Australian Tree Frog

It's a good thing I took these pix when I did... because later this same night, the frog escaped from it's cage- never to be seen again (or at least not yet...). This was Jake's pick with his Petco gift card he had gotten from Santa. He'd waited a long time to spend it, and had chosen THE most awesome $20 frog... but then the escape... I think I'll get him a new one. I feel badly because I insisted that the frog couldn't get out of the cage. There was a small gap at the top where the heat light clamps on. That's all it took, I suppose... He has been a very good sport about it, though he has shed a few tears- missing his new big frog. So sad...

8

Jake Turns Eight!

Jake turned 8 on February 5th. Seems like just yesterday he was born! He and I had our special day together- on his real b-day this year. When we got in the car to leave, I reminded him that he no longer needs his booster seat- and he happily kissed it goodbye! He says it's much cozier on the real cushy seat. First we went to shop at Walmart and then to Chuck E. Cheese at the mall (I have to be one of their best customers these days...). I tried to talk him into just playing games at Chuck E. Cheese and then going to eat at Red Robin, but... no way. It was that nasty pizza for us! The place was empty and, here's a true sign he's growing up... he actually SAVED his tickets to add up to a better prize next time. He needs 15,000 for a glass dolphin. Maybe by the time he's my age, he'll have enough for it!!! Anyway, we then went to Target in search of a microscope- no luck. Then back to the mall for a matinee- Ink Heart. It wasn't my fav- I actually dozed off a couple times, but Jake liked it and that's all that counts. We had really wanted to see the Pink Panther 2 w/ Steve Martin, but unfortunately it didn't come out in theatres until the next day. After the movie we had to rush to Petco to spend his gift card (on an Australlian tree frog) and then home to get Jayden at daycare. Then we went to the grocery store to get a cake and some cheese for the grilled cheese sandwiches he wanted for dinner. He said this was his "best special day EVER!" Of course he says that every year... but it's awfully sweet.

Jayden and Mom's Special Day

Jayden's daycare was closed today, so I got to take the day off from work to be with her. I decided to make it her "special day"- since I never got to take this day on her birthday. I love this tradition I started years ago- taking each kid for a special day on/ around their birthday. They get to choose what we do, and they look forward to it all year. It's usually lunch, bowling, a movie, Build a Bear, shopping... fun stuff like that. Jayden and I went to the mall- to Build a Bear Workshop, Starbucks, and then to the play area. Here are some pix of our day together. Oh yes- and tomorrow is Jake's 8th birthday- and HIS special day... stay tuned!!!

Jayden's Art Work

I've decided to keep all of Jayden's artwork she does at Melissas in a stack- then put it on the fridge at the end of the month and take a picture of her in front of it. Then I can toss most of it, unless it's extra special. Here are her January masterpieces. Oh yes, and check out her "Girls Rock" shirt I found last weekend on my shopping spree. Very cute- love the colors!

Jake and Jayden's Room

I finally stuck the frogs on the walls today. Took the pix from every angle- all around room. I love the green.

Jonathan's Room

The final room makeover- full circle pix. Looks great, if I do say so myself!