Going Camera Crazy

The night after the kids' birthday party Kayley opened her new camera. She loves to take pictures now! I went through her memory card last night and discovered lots of pictures of people we don't know at Disneyland. At Rubios she captured the beauty of the soda fountain and the fake display of chili peppers. She even got one of the girl taking our order. When it flashed in her face the girl asked "Did she just take a picture of me?" I said yes and she said, "oh, that was weird." She totally had an attitude and I don't think she liked kids. I laughed and sternly told Kayley not to take pictures of people she didn't know. It's not like we were going to post them on the internet or anything. Ha, who would have thought I would have to teach my child what's appropriate to take pictures of at age 5.

For your enjoyment, here are the pictures of her and her camera on the night she opened it.

Contrary to popular belief, my daughter is not a 40 year old tourist in the 80's.

Wordless Wednesday

I know this is supposed to be wordless (and I'm pretty sure making the font smaller doesn't make it any less wordful) but you have to click on the picture to see that my mom's biting Joanna and my dad clearly disaproves of all behavior.

Disneyland

We all had a blast at Disneyland! It didn't rain at all. It was a bit chilly in most of the day but that didn't stop us! Joanna joined us for a few hours, too.



They gave each person one of these pins. Almost every time an employee saw the kids they would say "Happy Birthday!" Cole spent a lot of time behind me doing the shy thing while Kayley beamed with pride.

Kayley and Cole with Dad before the carousel

Coley on the Carousel

Sissy on the Carousel

On Dumbo. I'm not sure why he's looking at me funny!

Auntie and Kayley on Dumbo too!

Me and Tyler waiting to see the princesses

Kayley was so excited to see the princesses. I think it's funny that Cole is in the pictures too but hey, it's what he wanted. Oh, and although the second one is with Mulan Cole was sure it was Jazmaaan.

Playing in Goofy's yard

Snuggled up and ready to see the show before heading home

Birthday Party Pictures!

So right when I sat down to do this our neighbors' really, really fat cat was in our yard. Tyler tried to chase it out but every time it jumped up the fence it didn't even make it halfway. It did this about six times before Tyler opened the gate to let it out. I believe a cat becomes more of a dog when it's too fat to jump a 5 1/2 foot fence. Haha. I hate cats.

So here's how the day went:

We arrived at Imagine That at 12pm. The party starts at 12pm. Funny isn't it? They couldn't get us in until then. So people arrived the same time I did but it was fine. We set up and the kids played and the adults talked. We had lunch and then the kids played some more. After cupcakes they kids made a little finger puppet (princess for the girls, Nemo for the boys). Then they opened presents. Madness I tell you. It's hard enough with one kid, try two. Anyway, the kids had a lot of fun! They were happy that all of their friends, except for one or two, were able to come. And now it's just all a blur. Kinda like my wedding day where I talked to everyone but I still don't remember half of what went on that day. Ha! Anyway, enjoy the pictures.

Kayley and Mom before the party

When we first arrived

Kayley enjoying her sandwich, fishies and juicebox

Cole enjoying the same

This is the room where we ate. Through those doors (behind my mom) is where the play area is. As you can see, the tables were filled with hungry kids.

More playing...Cole would be riding the pink bike

I think this is Grace Prinzing. She wore that pink tutu and twirled around the entire time! Please notice Cole still riding the pink bike in the bottom right corner.

I don't know why we don't have any pictures of Kayley playing!

Blowing out their candles

Sadly, Nemo was partially erased when we took off the plastic wrap. Later Cole told Krista he took a lick of the middle before we did cake. Silly kid.

Opening presents

More presents

Coles' fave presents

So there you have it. There are plenty pics of my beautiful face to enjoy but none of Tyler. He was there, I promise!

Post Birthday Party, Pre Disneyland

Ah, what a day filled with twenty adults and eighteen children! The birthday party was a success! I survived it and my kids came away with way too many presents! The biggest hits were the shoes from Krista, the digital camara for Kayley from grandma and grandpa, Cole's woody and Jesse car from Momma K and the gift cards for the kids for Disney from Ashley (that we'll use at Disneyland tomorrow). I will post pictures of the party (I promise) but not now. It takes so long to upload them all! We ended up having the party at Imagine That. It's a childrens indoor play center and it's really cool! And, they were able to take us with only a one day notice.

One day of fun and kids down, one to go!
Auntie Jo Jo is coming too!

Goodbye Tahoe, Hello Magnum

This is our new car!
Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to star jones.

Any ideas for what we should call it?

____________________________________________________________________

-UPDATE-

Although I'm tickled by the name, this car is not little. It's longer than our Tahoe.
More suggestions please.

Coley Oley

It appears we have a little Michael Jackson on our hands. Perhaps with a Village People twist:)

You Learn Something New Everyday!

I did a Yahoo search for the name Batten (yes, I'm that bored) and here's something I didn't know. Apparently there is something called Batten Disease. And no, it has nothing to do with going out of one's mind after one bears children by a man with the surname Batten.

"Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood. In some cases, the early signs are subtle, taking the form of personality and behavior changes, slow learning, clumsiness, or stumbling."

Yes, I'm nerdy.

I learned something new today!

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Remember when I cracked my tooth? Remember when I realized it was broken in two places and it became jiggly and rather painful indeed? Well, yesterday, as I watched I Robot, I began to play with it like I always do not (ew). I discovered that I could rotate the tooth in a circle, slowly ripping the tooth from my skin/mouth/nerve. I most definitely did not perform self surgery and remove my dangly tooth. That's gross and I could totally get an infection. Thank goodness for alcoholic mouthwash.

Cole has decided that it's super funny to say he has to go to the bathroom, enter the bathroom and have an "accident." He did not like watching his urine puddle between his legs. And he did not jump back and forth over the puddle, landing one sock in the pee and leave tracks all over the bathroom floor. And although he did a tinkle of the remaining pee in the toilet to see if he would get a jelly bean, he can't fool me. I withheld. And hopefully next time he won't be so darn excited about peeing all over the place.

I am so not going to register Kayley Autumn Batten for school tomorrow. And we're not talking about the school where they teach to how to go potty and have nap time with their stuffed animals and blankies. We're talking about big kid school. I'm going to be a big kid's mommy and I'm freakin' out. And I still haven't decided what her school of choice will be. I think I need to figure it out soon!

Five years ago today I was 7 1/2 months pregnant, newly married and preparing for a baby to come. Three years ago today I was nine months pregnant, fatter than ever, I had been in labor for about two straight weeks on and off and I was soooo ready to bring our second child into the world. Now I sit here as a mother of an almost five year old and an almost three year old. No more babies crawling around, no more drooling, no more poopy diapers, no more cars seats that cut off arm circulation and no more playing guessing games about what the kids want or need. I'm just so blown away at how fast time flies and how it seems just yesterday my kids were so tiny. I'm also amazed at how my baby fever has not subsided, giving way to the feeling of relief that my life no longer consists of that listed above. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade those things for anything. An accidental pregnancy wouldn't make me mad or sad, but for now I think I'm good.

I'm so not disgusted at the fact that I let myself get so sentimental.

On a more famous note, I did my photo shoot for Gospel Light today. When the Sunday school curriculum comes out in June I'll get a copy of it. I'm so not excited to see what pictures they used. I'm an actress and we do not get worked up about such things.

Next time Monday comes around I will be livin' it up at Disneyland so there won't be Not Me! Monday that day. Believe you me, come Tuesday there will be some fab pictures to share. Peace out.

Quiet Please

I truly love silence and sometimes I need it even (I love italics, it's my new favorite thing!) when there are children present. Lately there have been too many screams resounding from the Batten home. I seriously think Cole needs his ears checked. Anyway, here's what I do when I run out of options:

and

Ah, technology. How I love thee!

Weather Watch

Irritation is the name of my current emotion. I just checked the 10 day forecast for the kids' birthday party and it's supposed to rain...FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW!!!! Irritation.

On a happier note, I would like to mention that my good friend Krista got offered her job officially! I thought her accomplishment deserved a shout out. Hurray for Krista!

Amazing Grace

As I lie here in bed (my kids are still sleeping! Woo hoo!) I contemplate God's amazing grace. Someone so unpretty, loved and cared for by a God who still loves me even after seeing me inside out. At choir last night one of our leaders spoke for a bit on His desire that we draw near to Him. When a person is just married and in the honeymoon stage they would do anything to spend time with their spouse. They love them and want to be with them all the time. How much does it break God's heart when He, the only one who truly loves me unconditionally, sees me make choices to spend my time doing other things instead of spending time with him? Although I make so many mistakes and I've not clue which path I'm to take, I still know that God's amazing grace and His mercies that are new every morning will see me through. And after yesterday, boy do I need them!

New Layout

So I did a little changin' and rearangin' (much like what God's been doin' up in here) to my blog. I hope you enjoy the look and feel. I'll be posting a new blog soon when I get my creative juices flowing.

Not Me! Monday

It is January and it is so NOT 80 degrees outside today!

I can't believe how fast every Monday comes.
I don't have the patience or the will to write more clever things I didn't do this week.

Have a great week, friends!

Birthday Invitation

It turns out Cole did want Nemo so this is what I came up with:

Our big day is coming; our big day is near,
Soon we’ll be finishing our 3rd and 5th years
Mom and Dad are having a party
They say is for us
The girls will be lovely princesses
But boys, don’t you fuss
Nemo who has been found in the sea
Will be the theme for the one who will be three

Please join us to celebrate Kayley and Cole’s Birthday!
When: January 24th, 2009
Time: 12pm
Where: Thille Park, Ventura
RSVP: Stephanie @ 290-6197

Of course, I will print it out on pretty paper and add princess and Nemo stickers. I'm really not into going all out for parties so I think I can just plan some general games, make some cupcakes for each theme and let them play at the park.

Help!

I know not a ton of people read this blog, but I really need help here. Kayley wants a Princess birthday and Cole wants a Nemo birthday. What can I do to incorporate those two very different themes? I'm wondering if I should just make Cole pick something else or just decide for him since he is only two. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

It's a Good day!

Today is a good day. Even though Cole woke up completely wet from the waist down and there are still dinner dishes in the sink this morning, It's going to be a great day! Let me tell you why. On Tuesday someone (who shall remain annonymous) called me and offered to make our car payment. I was thrilled and, of course, said yes, we'll take it! When I got the check in the mail yesturday the amount was made out for our car payment AND our rent! We didn't even ask and they didn't know we hadn't paid rent yet. Thank you Jesus! This, along with the gift cards we got, covers all our basics needs and that's all I can ask for right now.

Oh, and by the way, I'm totally going to be famous. On the 19th I'm going to do a photo shoot at Gospel Light for their new curriculum. I'm going to be leading six kids through some activities and the photographer will take pics of us. They're going to be thrilled because I'm just that beautiful. I'll sign autographs at the next VBS if you want one:)

10 on Tuesday

I'm totally stealing Kim's idea for a Tuesday blog entry. I probably won't do it every week but I'm feeling bloggerific today!

10 Things I Should Do (or should have done) Today

1. Stop eating the jalapeno cheddar Cheetos I'm eating right now.

2. Strap Katie's car seat in tight enough so it doesn't fall over when I go around the corner (like it did this morning).

3. Wipe the yogurt off the table with a napkin or paper towel instead of using my finger.

4. Stop being lazy and post some pictures of my kids on here.

5. Quit worrying about the three dirty dishes in my sink and the "clutter" that is getting my panties in a bunch.

6. Do a load of laundry instead of waiting a week and doing 7 loads in one day (it seriously takes that many).

7. Put away the loose electrical cord in the kids room so my two year old won't play with it anymore.

8. Start a band- I'll sing



and Kayley can play the guitar.

9. Stop freaking out about the fact that I can register Kayley for school in two and a half weeks.

10. Look at this picture more often and be thankful about how far we've come and how many pounds have been shed by each member of the family:)

Not Me! Monday

It's Monday again. MckMama has officially tipped the Not Me! Monday scales with her hickeys and peeing in a cup. But for those of you who don't know her, check out my craziness for the week.

Since last week was the last one without Katie I spent the week disciplining Cole and trying to potty train him fully. I have not discovered that giving my son a nice pinch under the armpit works better than a spanking. There's nothing like a nice pinch in a sensitive area to get some obedience going. But I wouldn't do that, it's just plain mean.

I have enjoyed the time I've had with just my kids (and my husband, unplanned of course) over the holidays. I am totally not crabby about Katie coming back tomorrow. And I am so looking forward to retraining her to sleep/obey/follow my rules. We all know I'll suck it up and deal but I still want to spend my last night wishing and hoping that I never have to work again.

Tyler loves the tiny little Christmas tree grow kit that Kayley got in her stocking from my mom this Christmas. He did not just tell me that he hopes it grows big and strong so we can use it for our Christmas tree next year! Now he's aerating the soil. We are not a tree farm. I suppose I should have a little faith that it might survive since it's not me growing it and I have not killed every plant I've ever been given.

My son woke up in his pack and play yesterday morning calling for mommy. Cole had taken off his pants, thrown out his sheet, blanky, pillow, comforter, and stuffed animal on the floor. He was not trying to fold up the floor of the crib when daddy walked in. Apparently he wanted to fold up the crib and be done with it. He got a spanking for being a silly stinker and we began the day. I told him he wouldn't sleep in his big boy bed for a long time. And no, he is not sleeping in his big boy bed right now, sawing logs. I always stick to what I say and make him suffer. The truth is, I hate the crib sitting in the middle of the room. So I made the transition. Although I may still have a non-complient toddler, I truly have a sense of happiness that it won't be in the room anymore.

Miracles

Some things you can be sure of, others you can't. For me, there's not a whole lotta being sure of anything going around. Except for the fact that when I put my trust in the Lord, He does not return void. I woke up this morning so discouraged. I made the decision to tell myself over and over to expect a miracle today. And right at the perfect moment God blessed our lives with 4 gift cards (with a great deal of goodness on them) that someone put under our gate!!!
Talk about a big old God hug!

God wants to do amazing things in my life, I just choose not to expect him to do things beyond what my eyes can see and what my mind can comprehend. Boy is that going to change!

Accomplishments of '08 and Goals for '09

Wow, as I take a gander at the year that has passed I realize so much has happened! There have been so many changes in our family and in me personally I'm just blown away. These are the things I have accomplished:

• Lost 20 pounds
• Made four new friends
  
• Moved out of one house into another
• Raised the kids on my own for 13 weeks (with the help of my dear parents)
• Went another 8 weeks with Tyler home on just the weekends
  
• Moved out of another house into our condo
• Taught a one year old to sleep longer than 45 min.
• Made friends with a brand new baby named Peyton
• Visited Kim and Cory and discovered that Alabama isn't so bad
• Potty trained Cole (as of 12/31 he has officially done it! Hurray!)
  
• Grown closer to the Lord and my faith in Him has increased by leaps and bounds

I'd say that's a nice stack of accomplishments!

Here's what I would like to see come to pass in 2009:

• Lose 20 more pounds
• Own a car that doesn't require sacrificing food and warmth to pay for it
• Start Cole at Kids Corner
• Start Kayley in Kindergarten (aahhhhh!)
• Stop using the word "freaking" (if you can call it a word- it's more like a substitution for something foul)
• Tyler have a steady job and see his back and knee healed
• To have a stable life!!!

I know that these are just the beginning!!

Happy New Year!