Freakishly hot day at the zoo

I am so glad my brother works there. We get in for free, and ride the monorail for free! Although, we're not allowed to sit in the "quiet car"...I can't imagine why.

I told the kids to bring their suits, knowing that the fountains would be up and running, and that we'd be going to the pool when we were done. Not only did their Sperm Donor NOT send Jacob's suit along, but he locked the door when Nick and Emily tried to go back to get it. We're all about the maturity.

Then I'm thinking, "Well, Jake never gets wet anyway, so he'll be fine."

Thank you for making me look like a fool, Bubby.

That was on our way through the dinosaur thing, which, to be honest, was kinda lame. (and it costs extra. because the arm and leg the zoo normally charges isn't enough??) ahem. sorry. moving on.....

rawr.

The shirt had to come off because it was wet.

Otters...

Flamingoes...

Sweaty Bubby...

Eagle...

Lunchin.

Through Jacob's eyes:

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Water play!!!! Nicholas didn't want to get wet, I was pretty surprised.

That was a fun day. It was hot, but they're already asking when we can go back.

Five Question Friday

These questions courtesy of

1. Is love at 1st sight possible?

No. Love grows. I imagine for some people it's not as long as others, but you have to get to know someone in order to really fall in love with them.

2. How did you choose your pet's name?

The only one that comes to mind is Kacee. We got her right after I had worked at camp for a couple of weeks, and the dog there was Casey. Only Mom wanted it to be all girly. Hence, Kacee.

3. What are you considering giving up (cable, home phone)?

Well, I live with friends, have no car, there's no cable here, no home phone, I barely work full time, and my kids are stuck with their dad and grandparents almost 24/7. I really have nothing to give up. Because I have nothing. And don't even talk to me about Taco Bell. Not gonna happen. #guiltypleasure


4. How much do you pay your babysitter?

The few times I've paid for one, usually about $30ish for 3-4 hrs. I probably overpay, but if you had my kids, you would too.

5. How "young" is old enough to babysit?

13. Unless maybe it's for family, and if someone is home across the hall or something, maybe younger. Depends on the sitter's maturity. Emily is almost 12, and she would do just fine for a couple hours I think.

He's not my dad or my husband.

He's my brother. My best friend. The one I can count on when I need a laugh. (and he never fails to deliver!) He's a great dad, a great husband, and a great Christian. His kids know the importance of God in their lives, and will never fail to feel love from him or their mom.

His name is Jerrod R Nelson. He's almost exactly 7 yrs younger than me. When he was little (1 yr old), I used to flip over the footstool at my Grandparent's house, sit him in it, and push him around the carpet. Cheap entertainment!!

I pretty much consider myself his "second mom" while growing up. Our dad worked overnights, so in the summer, he would be sleeping during the day while I was in charge of Jerrod. Amazingly enough, we never burned the house down. Or got arrested.

He's always had my back. He used to hide my mail in my room before our parents got home and would get mad. (sorry, Mom and Dad!) In return, I accidentally outed him to our mom one day when he skipped class while in college. (You're supposed to tell a sister you're going to do those things!)

And then, one time when he was 3, I turned off the light upstairs, and he walked over the edge of the stairs, falling down the whole flight, and ended up at the bottom unconscious. Paramedics were called, but he ended up being fine. Maybe that's why he's so crazy? :-D

At the 2008 State High School Hockey Tournament. Good times.

We share a love of baseball.

Twins games.....

And Saints games....

Tailgating before the Saints game.

And just like to have fun together.

I've always looked up to him, even though he's younger, (but he *is taller. ba dum BUM.) He's a great example of how someone, not just a dad, should live their life. He and his wife are teaching their kids how to not only be a good Christian, but to be a good person.

He teaches high school for a living. Props to him, because I know I couldn't do that!! I'm sure his students think he's as awesome as he does. He plays the cello and the drums, and plays on two softball teams during the summer. Never a dull moment!

He's always been there for me, even through all the bad decisions I've made in my life. I love him to pieces, and I'm proud to be called his sister.

Five Question Friday

1. Would you grow your hair out to donate it?

Yes. I don't know how long I would last though, I get impatient because it's thick and gets weighted down.


2. What song makes you think of summer?

Rascal Flatts' "Summer Nights", and John Fogerty's "Centerfield"

 

3. Are you a flip flops or sandals kind of person?

 

Flip flops. Unless I'm going to be doing some walking. I have a pair of fake Birkenstocks that I LOVE.

 

 

4. Favorite summer treat (ie ice cream, snow cones, etc)?

 

Those Kemps cookie sandwiches with the ice cream in the middle, and bitty chocolate chips around the sides. Yum.

 

 

5. Do you do something special for the father of your children?

 

HA. We're divorced. That would be a big fat no.

Our day at the MOA

Last Thursday (June 7) I took the kids to the Mall for our time together. It did NOT go as planned. The beginning anyway.

We got there around 5:15, and decided to walk around for awhile before we ate supper. Jacob did not want to walk. He wanted to crawl. Or be carried. Or lay in the middle of the floor throwing his flip flops around while screaming. (Yes, he did all of the above.)

He kept telling me was tired, and everytime I went to touch him, he smacked me away. Finally at 6:00 Nicholas said, "Mom, did you give Jacob his medicine?"

Oh. Dur. That would explain the demonic child I'm dealing with. So, we booked up to the food court for chocolate milk. Crush the pill, mix it with the milk, and he drinks it. Annoying, but whatever works I say.

I have to hand it to Nicholas and Emily. They were very patient while we sat and waited for the boy to calm down somewhat so I could go get their food.

FINALLY (some) peace was restored. We found the Caring Bridge card and signed it,

And popped into Barnes and Noble for some book time.

He picks out a few books, and heads into the corner of the kids section, kicks off his shoes, and reads. I'm not sure why I thought it was a good idea for him to get another book by himself, but I let him do it. 15 minutes later, I had to go find him. Barefoot and running around with some plush Angry Birds. We know how to do B&N. 

I miss this. While I love working and having lots of free time, I know their free time just isn't the same. It makes me appreciate the time with them a lot more, but it's not very much time.

June already.

Where did Spring go?? I can't believe it's June 1st already. Usually I'm dreading summer but at the same time excited for it. It meant not getting up at the crack of dawn. Not fighting with kids to get dressed at 7am and eat breakfast. It meant swimming all day. Park trips. Play dates, and staying up late. Now it means working. Seeing my kids whenever HE will let me. I'm trying not to think about how sad Jacob was when I dropped them off last night. How he's asking to sleep over with me. And how he "wants Grandma and Grandpa to leave". That one broke my heart.

I hope eventually the ex and his parents will begin to see how difficult this is for the kids. It's NOT best for them. I have to call to set up mediation. That'll be fun. Third time for us in about 5 yrs. Why does this have to drag on so long?? UGH.

Sometimes I really hate life. 

5 Question Friday

1. What were you scared of as a kid?

MICE. I still am. It's ridiculous how terrified I am!!


2. Do you sleep well in a hotel?

Not usually. Maybe if I have melatonin or something, but I don't even sleep well at home.


3. If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who and why?

Justin Morneau. I'm a HUGE baseball fan, and love my MN Twins!! And, he's very easy on the eyes. NotGonnaLieAboutThat.


4. It's a hot summer day. Do you prefer to be pool side or at the beach?

Usually pool. I hates lakes. They're nasty. The kids keep busy with stuff to look at on the beach, but I'm more likely to swim in a pool.


5. What is your favorite summer dish?

Fruit. Any kind of fruit. Watermelon. Raspberries. Cantloupe. Honeydew. Strawberries. Blueberries.

You get the idea. Yum.