tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365129492024-03-12T21:00:42.994-07:00Guess What the Kids Did Today?You know the only reason this blog exists is for me to either brag about how awesome my kids are or lament the latest 'project' they've undertaken (and post cute pictures, of course).Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-71361918228905237422011-03-28T18:05:00.010-07:002011-03-28T20:02:34.627-07:00Disneyland by Text Message<span style="font-size:85%;">Running commentary on Disneyland between my sister "Fav" (short for Favorite Aunt) and me. I would have included others...if any of them had texted me back!<br /><br />MK:<span style=""> </span>On the road yet? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > SC: Yes, just getting ice.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: Yay! </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Wave as we drive by . . . . :)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: !<span style=""> </span>You aren’t stopping for pizzookies? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Sorry.<span style=""> </span>If we stop, we’ll be there a little while.<span style=""> </span>It’ll already be after midnight when we get there.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Fine.<span style=""> </span>But tell your kids Fav made them pizzookies, but Mean Mommy won’t stop. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: I’ll do that.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Kids too excited to sleep?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Are you there yet? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Guess how many times we’ve heard that one so far?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: 83? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Close.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Nice.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />SC (at 1 a.m.): We are all TOO excited!</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />MK: Yay! I assume kids are up now, ready to go?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Gisneyland! Take<span style=""> </span>pictures for Fav!<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_vgN3vVyC4/TZE6grI8XCI/AAAAAAAAB_M/MS8tnEjjjro/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_vgN3vVyC4/TZE6grI8XCI/AAAAAAAAB_M/MS8tnEjjjro/s200/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589312945553955874" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yKcysqtXqc/TZE6gzxBbSI/AAAAAAAAB_U/wfHimj4VRTU/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yKcysqtXqc/TZE6gzxBbSI/AAAAAAAAB_U/wfHimj4VRTU/s200/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589312947869543714" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWQ4bxEvwgk/TZE6gIXikUI/AAAAAAAAB_E/xvzGcOCZhvs/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWQ4bxEvwgk/TZE6gIXikUI/AAAAAAAAB_E/xvzGcOCZhvs/s200/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589312936219939138" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >SC: They were most definitely up.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: :) Are they too excited? Tell them Fav says you can’t eat too much sugar on vacation.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: I don’t think they need any sugar.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Of course you don’t.<span style=""> </span>You are the Mommy. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Gah. We went the wrong way down Harbor.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: You are stealing gisneyland time from your children.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: We’ll just miss part of our early hour.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />MK: What’s the plan for today? Princess line? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Sat. for princesses.<span style=""> </span>Rides today.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: I think that Tangled ride is actually where you meet the characters, not a ride at all.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Awe.<span style=""> </span>Too sad.<span style=""> </span>For you I mean.<span style=""> </span>Karen must be psyched!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: She says she’s tired from walking. Bad news Karen. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Carry her!</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: :|</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />MK: Are you waiting in line for something?<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Nemo sub. We’re on now.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcyiNIIX72k/TZE6hexbs3I/AAAAAAAAB_c/-I0GhNL4rWY/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gcyiNIIX72k/TZE6hexbs3I/AAAAAAAAB_c/-I0GhNL4rWY/s200/049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589312959413990258" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: Yay!<span style=""> </span>That’s the best one! </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: I think they’re all the best one.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: And only a few hours wait for each one.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Pulling Mommy’s hair is hilarious!</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Oh good!<span style=""> </span>Caleb got my text!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Yeah he did.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Give him more sugar and he will stop.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: I mean, after he crashes into a sugar coma that is.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: I don’t think that’s true.<span style=""> </span>It sounds like a trick.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Worth a try?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />MK: Kids tired of Disneyland yet? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Karen was scared of the Mansion.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vg1teyJqzgM/TZE6hkZ4szI/AAAAAAAAB_k/uoCEaXm1HDg/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vg1teyJqzgM/TZE6hkZ4szI/AAAAAAAAB_k/uoCEaXm1HDg/s200/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589312960925840178" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">SC (from Pirates ride): Dang. All the rides are creepy. Poor Karen.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Even Caleb liked Mansion.<span style=""> </span>Has she liked any yet?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: She likes parts.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: What’s her favorite so far?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: She says it will be tea cups. We’ll see. They might be creepy.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: :)</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Casey Jr Train was too fast and scary. Giving tea cups a whirl.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Official verdict on tea cups: they’re really fast and I like them. :)</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq_Whb8Ckiw/TZE8KnQV15I/AAAAAAAAB_s/_38Pmf5RJ7E/s1600/064.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq_Whb8Ckiw/TZE8KnQV15I/AAAAAAAAB_s/_38Pmf5RJ7E/s200/064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589314765577377682" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK:<span style=""> </span>All the kids?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Well, Karen and Sarah. Noah didn’t want to go. I traumatized Sarah on TMR.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />SC: Mmm overpriced food.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />MK: Sarah was bragging about space mountain and she was scared of TMR?<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: After that she decided not to do space mountain either.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: But she’s done it before! Well, at least make her do Tower of Terror.<span style=""> </span>Tell her even Fav did, and Fav’s a wimp. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: She says Fav is not a wimp, and yes, she’s still going on it.<span style=""> </span>Probably.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Tell her it’s okay, I’m a self proclaimed wimp.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: She says "Whatever."</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFlQKHM0m7Y/TZFEwbbYaJI/AAAAAAAACAM/hu6Izft9Nhk/s1600/085.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFlQKHM0m7Y/TZFEwbbYaJI/AAAAAAAACAM/hu6Izft9Nhk/s200/085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589324211330508946" border="0" /> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-548il9XgwzQ/TZFEv3KU5BI/AAAAAAAACAE/atrxECaEftg/s1600/081.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-548il9XgwzQ/TZFEv3KU5BI/AAAAAAAACAE/atrxECaEftg/s200/081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589324201595298834" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-548il9XgwzQ/TZFEv3KU5BI/AAAAAAAACAE/atrxECaEftg/s1600/081.JPG"> </a></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI8GFvbVImY/TZFFyqYOL3I/AAAAAAAACAc/pWUzxItqZQQ/s1600/091.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI8GFvbVImY/TZFFyqYOL3I/AAAAAAAACAc/pWUzxItqZQQ/s200/091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589325349215154034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUdIIrubAc0/TZFEwvyDwWI/AAAAAAAACAU/ifB7l4dFiPY/s1600/090.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUdIIrubAc0/TZFEwvyDwWI/AAAAAAAACAU/ifB7l4dFiPY/s200/090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589324216794333538" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: They still having fun or getting tired</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Noah wants to be done. I think the rest are still okay.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Poor Noah.<span style=""> </span>What are you guys doing now?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: In line for Peter Pan. Caleb likes waving at boats.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Just don’t let him touch the butt.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Disneyland Day 2!<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: You mean CA.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QntvE-kJbo/TZFEvRm4VxI/AAAAAAAAB_8/X24kiFsLscY/s1600/111.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QntvE-kJbo/TZFEvRm4VxI/AAAAAAAAB_8/X24kiFsLscY/s200/111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589324191514515218" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: Ah. Kids like it as much? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Doesn’t open for half hour. Getting in line for color show.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Nice!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Film it on your fancy phone for me. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: They let us in early. Yay! Wait, how did you know I stole your fancy phone?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Yay for early!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Was it cause you have annoying kids?<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Well, mostly because I’m pushy.<span style=""> </span>:)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK:<span style=""> </span>So they let only you in early? </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: No, everyone. :) To get the fast passes. Rides aren’t running yet.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Did you ditch the kids yet?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Planning to.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: Holly says make Sarah go on that rafting one.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: She already knows about that one. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Dang.<span style=""> </span>Tell her Fav went on it, and Fav’s a wimp.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: She does not believe you. "For the last time, Fav is not a wimp."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: I’m not?<span style=""> </span>I’m going to have to rethink my whole life now.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: It’s raining. My hair is going to look awesome.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtffOuk_qC4/TZFEvKARcxI/AAAAAAAAB_0/7LDp8KMezmk/s1600/108.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtffOuk_qC4/TZFEvKARcxI/AAAAAAAAB_0/7LDp8KMezmk/s200/108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589324189473534738" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: It’s always raining in CA. Is it cold too?<span style=""> </span>Holly says you should do dredlocks.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: So, back at the hotel with kids in bed yet?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Just got back from World of Color. In the pouring rain. The kids loved the rain so much. :|</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Day 3!<span style=""> </span>Yay!</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Happy Birthday to Caleb!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Yay! Give him candy for breakfast. He earned it. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Also, are you having a birthday party for him Monday that I’m not invited to?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: It’s like you don’t want me mailing him a giant box of candy! </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: You’re invited.<span style=""> </span>Also I gave him a Swedish fish for breakfast.<span style=""> </span>:)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: It feels like a pity invite now.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: You were always invited. You’re Fav. It goes without saying.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: You didn’t even tell me about it.<span style=""> </span>I had to hear about it from Emily.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Didn’t I?<span style=""> </span>Huh.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Well, since it’s Monday, I can’t make it.<span style=""> </span>But be assured he will be getting an awesome birthday present next time I’m down.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: K :)</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: So, kids didn’t like sitting in the cold rain last night?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Noooo. And they made sure we did not forget that fact.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: :) Poor kids.<span style=""> </span>Did they each need their own blanket?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQOotBLiVI8/TZFJJcFPx8I/AAAAAAAACBM/inIclvApLMs/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQOotBLiVI8/TZFJJcFPx8I/AAAAAAAACBM/inIclvApLMs/s200/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589329039049344962" border="0" /></a> (Sarah is obviously too cool for princesses)<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: So, how about those princesses?</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaDIpqVJLzA/TZFHkQLgQQI/AAAAAAAACAk/fylyHKcP4KA/s1600/P%2BAriel%2B3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaDIpqVJLzA/TZFHkQLgQQI/AAAAAAAACAk/fylyHKcP4KA/s200/P%2BAriel%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589327300687577346" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAdOyg8dJjo/TZFHk12DUvI/AAAAAAAACBE/NEQZdX0cZ7g/s1600/P%2BTiana%2B6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAdOyg8dJjo/TZFHk12DUvI/AAAAAAAACBE/NEQZdX0cZ7g/s200/P%2BTiana%2B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589327310798148338" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >SC: Ariel and Tiana first. Then Rapunzel. Karen was shy with Flynn there.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgz7C9A482U/TZFHkw2HirI/AAAAAAAACA8/Jdwqp-phnqY/s1600/P%2BRapunzel%2B7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgz7C9A482U/TZFHkw2HirI/AAAAAAAACA8/Jdwqp-phnqY/s200/P%2BRapunzel%2B7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589327309456247474" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbB4rdkz3jQ/TZFHkn9W66I/AAAAAAAACA0/s65RMqDrqn0/s1600/P%2BRapunzel%2B5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbB4rdkz3jQ/TZFHkn9W66I/AAAAAAAACA0/s65RMqDrqn0/s200/P%2BRapunzel%2B5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589327307070696354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: Was he smoldering?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: :) He liked the picture we brought for him to sign. They got his nose right.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Did Karen draw them a picture?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: I printed one at home.</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />MK: Also, Holly and I are doing a Star Wars marathon.<span style=""> </span>So we’ll have to do a different marathon when you visit.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: Twilight?!</span> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Done.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: So, kids ready to come home now? </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Rich tricked me into taking Caleb to see princesses all day.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdhdsP0VPNI/TZFHkSQ-6VI/AAAAAAAACAs/BDG1xUiZgbM/s1600/P%2BBelle%2B3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdhdsP0VPNI/TZFHkSQ-6VI/AAAAAAAACAs/BDG1xUiZgbM/s200/P%2BBelle%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589327301247428946" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4-K1typEWk/TZFJKDuwX1I/AAAAAAAACBU/cMB3i3d3gEs/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4-K1typEWk/TZFJKDuwX1I/AAAAAAAACBU/cMB3i3d3gEs/s200/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589329049692430162" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUavI-pwlEk/TZFJKSp6oRI/AAAAAAAACBk/RhUlB33GICg/s1600/P%2BTinkerbell%2B4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUavI-pwlEk/TZFJKSp6oRI/AAAAAAAACBk/RhUlB33GICg/s200/P%2BTinkerbell%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589329053698662674" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">MK: I thought that was your idea.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: So you could get princess birthday pictures to blackmail him with later.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39BflCTjKZk/TZFJKH2Hm0I/AAAAAAAACBc/qiePl1sL1xQ/s1600/P%2BAriel%2B6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39BflCTjKZk/TZFJKH2Hm0I/AAAAAAAACBc/qiePl1sL1xQ/s200/P%2BAriel%2B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589329050797054786" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />MK: Holly says to tell Caleb “BIGGIE BIGGIE BIGGIE!”</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />SC: I’ll pass on the message. Dude. It is SNOWING on I8.</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />SC: Why did you send us this way GPS?<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>Why does it hate us?<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VZjSS-caN4/TZFJKoZH6GI/AAAAAAAACBs/MRY2aGVgJu8/s1600/054.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VZjSS-caN4/TZFJKoZH6GI/AAAAAAAACBs/MRY2aGVgJu8/s200/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589329059533809762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-82548996904187055602011-03-28T18:02:00.002-07:002011-03-28T18:04:41.971-07:00Smartboys Club book series<span lang="EN"><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;">From my SIL's sister (who is the author):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://wonderrealmsbooks.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/coming-soon-bees-in-my-butt-blog-fest/"><img src="http://wonderrealmsbooks.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/bees-blogfest-logo-small-2.jpg?w=300&h=277" border="0" /> </a></div></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;">I'm excited to announced the first ever Smartboys Club Blog Fest to celebrate the release of <i>Bees in My Butt</i> in paperback. Everyone who participates will get the first 4 Smartboys Club books for free as ebooks and a coupon code to buy the paperback <i>Bees in My Butt</i> for only $3 instead of the list price of $6.99. In addition, for every hundred people that join us in the blog fest we'll have a drawing to give away a Kindle.</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;">For details on how to participate, visit the <a href="http://wonderrealmsbooks.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/coming-soon-bees-in-my-butt-blog-fest/">Wonder Realms Books</a> website. I look forward to seeing you there. </span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bees-My-Butt-Smartboys-Club/dp/1456599801/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300805470&sr=1-3"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6TMPvzNO60/TYi7h8oD5iI/AAAAAAAAAQM/H0VKzsAXA1U/s320/front+cover.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="203" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://wonderrealmsbooks.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/front-cover-small.jpg?w=95&h=150"></a></div></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bees-My-Butt-Smartboys-Club/dp/1456599801/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300805470&sr=1-3">Purchase Bees in My Butt</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> Take Monkey, a literary genius with flatulence; Bean, a science and math guru; Vinny, a computer whiz who can't keep her mouth shut; and Art, an artist who can shoot a basketball like a pro, confront them with a mess of fourth grade trouble, and watch the fun explode.</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;">In Bees in My Butt, the first book of the Smartboys Club series, the members of the Smartboys Club use their skills to battle a group of crazed Ninjas that take over the school. And it happens on a day when Monkey has the worst case of flatulence imaginable.<br /><br />I'm reading my ebook copy and will post a review soon. Sounds along the lines of Captain Underpants. :)<br /></span></div></span>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-33531024874731584132010-09-29T08:18:00.000-07:002010-09-29T08:18:00.519-07:00Warrior Karen<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0_489zcRI/AAAAAAAAB-I/7T7i7f8B3uo/s1600/099.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0_489zcRI/AAAAAAAAB-I/7T7i7f8B3uo/s160/099.JPG" border="0" /></a> Karen attempts to stand still and centered while Wii Fit checks her out. Measuring...measuring...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0_47OAusI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Q5bp8Ta2Ik8/s1600/101.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0_47OAusI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Q5bp8Ta2Ik8/s160/101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And the warrior girl is unleashed!<br /><br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-9541430649436484332010-09-27T08:36:00.000-07:002010-09-27T08:36:00.091-07:00Homework already?<div style="text-align: center;">I let Sarah type a report on my netbook since Noah was using the big computer. The next morning after the kids went to school, Karen insisted she had some homework to do.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0oDel_TpI/AAAAAAAAB-A/oCsEoRjNbvg/s1600/104.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0oDel_TpI/AAAAAAAAB-A/oCsEoRjNbvg/s320/104.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-72649110439819454142010-09-25T15:35:00.000-07:002010-09-25T15:35:00.709-07:00Letter of the Law<div style="text-align: center;">Karen made Caleb a necklace, but I told her she couldn't tie things around his neck. Here is the clearly logical solution - tape it to him. As least it's not tied...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0npYZRhWI/AAAAAAAAB94/Ch--IVwEElo/s1600/093.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0npYZRhWI/AAAAAAAAB94/Ch--IVwEElo/s320/093.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-67476187483774446812010-09-24T13:33:00.002-07:002010-09-24T15:26:06.093-07:00Happy Birthday Noah!<div style="text-align: center;">Noah had two parties. Peter Piper:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NCARV9TI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/AEuO-P55keM/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NCARV9TI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/AEuO-P55keM/s200/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520583046309737778" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NCjF3FOI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/elyNjyf_qQk/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NCjF3FOI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/elyNjyf_qQk/s200/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520583055656817890" border="0" /></a><br />10 kids...crazy fun.<br /><br />And Nana's house:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NC8sIS7I/AAAAAAAAB9g/shQCsnpXUnE/s1600/068.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NC8sIS7I/AAAAAAAAB9g/shQCsnpXUnE/s200/068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520583062528215986" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NDuvadmI/AAAAAAAAB9o/B3bhO6gjUuI/s1600/071.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0NDuvadmI/AAAAAAAAB9o/B3bhO6gjUuI/s200/071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520583075963762274" border="0" /></a> He enjoyed getting his Wii target shooting game and robotic bugs. He's officially 6!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0ND4wWVhI/AAAAAAAAB9w/9FVMSNFhlUM/s1600/086.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0ND4wWVhI/AAAAAAAAB9w/9FVMSNFhlUM/s200/086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520583078652040722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Drat! Out of focus!<br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-64886732521864846472010-09-24T13:25:00.004-07:002010-09-24T13:33:42.625-07:00Spirit Week<div style="text-align: center;">A couple weeks ago was spirit week, and because I'm a good mom, I helped the kids dress up.<br /><br />Monday, Hippie Day<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JmGcyaTI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/sWY7iWPCGVo/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JmGcyaTI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/sWY7iWPCGVo/s200/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520579268397132082" border="0" /></a> Sarah came home from school and informed me that she wasn't actually a hippie. She was a flower child. And the peace sign is called "the rooster claw." Okay, whatever. I'm a child of the 80's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0Jm5ay7GI/AAAAAAAAB8o/mrSNxBLMX4Q/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0Jm5ay7GI/AAAAAAAAB8o/mrSNxBLMX4Q/s200/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520579282078985314" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JniYeKzI/AAAAAAAAB8w/oPNDD3Gcbbs/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JniYeKzI/AAAAAAAAB8w/oPNDD3Gcbbs/s200/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520579293075090226" border="0" /></a><br />The crazy hair day was fun to do. She looked cute. Albeit, crazy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JmgPmtDI/AAAAAAAAB8g/vkKgQsCwTTA/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0JmgPmtDI/AAAAAAAAB8g/vkKgQsCwTTA/s200/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520579275321160754" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0Jnz9SMgI/AAAAAAAAB84/joiTogKlya4/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TJ0Jnz9SMgI/AAAAAAAAB84/joiTogKlya4/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520579297792897538" border="0" /></a><br />Noah is a minimalist. A peace sign and hair spikes were enough for him. I offered a vest, headband, Koolaid hair dye...but no.<br /><br />The other days were less exciting - pajama day, sports day, and...something else less exciting.<br /><br /><br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-85964512082321277162010-08-19T23:14:00.003-07:002010-08-19T23:18:05.217-07:00In case there was any doubt...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TG4dqn8WC7I/AAAAAAAAB78/OOv1Z7kskY4/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TG4dqn8WC7I/AAAAAAAAB78/OOv1Z7kskY4/s200/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507372012434492338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm raising monkeys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TG4drHUV8qI/AAAAAAAAB8E/S5IQ46FJgaQ/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TG4drHUV8qI/AAAAAAAAB8E/S5IQ46FJgaQ/s200/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507372020856648354" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Cute gummy, smiley monkeys.<br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-61448820643294437352010-08-15T16:49:00.003-07:002010-08-15T17:01:36.113-07:00Spree!<div style="text-align: center;">As long as I'm on here...<br /><br />More pictures!<br /><br />Cute kids:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9yUAHcCI/AAAAAAAAB60/6iWKOrA4F0I/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9yUAHcCI/AAAAAAAAB60/6iWKOrA4F0I/s200/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505788847776559138" border="0" /></a><br />(See what happens when I try to be all arty? At least they're all smiling...)<br /><br />Sarah excited for her first day of 3rd grade!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9z9USodI/AAAAAAAAB7M/yDNWWxX0nLc/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9z9USodI/AAAAAAAAB7M/yDNWWxX0nLc/s200/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505788876046901714" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-VaCnLmI/AAAAAAAAB7k/l2A02gW3qDA/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-VaCnLmI/AAAAAAAAB7k/l2A02gW3qDA/s200/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505789450693062242" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-V5rg4OI/AAAAAAAAB7s/X9S3Nikj5t4/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-V5rg4OI/AAAAAAAAB7s/X9S3Nikj5t4/s200/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505789459186114786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Noah tolerating pictures for first day of 1st grade:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-UbI3WYI/AAAAAAAAB7U/1fQXFmsRxQc/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-UbI3WYI/AAAAAAAAB7U/1fQXFmsRxQc/s200/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505789433807853954" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-UxD-tfI/AAAAAAAAB7c/TcPFe52rs4Y/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-UxD-tfI/AAAAAAAAB7c/TcPFe52rs4Y/s200/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505789439692944882" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9zXHinbI/AAAAAAAAB7E/Tg66Ck11L2s/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9zXHinbI/AAAAAAAAB7E/Tg66Ck11L2s/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505788865792875954" border="0" /></a><br />(barely tolerating)<br /><br />Karen and Caleb at home while the big kids are at school:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9x7JQstI/AAAAAAAAB6s/PocjU280ICg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9x7JQstI/AAAAAAAAB6s/PocjU280ICg/s200/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505788841104028370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rich cameo on the blog:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9y878fNI/AAAAAAAAB68/zO7hKRb0mNs/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh9y878fNI/AAAAAAAAB68/zO7hKRb0mNs/s200/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505788858764917970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just because I love sleeping babies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-WFZhfII/AAAAAAAAB70/kQPVIs-KoMg/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh-WFZhfII/AAAAAAAAB70/kQPVIs-KoMg/s200/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505789462331882626" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-15067169859059844492010-08-15T16:33:00.004-07:002010-08-15T16:45:04.328-07:00It lives!!!<div style="text-align: center;">*hand waving* You don't notice the missing year and a half on this blog...<br /><br />Pictures!<br /><br />Caleb eating solids:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6HFaZRBI/AAAAAAAAB5k/QJ2JzWm6cBg/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6HFaZRBI/AAAAAAAAB5k/QJ2JzWm6cBg/s200/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505784806590989330" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6Hj2DZtI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QkAbHY5EMiI/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6Hj2DZtI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QkAbHY5EMiI/s200/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505784814760060626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sarah's first project of 3rd grade, the Mexican Axolatl:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6IvUBK7I/AAAAAAAAB58/yoXwwAut8ro/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6IvUBK7I/AAAAAAAAB58/yoXwwAut8ro/s200/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505784835018402738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Karen's first day of preschool:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6ISfjEJI/AAAAAAAAB50/H6bQlDaK0pE/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6ISfjEJI/AAAAAAAAB50/H6bQlDaK0pE/s200/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505784827282133138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sarah on Friday Fun Day, Clown Day:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6Jd9qTVI/AAAAAAAAB6E/YtXvUIjhd_o/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh6Jd9qTVI/AAAAAAAAB6E/YtXvUIjhd_o/s200/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505784847541095762" border="0" /></a><br />(I did that make up. Cause I'm a good mom.)<br /><br />New niece!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7RqBNgQI/AAAAAAAAB6k/US6rTCg0t1U/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7RqBNgQI/AAAAAAAAB6k/US6rTCg0t1U/s200/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505786087727792386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With the kids (except Caleb - he looked scared in his pic):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7Rbfbe8I/AAAAAAAAB6c/ckr2v-z2HSw/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7Rbfbe8I/AAAAAAAAB6c/ckr2v-z2HSw/s200/035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505786083828005826" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7Q05a6fI/AAAAAAAAB6U/AF2891Mesos/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7Q05a6fI/AAAAAAAAB6U/AF2891Mesos/s200/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505786073468037618" border="0" /></a><br />(Check it out - Emily trusted Sarah to hold Lils!)<br /><br />And with Aunt Shannon:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7QVb2b3I/AAAAAAAAB6M/6ZPdlDLGu1A/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/TGh7QVb2b3I/AAAAAAAAB6M/6ZPdlDLGu1A/s200/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505786065022513010" border="0" /></a><br />(What's up with my hair? I don't know. It was being funky.)<br /><br />The End.<br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-43251429600969275942009-05-29T13:58:00.005-07:002010-02-01T10:59:40.407-07:00Anecdotes for the day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMmFcI1mI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Mu14QmH4XB4/s1600-h/DSCN4727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMmFcI1mI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Mu14QmH4XB4/s320/DSCN4727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341353375240345186" border="0" /></a><br />Today was Sarah's last day of first grade. She had fun at the park field trip yesterday, but was much more subdued today. She cried in the car when I picked her up. We'll miss Mrs. T.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMls9Le7I/AAAAAAAABxA/G6G6oQAWb6c/s1600-h/DSCN4650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMls9Le7I/AAAAAAAABxA/G6G6oQAWb6c/s320/DSCN4650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341353368668044210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Noah is a cutie. The Wii is teaching him to read. Specifically, Animal Crossing. There is a lot of text-based interaction with characters. He still makes me read a lot to him, but he's recognizing more words every day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMlzT1hzI/AAAAAAAABxI/qkWT_gRFIu8/s1600-h/DSCN4703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SiBMlzT1hzI/AAAAAAAABxI/qkWT_gRFIu8/s320/DSCN4703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341353370373687090" border="0" /></a><br />Karen makes a good grumpy face on command. Her story for the day: she left her binky on the table at the library while she was making sure she had one of each flyer available. More than one of the really important flyers. Anyway, on the way home, she realized she'd left the binky behind and demanded that Mommy 'go get it at the library so the bad guys don't get my binky!' Fortunately for Mommy, we had a duplicate binky at home.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-18384403928712853182009-05-19T12:42:00.005-07:002010-02-05T10:09:33.012-07:00NoahNoah didn't get an update on the previous post, so I'll just add a quick note.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShMOOPVXlsI/AAAAAAAABvw/PWxwBK5JKXY/s1600-h/DSCN4613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShMOOPVXlsI/AAAAAAAABvw/PWxwBK5JKXY/s320/DSCN4613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337625621161285314" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, I love this kid. He is so funny, and he thinks about interesting things. Lately, his fixation has been on quantifying everything. "How much is a minute?" "So, 10 minutes is 10 sixty seconds?" "How much is an hour?" "So it's sixty sixty seconds?" And 3 days from now is "tomorrow's tomorrow's tomorrow."<br /><br />We've also been having interesting discussions about resurrection (When does it happen? Where will we live? When will we see people again?) and accountability ("If I'm bad right now, it doesn't really count, but if I keep being bad, when I get older I'll be used to being bad, and then I'll get in trouble.").<br /><br />Today we were discussing a pending shopping trip. He wanted to know when we were going, and I wasn't sure. I told him it depended on how long it took to change Karen and get lunch and whether we'd have enough time before Sarah's school concert... Anyway. His response was "I'll take whatever is in life."Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-34332225905427147502009-05-17T15:58:00.007-07:002009-05-17T16:46:55.327-07:00I'm not dead yet!<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, the blog lives. It's just sadly neglected. What's a good excuse...? Er...we'll blame it on 'having a two-year-old.'<br /><br />Speaking of two-year-olds... This was a fun project of Karen's. That's vegetable oil, with a healthy dose of olive oil, all over my kitchen floor. She was 'making a birthday cake for Mommy.' And then she realized that it was, in fact, a mess instead of a cake and she got some sponges and rags to clean it up. Points for effort Karen. But that was absolutely disgusting to clean up. The second picture shows how she's lived this long. She's so darn cute. (Especially wearing lots of chapstick all over her face.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXuFNMdQI/AAAAAAAABvg/6QWC2hiRiyw/s1600-h/DSCN4608.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXuFNMdQI/AAAAAAAABvg/6QWC2hiRiyw/s320/DSCN4608.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336932376361334018" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXubJiflI/AAAAAAAABvo/HuyQNsZEaww/s1600-h/DSCN4610.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXubJiflI/AAAAAAAABvo/HuyQNsZEaww/s320/DSCN4610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336932382251581010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHtZMN0i6omLTA1BiEFsGKwqwQ199H_ZE-OwT1WhpAN9RcamNyokFvWfzmyIsy4KMRNjJJJxquUJc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While Noah and Daddy were on the Father Son campout, and Karen was occupied with Blues Clues, Sarah got a sewing lesson. I helped make sure the fabric was straight a couple of times, and I did the square reenforcements on the straps for her, but other than that, she did it herself.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXuADTt4I/AAAAAAAABvY/ybjEQ7Ds324/s1600-h/DSCN4632.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ShCXuADTt4I/AAAAAAAABvY/ybjEQ7Ds324/s320/DSCN4632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336932374977689474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(Hint: It's a tote bag. Not a dress.)<br /></div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-33243216779648341202009-03-20T14:28:00.003-07:002009-03-20T14:30:33.598-07:00Zoo trip!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ScQKtiUWeVI/AAAAAAAABqY/18f7csyx-Cg/s1600-h/2009-03-20007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/ScQKtiUWeVI/AAAAAAAABqY/18f7csyx-Cg/s320/2009-03-20007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315385237626583378" border="0" /></a>Perfect capture of the kids. Sarah hamming it up, Noah trying to avoid pictures, Karen oblivious and patting another child: "Aww. Cute baby!"Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-50722917774047811482009-01-08T15:21:00.001-07:002009-01-08T15:23:26.437-07:00New blogI'm still keeping this blog open for my usual sporadic posting sprees of the kids' hijinx. But I'm also starting a new one with other random stuff. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://spreadsheetqueen.blogspot.com/">New blog here</a>!Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-47216469884448233682008-12-09T18:10:00.002-07:002008-12-09T18:17:04.178-07:00Awesome Freeness!Or Free Awesomeness...I'm not sure which I like better.<br /><br />Anyway, this is not a shameless plug, since I don't get anything, but I wanted to pass on a cool freebie. If you go to the <a href="http://www.walden.com/newsletters/2008_December/index.html">Walden Media</a> site, there's a banner in the center of the page for a free calendar and a free copy of the DVD Amazing Grace (Yay Horatio!) for registering at their site.<br /><br />I'm not sure if it's necessary, but my username there is Euphrasie if you want to put it in the referrer field. But that's probably just for their tracking purposes.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-52384195483185776842008-11-19T19:19:00.000-07:002008-11-19T19:19:00.809-07:00Gratuitous YouTube<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA">This clip</a> is awesome. It's a British public service announcement.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-59469764198620330442008-11-19T00:01:00.003-07:002008-11-19T00:15:27.597-07:00Shameless PlugOkay, so...I was over reading the <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/">Money Saving Mom</a> blog, and she had a <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2008/11/swagbucks-earn-gift-cards-for-searching-online.html">post </a>up about Swagbucks.<br /><br />Apparently, the deal is that you sign up, and they award you points for making searches through their site. You get 3 points when you sign up, and can win 1-5 points for each search (Apparently it's random, but it didn't take me more than a couple searches to win one for 2 points). A $5 Amazon electronic gift code is 45 points, which seems pretty easy to earn in a month. You can save up to get cards for other stores, but I did a couple of point-per-dollar comparisons, and Amazon has the best return on investment.<br /><br />They also have toolbars you can add to your browser (including Firefox--yay!) to make it easier to use. It's powered by Google (yay!) and Ask.com. Not a bad deal overall.<br /><br />What are you waiting for? <a href="http://swagbucks.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=246737">Sign up here.</a><br /><br />To my sisters...I'm looking at you. You know how I make you sign up for things so I can get points? Yeah. And you love My Points, right? Do it.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-20365716666086532252008-11-07T07:40:00.000-07:002008-11-07T07:40:00.778-07:00Pumpkins<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SRPN2HJ7mJI/AAAAAAAABjk/IjJBnqD4kDo/s1600-h/DSCN4045.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SRPN2HJ7mJI/AAAAAAAABjk/IjJBnqD4kDo/s320/DSCN4045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265778718843574418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />1, 2, 3 little pumpkins.<br /><br />Noah's is a regular scary face he designed. It looks a lot like last year's model. Karen's is a puppy dog with floppy ears. And Sarah's is a vampire pumpkin.<br /><br />I was fully planning to cook them all up after Halloween, but there was some melted wax I didn't want to deal with...and eventually they were goners. They went in the trash today.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-50829126637169417912008-11-06T07:00:00.001-07:002008-11-06T07:00:01.265-07:00ePatternsA little late for Halloween, I came across <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=170074&c=ib&aff=40276&ev=96acfbb7aa" target="ejejcsingle">Sense & Sensibility</a>, a website offering digitized ePatterns for vintage clothing, like a Regency dress (with an additional neckline supplement for those who don't want to bare all), children's pinafores and bloomers, Regency underwear (!), Spencer and Pelisse, embroidery patterns...I am so ready for a Jane Austen costume party! <br /><br />There are also Edwardian, 1910's, 1940's, and Swing items that the owner of the site will eventually have all digitized.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-77232179216727079502008-11-05T18:00:00.001-07:002008-11-05T18:00:01.247-07:00Karen is such a fruitcakeI made chili tonight, and cooked some extra beans to freeze. After Karen ate half her chili, she told me she wanted 'more rice' and pointed at the cooling bowl of plain beans.<br /><br />Me: Do you want more chili?<br />Karen: No, don't like it! (pointing again at the beans)<br />Me: Do you just want beans?<br />Karen: Yes.<br />Me: There are beans <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span> the chili. See?<br />Karen: No! Don't like it!<br />Me: But here's just a plain bean.<br />Karen:No!<br />Me: Fine, here's a bean from the bowl.<br />Karen: Don't like it!<br />Me: Wha? What did you want then?<br />Karen: Lots. On plate.<br />Me: Okay fine.<br /><br />I gave her a spoonful in a little bowl, figuring we'd probably throw them out once she finished playing with them. She lifted the bowl up and poured them in her mouth and ate them. Plain unsalted beans. Gross. But I guess she knew what she wanted.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-38049378438480696942008-11-01T13:05:00.002-07:002008-11-01T23:40:11.468-07:00The Halloween Fairy and Russian TeaIt's a double header post. Yay!<br /><br />The basic concept of the Halloween Fairy is that she comes and takes away all the candy and leaves a toy or money in its place. The kids get something in exchange, and Mom doesn't have to deal with limiting candy, finding candy stuck in carpets, wiping chocolate-y finger prints off everything, or settling disputes over stolen candy. But...<br /><br />Okay. I couldn't do it. I couldn't make all the Halloween candy disappear overnight. I just couldn't abort the fun of sorting and hoarding the candy for a few days... But I also couldn't dispute the existence of the Halloween Fairy after the kids got so excited. So Miss Fairy took some of the candy (mostly the plethora of things I know the kids don't really like) and left $1. She might be back later for the rest. We'll see.<br /><br />Per Jenni's request, here's the Russian tea recipe I got from Rich's grandparents, straight from the family cookbook:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Cornaby Russian Tea<br /> <br />11 c. water<br />1 1/4 c. sugar<br />2 sticks cinnamon<br />6 whole cloves<br />1 c. pineapple juice<br />3 T. lemon juice<br />6 oz. (1/2 can) orange juice concentrate<br /> <br /> Bring to a boil the water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice concentrate. Serve hot or cold. Yield: Enough to cure many.<br /> This is the favorite Cornaby cure for colds and sore throats. A kettle simmering on the back unit of the stove has chased away many a virus.</blockquote>I like it best hot. They serve it every year during the family Messiah sing. It soothes sore throats from illness...and over-taxed vocal chords.</div>Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-33432180463579803262008-10-31T21:11:00.005-07:002008-10-31T21:44:10.913-07:00Halloween (and this post) Go on ForEVER!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdLteQ8xI/AAAAAAAABiw/ldoETF84T7g/s1600-h/DSCN4034.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdLteQ8xI/AAAAAAAABiw/ldoETF84T7g/s320/DSCN4034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263543782767391506" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdMG8RP8I/AAAAAAAABi4/hdpvDFQ4src/s1600-h/DSCN4039.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdMG8RP8I/AAAAAAAABi4/hdpvDFQ4src/s320/DSCN4039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263543789604126658" border="0" /></a><br />Sarah started out as a pumpkin, but we altered that to a witch for dance class. She was so cute, we kept it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdLqGP4SI/AAAAAAAABio/_sKGc7YlSZo/s1600-h/DSCN4031.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvdLqGP4SI/AAAAAAAABio/_sKGc7YlSZo/s320/DSCN4031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263543781861351714" border="0" /></a><br />That's one saucy pirate. Arrr!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd749uEYI/AAAAAAAABjA/4YGjzCoAxus/s1600-h/DSCN4038.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd749uEYI/AAAAAAAABjA/4YGjzCoAxus/s200/DSCN4038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263544610485834114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8IM2i6I/AAAAAAAABjI/vNcrjWl5NgM/s1600-h/DSCN4041.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8IM2i6I/AAAAAAAABjI/vNcrjWl5NgM/s200/DSCN4041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263544614575836066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8Y2uLsI/AAAAAAAABjQ/Gak-m4T8XV8/s1600-h/DSCN4044.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8Y2uLsI/AAAAAAAABjQ/Gak-m4T8XV8/s200/DSCN4044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263544619046416066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8knIJ9I/AAAAAAAABjY/bTxyhiFqohQ/s1600-h/DSCN4046.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MhO54Z2Vel8/SQvd8knIJ9I/AAAAAAAABjY/bTxyhiFqohQ/s200/DSCN4046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263544622202234834" border="0" /></a><br />Karen the Candy Fiend, complete with wings. She caught on enough to say "Treat?" at doors. And finally, "No! No pictures!"<br /><br /></div>I swear, Halloween has turned into a week-long marathon. We've been busy with activities all week.<br /><ul><li>The Trunk-or-Treat and Fall Festival carnival at Church was last Wednesday.<br /></li><li>We used Family Home Evening on Monday to carve Noah's pumpkin and make a plan for Karen's. Sarah and I used the clearance candy-making kit we picked up after Halloween last year.<br /></li><li>Then on Tuesday, Sarah's dance class had a little Halloween party where the girls showed us some dance moves - kangaroo jumps, skeleton walking, ghost gliding, something or other leaps...basic dance things with Halloween-y names. And then they exchanged treats (Sarah brought Halloween suckers made from the kit).<br /></li><li>Thursday, I took Noah and Karen to the library for storytime and trick or treating around the library.<br /></li><li>That night, Noah's karate class practiced for 10 minutes then spent the rest of class doing 'fun drills' - a ring toss, bean bag toss, bowling, sack races... I was in charge of the bean bags, which got interesting when Karen insisted on being held while I did squats with 30 pounds trying to pick up bean bags for the kids.</li><li>As if that weren't enough in one day, I took the kids to the safe house run by the firefighters at the town hall center. It was CRAZY. They said they were expecting 4000-5000 kids over the two days. All I have to say is that if they were expecting that many, why on earth did they cram it into the tiny center?? We pushed our way through the crowds so the kids could play some carnival games, get some candy, and earn some prizes. They handed out paper money for winning games that the kids could exchange for prizes at very reasonable rates, I must say (great options for 1 or 2 'dollars'). Although, we really didn't need to come home with four more stuffed animals. I wish they'd gone for the glow sticks instead. And the highlight for the kids? Getting to ride in a <span style="font-style: italic;">real </span>bus that shuttled us from the high school parking lot to the town center. Highlight for Mom: getting to round out the lower body work out with some upper by carrying a tired Karen the whole time. Love it. Love the pain.</li><li>Friday finally rolled around. It's Rich's off Friday, so he took Noah to his art class and took Karen with him. I got to catch up on laundry and dishes. I also made a big pot of Russian tea to combat these nasty colds and sore throats that have been plaguing us all week.</li><li>Sarah went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. Apparently the patch called the teacher yesterday that they were OUT of PUMPKINS! Nice. You can't tell a 1st grader that. They worked quickly and made a deal with Walmart. They trucked a bunch of pumpkins from the store out to the patch, and some volunteers went early to set them out in the field. None of the kids any the wiser.</li><li>I went over to the school to help set up for the Halloween party when the kids got back from the field trip. They kept sugar to a minimum, having popcorn, fruit, veggies and dip, and juice. Just a cupcake and a few pieces of candy to take home.</li><li>Halloween night...finally. Rich and I browbeat the kids into actually eating dinner. Then we dressed up, Sarah a witch, Noah a pirate, and Karen a ladybug. There is no photographic evidence, but I was 'The Night." All black. And then I took a white jacket so I wouldn't get run over. Trick or Treating was fun. We only went once around one side of the block...the kids were worn out. Then they had great fun sitting in the driveway handing out candy. Karen tried to put half eaten pieces of her own in kids' bags, but I think we caught everything except a piece of popcorn.<br /></li><li>And by this time, I'm thinking I should have been blogging all week, because this post is turning into a book. Sorry. At least I put the pictures first, right?<br /></li></ul><br />And now the candy. Lots of candy. Here's my latest trick. I just learned about <a href="http://www.positivespinpress.com/hallowseve/hallowseve.html">this book</a> from another blog. I was going to give the kids a day or two with the candy to enjoy it then set it out for 'the Halloween Fairy,' but they were so excited they ate some tonight and put it out. Sarah was sooo excited, she put hers on the front porch without consulting me, and it promptly got dumped in some teenagers' sacks. Grr. She was really sad when she found out I'd meant by her bedroom door. She knew the fairy didn't get it because nothing was left behind. We put some other candy by her door, and 'the fairy will understand.' I'm leaving money instead of toys because #1, I wasn't on top of things enough to get something when I went shopping early in the week, and #2, I think it will be fun to take them to the store to pick something out themselves. We'll see how it goes.Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-8384641600796606742008-10-23T15:36:00.001-07:002008-10-23T15:36:16.217-07:00Karen Look-alike Meter<a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" title="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" alt="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.myheritagefiles.com/O/storage/site1/files/65/03/52/650352_361694b4cf0094vopa3407.JPG" width="435" height="470" border="0" ></a><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com" >MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" >Look-alike Meter</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/roots" >Roots</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/last-name" >Last name</a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.10NXC/bHQ9MTIyNDgwMTM1NjMxNyZwdD*xMjI*ODAxMzcxMDIwJnA9MTEwNTcxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz**MWM2NzBkOWNjODI*N2U*YjlkYjFlMWZkY2NjYzA1YQ==.gif" />Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36512949.post-84303015445531066712008-10-23T15:33:00.001-07:002008-10-23T15:33:22.377-07:00Noah Look-alike Meter<a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" title="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" alt="Click to get your own Look-alike Meter" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.myheritagefiles.com/M/storage/site1/files/65/01/02/650102_238341f9bf00944d6j8p87.JPG" width="435" height="470" border="0" ></a><p><a href="http://www.myheritage.com" >MyHeritage</a>: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/meter" >Look-alike Meter</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/family-history" >Family history</a> - <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/page/geneology" >Geneology </a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.10NXC/bHQ9MTIyNDgwMTE4MjExNCZwdD*xMjI*ODAxMTkzODE3JnA9MTEwNTcxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz**MWM2NzBkOWNjODI*N2U*YjlkYjFlMWZkY2NjYzA1YQ==.gif" />Mean Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281850297458696291noreply@blogger.com0