Thursday, October 30, 2008

What I'm Reading

Have you notice that little thing over there on the right side of my blog that says "What I am Reading"? Have you noticed that the same book has been there for 3 months? You probably haven't noticed because it's kinda like that suitcase that has been sitting in your hall for the past 6 months, you just don't notice it anymore, it's part of your home decor and is now becoming a nice little hall table. Oh, but I'm off the subject.

WM--PUT THE DANG SUITCASE AWAY FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! (This is a total 'battle of the wills' going on over who is going to move the suitcase. If WM hasn't figure it out by now--9 years later--he's married to one stubborn chick. It's one of the glories of being Irish--it's in your genes). I'm going to take a pic of it tonight and post it, just so you can see the evidence.

Anyway...it's back to the book. Are you thinking that I finished that book a long time ago and I just have been too lazy to post the newest book I'm reading? I wish that were true, my friends. But I have not finished that book. And what's worse, I have another book that I'm half way through and is 3 months overdue to the library. You'd think those snarky little 'reminders' (I call it Library Hate Mail) would be enough to make me pick up the book(s) and finish them. But really, who has time? I mean, come on...there are meals to cook...kids to bathe...homework to do...Dancing with the Stars to watch...kids to put to bed...dishes to do...school uniforms to iron...school lunches to pack...laundry to fold...house to clean...not to mention; Halloween costumes to figure out...Halloween parties to prepare for (X3)...Jack 'o Lanterns to carve.

Who has time to sit and read a book that really isn't good enough to keep your interest?

So here's the deal...anyone out there who has read:

Shadow Baby and The Shack, just tell me how they end. I'm 1/2 way through both and I'm going to do something that I've never done. I'm just not going to finish them. They are going back to the library today. End of story (literally).

So will someone tell me how those two books end??

Please???

Then I can post another new book that I'm going to read...and leave it up there for 3 months.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I'm A Classic

Today I was planning on doing a post on the award winning Halloween costume that Katie and I created and the fun we had this past weekend at Boo Ha Ha and the country club Halloween party. But I got a little side tracked...

I had to run some errands today so I hopped in my car and flipped on the radio (because my iPod battery is dead) and as I was flipping through stations, I happened to stop at the "Classic" station (not to be mistaken with Classical). The "Classic Rock" station isn't what I think of as Classic Rock. To me Classic Rock is Led Zepplin, Aerosmith...those types of bands. But no, this station of "Classic Rock" is the PC way of saying "Oldies." So let's just say I was listening to the "Oldies" station. You know Oldies..."She Loves You Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" and "You make me wanna SHOUT!" That's what I thought I was going to get. But you wanna hear what they were playing...or maybe I should say...what they were saying...

"Flashback Lunch...1994"

1994

1994?

Did I hear that right

1994??

NINETEEN NINETY FOUR????????????????????

Since when is 1994 considered an "oldie"???

I'm coming to terms with my age these days...I'm probably 10 years older than most parents who have Kindergarteners; when I had Patrick and Baby Lam my chart was marked with a giant red AMA--Advanced Maternal Age--the nice way of saying "an old woman having a baby"; I find I have more in common with a 50 year old than a 20 year old. I've come to terms with the fact that my 30's are quickly becoming my past. But am I an OLDIE? No way!!! Actually, 1994---that would make my little brother an OLDIE, too. And what would that make WM????? Oh boy, he's 6 years older than me--that would make him....

Elderly...a Senior Citizen!

So I'm boycotting that station from now on until they put the Beatles back on. Maybe even then. I know I'm not a spring chicken, but I don't need a radio station reminding me of it! You need to boycott it, too. If you live in Tulsa, just search around a little while, you'll find it...in 106 range.

1994 was a lame year anyway (BTW, I was out of college by 1994).

I'll take the 80's anyday! But that's because I'm a child of the 80's.

Regardless, I'm mad at that dumb radio station...

I'm going to go eat our entire bowl of Halloween candy now.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Evil Eye

To start this blog it would be helpful if you could sing that song by Madonna from the Austin Powers movie that goes "Evil...Evil is his one and only name." That would be good background music for this post.

It's been said, "a child's behavior is a reflection of it's parent's actions." I believe this to be mostly true. Yet my three children do something that I never do. I mean, NEVER...I never, ever, ever do this. They give WM and I "the evil eye" like nobody's business. They have mastered the art of the evil eye and know in exactly what situation to execute it. At our house the evil eye has no age or gender boundaries...it's an equal opportunity trait that all Three Little Lams have. Even Baby Lam has it down (though she has a little work to do on her evil eye in order to be called a master. But she's well on her way).

Check this out...
She doesn't really have the squint going on that an "official" evil eye has, but she is definitely workin' it right there. She was getting in trouble by WM for climbing the ladder and jumping around on the top bunk. Is that a look of defiance or what? Ooooweeee are we going to have trouble with that one.

Ya know what's even funnier? When Baby Lam was giving WM that evil eye, at the same time I was getting it from Katie. I captured it--the simulatenous evil eye of the Lam girls.

Here's a close up of Katie's. She's MASTERED it (you saw this one in a previous post, but it's worth showing again because of the perfection of it).
Look at the perfect form she's got going there...perfectly executed eye squint, exquistly performed brow furl, no hint of a smile in site. Perfection, I tell ya. I give that evil eye a "10"!

So you think that the evil eye is only inherent in my girls? Nope. Patrick's got it, too. He's got the male version of it, though. Instead of the squint he does the "look at you out of the corner of your eye (or over the brow bone, or down the nose)" thing.

See...
Unfortunately for my kids, the evil eye doesn't work on me. It just makes me laugh and run for my camera! Which usually then results in even more evil eye-ing. It's a vicious cycle--that I think is funny. Maybe I'll start using the evil eye more...at work, home, in public. Such as:

WM: "I'm golfing in the morning"
Me: giving the evil eye with no response
WM: "Never mind, I'll stay home and fold the laundry."

or

Work person: "I need 5,000 brochures by tomorrow afternoon"
Me: Giving the evil eye with no response
Work person: "Oh, I see you are busy, I will send you a written request."

See...I think it could work beautifully!

Why don't you try it--let me know how it works out for ya!

Peace!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Give Me the Giggles

I've learned to put things in perspective since I've had children. What I used to think was super important now seems quite trival. But there are days that I have trouble remembering that. Last week I had one of those days. If anything were to go wrong, it was...work, kiddos, schedules, bills, etc., etc. I was in a pretty poopy mood and my poor family was getting the brunt of my frustration.

Until I walked in the bedroom and found this...


How could you stay grumpy after witnessing that? It certainly lightened my mood and now whenever I need a good laugh I watch this. Those giggles are too much for this weak mommy...they send me over the edge and make me want to have more babies! Did I really say that?

We all need to take time during our busy lives to stop and do a good belly laugh!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Monday Mumbles, cont.

It's starting to become routine that I just ramble endlessly about nonsense on Mondays, so I guess from now on all my Monday posts will continue to be called "Monday Mumbles." So here are my thoughts for today:

First off, you won't believe this, but I'm posting this blog while watching Dancing with the Stars. I know! I can't believe it either--that I'm diverting my attention during my fav show. Actually I'm only typing during the commercials. Plus, I have 3 kiddos, I'm the master of multi-tasking while watching TV.

Here's a photo of my new fav couple:

Ha! Just kidding, thanks to my SIL for sending me that funny pic! I love it!!

I actually have SO much to say about this whole political mess, but I've learned not to. I think anyone who knows me or reads my blog knows where I stand as far as politics go. I'm an extremely conservative and traditional person. Another thing about me is that I'm the most non-confrontational person in the world. Therefore, I don't talk about politics because I don't want people getting in my face and making me be arguementative. That's the great thing about America, you can have your view and I can have mine (which is right) and we can all still be friends. Plus, no matter how much you can try to get me to change my mind--it's not happening. But I'll still like ya! :)

That's all I have to say about that.

Oh--Patrick and WM went golfing the other day. I wish I could've seen it in person, this is the best I got.

He's very serious and determining where he's going to place his next shot. Smart kid.

Is it just me or does this boy have a rockin' follow through?


Isn't he a little cutie...and destined to be the next Tiger Woods? Ha!

WM and Patrick also went to the OU/KU game in Norman this week. They were so proud of their red and blue Jayhawk gear. And I think they had a fun time. But they came home pretty deflated. WM said Patrick had a great time and loved the "medium Jayhawk", a.k.a. "Baby Jay" for all you KU people. WM really has him sold on KU and that it's the place to be.

Someday I'll convince my children that K-State is a pretty awesome place, too.


Go Wildcats!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I Heart Mr. Weather Man

I bet you think this is going to be another installment of me nagging on WM. I could do that, he provides me lots of material. But I'm not. Because I love Mr. WM and 9 years ago today I said "I do" to him. I'm not going to bore you with the sappy love story and how wonderful he and what a great dad. If you know me, you know I have pretty high standards for the people I surround myself with, so by default Mr. WM is full of awesome-ness. I wish I had a photo of our wedding day to share, but I haven't had time to scan one in, so....sorry, I don't. So what do you want to know about us? How about what we've accomplished in the past 9 years...

We have had...

6 vehicles

1 house

4 dogs

3 cats

3 jobs

2 churches

5 sofas (is that weird?)

Visited Hawaii, Florida, Michigan, Las Vegas, Kansas

Cried over the deaths of 1 grandpa and 2 grandmas

Celebrated the marriages of 2 siblings

Cheered on the Wildcats, Jayhawks, Hurricane, KC Chiefs, KC Royals

Played multiple rounds of golf

But best of all...

We welcomed three precious little Lams.

So instead of a wedding photo (which I will post at a later date, just to prove we got married), he's what I've got for ya...

Happy Anniversary, WM. You really were the only one who was meant for me! I'm so happy about that! I love ya!

...Party on Garth!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Soccer Star

Many of you have been asking how Katie's soccer season is going. So I figured it's time for me to come out from under my rock and 'fess up. Katie is not the star player. BUT, remember, I didn't encourage the soccer playing...Katie wanted to do it. So no one out there better be calling me a pushy soccer mom who is forcing her child to do something she doesn't want to.

I'll admit Katie likes the games. She likes to put on her soccer shirt and go to the games. I think it's because it's at a park and she thinks she'll get to go play afterwards. Or it could be that after the game she gets snacks. Whatever it is, she's okay with the games. It's practice that she's not so crazy about. For example, this morning I said "after school today you have soccer practice" and her response was "Noooooooooooo, I don't want to practice."

And she gave me this look.
(I gave WM that same look this morning when he came in a flipped on the light and told me to get up). We Lam girls have mastered the "evil eye" in the morning.

So, anyway, what it boils down to is this. 1. She likes the games. 2. Won't go near the ball unless it comes directly to her. 3. Is more concerned about her hair clips falling out and her shirt coming untucked. 4. Has stopped running down the field to stop and pick flowers.

I don't know if I'd say Katie is the worst player on our team...when she actually puts herself in the action she's actually pretty good. She just has zero aggression and doesn't want to get in the pack of kicking kids. I don't blame her...do you? I don't like getting kicked.

Here is some photographic evidence that at least she's trying...

This is her actually in the action (her team is in blue and she's facing the camera).

"Moooooooooooom...my clip keeps falling out!"

For some reason she's the kid that all the other kids want to pick up. But if I didn't tell you, wouldn't you have thought that she had just scored a goal and they are celebrating? (she didn't).

All in all, soccer is going fairly well. I am dreading the day it is 30 degrees out and we're standing out there watching. Remember...I don't do cold!

Peace out!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Do-Gooders Unite!

I meant to say "Good Job" to all you Pay-It-Forward-ers out there. Thank you for trying to make the world a little brighter for others. I know I'm getting a little philosophical here, but these type of small good deeds plant the seeds of big good deeds and make our world a better place.

So way to go!

Oh--Baloney--not yelling at The Doc doesn't count!

My Love of TV

Pre-children I had certain shows that I HAD to watch and watched them faithfully. I could tell you all the plot lines of each character of each season. I never missed. There were a few show I got into on a temporary basis...CSI Miami is one of them. I cannot watch that show without thinking about nursing my sweet Patrick. When he was a baby that was what I watched when I nursed him. Don't know why...just was. (Sorry to all you dudes out there for using the word 'nursing'. Get used to it...I'm sure there will be more about that in future blogs since I spent many, many, many, many, MANY months doing it).

My days of watching 'grown up' TV are over. Now I get to watch silly shows like Imagination Movers, Little Einsteins, Scooby Doo, and Yo Gabba Gabba. With the invention of cable/satellite TV there are cartoons on at any given moment of the day. Speaking of Yo Gabba Gabba...what is UP with this show???? Have any of you watched it? Helloooooo...anyone out there? Have you seen it? It's a children's show but it's a total freak show! Here's a video of one of the little skits that is on the show. Notice that it's Halloween themed...thank you very much (thanks, Ms. Fabulous).


(Thank you to the Fabulous Joy McGill for helping me with my first attempt at video embedding and making the cute Halloween border around it).

Ok, back to the real reason for this post...I must stand my ground on getting to view one show...Dancing with the Stars. Maybe it's because I'm a former dancer. NO, you pervs, not THAT kind of dancer!!! Geesh! I took ballet, tap for many years and danced in high school and college with a cute little skirt and pom poms. (Plus I love to watch Katie do all the dances. I discovered last night that she can do a pretty mean Samba). I totally love DWTS!!! Here's my thoughts on this season....so far....

Brooke and Derek--they are my favs. Call me mainstream, but it's because they are enjoyable to watch. She's good...even though she thinks she's pretty hot stuff.

Cloris and Corky...vote them off already! Come ON!! She stinks.

Lance and Lacy--ok, I would rather see them go than Cloris and Corky. They really, really bug me. REALLY bug me!!!

Warren and Kim--he's not that good, but how could you not root for this guy. He's at least 200 lbs bigger than the next smaller dude on the show. He's like dancing with a big teddy bear. I just like him.

Maurice and Cheryl--I'm neutral on this couple. Don't love 'em, don't hate 'em. Just kind of whatever.

Cody and Julianne--ok, they might be my fav couple, too. I don't care that he's 20 years younger than me, he's a little cutie and is trying to be a big boy. Maybe it's the mommy in me that is rooting for this little guy.

Susan and Tony--She's annoying and needs to go. That's all I have to say about that.

Rocco and Karina--they're cute and all, but nothin' to get excited about. I'm pretty sure they'll be goners tonight.

Who am I forgetting? If I'm forgetting about them then I really don't care about them.

So, hey, don't call me between 7-9 p.m. on Mondays. It's the only time I get to watch a grown up show.

I also have to tell you that as of yesterday we now have 183,502 different channels we can watch. Really? REALLY? Do we need this? Apparently WM thinks so. I'm glad that we're paying for all those channels when all we really need is about 5.

Oh--another show to check out...The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I have so much to say about the women on that show, but would probably get in trouble for saying it. It basically boils down to this..."money doesn't buy class."

Ooooo--and what "Whatever, Martha" too. It's funny. Martha's daughter is funny. And I love Martha Stewart and all her stuff. Just watch it, it's funny.

Am I on a soapbox today or what?

Goodness gracious...will someone please knock me off?

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Pay It Forward

Remember that movie Pay It Forward...you do something nice and that person does something nice and on and on and on. Well, because I'm super short on time and my brain is fried due to work and kiddos today, my blog is going to be quick. But I can't be that lame...I must try, TRY, to make the world a better place. So here's the deal for today...

Pay It Forward...

Go do something nice...preferably to a stranger (step out of your comfort zone). Make the world a better place or at least make someone's day.

Then tell me what you did in my "comments" section (or email me). I won't believe you actually did it unless you tell me about. :)

Go be happy!

Make someone happy!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Top 10 Reasons I Like Fall

I've decided that today I'm not going to blog about my precious little children (who were not being so precious during the night or this morning) or my silly husband WM. I thought I'd give you a break from the madness of my household and enlighten your day with all the reasons why I like fall. Notice I don't say "love", I don't "love" fall--for one main reason--fall means winter is on it's way and I really, really don't like winter (I'm one of those weirdos who runs a space heater year 'round, even when it's 105 degrees out. Yep--I do that--ask my friend, The Fabulous Joy McGill).

I really, really, really like fall, I just don't "luuuuuuuvvvvvv" fall. It's just a technicality--and my fear of the impending cold weather that is lurking up there in Canada and...gasp...the Arctic--it scares me when the TV Weather man--not my WM--say "Arctic Blast" or "Arctic Front." It's enough to make me drop my Starbucks and run for the nearest electric blanket heated bed (no, I don't have an electric blanket on my bed--because my mom scared me into thinking it would give me cancer, which it won't, but my mom said it would and mom's know stuff).

So here's the Top 10 Reasons I Like Fall:

10. Sweaters and Jeans--I can wear my sweaters and people don't look at me like I've lost my mind (because I wear them when it's hot out). And I have this one pair of jeans that I LOVE. They are perfectly broken in and fit me like a glove. And they are the perfect length--which is hard for a tall gal like me to find. A sweater and those jean...oh yeah!

9. Football--I really like college football, I mean, I really like college football. I honestly don't mind watching random college football teams play. I just love the tradition, school songs, etc., etc. that surround college football. I know WM will puke when I say this, but besides the Big 12, I really enjoy watching SEC teams. Those teams are good and you'll usually end up watching a pretty good game. But I don't like NFL football so much...except the KC Chiefs...but they stink...so I don't like NFL.

8. Pretty leaves--They're pretty. 'Nuf said.

7. Doggie breath on a fall morning--I think it's too cute to see my two pooches out there panting at the back door, begging to be fed, and you can see their doggie breath because it's so cold. It's just cute. But I'm weird.

6. Flannel sheets and Down Comforters--So snuggly and soft and warm. I LOVE crisp, ironed sheets more than anything, but the first time you get in bed with your soft flannel sheets, you just feel like you're sleepin' in heaven. Unless you're like me and have on your flannel jammies and flannel on flannel doesn't work, so you're stuck to your flannel sheets like velcro. But I still love me some flannel sheets!

5. Planting bulbs--I love how bulbs make you anticipate spring and give you hope for beauty and color during the cold, yucky, winter months. YUCKY and COLD. YUCK. I hate COLD. YUCK! But bulbs give us hope! (Did I mention that I'm weird)?

4. The smell of the air--Is it just me or does the air in the fall just smell good? Gone are the days of that funky "cooked ozone, refinery, asphalt" smell that the hot Oklahoma summers create. The air just smells better. Surely we're healthier. Surely.

3. Halloween--I never really got into this holiday pre-kids. And I still don't over do it like lots of moms, but I have to admit, seeing my little munchkins dressed up is just too cute! And, yeah, don't ask, I know it's Oct. 8, but no, I don't know what they are going to dress up as for Halloween yet. There's a whole blog comin' on that topic!

2. Baking--I love to bake. I mean I really love to bake. Hey WM--I REALLY LOVE TO BAKE! It's a hobby--you have golf, I have baking. So quit giving me grief everytime I bake a delicious treat (be glad you have a wife that does it). It's only natural to bake in the fall and fill your home with the delightful aroma of pumpkin bars, apple pie, spiced cookies. Mmmm...I think I'll go home and bake tonight.

1. Starbucks--I love Starbuck's year round--it's good even in the summer; but it's perfection on a crisp, cool, fall day! Plus it marks the end of the baristas giving you the "why-are-you-ordering-a-hot-drink-on-a-scorching-Oklahoma-summer-day?" look. Now I can go order my Grande Decaf Mocha with pride!!! Allelujah for fall!!!!

So there you go...the most random post known to man. Here's what we've determined today:
1). I don't like cold
2). I'm weird

Have yourself a great, fall day!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

These Shoes Really ARE Made for Walkin'

It finally happened! Really, it finally did!

No, WM didn't pass Louie.
No, Katie hasn't finished the princess phase.
No, our horribly burnt-up-from-the-Oklahoma-sun yard hasn't come back.
No, I haven't gotten out my fall decorations.
And, no, I haven't gone and purchased these awesomely cute boots I spotted the other day.

What happened??

Baby Lam finally started walking! If you read my poem yesterday (God Bless your precious soul for reading it and returning to my blog today), then you heard a brief mention of the momentous occasion. It doesn't seem like it would be a big deal...but it is!

And for the record, let's get a few things straight:

1). She's not walking to get anywhere; she's doing it to show off.
2). She's only walking to get attention. In otherwords, she takes a few steps and if there isn't immediate applause then she gives us a good hoot 'n holler to wake us up to what's happening. Then we all jump up and down and clap and say "Yay!"
3). She only walks with shoes on.
4). She only walks in the morning and after bath time in the evening.
5). And, Patrick is NOT amused by the walking and is quite tired of all the attention it is creating for Baby Lam and will full out tackle her at any given walking moment.

I'm just glad she's doing it--hallelujah--soon I won't have to carry around that little tub of blub! Though I probably will because she's my baby and that's what mommies do to their littlest ones.

Here we go...taking some steps. (that's a weird picture of her, huh? I had to use it to show the walking).Whoa, look at me, I can dance and walk at the same time.

This is just a booty shot...'cuz she has a cute tushie.
Yay! I'm just glad that my baby is finally taking some steps. My goal is for her to be able to walk by Halloween--costumes look much cuter.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Something's Wrong With My Computer

Something is wrong with my computer
I don't know what
So I'll make up a poem
Until you tell me to shut up!

Baby Lam is at fault
She was banging on the keyboard
Now all the formatting is messed up
Oh help me Good Lord!

(Stay with me here...I'm not much of a poet).

This rain is driving me crazy
And I had a great blog to post
But instead you're getting a poem
Which is better than a ghost.

I was going to tell you about Louie
And Katie's first soccer game
And now this sorry poem
Is getting pretty lame.

Baby Lam took steps this weekend
And we went for a fun bike ride
I even have pictures of Sally
Running up our backyard slide.

I'm so sorry about this poem
Hopefully there will be fewer
But it will continue
Until I figure out my computer.

Ok--that was super lame, Baby Lam pushed something on the computer and the formatting is all jacked up. So I'll see what I can do about it. Until then...have patience with me...and my poems.

Peace, Love and Rain!

Friday, October 3, 2008

The Kidney Stone

I thought I might give a little update on the invalid in our family (sorry if that's not PC, I don't mean any harm to anyone). As you've probably read, poor 'ol WM is fighting a kidney stone. We're going on week 3 with this problem. And while I'm quite sure that it is much more of an inconvenience to WM, it's really becoming annoying to me! Because of this, I think it's time we name this little bugger. I should come up with something cute like Kip the Kidney Stone or Sammy the Stone, but those names are much too cute for what we're dealing with. So how about something like...hmmm...oh...how 'bout Louie?

WM saw his regular doc earlier this week and he ordered a CT scan, also known as a "cat scan". But when I hear that term I envision my bro-in-law (the vet) wrestling some type of freaky weird cat.

Something like this...

So, WM heard back that Louie has indeed taken up residency in his kidney, but it small and not causing and obstruction, therefore, he should make his grand entrance into the potty sometime within the week.

Disclaimer: I'm sure that my cohorts at St. John are reading this and screaming "HIPAA, HIPAA...what's wrong with you?" WM signed that HIPAA release form and I made sure that it said his medical info can be used on his wife's blog. So we're good.

Anyway, I guess we're just in a waiting game now. Which I truly find annoying. Here's why...when WM is home that means sharing the workload created by my little punks. I have to admit, WM is an awesome dad who is very hands on and helpful. I certainly can handle the little munchkins, but it just seems natural that when WM is home that he should be helping out. But when Louie rears his ugly head and decides to wreak havoc on WM's kidneys (a.k.a. causing him great pain), that means he heads for the bedroom and I'm on my own. DANG IT!

It also causes him to lose control and do things like this...
Love ya, WM!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Birthdays Birthdays Everywhere

Just when I think I've recovered from the birthday marathon months of July/August when all three Little Lams celebrate their birthdays...along comes Sept/Oct. This is really a birthday marathon. It goes a little sumpin' like this...

Sept. 11--My brother-in-law, Stet. Happy Day, Stet even though your birthday is on Sept. 11--gives us a reason to make that a happy day!

Sept. 17--My tiny, little, baby brother Nick's birthday!

Sept. 29--My precious mother-in-law's special day. I often hear people complaining and griping about their in laws and I seriously cannot relate. I LOVE my in laws and my mother in law seriously has to be one of the sweetest, loving people I have ever met. And, I'm not kidding here, she could totally out-do Martha Stewart. Amazing cook, artist, decorator...you name it. I'm serious--she honestly could out do 'ol Martha. Happy Birthday, Marian!!!

Oct. 2--TODAY! Yay!! My mom's birthday! I'm the most blessed person on earth to have the mother I have. I can't put it into words how much I love her and how she inspires me and encourages me. I am the mother I am today because of her example and guidance and love. I love my mom SO much!!! Happy Birthday, mom!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Oct. 5--My big sister's birthday. I LOVE my big sister. On the outside people think we are very different because she is kind of quiet and soft spoken and I am a gabberbox. But on the inside we are very much the same. We our core values are the same. I have the best big sister ever and I don't know what I would do without her. This year is a milestone birthday for her--so I gotta think of something special to do for her. I'll keep you updated on that. Oh--and my sister--she, too, could give Martha Stewart a run for her money! Not joking. Amy is SUPER talented in the kitchen, sewing, decorating, gardening. Happy BIG MILESTONE birthday, Amy!!! I love you!!!

I have a break until Nov. 1 when my Nov/Dec. birthday marathon starts. I particularly love that one because I get to throw Christmas into the mix. Yay! I love that! (I'm kidding).

Ok--now, just because I'm feeling ornery and because after yesterday's post, I found out that my little brother used to read MY diary. I'm going to do a pictoral on him!!!!

So...here's to ya, Nick...Happy (late) Birthday!!

Here's me holding Nick when he was just a couple days old. Aren't we cute?? I loved him from the first time I saw him.

He's always had a great sense of style! Nice hat! :) And those knee socks are to die for (okay, I admit, I dressed Patrick EXACTLY like that--minus the hat--for Easter when he was that age). And see that crooked smile thing he's doing? My Baby Lam does that EXACT same thing!
Apparently he lost his sense of style--and all other clothing. What's up with those 'roos that are about 15 sizes too big. Mom??? What's up with that? Nick sure was cute, though, huh?
Dude! Nice hair. I'm really just at a loss for words here. And what is it with never having a shirt on? Weren't you in like, high school in this pic? I just can't get past the hair. Bo Duke. Quick story, when Nick was, like 4 or 5, he really thought he was Bo Duke and would only get in the car by climbing in the windows. And he wouldn't answer us unless we addressed him as "Bo Duke."
Here's my sweet baby brother, Nick, now. I'm sure he'd appreciate it if I quit calling him my baby brother. I have LOTS of other nicknames I use that we called him when he was growing up...Nicky, Nippy, Chickie, Tart 'n Tiny, Rice Cakes (long story there).
I love my baby brother.
Hee hee--revenge is sweet!
Note to other little brothers out there: don't read your big sister's diary and then tell them 30 years later when she has a blog! :)

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Diary, Part 1

Last week was the Book Fair at Katie's school and she came home one day with quite a "wish list." Most of the books she picked out didn't surprise me at all...Pinkalicious (which is a great book if you have a little girl who thinks the world revolves around the color pink), Barbie and the Diamond Castle, Dora Save the Snow Princess, Disney Princess Story Collection. You get the gist. Normal books that would appeal to a 5-year-old.
But one thing caught my eye...The Let Your Thoughts Dance Diary.
A diary? What could she possibly want with a diary? I had a diary when I was a young girl and it said stuff like, "I want to shave my legs but my mom won't let me," or "Jane was mean today because she said Jeff likes Michelle, and I really like Jeff more than Michelle." I mean there are only a limited number of words that Katie can write and I can't imagine that she would have any private things going on in her life that are diary-worthy--that I wouldn't know about. But being the sucker that I am (and the fact that it's a school fundraiser) I went ahead and let her get The Diary.

A couple days later I found The Diary. Curiousity was killing me. I knew that it was her diary and that I shouldn't look at it. By their nature diaries are for the owner's use only. But then I figured she's only 5-years-old, what could be so secret in there. So I took a peek...

Here's The Diary...Let Your Thoughts Dance (like how it has little keys, incase her 3-year-old brother tries to steal it and read it).
Page 1: She's getting the formalities out of the way but putting her name on the first page. Also looks like we've got a self portrait going on (wearing pink, of course).


Page 2: "God"...I guess if you're going to write a word in your diary that's a pretty good one to pick. She's got her priorities straight. Or maybe she was starting a prayer "God, please don't let my mommy read my diary."

Pages 3 & 4: Princess stickers. Can't forget that our life revolves around princesses and we're waiting for the day that we will become one--today it looks like the preferred princesses were Snow White and Belle.


Page 5 & 6: Not real sure what's going on here, lots of writing and maybe working on changing our name from "Katie" to "Kate". There's a drawing of two girls (I'm assuming princesses), one looks happy, one looks sad. Then we've got some beautiful flowers and butterflies.

Page 7: American flag. Be proud to be an American, people!

Page 8: This is some type of weird cat gerbil dog chipmunk monkey thing. I don't know what it is, but it's kind of freaking me out--especially that one big black eyeball.

So, after careful reading this is what I've come up with for Katie's first diary entry:

"Dear Diary--My name is Katie and as you can see from my picture, I love to wear pink. But I don't really have red hair. I've prayed to God to make me a princess one day--either Snow White or Belle. Diary, do you think I should start calling myself 'Kate' now? I really want to live in a land of butterflies and flowers, but even as a princess I will remain loyal to my country, America. Unless it is taken over by cat-gerbils with mutated eyeballs. Oh, and mommy, I know you're reading this. Good night, Diary."