Got 'Em!

After taking approximately 65 photos this afternoon, I have a little more respect for photographers. I just didn't have the patience to continue with kind encouragement after about picture 26. I found myself shouting things like, "Smile with your teeth! Not that many teeth! Keep your eyes open! Act like you love each other! Stop poking your brother!"

I'm sorta surprised the neighbors didn't come out to watch.

Almost

We almost got a picture good enough for Christmas cards. Too much squinting in this one. Plus, my Dad hitched a ride in the back with his birthday card on display! We'll keep trying.

Good Advice

I stepped out of the shower this morning, wrapped myself in a towel and noticed my son jumping on my bed. I said, "Get off my bed!" Quinn immediately got down. Mr. Rellim asked, "Son, I've asked you to stop jumping at least three times. Why did you listen to your mom so fast?"

Quinn's answer: "I always listen to n a k e d women."

Thanksgiving

We all named at least one thing for which we were thankful. Mr. Rellim buttered up the mother-in-law by praising her culinary skills. Five-year-old Owen (wearing the Indian headband) gave thanks for "land."

Truth or Dare

The boys are playing truth or dare. I had to create a new rule that "dares" were not to include a non-participating family member (me).

Been in Chicago Lately?

I have. People are crazy drivers. Mrs. Bickerson found this Youtube video highlighting the driving skills of one of the best. My chauffeur, however, was one of the more highly skilled. Here is a picture of four great friends sharing a good meal and lots of laughs.

Prank Call

I got a message today from "Kelsey at Starbucks." She told me that they don't deliver - I'd have to pick up my coffee at the shop. While listening to the message, my daughter started laughing. Rachel admitted that it was her "signature prank call" and "Don't you think it's original and hilarious?"

Thank You

A new song written by Steven Curtis Chapman honoring all service men and women, inspired by a man he had met earlier that day, Thomas McBride. Beautiful.

Frugality

I learned that my son has been trying to save the family money by NOT using soap or shampoo when showering. I would prefer that he shut the refrigerator door or turn off lights. But, what do I know? Maybe he's on to something. Could save me gas money driving him to play dates.

Quinn's Funniest

I usually ask the kids to tell me the funniest part of their school day. Today, Quinn said the funniest thing was when he wrote "kick me" on a sticky note and stuck it to his forehead.

I guess it was sort of a slow day.

Good News

Eight leading retailers have committed to recognizing Christmas.
Best Buy (612) 291-1000
Cabela’s (800) 243-6626
Kohl’s (262) 703-7000
Lowe's (704) 758-2304
Nordstrom (206) 303-6000
Pier 1 Imports (817) 252-8000
Toys "R" Us (973) 617-4040
Wal-Mart (479) 273-4000
Call to let them know how you feel about it.

Neat Idea

I sound like talk radio, don't I? Anyway, Rachel made this fancy "Skiving" snack box for a Harry Potter fan today. If you didn't read the Potter series, you probably don't know about the Fainting Fancies or Nosebleed Nougats. Ours taste pretty good because we used homemade chocolate truffles instead.

Do Not Despair

That's what I heard today from my favorite national talk show host, Dr. James Dobson. Throughout time, God has used even the most unlikely persons for His good.

In a Funk

Why do people talk about the "decisive" election when referring to the Presidential selection, but sue over the outcome of the Prop 8 amendment to the California state constitution? They were both decided with a 52% majority.

Quinn and Friends

Quinn was selected as a vocalist for an Illinois State Choir event. One hundred forty students from the state combined talents under one guest director to hold a full day of rehearsals before a 6:30 pm performance. The fifth grade students sounded spectacular! Here are the boys from Quinn's school before eating pizza in the University Union. I had the privilege of chaperoning the five pictured rowdies and seven lovely ladies.

PREPOSTEROUS!

That's what Quinn screamed this morning when he read the headlines. A friend of ours has his flag on display upside down as a sign of distress. I tried to coach Quinn and Rachel on how to respond in respectful tones should the subject of the election arise today.

Anyway, congrats to Obama and his magic team.

On a related note, Mr. Rellim is extremely concerned about a ballot initiative in California that passed, mandating "free-range" animal production. Get ready for some expensive bacon and eggs, people!

On another related note, Californians also passed a ballot initiative that will provide millions of dollars in funding to create a supersonic train between SF and LA. Hmmm . . . I suppose there could be some excellent road kill possibilities if any free-range pork producers live near the tracks - or not. I once witnessed a rabbit run across a NASCAR speedway during a race. There wasn't much left for the clean-up crew to clean up.

Just a Thought

"The average man votes below himself; he votes with half a mind or a hundredth part of one.
A man ought to vote with the whole of himself, as he worships or gets married.
A man ought to vote with his head and heart, his soul and stomach, his eye for faces and his ear for music; also (when sufficiently provoked) with his hands and feet.
If he has ever seen a fine sunset, the crimson color of it should creep into his vote. …
The question is not so much whether only a minority of the electorate votes.
The point is that only a minority of the voter votes."

— G.K. Chesterton

Mother, may I?

Me: May you what?

Quinn: Go up on the roof to get the marshmallow roaster thingy!

Me: Who threw it up there?

Quinn: Look, Mom, I can't answer every single question in the entire universe.

Me: I can - NO!

Best Buy

New sofa "patio furniture" for five bucks. Who doesn't need one of these?

A Farmer, et al.

This is me as Sarah Palin alongside a friendly Red Power Ranger, whose mother graciously loaned him to us for the evening whilst trick or treating. My kids are getting big and we thought a smaller child would help complete our ensemble. Not every home owner agreed to vote for me on Tuesday, but most got a chuckle out of the costume.