Just A Hunch

I just knew that the lady behind the counter, the one dubbed "krazy paint lady" thought maybe she wasn't the crazy one when I told her that I wanted a "small" can of paint. For the moment, the term "quart" escaped my mind and all I could think of was "pint". Except I wasn't at the bar, I was at Home Depot. And the fact that I was completely clueless as to what finish I wanted (just something "really shiny") and not being able to decide on whether or not I wanted primer based paint... yeah, that pretty much sealed her assumption.

I just knew that the friendly Home Depot man regretted his offer of assistance the moment this high~heeled boot wearing mama clomped past him looking for beadboard. Hands full of paint and supplies, it was obvious I was on a mission. A mission I felt come to a screeching halt as I stood before the beadboard because it was in sheets of (maybe) 6'X4' and I only needed 2 sections of 42 1/2" X 7 1/2' and 2 sections of 10" X 7 1/2" (or something like that). So FHDM (friendly Home Depot man) offered to cut it down to size (apparently a service they provide... who knew?) if I purchased the entire sheet.

I just knew that FHDM was thinking, "lady, take your boots and your fake Prada handbag and go back to where you came from" when I whipped out my measurements and told him, "these probably aren't exact but this is what I think I need".

I just knew that FHDM was slightly glad he was dealing with a nut case when the one board came out a teensy bit longer than what was supposed to be and upon his offer to do re~cut, I shrugged him off with a "naw, I'll probably have to pound these in with my hammer anyways... I mean little rubber mallet thingy".

I just knew that the FHDM was thinking this blonde must dye her hair brunette as he watched me tip tap away in my heels, all the ingredients for a perfect minor turned major home project disaster balanced precariously on some sort of wheelie cart thingy I was pushing toward checkout.

But, I just know that the white with lattice in~lay coffee table type piece of furniture in my basement in going to look great as a black with beadboard in~lay coffee table type piece of furniture in my living room.

I just know.

Big Spending

You know you've spent way too much money on a stupid pair of Twinkle Toes that your daughter just has to have because you've heard daily reports from her on exactly who was wearing the sparkling flashing sneakers in school, when you look at the tag and think "I could buy 3 pairs of shoes at Target for this much money".

You know you can chalk one up to "mom insecurities" when despite the breathtaking price tag you allow her to pick out the MOST EXPENSIVE style during back~to~school shopping. (You couldn't possibly do this because you're remembering when everyone else in the whole school {slight exaggeration} had Reebok Pumps.... except you. And you don't want your daughter to be "you".)

But what really confirms that you've lost your ever loving mind is when you go to return said sneakers (because after 6 mornings on the kindergarten playground the inside sole is falling apart and now your daughter won't wear them because it "bodders" her and you didn't spend this much money to have these shoes just sit there and not twinkle) and the (male) sales associate looks at the receipt and says, "are you sure you have the right receipt because this is for $46 dollars?" and I say, "and they were on sale!" And he says, "I wouldn't even spend this much money on shoes for myself!" And I say, "You would if everybody else was wearing them!" And all of the other moms around instantly know that I'm talking about Twinkle Toes because their daughters have daily reported to them that everybody has them so can I please, please, please have them, too!?!

Any other moms lost their minds, too?

The Li'l Kid's 1st Day

The Big Kids' 1st Day

Not thrilled for the morning but only because her "Twinkle Toes" were boddering her, (which, of course, made her brother all that more thrilled).

After all the tears, she struck this pose in front of her classroom door. (This is her classic silly face. My camera is never quick enough to catch it completely but she crosses both eyes and gives me a big smile.) I think her and Mrs. F. WILL have lots of fun together:)

Austin is at the exact opposite end of the school than his sisters. He's thrilled that his locker buddies are boys on both sides.

Whew, we made it thru the first day.

I'll Try Harder Next Time (*sigh*)

Lexi got these really cool Crayola sidewalk crayons for her birthday. Bold, bright, vibrant colors. I couldn't wait to try them out. We doodled a birthday message on the sidewalk to greet her party guests Monday nite. On Tuesday, a friend called over and asked both Audrey and Austin to stay the nite (in addition to her 5. Ummmm, ok, whatever... if you want 7 kids, 7 and under for 24 hours... oookay. Seriously though, Teresa is a cool mom, totally laid back and chill. My kids had a blast at her house!) Anyways, that left me and Lexi alone and in the driveway with the new chalks Tuesday afternoon. I became quite engrossed in my art project and created a beautiful rainbow, which I announced with a "ta~da!!!" Lexi, barely glancing up from her own masterpiece says (in a very grown~up, bored voice), "I am not impressed." Well, excuse me then. Next time I'll keep my brilliance to myself.

Happy Birthday, Lexi J!!!

Today, this little lady turns 4. Not so much my baby anymore, totally ready to be a big girl. Happy birthday, my beautiful Bearsie Boo!

S'more Fun, Please!

Andy and Rona took the girls awhile back and Austin hosted Anna for the evening. We did a complete hot dog roast and had smores for dessert.

Ha, Ha!!! I love this picture of me. I think "Kate" of John & Kate plus 8 when I see my expression. I honestly wasn't freaking out. I think Austin's marshmallow was on fire and I was trying to get him to blow it out before making his smore.

We couldn't leave Ed out of the smore'y goodness. He ate all of the rejects (i.e., burnt marshmallows:)

Binder Park 2010, part 1

Last year, Austin's 1st grade class worked toward an end~of~year zoo trip. They did nacho and treat sales, even worked at Encore one morning to make money to cover the trip's expenses. Finally, On June 2nd they boarded the train to Battle Creek and spent the day at Binder Park. Tom took the train with Austin and I drove separately to meet up with everyone at the zoo.

Mrs. L made the kids personalized t~shirts and put together great little travel bags for each of the kids: snacks, card games, a trip journal, and sunglasses:

Austin's class waiting to depart the station:

All Aboard!!!!

Headed out to Wild Africa:

Each of the kids also got $20 in spending money. Austin bought a spider monkey (among other things). Posing with his new friend:

Feeding the goats:

Audrey's Pre~school Picnic

Well, since the kids start school in less than 2 weeks now, it seems appropriate to post pictures from Audrey's year~end preschool picnic. One of these days I'll get caught up on my pictures and posts. Maybe in 2 weeks when I'll have ALL 3 KIDS in school! (can't believe my baby is already old enough to leave the nest;) anyways, back to the pics: the picnic was held at Ella Sharp Park and the pinata was part of the end~of~year celebration.

I didn't get a good shot of Audrey but after the preschoolers all had a turn, the little sibs were invited to take a swing:

then the teachers,

and finally, the parents. When even the big, strong daddies couldn't bust thru,

Mrs. Williams ripped the dang thing open. I *love* Audrey's expression as she's running toward the loot (far right):

Somehow, Lexi ended up with a bunch of skittles (*love* her curls:)

So sweet: Julia, Lexi, Zoe, and Jenna

What A Charmer!!!

Austin's 1st Grade circus

May 2010

There was a ringleader to keep the action going...

There were silly clowns....

& muscle men (check out the hairy 'pits)...

but my favorite was a certain snake charmer....

and I think his sisters would agree with me