No Pictures!

This picture highlights my two favorite elements: I'm totally board and the worst fake smile ever!
Abbey came out from her room "two snaps only mommy!" This was number 2.
Andrew had about 30 shots with his mouth open or tongue out. This was one of those rare "normal" moments.

As a photograper, most people comment about how many pictures I must have of my own kids. Much to their surprise, I really don't. Take tonight for example. I just needed to try out a new lighting arrangement and needed a couple of warm bodies. With any luck, I would have some good shots to keep. By the time I got done 2 of the 3 of us where in tears or using words that were not in best taste. Luckily, I did get a couple keepers.

Last Chance - Stay Calm

Today was the day. I've hyped up the greatness of Last Chance to my mom for a couple of years, and today she thought she was up for the challange. Little did I know, the challange was mine.

As we decended into the pit of scary shoppers and lectures about "aggressive shoppers" the thrill of the hunt got the shopping juices flowing. After the speach about not killing your fellow shopper, the manager announced a purse lottery. A purse lottary? I've never heard of this? What is the procedure? Does this involve any blood shed or my first born? I had no time to thing the gates opened and huge line formed down the center isle. I got in line to see what this was all about. We all chose a random number from a box held by a man and guarded by a securtiy officer, amazing. I drew #9 of course. If you know me at all #9 follows me everywhere I go, but that's a whole different story.

There was an announcement over the loud speaker for everyone with a number to form a line in the main lobby. Looks of envy followed me as I made my way to the front of the line. I could feel the heat of their glances on my back. As the mystery door opened the first 10 people where allowed in. The lady at the door started the stop watch and announced "five minutes! only keep two things in your hands and pay before you leave." Wow, such pressure. Was the Kate Spade too white, was the Juicy to heavy? I need help! I need advice! "One minute" shouted the voice. In a moment, before I even knew what I was doing, I put both bags down and headed for the door. Wide eyes and gasps came from the line as they saw me leave empty handed.

What just happened? How could I leave those bags? I failed. I failed as a shopper, I failed under pressure. My hands shook and my brow sweat. I could not take the power shop in the mystery room at Last Chance. I know now, I'll pratice shopping with a stop watch in really small rooms.

Mema, what are you doing to my children?

Today I went out to check on Mema and the kids out in the pool. I laughed at the scene of my children barricading themselves into a small Strawberry Shortcake float. Andrew was the shield and Abbey was the propeller in the back. Mema was heavily armed with the super soaker. It seemed like a good plan at first, but upon further observation the kids decided to put their effort into two seperate directions. Later, as the kids were getting out, we managed to get stung by two wasps. Andrew and Abbey both got bit on the arm by a very angry swarm of wasps. Darn the luck!@

It's a good day at Kindergarten

I suckered Abbey into another conversation over grapes today. She was a little bit more informative about her day. I was excited to learn that she spent the day learning about the letter "E" and she also counted to "one million". Impressive and very cute.

Crochet for Dummies

Last night I was looking for some cute hats for the kids on the internet. The more I looked the more I thought to myself....Self, I can do that. How hard can that be? I figured I could buy a hat for $20 on the internet or spend a couple of dollars on yarn and needles and make my very own custom hat. My mom is in town so she could give me a jump start and I could finish off my first hat, scarf, glove set by night fall.

By the time we got done with lunch and walmart we were having our first lesson. I had decided to make the kids hats and scarfs (pictured above). I think it was around 2:30ish when we started, by 4 o'clock I had knitted a green and brown poop size ball of yarn. Mission accomplished. Hopefully, Andrew will grow to appreciate his poop looking key chain that I made him. Maybe I'll have more luck in the morning. I'll keep you posted.

Mema Comes to Town

After much talk and anticipation, Mema has arrived. I took the kids out of school early so they could go with me to run an "errand". It was not until we arrived to terminal 3 that Andrew asked what we were doing at the airport. My kids have a special grasp for the obvious. Nothing gets past them. After lots of squeals and screaming we made our way to security. We went to lunch at the Olive Garden then off to the house. After an hour of swimming and 85 board games they kids were off to bed. Its 9pm and Mema has a headache so we are off to dream land.

Good Times, Good Times Saturday Night

Tonight Andrew had a friend sleep over. I guess if you, as parents, plan on hanging out at the house you might as well let the kids have a little fun. A couple years ago I would have had a hard time imaging why I would want to invite more kids over to the house. Now that the kids are starting to get a little older and more self sufficient, I don't mind the thought of extra kids. Really, it kinda helps me out if I need to get work done . As you can see Andrew and Justen's fun night quickly turned into Ross, Andrew, Justen & Abbey fun night. After Abbey verified, "Justen, are we still friends?", she retired to her separate sleeping corners. All is well.