There Is Absolutely No Title That I Could Think Of That Would Suit This Amazing Video.

Here's Looking At You, Kid.

So hey. Isaac is four now. I could blog about his birthday party, but you wouldn't believe me. Harry Potter was there. How did I do it you may ask? I don't reveal my secrets, thankyou. (Okay, so I work with a wonderful lady who's son looks JUST like Harry Potter. She asked him, I gave a puppy dog face to him, SHABAM. That's my secret.)

But, seriously Isaac - you are an amaaaazing 4 year old. I swear I'm not biased, you really are a genius. You are my best friend and have an energy that lights up my life. You're laughter is infectious and your smile is so genuine. You are my greatest joy.

Now, the good stuff. You dance, jump, and boogey to the beat of a different drummer, my child. You want your hair long like a hippie and have a love for music. You make the cutest comments:

"I can't wait to open up Jesus's birthday presents."

"I love you all the way behind the moon and daddy's back."

"Man, mom you gave me alot of cheese. That means you really love me a lot."

"I shot a tiger. It's okay though, he was with the bad guys."

"The bad guys have girlfriends, but I didn't get them. I left them in the yard because it's not nice to hurt a girl."

"I don't know what rockstar that is, but someone should tell him he's amazing."

"My mommy lets me be weird."

We dance in the living room and we don't care who watches. You lip-sync 99% of the time, because that's what you see mommy do. I sound like a dying goat when I sing and I hope that you learn to use your voice instead of just mouthing the words (ask Hawa about Grandpa Barlag and his quote - "I, even I, will sing unto the Lord"...you'll get a kick out of it, buddy). We hunt for bad guys and protect the world from all things evil. Right now, your favorite color is purple and you want to be a purple rockstar for Halloween. Your converse and your 'skateboarder shoes' are your favorites. You still love Thomas the Train, but now have a love for Star Wars, Harry Potter, and iCarly. Mommy has a friend that is on iCarly every once in a while and you love to get excited and scream "I KNOW HER!!!". I have passed my love for Silver Dollar City down to you and you ask to go at least once a week. You are a Wii Master. I challenge ANY adult to a showdown - you will whoop them up, down, and sideways. You love going to movie theaters and always ask 10 minutes in if the movie is almost over. Frisbee and soccer are a few of your favorite games, as well as baseball, which is usually played with the skinny edge of a tennis racquet. Your heart is so big and sometimes I can't believe it's all held in that tiny body.

If you remember ONE THING in this crazy world, please remember that you are perfect just the way you are. Every single hair on your head and every crazy thought in your mind is exactly how it is supposed to be. You're my superhero, my Mr. Fixit, my confidant, and my best friend. That drummer that you dance to? It's the same one I've been jammin' to my whole life. And I've had a lot of stinking fun, kid.

Soooooo Predictable...

Well, Dr. D - you were right. I'm blogging about it. But, seriously....I am so proud of my boy! I sat down with Isaac and told him about shots. I didn't sweeten it up, I just told him - Son, they are going to stick a needle in your leg. It will hurt, but it will be over SO quick...and you will get showered with love and hugs and kisses after it. He got upset, but knew he couldn't go to school without them. Yesterday morning, he was pumped. He was ready. Bring. It. On.

We walked across the street to the Doctor's - and Isaac was in SUCH a good mood. Two nurses in, two needles in the thigh, ABSOLUTELY no tears, and a cute little "That didn't hurt so bad, mom" - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! Wooo! I feel so bad that I had little to no faith in my sweet Isaac. I pictured Brandon and I holding him down while he beat the hell out of the nurses. Oh well. There's always next time =) Oh, and his wonderful nurse (we'll call her J for the whole privacy thing) gave him a handful of stickers and two, count 'em TWO, pencils for school. Isaac was so happy to have a G-Force sticker that he told me to take a picture for my blog. That's right folks....he encourages my behavior!!!

Thankful Thursday

Okay, bloggers - I've seen your 'Wordless Wednesday' and I love it. Sadly I forgot to update last night. Soooo.....

You get Thankful Thursdays now. Every Thursday (hopefully...) I am going to let all you sweet blog-people know what I am most thankful for in my life. And of course I will use photos to prove it, because a post just isn't complete without a picture. But mainly because I have a really cute kid.

Here goes!!! My first Thankful Thursday!



I am thankful for the joy that I have in my heart. I never want to know life without joy. It's the 'on-top-of-the-world-superhero-soaring-through-stars' feeling every minute of every day, no matter what that day has brought me. It's going to bed at night knowing that I have life, love, and happiness. It's thanking the Lord that I get to live another day and trying to share my joy - usually shared in an awful joke or a cheesy smile. It's being 25 and singing LOUD in my car with my son. It's laying in bed at 2 a.m. with my husband, laughing hysterically at his ridiculous impersonations. It's being able to laugh when I dump coffee all over my desk. It's curling up with a good book and a quiet house. And it's thinking of this song everytime I hear the word joy (thank you Trinity Lutheran Chapel):

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

And it's true!!!! Thanks Mom. I learned this from you.

Quite Possibly The Funniest Thing I Have Ever Seen

NOTE: I spent an HOUR - I repeat - AN HOUR - trying to rotate this %&$*&# clip so you would not have to tilt your head to watch it. Did you friggin' know that there is no easy way to do that?! It takes 3 college degrees and a black belt just to rotate a video. And my cheap butt ain't buying no software to do it (horrible grammar and redneck words just fly out of my mouth when I'm pissed). Take THAT software developers!!!!

I repeated this over and over and over and over and over. My favorite part? The shrug at the end. You see her glance over at her daddy and then it's like, 'whatever' and she walks off.

Over and over and over and over. It's funnier every time.

Crazy Cousins

Yesterday, Brandon and I took Gracie and Isaac to Chuck E. Cheese. Clean, No. Fun, HECK YES!!!! I DO NOT like Chuck E. Cheese. It's a breeding ground for germs, viruses, and Lord knows what else. But, my son and Gracie had an absolute ball. In between handwashings, of course.

We followed up Chuck E. Cheese with an yummy Orange Julius at the mall and some good ol' rocket launching while driving home. We sure a safe, clean bunch of hooligans, eh?

If you've never met my niece, Gracie, you need to. She is a pistol; a fun, sparkling kiddo with an incredible personality and a quick wit. Her laughter is infectious - it sounds like bubbles erupting out of her and I can't help but laugh when I hear it. She's a Sawyer through and through - she likes earrings and barbies, but knows the difference between a shotgun and a rifle. While her and Isaac bicker like siblings, they make each other laugh more than anything. They've been able to spend more time together the past few weeks than they have in their whole lives. Uncle Matt and Isaac have bonded, too and are sure to be hunting/fishing buddies in the years to come. I think in a few weeks, Matt and Brandon will be taking the kiddos camping at the lake with Papa. Papa doesn't know it yet, but they'll have a blast. And mommy will be able to update the blog in the piece and quiet. See? Everyone wins.

Isaac vs. The Duck

Dear Wal-Mart clearance aisle,

Please don't ever leave us. You provide my son and I with hours of endless entertainment and discounted prices on random crap we don't need. It's because of you we continue to survive in this crazy retail world.

Love,

A dedicated shopper and her protege.

Typical Morning At The East Household

I don't feel any more words are needed. And yes, Brandon is asleep.

My Boys

Happy Birthday, Daddy! This picture just happens to be one of my favorite pictures of all time. I snapped it with my phone, so it's not clear - but it's perfect. Just pure magic, if you ask me.

The Curious Case of Isaac East

I know, I know. I promised a video. I'm experiencing what people like to call a lack of motivation. I'll trade you a video for two pictures.

My son, from a very early age, was a tiny old man. He's like my own little Benjamin Button. My dad has taken care of Isaac since he was 6 weeks old and Isaac has picked up some if his mannerisms and gestures. When he was about 11 months old, he started grunting when he would bend over. He cleared his throat like a little gentleman and would even straighten his eyebrows at about 2 years. Now he claims to be blind without glasses, this claim comes complete with a squinty face.


Exhibit A:

And who can forget the lovely Exhibit B:



Problem solved.

Light-Sabers and The Cool Dude.

Whew! It's been a while! I never understood why my parents liked getting their four children involved in summer activities...until I had my own child. Wow. It's like Isaac just. doesn't. stop. Is it just this age? There are times that I just want to sit on him. Like, say, RIGHT NOW. I'm sitting here attempting to work on the blog and he is attempting to invoke a pet riot in the living room. All I see is ONE toy, TWO dogs, and NO chance of all THREE animals making it out of this alive. Yes, I just counted my son as a pet.

Funny conversation from last week:

Isaac: 'Hey mom. Pass me my light sabers.'
Mom: 'Uhhh.....when did you get light sabers?'
Isaac: 'Mom, Howie and Papa gave me a whole bunch of them. Just find them.'
Mom: 'Hey, I am. Watch your mouth.'
Isaac: 'I am watching it. You know what it's saying? Find my light sabers.'
Mom: 'I see this conversation is going nowhere. What does your light saber look like?'
Isaac: 'Oh! Here they are! I never thought I would find my Star War candy anywhere.'
>Isaac proceeds to pop a LIFESAVER into his mouth.

Did you follow? There was some confusion between LIFESAVER and LIGHTSABER. He is his father's son, huh?!

SO many pictures to post and I apologize that this has taken so long. Sadly, here is ONE. I know, what a tease. But, I will give you lots of pictures and even throw in an AWESOME video from 4th of July - if you can wait until later this week.



Brandon's been working some overtime and I am enjoying(?) some weeks with fewer hours at work. It's been nice spending more time with Isaac at home. Of course it's crazy wild and it makes me want to hug any single and/or stay at home mother and buy her a drink. A very strong drink.

Okay, now - I desperately need to get some sleep. My body is revolting against me and I desperately need to go to the doctor. BUT...because I think my doctor reads this blog I will throw in that I think I'm just fine. It's my husband that is urging me to go. I should probably also throw in that I live across the street from the doctor's office....not like I have to put in much effort. I am the epitome of ridiculous when it comes to the doctor. He is one of the most wonderful men you will ever meet (and I mean that too!), but I just don't like going to the doctor. Plain and simple. Anywho, if you don't hear from me by Friday, call my doctor and tell him to meander on over across 19th and make sure I'm still kicking.

Love,
The Mama Bear.

Summer Lovin', Had Me A Blast......

Don't you just love the movie Grease? Everytime I hear someone say summer, I automatically think of John Travolta hitting that high note at the end of the song. Sad, but true. I actually get that same cringing feeling about summer that I do about that note..........

BUT...Isaac is thoroughly enjoying his summer. We have him enrolled in tumbling/gymnastics and swimming. He seems to really enjoy tumbling. Swimming starts in July and I think he will love it. So far this summer Daddy has been on doubles and mommy is on reduced hours. Isaac's schedule is a little mixed up and I think it's put him in a funk. I am sick and therefore NOT wanting to go outside in the 100 degree/90% humidity hell. He is not the type of child to want to be inside...at all. Siiiiighhhhhhhh.....

So here I am. It's 8 o'clock in morning and I'm sitting on the front porch. Pretty sure it's pouring down rain and still 95 degrees. Bllleeeehhhh. But Isaac's happy though. Further proof that he might be better off as an only child. Although we did have an indepth conversation about how babies are born. He seems to think that he needs and/or already has a sister. My dear sweet friend Charli is about two months pregnant and after explaining this to Isaac (there will be no big belly yet, Isaac, the baby is tiny...but it's growing!), I was met with a blank stare and a tiny voice asking, "How will her baby get out when it's big?". So I did what any good mother would do and I lied. Well, not lie, but omitted. I showed him my c-section scar and I told him the story of his birth. Somehow the child is not traumatized and my story seemed to be sufficient enough to ease his.....uneasiness. Ask Isaac someday how babies get out. He mumbles something about babies big heads, sewing mommies tummy, and gluing stuff back together. Not quite how I told the story, but it will do....

:)

Like, WHOA.

My sweet innocent THREE year old and I were in the driveway. I look in the rear view mirror only to see him deep in thought. Being the kind, loving mother that I am, I quickly turn around and see what is troubling my son. He looks me right in the eye and says......

"Mom, did you know that there is no fence around Mexico?! Crazy, huh. They don't even make him wear leashes."

Uhhhhhhhhh.....WHAT?! Don't know who taught him that, but the first thing I thought is that they better thank the Lord above that it was repeated somewhere that only I heard it. Then I realized that he must have thought Mexico was a dog's name.

Oooohhhh, to see the world through a child's eyes is amazing. And comical.

My Green Thumb Astounds Even Me.

WOOOOOOOOOOO!

I wish I could express in blog form how excited I am. You've read about my expertise on plant life here. Well, I'm a changed woman!!! A plant. has. bloomed. ON. MY. PROPERTY!!!!!!

See, this is the life I come from. Lush. Green. Amazing. A plethora of plant life.

And this is my single victory:

One small step for me, a huge leap for plantkind.

Desperate Times Call For.....Desperate Looking Dogs.

I pride myself on being somewhat thrifty. I don't buy clothes for any of us unless they are on sale. I shop the sale ads. Times are tough and as far as I'm concerned they are only going to get tougher. My hours at work have been cut and I'm working anywhere between 24-32 hours. It's not fun, but we are learning to have fun with my extra time. Brandon and I decided to not turn the air on until June 1st. There were some nasty hot days in there, but it wasn't too bad. We've had some other adjustments and >gasp< we've survived!!! But.....our dogs might not.

Brandon had the bright idea to buy dog clippers. I totally agree that with two dogs, bathing and grooming them ourselves would be soooo much cheaper. But....and it's a BIG but....WE HAVE A SHIH-TZU!!!! Those dogs are not meant to be owner-groomed unless that owner is a professional.

I set out to the garage to begin the grooming. Of course it was me. Brandon bought the clippers so I could do it. Patience is not one of his greatest virtues...

Chewy is a sweet cuddly dog. When you come at him with a giant vibrating razor, not so much. He went catatonic. I am a woman. I do not shave my head. I don't actually KNOW the best way to use a pair of clippers. I brushed the dog and thought I would just shave the darn thing. Nope. Sweet tiny Chewy has a coat that resembles an Alaskan Grizzly bear. I couldn't find his skin. Like, TWO hours went by and I just kept shaving him. The hair was never ending. Then I got to his legs. Yikes. That is all I am going to say.

The highlight of that morning was shaving my dog's butt. Yes, his butt. Have you ever seen 'The Great Outdoors'? One of the best John Candy movies ever made. Rent it. Rent it only so you can see the legendary bear. With the bald butt. Why you ask? Because that is what my dear Chewy looks like. I had some clipper issues and removed the guard. It was me vs. some tangles and my patience had run thin. Chewy now runs around with a nice 3/4" haircut and a bald ass. It's amazing. I have never laughed so hard...by myself in the garage.

There is no photo evidence of this morning for my dog's sake.