Monday, December 17, 2012

Movie Quote 104

The lawyer in me loves this.

Movie Quote 104:

In putting on this suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all rights to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus, in perpetuity until such time that the wearer becomes unable to do so, by either accident or design.


Enjoy!

It's a new day in a changed world.

Today is my first day at home as the owner of my own law firm.  I'm deliriously happy and excited about this new chapter of my life.  I'm typing this from my home computer in the "computer room" that will soon be transformed into my law office.  My law degree and license are hanging on the wall.  I have pictures of my family surrounding me and a beautiful view of my neighborhood out of the multiple windows in my  new corner office.  I'm incredibly blessed.

On another note, I simply can't bring myself to post anything about Newton, CT.  There is nothing I can say that will bring peace to anyone in this world, and so I seek solace from those who have more wisdom about such things.  Suffice it to say that my prayers, my heart, and my tears are with those who continue to suffer and grieve.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Movie Quote 103

I'm loving this run of Christmas quotes, but I'm a little surprised by the low participation.  Come on guys!  This is what makes my day!

So, here's Movie Quote 103:

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

Now, I'll admit that I've previously used this movie for a movie quote, but it's got soooo many good lines in it.  I hope you have a great day, and remember to spread that Chrismas Cheer by singing loud for all to hear!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

George's Party

George celebrated his fourth birthday on Sunday afternoon, after feeling pretty sick all weekend. That's okay though, because he had a great time! It was a pajama party at a local jump house. He had a blast!






One of the little girls in his class decided he really needed a Ken doll for his birthday.  I laughed when George promptly announced that his sister Evie could have it.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Movie Quote 102

I know you're all loving this.  We're watching this movie tonight!  Here it is:

Dad, Dad.  You taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.

Share all your favorite quotes from this movie in the Comments section.  I know you all have a favorite or twenty.  The quote above is not my favorite, but I wanted to make it not quote too obvious!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

You will be in awe!

Need a little pick-me-up?  Head over to Fotolanthropy.  I've mentioned it before on my Blog, but It. Is. AMAZING!!!  There are four great new stories about teens and children who will inspire you!


It is worth your time and your heart will feel so good!

Movie Quote 101

Okay, enough with the softball movie quotes.  Here's a more recent Christmas movie with a quote that will challenge even the best of you guys.  We own this movie and it is pretty damn funny.  If you haven't seen it, I recommend you rent it, Netflix it, or whatever:

Cassie! That marker in your mouth, I peed on it!


Anyone?  Here's another one, just in case you need it:
You were my friend, Darryl. You were my best friend. We grew up together, we rode bikes together, we used to smell each others hands. But now you're sleeping with my mom and it's a little bit weird for me. Can you appreciate that?


Man, I'm cracking up just reading this!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Movie Quote 100

I can't believe I'm up to Movie Quote 100.  That's a ton of movies, although I'll admit there are a couple of repeats.  Now this Christmas movie quote comes from a really popular movie with a ton of quotes that would just be too obvious, so this is a bit more obscure, but still easy to identify:

Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.


And, because the wisdom abounds in this movie, here's another (from the same character as above):
 
Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?


I think I'll have to go home and watch this tonight.  Such a classic, and always worth watching.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Movie Quote 99

I am really trying to get all Christmas-y here, but you guys totally ignored my last Movie Quote.  So, please somebody come up with the answer.  It will deeply sadden me if no one knows that quote.  But, in case that is true, here is my next Christmas movie quote:

Be sure to drink your Ovaltine. Ovaltine? A crummy commercial? Son of a bitch!


There are so many great quotes from this movie.  Here's another one, just for fun:

Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.


Monday, December 3, 2012

Here's the scoop . . .

So, I ran into some friends this weekend who had read the blog and were anxious to find out what my "big news" is.  They were not the first ones to think that it had something to do with a new little one joining our family.  Although George asked me if we could get a new baby - a girl baby, specifically - I am still thoroughly enjoying the consumption of wine and other adult beverages, so please accept that as confirmation that I am not pregnant.  I swear, I had one bottle of water at an event this weekend, and suddenly everyone assumed I was pregnant.  Guys.  Please.  I am allowed to enjoy water between alcoholic beverages.

Okay, with that said, here's the hugemongous news - bigger, I think, than being pregnant:








Are you ready?










Here it is.








I am changing the tagline of my Blog.  It will soon read:

The Professional Mother: full-time mother; part-time attorney.

If this does not clue you in sufficiently, let me explain in plain terms that I have recently given my notice at my current law firm and will resign from the law firm in mid-December.  The plan is to spend a few weeks watching my crazy children before they go back to school after the holidays.  And then I will embark on a new and wonderfully exciting new chapter of my life as I open my own practice, focusing on employment law, estate planning, and non-profit law.  To be clear, I am thrilled about everything!  Chuck is thrilled about everything (except for the cut in pay)!  The kids are less than thrilled, but not disappointed. 

It will be a huge change for our family.  It will be a huge change for my career.  Accordingly, it was a HUGE decision.  I agonized over it.  I talked about it for hours and days, and months, to Chuck while he patiently listened and offered advice, until he finally told me to just make a decision already.  And so, I did.  I decided that this was the best thing for me, my family, and my career. 

The law firm is the only law firm I think I could ever work for, but at the moment, firm life and the demands of complex litigation are more than I can handle.  For years, people have said to me, "I don't know how you do it all." and I've responded honestly with, "I don't do it all.  Just come look at my house; it's a mess.  The kids are lucky if they get a bath once or twice a week.  We almost never make dinner.  And we are always behind on our laundry."  The truth is that it is impossible to do it all at the same time with two demanding careers.  And so, while I will still continue to practice law and be present in the legal community, it will be in a different way from now on.  I will be just as ambitious and just as committed to the practice of law, but the time will be reduced and I will increase the face-time I have with my precious children.  I'm proud to say that my priorities are in line. 

So there you have it.  That's my "news".  Wish me luck!

Movie Quote 98

We're going to go crazy with Christmas movie quotes this month, so hold one and pay attention.  Here's Movie Quote 98:

Vermont should be beautiful this time of the year, all that snow.

So easy, and hands-down one of my favorite Christmas movies.  I'm pretty sure I can recite every line of this movie!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Guess what . . .

It's Champagne Thursday!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Update!

It's been a week.

I suck.

Sorry.

Here are some pictures to make you happy!

We've been in College Station for the last two Texas A&M football games.  Whew! It was exciting.  Even I'm obsessed with Johnny Football now.

Chuck and his Mini-Me cooking at the Tailgate.
The kids checking out the Century Tree on campus after someone got engaged.
George and me at the Tailgate.
Luke, Evie & Me during the game! Too fun!

We also participated in the Fort Worth Turkey Trot (along with 15,000 other people) before we went to Miss Chesapeake's house for dinner (which was Ah-may-ZING!).

Chuck, George, Luke, Me, Evie, and Grandma! A full family affair!
Evie and Grandma crossing the finish line!

After we all finished the 1K, I got to run the 5K. 
It was a beautiful day!


I hope you all have had a great few weeks.  Make sure you stay tuned for some very important information coming soon! 


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Wishes

I bought my first poinsettia of the season last night!  Yeehaw!  Bring on Christmas . . . right after we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!  Gobble, gobble!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Quiet Week

It's official.  There are now two children sick at my house.  I hope they are feeling better by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.  George and Evie both have sinus infections.  George has been on antibiotics, but I'm still trying to treat Evie with just Sudafed.  I'm hoping we can get it all taken care of.  I dread having to go to the doctor's office during flu season.  I feel like we are just asking to get sick when we visit.

On another note, I have to tell you that it is simply beautiful here in Fort Worth.  The weather is perfect, families are joining together, school is out, and there are the signs of Christmas popping up everywhere.  In fact, there is a Christmas tree in the lobby of my office building!

I hope you all are enjoying your Thanksgiving week as much as I am.  It's always a little slower, a little quieter, and a little more relaxed the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I'm loving it! Hugs to you all today!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Interesting Law

Here's a lawsuit involving "The Simpsons" and Hank Azaria.  I swear I love reading about this stuff.  I don't practice this type of law, but it is facinating! Click here to read the article.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Prayers

How did this happen?!  It's Friday already!  I have no excuse for my absence, except that I'm sooooo ready for Thanksgiving, so maybe I've been a little preoccupied.  So, here's just a tidbit of my life . . .

A couple night ago, Chuck was putting the kids to bed and helping them say their prayers.  Then he asked if anyone had any special prayers they wanted to mention.  Typically, this is where they pray for "speed" or to have Santa bring them certain things, so it's always interesting and you never know what to expect.  Well on this particular evening, Luke prayed, "Please help all the people pay their taxes and their health insurance."

I cannot lie.  Chuck and I almost cried trying to hold in our laughter. 

I finally asked him what made him pray for taxes and insurance and he said he had learned about it in social studies.  Oh my.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Keep that Baby Baking

Sending prayers and happy thoughts to my dear friends Ashley and Jack.  Ashley is 31 weeks pregnant and her water broke today.  She's currently in the hospital with prayers that baby Martin will continue to cook up to perfection before making an entrance.



Much love to you all!

Movie Quote 97

Just to see if anyone is actually reading this thing anymore:

A dream is a wish your heart makes . . .

Bring on the answers, friends!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Thanksgiving

I'm not feeling the love these days, so this blog has been taking a hit.  On the bright side, things are actually going well in my world.  And I'm super excited about Thanksgiving this year.  I just can't wait to be at home watching a parade with my family.  Plus, I think we're going to do the Turkey Trot this year and I think that will be so much fun. 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving???

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Good Blog Posts

I like to re-post blog entries that I wish I had written myself.  This is one of them that is eloquently written:  Jo Ashline.  If you look at my blog entry on the day after the election 4 years ago it was called "To All the Election Grinches".  Go ahead and read it if you need a reminder, because I feel the same way today.

Big Brother, Little Brother

Brothers. 

I hope they continue to be friends as adults.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Voting

I love election day and this election was the first time my kids were able to get into it.  Their elementary school conducted an election for the president also.  They voted last week and were able to keep who they voted for a secret.  The kids were adorable.  I'll admit to you that we dont' talk to them about politics so I was very curious to see how they voted.  I asked them who they voted for early on and they said they didn't have to tell.  I smiled and respected their right to vote with out disclosing their choice.  When I told them that I had voted early, they asked me who I voted for.  I did the classic: "I'll tell you, if you tell me."  And they fell for it!  My sweet babies were a split vote.  I asked how they decided who to vote for and I was very disappointed int heir answers.  Luke said he just picked the first one he saw because he didn't understand what either one was saying.  I smirked at his answer while groaning at the same time.  Evie just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.  You know, there are probably people out there who participated in the actual election with the same amount of education on the matter, but I'm more inclined to believe that the majority of voters are well-informed and take this voting thing pretty seriously.

I love being an American, and I was thrilled to be able to exercise one of my most important Constitutional rights yesterday.  God bless America!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Go Vote!

Tomorrow's the big day.  No matter who you vote for, I believe you are voting for the United States!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Fotolanthropy

If at anytime you feel the need to be wrapped in the peace of the Lord or to be inspired by the grace of God, I encourage you to visit the Fotolanthropy website by clicking HERE



Image from fotolanthropy Facebook page.
 Fotolanthropy brings an amazing and awe-inspiring twist to capturing life and its most precious moments that we would not typically document.  It is the product of two wonderful women who began by capturing the story of James Camden Sikes, an 8-month old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  I followed his story from the beginning and ultimately found my heart aching with joy and pain for his family.  Fotolanthropy tells unique stories with passion, kindness, respect, and love.  I hope you will visit their website and get to know their clients.  Each time I read a story, I find my head bent low offering prayers of thanksgiving and hope.

P.S.  I should disclose that I am not related to, or friends with, these wonderful women who donate their talents in such a precious way.  In fact, I've never met them; however, I truly admire their mission and am grateful for the blessings they have bestowed upon so many families already.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

We've got the costumes, and we've been celebrating Halloween for about a week now.  Luke and Evie had their "Storybook Parade" at school last week.  It was COLD!  But, Chuck and I and George toughed it out so we could see them.  Evie was totally ticked that I made her wear a t-shirt under her outfit (a cute pumpkin dress thing), but I know she was freezing! 



Luke was paired up with his little Kindergarten pen pal - a tradition at their school where Third Graders are matched up with Kindergarteners and it is beyond cute!  He's had good training as a big brother, so he took to his role as protector pretty well.  He was some sort of trooper from Star Wars (as he is every year).



The night before, we went to the Club for their Halloween party.  Good heavens, I feel like we saw everyone there! 




Can you see George (aka Batman) there on the left? 
He really blends in.


The food was amazing!


There were so many things to do with lots of games, music, a bounce house, balloon animals, pictures, flip books, and face painting.  Too much fun for a Thursday night!  The kids had a great time until I told them it was time to go home. Evie went from happy to pissed in a matter of seconds.






She has such a tough life, right?

Today we are going to join our friends for some fun trick-or-treating.  Chuck is dressed up as Fred Flintstone, and I'm thinking about finding a Wilma costume after the kids whined that I couldn't dress up in my usual costume - a Stay At Home Mom - again this year.  I may have to surprise them . . .

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!




Monday, October 29, 2012

Hard Red Head

We had a minor head injury last night when George fell and hit his head against the corner of a cabinet while playing soccer inside.  *sigh*  Boys.


And, of course, he did it just before bed. Poor baby.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Movie Quote 96 (With a Twist)

One of the lead news stories in Fort Worth today was titled "Historic Fort Worth Clock Tower Rings Again."  I tried to embed it, but I'm having technical difficulties, so you have to click HERE if you want to see it. 

I see this clock tower from my office window every day, but this news story made me think of Movie Quote 96:

Save the clock tower!

And if you need a little help, here's another quote from the movie:

Well, you're safe and sound now, back in good old 1955.

Anyone?  I freaking love this movie.  In fact, I may watch it with the kids this weekend.  A classic in every sense.


Who comes up with this Sh*t?

Bazaar article of the day goes to MSN.com which published a story entitled: "Cats that look like pin-up girls."  You can read (and see) the full story by clicking HERE.

Really?

How do they think of this shit?

Here's the cover picture.



I saw all of them and the story really just makes me cringe and shake my head.  Buuutttt . . . . I contributed to the stupidity by re-posting it, so maybe I'm part of the problem.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Life after 35

I read an article today that was clearly meant for me, since my 35th birthday was this month.  It is called "Rules for Life After 35."  Thank you to the internet for knowing exactly how old I am.

Here it is for your reading pleasure:

(Oprah.com) -- At a certain point, everybody needs a guidebook. Columnist Leigh Newman reveals her most helpful no-nos and yes-yeses.


1. A true sign of love is giving your partner the soft pillow.

2. Always give money to the girl with the violin or the guy with the guitar.

3. Never leave a hospital with a newborn but without a birth certificate.

4. Everybody loves a doughnut. Everybody. Even divorce lawyers.

5. If you think you need concealer, you need concealer.

6. Thank-you notes. Always.

7. Leggings are not pants.

8. When you see someone you know but don't feel like talking to them, don't look at the grass in the park or study a jar of mayonnaise on the supermarket shelf and pretend you don't see them. They know you're faking, and they'll remember.

9. There are only three real answers: yes, no and yes but later.

10. People notice wrapping paper, not wrapping skills.

11. You will never change anybody's opinion about whether or not the bathwater is too hot or too cold.

12. Go to bed. Go to bed. I know it's only 10:30 p.m., but go to bed!

13. No tattoos on the neck. On you or anyone else.

14. Moms like scented candles. It's not a crime to give them one every month.

15. If you tell somebody to go away, they will hang around.

16. Nonstop flights are worth the extra money.

17. If you see lilacs or water balloons in April, you absolutely must buy them. Due to their short lifespan in water (lilacs) and the fact that all stores now sell summer novelty items in spring so that they can sell Halloween stuff in summer (water balloons), you only have five smoking-hot seconds to purchase either item for other people—and cause them to fall down in a shuddering fit of joy. And yes, adults do, too, love water balloons.

18. Lifting your tongue to the roof of your mouth while taking a photo helps smooth out a double chin.

19. Books. Books. More Books.

20. Men who don't put their face in the water are men you may not date or marry. You can swim or not swim, but you can't half-swim. That is like half-walking, half-thinking or half-falling in love. The guy has to put his face in the water, even if it's cold and dark.

21. The five-second food-on-the-floor rule is really the 30-second food-on-the-floor rule. Except in houses with dogs.

22. There is a color you love that does NOT look good on you. Stop wearing it! (This rule is also known as: Don't wear green, Leigh.)

23. Parents love the friend who offers to hold their baby so they can drink a beer.

24. Whispering makes children do just about anything. Which is important to remember when you're about to yell.

25. There is only one clothing size. Yours. Baggy stuff makes you feel thin but look fat. Tight stuff is just plain painful.

26. You do not like fried clams or salt water taffy. You like the romance of the boardwalk. You don't have to eat food that will make you feel ill on the roller coaster just to revel in the seaside atmosphere.

27. Take the stairs. Except if you're on your way to a date or an interview.

28. You will never run out of ideas—or love. So put them out there in the world. You'll have plenty more tomorrow.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Today is the day . . .

I started listening to Christmas music this year!

Christmas is only 64 days away!

December is only 40 days away!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Did you know . . .

that my sister has one ugly dog and one adorable dog?  Remember that beauty is only skin deep - it helps that they are both so, so sweet.

Here they are.  This one is Sarah Lee.  She's been through many foster homes and the like, but is happy with my sister's family now.  Unfortunately, she had some aweful disease when she was little (maybe distemper), and has had several teeth pulled.  She has a funky twitch and her tongue falls out to one side allt he time.  It's sad, funny, and adorable all the same time - you know, in the "only-a-mother-could-love" kinda way.








And this is the puppy named Jo.  She's like George-impossible to capture her cuteness on camera.


And here they are together.  Sweetness doubled.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Movie Quote 95

I have no idea what made me think of this, but it is one of my favorite parts of this movie.  I hope you remember this.  If not, you need to go to YouTube and watch it so that you can feel all warm, gooey, and happy inside like I do right now.

Nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the springtime.

So?  What do you think?  Do you love this part as much as I do?

Report Cards and a Question

Truly proud to announce that Evie made straight As on her report card and Luke made the Silver Honor Roll (all As and Bs).  We were so thrilled that we promised them a treat last night.  Unfortunately, I found out this morning that neither one finished their homework from last night.  WTF?  I didn't use those words in front of them, but I gave them a stern talking-to this morning on the way to school.  I was actually hesitant to come down too hard on them because when Luke realized he had forgotten to finish his homework he put his head in his hand and said, "I could kill myself."

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, those were his words.  I don't use those words.  Chuck doesn't use those words.  Not even in jest.  And, although I'm certain he didn't mean what he said, it was quite disturbing to hear those words come out of my son's mouth.

Suggestions?  Thoughts?

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Sing, sing a song.

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but George is a singer.  He sings all the time.  All. The. Time.  And, for the most part, it is pretty adorable.  He even taught me a cute new song yesterday and here are the words I remember.  I have to record him singing this because it is just so darn adorable. 

One, two, three, four, five.
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
Then I let him go again.
Why did you let him go?
Because he bit my finger so.
Which finger did he bite?
This little finger on my right.

Without the hand movements, expression, and the little man who sings it, I cannot adequately express how cute this is.  Serious cuteness.


George is pictured here with the cutest puppy that ever lived - her name is Jo and she's my sister's dog.

But, don't let him fool you.  He really likes lots of types of music, including what he calls "crazy music."  This was discovered one day when I was seeking through the radio stations for a sports update and we accidentally landed on Tejano music.  He loved it!  So now you know that if he asks for "crazy music" he wants you to find a Tejano music station.  I roll my eyes, but it's still cute.

Today, on our way to school, the Queen song, "We Will Rock You."  Oh my goodness, he fell in love on the spot and started singing, "We will, we will, rock you!"  But, if you're familiar with the song, you know that it shifts in the middle from hard rock to more of an easy listening mix.  (Listen below to see what I mean).  He was a little ticked at me because he thought I had changed the radio station and insisted that I put the "rock you" song back on the radio.  Trust me, it took quite a lot of discussion to convince him that this was still the same song, and I'm pretty sure he didn't believe me in the end, but at least he stopped arguing with me.  It's the little victories that count sometimes.

So, out of pure joy that he was enjoying music, I found the following YouTube video for him to listen to all the way into school.




 This is what the song transitioned into on the radio.



Next time you see him, please feel free to sing the song with him.  He loves it! Some of his other favorites are:

Rumor Has it by Adele




Bad Romance by Lady Gaga


Just so you know, I'm already aware that my title as Mother of the Year is out the window, so I'm okay with the bad lyrics.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Labor Day

One of my favorite people (who also happens to be my boss) had a heart attack on Labor Day weekend.  I just got to see him today for the first time since his attack and he looks fabulous!

The news of his heart attack struck so close to home because my father died from a heart attack on Labor Day in 1990.  I'm so grateful we didn't lose Bill on Labor Day 2012.  God is good.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Professional Women Still Climbing

An excellent read for you professional women (and men).  Read it HERE.  Take note.  Push harder.  Women still climb mountains to achieve success in the professional world.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

*moan*

I've had a headache for 24 hours.  That's not cool.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

You won't believe it.

My friend Carrie shared a link with me today and my only response was an awed utterance of "Oh, holy hell . . ." And then my mouth hung open as I observed the craziness. Click here to experience it with me.

Movie Quote No. "I-have-no-idea" (94)

I know it has been a loooooooonnnnng time, but here's a movie quote for all the cool People who might still read this blog in spite of my increasing absence. And I think my mom might even be able to get this and she's already worried about dementia. So, if you can't get this, you should be sad and ashamed. (aren't you sooo glad you visit this blog for your daily dose of self confidence?). Here is the quote: "Oh Captain, my Captain!"

Thursday, October 4, 2012

What day is it???

After a couple friends of mine expressed concern regarding my lack of posting (or depressing posting), I want you to know I'm really just fine.  I'm swamped at work - and I mean way more than usual - so that makes posting difficult.  Plus, if you remember last year, I was involved in a night golf tournament and wine tasting benefiting our local Lighthouse for the Blind.  {See more Here} or {Here} Well, I'm doing it again this year and the big day is TOMORROW!  So, I'm fielding lots of last-minute details and still trying to keep my head above water at work while we prepare for a very lengthy trial.  Sadly, I haven't been home at all this week so I'm missing my babies and my mother, who is here for a visit.  I miss Chuck too, by the way.  So we are trudging forward with a big trial that will likely eat up my time in October, which is fine.  Unfortunately, it means I won't get to have a leisurely fall, but that's okay too.

Hope you all are having an absolutely fabulous Champagne Thursday!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

I hate when I eff up.  It makes my heart heavy.  Even if it isn't that big of a deal.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Busy, busy, busy!

Holy crap!  I'm busy!

Just stopped in to tell everyone I think Arnold is a douche.  I don't use that word very often so it took me three tries before I spelled it correctly.  This should also give you some indication of how badly I think of him.  So much for the sweet guy from Kindergarten Cop.  What a horrible husband.  I will refrain from commenting on his character as a parent out of deference for his children.

So, that's my update for today.

Hope you all are faring better than Maria.  Poor woman.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

It didn't hurt.

So, you know I've been busy, but I have to tell you that Evie got her ears pierced!!! She was so cute, very brave, and happy about it all.  We told her it wouldn't hurt, and she didn't even flinch.  I screamed like a banshee when they pierced my ears, but that was way back when they used a mechanism that looked like a pistol.  These days, it's not quite so traumatic.



Excited to get started.


George watched the action.


Waiting for the holes to be pierced.


Her first look.


Pretty finale.

This was actually how we wrapped up Evie's birthday weekend after two slumber parties at her Aunt Mary's house.  Those pictures are on their way.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Holding onto my hat . . .

Crazy week last week and another one in store for this week. I promise I'll be back with lots to share!  Until then, have a wonderful week!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Hilarious

Freaking hilarious. It makes me wonder if they had a camera in our house.
Parents rap about maintaining their household by videosonlytube

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

All About Evie

Evie was assigned her first school project for first grade.  She has to do a presentation called "All About Me."  I'm grateful that this should be a pretty easy project.  She has to include five facts about herself written down in her very best handwriting and be creative about how to present it.  I'm just not very creative, so we came up with five facts and then decided to take pictures showing those five facts.  I'm printing out the pictures and then she can glue them to a posterboard.  You are lucky because I'm giving you a preview of her presentation.

Evie

Evie likes peanut butter sandwiches.

Evie has two brothers and zero sisters.

Evie has two dogs.

Evie has an American Girl doll.

Evie loves Barbies.

Now you know all about Evie!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Pumpkin Head

He asked to pose like this with a pumpkin.  He even moved the pumpkin himself. 


What can I say?  I don't really understand him, but he's darn adorable when his fingers aren't up his nose or down his pants!

StrotherStrong

These stories amaze me.  This summer, a local five-year old boy named Strother was in a car accident and paralyzed.  Despite this, he started kindergarten on time in August.  You can find out more about his story by clicking HERE.  I don't know this miraculous young man or his family, but I'm a huge fan and hope I'll be able to meet him one day.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thursday's Treat




Just a little song to make you smile. 
For some reason, listening to this song makes me long for College Station.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"Important"

George has asked me twice, "What does 'important' mean?"

I've struggled to find words to explain this to George, but obviously I'm failing to convey the meaning since he continues to ask what it means.

Finally, I resorted to the dictionary this morning.  The definition I read to him was "of great significance or value; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival or well being."  Understandably, I received a blank stare in return.  I also tried to explain that he likes his cars a lot and they mean a lot to him because he wouldn't want anything to happen to them, so that means they are important to him.  He still seems confused.

Anyone else have an idea of how to explain the word "important" to a three-year old?

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

More than just another day . . .

There are only a handful of events in your life that truly define who you are and who you will become.  I'm sad to say that September 11th is one of those events that will always be with me.  It will always be a broken part of my heart, knowing that our lives and our freedom are more delicate than we believe.  There are never sufficient words to describe the feelings, memories, or sadness that I experience on the anniversary of September 11th, nor the profound sense of American pride that I felt and witnessed in 2001.  I have never seen an event so totally unite this nation.  It was surreal.  It was frightening.  It was history.  And I lived a part of it.

Today, I came across this blog post by Meg Cabot.  She's an amazing author, but this description of her September 11th experience tells of things I've never heard of, even in the 11 years since the event took place.  Read it and relive the day that re-shaped this nation.

http://www.megcabot.com/2012/09/9112001/

I am, as ever, proud to be an American, and grateful to those who defend us.

Monday, September 10, 2012

What a full weekend!

A weekend alone with the kids really might be too much exposure for a mom like me, but I managed to keep my sanity and tried to keep the kids occupied for most of the time so we weren't stuck in the house like mice in a cage -- that is never a good weekend.  Friday I tried to take them to a movie, but there were no kids movies out --how does that happen?  So, instead I took them to eat at a restaurant called Piola. 


One of George's many admirers from our local Starbucks owns Piola so we were welcomed to a fancy adult restaurant with open arms even though my hooligans were the only children there.  I finally relaxed when they removed the wine glasses, but they served up everything in glass anyway so the risk of breaking something was still pretty high. 

My friend saw this picture and mentioned that she loved that George had a vodka tonic, while the other two were stuck with water.  It does look like that and I was cracking up.  To be clear, he was drinking water out of a smaller glass for ease.

Luckily, we got out of the restaurant without making too much of a scene and we didn't break anything either.  Success!  There was a really risky point when I had to use the restroom and I left the kids at the table with a threat to take away all their toys, television, hopes and dreams, etc. if they acted up or had moved from their seats before I got back.  I swear I've never peed so fast in my life, but when I got back to the table, the 70-year old couple at the table next to us leaned over and announced that "They didn't move an inch, while you were gone."  The kids looked at me and nodded their heads.  I was sufficiently impressed with the effectiveness of my parental threats.  Well done, me. 

While we were there, we also checked out their very cool patio area.  It was 102 degrees Friday so the patio was empty, but it was fully reserved for Saturday because the weather was forecast to be in the 80s.  And that forecast was fabulously correct!






After dinner, we picked up lots of candy at CVS, headed home and curled up in pillows and blankets and watched The Lorax.  Despite having to watch a kids movie, I got some snuggle time out of the deal.


Then I made the mistake of allowing the kids to sleep in my room.  This was a pretty unsuccessful endeavor, and the kids were up way too late considering that Evie's soccer game started at 8:30 a.m. the next morning.  Nonetheless, they were pretty cute curled up on the floor of my bedroom.  I tried to take a picture of Luke and Evie, but they fell asleep in the dark part of the room, but my baby George fell asleep right under a lamp.  I don't really understand how he works, except that he really wanted to sleep with that tractor you see in the bottom left of the picture.  Mission accomplished.




The weather was absolutely perfect for Luke and Evie's first set of soccer games on Saturday!  By some cruel twist of fate, Evie's soccer game was at 8:30 a.m. If you don't know me well, let me tell you that I will do anything to sleep longer.  If I could get away with it, I'd sleep in my work clothes so that all I would have to do is roll out of bed and walk to the car.  Sadly, it doesn't work like that.  Ever.  Still, with all three kids in my charge I managed to get us all to the game and we were only a couple minutes late (if you don't count the twenty minutes we were supposed to be there before the game started).  So, yeah, basically we were late by twenty-two minutes.  But come on, it's freaking 8:30 a.m.!  No pictures of the game because I was barely able to function without coffee.

By the time we got to Luke's game at noon, I was finally awake and we were preping to go to the TCU tailgate (which is just a few blocks from our house).  I got Evie and George changed and they had fun wandering around the fields while I watched Luke attempt to play soccer.  I swear it gets more frustrating watching the kids play sports as they get older.  I can't stand the fact that he can't actually run.  It looks more like speed walking.  I think I'm going to have to take him running with me -- I speak as though I'm an athlete - ha! 

Directly after Luke's team was massacred, we headed over to the TCU tailgate, where I promptly found a seat, cracked a beer, and watched the Aggie's put up a good fight against Florida.  Thanks to my friend Ken, for hosting such a delicious tailgate, and to Ken's mom who took my kids to Frog Alley for about 45 minutes.  She's the greatest! So, for the day, we were TCU Frog fans, dressed in our purple and white.  Plus, we got to see the kids summer nanny all decked out in her dance team gear and we waived to her as she marched into the stadium.  Fun times!






Before the game even started, the kids and I trudged back to the house against the crowd that was converging on the campus of TCU.  That place was packed.  People were parking in front of our house and we really don't live that close.

The next morning the kids started a new year of Sunday School.  New classes and new teachers, but most importantly, George got to go to Sunday School this year.  He was super excited about being grown up enough to go to his very own class.  He walked in without even saying "goodbye" and he loved it!  The other two considered the classes pretty unexciting, so nothing new there.  Then we headed home to clean up our mess from the weekend before Chucky Love got home.  It's always nice to start the week with a fairly clean house.  This is not to indicate that it was anywhere close to "company-ready" but it was looking way better than it did Saturday night.

But the biggest news (if you managed to read this entire post) is that we are growing our family!  That's right, please welcome the newest member of our family . . .





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We officially "adopted" a little goldfish from Junior Woman's Club.  They had 14 goldfish at the Opening Day of the club - themed around The Cat in the Hat.  So, my friend (who is anti-internet and therefore cropped out of the picture) and I adopted some sweet goldfish. 




I brought mine home and really wish I had captured the looks on the kids faces when I pulled this little fish out of my handbag.  Even Chuck smiled while he groaned.  After asking if we got to keep it, Evie asked me to promise that I wouldn't cook it.  I rolled my eyes, looked at her with exasperation and promised that I wouldn't cook or eat the fish.  Geez.  What exactly does she think of me? 

The kids promptly suggested names for the fish.  George and Evie chose "Goldie" -- pretty freaking unimaginative in my opinion.  Luke suggested "Sunburn".  Chuck and I are big fans of the name Sunburn, but I think it will be a split household for a while.  George and Evie are pretty insistent on "Goldie".  Oh well.  Without further delay, please welcome Sunburn/Goldie to the family!