Peace Out

Isn't that sweet? A mother's heart should be warmed by this photo. And mine is. But...... Oh, you knew there would be a but, come on. It's Chrstmas morning and they are not wearing matching jammies- as I am sure you notice they don't even sort-of match. Dunk's have dogs on them, not Christmas-y dogs either. Milk Bone Dogs. Caroline is wearing last year's Christmas jammies, they have snowflakes on them. It's neurotic and probably a little 80's of me but I need matching jammies on Christmas. I need most things to match. Most of the time. Really, almost all of the time and almost all things. I realize it's weird. It is what it is.

Which I guess is the real reason they don't have matching jammies. This year is what it is. And what it is (or I guess was) is nuts. An inordinate amount of our time has been spent on the new house. For all practical purposes I have been a single parent for most of the year and Casey has had two full time jobs. And when suddenly faced with the very real prospect of 2 mortgage payments while already making 2 tax payments, 2 insurance payments and 2 electric bills- spending $100 on matching Christmas jammies loses some significance.

The kiddos sense all this weirdness. They are used to my neuroticism. So when I told them they could do what they want with the Christmas tree they were a little ....... taken aback. And they wanted to rush to do it before I changed my mind. When I didn't have specific instructions for what Caroline should wear to sleep in on Christmas Eve she looked at me suspicously, like I had something up my sleeve.

Their pics from Christmas morning are proof enough- look at them. Dunk has one sock on and one sock off with his Milk Bone pj's. At least they are red. Caroline looks like she just left the looney bin. She's holding that game like she has wanted it for her whole life. In reality, she had never even heard of it.



So, here's to 2008. May it be peaceful. I usually find wishes of Peace pretty corny but I long for it in this coming year. That and things that match. I need my matching jammies.

Double Dippin'

First of all, can you stand how good looking this kid is? It's no wonder that he charms his way into most anything he wants. Secondly, these were taken after church on Christmas Eve. He lost one of them a day or two before and the other had been hanging, crooked ever since. He looked like he should be wondering around barefoot, shirtless with some overalls on answering to a combined name such as Billy Earl.

So, I was afraid of what all the Christmas pictures would look like. I was also, coincidentally, afraid to admit that out loud. When I finally did, my husband quickly agreed with me. Whew! We were meant to be together after all. So, he pulled the second tooth out after church. The boy was in agreement. More out of greed than anything else but that worked for me.

So, he got the distinct honor of having Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy visit him in one night. I think the scant $2 that the Tooth Fairy left was a little overshadowed by this-

R-E-L-I-E-F

Ahhhhhh, the day after Christmas. This is a day I have come to appreciate. My house is completely trashed yet, could there possibly be a day when you have as good an excuse as you do today? No way. Santa came yesterday, of course the house is a mess.

Plus, there's the added bonus that all the shopping is done, the gifts have been given, the food has been cooked, no more wrapping to do. Today is the day you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, if you are a mom then you work isn't quite done. There's the 487 piece battleship to put together. The new curling iron to figure out. The camera that needs to be programmed. Foosball tournaments to be played. Cars that need to be freed from their plastic prisons.

And on that subject, why is it that some environmental person can't figure out how to package toys with less packaging? Holy smokes! I don't think we had this much cardboard in our house the last time we moved. And don't get me started on the plastic. I just know that someday I will mortally injure myself trying to get into some stupid Cube World package with my dull scissors.

So sit back and enjoy today and try not to step on any Legos or go skating across the house on a Hot Wheel. And let the kids win the video game at least once.

Confused Carols

Last night we were out at the new house, well actually, we were walking out of the new house when Caroline began singing. She was singing some bizarre version of Joy To The World involving a skiing accident- really, just trust me on this, you don't want to know. We've already been hearing about Barney's head being flushed down the potty- again, don't ask- all week long.

So, we're walking down the sidewalk as she sings. Duncan and I are following her when he too begins to sing. His song? To the tune of All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth he sings- " All I want for Christmas is a roll of duct tape".

I almost fell off the sidewalk.

Santa? Santa? Where are you?

Well, we all survived the last week of school. I was beginning to wonder. There were plenty of festivities and the kids were really sweet. Lots of hugs and thank yous and one little girl even brought me a gift!

Now, how in the world I am supposed to shop, wrap, cook, clean, do laundry, etc. in 2 days?

Seems I am not alone. Everyone I have talked to this year is somewhat flustered at exactly how Christmas is going to happen this year. There are those with financial struggles, it seems more this year than in years past. Teachers didn't get paid until yesterday, I found out. I'm sure making it difficult to get finished with shopping before their own children are out of school. There's quite the time crunch this year as well. With school letting out only a couple days before the big day, there's no time to do the "last minute stuff".

I personally have had my Canon photo printer hummin' along since yesterday at about 2 P.M. I am afraid it's about to scream. Let's not talk about the ink cartridges I've gone through.

I am trying to focus on what this season is about. Not what everyone wants.

That is not easy.

So, I hope that you all have a moment to enjoy these last few days of the Holiday season and what they really mean to you. I think I'll go see if I can find Santa.

Reason # 4,397 to Have a Little Boy

Last night we were sitting at the table having some Lasagna (courtesy of Pioneer Woman Cooks!) and Duncan looks at me very seriously and says this-

"This is really good. Maybe you should be on Food Network."

The Galleria of Jewelry

Sometimes this time of year just gets to be too much. Actually, every time now that I think of it. I am tired and stressed and broke. Which would make me the same as, oh about 99% of the American population at this moment. I guess my point is, I like to whine a little but I have an appreciation for the fact that I will survive. And then it will be January. Uuuuhhh. Thank the good Lord above I got married in January because otherwise, it would be the most horrifyingly horrible month ever.

Anyway- there are little things that help me survive this time of year when I feel as though I could literally fall asleep standing somewhere, anywhere. Just lean me up against a corner somewhere and I'm good. So, the little things. Good liquor always helps. My new Frango Mint Diet Lipgloss (don't ask so many questions just go get you some!!!!)http://www.philosophy.com/web/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=frango-mint-diet-lip-shine&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&top_category=&childId=77777 And the humor my children provide, they are funny little dudes. Did I mention the liquor?

Anyway, today has been a bit of a rough day and as we were wrapping things up I asked the kids for a list of teachers and aides and such that we need gifts for. My son is extremely generous. This is not a new thing. He is thoughtful and refuses to leave anyone out. Thank goodness I am creative. Otherwise, we'd be up a creek.

His list includes cafeteria workers (Dunk takes his lunch every day. As in he has never once eaten a cafeteria meal- not just this year but in his entire school career) Librarians, nurses, clerical staff, etc. One lady he doesn't know her name, the direct quote was "Write down Marcus's mom and I'll know who you're talking about" We're buying gifts for people who we don't know well enough to actually know their name. Get the picture?

As I finish making the list and realizing that I do not have enough supplies for the Martha-Would-So-Not-Even-Come-Close-To-Approving-Craft-Project (which I'll show you tomorrow!) Duncan begins hinting around.

He's got a new woman. Shhhhhh, don't tell his wife. He and "his wife" have been together since they were 2, oh how hurt she would be! He loves her still, and I suspect he always will love her. But, she's all the way in the other building these days and a man needs someone to keep him company. You know how it is.

Tess. That's the new love. She's precious, Momma approves. They were caught holding hands during story time the other day. Dunk asked "what? Is that innappropriate?" He also pointed out when I told him he could not kiss Tess at school that they would actually not be at school when his class took a field trip to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Gotta give him points for creativity.

Back to tonight. He thinks he needs to go to Justice this weekend to look for a gift. He wants to know if they have rings for girls. I suggest a necklace. "Ummmm, that's too casual. Too everyday." Not even kidding you. I recall that Caroline and I spotted some cute, oversized faux gem rings at the Dollar Spot at Target. We suggest these would be a fun thing for my son's 7 year old girlfriend. He's not convinced.

So he says, "Do you think I would have any luck at Jared?" Sure. Let's drop a couple grand for your 2nd classmate a ring. You only live once, right?

Man. Talk about champagne taste. I simply told him it was a gesture, not a lifetime commitment. Of course, that was after I had a much needed laugh.

Buy This Popcorn- NOW!

http://www.daleandthomaspopcorn.com/vzgrandparents.aspx

This link should take you to a sign-up page for a free gift card to Dale & Thomas popcorn. Go order some- right now! It's super yummy! Especially the Cinnamon Drizzle Something & Something Etc.

House Updates

Some updated house pics for today-



This is the family room. The door you see is the back door that goes out to the outdoor kitchen.

This is the indoor kitchen- can you believe how dirty it is? It's making me crazy- all this brand new stuff and it's filthy!

This is looking into the kitchen from the other side- far left is family room, rock bar is in the great room.

Another view of kitchen- this one from the dining room- archway at the back goes into the pantry.

This is in the great room looking at the front door.

This is the dining room.

The fireplace, my favorite thing. It has the WOW! factor. We're big on that. You know, the WOW! factor.

And here's a chandelier and a useful tip. It's stupid to try and take a picture of a light fixture when the light is on. But when your children begin yelling at you and each other you tend to forget seemingly simple facts like that. Hmmm.

I Know, I Know.......

I have been a terrible blogger. Life, it seems, gets insane during the holidays. And while I actually enjoy blogging very much, there has been no time for things I enjoy. There's been no time for anything, really. But let's try to play catch up.

We thought we sold our house but we didn't. The $%^#&@(^! people decided to back out. I am deriving great joy out of envisioning them search for a place to live for the next six months. I realize I am bitter and angry. I'm okay with it. Seriously, they really did not play nice and they wasted a great deal of my time and I don't appreciate it.

Both kids particpated in the district or regional UIL competitions last week. Caroline in Oral Reading and Duncan in Creative Writing. Such a huge thing for Duncan to make the team (they select three people from each grade level to make up the team---- that's right, 3 out of the entire grade) and then go on to participate. His coaches and Casey and I tried to explain to him what a big deal it was for him to open doors like that for other kids with disabilities. I am not sure if he grasps that concept or if he is just being himself. But his courage and the creativity of his coaches was inspiring to me. The courage he shows on a daily basis is inspiring. He did not place in the competition but we were certainly proud of his efforts. Caroline competed on Tuesday with her brother but with her competition there are two rounds. We had to wait Tuesday night to hear the finalists read- and in that instance I learned things about myself I would have rather not known. They announced "Okay people, let's get quiet we've got the 4th grade Oral Reading Finalists...." I thought I was going to vomit. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I wanted her to be something she wasn't. But she's good. At this, she is very good. And the thoughts rolled through my mind of what I would want to do should she not be a finalist. These were not good thoughts. First finalist is Caroline's good friend who is on her team. Good. Next finalist is Carolyn Cumby from Stephenville. My heart jumped a bit. Wait. I looked at Caroline . "They said your name, right?" She's screaming and jumping. I assume they did, in fact, mean Caroline. And they did. She returned to compete on Thursday night and she placed 6th. Not quite as good as 2nd place, which is what she did last year. But she wasn't feeling well and she immediately felt as though she hadn't done her best. We are, of course, immensely proud. It is thrilling to see your children succeed. It is a little less thrilling to realize that you are a petty, jealous, competitive stage mother.

The new house is almost complete when we will live there, I just don't know. I am trying to get through one day at time for now. Things are happening a little faster than I can deal. Between all the UIL last week Duncan and I both got a 24 hour virus which was pretty nasty. We have Christmas parties and outings with friend's etc. to tend to this week. Oh and of course, the search for a non-clip on tie for Duncan. He wants a real tie, clip on ties are tacky don't you know? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a decnt looking real tie for a 7 year old? It's hard.

Hope you all are having a "most wonderful time of the year". Ours is more like "where in the heck did all our money go time of the year" but whatever.

American Girl

On Saturday Caroline and I took a trip to the American Girl Bistro and Boutique in Dallas. We went with friends and had a lovely time. I called for dining reservations about 5 or 6 weeks ago- none available until after Christmas. Well, they had a few at very odd times that simply would never work for our schedule. We heard rumors that they would accept walk-in's if you were willing to wait- and here's just a little food for thought- if you are willing to pay someone to do the hair of your daughter's doll, I am guessing you are willing to wait for lunch, right? Suffice it to say, we were willing- on both counts- but no dice. They were so overbooked that they would accept no walk-ins whatsoever.

The girls were slightly dissapointed but that didn't last long. How could it? We were in little girl heaven. To be able to see in person all those dolls and outfits and accessories and books, oh my! To touch them and hold them! Heaven, I tell you!

Caroline had saved her allowance diligently, as she has been anticipating this trip for months. She threw all caution to the wind after seeing everything in person, though and chose different things than she had thought she would. She thought she wanted the Julie doll. She's the "historical" doll from the 70's. Caroline likes her alot. I like her little toy Barbie styling head alot. I had that toy, and I did so love it. I also had the same record player as Julie only mine was a different color. Man, Julie has cool stuff.

Caroline chose outfits and "camis and panties". And a cast and a set of crutches, I didn't really understand that but she really wanted it. Her friend chose a hairstyling chair and a darling little ballet outfit with yoga pants. Cute, tiny little things.

Most of the girls were just in awe in the wonder of it all. And of course, we saw a fair share of overindulgence. Here's a hint Mom, when the boxes stack up taller than your ten year old maybe you've gone too far. It's possible they don't need all of those things today. You know? It was fun to let her spend money and chose her own things. She spent $100 of her own and I paid $20 for her doll's hair style at the "salon". For you inexperienced American Girl Mom's, I am not kidding. I do admit, Nikki's (that's the doll) hair looks much better. Caroline could easily have spent several hundred more, for that matter I could have easily done it too. There's a whole lot of really cute stuff there. But there was really some relief on everyone's part that there were limits, and that we would return another day to buy more. I mean how special is one doll outfit ($26 outfit, I might add for you inexperienced Mamas) if you bought 12 of them? If you only got one or two they are pretty dang special.

Angel League

Angel League wrapped up the fall season this week and here are some highlights.

When Duncan first began playing several seasons ago, I didn't know what to feel. There's still a very real part of me that doesn't want to join this club. I am not "one of those" parents. I am not in that place, and quite frankly, I don't want to be. I am not ready to go there. And I don't know if I ever will be.

Some of the parents don't even come, I don't know their personal reasons but I can guess. Though I don't live their story, my own is similar enough to have some understanding of theirs. It's painful to watch other people pity your child. It is difficult to put the "not-so-normal" one on display. You can view your child anyway you choose but somewhere deep inside you know what other people see when they see him. You want them to see what you see.

The intelligent part of you knows that isn't even possible. And the selfish part wants it anyway. I want it anyway.

But as I get older I learn things. Not quickly, and sometimes it seems, not much. But I pick a few things up along the way. I have learned that if I will trust God's plan and let go of my own, the blessings will be abundant.

So I learned, that if I take my son to play baseball on the "special needs" baseball team he will be blessed. And so will I. More importantly, others will too.

We humans lose track sometimes that life isn't all about what we want. Sometimes taking Duncan to Angel League is still painful for me. I sit at home and have intelligent conversations with him about science and math and forget that he isn't "normal". Luckily, he never forgets that I am not.

Angel League has helped me to see the blessing he can be to this community. The hope he gives other people, the satisfaction he gives to those who give their time, and the love he gives to those he lets get close to him. God teaches people through Duncan. That's huge. And it's worth making me uncomfortable.

Sell This House

I can't believe I haven't written a post all week. Hmmm, doesn't seem that long. Time is flying by right now, which scares me to death.

Time flying by means that the 2 short months until I own (and the bank expects me to pay for...) 2 homes will be over before I know it. Prayers for selling our house would be much appreciated right now. It's not that we can't pay two mortgages, and we in fact always knew that was a possibility, it's the fact that it's gonna pretty much stink to do that. I know we can do it, I would just rather not prove it, KWIM?

The new house is quickly becoming a home. There are now granite counter tops- an obscene amount of granite, I might add- and they are gorgeous. Actually, right now they are not gorgeous at all. They are filthy. But once they are clean they will be fantastic- I love them. Now that I think of it, they might even make paying 2 mortgages worth it. But only for like 1 month. Or maybe 2.

They are putting the tile in right now- it's also very nice. I am a little afraid the color in the kitchen is too light- I hope it doesn't look dirty all the time. In reality, it probably will be dirty a lot of the time, I would just prefer it didn't look it. I have talked with God and I am quite sure that my purpose here on Earth has little to do with house cleaning. He would have made me much better at it had He intended me to do it all that often. There are approximately 5 billion things I am better at than cleaning house.

Light fixtures arrive this week and that has me quite excited. I think it will begin to really look like home once those are in. Also, I am ordering the wood blinds for all the windows this week. Ummm, and can I say hello expensive! I really had no clue they would be this much money. But after extensive discussions which leave us both feeling like we don't even care what is on the window, we have decided they are the best option. A lot of the windows are visible from the front of the house and because I am neurotic and have too much time to think about things I have some serious issues with windows that do not look uniform from the front of the house.

Oh, the fireplace is done. And even though it's probably completely snotty of me, I don't care because it was a lot of work, it is magnificent. I will try for pictures in a couple days. It's exactly what I wanted.

So, have a good week and pray we sell our house.

Positive Thinking

Let's see- I promised a positive, happy tone right? So let me see what I can do with that.

I am positive we are all sick. I am positive we are sharing germs back and forth and giving each other the same junk over and over again. I am positive that this is putting me in a bad mood.

How bout that?

Seriously, I got it. Now Caroline has it and I do too. I think Duncan's getting it. Probably the only reason Casey doesn't have it is because he has been at the new house for the last two days. Aparently, it's going around town. Yucky stuff. Load up on Vitamin C. See you tomorrow.

Just Say No

When we were in school, the big "Just Say No" to drugs campaign began. I remember them giving us t-shirts with a big chicken on them to wear to a Just Say No rally. As an aside that has absolutely nothing at all to do with this post, they burned Marijuana in school in front of us in the fifth grade as part of the Just Say No campaign- am I alone in thinking that's weird?

The point of this post is that I should have listened more closely. No, I don't have a drug problem. No, I am not making light of those that do. I have a "saying the word No" problem.

The evidence-

That's what 42 homemade treat bags and 94 homemade cupcakes look like. Or as I like to call it "domestic insanity".

Apparently, I'm a trendsetter. Who knew, right? Last year for the first time, I said "No, I wouldn't like to be the room mom. I'll send anything you need, anytime. But I don't want to be in charge." It was a beautiful year. I made more than my fair share of cupcakes and sent in plenty of treats. I even treated the third graders to breakfast one day in the spring. But there were no tedious details like filling treat bags full of junk. I didn't have to go over the checklist five times to see who paid for pizza and who didn't. And when it came to the last day of school party for the first graders? I- gasp- just wrote out a check to pay for my portion and did -bigger gasp- nothing else. Last year was a beautiful year. Until everyone else caught on.

This year rolls around and guess what? Nobody wants to be Room Mom anymore. Both of my kids teachers approached me about doing it. Good ole Mommy Guilt will get you every time. I have never been Duncan's Room Mom and he really wanted me too so I said sure, I'd love to be your Room Mom. So when Caroline's teacher approached me about the same subject, in front of Caroline no less, how could I say no? No really, I am asking, how would it have been possible to say no? Because apparently I am physically incapable of doing it.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy parts of it. I have to admit it felt great to hear kids in Duncan's class say " I want to be in your class every year, Duncan" after they saw their treats. And life doesn't get much easier than making cupcakes. Caroline was thrilled with her treat bags as well, especially because they weren't "babyish". And the parents sent in most of the "junk" that filled the bags. See below.

It's the exhaustion, financial expense, and time away from my family that I worry about. I mean, do kids really need a bag full of crap to celebrate a holiday? And why is it that parents think they do? And what is up with people griping because I didn't plan Pass the Pumpkin or Pumpkin relays for the pizza lunch on Wednesday? Pizza, Coke, Cupcakes and Mom & Dad suddenly aren't enough for lunch at school?

My biggest gripe, by far, is that parents feel the right to criticize the job another mom does when they, themselves are not willing to do it. Sure, they'll talk all day about what you are doing wrong but will they pick up the slack and do it themselves next year? No way Jose.

Okay. Now I feel better. Sorry about the complete negative tone of this post. I promise to post something "feel good and happy" in the next day or two. I just really needed to get that off my chest.

Boo To You!

I like Halloween, I really do, but I sure am glad it's over. It's been a looooooong week. We started with Trunk or Treat at church on Sunday. For this event, Casey had to work. I have handled all major holidays on my own, at least once, except for Halloween. Because of the demands of Casey's career we have had to make adjustments to our schedule and sometimes, even though we don't want to, we have to go on without him. But since Caroline was born it has been my policy that I do not do Halloween on my own. I have sat at home with my kiddos and watched TV on Mother's Day, I have sang carols and wrapped gifts with the kids by myself on Christmas Eve, but Trick or Treating, I do NOT do alone.

I really can't say why I don't want to do Halloween alone but I don't. I simply do not want to- it's confusing with all these kids everywhere dressed in costumes so you can't tell who is who. And strangers giving out candy and trying to decipher who is an okay stranger and who isn't. And then the kids coming off a sugar high and getting cranky fast. Then there's the weather, sometimes it's like 90 degrees and others it's 50. Who the hell came up with this holiday anyway?

Getting to the point of my story- this year I did Halloween alone. Twice. See why I'm glad it's over?

Caroline also decided to change her costume about 30 mintues before we went out Trick or Treating. On Sunday, Duncan was Mario from the Super Mario Bros. and Caroline was Princess Peach from the same game. No one knew who Caroline was supposed to be. Duncan won the costume contest. I'm sure you can guess how well that went over. So on Wednesday, instead of Princess Peach she went as a Chili's waitress. It was cute but not as cute as she hoped it would be, I think.

We have enough candy for a small nation of people now. And a slightly used Princess Peach costume. And 2 Mario hats- don't ask.

Back to the Future

Words that come from my kids mouths, that would never have come from mine at their age.......


"I didn't hear you my Ipod is on"

"Can I check who's calling?"

"Give me your phone and I'll call Dad and see if he is almost home"

"I'll just Google it"

"Can we rent a game for the Wii?"

"Did you feed my Webkinz?"

"Did a new movie come in the mail today?"

"Let's watch something that's Tivoed"

"Mom, did you burn the pictures to a disc yet?"

And the list goes on and on. Weird how much has changed in what seems like an incredibly short period of time. While my children ride in our car they can watch a DVD, talk on the phone, chat with each other over the wireless connection between their Nintendo's (this I can't even understand), listen to music on the Ipod which isn't any bigger than their pointer finger and it has all the music they need already on it or play with any number of small electronic devices.

Hmmm, let's see when I was a kid I once got carsick because I rode all the way to San Antonio on the floor of our suburban laying on a sleeping bag. I thought it was pretty cool. I had no games, entertainment systems or connection to the outside world. I did have my super cool yellow Sony sport Walkman. That thing was awesome, well it is awesome. I still have it. I don't use it now. I have a 30 GB Ipod I listen to now. When I remember to charge it. Ugh, the hassles of technology.

I also thought my green Canon 35 mm camera was awesome. Someone in New York now thinks of it as awesome. Probably a cab driver as that's where the love of my life left it. He brought me a green Polo sweater home from that trip. I wanted my camera. Now, I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I love it. It's amazing. I want a bigger, badder Canon camera, though. Maybe another guilt trip about my lost camera from 12 years ago would help speed that process along? My green Canon camera took film. Film that would hold 24 pictures at a time. My children have no concept of what any of the last two sentences mean. They speak "memory card".

Back in the day if you had a "car phone" you were loaded. I am pretty sure I saw a three year old with her own phone this week. My ten year is pretty convinced she's being neglected since we haven't yet purchased her her very own cell phone. Big news Miss Prissy Pants- ain't happenin'.

Once when I was home sick from school I was watching Wheel of Fortune with my grandmother and that was back when instead of just getting the money, when you won a round you "shopped" a specific room with your winnings. Well, this lady used her money to buy a VCR. This was when no one had a VCR. So, I believed that it was a machine that you hooked to your TV, typed in what you wanted to watch, and that appeared on your TV. I believed that I could get one of those and watch Facts of Life to my hearts content. That would have made a very, very happy girl. See, I sort-of invented Tivo. I love Tivo. I believe that Tivo may be the greatest invention of our generation. I do not ever want to watch television again without Tivo. Tivo is awesome, always awesome.

I Can See Clearly Now, The Rain Is Gone

Ummmm, perhaps the better way to put it would be- I can breathe again, the computer is back on!!!!!!! My sad little, pathetic computer died a couple days ago. Or so I thought. A really, really, really smart kid from Tarleton came and fixed it for me tonight. If I wasn't completely and totally in love with my husband I would have proposed to the smart kid on the spot. Ahhhhhhh, internet access. Say those sweet words with me people.

Three Hour Tour

Saturday Stuff

Want to know what happens when your kid is sick of posing for pictures?

You get pictures like this. She learned the face from me. Really.

I was wanting something more like this one. She's wearing my latest craft project- her new "Jackets" shirt. It's spelled out in blue crystals. When she told her friend I made it, her friend responded, "So, she Bedazzles?" Caroline and I found this quite funny. I don't Bedazzle. We make lots of jokes about the Bedazzler. I am juvenile, don't worry I know.

This is Caroline's latest craft project- her own fake pumpkin she carved. She did a very good job, though I am not sure she enjoyed it too much. It was messy and somewhat difficult.

We're off to take more pictures today and make come choices for the new house and "all that stuff" as Duncan would say. Have a great weekend!

Terrific Kid

Last week Duncan was selected as a "Terrific Kid". Each six weeks every teacher at his elementary school selects one girl and one boy who exhibit these qualities-

Thoughtful
Enthusiastic
Respectful
Responsible
Inclusive
Friendly
Inquistitive
Capable

They have a ceremony and are given a certificate as well as coupons for free kids meals, etc. And they get a bumper sticker that says Proud Parent of a Terrific Kid.

Duncan was chosen for this same award last year, as well. We are very proud of him. It's really wonderful as a parent to watch your child succeed. He is very proud of this award and in fact last year he told me, "Guess what I did today? I became a terrific kid!" We explained that he had been a terrific kid all along.

But back to the bumper sticker- As we went through the things in his little goodie bag from the ceremony I came upon the bumper sticker. Of course, being in a small town we see these frequently on peoples cars. Dunk tells me I cannot have the bumper sticker. I am confused. He was so proud I just knew he would want me to stick it on my car immediately, a prospect which I will admit I was not overly thrilled about. I know he's a terrific kid and heck, everyone who knows him does. But a bumper sticker announcing it, ehhhh. Being a proud Momma I was completely ready to do it, though. I ask him why I can't have it. He's explains that he thinks it's rude to go around announcing to everyone that your kid is terrific. We have a short discussion about it not really being rude but rather a way for parents to show their children just how proud of them they are. I'll admit I wasn't even completely convinced by the end of the conversation but I did try my best. Then he looks at me and says, "Ummm besides Mom, bumper stickers are just............tacky." Gee, he really is a terrific kid.

Updated House Pics

Updated house pictures. Things are finally starting to roll again. All paint is almost finished. Countertop guy is coming out in a week or two. Rock guy comes on Monday. Air Conditioner guy comes next week. We may actually finish. Maybe.