Gangsta's

I came home tonight and my children had dressed themselves up - Hood! They started taking pictures and I had to get them ALL so, I took over. I have no idea what made them think of this but, they were having a good ole time. They are also the inspiration for my new title. I know - Cheesy but, I think they are so fun and cute! Luke kind of looks like he is taking it a little too seriously, ha ha. Kate was more than happy to pose for a few more. Has she done this before?

Things That Make You Go hmmm

Every night our kids brush their teeth. Every night they use a timer like this to measure how long they need to brush. Well, tonight, Kate was busy brushing and suddenly grabbed the timer and sat it on its side, like so. Troy and I immediately thought that she was trying to stall and questioned her. She continued to tell us that she needed to spit and that she was pausing the timer so she could continue afterwards. "Oh, of course you were, you are so smart," we told her. Maybe she was stalling as well but, so what. She is too cute! I immediately thought of how I need to pause and "smell the flowers," so to speak, every once in awhile. Out of the mouth of babes.

Other lessons I have learned this week:

2. Surprise my kids more often: Austin has been wanting the third "Eragon" book, which just came out Friday. We told him that he'd have to wait. He also performed with his band at a Huskies football game and was gone all day on Saturday. When he was gone, we bought the book, placed it on his bed, opened it to the middle, so he couldn't see the title and left it there. After finding it, he thanked us profusely, he smiled from ear to ear and we even got hugs, score! He continued to tell us how there was a boy that sat right next to him on the bus reading the book and a girl in back of him reading it as well and how frustrated he was that he didn't have his own copy.

3. Observe Kindergartners more often: I took Kate (my kindergartner) and Ellie to Alex's volleyball games this week. While we were there, Kate noticed a friend of hers walk in the door that was from school. I had never seen this girl before. They immediately greeted each other with a hug, giggle and a smile and busily played for the rest of the game. I couldn't help but think how uninhibited they were and how as we get older the easier it is to be the opposite.

4. Don't be afraid to stray from the norm: I LOVE ice cream. However, this weekend I was introduced to Gelato. It is like ice cream but better (more flavorful) and wasabi cheese is not as hot as you would think. It is very, very good. I tend to keep to my vanilla and cheddar.

5. Always Delegate! Especially when you are setting up 24 chairs in a limited space. It will not take more time to explain, it will take longer to do it by yourself. Two Words: Primary Program

Getting Jiggy

I couldn't resist an 80's moment for the day. Love the attitude on some of these girls faces and Tony Basil's moves are to die for! Ha Ha! My mother used to tell me to smile more, etc. when I was a cheerleader. I really only liked the dancing and gymnastics part of the whole thing. The only saving grace for me was the aerial cartwheel I could do -- SOMETIMES. In fact, I tried to do one the other day, out of sheer lack of reality and almost put my back out. Back handsprings? No, I was too chicken.

...as soon as the kids are in bed

A friend of mine and her husband have a Ben and Jerry's night every once in awhile. This is kind of a tradition they have started. Well, when they came to visit we decided that it was a great idea and that we would have to join in on this tradition as well. Ice cream is our "treat of choice" especially, when you get to choose your own personal flavor. We waited of course until the kids were in bed because this is something that you just don't want to share. Troy had aligned them so nicely we had to take a picture. I wish I had one in my hand right now.

The Recipient

I have been called a name or two in my life, it's true. I have also been on the giving end of it too. However, it takes me quite awhile to get to that point. Well, a couple of months ago, a friend called me a "pushover" for doing something that most will not. She also said that others thought this as well. I just brushed it off because I'm sure she did not mean to offend, right? I didn't think about it again until another friend, jokingly, said I was a sucker for doing the same thing. I laughed because I thought it was quite witty and I know she did not mean to offend either. Well, my sweet husband has been home all week due to a company shut-down. And while this has been a wonderful time for us to spend together, it is now Thursday and I think we have a bit of cabin-fever. I was cleaning upstairs and he starts commenting on the very thing that I have been teased about. Well, lets just say that he was the RECIPIENT of my not so "pushover" mood.

"Jungle Red"

Ok, my hands look really old right here! Aacchh! I meant to make the picture smaller. Anyway, I saw a movie recently with Meg Ryan and other famous actresses in it. It was about women and some of the trials they go through. It mostly follows Meg Ryan's character and how she goes from wearing muted fingernail colors to wearing "Jungle Red." Or rather, going from being content with life to having the courage to do something that is scary yet possibly, very rewarding. So, I decided that, even though I am very happy with my life and wouldn't change the big things about it, I could set some goals and make a list of things I've always wanted to do but haven't made a priority. So, I started with painting my nails of course. This is something I have never been into. I really hate painting them and finding that, in the same day they are already peeling and breaking, etc. However, I figured that it was more of a statement to myself than anything and maybe it would be fun. My little girls actually started it off because they wanted their nails painted and it seems like I am always doing that for them (ok, so I have a hard time clipping them but I do paint them). So, thanks Kate and Ellie for giving me that boost! I'm off and fired up with my "Jungle Red" polish. Wish me luck!

Wipeout!

New favorite show! Tuesday nights on ABC. I can't decide on my favorite contestant. It's a tie between Mr. Excitement, the 56- year old grandma and the Jazz Dancer!