did you know???

pumpkins are part of the berry family

that's one big ass berry

Celebrity Booger (Ya - that's right!)

Someone should really call social services. My mom has lost all parenting ability. As if it isn't bad enough living in a hotel, now she's running errands like a maniac and we're never home. Take this morning as an example. Mommy had a physical so we left when the big hand was on the twelve and the little hand was on the nine. We did her doctor thing but then we had to go to the new house to get something and see what was going on. There were some boys there that made mommy very happy. Something about the outside of the house getting done. Then we went inside to say hi to the painters. We finally got to leave only to come right back. The one thing she needed, some sort of wood sample, was the one thing she didn't do. Then we had to go to some eye appointment for me. Mommy kept trying to make me say the word. When I did she was really happy. Anyway, he said there was nothing wrong. I could have told her that. How do you think I always find the snacks you hide? Duh! We were in the doctors office forever. There were a lot of really old people there, even older that Amme and Baba. I started acting up so the nurse jumped me ahead of some other people. Mommy complained that we were there over an hour, whatever that is. Then she decided we should price out some blinds. We were at Home Depot FOREVER!!!! I tried being bad so we would leave but she made me stay and even said I was a really good girl while waiting. Boy, did that ever backfire. Anyway, she's not very bright these days and realized she didn't have a measurement for one of the windows. Then it was back to the house, call Home Depot, blah, blah, blah. To make a long story short, the little hand was on the two when we got back. Someone please help me. I don't know how much more I can take.

Love Emma

Dear mom and dad

I'm so glad you are here. It is so good to see you. Even after all these years of living apart I still miss seeing you regularly. We have had a great time together this week. I have enjoyed our mornings together and it is so good to hear all about your travels. You have seen and learned so much and it makes me smile to see how bright your eyes become when you are reliving one of your many adventures. I hope I am as adventurous as you when I grow up.

The week has gone fast, don't you think? Mom, you have settled nicely into looking after a family. The meals have been delicious and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the laundry duty. Dad - I remember you shuttling me back and forth when I was a kid - now you have stepped right back into that role with the boys.

The boys are loving having you here. They love to be with you and are looking forward to spending some "my mom and dad aren't with us" time with you today.

You could have begged off all week but you didn't - You attended all the activities you could, cheered them on and let them know how much you care. Thank you for that.

I probably haven't said it enough but I love you and am so happy to have you here. Thanks for coming, thanks for staying more than 3 days and thanks for being my mom and dad.

love you,

s

PS - mom, can you stock the deep freeze with ready made meals before you leave?

here goes

Hi All - happy Saturday. Sterling is playing with dominos, Kaed is getting his hair colored and Craig and dad have gone to get beer.

Here is this week's quiz. You asked for it, Cheryl, so I better see your answers!

Current Occupation: Project Designer and Educator
Dream Job: Nurse
Best birthday gift I could receive: Winning Lottery ticket
If I had a million dollars what is the first thing I would buy: A new van
When I was a teenager I thought at my age I would be: a teacher and mom of 4 kids
When I am 80 I hope to be doing: the tango
The person I'd like to be more like is: Kaedo

Can't wait to read what you have to say,
S

pumpkins

Hello All -

Thursday?? Ya, it's Thursday. This week has been a blur. Mom and dad are still here. They haven't decided to pack it in yet. Thank god.

Just thought I would post some of the pix from our pumpkin picking on Saturday. As most of you know, we have virtually no traditions. The boys alternate putting the angel on the top of the tree, we go to the movies on Christmas day, and we always go pumpkin picking. This is one of my most favorite adventures of the year. Having never gone picking as a child I am enthralled with the pumpkin patches and how they look. It took us some time, but we found a pumpkin farm we love. It is called Pingles, and it isn't to far from us. They have a few different things there. You can pay a fee and go into a corn maze, to pumpkin slingshots etc, or you can go to the pumpkin side and pick what you want. They have a little store and a wonderful smelling bakery too. So, off we went, looking at the pumpkins they had pulled from the patch and decided to sit among them to get the official photo.

We walked down into the patch with our trusty wheelbarrow and proceeded to scour the ground for the perfect pumpkins.

We picked tons of cool pumpkins. We returned to the "sales area" and picked mini pumpkins, ghourds, and indian corn. We also picked up some hay as I had big plans for a display in front of the house. On our way up from the field Sterling noticed the strawberries. He really wanted to pick some. I thought - what the heck. So I went and got a basket and was told that you pay by the lb or whatever. I was a little nervous as I didn't know how much strawberries cost. So, we picked and picked and eventually I said, "enough". We had barely covered the bottom of the basket. I was worried it would cost me $10. When I got to the till to pay, the girl sort of looked at me funny and said, ".59$". So much for worrying.

Well, that's about it. We had a wonderful time, got soaked and smiled and laughed and loved being together. It was great. I can't wait until next year!

Happy Fall everyone,

talk soon,

s

Thursday

Hi All -
It is Thursday morning - 8am and I thought I would update before the day got started here. Busy week as usual and we are just leading up to an even busier weekend. TKD tonight and Tennis tomorrow. Bowling and birthday party on Saturday and swimming and a date with amma and baba on Sunday. The boys are loving having amma and baba here and so are we. Right now I don't want them to leave.

Some of the benefits of having your parents visit:
baba takes the boys to school
amma/baba picks them up from school
amma cooks the meals
all the laundry gets done
baba is a handyman
they are attending the kids activities

It's really great to have them. When we first moved here we saw everyone every 3 months or so. It just can't be done anymore. The cost doesn't allow it and everyone has a busy schedule. So, I think that is why I appreciate having my family visit (this includes the Klassesns) when they can.

Sterling is starting swimming lessons today at school - if he is feeling up to it. He has a cold and isn't feeling too well. I didn't hear his seal bark last night so I hope he is feeling better this morning. Gotta go and get them up for their showers.

I have a bunch of pictures from our annual trip to Pingle's Farm this weekend and will try and get those posted tomorrow.
I hope everyone has a good day.
s

Ya! Scott!

So, Scott is the big weiner! Keep checking your mail.
All is well here. Mom and dad are in the house, and we are so glad to have them here. The boys are thrilled and we are too. They are out visiting GG right now and I think they are picking the boys up. Whatever they want is fine with me. Basketball starts tonight. Sterling is SO excited. TKD as well tonight so we have a busy few hours. Spell A Thon is Thursday and Friday so we are madly working on their words. The school is taking the pledges and buying more SmartBoards for the classes. We have 5 now and want another 5. We're practicing every night.

Since there are only 2 scrapbookers (that I know of - Cheryl, Laura) that check the blog on a semi-regular basis I have AWESOME news! I recently traded in all my quickuts squeeze tool templates and got a SILHOUETTE!!!!!! Ya! I have a friend who works in my LSS and I told her I was looking to sell my system. She asked me what I wanted for it and I said a SILHOUETTE. She traded everything for me and I got it today. It TOTALLY rocks! I'm not excited at all.

In the office tomorrow morning to sign my new contract. Maybe they are going to double my pay. A give me a unicorn to ride to work.

Sterling starts swimming lessons on Thursday through the school. I am looking forward to it and plan to go and watch. He is getting a lot of swimming in now.

How is everyone liking the riddle thing? Which would you rather? The riddle or the questions? Craig sent me a riddle he dared me to post on the blog. I regretfully declined. If you would like it email me privately and I will send it to you. It's great but I think Shirley would blush up to her eyebrows. Scott - I dare you to get this right! Without googling it!

OK - see you guys - much love to all. In less I don't like you - then no love to you.
Smiles!
s

OH ya! - Guess what? I MIGHT get the chance to go to NYC in December!! Yippee!