The Word is Out

Well, folks, as you know, once the word starts getting around, there's no use hiding it. :) We are, indeed, having another baby, around the end of September. We're really excited, super happy, with a good dose of nervous and nauseous thrown in. We're all hanging in there--Me by trying to keep my food down, Cory by pitching in and picking up all my slack (and believe me, there is quite a bit these days), and the kids by being the best doctors and nurses anyone could ask for. And its possible they might be getting into a few more messes than usual. They just sense that they will probably get away with it. All in all, we're doing pretty well. So wish us luck. We'll definitely need it. This is some wild ride we're on!!!

A movie review

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not a big movie person. Sure, I've watched some and even have a few favorites, but I rarely, if ever, get in the mood to just watch a movie. Friday night, Cory and Elise went to Blockbuster and rented a few movies. Elise picked out the "kid movie", Meet the Robinsons. As usual, this movie has been out for longer than quite a while, and we are just getting on the band wagon. But I thought it was such a cute, cute, cute movie. I was entertained, I thought the message about family was sweet, and the idea that our choices are important was beneficial--just an all-around great movie. And the kids really liked it too. Ian and Elise hardly budged through the entire show and Merry Grace fell asleep, so it worked out well for all of us. ;) We were--all 5 of us, plus our dog Max--snuggled up together in the bed. By the end, with my sweet family all around me, had tears streaming down my cheeks. But they were happy tears. It's definitely one of the best movies I've seen in a while, which for me may not be saying much. But I'd recommend it hands down for anyone who wants to walk away feeling better than when they started.

One of my favorite "burger joints"

One of my all-time favorite places to eat is Sonic drive-in. When Cory and I were dating and newlyweds, we used to love to go to Sonic. But between several moves, quite a few more kids and everything, it has been years since I ate at one. On Friday I was out and about helping Cory with some things for work. It was dinnertime and all of a sudden I spotted a Sonic up ahead. So the kids and I pulled in to check out their menu. I have to put in a plug for their BLT. I can't find it listed on the menu, but when I asked for it, they said it was there. I used to get it all the time, so I was relieved to find they still offered it. It is the absolute perfect blend of bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on two thick slices of toast. Yum, yum, yum. Actually, I really like all their food, so I could get carried away here. :) They also have really good shakes, slushies and other desserts and drinks. You can get flavoring added to almost any drink so that is a fun twist. I love their real fruit slushes--with lemon and lemon-berry being my favorites. Their cream pie shakes are to die for, as well. My favorite is the chocolate one, but I've heard really great reports on the coconut one. I really can't wait for warm weather, so Cory & I can go for a date and eat outside. Just for old-times sake. And because I'm already dying for another BLT.

Another installment in "Why do I bother buying my kids toys"

Once again, this week I've been reminded that my kids do not need official "toys". They have played all week with this old mesh laundry bag. Ian and Merry Grace will climb in it, roll around on the floor in it, walk around in it, and fight over it. It is truly on its last leg, but that doesn't seem to bother either of them. I'm not sure what the attraction or magic of the bag is, but I'm not complaining. They're happy, so I'm happy.

Merry Grace turns TWO!!!

My baby turned two last week. I guess that officially makes her not a baby anymore. I think I'm still in denial about that, though. She's so cute and had a great day.

She really enjoyed helping me make her birthday cupcakes, although I think it was the part where she got to eat them that she enjoyed the most. :)

What better way to eat your birthday cupcakes than in your birthday suit?

It was messy, but she didn't seem to mind a bit.

Besides, there's a quick solution to cleaning off that mess, anyway.

My goodness, this is a silly, sweet, adorable girl.

After dinner and cupcakes it was time to open presents. Here she is wearing the news dress-up clothes from one of her cousins and holding a new toy from Elise.

Here is Merry Grace displaying one of her new tricks. She loves to go into the bathroom and rub hand soap into her hair. Boy is that a mess!

Crazy Hair Day

Elise had spirit week at school a few weeks ago. Here is what she did for crazy hair day. I think its pretty crazy, but so adorable. I wish we had spirit week at home. I'd probably win crazy hair day every day. :)

The Sales Pitch

I was looking over Elise's fundraiser that goes back to school tomorrow and I was reminded of something funny that happened the day she brought it home. She got in the car and began telling me about what she was selling and said, "And if I sell ten items I will get a chance to win a PLAYSTATION 3!!!!!" She was so enthusiastic about it, so while my head was being cynical, I tried to be positive for her. So I said, "Wow! That sounds really neat." She paused and asked, "Yeah, but what is a Playstation 3 anyway?" Sounds like she got a sales pitch if I ever heard one. :)

She did WHAT?

The other day while I was in the kitchen working, Merry Grace pulled up a chair to our paper and pen drawer. Its a great way to keep her entertained, since there's really nothing that could hurt her in there, just things for her to drag out and make a mess with...or so I thought. After a few minutes she started whining and saying, "Owie" over and over. I though she'd probably smushed a finger or something, so I kissed her palms and figured that would do it. She kept repeating the word "owie" and was still whining. I just didn't see anything that was the matter. Then she held up her hands and I realized that two of her fingers were stuck together on each hand and that's when I noticed the open container of super glue on the cabinet. Sure enough, she'd glued her fingers together. Thank goodness for nail polish remover, her fingers were unstuck in record time, although peeling off the glue that was randomly smeared on her fingers was a little more tricky and time consuming. But all in all, everything turned out fine. I think next time I need to examine the drawer a little more closely before I let her play in it again. :)