Bye Bye Brooke

So Brooke's journey came to an end last night. I can't say I'm surprised. Forgetting your words and stopping the band to have them start over can't be a good sign. I do give her credit though. If I was in her position I wouldn't be able to have the band start over... because I wouldn't be on stage. I'd totally run off and cry.

Overall, she did really well. But as we know, each week, someone has to go. Who will it be next week???

David vs Brooke

I'm a huge American Idol fan! David Cook has I believe risen to the top. He's unique, each week he gets better and better, yes, he'll probably be compared a little to Chris Daughtry from previous years, but David has a little bit of a different twist than Chris. David assists in the arrangement of his music too and definitely has an ear for music... an ability that all American Idols should possess.

In the beginning I was all gung ho for Brooke White. I thought she was very original, had the "look", and sounded unique. Lately though, it seems like her performances just aren't up to par. She's made some bad song choices and she looks as thought she's nervous and insecure onstage. Her soft side and the way she's always so sincere and apologetic is contagious however, and may be partly why she's still around.

Who knows who will get voted off tomorrow, but I think that David Archuletta also should be on the chopping block. Yes, he has a large, young fanbase. Yes, for his age he has an awesome voice. And yes, he's got a good look. That being said, to me, he just doesn't seem to be getting any better. Each week his performances are simply a good job, but there's no originality or personality. To be the American Idol you have to not only be a good vocalist but also progress each week, and I just don't see that with David A.

I think for the finale it would be awesome to see Syesha and David C. Syesha has flown under the radar and the last couple weeks has really been coming into her own and having a lot of fun!

Only a couple more weeks to the finale!

Judge Gently

Over the past few years, I have grown a deep understanding for how to live my life to the fullest, how to enjoy moments that won't last forever, and how to love and see one another in the same way God loves and sees each one of us. Every now and then I would like to add a little something different to my blog that isn't just pictures. I'd like to add a little food for thought.

I love this poem...

Judge Gently

Pray don't find fault with the man
who limps or stumbles along the road
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears,
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
though hidden away from view,
Or the burden he bears...placed on your back,
might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today,
unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows that
were his...if dealt to you,
In the selfsame way at the selfsame time
might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure...yea doubly sure
that you have no sins of your own...
For you know...perhaps if the tempters
voice should whisper...
as softly to you
As it did to him...when he went astray
could cause you to falter too.

Couch Climber

Today...

I...

climbed...

the...

couch!

For probably close to a 1/2 an hour Shyla ran around the couch and climbed on and off... and up. It's amazing how much energy her tiny little body has. I love hearing how happy she was with discovering her new skill. And to think I thought that when she learned to crawl nothing was safe... now I'm in for it!

Pudding Time!

I thought that I would give Shyla some pudding as she's learning to use a fork/spoon.

Usually, when she's eating, she'll poke at the food and if it doesn't stay on the fork on the first try she'll just use her hand (while keeping the utensil tight in her other hand). I thought that if I used pudding it would be a winner with each bite.

Note to those who may not know: PUDDING IS MESSY AND WORKS MUCH LIKE FINGERPAINT.

Andrew's 3rd Birthday

Today we took Shyla to her friends 3rd birthday party at a skate park in Oakley.

We lucked out because the weather was absolutely beautiful! We've been having weird weather the last few weeks. It will be nice weather for a couple of days, then really really hot, then cold for 2-3 days, then warm/hot for the next couple days. Shyla got only a little sunburned so I was happy that it wasn't very bad. Since she was too small to go skateboarding, she spent most of her time playing on the slide.

"I don't think I want to be on this side anymore."

"So I'm going to climb up on this side."

"Yes, that's much better!"

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY ANDREW!

(He's the one in the black shirt in the middle front.)

Go A's

We went to an A's game (Shyla's 2nd game) and met our friend Lora there with some of her family.

The game started at 7:05pm and we needed to catch the train that came at 6:02pm in Pittsburg/Bay Point in order to have a chance at being there somewhat on time (though it was about 7:45 by the time we got there, got our Dollar Dogs, went to the restroom, and got seated). We literally were running across the BART parking lot and through the gate. We made it on the train with just under 2 minutes to spare before the doors closed and we were on our way.

Shyla on BART.

While we were getting seated at the game, we ran into Shawn, Aubrey, and Greg, who we went to our last A's game with... what are the chances.

Left to right: Greg, Shyla, Kat.

It was COLD COLD COLD outside and poor Shyla was just freezing. She didn't want to cuddle much, but she dealt with the cold like a trooper. She didn't go to sleep until almost 11pm (way past her normal bedtime).

Can you believe 1 foam finger cost $9.50! Can we say "rip off"!

I was really glad to have been able to spend time with friends. It's so easy for life to get busy and we get so easily wrapped up in our own things, that it's refreshing to see familiar faces. I love to spend time with all my friends but the ones from the Singles Ward will always have a special place with me. We became friends at a turning point in my life and I will forever be greatful for the lasting friendships that were created. It's also a lot of fun to be around everyone with their spouses and new kidlets! Lora, we'll miss you when you guys leave! But will be happy when you return :)

Potty Training #1

And so begins the saga of potty training Shyla. I know she is still on the "early" side, but I'm sure my friend Lora will agree that you can never start potty training too soon. I've read all the books about the "proper" time to start... Shyla already does all the "proper" things, so I said what the heck, why not start? We bought one of those cushy potty seats that sits on the "big person's potty". I wanted to get Shyla used to just sitting on one. Usually before a bath I just sit her on it while I'm getting her stuff together. She seemed to take well to it.

Here she is clapping along while we sang songs.

Afterwards, I decided to get her her own potty.

She likes to sit on it and play. I sing to her, she eats snacks, plays peek-a-boo, and watches Barney. What a way to spend an afternoon, huh? I wanted to get the high tech potty that makes flushing noises and other cool gadgets... then I decided I'd rather spend my money on something else more meaningful.

Messes Left Behind

We deal daily with foreclosed homes, which in our area of California is a large number. I am shocked at not only the condition the houses are left in but also with what is left behind. We've seen homes that have been vandalized by the previous homeowners and also by people who break in and destroy the property because they think it's "fun".

The picture above and the 4 following below are from the same house. Most of the food hadn't expired and the food in the fridge was still good because the power was still on. People leave behind all kinds of things: couches, TV's, chairs, tables, clothes, food, lamps... you name it... they've left it behind.

Just some more of the "fun" involved. This home had some sort of drywall damage, but instead of it just being on the floor it was purposely thrown ALL over the kitchen including inside the oven.

You can't tell from the pictures, but the first pool has some sort of polywog type thing swimming around in it.

This lawn height is pretty typical too. It's not uncommon for the grass/weeds to be at least 5 feet tall!

Bean Bag Chair

Is it just me or does anyone else have days when they feel like this???

Jake brought home this fun bean bag chair for Shyla. She likes to lay in it and watch TV or if one of us sits behind it, she will sit in it and play with us and her toys.

Spinning Good Time

This morning I put Shyla on my shoulders and that alone made her scream with joy. Then I started running back and forth in the living room, which made her scream even louder. I thought it would be fun to spin in circles (which of course, yes, made her scream with joy). As I was spinning, Shyla was hanging on to whatever her little hands would hold... my ears... my eyeballs... my cheeks... Jake got the camera and here is what he caught.

Baby Sign Language

A couple years ago I was minoring in American Sign Language, and while I am still not fluent in it, I am a big supporter of teaching your child to sign. I come from a Speech Pathologist background and I know that not long after birth a child is equipped to understand speech, however, their articulators (tounge, oral muscles, etc.) are not developed enough to facilitate speech. The next alternative??? Sign language.

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Need a good reason to use Sign Language? Because babies can understand you whether they can sign back yet or not. What better way is there to communicate with your child. Plus, once they can sign back, there will be far less tantrums due to your child not being able to communicate what they want.

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We started teaching Shyla the "milk" sign at about 4 months (you can never start too early) and at about 6 months she was signing it.

We taught her "more" at about 10-11 months and she picked it up right away.

Then came "daddy". She now knows "daddy" when I sign without the spoken word so I know she understands what it means.

Then came "mommy" (we're still working on this one).

We're also currently working on "thank you".

And "please".