Daddy Time

One of my favorite sounds in the world. Andy playing with the kids and them laughing those deep belly laughs. I know that in a few years it won't be cool to sit in Daddy's lap or even anywhere near him. But, at seven and eight they seem to relish the time together. Even the cat likes to be the center of attention if he can swing it. This is a familiar scene at our house when the simpsons or cartoon network is playing.

Two reasons

I really have to search lately to find a reason to smile. But, here are at least two of them. Having children later in life is something that is usually discouraged. For me, it's worked out to be a weird, wonderful and exciting experience. I don't know if these two little ones will suffer for having an older mom, I hope not. I try to nap while they are gone, and be alert and awake when they need me. I keep my complaints about aching knees or popping joints to myself. And I can sing almost every song on Spongebob Square Pants. I know that my husband and I will be some of the oldest parents sitting in the audience when they graduate. And we may not live to see our great grandchildren. I can take that chance...it's worth it when you are offered the biggest kitkat in the pile. Not with pouting, not with a grudge but because "Mom, I wanted to save it for you."

admit it, you've done this before

the best part of childhood. licking the bowl. it also happens to be the best part of making brownies. Add a little brother with a goofy irresistable smile and it makes being seven years old a wonderful place to be.

deconstructed love

one of my favorite parts of summer, huge slices of tomato that are so ripe and juicy that they refuse to be ignored. It's like a tiny bit of August stacked between two pieces of wheat bread. I can even do without the bacon and be just as happy. If the finished product is out of focus, it's because I was quivering with anticipation. Living in Indiana my whole life, I know that this color and flavor won't be around in January,when all the sad hard little white excuses for tomatos will be stacked up at Krogers. Posers.

thanks for the memories

This may seem like a picture of a teenage boy and two 6 year olds to you, but to me, it represents 3 kid free days that I had this past July, thanks to a generous donation by Grandma Sherry. So short a time, but the memory lingers. Church camp for kids equals couch camp for mom. The good news is that this year they will be in the 3rd grade and qualify for a whole week camp. Donations welcome j/k

one of my top ten favorite houses

In the interest of privacy I can't tell you where or whose house this is, but it is one of my all time favorite houses. It's huge! And I spent many happy afternoons there as a teenager. There are four floors and as you can see a nice big front porch. The basement is finished and has a work shop area, pool table, and dart board and used to have a foos ball table, the ground level has a gorgeous oak staircase, large dutch kitchen, utility room, bathroom, dining room and both casual and formal living rooms, the next floor has four bedrooms, a sitting room full of ferns and green plants and a nice sized bathroom, then up in the "attic" there is a sweet little alcove that has a bed and dresser and a sitting area with a television and reading chairs. Just too sweet. All decorated in antiques and eyelet lace, with a slight nod to the dutch heritage of it's owners. The backyard is landscaped with a fishpond and rock garden. Believe me, if this house ever went on the market...I'd find a way to be first in line (although the concrete duck on the porch would have to go!)

Dundler Mifflin, May I help you?

Most fun we've had in a while, sitting in our office watching "The Office" season premiere. We sit in the blue recliner, usually surrounded by two cats and a dog. It was a pretty good show, we both were laughing outloud at different parts. Can't wait to see that movie Ghost town with Ricky Gervais who played the British version of Michael Scott....he's sooo funny. Look him up on youtube --he does some hilarious stand up. FYI: Target has Dundler Mifflin notepads and pens etc in their dollar spot area, and you can get Office t-shirts at NBC.com under the NBC store sight....not that I've been geek enough to google it or anything..

unspoken promise

As long as these colors are flying I know that somehow everything is going to be okay.

My very own Tony Danza

100% worth smiling over. I came home tonight and there was evidence that cleaning had occured! I highly recommend being married to a neat freak. Even if you are not one yourself, you can reap the benefits and therefore spend your free time on the couch munching on chex mix and watching the Emmys.

a perfect lunch

Mondays are perfect for lunch out with the girls. I deserve the break after working all weekend, and my 3rd shift pals haven't started their work weeks yet. Add a cute little future vice president and a shrimp salad and it is a perfect scenerio.

Do NOT try this with a cat!

dog. A Hanna Montana Wig. A camera
Need I say more?
Watch this space for more ways to degrade and humiliate your pets...although, I will say, cats are not as friendly about preteen fashion.

retirement, it's not just for breakfast

My boss dancing every dance at his retirement party. After working over 50 years full time who doesn't deserve a little Margaritaville? We had a great time. Have fun in North Carolina golfing, Mr. O'B...there aren't many bosses as kind and generous (or who can get almost everyone in the room up and dancing)