Funny Face

I just th0ught I would share this...

Today when I got out the camera to take some pics there were some "surprises" on there. Now, this is not the first time I have had such surprises on my camera, Jaxx is very good at these. Ever since Jaxx figured out how to work my camera a few years ago, he has resorted to trying his camera techniques out. The first few times this happened I laughed and deleted them but now I save them. I have a file on my computer just for these photos and someday they will haunt him. I hope they never ask for any pics of him as a kid when he gets into high school. I will make a photo album of just his self portraits and he will laugh as hard as I did when I first viewed them.

To be fair, he is not selfish. He has done many of Jaya and her feet or hands. He has taken his fair share of Bubbles the Bulldog looking back at him as if to ask " why are you waking me up, kid?" He is getting good at headshots of Charron. He loves to include pics of his high score from a Wii game from the TV screen or a learning game from the computer screen. He has had many subjects but still always goes back to HIS face. It must be so much fun as a kid to see your expressions looking back at you the instant you take the picture. We didn't have that growing up. We had to take the film to get developed and wait. It was so fun to pick up the pictures. How am I going to explain to my kid that I am so "ancient" that I was around when there was instant satisfaction when it came to pictures. I mean, even Polaroids don't count. You still had to shake it for 10 minutes before the milky film evolved into an image. If it didn't come out the way you hoped, you threw it away and took another. I do remember that the Polaroid film cartridges were pretty expensive too. Oh well, I digress. These self portraits aren't always so flattering, matter of fact, most of us wouldn't let anyone take us at these angles if we were paid. I am sure he will eventually keep working at getting his "good side". What a fun experiment for him and I think I will just keep leaving my camera out on the table. I like the surprises!

So, I thought I would share a few of the ones that I have starting with some I found today.

These should give you a good smile to start your Wednesday.

((hugs))

Cortney K.

Jace's birthday

I know, I haven't made my goal of posting 3x a week last week. I am a little behind but we didn't do anything exciting except for Jace's birthday. Papa was home for one day and it was Jace's birthday so we got to see him. Jace claims he got everything he wanted so it was a good day for him.

The kids helped him blow his candles out. Jaya looks a little beat up in these pics. She had a "run" in with the treadmill. She is all healed now but she did look like she had a fight.

I had a match last week and lost. I played with a woman that I have never played with before. We did well but just couldn't pull out a win. It is so dang hot that it is tough to have a lot of energy on the court right now. I can't wait for the cooler days. I do plan on entering some tournaments that are coming up and I will keep you posted on when those happen.

The kids start school in less than a month. I can't believe they will both be in a school together. Can you say "tennis time" ? It will be so cute to see them enjoy their time there together before Jaxx goes of to kindergarten next year. Jaya will start dance on the 7th of Aug. She is always talking about it and she hasn't had a class yet. Jaxx wants me to sign him up for Little League that starts in September but I am still not sure where we will be living so I have been putting it off. He is very athletic and seems to do well at all sports he likes. He still is in to golf and hits the ball long and straight.

Jace has had some good business opportunities come up and we are optimistic that they will pan out. I hope everyone is keeping cool and healthy.

((hugs))

Cortney K.

Hide and Seek...

Sheeeee's baaaack! Grama came back today to stay the night. The air is still not working. Papa flew in for one night and they did stay at their house with a portable air conditioner in the bedroom. He flew out this morning so Grama came back to stay with us. We went to the new outdoor mall that is right by our house. They have a Gelato place.

So, we had Gelato, walked around and came home to play Hide and Seek. I found Jaya in her favorite hiding spot...under her bed. This isn't only her favorite hiding spot for herself, she hides anything and everything under there. I have to admit it is pretty funny to see their cute little cherub faces peeking out from under the bedskirt. If I can't find shoes or other important items, I check under there. I have actually had to get under there doing a military crawl with a flashlight in my mouth at 11P.M. to look for something I need. Like I am hunting for big game, as quiet as a mouse careful not to wake the sleeping Pink Tornado.

Jaxx has picked up a new card game...Crazy Eights! He is really good and will beat any and all that challenge him. He is so sweet spirited ( Jace's trait) that after he wins a few times in a row, he feels guilty. He actually starts to root for his opponent to "just try harder" but not guilty enough to throw the game (My trait). HELLO? Try harder? Like you think I am going to let you win just cause you are 5 and my son? Not this mother!

Yesterday was Uncle Josh's birthday so the we sent him a picture. It was a "Happy Birthday" just for him.

XOXO

Cortney K.

Can you put your toes on your noes?

Well, this weekend has been busy. We have had alot of "Grama" time. Grama and Papa's air conditioning is broken which is not a good time to break, summer in Arizona. So, Grama has spent a lot time with us. She came Saturday afternoon after spending Friday night with Josh, Rachael and Grace. While she has been here, it has been really busy. She has gotten the kids involved in a few projects. They cleaned off the garage floor and front patio this morning. The kids were more interested in getting eachother wet than cleaning. Then this afternoon there was more water flying around the back patio. All of the outside areas got a good cleaning. Everyone barely made it in before the thunderstorm hit.

The funniest part of the weekend was our "toes to your nose contest". We wanted to see who could put their toes on their nose. Two people couldn't do it. Hmmm, I will let you see if you can figure it out after some of the pics. I was able to do this, however, there isn't any "proof". See the other contestants below. Actually, Jaya shows that her toes are still almost small enough to pick her nose with.

There was story reading, game playing, coloring, wagon riding, cleaning, walking, bike riding and lovin'. We miss Papa while he is on the road but sure have fun when Grama comes to visit.

((hugs))

Cortney K.

The not so well "well check".

So, today we head off to the doctor's appt. that I made for Jaxx's well check. I had him all prepared for 2"pokes" and a treat so I thought we would be in and out. Turns out both kids have ear infections so both kids are on antibiotics. Jaya was dissapointed she didn't get a poke and a treat. She asked for a poke.

We are now not allowed to go swimming for 10 days. 10 DAYS in the summer is a long time with no pool time. I will have to be making lots of trips to the inside goofy golf and video rentals. So, we will be working on getting better for the next 10 days.

Jaxx was 45 lbs and 3ft 9 in. That makes him about 75% in weight and 90% in height. Also, in case you forgot, FIVE.

We took a trip to Petsmart and looked at all the fish, cats, lizards, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes and any other living thing.

Lastly, please weigh in on this.... the kids found this bug on our screen. I say it is a Praying Mantis and Jace says it is a Grasshopper. This is the best pic I could get. It is on our door in between the arcadia door and the screen.

Oh wait....do you think Jaxx likes his new toys. Jaxx loves this guitar so much!

Mimi just took Jaxx shopping for his birthday and he took his birthday money from Grama Honey. This is what he bought. Who would have thought?

Ciao!

Cortney K.

Just Tuesday

Here I am at the end of a long Tuesday so ready for bed but had some things to write.
I got to play tennis tonight on my ATA team. It was super windy but I can't complain...I got to play. I also got to win. It was doubles and I played with a woman I have only played with a few times before but we did well. The world and all its troubles seems to fade to black when you are on the court. I am sure this is the case when anyone is deep into their own personal hobby. I find this a wonderful, almost guilty, side effect of playing tennis. I mean who would have thought that you could kind of forget any and all agonizing issues that tug at your brain all day, when you just step onto the court? I didn't ever have this sensation before playing tennis and started tennis because Jace had golf and I had nothing. Well, those of you that know me, know I didn't reeeaaaally have NOTHING, I am always doing something. I just mean now I fully understand the drive (no pun intended) that Jace has to get on the course and stay there as long as possible. Unfortunately, like any other "drug" it has to wear off and as soon as you hit that hot leather seat in your car, it all jumps back out you like it was spring loaded. That short "fix" that you get is so good though that it keeps you coming back for more. I wonder if this is how a drug addict or alcoholic feels about their "drug" of choice. It is just so wonderful to get on the court and know that it is just you that you must worry about. There is no kids, no phone, no bills, no laundry, husband, food to fix or diapers to change. Just you. The other side effect is that the more you are out there the better you get. When you aren't out there you are visualizing how much better you may be when you hit the ball or the wonderful feeling of pulling out a victory after a long battle. I just think there must be many of us that find solace in something so small, in the grand scheme of things. It is most likely the thing that drives many of us to do all the other, sometimes mundane things, knowing that we will eventually get out there again.
On another note, I must tell you something that we have all forgotten. It is the most WONDERFUL THING to turn 5. I know we are all much past that milestone and so we just can't get our heads wrapped around it. It has to be much like turning 18, or 21 or maybe 13. Jaxx is just here to remind us of this, as this has been his "mantra" for FIVE days now. I wonder how much longer he will actually remind us of this major revelation? Jace was with the kids in McDondalds when he was trying to get them their drinks. Jaxx quickly jumped in front of him to shove his cup under the dispenser as he yelled to the entire restaurant "I AM FIVE NOW!" Evidently, you are blessed with abilities you didn't have before 5. Must kind of be like being bestowed "super powers". Something in your mind tells you that you can do so much more now that you are five. He brushes his teeth better because he is five. He SLEEPS IN HIS OWN BED ALL NIGHT because he is five. He can run faster......because he is five. So, next time you see him ask him how great it feels to be five. It may remind you of other things that brought you joy in your childhood too.
Ciao!
Cortney K.

WIMBLEDON DONE

Another Wimbledon behind us and it was spectacular. It was described by John McEnroe as the greatest match he has witnessed in his tennis career. It ended at 9:18 at night after over 6 hours of play with two rain delays. The incredible serves, chip shots, slices, overheads each one more dramatic than the last. The passing shots that you thought would never pass. Roger Federer wanting his 6th win at Wimbledon, the only player in this century to do so. Rafael Nadal wanting his first win after narrowly losing last year to Federer. Each could taste it several times at match point and yet only one would win. The win was bittersweet for any tennis lover. You want Federer to get his 6th win in a row but Rafael just missed it last year and you secretly root for the underdog. The athleticism beyond the reach of even the most elite athletes. The mental ability to keep your head in and your racquet swinging after 4,5 and 6 hours of play must be so hard to achieve. The serves stayed well beyond the 100mph mark up until the last point of the game. Both players moved and hit like it was the first point each time. I have such a limited amount of experience with only 2.5 years of play under my skirt ;) but having played a 3 hour and 20 minute match and trying to keep my head in, can't even begin to understand how such an athlete can accomplish what each player achieved today. Rafael falling to the ground in almost darkness then running to meet Roger at the net for the obligatory hand shake was understandably trying to fight back tears. He climbed up stadium to his family to get their congratulations and then over to the Royal Box to shake the hand of Spanish Royalty. Meanwhile, Roger donning his white pants and formal looking, gold trimmed, cardigan sitting at the side lines with his head in his hands tugged at every heartstring as well. Both men were incredibly gracious as they each accepted their trophy and gave their interviews. Each gave wonderful accolades to their opponent and each should be so proud. They showed us all what it takes to compete at such a level. The one thing you feel as the airing ends, is how they both have walked away with such grace and elegance. We know we will see them meet again, with the same voracious desire to win. I would like to take that same desire and apply it to my life. Winning, after such a long battle, is so sweet.

Jaxx's Birthday

Wow, where do I begin.

Jaxx woke up this morning at 7 and came in to tell me "Mom, I'm 5 now!" He was so excited. I wrapped all his presents last night and put them on the kitchen table. I laughed inside at how, when I used to wrap presents before kids, I had to have them so perfect. The corners had to be taped just right and the bow had to be perfectly done. Now, however, I just slap it on any which way. I mean, it practically gets unwrapped before it the cute paper ripping child steps a toe into the room. So, Jaxx comes in the kitchen and finds his "stash". We had to all come in and see the ripping fest start. Everyone was very into it except the dog. Bubbles seemed very put off that we had all awoken so early and disturbed her morning. Bulldogs really seem to put off that vibe all the time, but this morning was especially funny.

We all got ourselves together and went off to Chuck E. Cheese for the party. It was a perfect party. How great is it to have this wonderful, loud, unstructered fun time and most of all, MESSY party and leave it behind when you leave? I think all the kids had a great time and Jaxx told me ,when he got in the car, that it was the best party EVER! Grama played air hockey with Jaxx and had a good time seeing her other grand daughter Grace.

Jaya even collected tickets....with Charron's help!

Jaxx got to see some friends from his class that he hasn't seen since school got out in May. One of his favorite class mates is Zach so they were so happy to see eachother!

What I thought was so amazing is that Jaxx played at Zach's house about 4 or 5 months ago and Jaxx loved Zach's guitar. When Zach's mom, Jenny, took him to Toy R Us to get a gift, Zach picked out a guitar for Jaxx. I just can't believe that he remembered. Jaxx has been asking me for a guitar for his birthday and I couldn't find one that was age appropriate. Well, Zach found it and at is the most beloved gift of all. Jaxx said it was his favorite gift. He must have some musical talent from his Aunt Emily. Her music and writing talent is featured here http://www.emilyswaine.com/. My mother plays the 6 and 12 string and taught Emily so he could come by it honestly! So, we have heard many "unpublished hits" at our house from Jaxx and Jaya.

So, we finished all the games. The sounds of bells and whistles was deafening. I don't like these types of places much. I know the kids love them but it freaks me out a little to lose sight of my children in there and not be able to hear them. They have a pretty good security system in there but I just hate the whole "let them loose" idea. I am way to obsessive compulsive to be able to relax in there but I am so glad Jaxx loved it. We moved on to our own private show with Chuck. Jaya was hysterical! She emulated every dance move that Chuck was doing. We were all so much more entertained by her than Chuck. The theme was Speed Racer. How perfect is the MACH 5 car for a 5th birthday? I don't know why I can't get either of my kids to look at the camera. They will stare and anything else around them....FOREVER, except for my camera. As, you can see, it isn't just me. When I have Charron takes pics of us, they still won't look. This is an oddity that happens every single time I get it out.

Let me ask you, do you think Jaya liked the cupcakes?

Lastly, before Jaxx went to bed tonight, I gave him my last little gift. I found this stay at home mother that has found her niche in bracelets that have a perfect sentiment. Her site is http://www.lovedunconditionally.com/ I wear one of her bracelets that says " I am enough". She created them because she has two girls and she wanted them to be reminded that as women we are enough to be successful in this world. I bought Jaxx this one and explained to him what it means.

I love her packaging too!

So, that was our day. Jaxx had a great day, got to see alot of people that we love and most of all, turned 5. I feel like I had him yesterday. I am sad to see him get older and yet happy to see him grow and become this wonderful human being. I love being with him, talking things over with him, teaching him things and being his Mom. I love his laugh, his voice and his hugs.

Thank you ,Jaxx, for being such a wonderful son. You are truly "Unconditionally Loved".

Music!

I am sitting here listening to the kids giggling and summer thunderstorms. It reminded me of how I love the monsoon and it inspired me to add "Summer Breeeze" music to my blog! Now that I figured out how to add music, I will definitely be changing it often to match the changes happening in "The Project".