This and That!

I think it's quite obvious by now that I am not good at updating this blog! It just seems like if there's any free time these days, I don't want to spend it in front of the computer. Well, any more than I already have to (read further for an explanation). Let's just see if I can bring you all up to speed on life at the Bingham house over the past couple of months.... all in one blog post!

Back in June, Jordyn officially graduated from Pre-Kindergarten at Vineyard Christian Preschool. She had a graduation ceremony where she received her "diploma" and had pictures taken in cap and gown. Jordyn is going to miss attending school with her good friends (one very special friend in particular, Marlee Shoup). She is however, excited to be attending Kindergarten just a few blocks away at Bryant Ranch Elementary! Mommy looks forward to her being super close and to helping in the classroom!

Shortly after school ended and summer began.... so did the OCPAA dance recital. Jordyn and Tyler had a blast dancing with all of their little friends in 4 different shows! They each performed a jazz, ballet, "competition routine," and opening and closing numbers. Needless to say.... they were wiped out (and so was I) once the show finally came to an end.

Knowing our lives were about to become a little more hectic, we decided to take off for a quick, 24 hour getaway to Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs. We swam, floated down the "lazy river," and had a great time! Hopefully we can "squeeze in" a couple more of these quick get-aways during the next couple of years.

4th of July is always a blast at the annual Saratoga St. celebration! The girls were very excited to flaunt their decorated bicycles in the "parade" that takes place right in front of Auntie and Uncle Jeff's house. It was a perfect celebration, complete with BBQ, drinks, water balloon toss, water slides and over an hour of fireworks!

(PS- Mommy made the tanks!)

Tyler continues to make us laugh each day. She has a very witty side to her personality! She also just does things that are "off the wall." Those of you who get to spend time with her know what I'm talking about. She is thoroughly enjoying her summer. She loves to swim (and is an awesome swimmer), ride her scooter, her bicycle and always wants to know if we can "go do something fun." She's very outgoing and loves to be busy (like from the very second she gets out of bed in the morning!). Thank goodness the girl still loves her naps.... because when she's not sleeping, she's moving 100 mph!

Jordyn Nicole.... doing an excellent job of continuing to keep us on our toes! Never a dull moment with this girl! She is continuing to stay busy with all of her activities throughout the summer. Just a couple weeks ago, she received her second "promotion" in tae kwan do to an orange belt. She broke another board... this time with a powerful kick (I think it's called an "axe kick?"). I would say she likes to practice dance, but I think it's more like "perform" her dance moves. If there's an audience, you can bet that her and Tyler will be putting on a show (consider that a warning!). Although she is constantly requesting to go somewhere, do something or go see someone... she is still the little girl who is always up for a lot of cuddling and a good chat.

The girls had an amazing week attending VBS at The Rock Community Church (where we attend). It was a full week of bible lessons, arts and crafts, water play and great snacks (one of their favorite parts!). Each day there was a different theme. "Crazy hat day and "crazy hair day" are pictured here.

And now, to bring you "up to speed" with the most current event in our life..... Mommy went back to school. For those of you who don't know, I started an accelerated BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) program. The program is two years in length and when I'm done, I will be an RN (well, after passing the NCLEX)! The program is through Western Governors University and is actually almost completely on-line. Everything but our skills lab and time spent doing clinical rounds, is completed on line. I've just completed two weekends in a row (8 hours on Sat and Sun) getting passed off on skills that will allow me to work in the hospital for my first clinical rounds in just a couple of weeks! While the idea of working with real patients excites me, it's freaking me out as well! Stay tuned for more details......

I must say, I never imagined that at 32 years old, married with two kids, I'd be going back to school. Some days I think "what did I get myself into?!" The hardest part about it isn't the school itself (which is pretty dang challenging), but the "other stuff" that I have a hard time sacrificing. I'm not talking about sleep.... that's a given! I'm talking about the time with the Bryan and the girls. Fortunately, I have family and friends who have offered to help in so many ways. I am more than thankful for each of those offers. Nana is definitely using her "free time" this summer to be with the girls. Don't know how I'd be doing it without her.

I try to remind myself that in the "big picture, " two years is nothing. And, while I want it to go by quick.... I don't want it to go by quick! These girls are growing right in front of my eyes. I just hope they will look back on this time of their lives (if they remember), and see a Mom who went through this to better their lives, as opposed to a mom who was tired, stressed and grouchy! :) Wish me luck with that!

Until next time...............

Mother's Day 2009

Happy Mother's Day!!

It's hard to believe I've been a Mommy for 5 1/2 years! Not a second goes by that I don't realize how blessed I am to have my two, healthy, busy, little girls! Jordyn and Tyler bring more happiness to me than I could have ever imagined. I remember growing up...there were so many times that I was frustrated with my parents or confused by the decisions they made (like all kids I'm sure). My Mom would always say to me, "one day....you'll understand." Well...I "understand!" That's the best way I can explain this whole parenting thing! Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there who "understand" too!

On Monday morning we were able to have a special guest ALL TO OURSELVES!! While Mommy was out doing a photo shoot (you can check out the link to Kristy Lynne Photography right from the Bingham Family Blog)...we got to watch "Ella Gracey Girl." Jordyn and Tyler love to spend time with their cousin (eventhough no more than a couple days go by without seeing her!). We played with musical instruments, put together puzzles, and....what else?? DANCED of course!

A couple of weeks ago the girls headed off to the dentist for a regular check up and cleaning. While they were there, the dentist had a little talk with them about sucking their thumbs. The main focus of the conversation was on Jordyn. She showed Jordyn Xrays of her big, adult teeth that are close behind those loose teeth she has now. She explained to Jordyn what sucking her thumb was going to do to those teeth. After the little talk, Jordyn told me that she wants that "thing" to help her stop sucking her thumb. I'm sure many of you have seen that "thing" she is referring to. It's that wacky looking "thumb guard" found in the One Step Ahead magazine. People swear by it....so we placed our order.

Over the past week, Jordyn kept asking me, "Is today the day it will come?" She seemed to be excited, but I'm not sure if that's how she really felt about all of this. Jordyn LOVES her thumb!

Although I'll be glad not to see it in her mouth anymore....I have to admit...I was dreading the UPS man for her! Finally, today...I heard the sound of the truck out front (usually an exciting sound, right? Something you purchased is finally here!). However, I was kind of sad that today was the day....

Once I got it out of the package and figured out how the strange contraption was supposed to go on...I asked her...."Are you ready?" She said, "wait..." and did this....

Then she said, "okay, I'm ready!"

So...here we go! Another little milestone in my little lady's life! I'll let you know how it goes.....

When Cade asked if he could come over on Saturday evening...he made Tyler's day! Sister was off at her first sleepover and Tyler was pretty upset that she didn't have a special event to go to. Apparently, my effort to convince her how fun it would be to have a night with Mommy all to herself was a waste of time! I think she's had enough of Mommy to herself lately.
Tyler ended up having a great time with Cade. They played soccer, cruised in the Escalade together...and topped it off with a perfect dinner...mac and cheese of course!

"CHEERS!"

On Saturday morning, Jordyn's entourage (Mommy, Daddy, Sister, Nana, Papa, Mise, Pop, Uncle Randy, Auntie Lisa and Uncle Jeff ) gathered at the World Martial Arts Center to watch her test for her yellow belt. Jordyn had been studying her questions and practicing her moves in preparation for the big day. I wasn't quite sure if she'd come out of her "shell" for the big event (I know, surprising...but she is actually shy when she's doing taekwando...don't know who that kid is for those 45 minutes). She surprised us all with her loud "hae-ya's" and powerful kicking and punching....

With a room full of parents and other kids testing for their belts, Master Kim (sitting up front with the two other judges) asked Jordyn, "what do you learn at this school?" She replied, "Taekwando sir." Master Kim then asked."What is taekwando?" Jordyn replied (in the most quiet of voices).."A Korean martial art that uses bare feet and hands to train mind and body...simply described as kicking and punching sir." That was Mommy's favorite part (because she was most nervous about her questions). Jordyn's favorite part...breaking her board! See below....

Look who lost a tooth....

Last night was a very exciting time around the Bingham house! Jordyn Nicole has been working real hard to loosen those already loose bottom teeth. Finally, last night, she decided she was ready to get one out! After attempting to yank out the loose tooth on her own, she asked Daddy to step in and get the job done. With washcloth in hand, a few wiggles and pull later...the tooth was out. I thought they were teasing me because Jordyn didn't even flinch! After making a few ecstatic phone calls to grandparents and aunties, Jordyn put her tooth inside the pocket of her tooth pillow (made by Grandma) and anxiously awaited morning.....

Although not usually one who wakes up quickly in the morning...she ran into my room to show me what the tooth fairy had left her! "She left me 5 dollars. Well...not 5 dollars, but one dollar with a 5 on it!" And...there was a trail of glittery fairy dust leading from Jordyn's pillow all the way to her window. So...if your daughter is friends with mine...just know that your daughter too, will be looking for the glittery fairy dust! :)