don's cousins graduation party, and Cooper wore his new sailor suit - it was just too cute!!

And on Sunday, Cooper went to church for the first time. He stayed in the nursery and had fun. He did better than I thought- even better than I did. I only cried twice!

Dirt is fun

Cooper discovered dirt - he just kept rubbing it all over himself. He was very proud of himself! I have new knitting that I need to post about, but it's a gift for my friend Hills, so I can't post about it until she gets it - and in order for her to get it - I have to send it! I'm such a bum!

Misc.

Cooper was being silly last night, so I grabbed the camera to snap a few shots, but all I got after the first picture, are shots of him trying to touch the camera. He kept saying, "but, but" meaning he wants to push the button. I may have to find a broken camera or buy him a kiddie camera for him to play with.

What in the heck am I going to do with all these dishcloths? Hi! My name is Lisa...I'm addicted to knitting these dishcloths.

And here is my $1 yarn! It was only a buck - I had to buy some, but now I have to figure out what to make with it - probably a scarf.

Mother's Day

In my opinion, the greatest Mother's Day gift cannot be purchased. Each and every day, I get the greatest Mother's Day present from my boy - every time he turns to me with his arms in straight up in the air and says "Mama, mama" - just melts my heart.

Need to vent a little...or maybe a lot

I called my MIL today at 3:45 pm to check on my boy. She said that she was waiting for him to wake up from his nap. She informed me that she hadn't gotten him dressed yet, because she didn't want him to cry. He's really giving everyone a hard time about the shorts/pants thing. But I asked her to tough it out and try (he was dressed in shorts and t-shirt when I arrived home - better late than never I guess). Then she said that she did a load of towels for me and put them away - I told her that she didn't have to do that, but she said that she didn't have anything to do while Cooper was asleep. Then she said that she did a load of Joseph's laundry. I said, "I really wish you wouldn't have done that" to which she replied, "I don't mind". I told her that wasn't the point. The point that I am trying to make is to teach Joseph some responsibility and consequences. She responded that she did it because Joseph is only here every other weekend and he shouldn't have to work when he comes over here. I almost lost it. I told her that I wish she would respect my wishes - since it is my house.

I'm going to side bar here - being a step mom isn't easy - and typically step kids aren't easy on them either. My step mom and I get along great now - but in my teen years, we didn't. I wasn't exactly a dream child. My step mom and I weren't always kind to each other back then, and we have both acknowledged that to each other - all has been forgiven and we don't bring it up - unless we are joking around. We have a love for each other as family - and a respect for each other as women. Having said that, the "tough love" she (and my own mother) taught me growing up made me the person I am today. Carol (my step mom) taught me to do my own laundry at the age of 12, and I've done it ever since. That also taught me some responsibility and consequences. For example, if I didn't do my own laundry, magic fairies we not going to fly in while I slept and do it for me. If I didn't do it - it wasn't going to be done. I learned quickly, that if I wanted to wear my favorite Outback Red shirt to school, I needed to make sure it was clean. This also taught me responsibility and consequences in other areas as well. Both my mom and my step mom did a great job of helping me learn these life lessons on my own. I'm sure it wasn't easy on any of my parents to sit back and watch me make mistakes, but they were mistakes that I learned from and usually never made again. I've made such a big deal about this because Joseph's mom does everything for him - but not in a good way. She tells him what to wear, what to eat, how to cut his hair, she doesn't let him do laundry or even load/unload the dishwasher by himself - hell, I tought him how to use the microwave a couple of years ago! Because she does all of this for him, he can hardly form an opinion on his own!

Which is why I decided to give him ONE task - his own laundry - while he's with us. He would have to learn that if he didn't have any clean socks, it was nobody's fault but his own. I really felt I was right about this - but my husband sided with his mom. He's only here for a short time, blah, blah, blah. This upsets me three ways: 1. My MIL thoughtlessly did something I specifically asked her not to do, without talking to me about it first - in my own house, mind you 2. It underminded any authority I thought I might have where Joseph is concerned and 3. My husband sided with his mother against me. The first one hurts - but number three really stings.

This is why I think that being a step mom is harder than being a mom. I want to teach Joseph to be a responsible member of society, but because he isn't my kid - I can't do it the way I would like.

I realize that this all came about because of some laundry - that I didn't even have to do - but that's not the point. My point is that this is my house. I would like my house run a certain way and my kids raised a certain way. There is one too many adults in my house!!

The Brooks Boys

Look at all this family fun! Don was playing "ride the horsey" with Cooper and Joseph was laughing so I suppose Don was feeling nostalgic - so he made Joseph get on the horsey, too! Then Joseph put Cooper on his knee and it was just too cute. Silly times this weekend.

Cooper was so funny this weekend. He learned "OK". I would ask, "do you want some juice?" and he quickly respond "OK!". He said it everytime I asked him a question - really cute!

Cooper also kinda freaked out about his shorts. He was in the romper in the picture above, and he kept trying to pull the ends of his shorts down to his ankles saying over and over again, "pants, pants, pants". He was a little distressed about it and there was some anxioty in his little voice. Don and I kept telling him that everything was OK, and that there is no evil in shorts, and it did take some convincing. My MIL kept telling me about him doing this, but when I put shorts on him on the weekends, he didn't make a big deal about it. I wondered why when I came home from work everyday he was in sweat pants! I put all his sweat pants away and just put shorts, t-shirts and other summer clothes in his drawers. Hopefully, the MIL won't give in and put sweats on him - it's going to be 90 today!!

It's been a full week on the sippie cup and all is fine with our boy! He has only occasionally asked for a bottle, but takes the cup just fine. The key to this success, I believe, was hiding all the bottles from my MIL!!

Cooper's newest obsession

Rocks!! I don't know what I'm going to do about this one! He found these in the back yard, and would put them in the plastic bowl, then dump them out. This activity kept him busy for a while outside. Then, when it was time to come in, he pitched a FIT! So, I reluctantly agreed to let him bring the rocks in the house, since I needed to get dinner started. He immediately dumped the rocks on the floor, played for a few minutes, and left to terrorize another area of the house. I didn't realize he had walked away, until I turned to get something out of the refrigerator and stepped my bare feet on the rocks he was no longer interested in. I have to admit, I am not doing a very good job of teaching Cooper to pick up after himself. I get frustrated and just pick it up myself. I need to be a little more patient. But, it is cute to watch him play with the rocks! All those great toys of his, and he likes the rocks. Note to self: Stop buying Cooper toys!

I think I have a problem

I can't stop knitting these round dishcloths! I can't even stop knitting them long enough to sew them up! I just throw them aside and grab my needles and start another one! Who the heck am I going to give these to? I can only use so many of them! I'm totally obsessed. Oh well, I guess I'm just substituting I suppose. I used to smoke, but now I guess I've just replaced it with knitting!

My little big boy

This was a good weekend. We had fun - just hanging out. Saturday night we went to dinner at Freebird's, on Sunday we took Cooper for a walk in his wagon and we played in the back yard. Cooper's new favorite word is "no". I'll say, "Coopie, let's change your diaper" and he'll stand there without looking up and say over and over again, "no, no".

We decided on Saturday, that Cooper needed to give up the bottle. We tried this once before, but then Cooper got a stomach bug, and needed to drink a lot of fluids. It was easier to do this with a bottle, so we gave in. Then, we wouldn't pick up another cup. So when Cooper got up on Sunday morning, I gave him a cup of milk (instead of a bottle) and he drank it, but he didn't like it. He would stand at the gate and cry "papa, papa" which means food in Spanish. I soon realized that he wasn't hungry, but trying to get me to take him to the pantry so that he could get a bottle. But, Mama was a step ahead. I hid all the bottles. The real test will be today with his grandma - she's a huge sucker!! But, I didn't tell anyone where I hid the bottles.

Here we are playing in the back yard last night after dinner - Cooper didn't want to play with the motorcycle - he wanted the mud! I watched in horror when he stuck his finger in some mud, and ATE IT! It was so gross!

Easter was fun

I hope everyone had a good Easter!!

Cooper had fun, even though he felt bad. He had a really bad allergy day with a runny nose and really watery eyes. Poor baby. As you can see, he still liked playing. This first picture is Cooper on the trampoline at his Grandmas house when she was having a garage sale. He really liked it.