Spring Break?

So far, it's a lot of house cleaning and tree trimming and cabinet painting. BUT - I did go to a nearby nursery and pick out a new plant. Baby Tut. I love it!

So Long, Confidence

I had just finished getting ready this morning when my son walked up next to me and put his hand on my stomach. Patting it lightly, he said, "I hope you don't mind if I touch your 'baby bump.'" I wanted to say, "I hope you don't mind if I punch you in the head." But I didn't. Instead, I instructed him to go find his Easter basket.

Trade

A second-grader earned enough "tokens" at church this month to purchase a new Bible from the rewards store. He was so excited about it that he hardly paid attention to the lesson as he flipped through the chapters, asking me how to pronounce certain words. At the end of the service as I helped him gather his belongings to leave, I noticed that he did not have his new Bible.

"I traded it for a box of candy," he told me. Initially, I laughed and made a joke of it with his father (who was not amused, by the way).

Now, I'm thinking how easy it is for all of us to compromise in order to experience immediate gratification. The disciples slept while Jesus prayed in the garden the night before his crucifixion. But they were tired. Peter denied Him. But he was frightened.

I'm going to try to read my Bible more. Even though I'm busy.

Pet Name

Skittles. That's who gave Quinn the friendship bracelet.

It's not her real name, only the nickname given her by my son, who described her as "small with a colorful personality."

Aha!

Mr. Rellim & I were surprised to see our parenting mantra in such a lovely poster.

Zaccheus

Remember the song? Do you remember his profession?

Today in church, the kids were asked, "What was Zaccheus?" The adult leader was trying to elicit "tax collector." Instead, one of the boys shouted, "A wee little man!"

Bringin' Home the Bacon

Did I tell you that I've been working nearly full-time for about a month? It's kicking my butt and has convinced me to hold firm to my choice to work 32 hours only. Of course, since I'm covering for a portion of the caseload of a fellow SLP who resigned, I can't exactly just quit. And the school district doesn't seem to be in a big hurry to get someone hired. And the extra eight hours per week on my paycheck has really come in handy. We paid for the new washing machine "purchased" in December, for example.

But . . . working full time on an academic year is sorta like working 75% of the time for a 12 month job. So . . . I guess I should not complain.

Quinn is Fourteen

Add this to the "Awkward Family Photos" collection. Quinn is positioned here between my parents, who came to visit and wish him happy birthday. At the exact moment of the photo, my son goosed his grandmother. A birthday to remember, right?

Pronoun Pep-Talk

I was doing a lesson about personal pronouns with a primary classroom. At the end of the lesson I told them, "If you use the right words when you talk you will sound SMART! And if you use the right words when you write, you will sound SMART! And when people talk to you they will say, 'Wow! He is so . . . '"

One young child shouted, "FUNNY!"

Names

My friend's youngest child is named Matthew and he has a favorite Webkin that he named "Matt-Matt" (after himself). I thought that was cute. Then she told me that his other stuffed toys are named "Matt-Matt's Brother," "Matt-Matt's Sister," and "Matt-Matt's Cousin."

I laughed out loud!

Hungry

You've heard that teenage boys are hungry all the time and that they'd eat almost anything? Well, I had to make an appointment at the orthodontist because Quinn's top left bracket has fallen off. The receptionist asked me to bring the bracket with us to the appointment. "Unfortunately," I told her, "we can't. I'm afraid my son ate it."

Silver Lining

Overheard in a middle school cafeteria:

Girl 1:
My boyfriend is so lucky! He doesn't have to take (the standardized testing required for NCLB)!

Girl 2:
Why?

Girl 1:
See, he has this tumor . . . and . . .

Busy

My kids are on spring break this week. Quinn was so busy that he didn't even have time to get dressed today. At least, that's his story.

Game On!

I wonder if the super PAC will use this in its next ad?http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Do You Like Steve Martin?

Then you must, must read this book. Still laughing about some of the tweets

BTW

"By the way," asked my son one evening before bedtime, "I need to bring something to school tomorrow for a class project. Do we happen to have something like an owl cage around here?"

GPS

My parents bought a GPS device for me last Christmas. I like it, but I am wary of the possibility of it becoming sentient. I don't always follow its direction, but sometimes I'm talking to a passenger or listening to the radio, or just misjudging how far "800 yards" is until the next turn. I'm worried that I could be disappointing or angering the thing. Yesterday, my fear seemed to come true as the GPS said to me, "TURN RIGHT! TURN LEFT!" near the airport in St. Louis. Shocked, I pulled over until it recalculated.

Eggs

We are becoming an educated family regarding eggs.

Earlier in the year, we learned that Quinn is highly allergic to eggs, though he tolerates them in baked goods. This weekend, Mike learned that microwaving a hard-boiled egg can have surprising results. As he bit into the egg, it exploded, sending egg particles all over his face, steaming up his glasses, and burning his lips.

Maybe we oughta take a little break from eggs?

Cheerful?

Not really. That perpetual "thumbs up!" you're seeing on my daughter's right hand is actually the result of a broken thumb. A mallet fracture, as they call it. Surgery would have been the plan of treatment IF WE HAD SOUGHT PROPER MEDICAL EVALUATION IN AUGUST WHEN IT HAPPENED. Instead, she will wear a hard thumb cast for a minimum of four weeks, immobilizing the distal joint while her body "reconstructs itself."

The hand surgeon wrote a note saying, "No use of right hand for sports or PE." The soccer coach is already trying to figure out how much bubble wrap it will take to keep her in the field. Unfortunately, Rachel is the goalie . . .

Next to the What?!

I asked Quinn where he put the leftover mac & cheese.

"Next to the lamb in the refrigerator," he replied.

I didn't know whether to laugh or panic because I've never purchased, prepared or consumed lamb - ever. I was relieved to find the mac & cheese next to the chicken in the refrigerator.

Asperger's Syndrome

I pronounce it with an "ah" instead of a short "a" because it sounds less like something hanging from one's backside that way.

Anyway, I met a 12-yr old boy whose teachers had no concerns about his academic performance, but whose mother was worried about his peer interactions. Those of you with a background in this area will smile when you hear how the young man described himself:

"Well, I particularly enjoy studying about ancient Japanese culture and its warriors - called Samuri. They are absolutely fascinating."

Ring Repair

I bent a post on my diamond wedding ring and took it to the jewelers for repair. I asked them for a loaner while they were working on it.

No sense of humor, that gemologist - none at all.

Ricky S.

I like him. I like him. I like him!
But I dislike BHO even more. And I worry that Santorum's uber-truth-telling is a distraction that could keep him from winning in the general election.
Your thoughts?

Bacon

My sister bought Mr. Rellim freshly-sliced bacon for his birthday. We got to eat it for Valentine's Day. Totally awesome!

Math

I walked twelve laps today on the indoor track on campus. I thought my time of 30 minutes ROCKED for three miles. Then I learned the track is 1/8th of a mile. I'm pretty sure I didn't walk three miles this morning.

Sweeeeet Sixteen

Beautiful, delicious cake. Tastes better than it looks. Gorgeous little girl who now has a driver's license.

Super Comunicacion

While at a Super Bowl party last night, I had to use my super-speech-language communication skills. The host of the party had invited a co-worker who had just moved here from Brazil. He was Japanese-Brazilian and spoke very little English. I do not speak Japanese or Portuguese. We had a lively discussion nonetheless as he was able to understand my broken Spanish, augmented by lavish gesture. We were actually able to hold a discussion about world religion and politics.

Who says a football party can't be educational?

Celebration Cake for Tomorrow

I'm making this for Rachel's birthday tomorrow. I wonder where I'll hide it until after supper?

BTW, one slice equals something like 917 calories. And nine grams of fiber!

And Another Thing!

I remember when my kids were part of a home childcare a few days a week and I had to get a doctor's order so that Quinn could receive breast milk instead of formula!!!!

Why?! Because the childcare provider received federal funds for something related to her business and it was a deviation from the federally mandated childcare menu.

Points

At our local high school, kids receive "points" for misbehavior. So, at the end of the quarter, the kids with the least points are the winners. I'm so confused.

Today, Rachel texted me to tell me that she "got points" for having a water bottle in class and that she would need a doctor's order to "remove the points" and be allowed to drink water from a water bottle at school.

I immediately called the doctor's office (so as not to rant to any school officials) to request such order. The nurse was not surprised in the least. She told me that she actually had to send an order to the high school earlier in the school year so that a student would be allowed to apply sunscreen before any outside activities.

Yet, in Illinois, school officials can legally take our underage daughters to obtain abortions without parental knowledge or approval. Would any of us be super-surprised to see Jesus on the eastern horizon in the morning?

Winner! (and loser)

Mike and Quinn entered a Wii Mario Cart competition at our local video store yesterday. For the meager entry fee of one non-perishable food item, they were allowed one time trial each. At the end of the day, the boys learned that Quinn had the best time of all the participants and was awarded a $20 gift card from the store. He had bested his father, who was the second-place finisher. A $10 gift card was his prize.

We couldn't help but remind Mike of the line from Talladega Nights, when Will Ferrell's father teaches him, "Boy, if ya ain't first - yer last!"

Almost

Quinn is almost 14. He is almost as tall as me. He weighs almost as much as me. And I was thinking how grown-up he looked when he held the door open for me at the bank and walked to the teller to inquire about getting cash for a bunch of change.

Then he took his PIGGY bank out from under his hoodie to empty into the change counter, followed by his MICKEY MOUSE wallet where he stashed the cash.

Good Idea!

Good News!

Based on our current investment returns, we have enough money to live for eight months after retirement.

Creative Passive-Aggression

Last month, my daughter's science teacher wrongly accused her of cheating and gave her a zero on the assignment. Yesterday, my daughter volunteered to answer almost every question in the class, using great detail - and a British accent.

Wash Day

Before I Knew

MLK are my given initials, and when I was younger, I thought this day was especially for me. But that's before I learned of Martin Luther King, Jr. I wonder what he'd think about the Occupy movement today?

Can Someone Make This For Me?!

Interesting Read

If you have a couple hours, you might like to curl up with this book. There are so many books about heaven, but this one is a unique perspective.

And Many More!

To my husband:

Happy birthday! Keep shakin' your groove thang!

Miraculous Stats!

I read this on a FB post while doing some light internet stalking.

Tim Tebow is no longer allowed to wear "John 3:16" on his eye black in the NFL. However, in the game Sunday against Pittsburgh, there were a lot of coincidental statistics! He threw for 316 yards, averaged 31.6 yards per completion, the TV ratings peaked at 31.6 when he threw the final TD pass, and the Steelers only interception was on a 3rd and 16.

How do you Measure a Life?

Cal Thomas had a beautiful op ed today in the newspaper. You can check it out here.

Dad's Advice

I called my dad today to inquire about his 2000 Camry LE and whether it might be for sale. Rachel will be 16 next month and I'm simply exploring possibilities. Dad told me it might be for sale, but he's not selling it to us. "Wanna know why?" he asked. "Because you don't need another car!"

I felt like I was 16 all over again. I didn't get a car then either. And I don't think my dad would make a very good salesman with that sort of attitude.

Addiction

Quinn's health class is studying addictive behaviors and has required each student to think of something to which he might be addicted. Quinn brought home a certificate that we both had to sign, pledging that for four weeks, he would not make unnecessary purchases. I suggested that he is more addicted to playing video games than spending money. He replied, "Duh! But then I'd have to stop playing video games!"

Addiction. The first step is admitting you need help. We aren't there yet.

Don't Mess

What weighs 148 pounds and stands five feet, five and 3/4 inches tall?
Quinn in a gorilla shirt.

Happy New Year!

I'm having difficulty distinguishing the fine line between boredom and hunger. I guess it's time to get back to work!

Haircut Term

Quinn went to the barber for a haircut and told us, "The guy gave me a hangover this time!" I needed more information to understand, so he clarified by saying, "You know - a muffin top!" Still wondering, I assessed his new do and realized he was describing his new style that was a little bit longer on top than on the sides.

Classic Quinnism.

New Word

My friend's little girl told me her new shirt was a "handy-down" from her big sister.

No Such Thing

I learned today that there is no such thing as a free computer. I purchased a CAT 5 ethernet extension, an ethernet hub, a mouse and a computer desk in preparation for my free computer. Then my free computer did not respond when I pressed the power button.

I just took my free computer to local computer geeks, who have agreed to determine the problem - for $45.

Fancy Duds

Christmas Eve with Reggenoh cousins.
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Mrs. Other Neighbor

Mrs. Other Neighbor just called. It's Friday evening. She asked if we were missing a bicycle. I had no idea, so I asked Quinn, "Hey, Quinn, are we missing a bicycle?"

He said, "Yeah. We've been missing Dad's bike since about Saturday. I couldn't find it after I got done delivering Christmas treats around the neighborhood."

I told him to go pick it up at Mrs. Other Neighbor's house. It's been there since last Saturday.

The boy may never get to borrow the car. Ever.

Karma

I received a phone call from Quinn's principal this week. It seems he was involved in a minor altercation whereupon he was punched in the balls by another student in the locker room. "Yes," my son admitted, "I did punch the other kid in the balls a couple weeks ago, but there's no way it hurt this much!"

Both boys served before-school detentions the next day.

Illinois

Our unfortunate claim to fame.

My Early Christmas Present?

A new washing machine. Speed Queen. Six months same as cash. I guess it will be my birthday present too.

Christmas Concert

Rachel is wearing her new concert gown, purchased in large part by the fruit sales made by her little brother for the music boosters.

Academic Excellence

Rachel just "earned" 20 extra credit points in her Spanish II class by bringing in ten canned food items for the local food pantry.

New Appetizer

I heard about this on the Food Network tonight -
Bacon Wrapped Matzo Balls. Seriously.

Planning Ahead

My mom had minor surgery today (all went well.). I heard that in preparation for her recovery, she and one of my sisters went through the refrigerator and eliminated everything that my dad could possibly feed her in the next few days that could have gone bad.

$11.00

I found eleven dollars in a pair of black slacks that I hadn't worn since last spring. I quickly gave it to Little Caesar's for a yummy dinner.

Not Similar

To occupy means to seize possession of and maintain control over by force. Sounds like a military maneuver – and certainly not a peaceful one. How anyone can compare the TEA Party demonstrations to the Occupy movement is idiotic. The main point of both movements is the growing distrust of the federal government. The manner in which the sentiments are expressed is completely different.

Sweet Boy

Quinn insisted on attending the latest movie with me from the Twilight Saga. In this movie, the main human character, Bella, marries and has a baby with her vampire husband, Edward.

Today, Quinn wondered aloud if the actress who portrayed Bella really had to get pregnant for the movie and if she really had to let Edward bite her and get that big needle of venom thrust into her heart. I kindly reminded him that actors are acting and that she was in no pain during the filming of the bloody birth scene. (I was already regretting taking him to the movie because of some questionable honeymoon scenes.)

Then Rachel added some levity to the situation by saying, "And she didn't really have to turn into a vampire either."

$100

Mr. Rellim gave me a $100 dollar bill today and asked, "Do you have a way to break it for me?" I assured him that I could.

After a trip to the grocery store, I do have some smaller bills. But hopefully he won't mind that they only add up to about $40 bucks.

From the Backseat

My nephew, Owen (8 yrs old) came to visit yesterday and I drove him and Quinn around over Quinn's lunch break so they could have a "roaming picnic" while eating McDonald's drive-through. Owen is a good reader and he entertained himself - and especially me - by reading signs in town. As we drove by the college dive Planet Wiener, Owen noticed that the giant hotdog on the sign had rings around it like one of the planets in our solar system. The following conversation ensued . . .

Owen: Look! Planet Wiener! There's a giant hotdog coming out of Uranus!
Quinn: That's not Uranus. That's Saturn. Uranus doesn't have rings around it, only rocks.
Owen: Well, I think it is a wiener and it is Uranus! Why did they make the wiener poke through Uranus? It looks funny.

It was all I could do to keep driving.

Fire Alarm Funnies

The fire alarm went off today in response to smoke from a faculty room microwave mishap. I happened to be in a group of Kindergarten students while they made their way safely and quickly out the back door. I was carrying a preschooler and had wrapped her up in my coat since the weather was cold (42 degrees) and windy.

Between kids' chattering teeth, I heard these comments:
"I hope no one is eating my peanut butter sandwich! (left behind in the cafeteria)"
"Why is everyone going to recess now?"
"Can I play hopscotch?"
"I'm so cold I'm going to melt!"

New Roof

Mrs. Neighbor is getting a new roof. I asked her why she was replacing her roof (I knew that it had been replaced only about five years ago by the previous owner.).

This was her response:

"We are replacing the roof because [insert long glance toward the Rellim home.] it is so ugly. We don't need to live in an ugly home. Whoever gets this home after us will certainly be walking into a gem."

I just said, "Oh," turned and walked away toward my ugly little ranch.

Occupy Reality

I'm sorry life hasn't given you a bowl of cherries. Try making some lemonade. If you have all this time on your hands, why don't you donate it to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen or children's charity?

Why I Need Reading Glasses

-and possibly a memory boost, because I feel like I may have already blogged about this but can't find the post.

A few weeks ago a coworker asked me to send an email to our tech office requesting that they delete voice mail on her extension. As a consultant, she does not have need for the voice mail at the school and also does not have access to the tech office (weird). I glanced at her phone to get the extension number and sent the email. Unfortunately for the employee at x2867, the consultant's extension was actually x2857.

I'm amazed at the number of situations where reading is required.

Just Three Things

I propose a Saturday Night Live skit in which a cashier gets to know his customer based on three items in her purchase. Here were my three items at CVS: mega-bag of Hershey's chocolate bars, pantyliners and ibuprofen. Tell me about what three items you might have in your cart today.

Autism Speaks

During a brief moment of silence while teaching a phonological awareness lesson to a Kindergarten class today, a young student heard his name spoken from the room next door. He sat up straight, gasped, then said, "I hear myself!"

Red Ribbon Week

I wore my "crazy" socks today for Red Ribbon Week. It is supposed to be a statement about "socking it" to drugs.

Too bad Crazy Sock Day is tomorrow. Today was Wear Red Day.

I wore orange.

Kudos to Kristin

Rachel's friend Kristin took many pictures last weekend. Here are some of my favorites.

Thanks, Dick.

You know we've been watching the Dick Van Dyke show, right?

Quinn just announced that if he had a time machine he would go back in time to the days when the man came home from work to a perfectly-cleaned home, kissed his wife, then ate homemade dinner that she made for him. "You know - before women had all these 'equal rights.'"

So Far, So Good

Although Quinn has not yet attempted his revenge on his father, I do know that Mr. Rellim did not sleep well last night. I know this because he bolted straight up in bed when the wind picked up and caused our bedroom door to creak and move slightly back and forth.

My guess is that Quinn's revenge will involve rubber snakes. Mr. Rellim hates snakes. I've seen the man jump and scream and destroy things in his path to gain distance between himself and snakes. This actually happened once while we were in a very small boat surrounded by crocodiles. Legit.

Let the Games Begin

As if accidentally poisoning my son with peanut-dust-laced m&m cookies was not enough trauma for one day, Mr. Rellim decided to scare him by hiding in the dark behind the garage. Quinn was scared - then angry. Then, while Quinn stood in the bathroom, preparing to enter the shower, Mr. Rellim scared him again by thrusting his hand through the bathroom window.

I insisted that he apologize. Quinn said, "He should be way more afraid of what I'm going to do to him."

Our Newest Family Pastime

We just finished watching the entire first season of the Dick Van Dyke Show. After Quinn's initial roar of disapproval due to the black and white, he was heard to giggle the most.


One of our favorite was the episode "Where Did I Come From?" You can watch it here for free!

Cell Phones

The high school here just ditched their "NO CELL PHONES" policy. Now the students have permission to use their phones during passing times and at lunch. My hunch is that the kids abuse that privilege too. Here is a funny little something I found on the subject:

My Cousin's Wedding

One picture is Rachel with her new baby cousin, Evelyn and surrounded by my parents. The other picture is us with a little cow - my nephew Owen.
Funny stuff.

Speech and Hearing

I took Quinn and his friend to the local grocery store to pick up some ice cream. While in the check out line, the woman ahead of us dropped her change. Quinn leaned over to his friend and said, "Pick up the money for the ma'am." A few seconds later, Quinn's friend attempted a stage whisper, "That's not a man! It's a woman!"

Homecoming

Do You Suppose?

Andy

Andy was the younger brother of Mr. Rellim's best buddy. Here is a picture of Andy's two young kids waving to him during planting time last spring. I imagine he's reaping a harvest in heaven today. Rest in peace, friend.

Way Worth the Read

My Lucky Life in and out of Show Business.

The Future

Quinn told us that when he grows up he's going to live in a small town with a great view - and near a volcano.

Mammals

An intelligent third grade student of mine is learning about mammals. He told me that all mammals drink milk from their mothers. He then proceeded to stare me up and down, asking, "I get it with cows, but with people - WHERE does it come from?!"

I momentarily lost my courage and replied, "Well, I guess that's a question for your mom. She would know."

Sure-Fire Way to Make it Rain

Set up your sprinkler to give your garden a drink. Leave it on during dinner. Have a church meeting. Forget to turn off the sprinkler. Go to bed late. Wake up to loud thunder at 3:00 am wondering if there's anything you've forgotten to do.

Editing

Yes, the blog is occasionally edited as some members of the family do not appreciate every detail of her Homecoming plans broadcast to the world. But, just wondering - how many offers did you receive in one week to attend a school dance? And how many times did your answer change, necessitating some un-asking and re-asking? I suppose I'm recording events now so that I won't forget any details. I just get confused so easily.

Rejoice in the Everyday

Quinn came running out of the bathroom naked, soaking wet, shower still running, to proudly proclaim, "I caught a fly with my hands!!"

And my friend thought her teenage boy was going a little loopy.

Vocabulary Enhancement

There are a lot of words my son apparently has not really learned. Today, when the school nurse joked about being able to cut out his appendix, if necessary, Quinn gave a shocked look and quickly grabbed his privates. I guess he only heard the "dix" part. (And why does he know that word?!)

Later, he asked me why the doctor was touching the back of his throat in order to touch his tonsils. "Why did she have to gag me with that stick?! Aren't tonsils on my teeth?"

And this summer when asked to wear denim as a part of his VBS attire, he just ignored the instruction because he figured it was "some sort of girl thing."

74/?

Seventy-four over nothing.

That's what my blood pressure was this morning before working out. The trainer dude just stared at me. I said, "That's a new record," and walked away.

Maybe I'll eat a good breakfast.

As If

As if a bum shoulder wasn't enough to help her opponents get a ball past her . . . Rachel now has a jammed thumb. We may have to buy an injury-proof bubble for her to wear while playing soccer.

I Really Like Him

Former Senator Rick Santorum. I know it's a long shot, but he does have an impressive list of accomplishments as PA Representative and then Senator. This is an 11-minute interview, but worth it.

I read this book of his a few years ago and predicted that he might be a Presidential candidate someday. This is the day and I wish him good luck!

Teenagers are Idiots!

(But they have a lot of fun.)

If you see Rachel, ask how her shoulder is feeling after the golf cart rollover accident.

First Day Report

Quinn told us the first day of school was "stupid."

Rachel shared with us the "Get to Know You" questionnaire that she had filled out for her honors English class. She wrote that her weaknesses include "staying organized and remembering important information." She wrote that her strengths include "having an opinion about everything."

That's my girl.

Stolen! Briefly.

Rachel called to tell me that she and her friend had their bicycles stolen while they were at the university campus. My first thought was that she might have simply misplaced them (She is an absent-minded professor.). But, "NO!" she said, "We actually saw the people riding away with them!"

A few minutes later, campus police had tracked down the perpetrators. It was almost too easy since the women were also pulling a little tykes wagon full of children.

True story.

I wonder if the ladies had said, "C'mon, kiddos! Let's go get us some bikes to ride!"

I wonder if the wagon was theirs.

I wonder if the kids were theirs.

El Fin

The last day of summer vacation for me here. I knew it was coming. I've received three letters from school administrators, emails, even a pre-recorded phone message. Yet still I wonder when I'll have time in my life for a job.

Perhaps I'll take a bit less time reading the morning paper. I will have to start folding clothes and watching the news at the same time. Time to dust off the crock pot & change my "Summer To Do List" to "Christmas Vacation To Do List."

But I have a Christmas Vacation (nevermind what the public school calls it now) and that makes all the difference!

Salty

I'm doing something salty this afternoon instead of just treading water with my life. Rachel joined me at the TEA Party booth at a local fair. The second person to approach the booth started cussing and accusing us of starving babies. Oh my!

Chandelier Dress

So ugly, it's charming, right? Rachel does not agree. So if my sister doesn't like it, I guess I'll dress up as a chandelier for Halloween. Any predictions?

Thoughts on the Debate

Romney: Slick. Charming, but I don't think he's showing us all his cards. Romneycare.

Pawlenty: Whiny.

Cain: Good ideas but limited knowledge of politics. Somewhat unfairly targeted with religious-based questions.

Gingrich: Strong knowledge of history & politics, but too abrasive.

Bachmann: Forced to defend herself. Tactfully answered outrageous question about submission to her husband.

Paul: Get the US outta world affairs!

Santorum: Like him, like him, like him as strong social conservative, proven ability to achieve welfare reform, take action against nations who threaten us. But, his absolute honesty actually hurts him with others who do not agree because he doesn't even pretend to pretend to agree (re: abortion, gay marriage, etc).

Your thoughts?

New Skirt

I was wearing my cute new skirt yesterday while back-to-school shopping with Rachel and my mom. Suddenly, things seemed more breezy than before. That's when I noticed the side zipper on the skirt was split from top to bottom and beyond repair. My solution to the wardrobe malfunction? I borrowed a stapler from a clerk at the store we were in and "closed the gap." It only took three staples. Who needs a needle and thread?

Evelyn

Some recent pictures of our niece who is five months old. Anyone got a good caption for the one with the dog? "Gracie is such a stinker!" "Learning Experience" Any others?