my-kendall-life

{SoCo}

2009-08-10T21:58:00.003-06:00

I took my Monkey to the Big Top Candy Shop and Monkey See Monkey Do while my girl was out of town. It was planned as a distraction for him from her absence but really he was completely fine... so we went anyway ;) We left with a bags of Frisbee-sized lollies, skeleton pirate finger puppets, candy cigarettes, mochachino mints, unicorn bandaids, tequila flavored suckers.... well too many to list but basically a days pay in candy and toys. Most importantly, we had some great mommy and me time. Love my little monkey!!

{movement}

2009-07-26T10:44:00.002-06:00

In reading through my blogroll, I ran across this on Bonnie's page. It really moved me. The story, the images, the editing and layout... just touching on many levels.

Hungry: Living with Prader-Willi Syndrome - By Maisie Crow from liveBooks on Vimeo.

{new toys and ducks}

2009-07-26T09:56:00.003-06:00

I got a new camera! **Holla** It's been needed for sooo long. I'm lucky after researching it's error codes and consulting with numerous photographers on my message boards, that I never lost a session half-way through shooting, as some of them did! After hearing that, I made the plunge... to a beautiful Nikon d700. Amenities included angelic, church choir background music so how could I refuse? I luff it mucho! It takes such cleaner pictures in low light which is important when I'm working indoors.

I haven't read the manual or done any custom settings but couldn't wait to try it out. As a first run, I took my kiddos out to a pond to feed the ducks. I have been out to this park a few times and was shocked to see how many ducks there were this morning!! My pictures don't really do justice to the mass amounts of birds out there. The kids had a whole loaf of bread in hand and you should have seen the trail of ducks that we led around the park! Seriously not exaggerating!! There must have been 50 of them just on our side of the pond. We passed a lady pushing a jogging stroller and she froze solid when she saw the long line of birds trailing behind us. She literally buckled over laughing when we told her we hadn't even fed any of them yet. They just recognized the bread bag I guess! I suppose I've seen too many movies, or been attacked by geese one too many times. I kept imagining them all revolting up against us as we took so long to open the bag. So to to keep the kiddies safe, we outran them and headed over to a long pier and fed them over the side into the water. I think I did pretty well with the images considering all the buttons were in a new place and I was set to factory defaults ;)

By 11 we were drenched in sweat, out of bread and hungry so we headed over to Mighty Fine with group of friends for burgers and playtime. I need to get out and do stuff like this more. In the last year of working/editing, I've let myself get lazy with the kids and their activities. It was lots of fun :)

{ummm}

2009-07-17T16:02:00.002-06:00

A: Are we going to the pool?
Me: Not until you have both cleaned up your rooms.
A: Awwww
Me: Do you want to go?
A: {nod}
Me: Well?... then?....

--->Children disappear. Sigh of peace release.<---

A: {15 minutes later} I'm done! Come see Come see!

What I found halted me in my tracks. I'm not sure what to think or do about it. But as in all tense or emergency situations, I did what I always do. I take a picture. Reasonable right? After all, I knew that at the least, I must terrorize Critter with it. But in true to my life form, it backfired. The girl walked in and caught me snapping away. Now she probably thinks that she did something amazing and magical. When she asked why I was there doing this, I of course in true Mollie form, say nothing and retreat.

So I immediately go into Critter's office to horrify the boy, even though I know he is lost in programming land and I shove my camera in his face. He stared. He stared some more. Then he formed some sort of duck lipped formation with his mouth and began shaking his head in a small violent way repeating "I don't like that. I don't like that at all."

The time I have feared, has come. She's recently shared with me stuff she learned from a friend about what 'sexy' means. {In case you're wondering, it's when two people take off their clothes and kiss.} I remember clearly my mom handing me a book called "A Doctor Talks to 5-7 Year Olds". She told me to read it and come talk to her when I was done. I'm pretty sure that book isn't in print anymore. So, I'm appealing to the masses.... Thoughts? Recommendations?

{overload}

2009-07-16T15:01:00.002-06:00

can't.keep.up.

I eat them everyday but I'm picking twice as many as go into my mouth.
I'm thinking salsa at this point...

{fireworks}

2009-07-08T12:21:00.003-06:00

For the 4th, we went to a party at a dear friend's house. We spent SO much time having fun, chatting with the adults that I kind of forgot to take out my camera to document the kids... who were all having a BLAST! I did grab a few a the end of the night and wanted to share :)

{garden update}

2009-06-28T11:19:00.002-06:00

Ancho 211 Pepper

Burgundy Okra

Juliet Tomato

Sweet Baby Tomato

Asian Melon: Sakata's Sweet

Juliet Tomato

Star of David Okra

Black Beauty Eggplant

{boxplay}

2009-06-27T21:54:00.003-06:00

Wii, NintendoDS, personal computer, bikes, razors, motorized cars, hand built outdoor playscape, two rooms FULL of toys.....

never seen them have so much fun as in this box.
{sigh...}

{dino creek}

2009-06-19T22:53:00.002-06:00

Her first successful bubble and I caught it!

My sweet boy

{gymnastics observation day}

2009-06-19T11:11:00.004-06:00

Busy busy. In the last few weeks I had two twin sessions, a triplet session and a cake smash session. This much shooting and editing... it's become hard to continue to haul my camera around after the kiddos. I'm trying though. And at the request of my dad.... I promise to ::try:: to post here more often.

Here are a few shots from Baby Doll's gymnastics observation day. She was asked to move up to the intermediate level and had really grown in a short amount of time! Forgive my image quality. Despite the room surrounded by windows and the 4 sun streaming in... it was quite dark in there. And for some reason I had to stay with all the other parents and wasn't allowed to stand beside the girl during all her showings. {tee hee}

Look at this sweet little grandma smiling at my Baby Doll. So sweet!

I'm blown away by her strength and form....

Jumping + low shutter speed = hummingbird impression.

{better late than never}

2009-05-11T19:09:00.002-06:00

Confetti eggs I bought for Easter... yah, I just took them out for the kids ;)

{my sparkly barkley}

2009-04-30T08:23:00.002-06:00

Tribute to my dumb dog...

Slams into the glass door, more than once.

Eats mice yet runs from cats.

Mmm, Food! Eew,I feel sick. Puke. Mmm look, more food!

Has suffered over a dozed concussions from the toilet seat falling on his head.

Spends hours staring at kitchen cabinet, possibly waiting for a tiny horse and carriage to come diving out.

Doesn't know how to lift his leg when he pees.

When I point at a squirrel, he looks at my finger.

I say: "Lets go for a outside". He lies down or runs upstairs.

Lengthy pause after "Bow" while it tries to remember "Wow"

He may be dumb... but he winks at me all the time so I love him.

{the plans}

2009-04-28T08:38:00.001-06:00

{canning anyone?}

2009-04-27T10:47:00.005-06:00

In an effort to eat healthier and provide for ourselves, we have crash coursed how to build raised garden beds, learned about organic soils, non-GMO seeds and herb and veggie care. Now, due to our over excitement, we have to add canning to our repertoire. If we have good luck with our budding green thumbs, we will need a way to preserve the 180 square feet of vegetation! We have the following...

*squash, zucchini, okra, cucumber, spinach, radish, eggplant, bush bean, tomato, corn, pole bean, sorrel

*cantaloupe, sweet melon, strawberry

*jalapeno, ancho, habenero

*oregano, rosemary, Italian basil, sweet basil, sage, cilantro, mint, garlic chive, dill

Many items we bought as small plants at The Natural Gardener. Some we started with seed, like the corn, pole beans, bush beans, radishes, some cucumbers and some zucchinis. I have to say that watching them come up from seed is definitely more exciting. Especially for the kids. This has all been such a wonderful experience for them!

I'm working on a garden blueprint to help us remember details as to what is growing {since many items in the garden come in several varieties}. I'll post it as soon as it's done. We had some flowers and even some early peppers come up on the jalapenos. We pulled them off to encourage growth as it's too soon. For now? Some photos of the seeded/potted items and our mini peppers :)

Until...

{mr postman}

2009-04-26T20:25:00.002-06:00

Our playgroup met on Friday to discuss mail. We read the children a book about a letter's journey and the kids made their own postcards to mail to each other. Jordan and his best girlfriend Ally are sending their cards to each other. He just loves receiving letters and magazines. He can't wait wait for hers to arrive :)

After our craft, the kids played in the park for another two and a half hours! I, of course, had my camera in hand. I've been asked on numerous occasions if I only allow people into our playgroup that have exceptionally beautiful children. {heh!} I simply remind them that I am a photographer, and then add '...no comment' ;)

{I kid, I kid}

Until....

{Jordan's Mind}

2009-04-23T13:10:00.002-06:00

I'm crackin' up. Lil'J is sitting here right now working on a wipe off book. The page has 6 pictures/words listed and two columns below. He is to write the word into the correct column, animal or object. He got to the word shoe. He says "OK OK.... shoe. {tapping the pen to his chin} That's an object, right mom?" I said "Yep. It's not an animal. It doesn't eat {he giggles} and it doesn't breathe does it?" He thought and then said "Oh yes it does. If it's a sketcher with holes"

I'd show a photo of his finished work. But he was quick and "unrased it." I love Jordanese

{Commune Progress}

2009-04-20T21:38:00.003-06:00

Another silent update.

rerow..

{Kendall Kommune: step one}

2009-04-08T14:46:00.004-06:00

We are growing our own food. Then we'll dabble in rain barrels, composting and cloth weaving........ ok, maybe not so much. But the food part is true enough. {and maybe the compost}

If you know my hubby, you know he doesn't do anything half-way. Some people might make a 5x5 garden in the corner of the yard. Oh no, not Critter. He got a wild hair and now we're equipped with one hundred and eighty square feet of planting space. Some people may go to Walmart and buy a handful of packets of random seed. Oh no, not Critter. We have enough non-GMO, organic seed to plant an acre for seven years! No... I'm not exaggerating!

I grabbed a few shots of the boys {Critter, Jordan and Aron} building the other day. This is the first of three raised gardening beds. This weekend will come the painting and dirt and seeding :) I should have done it last weekend. Plenty of light... since there were two full moons.

{crickets}

2009-04-02T12:07:00.003-06:00

Miss MIA has super quick bluebonnets to share.
A woman of few words am I. Instead I prefer to simply express visually.

Not buying that? I don't blame you.

Really it's all about lack of blog time.... Busy working and I see no break until June. So suck it up n deal with the quiet images, and stop emailing/texting me about the boring blog I own ;)

Creekside behind my in-laws home in Houston.

Chappell Hill

Vertigo

ap·pease : verb
to bring to a state of peace or quiet.... to mom

www.pet-abuse.com

{air horns and cow bells}

2009-02-26T16:50:00.002-06:00

Hockey images are rough!! It's fairly dark in there and I'm shooting through either black netting or severely scuffed up glass. I did manage a few I ♥

This shot of the kids in the teams jerseys and one of Critter, catching the puck. Action shot baby...

{my boy}

2009-02-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

{valentines day}

2009-02-20T17:15:00.003-06:00

Quick catch-ups of my busy week...

Baby Doll's 1st grade Valentine's Day party. Lil'J always included...

My hermana fantastica and my BIL offered to take the kids for the whooole afternoon! Crit and I had a yummy meal at our favorite Chinese restaurant, stopped in at a few stores, one being a bass guitar shop {for me, but we didn't find the perfect one} and then we went and bought our Valentine's Day gift for each other. New wedding rings. {happy dance} Our first set was bought in a hurry {snicker} and as he's said numerous times, he's not really a bling bling kinda guy. {They were gold bands with diamonds inset across the top} I bent mine into an oblong shape years ago and always longed for the day when I could wear my other silver jewelery along side my wedding band. So, the day seemed right for the upgrade. Ain't it purdy?

And a couple shots from Critter's game, semi-finals.
.....they made the playoffs!!

Their first goal that left the other team saying derrrrr...

My {cold} friend J.... doing her deer in the headlights impression.

My sports shootin friend K trading shots with me.

{doodlebugs science - magnets}

2009-02-20T12:53:00.001-06:00

Our 4 year old Science group got together for a lesson in magnets. Such a cute project! The kids drew their houses and family, glued the people to a cardboard fixed with a paperclip, and put a magnet behind the house to move the family around the house. Lil'J did his pretty much on his own and was very proud of it!

{a real man... through and through}

2009-02-11T17:02:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday, I ran Critter and the kids out of their home and hosted a girls only party. It included a mombo, feeds 40, chocolate fountain brought by my friend Kim. And even with me eating enough for 5 grown adults, we still had a lot leftover. We poured it in a tupperware and tossed it in the freezer. Trying to break off chunks the following night proved difficult but I managed a few bites before I gave up and called it a day. After I went to bed, Critter decided to hit the chocolate dome himself.... and since he rarely cleans up kitchen messes {love you honey}, I had the great pleasure of walking in on the below mess. Definition of a 'real man' ;)

I love waking up with a smile!

{Brownies Revisited}

2009-02-02T21:32:00.002-06:00

A couple days ago we had what should have been called a 'Brownies Flashback' playdate. I don't remember much from my younger years, but I remember making one of these bird feeders I believe in Brownies, using pine cones, peanut butter and birdseed. I love the events that the kids are able to do by themselves. So many times certain details of projects require mom's help, but lil'J had this one all on his own. I think he gets more jazzed about them when he makes things on his own, even if I help cut a couple things, it loses some of it's luster. He heads out and checks it everyday to see if the birds have 'eated it up'. I think he is under the impression they are going to eat the WHOLE thing, cone and all. Guess I should explain it to him....

I managed to get a few shots off of some of the kids. The weather was so nice {75} we all kind of just lounged in the sun, distracting me from my camera.

{Grr Junie B Grr}

2009-01-29T11:52:00.005-06:00

Junie B Jones. One of my daughter's favorite sets of books and quite possibly the most annoying read to any parent who is forced to listen. I do NOT like Junie B. Jones. My little girl is in 1st grade and reading at a 3th grade level. Yet, for some odd reason, I have allowed these bratty behavior filled books, into my home, containing their horridly bad grammar. What kind of lessons are these for children? I think 'hate' and 'stupid' are used on every other page. You know, it’s okay to have bad grammar in the dialogue… but NOT IN THE ACTUAL WRITING OF THE BOOK. Sheesh!! Her little blossoming mind is absorbing every page.

But the debate remains. Does the harm of the subject, being relatively mild, outweigh the benefits of her enjoying reading? Neither Crit nor I are readers, so I'd like to encourage it where I can.

Hopping off my vent now....

Last Sunday, I took the girl to her first musical. Junie B Jones. Three friends and their first-grade daughters all attended, as well. The idea of the "mother daughter date" was nice. Certainly something we need to do more often. And I'll give the musical a little more props than the books... It had it's moments. I think I even laughed in a few spots. {Although, I'm not sure how I feel about their portrayal of the Hispanic boy. Funny to me, but my girl is watching remember... another vent for another time} But overall, I am not sure she was very impressed. I'm sure the Sprite and Skittles made more of an impression. Just walking through downtown Austin's streets with my girl's hand in mine, answering her million and a half questions, made it all worth it!

{gutter dusters}

2009-01-25T20:10:00.000-06:00

We took the kiddies "bowling" last week. Why did I type out my air quotes? Because I think I'm safe in saying that when we went bowling as kids, they didn't have the gutter guards and ball chutes for the kids. Isn't this just cheating? Heh! Yet another display of, 'we're all winners'. But as it turned out, it was helpful as our lane was quite warped and all balls rolled immediately to the right... that is, if they were not ping ponged off the guards the whole way down the lane. So an instance when cheating is good boys and girls ;) Regardless of my whiny complaints, friends, sugary drinks, popcorn and Frito pies (that's right, I'm a great example for health.) bowling and games makes for a great time.

{quickie}

2009-01-22T15:09:00.002-06:00

So Alex is whining about going to gymnastics {again}. 'Just want to skip this ooooone time paleeeease'! I said, 'you skip today and you owe me $15!' ...So 10 minutes later she brings me 4 dollar bills and 11 pennies!

I'm not sure what's worse. Her willingness to give up every last cent she owns just to skip class..... or her lack of math skills!!

{jordanese}

2009-01-19T10:54:00.005-06:00

♥ building a Lincoln Log cabin: "look at my caraboo mommy"

♥ at the store getting supplies for a playdate: "mom, don't forget the instruction paper"

♥ "I have none more juice"... "I have none more time left before bed"... "we caught none fish". Not sure why this tickles me so much. He's just so serious about none.

{Merry Merry}

2009-01-04T20:29:00.002-06:00

We had Christmas in triplicate,' as usual. Here are just a few from M&Ds. I'll get to part 1 and part 3 later, when I have more free time away from work :)

The kids got their Santa requests... Baby Doll with her Nintendo DS and Lil'J with his Star Wars "light saver". And of course beyond that, they were spoiled rotten!

Mom opening her Retirement Countdown Clock and Robin loving gifts, regardless what's in them ;)

Best if you just don't ask what was going on....

Me just playing with Christmas Bokah.

{to the north pole}

2008-12-31T22:01:00.001-06:00

...or to Liberty Hill and back....

Critter and I, as well as mom&dad and R&J, took the kids on the North Pole Flyer for what was supposed to be some sort of recreation of the Polar Express movie. The kids BFFs were on the same train car with us as well. The kids had a great time with few meltdowns. They all wore their PJs but then had some disappointment that the waiters didn't dance and sing and they couldn't ride atop the train car (thanks Crit...), but they still enjoyed it. There was a ticket punching conductor, some caroling, a Christmas book, cookies and candy canes from Santa and Mrs Clause and even some pointy eared elves. Thanks Dad for the treat!

{catch up 3}

2008-12-30T13:22:00.000-06:00

Baby Doll's class "Winter" party..... {sigh... CHRISTMAS PARTY!!} OK, I feel better now. They all wore the shirts they made in class the day before, had brunch, played gingerbread man bingo, decorated cookies and opened gifts.

And seems like a good a time as any to show off Mrs M's classroom! It's amazing! She has a reading/music loft, a Cichlid tank, Red Sliders tank, more books than the library, games, Monkey dolls, scorpion and butterfly casings, a real beehive, colors and decoration in every. single. available. space! Not a room for kids with attention issues ;) But most everyone in the class is there at the parents request! My girl just LOVES her teacher and they mesh perfectly :)

{catch up 2}

2008-12-30T12:08:00.000-06:00

The traditional Christmas countdown chain craft. So much glitter glue was used that the strips didn't dry for several days and thus... then chain never got assembled ;) They had fun getting messy and playing with friends none-the-less!

{catch up}

2008-12-29T10:07:00.001-06:00

Short people that "help" me test my strobes and color before a session.

Fall leaves and a birthday outfit.

Hairdo after watching the Star Wars series.

Houston growth not seen in Austin.

{blessings}

2008-12-11T21:09:00.003-06:00

Phillip Toledano is an brilliant photographer. Through a friend, I've discovered a site whereupon he's told an amazing story. I found it full of happiness and sadness, heartbreak and desparation, laughter and love.

You can see it at www.dayswithmyfather.com.

In Matt's own words.... 'It's a simple, powerful reminder to enjoy the time we have, with the ones we love'.

{pathetic Texans are we}

2008-12-10T12:00:00.003-06:00

The normal weather in Texas is expectantly unexpected. Yesterday's high was 78. At 10pm we were trying to wake the kids from their sleep to see Texas style snow! Loosely translated that means 90% rain, 8% sleet and 2% flurries.. that disintegrate before they hit the ground. What we are left with are little piles of sleety ice accumulations that make the kids and myself run around in circles squealing 'weeeeeeeeeeeee'.

{not exactly what I was thinking honey...}

2008-12-09T11:50:00.000-06:00

I've said on more than one occasion to Critter that we needed to find a hobby.. something we could do together. Reasoning behind it was that when the kids are gone and we are older, we'd have something to enjoy and bond us together.

Where was my head? When will I remember that I am married to a 12 year old man.

I was thinking something like golf babe....

I'll give soccer props for one thing though... Sure was a reality check as to the shape I've let myself get into.

Mollie Kendall Photography Give-a-Way

2008-12-05T13:26:00.002-06:00

Please jump over to my business blog to get details about a wonderful Holiday Give-a-Way!

{Jordanese}

2008-12-03T15:25:00.000-06:00

Just a couple quick lessons:

(Lil'J standing in a pillow case & hopping...)
"Look Mommy, I'm in a cul-de-sac."

"Hanitizer" = Hand Sanitizer
(which honestly makes more sense...)

{Sly vs Chick}

2008-11-20T20:14:00.001-06:00

{self-entertainment}

2008-11-19T15:25:00.002-06:00

Lil'J received a ton of "boy toys" for his birthday... Transformers, Batman, Venom, Spiderman, etc etc... He disappeared into big sister's room one day while she was at school and after the ice making incident mentioned a few posts down, I figured I should check into the quietness.

...Have to give him an A for creativity I guess...

{seven&four}

2008-11-17T23:37:00.003-06:00

Just a few family photos from their birthday party. I have many many more with their friends. I wasn't going for artistic mind you....Wish I had more time to show them all!

I am still a little shocked that they are now 7 and 4!

{imagination}

2008-11-10T19:59:00.001-06:00

My 4 year old's Star Wars obsession has led to him invent his own "light saver". He plays with it often!

My 4 year old's imagination led to him make his own ice cubes. Out of soap. In an egg carton...... Found this in the fridge ;)

{H-A-doubleL-O-doubleU-doubleE-N spells Halloween }

2008-11-07T13:28:00.004-06:00

The Blog Slack Queen they call me... And I'm so sorry about that. I've been up to my eyeballs in mini-session edits. Now that I'm caught up there? thought I'd get a bit caught up here.

Baby Doll's school had a 1st grade pumpkin decorating contest. We decorated ours as a glittery spider pumpkin witch. Some of the designs the other parents...err...kids made, were quite amazing though and Baby Doll made a BIG sad face when they didn't call her as a winner. She was quickly comforted by lilJ. They were so sweet.

And here are a few Halloween shots I grabbed. My little man was way into it this year, karate-kick-skipping (as I refer to it) from house to house. My little witch made it halfway around the block when Critter tried to pick her up and run her up to a "scary" house.... it reduced her to tears, and she was ready to go home. So sad.

{just to say im with it}

2008-10-30T21:53:00.002-06:00

Been busy editing 3 minis and a full session... But I couldn't let a whole week go buy without a post! Here are a couple shots I grabbed while waiting on my client last Monday.

{post for my family}

2008-10-23T09:46:00.003-06:00

Hi family! Just wanted to share what I came up with for those pix. I'm ordering 10x20s of them. I'm off right now to price frames this size. If what they have is too much or too ugly, I'll just have them printed into a standout.

{pumpkins.pumpkins}

2008-10-21T22:05:00.001-06:00

My kiddos and the Pumpkin Post. {grin}

{D is for dog}

2008-10-18T16:04:00.003-06:00

Friday we played at one of our favorite parks with some of our favorite friends! It was D is for dog and the kiddos made spotty dog hats and read doggie books :) Then of course, much playtime! Some shots of only a few of them.... the others are very quick ;)

Lil'J spent MUCH time here in his "tube". Don't ask why....

Lil'J in his pup cap.

My little AllyBear. She must have tried to get up this thing 20 times. At least it cracked her up when she'd slip down! My little guy would have hollered at the slide!

Oh I think that little Jane was about sick of me and my continual photo taking! What do you think?

Sweet baby Ashie! Want to just squish him!!

Not so small anymore Kammy. Where is the time going!

Her mom has her trained. You can almost hear her in the photos saying 'cheeeeeese"

{playtime}

2008-10-17T21:05:00.004-06:00

Just two quick snaps of the kids playing in the yard for gramma, and one shot for fun.. just to build my Photoshop skillz ;)

I also added a few more seriously taken shots over on my biz blog. And before you ask, the sky over there was real {wink} really! Just "enhanced".

{oldie but goodie} ...but worth repeating

2008-10-17T07:28:00.002-06:00

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning Uphill... barefoot... BOTH ways!

Yadda, yadda, yadda...

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today.

You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, We had to g o to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalogue!! There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter, with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3' s or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'asteroids'. Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever!

And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a Little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the Channel and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK. For cartoons, you spoiled Little ratbastards!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove ... Imagine that! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.

You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!

Regards,

The over 30 Crowd (Send this to someone you'd like to make smile,
whether they are under 30 or not.)

{ice treasures}

2008-10-16T14:32:00.005-06:00

Moms... need a free and clear hour or two to yourself?
Wondering how much this blissful break will cost you?
How much do you think a big bowl 'o water costs?...
Or random McDonalds toys and knick knacks at the bottom of the toy chest?
{wink}

I worked on this for days. I froze it in layers, filling it throughout with gems and treasures. Oh the things a mom does for some quiet time! And sure enough, they worked on it solid until it was completely gone! Score!!

{pickin apart owl pellets}

2008-10-11T12:17:00.002-06:00

With Baby Doll heading off to school, I feel like all I ever get to blog about is Lil'J stuff. I'm so happy we made the choice to keep the big kids involved in our playgroup, with their own little subgroup. Last Wednesday, the 1st grade grasshoppers (some of them) met up for their Science event. With Halloween around the corner, Jenn showed up with quite the interesting project. The kids read and learned about owl's eating habits and their digestion process. Then... dissected some regurgitated owl pellets! I was pretty well grossed out (for lack of a better word) about what they were 'playing' with, but once A broke into hers, I may have knocked her out of the way and finished the dissecting on my own. She uttered something about it being "disgusting" and asked to go play anyway so I don't feel too guilty ;)

{now officially dying... and I can blame global warming?}

2008-10-10T06:00:00.003-06:00

Every year, about October, I get sick... Then sicker... Then sicker some more. I've been worried these last few months as it's my first year working DURING this month. And as luck would have it, my work involves me being outside and I'm booked solid.

Stupid allergies!

Critter tells me every year that my complaints sound more like a cold. And then, after weeks go by and he's truly tired of my moping and complaining, he hassles me until I go to a doctor. And this always proves to be somewhat of a broken record.

"It's allergies. That'll be $20. Go home."
"It's a virus. That'll be $20. go home".
"Stay inside. Take a pill. That'll be $20. Go home."

Well I DO take pills. Every day in fact, for at least 75% of the year. And in true allergy seasons, I sometimes have to double them up. My true worry is that I take advil every 4 hours... for months on end. This can't be good. But I just can't function with the super sore muscles and extreme headaches.

Last year, some may remember, I got an actual allergy/asthma pill, that as it turns out, was evil and sadistic. I had serious anxiety attacks and scary heart palpitations. Yah, nice right?

So here it is, Oct 10th, and I'm officially dying. I always start stalking the allergy charts when I feel it coming on. I then start cursing the hill country and threaten to move to the desert. We often joke that I'd end up allergic to sand. This morning I started looking more into ragweed as that is beating out my nemesis, mold. Here is what I find on a news site.

Allergies Getting Worse? Blame Global Warming.
One of the few potentially positive effects of climate change, at least in the short term, is that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the growth of plants. That could be good for agriculture — though warming temperatures and changing rain patterns in a warmer world might wipe out that advantage. But there are no unalloyed gifts from climate change. Recent research suggests that global warming will also exacerbate respiratory allergies, as higher CO2 concentrations lead to vast increases in ragweed pollen production. "There's no denying there's a change," says Paul Ratner, an immunologist with the American College of Allergies. "It's definitely bad news for people who have allergies."
One clear reason is rising levels of ragweed pollen — which can be connected directly to rising levels of CO2. Researchers have shown repeatedly that elevated levels of CO2 stimulate weeds to produce pollen out of proportion with their growth rates — meaning you get more pollen per plant, which means more allergies. Even worse, it seems that the weediest species seem to thrive disproportionately in high CO2 environments.So, what can be done to help millions of sneezing, watery-eyed patients? As allergy sufferers already know, not a whole lot. But any action taken to control rising CO2 levels might at least help stem the increase in global allergy rates. So far, the global asthma epidemic shows no signs of abating, and in a warmer world, effective treatments for allergies will likely become even more important. One option for allergy suffers might be to start agitating for action to reduce CO2 emissions — after all, the only thing you have to lose is your breath."

So it looks like I am now to either A) spend my days rallying up against all the C02 emission violators and contributors, B) move to some small island off the coast of New Zealand (since the US is the highest contributor to the rising carbon dioxide pollution) or C) simply suffer in (semi-)silence... continuing to stifle my families desires to go to parks, open windows to "enjoy the fall weather" or even share a glass of red wine with my husband.

I Quit!

{gf time!}

2008-10-08T08:26:00.004-06:00

A few girlfriends and I went out to dinner a couple weeks ago and then over to the bar down the road. We had such a great time! So much so, that we decided to make it into a much more regular occurrence. So this past weekend, a few of us headed out for MUCH needed pedis! An hour in a massage chair was much like I imagine Heaven to be {wink}. However.... we all complained the next few days that we felt almost sore and bruised? I'm guessing they aren't meant to be used for that long! Gosh I'm glad I chose to skip the "air cushioned seat". I can't imagine what those after effects would be! Not to mention it was just all around WEIRD to sit there and publicly enjoy that! I'll spare you the details. At any rate... I managed to annoy the little foot girl yet again and ask for another strange design. I'm sure they wonder why i can't be happy with a simple paint job! I don't care.. I over tip just for this reason and garsh... Ain't my tootsies purdy?

{letter C}

2008-10-07T13:58:00.005-06:00

Monday our group focused on the letter C. We had C books and C practice sheets. Then we glued Cherrios and Candy Corn to some Cs. Just guessing here {lol} but I *think* they ate more than they glued! The weather was windy and uber overcast. Great for... you guessed it... pictures!

{Same painting}

2008-10-05T13:22:00.005-06:00

We did a little bit of "same painting" at the park on Friday. The idea is something similar to the butterfly craft we did before, where the sides matched... But LilJ's looked eerily like a set of veiny lungs. Bleeh! This creepin' you out Aunt Robin?

Afterward, there was lots of sand sculpting and people burying! I just used it as camera practice/play time! Here are the ones of my lil guy.

There are a couple more. My favorite ginormous babies. HERE.
(Ignore the header over there. I'm making some changes.)

{filled up two cars today. sigh........}

2008-10-04T18:35:00.001-06:00

{does it REALLY flow?}

2008-10-03T17:22:00.000-06:00

{dinoland}

2008-10-01T21:31:00.000-06:00

We visited DinoLand with friends on Monday. Absolutely heading back with Daddy and BabyDoll. They would just love this. LilJ was clear to raise his hand and throw his imput in to our guide... answers not always correct, but I was proud that he put himself out there! And he took some new information home with him, really listening to what she talked about. And if you know me, you know I was really only interested in snapping butterfly pix. I'm just mesmerized by them!

{waffles}

2008-09-30T19:52:00.001-06:00

Probably one of the shows that makes it onto my top 5 laminated list of favorite shows is Who's Line Is It Anyway? I record them all and they never ever fail me for a literal LOL moment. This one ALmost made me pee my pants. And that is no exaggeration.

{B is for Binoculars at BHC}

2008-09-28T18:38:00.001-06:00

We had a 'B is for Binoculars' at BHC with our friends. The kids made their own 'knockers' and went on a hunt to find B things that were places around the park. I was so happy to see all the kids really really get into the craft and activity! And of course, I had to get in some baby shots too :)

{it's quiet here}

2008-09-25T15:11:00.001-06:00

I'm so happy. I was seriously terrified about the potential aftermath of Gramma and Dad-Dad leaving after a 10 day visit. Normally the kids are a wreck the night after they go when they've only stayed one night. Crying and whining always follows on how they miss them sooo much. This time they left town after giving a special blue-eyed stuffed kitty and a very kewl Harley toy. They haven't put either down since and seem to be doing fine :) Baby Doll has even carted it to school with her. I think knowing it's in her locker makes her feel ok about it.

So never fear Gramma and Dad-Dad... The kids are great. We enjoyed having you here and look forward to coming down there soon. Until then, we have wonderful photographs to help ease our sorrow! Ahhhhh.....

Don't be afraid readers... it's a Hanna Montana wig :)

{diet option #1}

2008-09-23T19:04:00.006-06:00

This could work... something I like to call the 'disk diet'. While not ideal, this could possibly be effective. First, you have merely coffee for breakfast. Then, you skip lunch. Then, you don't pack near enough water and head out to play 18 holes of disk golf with Critter and Aron (bringing two short people to slow you down) in around 100 degree heat. Judging by my the slow pace and advil popping the following day, I'd venture to guess I got a great workout!

{bubble @ berry springs}

2008-09-22T21:24:00.002-06:00

B was for bubbles at Berry Springs last week! Bubbles were blown, books were read and then the play ensued. All the kids were around 3-4 and their imagination just took over! They created a pirate ship, high mountains full of treasure and troll filled bridges! The kids had a blast but I think several of us mommies had more fun taking pictures. The weather was gorgeous and I had D's beautiful baby as a natural model. After all, I'm sure in his world, all mommas cooing over him have a camera attached to the right side of their face {wink}

{to do list}

2008-09-18T11:59:00.005-06:00

Phew... Strike another thing off my to do list (...and these days it is looooong). My photo ornament example has been ordered and my Holiday card designs are complete! They are now up for your viewing pleasure here!

{busy busy busy times}

2008-09-17T09:37:00.002-06:00

Yes, I've lost my blogging way again. I have good reason, I promise. I have a week's worth of personal photos and activities to catch up on. I'm hoping to get to them in the next couple days.

First and foremost, I've been busy editing the most wonderful session. I had a newborn session and I must say that I'm Officially In Love With My Job!! Please see the pix on my blog. I am going to take an active approach to find more newborn sessions, definitely! It was just so much fun for me.

We've also had company the last several days. They aren't Ike evacuees per say... but rather loss of power evacuees! They weathered the storm and all it's fury and then got hot and bored! HA!

Plus I started my 1st grade homework. 22 math books. Roughly 550 pages each. ALL torn out and sorted into chaptered folders. Yawn..... Anyone wanna finish for me? There's a beer (or two or ten) in it for ya!

{doodlebugs kids in the kitchen}

2008-09-12T08:09:00.002-06:00

Our little doodlebugs had their monthly kids in the kitchen the other day. They had quite the menu too. They made their own piggies in a blanket, chopped their own apple, made their own apple dip and made oreo pudding for dessert!

I'm so proud of my lilJ. He has spent the last year and a half of playgroups determined to NOT participate with the group. He wanted to do the things they were doing, just not when they were doing it. Stubborn little toot!

But as of the last few months he's just delved into activities 100%! He's just so sweet :) I don't have to beg and plead for him to come sit with the other kids. I don't have to leave playdates early because he is in the midst of a tantrum about joining in. I don't have to say hardly a word anymore... he just jumps right in there and I love it. I love watching him enjoying friends and activities. I just love HIM!

{warning: time wasters ahead...}

2008-09-11T08:54:00.000-06:00

Little time wasting fun over here at Wordle. Not really sure with ALL I have been doing the last few days how I have time for this junk... but I always manage {wink wink}

And if that wasn't enough, if you were a teen of the 80s like myself, 80s Music Vids will suck HOURS out of your life. And even if you didn't swing through the 80s, this site should prove to be vastly entertaining. HOW did we not know we looked so ridiculous people?? Could my mother have been right??

Last but not least, (this just handed to me 3 minutes ago by Critter) if you are a fan of Gordan Ramsey as I am, leap back into time for a peek at Little Gordan. Isn't he adorable? I love that @*#%!

{letter Aa lapbook}

2008-09-10T14:54:00.005-06:00

In our playgroup, we have come full circle with the alphabet. Starting over at Aa, we thought we'd jump beyond and begin some lapbooking that the kids could continue to refer back to. For the first 2 weeks, we began A is for Ant. We decorated A's, created an ant mini-book and made thumbprint ants. While we intended to add on the the books with each A playdate, lilJ and I just couldn't wait. OK, I couldn't wait. And he was all for it as he is VERY crafty lately. We looked all over online and found did the things that caught his eye. We added a maze, a matching game, practice sheets (he really loves these I swear) and a life cycle book. All things laminated so he could do them over and over and over again. He also did a lot of coloring :) I love how it came out!

{time rolls on}

2008-09-09T21:44:00.004-06:00

Holy #%*@ !!! As I was getting ready for bed, be-boppin around to the tunes coming from Hubby's office, he calls out 'you realize this album came out over 20 years ago and now it's considered (insert air quotes) CLASSIC ROCK?'.....

I want to just pick out the coffin.

Damn it! I remember this show! I loved this album for yeeeears. I STILL love it. The '20 years' is still echoing in my head! And now it's only a reminder as to my aging? No. No way. I need to do something stupid and adolescent to off-set this.

To Be Updated......

{jackson pollock}

2008-09-09T14:09:00.002-06:00

The idea for our playdate Friday was borrowed from one of our members, who did this with one of her other groups. From her pictures, it looked like a blast and we just knew our little crafters would enjoy it was well! We got messy with some paint, Jackson Pollock style! LilJ just really got into this. I mean really really. Sadly not one of my pictures truly captured it. His stance. The fling of the brush. The seriousness in his face. He was very careful to try to not touch the paper with his brush as we discussed on the way over. His section of paper I was so proud of that I cut it out and brought it home. I'll be investing soon in some more paper rolls and probably some canvas as well. Can't wait to frame his art!

{monsters}

2008-09-08T14:25:00.002-06:00

Follow me to see my kiddos and their new friends.

{multiple me's}

2008-09-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I wish there were more of me.... So I looked. AND THERE ARE!
Now if they would come over and do the grunt work around here....

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
4
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

{the beauty of nature}

2008-09-06T14:25:00.002-06:00

My crew made our way down to the dino-creek last weekend for an afternoon nature hike. Critter has taken the kids there a few times but this was my first time joining them. It was pretty cool to see real dinosaur tracks within miles of my home! While crazy hot, we still had a great time together. Of course with camera in hand, I had my own kind of fun too, capturing my beautiful surroundings. Images like these allow me to step beyond my adoration of photography, further past my love for my family, and just enjoy the beauty of life as a whole.

My photos are done more justice over on my photoBLOG. Hope you enjoy them :)

{My little Monet}

2008-09-05T13:13:00.003-06:00

Ok... not quite yet. But he is well on his way. My LilJ is VERY into art. He colors ridiculously well for a 3 year old IMHO. I'm more blown away at his attention span for it. He'll color for 30 minutes straight, very intently and carefully. Now he is branching out to drawing on his own and not just coloring inside lines of his books.

Today he drew Daddy... Complete with goatee, glasses, and ears (not quite on the side of his face). I ADORE it and wish it was on paper to keep forever. Next best thing is a photo.

He also drew miss A with her freckles.... either that or some odd disease ;)

{nostalgia}

2008-09-03T09:35:00.002-06:00

My kids found my "club box" and pulled out my old Docs and leather jacket. They began dress up time. Oh, those were the days....

nostalgia pix

Playdate catch up!

2008-09-03T09:22:00.002-06:00

Letter Z crafting joys! My boy loves anything involving glue!

And we threw in another visit to the sprinkler park!
*it just never gets old*
Here is a pic of our boys being boys!

Preschool Photosynthesis

2008-09-02T09:25:00.002-06:00

Our playgroup recently had a "Y is for Yam Buddies" playdate. We weren't able to make it but Jill set aside supplies for us to do the craft on our own. We decided to take it a step further and talked about Photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is a bit complicated for lilJ, but I figured we didn't have to discuss molecules and chemistry to learn a little bit about how it works. More on his level, we talked about vegetables and how they drink up the water and the food from the soil through their roots and that they use the sunlight to help them grow, etc etc...

And in usual fashion these days, as we began to talk about it, lilJ already knew about how this worked! He just didn't have a name to put with the process. When I asked how he already knew so darn much (at age 3) he proudly said "Magic School Bus".

Gosh Darn It, I adore that show!! We have every one recorded and Baby Doll watches at least one a day. I assumed lilJ wasn't really absorbing much (again, he's 3) but gladly, I was dead wrong!!

{Ooh, fishy, fishy, fishy fish!}

2008-09-01T08:09:00.004-06:00

We've tried numerous "activites" with our girl.... ballet, tap etc. Most things were met with an "awwww" when it was time to leave for lessons. But swim? Wow, Our little fish! She adores it and is progressing so MUCH faster than she ever did in the past.

She takes lessons at Nitro Swim. Nitro is an ingenious idea! You are alone in your learning, not part of the group. You don't have to wait for the rest of your class to progress forward. You don't have to move beyond your capabilities if you are not quite there. You are assessed as an individual.

God, If only our educational system could follow suit.

Three things appear on my to do list in viewing this picture.
1) Hug my adorable Baby Doll.
2) Loosen her raccoon branding googles. (ouch)
3) Open account to start saving for braces. NOW!

(quick image of my lilJ. He sits quietly and practices his ABCs through her entire lesson! He is progressing at warp speed. I'm so amazed at how quickly he picks things up and how much he wants to learn!

{quickie}

2008-08-28T22:30:00.005-06:00

Yes, I know, School Started.

Did you think I forgot?? Noooo. It was just kind of a non-event around here. She eased into it without nerves and no pain. As if she were just returning from the weekend! I'm not sure if I'm happy about that or sad....

We did get the teacher we requested so that is cause for some level of excitement!
I'll have more on her and her "fantastico room" when I have more than five seconds to post a REAL post.

Between birthday sessions, newborn session shopping and finishing off that wedding (images on them to come soon), 1st grade prep, swim lessons, gymnastics, homeschooling lil'J, lapbooking with Jenn, playgroup reorganization and scheduling and family time........um.....what was my point?

Oh yah.

i.have.no.time

{lucille, i am not}

2008-08-23T18:46:00.004-06:00

Last weekend my wonderful hubby took the kids and dogs out hiking/swimming so I could head out for a relaxing day at Fall Creek's Grape Stomp with M/D and R/J!

I really had so much fun!! It was my first trip to a vineyard and this place was just beautiful! Exactly what I imagined a vineyard would look like. I took part in a 10 wine tasting, had a delish meal, specially made for the day by Texas Culinary Academy and stomped all around in the vat of their newest blend of athlete's food wine. {wink} It was gooey and gnarly and a great experience!

Of course it would not be a day in my life unless I took a ton of photos You can view them on my other blog here! You can see why I can't wait to make another trip!

Classical Magic

2008-08-19T15:46:00.002-06:00

On hubby's way out the door, on a day that promised to hit over 100 degree temperatures, Critter asked that we water the sad looking front yard at some point. Because my little short people are always asking to paint and always begging to play in the front yard (in hopes one of the neighbor kids will be out), killing three birds with one stone seemed ideal. Out we ventured with finger paints, paper, brushes, plates, sponges, stencils... and of course, things quickly turned colorful! We had the sprinklers ready to go to de-splotch. One more adventure to add to the countdown........

*Photos Here*

In case you are wondering why the new linkage... I'm slowly moving towards a merge. I'm keeping this blog for more personal stuff, but the links will be towards any image heavy posts. :)

Another countdown

2008-08-17T22:28:00.003-06:00

Time is winding down for me, closer to the start of a new school year. Things change up for sure from our summer leisure. Pros and cons both. I adore the sleep in, stay up late, no schedule way of life... but I think we are all due for some structure. Get us back on our toes.

As we did last year before school began, we are counting down... trying to cram as much in as we can in this last week.

Click THIS LINK to see a few shots from what is probably our last "sprinkler park" visit of the year.

Slop-n-Swirl

2008-08-13T13:30:00.007-06:00

Science Kids por nuestras 3s.

On this day, our explorer group learned about mixing primary colors. What better way to keep a child interested than to play with GOO!?!

Creepiest stuff around, I gotta say. You can roll it into a hard ball. Toss it back and forth. But leave it alone for a couple seconds?... and it melts into drippy gloppy goo! Something of course that is right up a three year old's ally.

We also did a little coloring experiment. Color mixing results not as clear, but they still had fun painting!

ACM = Good Times

2008-08-10T18:01:00.005-06:00

The run on the exhibits at the Austin Children's Museum seems to last forever. I'm not sure however, that my kids would ever care about the monotony! I really need to utilize my membership there. They enjoy every visit so much.

The main showing featured 'sounds' still, but that is not what stole the show for my crew. Of course we made the usually rounds... vet, cows, trains and kitchens, but upstairs, which I'm not sure we visited last go round, featured a construction set-up. Lil'J could have stayed there another 4 hours and not tired. Clear cut heaven for my little OCD man. He walked around with pocket fulls of nuts and bolts, a screwdriver in one hand and another in his pocket! He was intent on the fact that he would build a house like the one on the picture on the wall. He was purely in love!!

In the connected room was the recycled craft room which my Baby Doll has found new connection with ever since her entrance into QUEST. She made some sort of "door bell chime on a keychain" contraption and wanted to make another for her friend K so she "could come over every day and you wouldn't have to get up to answer the door mommy"..... Gosh is that a hint that mommy has gotten lazy??

Sadness

2008-08-08T22:13:00.004-06:00

This sad little something didn't hit me until I logged in to post our photos from the Kinder Kids in the Kitchen playdate. This would be their LAST one as Kindergarteners! Our next one in September will be titled....1st Graders!! This hurts my heart. How underly depressing!! Adding insult to injury, when I took her school shopping I had to buy mediums. MEDIUMS! She's so big. Who knows how to stop this process?? I'll pay good money.

After our"hide-n-seek" muffins were ready, we packed up and headed to the sprinkler park for a picnic lunch and some wet (blistering hot) fun!

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

2008-08-07T22:53:00.001-06:00

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right
and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five
minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes
to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and
you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in
fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often
misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and
wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about
nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can
make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before
deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say
you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she
says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at
all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying SCREW YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning
this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is
now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?'
For the woman's response refer to # 3.

20 questions answered by Baby Doll....

2008-08-06T07:51:00.003-06:00

1. What is something that Mom always says to you?

"not to lie"

2. What makes mom happy?

"not lying"

3. What makes Mom Sad?

"the time when I hid under the air hockey table and you guys were trying to find me and you couldn't find me"

4. How does Mom make you laugh?

"by doing this (stretching the corners of her mouth to the sides with her fingers and sticking out her tongue)"

5. What was Mom like as a child?

"very happy and pretty and loving"

6. How old is your Mom?

"40 hundred"

7. How tall is your Mom?

"I'll have to find out with my ruler" (looks for her 12 inch ruler)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

"take pictures"

9. What does you're Mom do when you are not around?

"work on her pictures on her computer"

10. If your Mom becomes Famous what will it be for?

"a hairdresser?"

11. What is your Mom really good at?

"photography"

12. What is your Mom not really good at?

"doing cartwheels":

13. What does your mom do for her Job?

"take pictures"....."of people"

14. What is your Mom's favorite food?

"ummm, tic tacs."

15. What makes you Proud of your Mom?

"when she gives me prizes from the surprise box"

16. If your Mom were a cartoon Character who would she be?

"Donald Duck" (long story there)

17. What do you and your mom do together?

"go grocery shopping"

18. How are you and your Mom the same?

"we both have short hair. we both have t-shirts on and we both have earrings"

19. How are you and your Mom different?

"we have different colored eyes, we have different colored hair and different colored toenails"

20. How do you know that your Mom loves you?

"cuz she's nice and she is very kind and gives me presents a lot"

1. What is something that Dad always says to you?

"to not argue with Jordan"

2. What makes Dad happy?

"to do things that he says right"

3. What makes Dad Sad?

"the same as what I did to mom"

4. How does Dad make you laugh?

"when I ask him to close my closet and he acts like the monster pulls him in"

5. What was Dad like as a child?

"very funny and very playful"

6. How old is your Dad?

"37"

7. How tall is your Dad?

"4 feet tall"

8. What is his favorite thing to do?

"play baseball"

9. What does you're Dad do when you are not around?

"play the Wii"

10. If your Dad becomes Famous what will it be for?

"being a rock star"

11. What is your Dad really good at?

"baseball"

12. What is your Dad not really good at?

"doing a back bend"

13. What does your Dad do for his Job?

"he programs"

14. What is your Dad's favorite food?

"umm, fettuccine"

15. What makes you Proud of your Dad?

"when he plays with me"

16. If your Dad were a cartoon Character who would he be?

"Tom the cat from Tom and Jerry"

17. What do you and your dad do together?

"go to the movies sometimes"

18. How are you and your Dad the same?

"we both have blue eyes. we both have sort sleeve shirts on"

19. How are you and your Dad different?

"he has glasses and I don't"

20. How do you know that your Dad loves you?

"cuz he is the best dad in the world"

bears, worms and eyeballs? oh my!

2008-08-02T15:04:00.004-06:00

I love gummy bears. I love gummy worms.
But eyeballs?

Can you say vile? And they were all wiggly jiggly too. Blaaah! But, to be a good sport, I licked the eyeball.

One word... Ew.

Thanks Aunt Robin! So what to do with them now? I was heading for the trash when in stepped Critter. Now, I love my hubby, but he truly is a 12yrOldman.

See? Hands off ladies. That's My man ;)

And with that, he is training my poor unsuspecting children... oh me. oh my.

mas lilJ speak

2008-08-02T13:28:00.002-06:00

I recently shared lilJ's "mow lawnder" speak translation as being lawn mower.
Now, I bring you... "marote"!

Obviously clear translating into remote (control). He says it every time. I'm beginning to wonder if there is such thing as syllable-only dyslexia. {wink}

children's art park

2008-08-01T16:31:00.008-06:00

Wednesday the kids and I went downtown to the Children's Art Park. I was sorry that it was the last one of the summer and that we didn't attend more of them. There were musicians, dancers, storytellers, magicians, mimes and crafts people. While it was fun for all the little ones, I heard commercial after commercial. I think I've been married to Critter for too many years! Baby Doll loved the Instrument Petting Zoo and the fact that she had to puff up her face to hear the sounds. She didn't really lite up until she got to the face painting however. LilJ just loved the "bubble clown". I mean.. he reeeeally loooved her! I'm pretty sure she liked him as well with the amount of time she spent with him ;) I'll give it to him... She was adorable. Where do I get a wig like that??

As if from nowhere

2008-07-29T07:50:00.007-06:00

Bad Day? Bad Week? Bad Life?

Four out of five doctors prescribe a daily click to Compliment Bot to ease unwanted pains!

figure it out

2008-07-28T21:39:00.004-06:00

In the midst of all my illnesses yesterday (don't ask) my 12yoMan druuuug me outside into allergy land so he could mow. The kiddos wanted to ride bikes-n-scooters and he apparently can't multi-task. {luv ya hun, wink wink} So, while I sat out there in the 97 degree heat, WITH my blanket around my shoulders... cuz that's my 'thing' when I'm feeling puny (again, don't ask), I was distracted from my bitterness by my baby boy's English skillz.

Me: J, what are you doing?
LilJ: standin on tha concreek
Me: The what?
LilJ: Tha concreek (stamping his foot on the driveway)
Me: Why way over there?
LilJ: So daddy's mow lawnder doesn't get me.

Gimme a spoon! I want to eat him up!

Midnight Madness at noon

2008-07-26T11:30:00.004-06:00

Back in my *younger* days...days...days...... (that was to be the dramatic movie echo) I used to bowl. A lot. And to toot my own horn?...I was good. My partner and I kept running averages on the fridge to see who reined supreme over the other. Probably not the healthiest of relations.

These days? Not so much. Proof shown by my throwing myself onto the ground at the ally yesterday surrounded by preschoolers and their snickering mommies. In my defense, I had on my non-skid hippie sandals and my fingers were jammed into the holes of a teeny six pound ball!

At any rate, back when we went, it was called midnight madness. Firstly because you bowled at midnight {duh} and the "madness" being everyone's inebriated state, the loud music and the basement bowling ally room only illuminated with black lights. Ok, so this trip was not quite the same, with exception to the black lights, but now you get my title ;)

So our playgroup took the kidlets to do a little bumper bowling. Amusing to say the least. As you can see from the images below, the kid's average mph throws caused 7 frames to last an hour! They had a blast though. We'll definitely be doing that again! And, as several of us agreed, a MNO is in order here as well!!

Daddy took a "break" from work to head over when we were done bowling to rock climb with Baby Doll. Their strength blows me away! And reminds me of my own weakness. (Gosh, I should probably start utilizing that gym membership I recently signed up for, huh.)

Corn on the cob cupcakes

2008-07-16T08:49:00.003-06:00

Lil'J and his friends decorated cupcakes today to look like corn on the cob. Complete with butter (starbursts) and salt (sugar)!

Heathy? Oh No.
Fun? Oh yaaaaaaah!!

Momma Brags

2008-07-15T11:39:00.006-06:00

I give some chunks of molding clay and a paper plate to my baby girl and say "Create!"

I left the room. A short while later, this is what I get back!

She asks for the laptop so she can look up the spellings to title her butterfly life cycle units and then she reads the descriptions out loud to her brother!

I keep hearing the echo of Jules' words from Pulp Fiction ringing in my head.... "Check out the big brains on Brad!"

Whatever are we going to do with this girl? She continues to amaze me!

The new plan

2008-07-12T23:02:00.000-06:00

Why did I take a picture of my dinner? Because it was sooooo tasty! I have gotten into a horrible habit of skipping meals. Mainly breakfast. What tends to happen is that I wake up around 9ish and stumble down to prepare my beloved mocha. I'm pretty sure there should be another word for it. Any mocha I've purchased at the local coffee houses has been (as it's intended) coffee with a bit of cocoa in it. Mine? Some sort of bold bean coffee, brewed so strong that my husband complains it can stand on end mid pour, mixed with two (or three...*blush*) heaping (oooh yes, heaping) tablespoons (you're reading that right) of "chocolate lovers" hot chocolate mix. So really it's not coffee at all anymore. But it is a physical necessity at this point. See... research suggests chocolate has health benefits. At least this was the report I *clung* to when I was pregnant and my hubby hassled me on my chocolate intake. (Don't ask how bad it was. It was borderline shocking!) And if research states it, how can I argue, right? Now, in true family tradtion (sorry mom... you know it's true) I choose to only hear what I want, when it serves me. The research also contained some bogus claims that chocolate cravings may be a symptom of addiction. And that chocolate contains the same 'happy' chemicals found in some recreational drugs. I will conveniently not hear this and push it out of my mind. Especially with my history of addictive personality issues! I refuse to think that chocolate has any unhealthy properties. Chocolate was sent by the Gods especially for me and all woman kind.

At any rate... my thick massive mug of morning coffee turns into breakfast. Lunch time comes and I gorge on food... making me not hungry for dinner until quite late. So between no breakfast, overstuffed lunches and dinners so late I am forced to digest in my sleep... it's no wonder that I have gained 14 pounds in the last two months! Something I've never ever done except when pregnant. Being parked in front of my computer half of every day editing for work doesn't help either, I'm sure. I actually had to go buy bigger pants a few weeks ago! This sent me into a state of alert! And getting into my bathing suit the other day for the first time since our beach trip pushed me over the edge...

So now I'm on a mission to get a bit healthier.... without giving up my coffees of course. I'm going to be moving to a more vegetarian diet, smaller portions for lunch and rejoining the gym should all help. It's a start anyway. I'm not sure how healthy my dinner above was. Brown rice, black beans, salsa and cheddar cheese.. I just know that I used to eat this a lot back in my crunchier vegetarian Whole Food working days and I was a twig then. So it seemed like a good choice. I bet I couldn't pay my kids to eat like this though, maybe not even Critter. So I'll have get creative. Wish me luck! I think I'll need it!!

merry liberty day

2008-07-05T13:40:00.003-06:00

We spent our 4th this year at Leander's Liberty Fest with our good friends! Looking back, I think the bus ride with their buds was the highlight of the evening!

A country band for our listening "pleasure"....

Isn't it so nice to see how much they wuuuuuuuub each other?

Let's try that again.

...and now much my man wuuubs me? I think cheese hearts from a can speaks volumes!

Everyone wubbed their glow sticks!

My most amazing moment was finding this on my camera...Isn't it spectacular??

HAPPY 4TH... "YA'LL"

beautiful dancer

2008-06-23T14:31:00.002-06:00

Babydoll's first dance recital. Am I just a glutton for punishment? How many milestones do we need to have so close together? How many times in a couple months can I hold back tears? Look how beautiful she is! They did an Am-A-Zing job :)

The Graduate!

2008-06-22T21:24:00.002-06:00

The kids stood up, turned around and sang a song to an auditorium full of hundreds of family and friend. I fought back crying. I had her sing it to me and my old camera later when we got home. Some day, when I find the cables, I'll post it. Assuming I don't cry again. It was sung to the tune of 'New York New York'.

Start spreading the news.
We're leaving today.
We want to be a part of it,
First Grade, First Grade.

We're ready to go.
We've worked very hard.
We want to be a part of it,
First Grade, First Grade.

We know our ABCs and 123s so well.
We've worked at sounding out words
And stories to tell.

Just ask us to rhyme.
We'll say "tens" and "pens".
We've learned to share and get along
With all our friends.

So now we've made it here,
We'll make it anywhere.
We're on our way
First Grade, First Grade.

Opp.... tummy twisting again. Better stop remembering. My baby is growing too fast! Here are some photos from the day.