K...

...is for Kelly. My sister and best friend. Kelly & I are 4 years apart in age, and have been close our whole lives. Of course, we've definitely had our fair share of fall outs - we're sisters! But all in all, I've cherished our friendship and appreciate always having her there to lean on. Love ya Kelly!

Pumpkin Patch Trip - 10/21/07

Gabrielle was the only one that got to take a field trip to the pumpkin patch this year, so we went on a family trip yesterday. We waited for Curtis to get home from work and then headed to the Hess Greenhouse pumpkin patch and corn maze on rt. 42. That place rocks!

We spent over 2 hours there and I'm sure we would have been able to spend many more, but it was starting to get dark and we needed to go have dinner.

They have soooo much to do there! The kids' favorite part (and mine too) was the 60 foot hay chute....it's a huge tunnel slide and goes super fast!

They also have a cow train which is a 4-wheeler pulling these little cars that are made from barrels. This ride was surprisingly fast and fun! Almost like a little roller coaster. We also enjoyed the rubber ducky races, slinging softballs in these huge sling shots, petting/feeding animals, mazes, cow putt putt, bowling and soooo many more fun little activities! You have to go check this place out!

Afterwards, we went to have dinner at the kids favorite spot....McDonald's! They were super excited about getting go eat inside and play on the playground (we usually just go through the drive-thru when we go there). We also had certificates for ice cream from Jaden & Gabby having perfect attendance at school.

Below is a slideshow of the pics from our time at the pumpkin patch. And click here to view a video of the kids coming down that super fun hay chute. You have to check both things out!

Needless to say, all 3 were wiped out by the time we got home! I can't wait to go back there next year!

a day at home with my baby girl...

Our daycare provider took a personal day yesterday, so I got to spend the day with my baby girl. I had a few things that I needed to do with my free day, but most of it was spent just hanging out with Corinn. While helping mommy take out the trash first thing yesterday morning, she spotted something that held her interest for literally 20+ minutes (while I finished the trash duties and tidied up the yard). Aren't snails the coolest? She was also amazed that a squirrel (or some other critter) had nibbled on some indian corn that Gabrielle had set out for whatever animal cared to try it.

We then had coffee/breakfast on the front porch - complete with scooter riding, filled the bird feeder, had a tea party, made some crafts, enjoyed some dancing/singing, and took a trip into town for some quick grocery shopping (which Corinn LOVES). We made it back just in time to pick up the other 2 rugrats from school and head over to Nana's house for dinner (daddy had to work late) and some Grandpa Park play time (that's what my dad calls the playground that he built for the grandkids)! :0)

Fun day!

Gabrielle's pumpkin patch trip...

Gabrielle's pre-K class had their pumpkin patch field trip today. I didn't go because I was originally planning on going on Jaden's field trip this Friday. I asked my mom to go with Gabby today & then I found out that I couldn't get off work on Friday for Jaden's trip. Gabby was already psyched about Nana going with her today, so here I am left with no field trip plans at all! :0(

Anyway, my mom took plenty of pics and it looks/sounds like they had a blast! They got to stuff a scarecrow, feed a calf a bottle, milk a fake cow, hold a bunny, pet other animals, take a hay ride, go on a hay bail slide and of course pick a pumpkin.

Mom let Gabrielle call me on their bus ride home and she was so excited about the blue pumpkin she got! Mom said they're a lot like the white pumpkins, but have a light blue color. Too cool!

I got pooped on!

I mentioned (sarcastically) how great my morning has been so far in my J blog. Well, besides the fact that I was up until very late last night, working on this week's cake projects and then in turn, took my good ole time getting out of bed this morning.....just generally running late all around.....then remembered as I'm dropping Jaden & Gabby off at school, that today they're having pork BBQ for lunch and I forgot to pack Jaden's lunch (which means my son will walk around starving for most of the day rather than eat something with such a horrid texture - he's all about texture).....I finally got Corinn dropped off and then....I get pooped on!

Yep...I was walking under a tree when a warm, purple mess appeared on my arm! Then, I realized the bird has also hit my pants leg. I know he did that on purpose - he better be glad that I've got bad aim because I almost picked up a walnut! ~lol~

J...

...is for Jaden. Jaden is 7 1/2 & in the 1st grade. My eldest child, my only son. I already went into Jaden's AS diagnosis in my A blog, but there's so much more to Jaden than Asperger's! One of my favortie things about Jaden is that he's so affectionate & sensitive to everyone's feelings. He's the first one to notice that I'm wearing new earrings or that my perfume is different. He compliments everyone (even strangers) on their shoes, hair, backpack, glasses, whatever catches his eye. He's always looking after his little sisters - wanting to involve them in what he's doing/playing, making sure they're okay when they get hurt, teaching them how to be brave and try new things - the best big brother ever! An exceptional artist & my favorite movie buddy - he cuddles even better than his daddy! :0) Jaden is so eager to please & will try his best to make sure that you're happy & comfortable. He's going to make some special lady very happy one day!

...is for Joe. Joe is my youngest sibling - the baby of the 4 of us. He's an art student at VCU & a really great guy! My children love Joe and are instantly drawn to him. He acts as their own personal jungle gym and will put up with hours upon hours of climbing, flipping, chasing, screaming....one really great uncle & brother! :0)


...is for Java. :0) I gotta have my coffee every morning. As a matter of fact, it's time for a refill now - oh, it's been one of those mornings!

new cut...

I'm not the only one getting a new cut...
Even though I'd rather Jaden just grow out his curls - especially now that it's cooler......daddy & Jaden would rather he keep his hair freshly cut. I think because a clean shave makes Jaden look so much older, I resist it so! :0(

I...

...is for iPod. Our trusty iPod mini was inherited. Curtis works for a set of time-share condos at Massanutten and lots of items get left there and/or lost. The employees who find such items are to turn these things into the office and everything gets logged in under that employee's name. The office then tries to contact the last person staying in that unit and holds the items for 90 days. If the items are not claimed, they're turned over to the employee that found them. Curtis has inherited everything from jackets, unopened bottles of liquor/wine, umbrellas, a game boy, movies and.....our iPod. Even after the office made their efforts to return the iPod to it's rightful owner, I went a step further.....I went to Apple's site and using the serial number, tried to see if someone lost it/was looking for it. Evidentially, the owner never registered their iPod - shame, shame. So now, I can use this wonderful piece of technology without feeling guilty about not being the one that actually bought it. :0) It's a little worn and scratched up, but hey, it was free! Oh, how I love our iPod and it's 4GB's!

...is for "I know, right?!". I say this waaaaay too much! ;0)

Our weekend in NC...

This weekend, we drove to North Carolina to visit our friends, the Matthews.

Misty & I are BFF's and don't get to see each other often enough! We used to work together in Northern VA and I miss those days! I miss getting to see her all day long and then talking on the phone our whole commute home! But we've both moved to different states and have a slower paced life, we both have kids now and we just don't get to touch base with each other near as much any more. I hope that one day we live close to each other and get to spend tons of time having lunch, watching our kids play, spending weekends hanging out, etc.

Anyway, we had a pretty chill weekend. We just wanted to spend quality time together and not spend money! Saturday, we drove into Mount Airy, aka Mayberry. We took the kids to the park and they had a great time showing Willow (Misty's 8month old daughter) the ropes. She's always anxious to try and keep up! Misty is so great with kids! Mine adore her and absolutely love visiting! One of their favorite things to do there, is ride Shane's horse. Sunday, he saddled Chick up and that made their day! Willow also got her first ride while we were there and she loved it!

Curtis & Shane got to spend lots of quality time together too - it amazes me at how close they've become over the years. Misty - they have us to thank for that! The men took Jaden fishing....Misty, me & all 3 girls went for a walk to check out the nearby animals (goats, sheep, chickens, ducks...). My girls LOVED that!

The weather was gorgeous and the company was even better! I'm already anxious for our next visit!

H...

...is for Halloween! We LOVE Halloween! :0) This is a pic of our little pumpkins last year. Between school & daycare, last year I went on 3 field trips to the pumpkin patch. Only 1 planned this year and my mom is going along with Gabrielle's class (this Wednesday!). But we hope to take a family trip in the next week or 2. Costume planning is always fun and a little chaotic - Jaden is somewhat repetative in his costume ideas and generally easy to please, but the girls love to change their minds a thousand times over. We've finally nailed down the choices for this year - the Wizard of West (don't ask me - but it's very similar to the grim reaper), a princess fairy & a lady bug! :0) I can't wait! Almost as fun as the kids dressing up for trick-or-treating, is my company's Halloween festivities! I'm on the social committee and particularly like planning this event! We have an annual pot-luck, costume contest & pumpkin decorating contest. I planned a little pumpkin patch field trip this week so that all the associates can pick out the perfect pumpkin for their design! :0) My mom & I are going to be working on a team effort for the costume contest (yes, my mom & I work together - going on 3 years and it's surprisingly nice). Can't tell you what yet tho - it's a surprise! ;0) But you know I'll post pics when the time comes!

...is for hair. I ♥ my hairstylist! Here's her latest creation - just perfect for the season! I get bored quickly and love going to see Amanda and letting her have her way with my hair! :0) I think we might be leaning towards blonde for our next adventure...

they asked about me at the PTA board meeting...

i got this email today from one of 'the cake sisters'.....these 2 ladies request at least one cake a month, if not more! here's what the email said...

"I have to tell you, Jaden's mom came up at the PTA board meeting Tuesday night. They were talking about the bake sale and that's when your name came up- Jaden's mom who makes the amazing cakes (i knew it was you!). They where wondering if you where going to make any thing for the bake sale, I told them I'd ask cause I know ya. Then they started talking about your crabby patty's and how cute they were."

~blushing~
the 'crabby patties' she's referring to are my cheeseburger cupcakes....if u know spongebob, u know why kids call those crabby patties
it's funny because i've taken soooo many cupcake cakes to that school....not just for my son's classes, but for other kids who's parents have called me to make their child's bday cupcakes or snack for snack day

it turns out that the bake sale is next weekend when i already have 1 wedding and groom's cake, 1 bday cake and 1 baby shower cake to make.....but i think i can still manage to squeeze in a dozen or 2 of those crabby patties!
i told 'the cake sister' to make sure that they let me know as far in advance as possible about next year's date.....that way i can make a huge, fun, spectacular cake for them to raffle off!

G...

...is for Gabrielle. My oldest daughter - my middle child. :0) She's my 'mini-me' which causes us to be best friends one minute and to butt heads the next. She's got her mama's smile, her inquisitive nature, her clumsiness, her artistic ability, her 'cry at the drop of a hat' sensitive nature, as well as her control issues. :0) Okay, enough talking in 3rd person. We are so much alike, it's scary! Gabby started pre-K this year and amazes not only us, but also her teacher, at how far ahead she is already. She's such a bright little girl and surprises me with her profound questions daily. My diva in training, girly-girl - purses, shoes, belts, jewelry & make-up - just a few of her favorite things! I know that we will have our hands full with this one when when she reaches teenage years - and then of course, her little sister following along, wanting to be just like her big sis! I seriously can't wait! :0)

...is for Grandpa. My dad is the best Grandpa that ever lived - just ask my kids! :0)


...is for Go-Go. I was introduced to Go-Go by my husband. It's an art that originates from the Northern VA/DC area - my hubby's home. Chuck Brown is known as the godfather of go-go. He's well into his 70's and still performs! Click this to check out his sound. You probably already know some of his work - 'Bustin' Loose' and 'Go-Go swing' were very big hits in the 70's and 80's. The beat of go-go music is infectious and it just makes you want to dance. The call & response part of it makes watching a go-go performance so much fun! Curtis was in a go-go band (he was the lead singer - or 'caller' as it's called in go-go) in his younger years and has a deep love for the music. The kids and I just think it's fun! :0)

F...

...is of course, for family. Family is #1 in my life and I cherish mine dearly! Not just my hubby & kids....but the whole clan! I don't know how'd I'd make it through life without my parents (especially my parents!), siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins....and yes, even my in-laws! :0) I adore them all!

...is for fall. My favorite season of all! It's fall and I'm psyched! Saturday morning, we're driving to North Carolina to spend the weekend with my BFF, Misty, and her family. There are lots of fall festivals down there this weekend, and I'm so excited that we get to take our youngins' together!

E...

...is for eldest. I am the eldest of 4 - all of us born within 5 1/2 years (yeah, my parents were busy!), so we were/are super close! :0) It went girl, boy, girl, boy. I wish I had a recent pic of the 4 of us together to share - I'm adding that to my to-do list right now. In the meantime, here's some shots of us all separately.

Me & my sis, Kelly...
Sam Jr. - born right after me...
and Joe, the baby...

...is for exercise. I have a hubby that's big time into fitness (mostly weight training, but also boxing, running & working out on his Total Gym), but I've recently realized that I need to exercise regularly. I long for the days of old when I could eat whatever I want and still maintain that long, slender shape. Reality check Sharon - you're 10+ years older and now the mother of 3! So, I joined Body & Soul at my church at the beginning of the year - we're a weight-loss group, but not like most weight-loss groups. It's more about accountability and support. We weigh-in in private and have discussion (our leader prepares material) and then just chat about our progress with each other. It's a really great group and even though I think I'm the youngest member, it really has helped me with my weight loss. In addition to the support of the group, I started watching my carbs and walking a hilly 2 mile route every morning with my mom (& sometimes sister). I've taken off 30+ lbs and feel great! I've plateaued recently (gaining/losing a lb or 2 every week), but am happy that I've lost as much as I have and am maintaining that loss!

D...

...is for decorator. One of the many titles I have is 'cake decorator' and I LOVE my work! I long to do this full time and get rid of my 'real job'. To have my own hours and more time to spend with my family. I've never taken a decorating class and am completely self-taught (thanks to the wonderful world wide web!). It's a way to express myself creatively and also a stress reliever. However, with the requests I've been overwhelmed with lately, it sometimes becomes the cause of my stress. Regardless, my kids will always have the best birthday cakes in town!!! :0)
...is for dad. My dad and I didn't always have the best relationship when I was growing up. Grand babies changed all of that! I would have never imagined my father being as hands-on, dedicated, loving, affectionate and fun as he is now that he's a grandfather. He was always the disciplinarian and rule maker in our house, growing up. Now, he's a total push-over! He'd bend over backwards to make his grand kids happy and he's always there for us. Yes, us. Becoming a grandfather has not only changed the way he deals with my children (and my siblings'), but also with us - his grown children. He's so much more patient, open & understanding and helpful. He wants to see us do well and he wants to always be a part of our lives. Love you dad! :0)

...is for daddy. My kids have the best daddy there ever was!!! He's my right-hand-man and 'roll-dog'. I turn to him for support, love, advise, comfort and relief. He does dishes, gives baths, does laundry, cleans toilets, cooks, reads stories, does homework...the list goes on and on! My husband - the love of my life - my rock - the best father I could have ever wished for my children! :0)
...is for Deandra. Deandra is my sister's daughter and is only 2 months younger than Jaden (they're both 7). Kelly (my sis) & I had so much fun being pregnant together and we should have known that our kids would be attached at the hip. Deandra is so darn smart and witty! She's always eager to please and is the most generous little girl I know. Almost every time we see her, she has a necklace or picture or something she's made to give to us. She's also a little diva and her outgoing, attention-seeking personality always keeps us laughing! :0)

...is for dreadlocks. I've wanted dreadlocks since high school, but never have the guts to just go for it. I don't know if it's my love for reggae, rastafarians or just the african american culture in general. But I've always let society's views deter me from making the leap and dreading up. I would love to have clean, pretty, smooth, girly dreads (not frizzy, various sized, crazy ones) and to add glass beads to them sometimes and to wear the cool dread caps. Maybe one day. ;0)

C...

...is for Curtis. I met my husband while I was dating his friend back in 1998. He too was dating someone else - we were introduced and became friendly acquaintances. In February 1999, I ran into him again and our situations had changed. He asked for my number and the rest is history. :0)
...is for Corinn Iyanna. My youngest of 3 - the most headstrong of them all! Miss Independent all the way, yet so sweet and affectionate. She's 3 1/2 right now - what a fun age! Her imagination soars and she's always eager to bring everyone else into her world. Her favorite pretend games lately are 'order' (where she's a waitress), photographer (wonder where she gets her love for taking pictures from?), and of course mommy (sometimes human, sometimes animal) & mommy chats on her cell a LOT. :0) We call her Skinny Rinny because she's so thin & dainty, but she's still very tall and has an athletic build. When Curtis and I try to imagine what our kids will be like when they get older, we see Corinn as an athletic, strong-willed, determined young lady but still very girly and sweet. What a perfect balance! :0)
...is for Curtis Jr. & Corey. I met my step-sons when they were just 7 & 8 years old - this past August, they turned 15 and 16! No longer boys, but young men now - and believe me, they'll make sure you know it. Curtis & Corey live with their mother (Curtis' ex-wife) in northern VA. They don't visit nearly enough any more - I guess there are more important/exciting ways to spend your weekend at that age. And unfortunately, our relationship with their mother is strained. We'd love for them to come live with us full time (we've been begging for this for ages) and we hope that now that they're older, they might make this decision on their own. High school years are such important ones and we feel that they would really benefit from being with their dad full time right now. Regardless, we're proud of the new responsibilities they're taking on. Curtis Jr. has a part-time job now and is working on getting his driver's license. Corey is also trying to get a worker's permit so that he can make some cash of his own. They're such smart, sweet boys and their little brother and sisters adore them! I know that the feeling is mutual - they are such great big brothers - they love teaching Jaden how to 'hang with the big boys' and toting their little sisters around. :0)

B...

...is for Bryan. Bryan is my nephew (my sister's son) and I adore him! He & I have always had a special connection and I love that he still gets excited to see me. Even if I pull up with my 3 rug rats in tow, he will still shout "Sharon!" when he sees us. :0) He and Corinn are 2 months apart in age (Corinn is older) and they have a special bond as well. They are especially happy to see one another on the weekends, now that they no longer attend the same daycare. Bryan is such a character and is constantly making us laugh - I can't imagine life without you Bevis (I know, not the sweetest nickname, but it's our thing)! Here's a photo of Bryan's smiling face...


...is for Baking. Baking of course is a huge part of cake decorating. I take pride in the fact that I do my own baking (well, occasionally I 'sub-contract' a friend/fellow decorator when I'm swamped with projects) instead of using mass-produced, frozen cakes like most bakeries. I also love the fact that I get tons of positive feedback about my cakes. One comment I get a lot is that most wedding cakes look pretty, but are dry and bland - my brides (and other happy cake customers) tell me that my cakes are not only pretty, but very moist and delicious! :0)

How to be a mom in under 3 minutes...

things at work have been busy lately....a good kind of busy though - it's customer service week so we're getting lots of goodies, playing games, winning prizes, being awarded gifts, etc...so no time for the 'B' post today....but someone sent this to me and i thought it was great....wanted to share...

A...

...is for Asperger's Syndrome. This was the first A word to pop in my head and I'm having trouble thinking of any other A words - I just keep coming back to this. It's such a big part of our lives now and I'm so hungry to learn more and more about AS.
Jaden wasn't officially diagnosed with AS until almost 7 years old, but him being on the Autism spectrum was suggested at age 2. At that time, I wasn't ready to accept any such thing. I was in denial I guess and was actually offended that the doctors at the developmental clinic would even suggest it. They had only met with Jaden once, for like 20 minutes - how the heck could they make such a hasty call?! I knew he had speech delays and I wanted to make sure there weren't any other learning disabilities, but Jaden was a smart kid! I was just ignorant though - I didn't know anything about Austism and could only think of Rain Man when the word was brought up.

I started to research the whole spectrum deal online and was surprised at what I had found. There's a huge range of levels with Autism and it's not as uncommon as I had thought. The thing with Austism & AS is that it's hard to diagnose kids at an early age. It isn't until they start school that it becomes easier to determine their learning styles and what works for them and where they have trouble. We of course started Jaden in speech therapy at 2, but it wasn't until his official diagnosis this year that we've been able to nail it down the a label of Asperger's Syndrome. Since his diagnosis, I've learned so much on the topic and am encouraged by the amount of research that's going on these days. Not to mention the publicity that Autism is getting. Jenny McCarthy's son Evan has autism and she's been very open about his progress and how by changing his diet alone has made such a difference, including writing a book called Louder Than Words. There's been numerous shows like 20/20 and Dateline covering Austism and how many kids have been misdiagnosed with ADHD & OCD. There's a new book out now that I really want to get called Look Me In the Eye written by a man that's lived with AS. Because of new research and doctors becoming more aware, kids are able to get the resources they need earlier now.

Here's a video explaining what AS is and how if falls on the Autism spectrum. It's actually part 2 of a 3 part series on Autism. If you're interested in the other 2 parts.....here's a link to part 1 & part 3.

And here's a really great video made by a 16 year old boy with AS. He explains his AS using cartoons he created. I can relate to so much of what he says! My fav part is at the end where he says he wouldn't take a antidote for AS if there was one because it makes him who he is. There's no way to know why/how people develop AS - but even if I did know, I'd never go back and change a thing! Jaden is the most loving, caring, funny, interesting, honest kid I know and I can't imagine him not being the way he is!!! :0)



And you know what....Bill Gates was diagnosed with AS at age 9.....so you never know, I might be the mother of the next Bill Gates! :0)

Encyclopedia of Me...

I've seen several bloggers do this recently, and I think it's a great idea.

Each day (well, it won't be every day for me - but you get the idea) you blog about something (or things) that begin with a certain letter, starting with the letter A until you reach the end of the alphabet. And not just random things, things that have some sort of importance/value/meaning to you. I'm still pondering what I shall use for the letter A, so we'll see if that post goes up today or perhaps after a weekend of pondering.

Enjoy the gorgeous weather we're supposed to have this weekend. And spend a little extra time with the ones you love! :0)