Super Noob [Search results for Drew] 

Drew is smart. He's funny. He's charming, and a major talker. Drew also has the last minute syndrome. Okay, I may be making the up the affliction, but I bet you know someone you'd diagnose with this as well. If so, then you are no stranger to the feelings of frustration induced by this particular trait.

My down time happens when my children go to bed for the night and my workout is done. Unless Drew strikes...which he does...often. It's 7:30, the two youngest have been in bed for 30 minutes, and I am about to go do my workout. Drew strikes. "Shannon, I forgot. I need you to check my math homework, or quiz me for my spelling test, or proofread my peom (choose any of them)." I stare blankly at him, trying to reign in my fuming temper. "Drew, why do you wait until the last minute?" (Though I don't know why I ask this, because the answer just makes me angrier...it's the same every time). "I don't know." No longer can I look forward to a little relaxation after the workout...now I have homework to do.

It's Wednesday, and I have gone to the grocery store earlier in the day while Drew is at school. I have dinners planned out for the next several days. Things are looking good. Drew comes home from school and begins his ritual of telling me about his day. With feined interest (don't think me miserable, I can only be actually interested the first 100 times I hear the same story) I listen as he tells me how he scored the winning touchdown in flag football or how so and so told him his breath stinks (hmm, maybe I'm on to something with the whole teeth brushing thing, ya think?). Then...Drew strikes. He tells me he needs Valentine's cards for class. I tell him I will get them when I can. He informs me he needs them for tomorrow. Somehow I fail to see why this should be yet another emergency on my part. Somewhere along the way, I swear, our kids are supposed to get wise to the fact that waiting until the last minute never has a good outcome. "Well," I say "if I can get to the store I will get them for you." That is not an acceptable answer for Drew. He says "If I don't bring them, I can't participate in the party, and I have to sit and do homework while the others are passing out their cards." Nice try, buddy. Somehow I don't think it would fly for the teacher to punish any student who couldn't bring cards. I have already decided that I will get the flippin' cards, yet I don't let him know that. I want him to sweat a little. Call me sadistic, I won't be offended.

I end by telling him that maybe next time he will not wait until the last minute to let me know something is needed. That sitting in class doing homework while the others are getting a sugar buzz will be a good lesson. He says he won't wait next time. We both know that's just a pipe dream. I sure wish I had a person willing to drop everything to pick up my slack when I drop the ball. I think I need a wife.

Note- I have to say, for fear of being lashed, that my husband actually picked up the cards on his way home from work...but somehow, that detracts from the snarkiness of my wife comment, so I omitted it from the post ;)

The other night, we were lazing about in front of the T.V. (watching something educational I'm sure), when the subject of the ten commandments came up. It reminded me of a story Andy told a few years ago about Drew.

He was with Drew at one of his CCD classes, and our priest asked if any of the kids knew the ten commandments. As Andy tells it, Drew couldn’t contain himself at the opportunity to answer. Thrashing around in his seat, hand raised in the air, muffled little murmurs that sounded somewhat like a wounded animal. So, what could the priest do but pick him?

Guess what Drew did? Again, as Andy recounts…Drew directed his eyes to the ceiling as if in deep though, mouth agape and uttered these words “uhhhhhhhh.” Yep. That was it. That’s what he knew. Somehow I think we were remiss in making sure his teachings were sinking in.

So, back to the other night. We rehash this story, and are chuckling when Drew says “well, I still don’t know them all but I know a couple.” I bite. “Okay, Drew, what are some of them?” Drew “Ahhhh. One is like don’t try to do something to your neighbor’s wife.”

Father Richard would be so proud.

Today it’s Drew and me in the picture together for Julie’s Mom N’ Me Monday. It’s funny, because I was thinking the other day about the fact that I am in far too few pictures with him. Today, we went up to a nearby mountain, and I thrust my camera into the hands of my eager fairly willing husband and asked him to snap some shots of me with Drew.

Little did I know that he would take me very literally, and just snap away. I think out of 10 or so pictures, he managed to get me sitting down onto the only spike on this log and stabbing myself in the rear…

One of me noticing some dirt on my jeans…

Next, he captured the ever important moment of me wiping off said dirt…

All the while, Drew is smiling away. What a good boy. Here I am next asking Andy if he’s ever going to take our picture. Notice my hand on Drew even raised in question…

What?!?!? You’ve been taking them this whole time? That’s hilarious!
Clearly…

I mean, I didn’t even have time to recompose and smile nicely. Nope. The best we got outta the bunch is the one right above with my extra chin. Thanks, Andy for bringing out my very best. Look at Drew through it all, what a trooper.

As I look at him next to me in these pictures, I am in awe of the fact that he is nearly as big as I. It truly seems like yesterday when he could just fit snugly into my lap. Wow. He was only three (Addyson's age today) when I met him. He's eleven now. I've been so blessed to be a part of his life. I have loved every second of watching him change and grow to become the person he is today, and I look forward with a happy heart to seeing the man he will become. Drew is a good soul, with a caring and compassionate nature. He will be a wonderful man someday. But today, I think I better just soak up all of his 11 year old ways while I can.

Often, I wonder at Drew's relationship with our other two children. Will it be a good one? He is 8 years older than Addyson. Or will it be strained and distant? What does Drew really feel about them? These are not questions I can ask him...they are questions that will only be answered in time.

Today, I was sorting through a couple of things next to my computer, when I came across a handwritten poem that Drew had done. It is obvious that the poem was one that the teacher assigned, and the students had to change the wording to make it their own.

His is titled "Addyson"

It reads:
If I could grant a wish for you
I would get a thrill or two

May you get no chores when you get older
May you get older and a whole lot bolder

May you be beautiful and really sweet
May you be always organized and really neat

May you have the skills of a great saint
May you always have fun and never faint

May you always have a lot of fun
May you get married and have one son

May you never have to pay a fare
May you never be attacked by a bear

May you always be very rich
May you never become a snitch

May you never be truly pale
May you never step on a nail

May God bless you all of the time
My you live until 99

Oh, if I could grant a wish for you,
I would get a thrill or two.

Thank you, Drew for answering one of my questions early. I sure do love you.

Yes, you read correctly. I asked if anyone has ever pooped on your floor...like besides your pet. I have had the misfortune of this happening twice! Once several years ago, and again today.

Several years ago, we were still living in our old house. It was summer and my husband's brother and his family came to visit. They have six kids. It was a mad house. All the kids were swimming in the pool out back; the husbands were outside watching them while my sister in law and I were inside putting lunch together. Suddenly I could hear my husband bark at my stepson to get out of the pool. Next I heard a muffled butt chewing right outside our back door (it was just off the kitchen). In comes Drew, fresh out of the pool and no towel in sight. As he traipses across the kitchen floor I find mysef getting annoyed that he is leaving puddles behind as he goes. Little did I know I should have been wishing the puddles were the only mess he would leave on my kitchen floor. Unbeknownst to me, Drew was having such a merry old time with his cousins in the pool that he couldn't be bothered with such civilities as coming in the house to use the bathroom. Nope. He crapped himself. I found this out when my husband grabbed Drew's arm to hurry him along through the kitchen, and jarred a turd loose...which in turn slithered out of his pants and onto my floor. My kitchen floor!!! Speachless. Slightly embarrassed. Conflicting feelings of aggravation and amusement all at once. That was me in the horrible seconds after it made its debut with a sickening little plop. Like I said, my brother in law and his wife have six kids...it would take much more than that to shock my SIL.

Flash forward to today. I am putting a Christmas movie on for Addyson when she goes bolting out of the room towards my bedroom. Her potty is in my bathroom, and this is a regular occurrence so I knew she would be hollaring for me to come and wipe her momentarily (I bet you think you know what happens). Maybe I go to wipe her and she has had an accident on the floor in there? Nope. She never calls me to wipe her. She just comes gallivanting back out to the living room. I am distracted with the DVD player, and absently tell her to go back in to the bathroom so I can wipe her bottom. She stays. She farts. She laughs. I say something like "oh that was really nice, Addyson." She thinks she is funny, she tries to fart again, and does. Still distracted I hadn't noticed something else had also escaped her precious little bottom. She tears out of the room to the bathroom wailing away. Crying? What did she do? I look down to the space on my carpet she had occupied not seconds before to see a little bitty poop. Does it get any better than this? Fortunately, it cleans right up without leaving a trace. I go in to wipe and console her. I explain that I am not mad...I know it was an accident. She stops crying. All's well that ends well.

We are conducting an experiment in the name of science. Heading up the experiment is Drew. It's for his 6th grade project.

After having several ideas dashed to bits by the science teacher, Drew finally found (well, Andy found, but who's keeping score), a grand idea. Who has the dirtiest mouth? The subjects? Two dogs, two horses, and two people. Drew has to test in order to prove his theory. He believes (as do I), that the people will have the dirtiest mouths. Orbit anyone? Followed by the horses, then finally, coming in with the cleanest of the three types, the dogs.

In a petri dish he has mixed a sterile solution of agar (forms a gelatin), upon which he swipes a swab that has been rubbed in the mouth of the subject. He is to make observations daily, and note any changes.

The project began last night, and already the two dishes with activity are...you guessed it...the people. Condensation is forming in the veritable hot house of germs within the peoples' petri dishes. Nothing so far on the others.

Isn't this riveting? Soon, we will all be armed with the ever so useful knowledge, and answer to the age old question...Who has the dirtiest mouth?

Stay tuned!

Just a quick little post tonight. We had a great time for Halloween. Very simple, but fun. We (Andy, my dad and I) took our kids trick or treating. Drew was some scary jester, Addyson was a ladybug and Colton was a monkey. Colton made it to two houses before Andy had to take him home to get ready for bed. He did have an outstanding time helping to pass out candy before he went down for the night though. My dad and I continued on with Drew and Addyson until they had their fill until my dad and I were tired. Here are a few pictures:

Drew

Colton-ever so happy

Addyson
Until next time...

Last weekend we loaded up the car and made the trek to San Diego. Of course, I use the term trek loosely. It’s not an incredibly long drive, though with screaming kids in the car, 5 minutes can seem like an eternity.

We spent one day at Sea World and the next at the beach. Wouldn’t it figure that I (a mother of kids in ARIZONA) managed to let my little ones get a wee bit too much sun? I actually felt a little mom fail on that one. Nobody got badly burned, but Addyson had a little too much on her back and her nose. Colton his cheeks and nose, and Drew the same. My face was completely red, as was Andy’s. I did lather sunscreen onto everyone, and I even had the kids in protective sun-wear the day of the beach. Alas, the sun still found the creamy white flesh that adorns my children and left its mark. Mom fail.

Anyway, thought I’d share some photos from our little escapade.

Nothing says Sea World like Abby’s Sea Star Spin!

Drew was foolish brave enough to sit down in the soak zone…and let me tell you, they are not kidding when they use the word “soak.”

Ugh…the blanket. We couldn’t leave the blanket in the car. There it is nestled under her sweet little cheek.

See that? Overcast skies at the beach…and still too much sun.

Now that I have sufficiently bogged down the blogger system with my photo overload…I bid you adieu. Or adios. Or пока.

Tomorrow I am doing a photo session for a friend. Well, "friend" isn't really the term I should use. I am doing a photo shoot for Drew's (my stepson) mom with her boyfriend, his three boys and Drew. Strange? Probably seems so...but we are amicable enough, and I am looking forward to the practice. However, I am nervous! Big time. I've done one actual practice session for another friend after she had her baby. The pictures turned out well, but a baby is easy. Shooting a family of six is something of which I have zero experience.

Fortunately, I am doing it for free (my payment is simply the experience). I also have made it clear that I am no professional. She is still eager to have me do this. It was actually her request.

I have some fun ideas for some of the pictures, but could use some tips for more. If you have any suggestions for fun/unique photo ideas, I would love to see them. Any additional tips would be great too.

I'll be sure to post some photos from the session. Cross your fingers for me!

Today started like any other day, and frankly seems to be ending that way as well. The in between is where the crazy lives. My children behaved as if someone told them they would get a prize (though neither of the two little ones understand how a prize system works) if they could send me over the edge.

Like any other day, Colton went down for his nap about an hour and a half after breakfast. It is during this time, that I usually sneak in my shower. Addyson will lay in my bed and watch a short bit of t.v. while I am enjoying a long leisurly taking a military style shower. Most every day this goes off without a hitch. Most every day. Today was one of those days. You know the ones, right?

I get out of the shower and instantly hear Addyson and Colton jabbering over the monitor. I wrap myself in a towel and head into Colton's room. There's Addyson chewing away on something. Chewing as if she were a cow with a heaping wad of grass in her mouth.

Me: Addyson, what are you eating?
Addyson: Gum
Me: What? Where did you get gum? Spit it out into my hand right now!
Addyson: I like it.
Me: Well I know, but it is not good for you. How many pieces have you had?
Addyson: I don't know. Can I eat it Mamma?
Me: No, spit it out please.

She is spitting it out, and it is at this point that I look to Colton in his crib. He is also chewing. Fabulous. My son has had his first piece of chewing gum at the ripe old age of 14 months.

Later in the day I attempted to clean the living room. As I picked toys up and put them away, the kids took them right back out and scattered them again. After about an hour (I made a small dent), I gave up. It was time to just move on and accept, for yet another day, the state of chaos that is my living room. No joke.

Much later in the day, I am in the kitchen doing dishes, and getting dinner started. The kids are outside with Drew playing. I am watching them all through the window as I work. Colton trips over Drew's pogo stick, and does a face plant onto our brick patio. He now has the bruise to show for it, and I am looking forward to the many looks I will get from strangers while out and about.

Addyson at some point comes running in from outside. She has to pee. Emergency. You know, she can't be bothered to come in unless it is sound the alarm time. So anyway, I am taking her pants off to help her out and not a second after her pants come off, she starts to pee. We are in the kitchen mind you! I am thankful for tile floors. So what could I do but calmly hold her so it didn't get all over her feet and wait until she was done? If I could've done anything else, I didn't think of it. I lectured her while she urinated on my kitchen floor about waiting until the last minute, wiped her up, re-dressed her, and sent her back out to play. Thanks so much, my dearest Addyson. I needed the extra chore today.

...let 'em me doctors and lawyers and such. You've heard this Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson song, right? If not, you can go here to check it out. I happen to like this twangy old classic, and its title relates well to something that is on my mind in varying degrees every day. No, I am not worried that my babies may actually grow up to be cowboys, nor do I care whether they become doctors and lawyers and such (though that would be wonderful). What does concern me is their character. I am concerned over who they will be rather than what they will be, and I worry over my husband's and my role in shaping just that.

I like to think of a baby as a blank slate when born. A newborn baby doesn't lie, manipulate, steal, cheat, blame, swear or any other number of things our morally bankrupt society does on a regular basis. They are a clean slate, just waiting for someone to make their mark on them. This is where it all begins, this long arduous journey of shaping the moral character of another human being. Heavy.

So what do we do as mothers or fathers when we catch our child in a lie? What do we do when we witness our 2.5 year old manipulate her 15 month old brother so that she can end up with the toy that her little brother was contentedly playing with? What do we do when our 2.5 year old hears what we say, yet deliberately chooses to do something all together different than instructed? These things seem so small when singled out, but I believe that our answers to these questions are the blueprint used in shaping our children.

Modifying my children's behavior on a daily basis is exhausting. It is mentally and emotionally taxing. It sucks the life right out of me. But it is necessary.

Let's take lying. When our child lies to us, how do we react? Well, I for one, do not let it slide. Ever. In my opinion there is no reason...ever...that it is okay to lie. It is one trait that I consider absolutely despicable. So, when my 10 year old lies, he has a consequence. Now, I know that the consequence itself won't stop him from lying in the future, but it may have him at least thinking about it more carefully before he does it the next time around. And so it will go until he is an adult and out on his own. Hopefully, the constant reinforcement while home with us will have taught him that lying is never an okay solution.

Now, one more example. Deliberately disobeying. Addyson does this. Not very often, but often enough to test my patience. So when this occurs, it is stopped swiftly. She is redirected (as calmly as I can muster) by going for a timeout. Timeout is what works best for my daughter. She sits in her timeout spot for 2 minutes, then I calmy re-explain why she had a timeout. I tell her I want an apology, I give her a kiss and a hug and then we get on with our day. Most times, this same behavior doesn't crop up again (at least not in the same day). Through this reinforcement, Addyson will learn that having repsect for others is necessary. It is a characteristic she will carry with her throughout her life.

Our children are a direct reflection as adults, of the way they were parented as children. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and a tremendous blessing. In becoming a parent, I believe, we made a choice to always do what is right for our children. To always put their best interest first. It's not easy. In fact it's down right hard. Which means there are times when I would like to pretend I didn't just witness Addyson push her little brother down, or that I didn't hear Drew teasing Addyson relentlessly. In those times my husband's motto from Westpoint Military Academy resonates with me : Always choose the harder right over the easier wrong. In so doing, I take the worry out of the equation. I feel confident in my husband's and my role in helping to shape who they will be.

And if Colton and Drew want to become cowboys...well, that is A-Okay with me. So long as they are honest, hard-working, upstanding and moral cowboys ;)

So here it is...in a nutshell. I am a 33 year old wife to Andy, an amazing man who works beyond hard to support our family. Andy and I met in 2001 when we both worked for Cintas Corporation. We were fast friends and slowly evolved into something more...much more ;) We were married in March of '05 and I was blessed

to become step-mom to Drew.

Drew is my 10 year old step-son. He is a fairly laid back kid with a warm heart. He has been through quite a bit in his young life with his mother, and the blending of our family. He is a cub scout (soon to be boyscout) and lover of baseball.

Addyson is

our daughter. She is 2 and 1/2 and a little pistol. She is full of will and gives us a run for our money...every day. As our only girl, she has us (just a tad) wrapped around her tiny little finger. She is one of the smartest little girls I have ever known (and no, I am not just biased). She speaks as clearly as most 5 year olds, and has a memory like a steel trap!

Colton is our 14 month old son. He is by far our most affectionate child, and keeps

us all laughing. He is our rugged little explorer, always into something. It is so fun to watch him develop and see the differences between him and Addyson. Colton says some words, has a wobbly walk, and a wet kiss! So look out if he is coming at you with his mouth open.So there you have it. In a nutshell. Hopefully this will help to keep everyone up to snuff on our everyday happenings.

Sonora at Twinfinity did a post confessing her ownership of a gun, and DG at Diary of a Mad Bathroom did a couple of posts about a crazy slightly eccentric uncle, and both ladies prompted me to write this one.

I own a gun. In fact, we own two guns. I have a twenty two rifle, while my husband has a shotgun. We don't own them for protection...our ammunition isn't even kept in the same part of the house as our unloaded weapons. We have them only for recreational purposes.

When I was about six or seven, and my brother was about four, we began learning about guns...both use and safety. Yep, at the tender age of seven I could take a twenty two rifle and shoot a soda can onto its side from about 150-200 feet away. My father is a huge advocate of teaching children at a very young age to have respect for weapons, specifically guns. It's his belief that by introducing the proper handling of guns, you eliminate the mystery and intrigue...the fascination held by many young people is lost. Having been raised that way, I can say for myself and my brother that this theory proved true. We have never felt the need handle or even look at the guns without an adult present. Our respect for them is great.

My experience, while it has made me a believer in my dad's teachings, also has me readying myself for my own children. Drew has already been shooting with my dad, my husband, and my brother. He began when he was about six or seven. So, like us, he has no fascination for the would be bringers of injury or death. I fully intend to teach my youngest ones sooner than later as well.

There are some things from which children should be shielded for as long as possible. One example off the cuff for me would be pornography. I am sure a very creative person might be able to draw some sort of flimsy parallel between gun and pornography exposure...but it would be just that...flimsy.

I may take a lot of flack for this, but I am a staunch believer in exposing my kids to guns while young. Now before you get all judgmental on me...think about how much safer kids would be if they didn't have a keen interest in guns. How many children would be spared from senseless (not that there is another type) accidental shootings at the hands of another child? The whole purpose is teaching them proper handling, safety and respect...not to turn them into firearm wielding maniacs. Finally, please note that my belief in teaching them at a young age does not alleviate the parent of the burden of keeping weapons stored safely out of reach of little hands. This you can liken to having a pool. Does a fence around it alleviate the parents of the responsiblity to carefully guard their children against drowning accidents? Absolutely not, and so it is with guns.

Time for Mama M's Five Question Friday. Granted it's a little late in the game...but still plenty of time to slip it in under the wire! To play along, simply copy the questions, paste them into a post, answer them, link to Mama M., and then go add your post to the link on her blog. Or, you could just answer any of the questions you'd like right here in the comments. That's perfectly acceptable too ;)

Today's questions are:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?

My answers:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
My first answer was Edward Cullen, then I read Keely's post and saw that she answered that...so I thought I should try to come up with someone else. Just can't do it. Edward is the ultimate in fictional fantasy, so Edward it is.

2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
I was 15, and staying in Evanston, IL. for the summer with my aunt, uncle and cousins. We went to the beach every day and there was the cutest lifeguard there. I hoped to catch a glimpse of him every time. Well, one day he walked over to where we were and introduced himself...Ari Stone. He was 17, and my aunt let me go out to a movie with him. When he was dropping me off after ice cream, he walked me to the door. I knew it was coming, and I was as tight as an overly wound guitar string. He kissed me, and all I could think about was how awful it was. Nothing redeeming about it whatsoever. Just plain gross.

3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
Played a few rounds of Sorry Sliders with Drew and my husband, then watched Pirates of the Carribean...Dead Man's Chest. That's it.

4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
I don't listen to the Beatles purposely. That doesn't mean I don't love them, it just means I only listen to them if they happen to be playing somewhere. There are a ton of songs by them that I really like, and someone else has already listed a couple...but I really like "And I Love Her" off of their A Hard Day's Night album.

5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?
I suppose it depends. I never eat donuts because I don't think there are really any worth eating anymore. In the past I may have said underrated, but not any more. I think Krispy Kreme are highly overrated. I don't like them at all. But Dunkin Donuts, like ten years ago...now that's a donut. I loved the vanilla cremes. Powdered sugar outside, inside over-filled with sweet sugary vanilla frosting. Yes, that is a donut.

What about you? I understand if you don't want to answer them all, but it is really fun to play along. As always, I still like reading your anwers in the comments too!

things look a tad wintry. This is afterall, Arizona and we are not used to this view. Here are a few peeks (and peaks) into what we see from our backyard.

Addyson

Colton

Drew

A wash that runs(in weather like we've had recently) directly behind us...

And how 'bout a Saguaro so we can tell it's still Arizona

Currently, these are the views from our perspective.

Keely is hosting another "getting to know you," and so I thought I would join in. This time we are asked to post a favorite Christmas picture, and tell a little about it.

This is Drew, my stepson last Christams. First, I just love this picture of him. Second, it was taken with the camera my dad had gotten me for my gift. I LOVE the camera! I hadn't a clue how to use any of the settings yet (still am not great, though better). It's my Canon Rebel Xsi, and this year I am hoping that Santa finds me deserving of a new lens and some other accessories.

If you have some favorite Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/whateveryoucelebrate pitures, post them and link up over at Mannland!

In anticipation of my participation in this new and fabulous meme (shhh...don't tell my friend Julie that it is in fact a meme), I had Andy take a few pictures of me with the kids. I'm quickly remembering why I am never on the receiving end of the lens. It's a lot of work if I want to look even remotely presentable. Here are a couple pictures he took...not bad on his part!

First attempt...not half bad. Next let's see if we can all look at the camera.

That would be a "negative ghost rider"...apparently for Colton..."the pattern is full."

Yes, Addyson...what a lovely and natural looking smile you have.

Me with Drew. I am not in many pictures with any of my kids, but far too few with this big guy.

So we did two. I think he is actually pretty photogenic.
So, there you have it. Thanks to Julie, I am gettin' in the picture with my little ones. Surely something that will have me grateful for years and years to come.
Can't wait to see the rest of you with your own precious little people. Just link up when you're done so we can all have a peek ;)

Friday in Blogland just couldn't get any better. Mama M. has some really great questions this week, and I couldn't keep away (not that I would try). Something about question and answer that is just so...well, simply fun!

This week's questions are:

1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?
This is not a difficult question at all. I would absolutely say growing old without money. Money is great, don't get me wrong, and we are doing our best to earn a penny or two, and I'm glad we have it, but it's not what makes my world go 'round. I think about my kids, and how happy they are...seemingly without a care in the world. They would be just as happy if we were all living together in a one room apartment with no toys. All that they need is food in their tummies, a roof over their heads and mommy and daddy to love them. We could all learn a lot from our little ones.

2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?
Either Drew or Andy. On the very rare ocassion, I do. That happens only when no one has done it, the boys are not around, and I can't even cram in one more gum wrapper.

3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?
Yes, unfortunately I wouldn't classify it as a dream. I have recurring nightmares of either sharks, or someone chasing me. The chasing me nightmares are not that big of a deal because I have taken to flying in my dreams, and when someone chases me, I just take off in flight ;) The sharks are a little trickier...haven't quite managed to master them yet.

4. Can you play a musical instrument?
I played the flute for many, many years and still can. I also have had some piano lessons as an adult, and can play at an amateur level. I stopped just before Colton was born, and would love to take it up again.

5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?
Child muzzles.

On a daily basis my kids say things that simultaneously astound me and make me laugh. Each time, I tell myself to write it down...but I just never do. Today I'm taking a few minutes to jot down some of the latest things they've said which stick in my memory.

Colton:
- Apparently working on his red neck dialect... "Mom, if you were a witch, that wouldn't be any no good."

-Seeing a scorpion on our patio..."Moooom...A wobster!"

-Smelling something, I ask Colton if he tooted. He replies "No, mom...that's your breath."

Addyson:
-She comes out with glossy lips and I ask her "what's on your lips?" To which she replies, as if it should be obvious, "lip gloss." Well, it MIGHT have been obvious if she actually owned lip gloss.

-Having been put in timeout..."Mommy??? I guess you just don't love me anymore."

-"Mom...this is the song I dance to with Drew...so it's making me have tears."

-Accustomed to piling on the jewelry, she comes out with just one necklace in hand and says..."Mom...can you just put this one on me? I only want to be a little bit beautiful today."

Really thinking I need to be better about writing this stuff down. Somewhere. There will come a day when we all appreciate seeing it again. But this is a start.

I should warn you that this is just a random post about nothing much at all. Just was remembering a couple of things, and here goes...

When I was younger, well, no...not when I was younger. At least not just when I was younger. I still do it today. What? Ah yes, let's get to that. I ask questions like "would you rather...?" or "what would you do if I...?" I get a huge kick out of asking the most outlandish things. What's even funnier is I have actually done some of the "what would you do if I's?"

My husband (then just plain old boyfriend) and I were walking by a restaurant, and I asked him "what would you do if I pressed my bare butt (does that offend you? should I say bottom?) against the glass window to the people eating just inside?" He couldn't get me outta there fast enough. He already knew what sort of crazy streak I have and he embarrasses easily.

Not sure why I find this so funny. I have always appreciated humor that defies the norm. I get the biggest charge out of seeing people's reactions to behavior that isn't considered socially acceptable. So much so that I have done some pretty out there things just so I could get those reactions.

Read on.

I am in high school. I am walking home and trailing behind a small group of boys (not anyone I recognized). One of them is straggling just behind the others. I am alone. Idea. I speed up so that I am just behind the straggler and I softly make a noise like a chicken "baaaak." The straggler stiffens a little, but pretends not to notice. I am stifling a laugh. I repeat the noise...only this time slightly louder and with a little poke of my index finger to his back. He turns to look at me immediately. Unmasked shock in his eyes (I couldn't blame him). Then without hesitating he catches up to his friends and is frantically whispering to them. Well, I couldn't make the guy look crazy to his friends, right? That's what I figured...so as they were standing huddled just fifteen feet in front of me, I begin scratching at the ground with my right foot and loudly making the chicken noises ( I am dying of laughter at the memory as I write). My arms are bent at the elbows and I am flapping as if I have wings. They are staring, no doubt wondering if I was on something, or if I was a little crazy...I was neither. As this is happening, my adrenaline surges, and in one last burst I shoot forward to their group, scuttle through them (all the while making the chicken sounds), then stop and calmly walk away. They are left standing and still wondering what on God's green earth is wrong with me. I laughed all the way home that day. On a little side note I ran into them later in the year at a post football game party. They all laughed and shouted "hey it's the chicken lady." They all admitted they thought I must have been totally crazy, but that they thought it was hilarious. It was. Anyway, we were friends after that night.

As I sit here tonight, I realize that I actually don't do stuff like that anymore. Not really. Now I am too busy making sure that bottoms and noses are wiped, mouths are fed, no one is hurting anyone else, my house is at least in some state of "respectable." Yet the thing is, I know that I will do those things again. My kids have no idea what lurks in their future. I thought my mom could embarrass me when I was young? (okay, so maybe I was the one who embarrassed her, but that doesn't fit in with the point I am trying to make). Anyway, all I am saying is: Drew, Addyson and Colton, beware! The chicken still lives within.