Turkey Soup

Thanksgiving is over so that means only one thing-Turkey soup. Okay well two things. Turkey soup and Christmas. I did make a pretty fabulous pot of turkey soup. It made quite a lot which is good because I am not cooking for awhile. Hubby says it is the best he has ever had. I think he just wants great presents. Mom and I went out at ridiculous o'clock in the morning on black Friday. It wasn't too bad and we did get some good deals. Is it bad that I am almost done Christmas shopping? The girls are brainstorming on what to write to Santa and since I have already finished shopping for them, I may have to "supervise". We went to the Tempe Festival of Lights parade. We saw Santa riding a fire truck. Above is a picture of him and a few of the girls. It was a bit chilly. We had hot chocolate. It was pretty fun. They had just watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade a couple of days earlier so I don't know what their expectations were but I think the hot chocolate helped. They said they liked it. The holiday season is now in full swing. I have already watched two Christmas movies. We are getting a tree this weekend. Just because it doesn't look like Christmas outside doesn't mean it can't look like it inside. Hope all of you have a great holiday season and take time to drink some eggnog. the kind with rum in it. and watch lots of Christmas movies that make you cry.

Piano Recital

Saturday was the girls' third piano recital. They both did a marvelous job. They had their songs memorized and even spoke into the microphone. Here are a few pictures I took of them before we left. How cute are they??? Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Confessions

Inspired by Dr. Write, I have compiled a list of a confessional nature.

1) Sometimes when I am over at other people's houses and I go into their bathroom, I switch the toilet paper roll. I like it when the roll of paper goes over the roll and hangs over the top instead of coming from the bottom..do you know what I mean? Anyway I can't stand it when it hangs from the bottom and I have, on several occasions, changed the roll without telling anyone. Perhaps this is my form of OCD or something.

2) I wish I were taller. I know. I am 5' 7" and as my friend once said to me: "That's tall for a girl." Still I would like to be 5'10" or so. Since I can't get taller I wear heels. My friends all laugh at me because most of them are shorter than me to begin with but I like it. Pretending to be taller.

3) I miss the seasons. Don't get me wrong I like warm weather but I must say it is getting a bit redundant. When we went to Flagstaff and the girls saw the colors of the leaves they were in awe. Do palm trees change colors? Or cacti???

4) I wish I could sing. I wish that I could open my mouth and effortlessly produce a beautiful, pitch perfect, on-tune song that gives people goose bumps. Maybe this comes from watching too much American Idol or something.

I think that is it for now. I can't think of anything clever to say to end this because I have two girls who need to be tucked in. So here I go, ready to tuck.

Myths about children

Okay I know this wasn't on my lists of lists but I have noticed several myths people have about raising children that I thought I would share and explain why I feel they are myths:

1) Girls are easier than boys. First of all no one with a girl over the age of 7 believes this. Maybe at age 3 girls are easier but after that, I'm thinkin no. As a teacher I noticed that usually boys get over things much easier and with much less drama. I have lots of drama in my house. If you could bottle up drama and use it as energy than the amount of drama in my house could run an entire country. Okay a small country, but still.

2) The older children get the easier they are. Again, no. Only people with really young children that have been deprived of sleep believe this. They believe this because it helps them make it through the long nights. This is however, not true. When they get older they learn how to talk, and argue and negotiate. They get opinions. Lots of them. And they aren't afraid to share them either. They learn how to read and write. They read things you wish they didn't. They start asking seriously provocative questions. Some questions you can't answer. Not that you don't want to, you can't because you don't know the answer. They have homework and eventually, hormones. They get friends. They lose friends. They fight with friends.

3) You shouldn't tell your kids everything. This also is not true. Honesty is always the best policy. In my opinion if a child is smart enough to ask the question they should get the answer. The entire answer. Of course this can back fire on you when your 7 year old is drawing penises on the sport court but other than that, I am all for full disclosure. Well-you know what I mean.

4) It's fun to watch your children grow up. This is both true and false. Yes I like being able to enjoy the experiences of life with my children but it is also painful. It hurts when they cry telling you about how a friend hurt their feelings. It is painful to tell them that there are bad people who will hurt them for no reason. It is hard when you tell them something and they choose not to listen and you have to watch them get disappointed. It hurts watching them go out and make mistakes and then have to suffer the consequences. It is not easy watching them get more and more independent and saying things like: " Look Mom I did it all by myself and I didn't need you at all." Ouch. It's not that I don't want them to have these experiences. I know they are "part of life" but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

List about lists

Okay since there seems to be a plethora of list making going on I thought I would join in the fun. I decided to make a list of things that I want to make a list about. This will come in handy when I am trying to figure out what to make a list of.
1) My obsessions. This is a good one because my obsessions change so it will probably never be the same list twice.
2)My pet peeves. Again this one is nice because like my obsessions, they change according to my mood.
3)Places I would like to go.
4) Places I don't ever want to go.
5)Best songs of all time-good for discussions as most people have an opinion about this.
6)Best tv shows of all-see number 5.
7)Top Ten lists-can really be anything.
8)Things I would like to do before I get too old.
9)Things I wish I didn't have to do.
10)Favorite lists.

Why am I writing this? Because I am supposed to be doing homework or laundry or something(see number 9). Any other list ideas???

7 things about me

I was "tagged" my Dr. Write so I am going to try to make a list of 7 things about me. Let's see how this goes...

1) I don't care what people think. Really. Except when I say something that sounded better inside my head and realize that it was better left unsaid. Of course, if I give it a few minutes, I get over it pretty quickly.
2) My favorite novel that I had to read for school is Catch 22. I love it!
3) My favorite movies are(in no particular order): Legally Blonde, When Harry Met Sally, Mary Poppins, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and old movies with actors like Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart or Rock Hudson. I can't take horror flicks. They are way too scary in a bloody gory kinda way and I get nightmares..I know!!
4) I am deathly afraid of heights, enclosed spaces and dying while my children are still young. I don't like sleeping alone but I also don't like being touched while trying to sleep.
5) I read books by authors like John Grisham in my bed so that not everything I read in a day is about curriculum or education theory. I will read just about anything except science fiction. The closest I came to reading scifi was A Wrinkle In Time-one of the best books ever!!
6) I can't watch the news at all. Ever. I always cry and then get mad. Besides news is way too sensationalized for me. I also can't watch shows that are about children getting hurt or dying.
7) I am not as neat as I would like to be and I don't really like cleaning I just like having a clean house. I am training the girls now to help out in this.

That was harder than I thought it would be. But there you go. I am not sure who to tag so I guess that is it.

They Grow Up and Break Your Heart

My oldest daughter discovered the secret last year behind the "tooth fairy" when she was only 6 years old. At the same time she questioned me about Santa but I did a good job of distracting her hoping she would forget all about it. No such luck. Last week she says "Mom. Is Santa dead?" To which I replied "Well there was a man that gave gifts to kids and he got the name St. Nick or Santa Claus." She thought for a minute and said "Well there is no such thing as magic and he couldn't still be alive. I figure since you and Dad are the tooth fairy you are probably Santa too." I took a deep breath and instead of bursting into tears I said "Maybe you could go talk to your Dad about this." and talk she did. She took it pretty well. Later I asked her about it and she said "It's alright Mom, I understand. And I won't tell sissy. I have been good about the tooth fairy right?" Wow. It's just that I thought we could do the Santa thing for awhile still. She's getting older and smarter every minute and I can't stop it. Not that I want to, at least not all the time. She used to ask me questions that were easy to answer but now it's a whole different ball game!! At least the baby still believes. For now. But she is working on not sucking her thumb and as much as I want her to stop there is a part of me that longs for the days when she would sit on my lap, thumb in mouth and fall fast asleep. She said "Mom I am betting bigger now. I didn't suck my thumb at all." These are just the beginning steps of their life long journey that will eventually lead them out of my house.

Pumpkin Walk 2007

Every year the girls' school has a pumpkin walk. Everyone brings their jack-o-lanterns and they are placed around the school. Everyone wears a costume too of course. There was also a cake walk, S won one, a picture booth complete with hay and lots of food to eat. Here are some pictures I took of the girls before we left and some at the school. They are pretty darn cute!! As you can probably tell, one is an angel and the other one is Jasmine. She HAD to have the wig!! Even Bailey gets into the Halloween spirit.

Pumpkins

We finally got pumpkins and carved them this morning. The girls were SO excited. Here are some pictures of their lovely jack-o-lanterns. The first two is of them doing their favorite thing, pulling the guts out!! Their dad helped them carve the faces. Of course he had specific directions. It was fun-especially later when the pumpkin seeds were ready. Nothing signals the beginning of fall like salty, fresh from the oven, pumpkin seeds. (Am I right, Dr. Write??) Maybe it's just a family thing. Anyway, they are delicious. Happy pumpkining to all!!

If you wanna win you gotta play like a girl!!

The girls started soccer last week, yes in AZ soccer starts in Oct. and goes until Dec. Anyway, their first game is tomorrow and I just had to take a picture of them in their fancy new uniforms. I mean just because a girl is running around in the grass and dirt doesn't mean she can't look good doing it. And darlings, you look mahvelous!!

Fall Break

The girls had the week off for "Fall Break". Funny because we don't really have "fall". However, we drove the girls to "fall" while their G'ma was out from MN. We went to Jerome, Sedona and Flagstaff. In Flagstaff we were able to soak up the 55 degree weather. We rode the ski lift up the mountain where it was 28. WOW!! It sure was pretty. The girls also got to see leaves changing colors. We had a great time. I only took video of our trip to Flagstaff but I have one of the hubby, his mom and the girls in Jerome. I have also included one I took of the girls when I took them and their G'ma to the Rainforest Cafe. They bought stuffed snakes. We had a great time!! School starts again on Tuesday but we had a great break. Happy Fall to everyone who actually gets to experience it.

Everything I know about life I learned at gymnastics.

While having a discussion with my daughter 'S', I realized that many of the lessons I was trying to teach her are also lessons that are helpful outside the gym. Here are a few:

1) Don't compare yourself to others. Focusing on other people's strengths instead of your own weaknesses will only leave you bitter, not better (I know that's cliche but daughter liked it!!)

2) Attitude is everything. Being mad or bitter won't make the time go by faster so you might as well enjoy what you are doing.

3)Get back up on the beam when you fall. Eventually you won't fall off and you might end up being pretty good at it.

4) Listen to your coaches. They know what they are talking about. Trust their advice and it will help you get better.

I am sure there are more but that's all I have! On a completely different topic: The weather here is fabulous, spectacular, beautiful (insert own adjective here). The high yesterday was 81 and the low was 63. Welcome fall!!

Princess party

Okay I am posting this because I said I would but I have had, I think, one too many fresh margaritas while watching the Cardinals beat the Steelers-Yes I think I am still in shock. Ok well having said that here are some pictures of E's very princess tea birthday party. I think everyone had fun and I loved seeing all the girls in such glamorous dresses!! Not that I am bias but my girls are, without doubt, two of the most beautiful(and intelligent) girls around! They danced, played games, ate lots of sugar, danced some more and got to wear make up!! All in all I think all the girls had a great time. I liked it because I did not have to do much but observe and take pictures!!!

Happy Birthday Miss E!!

Today is my youngest daughter's 6th birthday. This morning she said(with dramatic flair) "I'm six today, bye bye five!" Here are a few pics of the family party we had last night. Tonight I am making what she requested: cheeseburgers, my homemade Spanish rice and a green salad. The second pic is of the birthday girl with a cookie bouquet from the Penmans. How darling (and delicious)!! Tomorrow she is having a party at RoyalTea where the girls get to dress up, play games and have a tea party. Pics to follow. Happy Birthday Princess!!

What do you smell like??

Yesterday I was hugging my oldest daughter. She, like her father, is very sensitive to smells. While hugging me she proclaimed "Mmmm. Mom you smell good. You smell like, like Nordstroms."
Uh oh. Did she say I smelled like Nordstroms??? Oh great. I think I am in trouble.
On a side note the weather here is fabulous!!! Air that feels cool, what a concept.

Summer Blues

I know some people probably don't want to hear this but I am sick of the sun!! Yesterday it actually went behind a cloud. I don't want to jinx anything but I think we may be heading into "cooler" weather. It is only supposed to get into the high 90's all week and the lows will be, get this, in the 70's. While I realize this is still summer weather for most of you, that is the beginning of fall out here in the Sonoran Desert. I think I actually felt a breeze today that did not feel like I just walked into an oven or in front of a blow dryer. My girls said they were looking forward to wearing pants...how pathetic and sad. We look forward to that kind of thing out here. Hope you are all enjoying your weather which, I am sure, is cooler than here. I am making a vow NOT to say anything negative about the weather this fall/winter. I am actually looking forward to putting on a sweater. It will be a very thin one, made of cotton, but hey, it's got sleeves!!! Happy Fall everyone.

Girls Rule!!

My oldest seems to think so at least. The other day she pointed out a woman at her gymnastics practice and said "Mom, she is the manager." To which I replied "How do you know??" "Well, she is in charge of the office.." and then she got a look on her face and continued "I guess she would actually be a womanger." I laughed and said: "Well I guess you are right. I think you just made up a new word." Now anytime she sees a woman in charge...she calls her the womanger!!! Hilarious. Makes me wonder what's next.

Power point presentations

Well the other day my oldest daughter informed me that "I want more homework." HUH???? To which my husband said "That's your daughter!" So after talking with her teacher it was agreed that she would do a power point presentation. She chose giraffes. It was quite fun having her tell me what to write. Lines such as: "This is an image of a giraffe laying down." Well she presented it to her class today and it went really well. Geez I don't think I did a power point presentation until I was at least 27, she is 7.
Next up-helping me write my dissertation. Yes!!

Blame it on the Wayne....

Okay so yesterday the husband walked into the playroom where my girls were watching one of the Barbie movies. It was on a scene that had a valley in the background. My husband asked the girls:
"Was that valley formed by a glacier or a river?" To which my oldest daughter replied: "It is from a glacier because it is U shaped."

I guess she was paying attention to him.

The facts of life

So the other day my oldest daughter says: "Mom, some day I will go through puberty and start my period. And I will get Cha-Chas -you know, bazoombas- then I will get a driver's license and a car that is purple, with red flames on the side."

Well. Now if it all goes that seemlessly-that would be nice. (I draw the line on a purple car.) I am not so sure it will all unfold so smoothly but I guess there is always hope. At least she knows what she is in for--kinda.

But it still FEELS like summer.

Okay so like my sister Dr. Write and her hubby Middlebrow I am dreading the first day of class. Unlike them, however, it does start tomorrow, MONDAY. Who created classes for undergrads on Monday? At least it isn't until 12. I am sure most hangovers are better by then. And I also have homework for a class I am taking, which is also on Monday-Monday night. Nothing like starting full speed. I haven't received any emails..yet. I am still trying to get over both of my daughters being in school. I miss them. I miss that they don't seem to miss me, although I am SURE that is not true...I used to like the sound of silence. But now it just seems, well, quiet. Some of our best friends came out to visit this weekend which was a great way to stay in denial for just a bit longer. Plus, it is over 100. How can school start when it is over 100??? I am also looking at all I did not do over the summer. I'll just blame it on the heat. "Yea, it was too hot to get new curtains in our bedroom." If that doesn't work, I just blame the kids. Yes, that usually works. Just blame the kids...happy back to school to all!!!!

Anagram fun!!

Okay the other day husband found a cool website that will make anagrams of anything...I know, we're nerds....but anyway it is fun to type different words in and see what comes out. Here are a few of the better ones:

Erin Phd= hip nerd
Erin the blogger= rebel gone right or hot beer niggler (fyi-that means someone who complains)...hmm well maybe that explains a lot. I hope you all have much more to do than figure out anagrams, if not try it out and see what you come up with!!!

It's not the end of the world but you can see it from there...

Okay so I am finally back from Idaho etc. Great time relaxing, eating and drinking. I will borrow from Dr. Write's genius writing brain and list my highlights.

1. Going to Yellowstone-favorite part was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.(see photo)
2. Driving through the Tetons and hearing my daughter say in her best French accent: "Ho, ho the Tetons" followed by "Mom, they named those mountains after boobs. I mean who does that??" (French men).
3.Taking tour of High School and not feeling insignificant and insecure.
4. Taking daughters to see my old schools and houses.
5. Being relived that I am not SO old that my former schools and houses still exist.
6. Seeing parents of one of my dear friends from High School and realizing again why I love them.
7. Drinking margaritas and other libations with family.
8. Eating at a taco truck in Pocatello...I mean who knew?
9. Meeting a security guard in the SLC airport who dated one of my classmates-he actually knew where ISU was and then he and the other guards made jokes about Pocatello.
10. The girls getting to see their cousins.
10. Having all my family together.

Oh and because of this trip I have new addictions like Spicy Thai and Buffalo Bleu chips, burritos from taco truck and Entourage. In addition to the picture of the GC of Yellowstone, here are a few great pics I took. Enjoy your summer while it lasts.

Back in town and back to school

We just returned from our 2 week vacation (details later) but I thought I would post the most exciting news first, the first day of school!! Yes believe it or don't, the girls had their first day of school today. Kindergarten and second grade. I can't believe it. I was home all alone today. Not that I noticed. I was busy unpacking and washing and buying groceries. But still it was a bit lonely. I can't really believe that both of my girls will be gone all day. Whatever will I do with myself?? Well I have a list a mile long and school starts for me in about 3 weeks so this won't last forever. Because I am a mom, I have pictures of their first day. They are two of the cutest girls alive!! Yes they chose the same shirt but opted for different skirts. Hope all of you have a great first day of school too!!

Especially for EGP

This post is in honor of my niece, EGP:
Okay so my daughter #1 comes down to the kitchen and here is our conversation:
Daughter 1: "Hey mom, guess what we are playing with our barbies?"
Me: I don't know.
Daughter 1: What Not to Wear. This is the Barbie that needs a makeover.
Me: Oh really. That's good.
Daughter 1: Yea, she needs a new hair do. And outfit.

Okay so I don't let the girls watch much tv, mostly movies. The shows I do let them see are usually ones they watch with me, which are What Not To Wear and cooking shows on Food Network. Today while watching Barefoot Contessa the daughters and I were watching Ina make cookies.
Daughter 1: Hey mom, is she going to pipe those cookies? That is so cool? With their names?
Me: Yes. She is going to pipe the names.

I just think it is cool that she even knows what piping is....it is definitely better than what is on TV today. We are going to be working on some of those recipes . Better then trying to explain all the crap that is on TV...

California or bust!!!

The girls and I flew to Cali for a few days so we could all visit with our friends. We had a great time-I managed to NOT go to Disneyland or the beach...yes I am not too crazy about the beach in SoCal and we have been to Disneyland many times already. I was able to distract them with swimming, playing and spending the night with friends. It was a great time. The pictures are ones I took of the girls while we were there. They happened to pick out the same dress and they wore them to church. I think people thought they were twins!! They looked darling. Next week, we are off to Idaho. Geez the girls need to start school so I can rest...yea right!!

How to tell if you're crazy

Something happened the other day that confirmed by long held fear that I have indeed lost my mind. In light of this I thought I would make a list of things to look for if you think you have lost your mind (or signs you are a mother....)

1)You can't remember what day it is and take your kids to the wrong place on the wrong day.
2)You can't remember things you just said or wrote.
3) You can't remember things you just said or wrote.
4) You rely on a 7 year old to remember items at the grocery store.
5) Even though the 7 year old remembers the items you told her, you still forget several things that you forgot to tell her. Of course you don't realize this until you are walking out of the store.
6) If you didn't write the appt. down in your calendar and get a reminder call you forget to go.
7) You forget things you've known for awhile like your own phone number or the capital of one of the states.
8) You forget what number 8 was......

Or maybe it's just me and I need some medication or something. Or a lobotomy. Or both.

Happy Father's Day

I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. We spent the day at the pool and BBQing. We grilled halibut and squash. It was delicious. For dessert I made Wayne his favorite- Vanilla Ice Cream. We put some fresh blueberries on top. Yummy! My daughters like to make Daddy stuff so here is a picture of what I and they made at As You Wish. He is getting quite a collection of bowls and cups. The small blue bowl was done by me and is currently being used to hold his pick collection-no small feat!! The purple and green bowl was done by our youngest daughter. She loved the "sponging effect". The dog is meant to look like our dog Bailey (and it is pretty close) done by our oldest daughter. Hope you all have fun with your loved ones.

Poem

Here is a poem that my oldest daughter wrote me a few weeks ago. I just came across it and thought I would share:

Dear Mom,

I think you are a angel, that was sent to me from above
and sprinkled me with hopes and love!


Isn't that sweet??? (sniff, sniff).

Psycho???

Here is a conversation I had with my oldest daughter the other day:

Me :(I just said something sarcastic but I can't remember exactly what it was because I do it so often.)
D#1: Mom, you're being sarcastic aren't you??
Me: Yes honey I am.
D#1: Or is it psychotic??
Me: Well I am that too but no sarcastic was the right word.
D#1: I know mom, I was joking.
Me: Oh. I get it.

P.S. Daughter is only 7.

Daughters playing

Here is a little example of the type of conversations my daughters have while they are playing.

D#1: I will be a princess.
D#2: No, I want to be a princess.
D#1: Okay then, I will be a mermaid. Like Ariel.
D#2: Well actually I heard princesses don't have skeletons so I don't want to be a princess.
D#1: Of course princesses have skeletons, Cinderella walks around. She couldn't do that without a skeleton.
D#2: Umm, yea well I'm just gonna be a commoner.

That pretty much says it all right there...they are hilarious!!!

Bragging...

Since it is every mothers right to brag about her kids I thought I would share some of the top conversations I have had with my girls lately.

Daughter 1: Mom, what is precautious?
Me: Do you mean precocious?
D#1: Oh yea that.
Me: It means wise for your age.
D#1:You mean like me?
Me: Uh-huh.
D#1: That's funny. When I read it I thought it was precautious.

Me: Hey do you need to go to the bathroom?
D#1: No because I haven't had any beverages lately.

Me: What is going on in the movie?
D#2: Oh that man just defeated the monster. You know mom, he beat him.
Me: Yes I know what defeated means.

D#2: Mom, Carson likes me. Everyone in my class likes me. I'm funny.
Me: Well I am glad you get along with everyone but...
D#2: But it's true.

I am sure there are more but that is all I can think of right now. I am sure there will be more later as we have been having lots of fun so far this summer.

Summer Sun Shrinks Cerebellum?

Summer is in full swing out here. Swimming, tanning, sweating, doing TaeBo. We watched the University of Arizona win the college softball championship (Go Wildcats!). Daughter 1 saw how they were all in good shape and she commented: "Maybe they do Taebo."

Later Daughter 2 asked if I drove a Porsche. "No, but close. I have a Taurus." "Umm-I thought it was a Porsche." I couldn't tell if it was disappointment in her voice or not.
Maybe too much sun does effect the brain. If this is the case, we are all screwed.

The Clampets go camping.

Last week, hubby and I took the girls on a 7 day trip to see Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The husband feared that his geologist card would get revoked if he did not visit 3 of the most geologically interesting (is that an oxymoron??) places in the United States. So packing nearly everything we own we set off for Southern Utah/Northern Arizona. What a great time we had!!! The girls and the dog all had a blast! I learned more about geology then I would have ever hoped to and the girls learned what a 'hoo doo" is. Here are a few pictures of our adventures.
I now have a pile of dirty clothes in my house the size of Mt. Rushmore...but at least my counter is clean!!!

Just call me Betty Crocker. I'll even settle for June Cleaver!!

For Mother's Day, Daughter 2's preschool had a mom's tea. In anticipation of this, they completed a book about their moms by filling in the blanks on pages of a book describing their mom. Here are a few of my daughter's best:

My mom is 56 years old. Her favorite thing to do around the house is clean the counter. Her favorite thing to do in all the world is cook. She is so pretty when she wears high heeled shoes. :) Wow that makes me look good. I guess if it is something you do a lot your kids will think it is your favorite thing to do. So here I am, in my high heeled shoes, cooking and cleaning the counter. Well at least I am not barefoot...

Rules for the summer

Well our first day of 100 degrees is quickly approaching. I thought it would be good to make a list of some important things to remember when it gets that hot (just in case you come by or you happen to find yourself in an oven.)

1)Only visit places that have a/c.
2) Don't leave anything in your car that will melt. Even for one minute. Really. Do you know how fast chocolate melts? I do. If you must, take it with you. Protect all chocolate!!
3) Test the metal parts of your car on small parts of your body before grabbing them with your hand.
4)If going to the ATM leave your car on. For some reason it takes 2 second to heat up your car but a full 5 minutes to cool it down again.
5) Don't ride in anything with plastic seats.
6)Despite what your mother told you you can leave the house with wet hair. In fact it is a good idea except that it will only be wet for about 5 minutes. But anything helps.
7) If you have to be outside, don't stand on the blacktop and get into a body of water as quickly as possible. If not possible, go back inside.
8) Wear sunglasses.
9)Wear sunscreen. In other places I am sure it is safe if you are only going to be outside for a little while however, other places are not Phoenix. Keep sunblock in your car.
10)Don't wear anything any shirt that has sleeves or any bottoms that go past the knee. Also all foot wear that is NOT a flip flop should be avoided. Unless you are running. Of course only crazy people run here in the summer so this probably doesn't apply to any of you.
11) Beer and/or margaritas.

Well I think that about covers it. Any suggestions? If so let me know.

The Way Things Should Be

Today my oldest daughter has her first "testing" experience in school. She was feeling nervous this morning and started asking me questions about it. I just said:
"Honey don't worry they just want to find out what you know."
She replies "Oh so I close my eyes and imagine a play and then I write it down."

Man, if only!! I wish that were the way it is. Yes I think school would be much better if it was run by a 7 year old.

I'm just not ready

I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I will not survive both of my daughters going through puberty. I think it has already started. Daughter one cries when she can't find her slipper or when the toothpaste doesn't come out of the tube just right. Also clothes. Aye, the clothes. She changed 4 times this morning and would only wear jean shorts. She has about 6 other pairs in her drawer not to mention skirts and dresses but no, it must be the shorts. And the shirts. Must be soft and just so or she's not wearing it. Only tennis shoes. The socks must be a certain kind. She doesn't like it when the toe "feels funky". She is only 7. What is coming? I don't think I have the strength for this. And she already thinks I don't know anything. How did I live this long without knowing anything? I'm thinking maybe a nice school in Paris. Or I could take some small pills for a few years. The PhD program is like kindergarten compared to being a mother to two girls. I love them dearly but I am wondering if there is way to love them from afar until they are 18 or so......

I gave birth to a lawyer!

Well it has become apparent that our oldest daughter may be headed for a career in law. Here is a conversation between her and me.

Me: Please go change out of your pajamas into your clothes so we can go to the store.
Daughter: But I want to stay in these.
Me: No, it is just not appropriate to wear those to the store. It is a public place so you should probably be in clothes. And besides, you have been in those for quite awhile.
Daughter: (moment of silence) Um well since that isn't a very good reason then I am just going to stay in my pajamas.
Me: Okay. I did not want to have to do this but you give me no choice. I am pulling the mommy card. You do it because I said so.
Daughter: (looking very unhappy) Okay (big sigh) I guess that does it.

Where does she get this? Well I blame it on her dad because it makes me feel better but I think she has far surpassed the both of us. I always wanted smart kids but this is getting ridiculous!!

I am not sure what my youngest daughter will become (she says she wants to be an actress) but when I asked her to change her clothes she said "Okay mommy!!" Of course she came out in a pink flowered skirt, orange top, striped socks and red shoes. You go girl!!

FINALLY!!..and Happy Birthday

well after days of "Check the mail mom." and "Did they come yet mom?" or "When will they get here mom?" They have indeed finally arrived. Yes the long awaited American Girls made it to our house safe and sound (thanks Penmans!!). Here are a few pictures of the girls and their dolls. Daughter Two's girl is Molly and Daughter One's is Katelyn but we call her Kate for short. We have been in a flurry of American Girl clothes and shoes. But it was, worth the wait. Also I am wishing daughter one a very happy 7th birthday. The other night in bed she said: "Mom it's okay that we share a birthday because it's more exciting for kids then adults."
"Why?" I asked
"Because kids get better stuff."

Well there you have it. I guess I really am still 29 since I haven't offically had a birthday since she was born.

My 6 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon

Okay so you know that game "Seven Degrees of Separation from Kevin Bacon?" Well I always thought it was clever but could never find my separation degree and who was involved. Well I think I finally have it. I get my hair cut at a spa inside my gym. My hairdresser, Amy, also cuts Matt Leinart's hair. Matt went to USC. USC is located in the same city as UCLA. A professor at UCLA married Jon Lithgow. Jon Lithgow starred in a little movie called "Footloose" with none other than Kevin Bacon. So there it is. About as close as I will ever get to anyone famous. Sad that I spent time doing that isn't it? Well it is Spring Break and all...

What's that mean?

Well the husband and I have realized we have moved into a new stage with our daughters. They are now discovering that there words out there that are considered "swear words" and this has caused lots of commotion as you can imagine. Here is an example of some of the conversations we have been having.

Daughter 2(after seeing Dad hit a great golf shot) Wow Dad, that was hot shit!
Dad: Hmm. Where did you hear that?
Daughter 2: A guy golfing said it.
Dad: Do you know what it means?
Daughter 2: No.
Dad: Well Shit means poop.
Daughter 2: You mean like dog poop?
Dad: Yea.
Daughter 2: Oh.(Wheels turning in head)

A few nights later:

Daughter 1: Hey Dad. What is the "F" word. I know it's not fat or fudge because that boy (from A Christmas Story) wouldn't get his mouth washed out with soap for saying those words.
Dad: I'll tell you when you are older.
Daughter 1: Why?
Dad: Because.
Daughter 1: But I won't say it. Please.
Dad: I'll tell you when you get older.
Daughter 1: When will that be?
Dad: I don't know.

Wow. Well it will be interesting to see what new words they start coming home with. I can't wait. Really.

Safeway through the eyes of a child

This first one is called "carts" then there's "produce", "cream cheese", "bread" and of course "doughnut". She did take a few of people but they were not nearly as interesting nor did they have the right composition. She could become the Ansel Adams of the everyday experience. Enjoy!!

Blogmania

Having a blog can be quite high maintenance. (I don't think that is spelled right even though there is no red line...) Anyway I just "updated" my blog and changed the template and added stuff. It's kinda like having a relationship. You need to communicate and "pay attention" to it. You can't ignore it for too long or you get "Why haven't you blogged?"or "Where have you been?" Of course once you are a blogger, you can't go back. It is impossible. So here I go again.

My youngest daughter went on a field trip to Safeway. She brought along her camera. I am going to post some of her pictures tomorrow. She is quite the photographer. She's calling her series "Safeway through the eyes of a child." Profound. Utterly profound.

Life's a Bit** and Idiot Part Deux

Well the other day my youngest daughter was playing a little game that lots of kids play when they are learning to read/write. She did the rhyming game. She started with the the word "Witch"..yes I know you know where this is going. So she says "ditch, bi...." To which my oldest daughter yells "Oh that's a bad word. She said a bad word." My husband and I wondered how she even knew it was a bad word to which she replied "Well 2 of the boys at school call each other that and one of the boys told me it was a bad word" I guess, according to him, they say bad words all the time. So my oldest daughter had to jump at the chance of telling the parents that her sister said a bad word. We proceeded to tell them what the B word meant and that it was not a nice word to call people. My youngest responded: "Well what if I want to call myself a bit**. Can't I call myself a bit**??" We are working on this one.
Then today my oldest asked me what idiot meant. "I thought I told you already, someone who isn't smart. Why did someone call you that?"
"No" she replied.
"Well did you call someone that?"
Pause... "well. I sit next to two boys mom and they are just really annoying. So I said-'Here I am, sitting between two idiots'."
"What did they say?" I asked
"One of the boys said 'Oh yea, well you're a moron'."
"Well I guess he gave it right back to you. What did you do?"
"Just laughed."
Hmm-we are working on this one too!!!