Movie Quote 46

Movie Quote 46: We've been given our parts in the nativity play. And I'm the lobster.

Let me hear your guesses. I love, love, LOVE this movie. Please don't judge me by it. I have no idea what appeals to me about it, but I could seriously watch it by myself with a bottle of wine to keep me company---actually, I have done that.

Here's a little hint: Lindsey hates it and Chuck recently bought me a new DVD to replace my worn out copy.

And so it begins!

Luke threw up on the way down to College Station for the Texas A&M game.

Evie threw up on the way to Oklahoma where we were celebrating with Chuck's family.

(You may not know this about me, but I cannot handle vomit, so I spent a few moments hanging my head out the car window gagging after each vomitous event.)

Lindsey was sick (but didn't throw up) on the way home from Oklahoma.

Other than that, Thanksgiving was great.

Now, time to put Thanksgiving behind us and move on to CHRISTMAS! Geez, I love this season. I've got the Christmas tree up already and lots of decorations going. It got cold outside last night and we had a fire in the fireplace, beef stew on the stove, sugar cookies in the oven, and the movie White Christmas on tv. What a great night. I'm looking forward to more wonderful nights this December.

Thanksgiving Thankfulness

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I'm going to be busy, so no posts over the holiday weekend if I can help it.

A fellow blogger (Booshy) issued homework (weird, right?) to her readers, and I (as a reader) complied. I'm still not sure why I felt like I needed to respond to her homework request, but perhaps I'm just a willing student and secretly like to please other people. Anyway, Booshy asked her readers to write down what they are thankful for. So, here's my "essay." Enjoy.

There are some things (that really aren’t things at all) that I am so grateful for that when I contemplate their absence, a lump of tears forms in my throat and a weight of unbelievable fear of loss constricts my chest. I have no greater reason for thanks than the fact that I have been blessed with love, including that of my outrageously funny husband, my three truly adorable (and I’m not exaggerating) children, my parents and siblings, my friends, my job, our home, our health, our safety (and the men and women who risk their lives to secure it), and our joy. These are Heaven-sent and fill my life. However, there are a multitude of seemingly inconsequential things that fill the crannies of my days, and therefore prove that nothing is inconsequential, and I am therefore thankful for these as well:

• my own pillow
• 400-count sheets
• a good song on the radio
• a book’s happy ending
• panties that don’t wedge
• finding money in my pocket
• the perfect pair of jeans
• waking up and realizing I have at least one more hour of sleep
• a good hair day
• capturing unabashed happiness on film
• saying goodbye
• catching up with good friends
• a cup of coffee and a slice of dessert
• anyone who sends me flowers
• curling up in a comfortable blanket
• hugs that last too long
• people who have actually already done the work out videos that I bought and are evidence that I could look good too if I would actually do the program (consequently, I also secretly hate these people)
• feeling confident simply based on the clothes I’m wearing
• scratching an itch
• baby feet
• anyone who remembers my birthday
• people who can’t remember how old I am on my birthday
• eating an outstanding meal
• long talks with my sisters
• knowing that anything is possible
• friends who will do anything to help me out
• the saints who coach my kids’ sports teams (beyond heroic!)
• dentists (a love/hate relationship)
• hangover remedies
• the pop of excitement I feel immediately following the pop of a champagne bottle
• a pen that writes well
• library books and school books
• teeny tiny toilets that are made for kids
• shoes
• the Postal Service
• tampons (Yes, really. And all of you should be grateful too.)
• ocean waves
• Blogs that allow me to keep up with my friends and make new friends
• and each person who actually took the time to read this. I am grateful for you too.

Boys are gross

As I have mentioned before, Luke is 5 going on 15. It kills me that the whole "boy" thing kicks in so early. He is fascinated by his penis, cars, guns, and Star Wars. I seriously don't get boys, but at least it provides me with plenty of laughs to go along with the groans.

This morning while he was changing clothes in my living room in front of the TV, he pulled off his pants and underwear at the same time so that his undies were still in place inside his pants. (I know you can picture it. And we won't get into why he was changing clothes in the living room. Suffice it to say that we're still trying to explain modesty to him.) He gazed into his pants and cracked a little grin. He looked at me mischeiviously. I squinted my eyes at him and cautiously asked, "What?"

He grinned wider.

Realization dawned on me. I sighed and asked with resignation, "Is there poop in your underwear?"

He grinned even wider and nodded.

I groaned, "Gross! Ugh!"

He laughed, dropped his nasty pants, and proceeded to sit his dirty butt down on my carpet and try to put on his clean underwear.

Me, "Wait! Don't put your dirty butt on my carpet!"

He looked over his shoulder at me, which I swear, caused his dirty butt to crack open even more over my carpet. I cringed. He laughed more, looked back at his underwear, and put it on.

Me, "That's disgusting."

(Notice how I didn't suggest that he should take a bath or anything.)

Lindsey witnessed the entire transaction and felt compelled to tell me about her gross moment with him yesterday.

Apparently, he farted in the kitchen. She looked at him expectantly and he politely said, "Excuse me."

Half and hour later he farted in the living room. He continued playing with his toys and she again looked at him expectantly.

He said, "What?"

She cocked her head and said, "Eh, what do you say?"

He looked indignant and said, "I already said it in the kitchen."

She sighed my sigh and said, "Uh, yeah. You have to say 'excuse me' every time."

In true five-year-old-going-on-fifteen-year-old fashion, Luke acted annoyed and begrudgingly said, "Excuse me."

Apparently he thinks that one "Excuse me" can get you through the whole day.

Geez - boys.

He'll be a toddler soon.

I noticed that time is passing too quickly for me. I sat with George this morning and just watched him while he drank his bottle - one of the last bottles he will drink because he is almost one year old and that means we need to move on to a sippy cup. In a way, it makes me so sad to realize that he is almost a toddler - no longer a baby. I find myself wishing I could just hang onto these moments just a little longer. Soon there will be no more bottles, no more pacifiers, no more diapers. I remember the first baby shower I had with Luke and how I received the precious little baby items. I was amazed by how tiny the diapers were - how quaint all the baby items seemed. I gazed at the bottles and imagined my little baby boy grasping it and smiled with excitement. It all seemed so idyllic. In the thick of raising a baby, however, these items become more utilitarian than sentimental. I usually take it for granted that we have a drawer full of baby spoons, sippy cups, and jars of baby food. It drives me crazy that there is a high chair as a permanent fixture in my dining room. I hate having a baby gate dividing my house and finding baby wipes in my briefcase. But, as this era in my life starts to draw to a close, I feel a tug of sadness realizing that there will be no more babies. No more late nights with a baby nuzzled to my breast. No more crib sheets, or newborn baby cries. No more old women in the grocery store trying to get a glimpse at my baby. No more drool on my clothes. No more anticipation of what my baby's first words will be. It is sad, but happy news that my baby is growing up. He is wonderful now and will grow more wonderful with each year---and I look forward every moment.




Now that I've posted this, I can hear all of you placing bets on how soon I'll be pregnant again. Well, don't hold your breath.

Hot Date

I had a hot date with three adorable creatures (and a nanny) Saturday night. We went to the movies, and per Luke, we all wore shoes that hurt our feet in the truest tradition of going on a date.



Luke and I walked the 30 feet to the movie theater complaining about our shoes the entire time. It was great and funny.

We saw A Christmas Carol in 3D. It was scary but good. Evie sat with a blanket over her head through the entire movie and shook like a little leaf. She asked to go home and I felt so bad that we couldn't leave. George sat on my lap and was pretty good - surprisingly. When the movie ended, I asked, "Did you guys like the movie?" Evie answered in a loud, sing-song voice, "I-hi di dint." Luke liked it, but the glasses were a pain in the ass for both the kids because they were adult sized.

We also purchased $10 worth of popcorn, so I insisted that we bring it home. The kids have been eating it all weekend. It makes me laugh that the bucket is almost as big as Evie.


I also wanted to include a picture of the kid's breakfast of champions Sunday morning. I'm seriously a genius.


Oh, and an obligatory picture of George holding the remote control. Too cute for words.

Family Fun

Three kids, two parents, and one nanny = perfection.

Thanks to our Foley family for a wonderful Champagne Sunday.

The unglamorous career.

Working on Saturday. Seriously, I could use a little glamour in my career. Instead, I'm sitting at a computer, researching case law, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Who knew that is what lawyers do. I certainly didn't.

Happy Anniversary!

Lindsey's Arrival on July 20, 2009

Lindsey has been with us for FOUR MONTHS today. Isn't that the greatest?! I can't believe how quickly time is passing, and yet it seems like she's been a part of our family for much longer than four months - mostly because she fits right in. We give her shit, she gives us shit, and we all laugh about it. I know you don't see many pictures of her, but that is because she doesn't like it when I take her picture. See?

I can't even imagine how much we're going to miss her when she finally gets tired of us and leaves for home. Luckily, I don't have to think about that for a while. We've had some fun so far, but we definitely need to get her out and about to see the Texas sights. So far, she's just had a fun casino night at Billy Bob's. I can prove it.

Here we are in the midst of playing black jack and drinking margaritas!

Our black jack game

Lindsey is obviously not a natural black jack player.
Check out her hand.

But we still scored lots of chips.

At the end of the night, she stood with Chuck while I collected my winnings.
(I swear I don't know why he is making a face.)

My winnings!

No, not that handsome man behind me. He belongs to my friend Rebecca.
Instead, I won a suit that doesn't fit.

In spite of all that fun at Billy Bob's, we need to make sure she gets the ultimate Texas experience. Any suggestions?

New Diet Plan

Evie is so freakin' tiny. She's just as thin as a board!

So, I'm considering going on the Evie diet which consists of a daily intake of 3 glasses of milk (2%), 2 peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly), 1 cheese stick, and an occasional piece of candy contingent on my mother's permission.

What do you think?

Angry at the situation

Son of a Bitch!

Five days early and I'm wearing white pants . . . at work.

And no comments about how I shouldn't be wearing white pants after Labor Day.

And if you don't understand this post, just pick another post to read.

Frost

It has been pretty cold here this week, dipping down into the 40's. We've pulled out some of our winter clothing and switched on the heater. Brrr. The cold brings a lot of changes, and as I was driving Luke to school this morning he noticed one.

We were slowly chugging along in the carpool lane (the same one I got rear ended in yesterday) and Luke perused the houses that we passed. During October we admired all the houses that were decorated for Halloween - skeletons, spiders, and webs. It was fun. This morning, Luke announced with excitement, "Mommy! Look. These houses decorated for winter!"

I looked over at the houses as we inched past, "What do you mean?"

Luke, "Look. They have white grass!"

I looked at the frost on the grass and nodded my head, "Well, they didn't actually decorate their grass; that is frost."

Luke, "What is frost?"

Me in my head, "dammit!" Me out loud, "When it gets cold, the water on the grass freezes and creates frost."

Dear Lord, I hope that is right or else now I look like a complete idiot to the entire internet world. Remember that I was not a science major and currently struggle to help teach the Kindergarten science lab. So if that is wrong, feel free to come over and explain frost to my children. They're really quite lucky I didn't describe it as a frozen chocolate beverage you can get at Wendy's.

Umm . . . Turkey Day is NEXT WEEK!

Did you all know that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK?! In fact, it is a week from tomorrow! This hit me last night. I can't believe it. Luke doesn't even have school all next week. Time for a little wake up call. I've got a thousand things to do! I swear that working truly detracts from the holidays. Sometimes I wish I could just take off for the months of November and December. There's just too much to do!

There must be another way . . .

I know I've posted this before, but I feel the need to post again: Pantyhose SUCK and they don't make my legs look that much better.

Why can't we decide that all lawyers should wear robes - like all medical providers wear scrubs. This would save me soooo much time in the morning and I would never have to wear pantyhose to work or court again!

How to tell it's going to be a bad day.

I got rear ended this morning. Looks like it's going to be a stellar day.

Typical

**Update: You can see more pics of George by clicking HERE to get to the Cowtown Camera Girl Blog.

Eight days ago, we had a photo shoot with Cowtown Camera Girl (aka Nell). She was fantastic as usual, but as soon as we arrived at the photo shoot location, Luke fell off of a step and crashed most of the right side of his face and chin into a hard rock step. Of course, we hadn't taken a single shot yet. Lord knows we've come to expect the unexpected, and this is just one more example of the chaos known as children. You just never know what is going to happen. Bless their little souls.

Nell got a great shot of George.

But most of the pictures look like this.

In addition to Luke crying, George was hungry, and Evie could NOT keep her knees together and there are tons of shots where she's pulling a Lindsey Lohan peep show (except my daughter wears panties). In spite of all that, and thanks to Nell's patience, we may be able to salvage a few shots. Until then, I'm cherishing this photo as an accurate portrayal of a typical day with my children.

Turn up the Christmas Music!

The family is getting better. I took George to the doctor yesterday morning after his temperature read 103. Yikes. Poor baby. They swabbed his throat for strep, but the test came back negative. He's on some antibiotics and it seems like his fever spiked around 3 a.m. This morning he was fever free. Hopefully that is the end of that.

Thanks for all the concern. It was actually quite nice to just stay home with the kids for most of the weekend since they were contagious. Still, we had a pretty busy weekend and had to miss several things, including two birthday parties, two sporting events, a TCU tailgate, getting together with the Chesapeake family, and church (just George and I missed church since we spent the morning at the dr's office).

Life is great. There is a nip in the air and a radio station started playing Christmas music this morning. I LOVE the holidays.

Gag

Luke woke up at four a.m. Friday morning with a really high fever. We spent an hour at the germ-filled doctor's office before Luke was ushered to the lab where a nurse roughly swabbed his the back of his throat for strep. I cringed watching her thrust that long wooden stick down his tender throat and remembered that horribly painful gagging feeling. The worst part was that she swabbed it in a circle for longer than I've ever seen and then pulled out a pink tinged swab. That shit hurts but I cannot imagine how much worse it must have felt with the nurse digging around in the back of his poor throat. Luke cried and I felt so bad for him. Luckily we got his prescription filled and he was almost a good as new this morning. Now we are waiting for Evie to show symptoms but George is the one who started running a fever this evening. Oddly enough, Dr. M (our pediatrician) said that children under two don't typically get strep. Interesting.

Since this turned into a post about our health, let me announce that my second blood test revealed normal liver enzyme levels so Champagne Thursday and Wine Wednesdays ate back on! Disaster averted! I hope everyone celebrates my good news with a drink and make a toast using the word "goiter". Have a great weekend.

Evie

Every morning Evie wants to watch a princess movie.

Every. Freaking. Morning.

Poor Lindsey.

Good Mother, Bad Mother

It is inevitable that I focus on all the things I'm not instead of all the things I am.

Blessed are they . . .

Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country and fight for world peace. I am honored to be related to more than one soldier and humbled that my own brother served in Iraq. His sacrifices and the sacrifices of his family are so deeply appreciated and yet we so rarely voice our thankfulness. It seems to be so paltry to throw a parade and have just a moment of silence one day a year to remember the thousands who sacrificed their lives (some completely) to fight for our freedom. Bless you all - today and every day.

Stellan Update & Movie Quote 45

Quick update on Stellan: He received a successful surgery yesterday that so far has cured his heart ailment. You can read more by clicking on the Praying for Stellan button to the right. I've been an absolute wreck over the little boy that I don't know except over the internet. God truly works on our hearts in mysterious ways.

I went home and cried when I read the update announcing the successful surgery and Lindsey and Chuck looked at me like I had lost my mind. Yeah, I have to agree that it is weird how I've become so invested in the health of this little boy and the well-being of his family, but I would hope that others would reach out to my child if he/she was ill. Enough about that.

Here's a movie quote for your Tuesday reading pleasure: Miss Scarlet, in the closet, with a radio.

I know you'll all get it right away!

Ouch

Luke: "Daddy, are you ready for this?"

Chuck: "What?"

Luke grinned and started to gear him up to run and jump on Chuck. Luke said: "I'm going to jump on you and stand on your penis and it will hurt!"

Chuck: "No. That is not funny. I do not like it. It hurts. You better not do it."

Lindsey had to leave the room so she could laugh.

I'm not smarter than a Kindergartener

Luke's school is very demanding on parent volunteers. Basically, you have to volunteer. They keep track of it and force you into it. They harass you until you cave. But . . . they have an amazing school and that is why we're there, so I should just shut up about it, but of course I won't. I have to bitch and get it out of my system.

On Luke's first day of school, he came home with a folder FULL of fliers advertising the twenty-something different volunteer committees I could join or contribute to. Unfortunately, you can't just write a check and fulfill this duty (although I also wrote about eight checks that first week for various different purposes). So, I choose a couple of things to volunteer for. I really, really, really wanted to be a homeroom mom, but I am smart enough to know that I can't possibly contribute the time that such a position requires so I tossed that flier in the trash.

I decided I would volunteer to participate in Science Lab. This is a once a month commitment to help with the kids' science lab - how hard could that be for Kindergarteners, right? I signed Chuck up for the Grounds Committee which keeps up the grounds around the school by watering and grooming the landscape and playgrounds. I really thought schools had a whole maintenance arm of the school district to provide such services, but apparently I am either (1) wrong or (2) misunderstanding of how much better the parents want our school to look than the other schools in the district. Chuck has not done a damn thing for his committee because (a) all the other parents quickly jump on any e-mails indicating that the grounds need work so there is nothing left for him to do and (b) it has rained so much that there is no need to water anything.

So anyway, I received my first e-mail letting me know that the first science lab was coming up last month. I was a bit confused at first because the email indicated that I would be in charge of teaching an entire section of the lab on my own. I stopped, reread the email, and confirmed that yes, I was supposed to actually learn the material and teach it to the kids. This directly contradicted my understanding that I would be there to lend a hand passing out papers or holding up pictures while the teacher taught the class. Again, I braced myself and thought, "No big deal. This is kindergarten. How hard can it be?" Uh, let me answer that - it was much harder than I thought it would be.

The topic for Science Lab in October was magnets. No big deal. They stick to metal. That was the extent of my knowledge on magnets. That was it. Well, the Science Lab curriculum for Luke's Kindergarten class actually extended into a discussion of electromagnetism. "What?" you ask. Me, "Yes, ELECTROMAGNETISM." What the hell are our kids learning?! I don't remember ever learning about electromagnetism! What kind of half-ass school did I go to? Anyway, I spent Monday night studying up on magnets so that I wouldn't look like a fool the next day. There are usually five different tables and the kids learn something about the topic of the day at each table. I was at table 2 (should have been at table 1 where they just explain that magnets stick to things), and I had to explain that magnets have poles, the earth is a big magnet, and that the opposite poles attract and the same poles will repel. I also had to describe and show them the different types of magnets. You ask, "there are different types?" Me, "Yes, cylindrical, round, bar, etc." So anyway, I sat at table two and "taught" four to five kids at a time this little bit about magnets and showed them with real magnets how it all worked. I had to do this FIVE times in one hour with only about 5-7 minutes to explain all this while reminding them to pay attention and stop touching things. Teachers are freakin' amazing!

This month, the Science lab topic was whales. There are five different tables that the children rotate to in small groups. I had table number three and it is the most jam-packed table because I had to teach them that there are two types of whales: toothed and baleen. I went on to show them teeth, baleen, how it works, what they eat, etc. Then I had to teach them that whales are mammals (which they all already knew) and that they migrate in order to give birth. They also have a quick little worksheet that they have to fill out in this small time frame. Here are some pictures of the lab. There are more, but they are of other people's kids, so I tried to respect their privacy.

Me teaching (when Luke was at my table)

Me teaching
(yes, I blocked out one of the kid's faces with a whale)

Luke learning at another table

Luke wearing the whale outfit they
made at another table

I can't wait until next month when I will find out how inept I am in yet another Kindergarten subject matter and have to attempt to teach the little ruffians about it.

What in the hell?

As we walked out of church yesterday, looking like a cute family holding hands, we waited for a car to back up before we could walk to our minivan (Lulu). As we watched the car back up without incident, Luke uttered with perfect inflection, "What in the hell?"

Chuck looked down at him and asked, "What did you say?"

Luke repeated it, "What in the hell."

Chuck, "We don't say hell. That's not a very nice word. Okay?"

Luke, "Why?"

Chuck, "Because there are words that we just don't say and 'hell' is one of those. Alright?"

Luke, "Okay."

I shook my head with a little chuckle realizing that this incident is just typical: Fresh out of church and my kid utters, "What in the hell?"

Why I'm Annoying Right Now.

It has been a long week and it is time to tell you why my posts are so lame and I seem to be just plain annoying even to myself. (No comments on how I'm annoying all the time and not just right now.)

First, let me reassure you that Chuck and I are NOT getting a divorce. The children are all fine. Lindsey is fine. Chuck's job is fine (as far as I know). My job is fine - great even. Nonetheless, I am hesitant to post this because I don't want anyone to worry and it is weird sharing this with all of you out there on the internet. Still, it is what it is and must be dealt with in the same fashion and this is the very best way to inform everyone at the same time.

The thing is that I decided to start working out with a trainer a couple weeks ago . . . (Ha, ha! You think I'm just going to talk about being overweight, don't you? Well, that's not it. Keep reading.)

You know how every diet or workout program says, "Check with your physician before starting any diet or exercise program."? Well, I decided to actually do that even though everyone else (me included) usually ignores that advice. So, I went to the doctor and he said I'm just fine to work out doing whatever I want, BUT he discovered that I had an enlarged thyroid and scheduled me for a sonogram. I had the sonogram and a blood test and received the results on Monday. There are two things wrong with me: (1) I have multiple nodules in each side of my thyroid; and (2) increased liver enzyme.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: Theresa should cut out Champagne Thursday, Wine Wednesday, and every other day of drinking.

Well, you're probably right. Nonetheless, the enzyme level is not that high and the doctor did not mention anything about stopping drinking, but he did say I should stop exercising until we get the second blood test done. (I love having to not work out based on "doctor's orders"). My AST level is the one that is high (AST and ALT are the two different liver enzymes that were measured in my blood test). AST could be high if there is muscle damage almost anywhere in your body including the liver, but if your ALT is high then you definitely know your liver is damaged or not functioning correctly, or whatever. (Learned all this on the Internet, by the way, so it must be accurate). So, it turns out I'm probably just fine and chances are that my AST was elevated due to my increased exercise with the trainer. I stopped exercising this week and had my second blood test this morning. We'll see what happens.

With that said, I still cut out alcohol as soon as I found out there might be something wrong with my liver and freaked out on almost everyone around me about the possible implications - including my boss and my secretary - both of which were kind and supportive. I need to send a shout out to Ms. Chesapeake who, as a doctor, put my mind at ease about the level of seriousness involved. Thanks for that. I'm sorry I'm such a nut job.

As for the nodules, well, that is pretty common among people, and usually turns out to be nothing. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my mother is recovered from thyroid cancer and that means I'm at a higher risk for the nodules to actually be something (i.e. malignant). So, I will go to see an endocrinologist sometime in the near future and he/she will evaluate the nodules. Until then, we'll move on with a normal life.

Now, my favorite part of all this is the fact that the nodules are indicative of a "goiter"-- how funny is that?! That's right, I said "GOITER". That's what it said on the sonogram report! I can't believe this. I make fun of the word "goiter". I can't actually have a "goiter" and continue to make fun of the word and object can I? Goiter, goiter, goiter, goiter. Goiter! It is the funniest word for a big ass lump in your neck! Goiter. Okay, enough with the goiter talk, but try saying it really fast over and over and enjoy how it rolls off the tongue. I am officially a woman with a goiter! I may even change the title of my blog to "Mother with a Goiter." Let me know what you think.

So, wrapping up this post: There is no need to worry. Just repeat the word "goiter" and laugh about it. I'll keep you all updated on my progress. Until then, if I reduce my drinking or even, heaven forbid, decline the offer of an adult beverage, be aware that I AM NOT PREGNANT. (I stopped drinking on Monday and I've been asked about my maternal state no less than six times).

Guy Fawkes

Happy Guy Fawkes Day! It is a British holiday where they basically have a bonfire in remembrance of a plot to blow up Parliament which was be executed by Guy Fawkes. Um seriously, they burn the man in effigy. It sounds rather horrific and violent, but apparently those Brits just love it. I'm trying to think if we have any holidays like this where we burn a figure in effigy, but I can't think of anything. Hell, I don't even think we celebrate kicking England's ass in the Revolutionary War. We should do that, don't you think?

Click here to read more about Guy Fawkes.

Anyway, I guess we need to have a bonfire so Lindsey feels at home, although I'm not sure what we have that we can burn. I'm considering lighting up the rotting pumpkins on my front porch, but the neighborhood might get the wrong idea. We'll figure out something, and luckily, it coincides with Champagne Thursday!

Sesame Street turns 40!

Did anyone out there know that Cookie Monster smoked on Sesame Street? No? Me either until I read an article about Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary. (Click here for the article). Interesting. I'm tempted to buy the DVD's that commemorate the event.

I happened to watch an episode of Sesame Street this weekend and it had me cracking up, while Lindsey looked at me like I was crazy. I insisted to her, "This is funny!" She raised her eyebrows at me. Oh well. I guess we don't all appreciate it. Nonetheless, I love Sesame Street. My favorite character is difficult to choose. I think Cookie Monster and Oscar make me laugh the hardest, but Kermit will always be my true love.

Do you have a favorite character?

Don't ask me what I do with my time . . .

This is the coolest site! Definitely worth checking out.

My Parents Were Awesome

Camera

I need a better camera. The iphone is NOT getting it done. Any suggestions for an amateur like me?

Can we get a puppy?

Luke asked Chuck if we could get a puppy this weekend. Chuck tried to break it to him that we could only have two pets at a time and right now we already have a dog and a cat. (Chuck has set a limit on the number of dependents we will have in the house at one time.) Luke asked, "When will Abby die?" (Abby is our cat).

Chuck eased into this gently, "When Abby gets really old, she will pass away."

Luke, "Then we can get a puppy?" (Apparently he's more concerned about when we can get a puppy as opposed to the loss of a somewhat loved pet.)

Chuck, "Yes, then we might consider getting a puppy."

A brief silence followed while Luke's mind began to work on a new thought.

Luke, "Dad, can I tell you something?"

Chuck, "Yes, of course."

Luke, "When Abby dies, you and me and mommy and Evie and George will all be widows."

Chuck cocked his head to one side, took a breath and said, "Hmm."

Luke jumped to another topic.

"Hmm" seems like an inadequate response, but I don't know that I would have had anything better to say.


In an unrelated topic, here are some Halloween pics of my sweet babies, and some other pics just for fun. Enjoy!

You might notice that it is difficult to get THREE children to look the same direction at the same time and smile too, so there are multiple pictures here.

Sitting in front of the house

Trick or Treating

Just my little cutie pie looking out the window.

He giggles whenever Fergi joins him.
He thinks the dog is hilarious.

Do your feet hurt?

Luke and Evie are still trying to gain their sense of time so we are constantly talking about what day it is, what month it is, whose birthday is coming up, what holiday is coming up, etc. Saturday, we discussed that it was Halloween (which was fun but anticlimactic after all our festivities for the past week and a half) and Luke wanted to know if Valentine's Day was next. Of course, I explained that Valentine's day wasn't until February and before it would be Valentine's Day we would celebrate Thanksgiving, George's birthday, Christmas, and New Year's. Luke thought about it a while, but was inexplicably stuck on the topic of Valentine's Day.

He asked, "Okay, Mom, when it's Valentine's Day, I'll be your Valentine, okay?"

Me, "Sure. I'd love that!"

Evie, "Will you be my Valentine too?"

Me, "Of course! That would be wonderful! I'll be George and Daddy's Valentine too! Luke? Will you be my Valentine?"

Luke, "Yeah."

Me, "Evie, will you be my Valentine too?"

Evie, "Yes, mama."

Me, "Great!" Silence in the car ensued, which just means that they are thinking.

Luke, "Mommy, can we go on a date since we're going to be Valentines?"

Me, "Certainly. When do you want to go on a date?"

Evie, "Can I go on a date too?"

Me, "Well, sure!"

Luke, "Maybe we can all go on a date! And you know when you go on a date, you have to wear shoes that hurt."

Me, "What?!"

Luke nodded his head solemnly. "Yes, you have to wear shoes that hurt."

Me, "We'll see."

Lindsey who was silent through the entire conversation, started chuckling at his comment and said, "He's right. Girls usually do wear shoes that hurt when they go on a date."

I sighed a heavy sigh. "I guess, but where in the world did he hear that?"

So, we planned our date. We're contemplating next Saturday. Maybe dinner and a movie - a date for three: me, Luke and Evie. Sounds wonderful, except for the fact that my feet are going to hurt!