Gianna-isms

Oh, the middle child.

She needs no introduction at all.

A conversation about Espy (her sometimes BFF):
GIANNA
Is Espy coming to my Halloween party?
GRACE
She has to go to school.
GIANNA
I miss her when she goes to long school.

Mom, you're good at peeling bananas.

In response to a peanut butter & jelly sandwich:
Mom, this is the most delicious dinner ever.

Instead of saying yes, Gianna says "Sure."
Gianna, would you like a glass of milk?
Oh, sure.
Gianna, do you want me to put your hair up?
Sure, Mom.
Did you have a good day at school, Gianna?
Sure I did.

While Espy was reading her a story:
GIANNA
Does that boy have peacock?
ESPY
No Gianna, he has chicken pox.
GIANNA
Oh yeah, peacock.

Dancing in circles in the living room:
I'm half-Filipino.
I'm half-Filipino.
I'm a happy Filipino.

I wish I was a little girl.
I used to be so cute when I was a little girl.

GRACE
I love you, Gianna.
GIANNA
I love you too, Mom - but you don't love me when I pee my pants.
GRACE
No, I still love you. I don't LIKE when you pee in your pants, but I still love you.
GIANNA
But you don't like me.
GRACE
No Gianna, I love you. I'll always love you. No matter what you do, I'll still love you. I just might not like
the things that you do sometimes.
GIANNA
Can I have a snack?

When I play in the pool and then I go to the bathroom to potty,
my pee is really hot.

Espy-isms

The girls always have something funny, interesting or weird to say. Take, for example, the five-year old. Here are a few randoms she's shared with us the past few weeks:

ESPY
Momma - this is true. Girls love their daddies,
and boys love their mommies.
GRACE
I need to have a little boy then, so he'll love me.
ESPY
But, we love you too, Momma.

BREAKFAST BANTER
I love getting in the bed with you in the morning
because you're so warm.

GRACE
Espy, who are you going to marry when you grow up?
ESPY
Daddy.

MID WEDGIE-PICKING
Momma, I can pick wedgies in front of you & daddy,
but not in front of other people.

AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST:
Your hair looks funny.

Let's Make Soap

Homemade laundry detergent!
You know you're a domesticated mother of three when you're excited about making soap.

I am not ashamed.

Thanks to my efficient friend (Thank You, Becky!), here is a wonderful recipe that you should try - sooner rather than later.

Laundry Soap ... Under $1.00

water
bar of Fels Naptha
3/4 cup 20 Mule Team borax
3/4 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
essential oils (optional)
4 quart pot
spoon
container for homemade soap

Grate a bar of Fels Naptha, put in a pot on the stove,
and add 6 cups of water.
Let water get warm enough to melt all of the soap.
Pour 4 cups hot/warm water into the container
that will hold your homemade goodness.
Add borax and washing soda to the pot on the stove.
Stir until completely dissolved.
Add essential oils (optional).
Pour the soap mixture into your container of hot/warm water.
Add 1 1/2 gallons of water to your
container of homemade awesomeness.
Stir.
Put the top on your container, and get all excited because YOU just made your very own laundry soap!

"How about them apples?"
Guess which movie that line is from.
Do you own it?
I would like to borrow it and watch it.
Thanks.

Happy Soap Making!

Side Note:
The recipe above almost filled a 15qt container.
That almost makes me excited to do laundry.
Almost.
I still have plenty of borax and washing soda to make more. I'll just have to pick up a bar of Fels Naptha before
my next soap making adventure.

Photo by: Erich Ferdinand

Mommy's Playdough

Today I made two things that I've always wanted to try at home. One has nothing to do with the other,
but both will get great use in this household!

This month it was my turn to make playdough for Gianna's preschool class. Her teacher sent home the recipe last week, and here it is:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 cups water
2 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
food coloring

Mix all the ingredients together. Cook approximately 5 minutes on medium heat. Dough will pull away from pan when ready.
Knead until smooth.

Easy enough, right? Yes, it is.

But why does it always take me extra long to find the one spice I need (cream of tartar) among the 1,092,387 spices on the shelves?

I digress.

Just make sure the playdough is totally "done" before you take it out of your cooking apparatus. I took mine out a little early and ended up with yellow goo slowly creeping off the cutting board. I stuck it back in the pot for just a minute or two more, and me & Mr. Playdough were good to go. Let the kneading begin.

Gianna was quite proud of the yellow playdough mommy made -
and who are we kidding? Mommy was a little proud, too.
It's the little things.
I know - I am easily amused.

See what else makes me happy tomorrow
when I share my other fun project.
Again - it's the little things.

Photo by: Robert S. Donovan

A Long Two Days

NOT SO ENJOYABLE
eye muscle surgery
YouTube-ing eye muscle surgery (not a good idea on my part)
Espy getting the swine flu
experiencing flu-like symptoms myself
having to reschedule Espy's surgery because of a 103 fever
nasty weather
loss of power

ENJOYABLE
no school for two days
a phenomenal pediatric ophthalmologist
knowing exactly what will be involved with Espy's surgery
(not necessarily enjoyable, but good to know)
rescheduling Espy's surgery at a "good time"
(when she's flu-free & before Christmas)
a sweet friend in our pediatrician's office
squeezing Espy in to be seen
(Thanks, Trista!)
TAMIFLU
apple juice
sleep
BILL
and
his awesome job (yay FCM!) that gives him the flexibility
to stay home and take care of me & the girls
that no one else has gotten the flu...yet
sweet family & friends checking up on us
family time with no "modern day / technological" distractions
our Christmas tree is up
God is in control!

Photo by: D Sharon Pruitt

Kitchen Time

Apparently I'm not very good at cooking bacon.
I wanted to try out a new recipe that I just knew my family would love - chicken, bacon, cheese - all ingredients that Bill & the girls (even Espy!) enjoy. The recipe is a great one, if you want to make a good chicken dinner. However, make sure your bacon is cooked thoroughly. Bill had to recook the bacon, and show me when it's really done. Oops.

If you haven't already checked out The Pioneer Woman, you need to!
The cooking section is my fave.
P.S. If any of you would like to get me her new cookbook,
I'll love you forever.

She serves the chicken as a sandwich, but we paired it with homemade mashed potatoes and some oven-roasted asparagus. Yummy.

Photo by: Ree Drummond

I also tried my hand at a new dessert.
It's called The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever.
And it really is - no lie.
You should make it - right now.
Believe me - you'll thank me later.
Oh, and be sure you have a glass of nice cold milk or a cup of coffee while you're enjoying the awesomeness.
Mr. Workout will be waiting when you're done.

Photo by: Ree Drummond

From the Husband

If you read my last post, you'll know that my husband just ran a marathon. 26.2 miles! I still can't imagine myself running one. For all you runners out there who might be able to empathize, and for those of you non-runners who might take an interest - here's Bill's take on the whole experience:

Well, it's done. I just ran my first official marathon a couple days ago. I must say it was the most trying thing I have ever done in my life. It tested me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have seen pictures of people finishing marathons in tears and can remember thinking to myself, "Why are they crying?" My question was answered this past weekend. It was quite an experience.

The day before the marathon (Saturday), I woke up feeling great. Around 10AM, I started noticing my lower back tightening up. The tightening soon turned to pain. The pain became more and more excruciating. I had a hard time sitting, walking, and laying down. The two hour drive to the OBX did not help matters either. Once we got to the OBX, I began the day long process of icing and heating my back - which did very little. On top of this, I was mentally a mess. I was frustrated at the thought of training for something for 16 weeks, and then not being able to do it because of back pain that just seemed to come out of nowhere. I went to bed that night and hardly slept due to a poor little sick daughter, an aching back, and my mind refusing to shut down. I woke up at 4:45AM in order to catch a shuttle at 5:45AM. My back felt better. The pain was gone, but the tightness was still there. I slapped on an icy hot patch, put on my gear, had a bowl of oatmeal, and decided to run it and see what would happen.

We arrived at the starting line about 6:20AM - an hour before the start. My back seemed to be loosening up a bit. The weather was great - nice and cool. Runners started to gather. Excitment began to grow. Adrenaline started to flow. Before I knew it, it was time to go. This was the biggest race I have been in so far. There were over 2,000 runners for the full and over 3,000 runners for the half. It was awesome to see the mass of people. We were in the second wave right behind the elite runners. The horn blew the elites went out. We stepped up to the line and waited for the horn. By this time I am not sure how my back felt. I was so pumped, excited, nervous, scared...I was ready to get started. The horn sounded and off we went.

The first mile went by so quick. Had some great conversation, great supporters along the road...before I knew it we were passing mile marker #1 with a 7:17 pace. A little slower than I had planned but still in the ballpark. For the next 9 miles, I left the guys I started out with and began to pick up the pace. Through this stretch we were running through neighboorhoods mostly. We ran by the water for a bit, went by the Wright Brothers Memorial, and then had a couple sections out on the long, straight, flat highway. Overall I was pleased with this section. I finished mile 10 averaging 6:59 which is exactly where I wanted to be.

Miles 11-13 on the other hand were a totally different story. The course is described as being flat and somewhat fast - but these three miles are anything but that. At mile 11 the course goes off road onto a dirt/gravel road. For the next 2 1/2 miles I was running up and down unanticipated hills. The road had been recently packed and the surface was pretty easy to run on but the hills were the killer. At mile 12 1/2, I saw a sign that said 1/2 mile to pavement. At the sign, we took a left off of the the dirt/gravel road and onto a single track trail in the woods. The trail went straight up a hill for about 50 yards. What was so bad was that the trail was covered in mulch. For the next 1/2 mile I was running up and down hills in soft mulch. The only worse surface to run in that I can think of is sand. Needless to say when I finally got to the pavement I could tell the last three miles took a lot out of me. I averaged about 7:15. Miles 13-21 were pretty tough. I was able to pick the pace back up again. By mile 20, I was averaging 7:04. These miles were much like miles 1-10 - neighborhoods, main highway, neighborhoods, main highway...By mile 21 I was still feeling okay. I ran that mile at about 7:15-7:20. I figured that all I had to do was maintain at least and 8:00 average for that last five miles to meet my goal of qualifying for Boston. That's when it hit me - not the wall but the bridge.

At about mile 22 you begin to cross a bridge that is 1.05 mi long, 82' high, with a 650' climb to the top at a 4% grade. Halfway up this thing, my groin muscles felt as if they were going to explode. I started to slow way down. By the time I got to the top of this man-made Everest, I was toast. I went past mile 23 and looked at my watch and was saddened by the 9:30 that I saw. The last three miles were horrible. I picked up the pace a little and got it into the 8 minute range, but my groin muscles were shot and were now in charge of how fast I would go. I crossed the line with a time of 3:14:25, just a few minutes off my goal pace. My wife ran to meet me and I am very sad to say that tears began to well up within me. I am a pretty big guy (6'2" and about 195lb), but I was totally overcome with emotion.

It was a great experience. I am very pleased with my time even though I didn't meet my goal. The course was a lot harder than anticipated. I look forward to running one again next year. As for right now, I look forward to getting back to walking normal again!

Photo Source

The Amazing Race

This weekend was amazing!

the beach
a house full of family & friends
the beach
coffee, coffee, coffee
the beach
cheesecake & brownies

Can you tell I love the beach? I didn't even make it there, but knowing the beach was close by was comforting nonetheless.

Of course, it's always tiring taking three children five and under on a road trip - especially when one of them is sick (and three years old). All the tantrums & tiredness are worth it though.

My favorite part of this weekend was the husband completing his first marathon with a time of 3:14:25. I'm so proud of him I can hardly stand it - it's as if I ran 26.2 miles in weird November heat over a huge long bridge and an unexpected 4 mile stretch of hilly terrain. My calves are sore from running up and down three levels of the beach house all weekend. I can't wrap my brain around running 26.2 miles straight. Just thinking about it makes me tired!

Whenever I see Bill race, I'm always inspired to throw on my shoes and start running. Then morning comes, and my bed is just so comfy and warm. One day...maybe.
Until then, I can live vicariously through my incredible husband!

Photo by: Philipp Roth

All the Fighting

Things that will stop the girls' bickering in an instant:

Christmas music (any time of the year)
David Crowder Band's I Saw the Light
dessert and/or candy
Bill walking in the front door
ice cream truck music
Isabella crying from her crib

Just in case you needed to calm my girls down
in the near or distant future.
There you have it.
What helps you stop the arguing - between your kids
or between you & others?
I'm not particular!

Photo by: D Sharon Pruitt

At the Moment

I saw this on another blog and wanted to share with you.

.:READING:.Everybody's Normal "Til You Get to Know Them by John Ortberg
for the third time - it's that good.

.:KEEPING:.
track of all my ToDos - there's a lot going on, isn't there?

.:BAKING:.
a Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake for the second time - it's so yummy.

.:WATCHING:.
The Proposal (Grace's Choice)
Taken (Bill's Choice)

.:TRYING:.to figure out how to get addicted to running like Bill.

.:MAKING:.fun plans with friends.

.:CONGRATULATING:.
a sweet family on the birth of a new baby boy!

What do you happen to be doing at the moment?
Leave your thoughts, I'd love to know!

Baking Madness

I don't know what's been going on with me as of late, but I've had the sudden urge to get all domestic these days. I've never claimed to be a pro in the kitchen. Ask my husband, he can tell you that cooking is NOT my strength. However, I've had the itch to bake or make new desserts the last few weeks.
Is that weird??

If you feel the need to make something new or different, please consider the following options:

Scrupmtious Apple Pie (Thanks, Emily!)
Almond Mocha Pie 
Fresh Blueberry Pie
Impossibly Easy French Apple Pie
Oreo Pudding Pie
and last, but certainly not least,
Chocolate Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Bars

Let me know how your baking turns out!

In My Absence

What in the world has been going on since my last post???
Espy loves kindergarten.
Gianna loves preschool.
Isabella is 13 months old.
It all makes me kind of sad.
Espy's going to play basketball.
It should be interesting because she's just like me,
and I don't play -
at all.
Gianna starts gymnastics soon.
Gianna in a leotard will be spectacular.
Isabella likes to play in toilet water.
Not so spectacular.
Bill rocked a 5k coming in first place.
Espy started soccer, and her daddy's her coach.
Some friends got married!
Espy was their flower girl.
I was a bridesmaid.
Espy was super cute.
Two sweet baby girls were born.
Another baby is going to be born any minute now!
I still want to have another baby.
Bill's not convinced.
Bill smoked a 1/2 marathon, coming in first, again.
I'm superproud of my running husband.
It makes me want to run,
for a minute,
then I get home and return to mommy world.
Bill and I went on a date.
It didn't go as planned,
but that's another post.
I found some new music courtesy of one friend.
I rediscovered some old music courtesy of another.
I baked a pie.
It was yummy.

What have you been doing in my absence?
I'd love to know!

Photo by: Dan Foy / CC BY 2.0

Machine

A conversation with Espy during bathtime with her sisters:

ESPY
Is there a machine in your body that makes babies?
GRACENot really, your body takes care of the baby until the baby is ready to come out.
ESPYBut how does God put the baby in the machine?
GRACE(nervously bathing children & getting ready to call for Bill)
Well, God...ESPY...I want to have 5000 babies with my machine.
GRACE5000 is a lot of babies. Why don't you start out with 5?
ESPYHow about 500?
GRACEWe'll see.
ESPYOk, we'll see.

First Date

Espy went on her first date today.
She was so excited she could hardly stand it.


One of the guys in our youth group told me this story:
So when I was a young lad, my sister's best friend's older sister took me on a date to the ice cream shop. She was like 18, and I was 5. So I have remembered that day my whole life. So I want to take your girls on a date one night (if you trust me driving), but I am good - haha. But I think it would be really fun. Let me know what you think.


After lunch this afternoon, I took Espy outside to meet her date. You should have seen the smile on that little girl's face - adorable.


Thank you, Matt, for taking out my little Espy and showing her how a gentleman should treat a lady - she will never forget it!

Photo by: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid

Read This

Something to think about:

A Fool's Defense
I make more money while typing this post than most of the world has to live on per day, and I keep and spend 92% of it on myself,
but I am a good person.

I live less than 20 minutes from homeless families living on the street, and their condition is not anything I work to change,
but I am a good person.

I spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on my kids' sports and extra curricular activities each year while children in poverty in my community and around the world are ignored by people like me with means to help,
but I am a good person.

My neighbor is confused about spirituality and has been burned by the church in the past, but I don’t dare raise spiritual topics with her because she might think badly of me, and after all,
I am a good person.

I live in a neighborhood of people who look like and view the world mostly like me, and avoid areas of town and the people where this is not true,
but I am a good person.

Instead of teaching my children to sacrifice for the sake of the least, the last and the lost all around us, I teach them to ignore these so that we can live the same comfortable lifestyle as our neighbors,
but I am a good person.

I have interpreted the command of Jesus to “Go make disciples of every nation” and to “love my neighbor as myself” to mean that I should congregate in comfortable chairs on Sundays with others who do the same, and love only those in my holy huddle,
but I am a good person.

Even though I know that 2 out of every 3 unchurched people I am friendly with would go to church if I invited them, it has been years since I invited anyone to church,
but I am a good person.

While Jesus came to win the lost and set the oppressed free, I focus instead on creating space between me and the lost, and hoping some politician or social activist can manage to set the oppressed free,
but I am a good person.

While Jesus spent his time connecting his life to people far from God so they might find life in Him, I connect my life to those far from God so that I can live the same life they do and not feel deprived like I would if I had to really live like Jesus,
but I am a good person.

While I affirm the power of transformation in my words and stated beliefs, I deny the power of transformation when I turn my back on the poor, ignore the oppressed, distance myself from the under-resourced and refuse to share the good news with the spiritually confused or searching,
but I am a good person.

While I have made an idol of my beliefs about God, I have ignored the very heart of God and the way of Jesus,
but I am a good person.

I do not feed the hungry, care for the sick, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, comfort the afflicted or stand with the oppressed, but I am a good person. While Jesus asked, “Why do you call me good,” I ask “Why do you not call me good?”
You should know by now that I am a good person.
-Alan Hitt-

Photo by Make Stanne

One Year Old

Happy Birthday Little One

I Don't Know

Please listen to this song.
I love it.

I love her voice.
I love her hat.
I love that five people are jamming in a small box in a bar.
Don't you?

Toilet Paper

I love my husband's parents. I don't like calling them my "in-laws" - just has a negative connotation to it. They're in town for the weekend and we always stay up talking and laughing. Last night, they wanted me to read this:

The Miracle of Toilet Paper
Fresh from my shower, I stand in front of the mirror complaining to my husband that my breasts are too small. Instead of characteristically telling me it's not so, he uncharacteristically comes up with a suggestion.

"If you want yuor breasts to grow, then every day take a piece of toilet paper and rub it between them for a few seconds."

Willing to try anything, I fetch a piece of toilet paper and stand in front of the mirror, rubbing it between my breasts. How long will this take?" I asked.

"They will grow larger over a period of years," my husband replies.

I stopped. "Do you really think rubbing a piece
of toilet paper between my breasts every day will make my breasts larger over the years?"

Without missing a beat he says, "Worked for your butt, didn't it?"

He's still alive, and with a great deal of therapy,
he may even walk again.

Stupid, stupid man.

I almost peed my pants.

Photo by Mike O'Neill

Not Normal

Read this.

It is so true - don't you think?

Enjoyable Evenings

I thoroughly enjoy talking with the husband during the quiet evening hours - especially after a busy few days, or even weeks. It doesn't happen often, but when it does - it's awesome.
It reminds me of our dating days.

During the wee hours, I also enjoy getting lots of stuff done
while the girls are sleeping.
Getting up bright & early the following morning, though -
not so enjoyable.
Photo by Michelle Scheiss

Never Gets Old

Because I can't get enough of him

or this song, here is a cover of my favorite at the moment.

I love it because

1. they are singing in the bathroom,
2. he almost runs into the shower door & she giggles, and
3. they're Asian, of course.

Enjoy!

Birthday Gift

Isabella just received her first package in the mail today! How excited was I to see a little baby doll that looks just like my Isabella.
I love it.
She loves it.
Espy & Gianna love it.

What's not to love?

Thank you Kristen & family!!!

Too Fast

Espy started kindergarten this morning.
Gianna starts preschool in two weeks.
Isabella's turning one in seven days.
WHAT IS GOING ON?

Photo by Russ Morris

Espy wonders why I walked her into school today instead of just dropping her off.
Gianna spins around the house making random statements that always make me smile.
Isabella stands on her own and is on the verge of walking.
What happened to all of my babies?

Disagreement Resolved

Photo by Jimmy Navarrete

Baby Fever

I have baby fever.
It varies in degree depending on my mood, my own children's behavior, and the number of newborns and/or pregnant women in my close proximity. Two of my friends have recently given birth to sweet baby girls so the fever has been pushed up just a notch.

Pictures like these don't help either.

Photo by Mazen Tawileh

Photo by snodiva360

Lunchtime

GRACE
Who's going to pray for lunch?
GIANNA
I will.
GRACE
Ok.
GIANNA
Thanks that Miss Joyce feels better.
Make sure we get to go to the beach house again.
Make sure we can see NeNe soon.
Amen.
ESPY
Amen.
GRACE
Amen.

Done!

I'm NOT going to share my ToDo list with you. I will, however, share with you my HaveDone list.

Today, I have:
1. dressed three little girls
2. made two meals
3. hit two stores (in the sweltering heat)
4. drove-thru one bank
5. gave three children their baths
6. baked one batch of brownies
7. drank one cup of DD coffee from my hubby
8. had one meeting in our home
9. washed all the dishes
10. put one baby to bed
11. folded two loads of laundry
12. watched one movie
13. created a new Pandora station
14. wrote two letters
15. made one blog post and last but not least
16. hugged and kissed my three favorite girls more than once.

There. Now I don't feel so bad for not getting everything done on my ToDo list!

Simplifying

The clutter is driving me mad. I'm on a mission to get rid of things our family doesn't need or love. I guess I'll keep the girls, but we definitely have way too many toys, clothes, shoes - I could go on and on and on.

Just look at this example of organization. It makes me smile.

Last night I got rid of 398,328 towels/sheets and 12,361,235 stuffed animals. It felt good.
The girls actually had a good time purging - imagine that.

My advice for today - get rid of some stuff. Get rid of a lot of stuff. It'll make you happy - promise.

Lucky

I love my husband.
I love this song.
Jason Mraz isn't so bad either.

photo source

On Thursday

I don't know who told Gianna how awesome Thursday is. However in Gianna's world, Thursday is when it all happens. Here are a few examples:

GRACE
Are you going to school?
GIANNA
Yes.
GRACE
If you go to school, you can't suck your thumb.
GIANNA
I know that.
GRACE
So when are you going to suck your thumb?
GIANNA
On Thursday.

GIANNA
I want to play soccer like Espy.
GRACE
This fall?
GIANNA
No Mommy, I want to play soccer like Espy.
GRACE
When do you want to play, Gianna?
GIANNA
On Thursday.

GIANNA
Mom, is it time to go to church yet?
GRACE
No, not yet?
GIANNA
When are we going to church?
GRACE
Tomorrow.
GIANNA
No, on Thursday.

This photo of Gianna was probably taken on a Thursday.

Let's Go to Home Depot

Bill has painted our living room three times. In fact, he's painted each room in our house except for our bathroom and bedroom. Those are next on my list. However, this adorable couple puts all my repainting/redecorating/renovating desires to shame. They make me want to go to Home Depot and buy stuff - right now.

photo source
What do you think? Do you want to go to Home Depot with me? Or would you like to go to Lowe's? I'm not picky.

Make This

Please make this today. Thank you.
Bill made this for dinner last night (I'm not Martha Stewart, remember?). It was SO good. Make it - you'll be happy you did.

New Name

In case you didn't notice, I have a new name for the blog. Don't get me wrong, I liked the old one a lot. However, my sweet husband pointed out something that made me want to change it - as soon as possible.

What do you think Bill discovered about the old blog name? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

On another note, I shouldn't drink coffee after dark - it makes for late night ramblings on the blog.

Monday Musts

The ToDos grow so fast first thing in the morning. By the way, I think the Musts in Monday Musts sounds too much like musty and that kind of creeps me out. So if you have any suggestions for musty, I'll love you forever. I'm at a loss.

1.
Finish my blueberry pancakes. I love anything remotely blueberry.
2.
Wash the sheets. There is only one thing that will calm the anguish I feel inside when the beds aren't made.
The days when I wash the sheets.
3.
Coffee. ASAP.
4.
Go to Target.
Along with blueberries, nicely made beds, and coffee - I enjoy Target. It doesn't matter what I might be shopping for, I always end up with more. You never know when you might need little girls' hairbows, toilet bowl cleaner, or whatever might fascinate you at The Dollar Spot.
5.
Catch up on my notes. I love writing notes to people. Usually I'm way better at sending a quick email or text, but I'd rather send a handwritten note. The Note List is very long, but I hope to catch up one day. The girls and I love getting them - it's like getting a little hug when the mail comes.

I'd love to know what's going on with you - leave me a comment and let me know.
I hope your day is fabulous.

Family Time

I miss my cousin.

Three-Year Old Wisdom

This conversation took place at my sister and her husband's house between Gianna and my cousin, Joel:

GIANNA
(looking at a picture of Sar & Evan on their wedding day)
Tito Joel - when you get married, you don't have any more hair.

JOEL
What do you mean?

GIANNA
(turns and looks at Evan, then back at Joel -
she points to the picture)
See - when you get married, you don't have any more hair.

Let's look at the men in Gianna's life:
My Dad - married, no hair

My husband - married, no hair

and finally, the one who brought on this whole discussion:
my brother-in-law, Evan - married, no hair.

Gianna may be onto something.

Funny Stuff

My two youngest AND my cousin are taking their afternoon naps. My oldest is doing a page in her summer workbook - I know, what a mean mom making her do schoolwork during the summer.

So I wanted to share something fast & funny.

I love The Office.

I love conversations between Dwight and Jim:

DWIGHT SCHRUTE
Welcome to Hotel Hell. Check-in time is now, check-out time is never.

JIM HALPERT
Does my room have cable?

DWIGHT
No. And the sheets are made of fire.

JIM
Can I change rooms?

DWIGHT
Sorry we're all booked up. Hell convention in town.

JIM
Can I have a late check-out?

DWIGHT
I'll have to talk to the manager.

JIM
You're not the manager, even in your own fantasy?

DWIGHT
I'm the owner, the co-owner - with Satan!

JIM
Okay, just so I understand it. In your wildest fantasy, you are in hell and you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

DWIGHT
But I haven't told you my salary yet.

JIM
Go.

DWIGHT
Eighty thousand dollars.

Busy, Busy

I don't know about you, but we've been running around like crazy around here! Don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible thing - but it's busy enough that I need more than my regular dose of caffeine throughout the day.

Aside from all the everyday busyness, we're superexcited about our special guest coming this weekend! Family visits are always fun - especially when one of our cousins comes into town. Whenever they come, I'm immediately reminded of various family gatherings from my childhood - Christmas, Thanksgiving, summertime. Whatever the occasion - it always meant a great mixture of loud Filipinos, lots of food, and great cousin time fun...even if it was just sitting around watching my dad & uncles fall asleep watching TV.

Look what fun we had last Halloween.
Bill & the girls did not adhere to the Roaring '20s theme.
The gangster in the hat will be here tonight!

My cousin has a conference for work about an hour away from where we live. My sister and mom are going to pick him up this afternoon, and he's staying until Sunday. The girls have been talking about "Tito Joel's" visit for weeks. They can't wait!
I'm not going to lie - I can't wait either!!