Oh Beans!

Ever since we got our iPad, I have been on the hunt for games that keep Kaci engaged for more than 3 minutes.  We have found a few good ones - one is a puzzle app with ocean creatures.  Another app has a variety of activities that revolve around dinosaurs.  One game she kept asking for though was called beans...at least this is what she called it.

Since Kaci runs with a pretty small group of kids, I quickly narrowed it down to 3 people that could help me find out more about this game called beans - her cousins.  Sure enough they were able to fill me in.  CANDY CRUSH they told me.  Gasp!  Could it be?  I have heard rumors of this game ruining perfectly productive people!  Even costing some hundreds of cents each month!  No way was I dancing with that devil.

Fast forward to this past Sunday at 10:15 p.m.  I decided to take 15 minutes while lying in bed to check out this CANDY CRUSH.  Lights out at 10:30 p.m....at least that was the plan.  The next thing I know it is 11:36 p.m. and I am out of lives.  11:36 p.m.!  Sunday!

Sad to say that Monday brought more of the same.  I am addicted.  However, I have not put the app on my phone and have not spent any money on it, so I feel I am still in control (for the time being).

Oh beans!

In other news, Halloween was a hit in our house.  This is the first year that Kaci pounded the pavement for candy.  Check out this cute little witch:

And of course a trip to the pumpkin patch:

Which resulted in these:

We always have high hopes for scary, evil looking jack-o-lanterns...but that is easier said than done.  Jolly is much easier to attain.

Later readers!

Soakin Up The Sun

Oh Hell...where did the time go.  I honestly thought I was kind of on top of my blog.  Then I noticed that the last post was dated September 19th.  Oops!  Well let me bring you up to speed.

Dean - It will be Dean ? Erickson that will be joining our family come January.  Yep...we finally decided on a name.  If we can come to an agreement on a middle name we may end up changing ? to something more substantial.  Now say it with me guys....DEAN.  He is destined to be a happy and handsome little fellow with a name like that.

Kaci is growing fast.  I feel like the past 30 days she has hit some major milestones.  Milestones in my book anyway....not sure if there is a data base for actual milestones.  For one she can now pump her legs on the swing.  Here is a picture of her and her cousin in action:

She also offered me some legitimate assistance in the kitchen.  It wasn't the typical Kaci in the kitchen...you know where she is trying to help but instead making a huge mess by putting her filthy hands in whatever it is I am mixing in a bowl.  This time she actually helped me by unloading and putting away all of the silverware and plastic dishes from the dishwasher.  She did a great job!  

We have basically been spending as much time outside lately as possible soaking up the fall sun.  Get it while we can.  We are on the verge of the fall/winter/spring rainy span.  Some time at the park, some time at the farm and some time in Prineville has helped keep us off the couch (though not so much that I have fallen behind on Sons of Anarchy or The Walking Dead...don't you worry).

Farm Girl

Hammock time at PV!

Hunting for rocks at the lake

 

And a break to dip her feet in the water

And the best part about so much time spent outdoors?  PEACE AND QUIET!

Trapped

SUNDAY - THE ERICKSON HOUSE

ACT 1, SCENE 1

INTRO:

Jaci is laying with her head at one end of the couch reading her Anita Blake Vampire Hunter book (yes it is a bit trashy - don't judge her).  Kevin is laying with his head at the opposite end of the couch watching the rain delayed NASCAR race.  Kaci is taking a nap in her bedroom.

Jaci: Can I have the remote?

Kevin: No - I am watching the race.

Jaci: You mean the rain delay?  No racing going on that I can see.

Kevin: I like the interviews.

ACT 1, SCENE 2

INTRO:

Jaci and Kevin are still laying in the same positions (it's a rainy day out - don't judge them).  Kaci wakes up and stomps out of her room.  It is obvious to both parents that their little princess is in no mood to talk.

Kaci: Can I watch my show?

Kevin: No

Jaci: Dad is watching NASCAR

Kaci: (knowing better than to question NASCAR) Mommy can I lay with you?

Jaci: SURE!

ACT 1, SCENE 3

INTRO:

All three characters are still on the couch.  The NASCAR rain delay has gone on for so long, that it has now gone off air and Sports Center is on in it's place.

Jaci: I can't watch this.  Give me the remote.

Kevin: (silent)

Kaci: (silent)

Jaci starts to panic.  She hopes her suspicions are wrong.  She takes out her phone to get a better view of what is going on with her family.

Jaci's view # 1:

Jaci's view # 2:

Act 1 closes with Jaci laying on the couch trapped by her sleeping family - WITH NO TV REMOTE.  To move to obtain the remote, she risks waking them both up and ruining her peaceful afternoon.  If she does nothing she has to endure Sports Center.  What is she to do?

Hot Hot Heat

Wow - yesterday was a scorcher huh?  Well maybe it wasn't anything out of the ordinary - but we ventured out to Oaks Park for Kevin's company picnic.  It is only fair that one should be allowed to add 15 degrees to the actual temperature when walking the midway at Oaks Park.  It does not count as an exaggeration.

Before I told a little white lie to Kaci about the park closing at 2:30 p.m. we did have a lot of fun.  

A ride on the carousel - 

And a space ship - 

 Followed by a boat ride -

And finally a little panning for gold...or gems in this case - 

We finished the Sunday with a trip to Verizon.  Kevin was forced to get a new phone as his old one broke.  We then headed home.  Only to get back in the car, return to Verizon, and go through the process of picking out a different phone for Kevin as he hated the new one.  After much back and forth between Kevin and the sales rep, I stepped in.  Just in time.  She was in the process of selling him a $200 HTC 1.  She assured me it was the best phone available.  I assured her that it was much to complicated for Kevin.  I talked him into a very user friendly iPhone and we headed out the door.  Kevin is happy and the phone was cheap (it was the 4S not the 5).  All is good.  For us anyways - the sales rep was very anti iPhone.  She stated that she got rid of her iPhone because she could not view any pictures that people text to her.  Hmmm - were they Polaroids?  

Have a good week friends!

Kaciisms - Version 2013

A few entertaining remarks from Kaci lately:

MOMMY - BEARY HAS MY PANTIES ON!
Kaci is still obsessed with her "Beary".  Beary is just your basic, ratty, filthy, pink stuffed bear.  She adores him.  She also has an obsession with panties.  (side note - I hate the word panties.  I prefer the term undies or underwear.)  She has like 17 pairs because she somehow talks me into a new pair every time we hit Target.  So you can understand my confusion when I could not find one pair of undies for the little lady after her bath one night.
 Me: "Kaci - where are your panties?"
Kaci: "I don't have any."
Me: "Yes you do.  Find them please."
Kaci: "Mommy - Beary has my panties on!" this line was spoken in a very sassy tone.
Sure enough, Beary was wearing her panties.  ALL of them.

I AM NOT KACI LOUISE.  I AM SWEETIE.
Typically we reserve the use of Kaci's full name for times when she is being a little bit naughty.  It was at one of these times that I did my typical "Kaci Louise quit it!" or something along those lines.  She turned to me and very quietly and calmly stated: "I am not Kaci Louise.  I am sweetie".  I could not keep a straight face at that one.

WATCH YOUR SHOW!
Bed time becomes a bit challenging during the summer months due to the fact that it stays light out longer.  So even though she hits the sheets at 8:00 p.m. - she may not close those brown eyes of hers until closer to 9:00 p.m.  She may fill this time by singing, telling stories to her dolls and Beary, trying on shoes, organizing her undies, etc.  She is not supposed to get out of bed...so often if I hear a lot of racket from her room, I will pause the show that I am watching (Big Brother usually) to try and catch her in the act.  She is on to me.  "Watch your show!" she now yells at me if she hears the TV pause.  Bossy little thing isn't she?

I WANT A PO PO STICK
More commonly known as a pogo stick, this was one of Kaci's requests for her birthday.  We did not end up getting her a popo stick or a pogo stick.  Instead we got her a bike.

I will now leave you with a picture of Kaci on said bike.  Yes, she is wearing a latex glove on one hand.  I have no idea why.

Until next time my friends.
 

What's In A Name?

Picking a name for our baby on the way is the main cause for stress in my life at the moment.  I know we don't HAVE to decide right now, but I need to.  I have an ongoing to-do list in my head, and this is currently at the top.  I need to check this item off.  I have a pretty long list of names that I think would work, it is just a matter of Kevin and I agreeing on one. Kevin likes more classic names - never veering towards anything trendy. I did keep this in mind when preparing my list of names.  

So now I just need to roll out my list to Kevin.  He does not prepare a list.  He may throw out random suggestions (some of which are quite laughable), but it really is up to me to come up with the ideas.  

So I will keep you posted.

P.S.~

Kaci's 3rd Birthday Week

Happy Monday!

We kicked off Kaci's 3rd birthday celebrations with a party on Saturday.  In typical Kaci fashion, as soon as her cousins arrived she immediately shunned anyone over the age of 12.  Oh wait - she did talk to me when she wanted a Capri Sun.

The pinata was a hit...pun intended:

Kaci's favorite gift of the day was this umbrella.  It was a struggle to get her to even bother with the rest of the gifts once she laid eyes on this gem.  She even slept with it that night.  Here she is this morning in the car:

 She also enjoyed her new helmet she got.  Here she decided to enjoy a leftover cupcake while wearing it:

The festivities continue with a shopping trip with Aunt Crystal today.  Her actual birthday is the 27th, at which time Kevin and I will give her our gifts.  What does a busy 3 year old really want for her birthday?  "A big trampoline and 2 balloons".  Well, the trampoline is a no-go, but we did go ahead and pick her up the balloons.

I am attempting to complete some more posts today, however Blogger is being ridiculous.  In addition, my internet at home is acting up.  I actually have so many excuses as to why I don't blog...but typing them out would just give me a hand cramp.  I know you don't really care anyways.

Adios my friends!

Kick Start My Heart

Kick Start My Heart - Motley Crue - perhaps one of the best songs EVER.  Random I know...but for some reason it got me all jacked up and ready to cross off some items on my to-do list.  Item # 1 - UPDATE BLOG.  It's only been a month or so right?  I am going to blame Big Brother (go McCrae!).  I am addicted.  The show is on 3 times per week.  Not bad, however this is in addition to the NIGHTLY airing of Big Brother After Dark.  NO I don't watch every night, that would just be crazy!  I do sneak peaks occasionally though...

So what's new?

Estimated arrival date - January 21st, 2014!!!  We are so VERY excited!  Kaci is requesting a baby brother - we will see!

We have also been blessed with some warm weather!  Summer has arrived.

They put a fun little splash park in town.  We have stopped by a couple times.  I have noticed that many of the adults in the area prance about within the park in their swim suits as well.  I wonder if this is common among all splash parks - or just within our little town.  You can rest assured I am not one of them.

Oh - and here is proof that drinking out of the hose DOES NOT kill a person

Kaci and Ro having a pool party!

Happy No Work Friday!

Why May Is Pretty Much The Best Month Ever

We are coming up on my blog's 1 year birthday!  Who thought this would still be going?  Not me!  I admit that I have had some pretty lengthy gaps between posts, and I only have 6 followers, but still I will consider this a success. So on May 29th, please take a minute to wish Deep Thoughts (the title of this blog in case you didn't realize it) a happy birthday.  How - by leaving a comment.  Thank you in advance.

May also brings with it my birthday, my Dad's birthday, my friend Nikki's birthday and my parent's wedding anniversary.  They have been married for 35 years!!!  Cheers Mom and Dad!

Look how festive Kaci is feeling:

We even got some warm sunny weather that resulted in a boat day:

I plan to do a Mother's day weekend recap, but those pictures are on my camera - which involves me doing computer work in the evening.  Boo.  Stay tuned!  I promise to have another post by month end!

A Day in The Life of Me

I love, love, love reading day in the life posts - so I figured I would do one myself.  Hopefully this doesn't scare you away...or bore you.

Due to the nature of my job, I have opted to keep the details of my work out of my blog. (gasp...is she an FBI agent?  Coroner?  D.B.Cooper's accountant?  Plastic surgeon to the stars?)  No no...nothing that exciting guys.

Here we go!

5:30 a.m. - Kevin's annoying alarm goes off - he snoozes.
5:39 a.m. - Kevin's annoying alarm goes off - he snoozes
5:48 a.m. - Kevin's annoying alarm goes off - and he finally gets out of bed.  I also get out of bed and make lunches for the day.  Yes - I GET UP AND MAKE LUNCHES IN THE MORNING.  Sorry, just thought I would yell that in response to everyone who just went "What...Oh my word...you actually get up at 5:48 and make lunches?"

I am usually back in bed by 6:00 at the latest.  Kevin is out the door around 6:15.

6:30 a.m. - my alarm goes off.  I immediately jump out of bed and head off to rouse Kaci from her slumber.  This is the best part of my morning.  She is so sweet when she sleeps, and even sweeter when she first wakes up.  "Hi Mommy!  Can I watch my show?"  After I deny this request, explaining that we first have to shower, things go one of two ways.  1 - "NOOOOO!  I don't want you to clean me!  cry cry cry cry".  Thankfully this only happens about once a week.  2 - "O.k. and you will put lotion on me."  Moisturizing is a very big deal for Kaci.

7:30 a.m. - Kaci has had her milk and watched a quick 20 minutes of Cat in the Hat, and we have both readied ourselves for the day.  I drop Kaci at daycare and head to work.

7:50 a.m. - Technically work starts at 8:00 a.m.  I need to ease into it though.  Breakfast, chitchat, blog reading, etc.

9:00 a.m. - 4:52 p.m. - Work.  I try to escape for some form of exercise or grocery shopping if need be on my lunch.  (My research has shown that traffic around my place of employment gets ridiculous beginning at approximately 4:53 p.m.)

5:20 p.m. - Home sweet home.  Start dinner, recap the day with Kevin and Kaci, throw in a load of laundry, etc.  Kevin is pretty good about helping with dinner.

6:00 p.m. - Hopefully at this point we are sitting down and eating - otherwise I may be HANGRY.  Those closest to me know that I tend to get a bit grumpy if I am hungry.  Hmmm - I guess I just figured out my flaw.

6:30 p.m. - Dinner and dishes are done.  If it is nice we usually head outside to hang out, possibly walk over to the in-laws and see what is happening with their garden.  I like to keep tabs on this so that I can be ready to assist with the picking and eating.  Sometimes we are stuck inside.  Puzzles, books, jumping on the bed, etc.

7:30 p.m. - Kaci gets to have some milk and maybe watch one of her shows.

8:00 p.m. - Kaci needs to be in jammies with her teeth brushed and in bed.  She requests a hug, a high five, and a kiss from both of us. Lights out.  And then...lights back on.  "I need to go to poop."  "I am thirsty."  "What's that noise?"

8:30 p.m. - You can usually find me laying on the couch at this point.  This is really when I should be updating my blog, organizing my pictures, etc.  I hate computer work at night.

10:00 p.m. - Good night!

Update

I just sent my first tweet.

Adios Amigos!

I deactivated my Facebook this morning.  I have been pondering this life changing decision for the past couple of months.  For one, it isn't like I really interact with anyone on Facebook that often.  I may "like" your photo, or post a snarky comment on my brother's page about the need for a return call, but not much more.  Hell, I don't even wish people a Happy Birthday anymore.  No, I basically just spy on my "friends" through the news feed.  Oh yeah...I had like 238 "friends".  I actually saw one of these "friends" out in public last night.  I said hello - and she looked the other way.  

So what now?  Well I am on Instagram...but I don't share my pictures.  (I don't think anyways....I may be sharing them and not even know it.)  I mainly use it to filter my photos before posting to this blog.  I have also started a Twitter account.  I have 1 follower...I have no idea who it is.  Probably some weirdo that follows anyone with a drop dead gorgeous profile picture.  Hey - can you blame her?  Disclaimer: this is sarcasm.

Twitter is so fun.  Here I can follow my real friends.  You know - Chelsea Handler, Sarah Colonna, Chuy Bravo, Lance Armstrong...

I haven't actually tweeted anything yet...seems kind of silly if you only have 1 follower...who happens to be a stranger.

@Jaci1981Jaci - join me :)

Week in review:

My "go to" sock.  My sister is extremely envious of them.  

A couple of cute mug shots:

This should be a safe enough car seat right?

Time for water colors!

Enjoy the upcoming sunshine everyone!