Actual Birthday Pictures

M obviously was not so sure about that cake thing.....

Of course, it did look like a train had run through it.....

Moderation

So, lately I've been moderating my comments.

Why? you ask....

Are there axe-murderers afoot?

Not so much.

But I thought I'd provide explanation so that you wouldn't all think I'm completely nutty for moderating the three comments a week that I get (no, not really, I get more than that and I do love reading them).

No, I just recently received a comment talking about our family and the "third one on the way."

So, I deleted it, and started moderating. In a fit of self-preservation, or at least preservation of my supposed secrecy. Whatever.

Because, as Libbi says, everyone knows anyway.

Even Samson, who doesn't know much about my life since why would a sixteen-year-old care much about his aunt's life. Come on. Really.

And since most everyone I know has given up on not telling people, including Justin, I suppose I shall too.

So, I'm pregnant, yes.

And I'll tell you more someday when I feel like it.

Until then...

Moderation in all things.

Or not... obviously...

Brain Fog

So, while I was working this week I thought of three (hilariously funny, of course) blog posts I would like to write.

I cannot remember any of them now.

At least not in their former splendour.

So, I offer only this: We did buy E some actual sparkle fingernail polish.

Of course, I don't think it's nearly as good as the wood glue.

I'm off now. I think M is crawling in the empty garbage can.

Um... Is it Quiet in Here?

So, here I am, blissfully reading blogs and wasting the little time I have left until my girls go to sleep, when I realize... it's awfully quiet in this house I call home.

A few thoughts go through my mind.

Should I be worried?
Should I stand up and check things out?
Or should I just sit here and glory in a quiet moment.

After all, maybe the girls are just enjoying playing together. Really quietly.

Or maybe E has discovered the sparkle wood paint and is painting her fingernails, along with the tablecloth.

And maybe when she is done she will hand the sparkle paint to M, who will make sure to dab some on her own hands, mouth, face, pants, etc.

Maybe that's it too.

Missing

This morning my front doormat was tragically missing.

Apparently it became lost in last night's windstorm.

I thought of making a missing poster.

But then J found it a few doors down at the neighbors.

Maybe it was just a runaway.

And now it's back.

Potpourri

*** Says E on the subject of "when you grow up you can do whatever you want to":

When I grow up, I am going to get some ice cream. And then, I'm going to lick it.



*** Says E on the subject of her father (a discussion with the family sitting behind us in church):

E is talking....
Dad: Use your quiet voice. (He then pretends to pull a zipper across his mouth.)
E: That's my Dad. I love him. He's kind of crazy.



*** On the subject of cakes that taste really good, but look like a train drove through them:

How do you keep a cake from falling in the center?
How do you keep a cake from crumbling around the edges? Even before the frosting! Which means when the frosting does finally come half the cake ends up mixed in with the frosting.

I don't know. But it's really good cake, so I wish I could keep making it without looking like a complete cake derelict.

*** Also: yesterday was M-gie's 1st birthday. Hurrah and hurray! Anyway, we had an un-birthday party. You know the kind where you invite people who would have come anyway (i.e. Grandma) and you fail to buy any presents (like she knew....). M and E had a great time regardless. And if I weren't cozy and warm under my blanket maybe I'd go get the camera and download some pictures. Alas, I am cozy and warm.

Here, I'll attach a picture of E at her first birthday party. They wore the same outfit. So just squeeze your eyes together and pretend it's M. I'll put her pictures on another day! Talk about your un-birthday...

J and I promise not to jip her when she's old enough to notice. It's kind of like Monopoly. You only get paid if you make a demand! And the drumroll please.... here's our real M-gie....

On the Vital Need for Cemeteries

Recently, I found myself in need of a quiet moment. This is not a new thing. Through-out my childhood, at family shin-digs, I could always be found burrowed away in a corner reading a book. I suppose it is fair to say I am quite the opposite of my social little E. Lately, I have not been as in to book reading, but that's not to say I don't still need my quiet moments.

So, while in Vegas, I found myself in need of such a moment. I climbed in my car and abandoned the fort... but where to go? The whole point, after all, was to be alone. As I drove down the road, the perfect spot came into view: the cemetery!!! And no, I am not morbid. Cemeteries have history for me.

After all, in my family, it is tradition to sing at the cemetery. It is tradition to take trees laden with cookies to the cemetery. It is tradition to build pinecone flowers at the cemetery.

And on this day, I found the cemetery to be the epitome of quiet, be by yourself time. No one bothers you at the cemetery, no matter how long you stay. No one tries to talk to you at the cemetery, no matter how alone you look. No one questions you at the cemetery, even if you are in your pajamas at 1:00 in the afternoon.

And, even more lovely, in Vegas the cemetery gives a great view of all incoming flights. Free entertainment!!!

So, I thought I would post this kind thought. If you are in need of a quiet, alone moment... try the cemetery. It's a lovely place for the living, none of those wordly real-life constraints. It's a wonderful place to feel free, no one cares why you're there. It's a place I will visit again, when I need a deep breath.

And don't worry, I'll pretend I don't see you there either.

Turning A New Leaf

Okay, so I am going to put everyone's birthdays on one calendar. I have already begun. If you would like to be part of my new leaf project... please e-mail me your birthday. I have all my direct family except: Duane, Wayne, and Jacob. Any other friends or people who like birthday wishes please send away. My leaf project is under construction and I make no guarantees of birthday greetings. But you never know... it might work out!