tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264903292011-04-21T22:03:55.820-04:00Entropy: The law of thermodynamics which states that the disorder of the universe is always increasing. Here are three reasons why.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.comBlogger1401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-70336889221308379572007-05-08T23:46:00.000-04:002007-05-08T23:58:29.362-04:00

This week is Teacher/Staff Appreciation week at school. That's fine. I appreciate all good teachers for having skills that I most certainly lack (such as infinite patience with children that they have no parental obligation to). Last year I happily brought my donation to the Teacher's Appreciation Lunch, but apparently that was not enough. This year the girls came home with a list of tasks

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-42322169227371880782007-04-19T00:04:00.000-04:002007-04-19T00:11:48.764-04:00

Marty (holding a wrapper from an Easter Twix, which I must say is the least Eastery looking candy wrapper I've ever seen): I know how to spell TwixMommy: Oh, yeah?Marty: T-W-I-XMommy: Yep, that's Twix.Marty: Actually it's twickMommy: Why is it "twick"?Marty (referring, I keep telling myself, to the universal "you" not "you" as in "you, Mommy": Because when you eat too many of these, they

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-41921192439077031792007-04-04T23:41:00.000-04:002007-04-04T23:44:20.860-04:00

I don’t recall exactly why I recently taught the kiddies the 5-second rule (and yes, I saw the article that the 5-second rule isn't true, but I don't believe it). I probably told them so that if they ever saw someone drop something and then pick it up and eat it, they wouldn’t launch into their typical detailed lectures regurgitating ever reason I’ve ever given them for not eating off the floor.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-49821270244900520382007-04-04T23:35:00.000-04:002007-04-04T23:41:06.298-04:00

It started out as a normal day. I was cinching in the adjustable waistband of Lauren's new pants because she is about 6 inches around. The pants were pink, she was happy, and then suddenly:Lauren: These pants are a little short Mommy: Actually they’re supposed to be shorter… Lauren: YOU MEAN THESE ARE CAPRIS??!!! I DON’T LIKE CAPRIS!!!!!! MOMMMYYYY!! Mommy: They’re not capris on you

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-45106699621376331172007-03-27T18:48:00.000-04:002007-03-27T18:50:31.898-04:00

On 395, heading into the city: Mommy: Look guys, there’s the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol... Lauren: I’ve already seen those before. On Key Bridge: Mommy: Look over there, see all of those brick buildings with pointy roofs? Aislinn: Yeah Mommy: That’s Georgetown Lauren: Curious Georgetown? Marty: Where’s Curious George? Mommy: No George TOWN, it’s

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-58440440557662252552007-03-25T22:24:00.000-04:002008-12-09T08:38:21.397-05:00

This weekend we went for what we think (and Erin desperately hopes) will be our final visit to Erin's studio apartment. It's not that we all can't get along, its just that the kiddies, oblivious to the fact that there are other people in the building (which takes up an entire city block) seem compelled to drop change, hand weights, heavy books, dishes, and any other possible noisemaking thing

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-66593391626339367472007-03-22T21:17:00.000-04:002007-03-22T21:28:11.391-04:00

Yesterday Aislinn asked if Marty and I would come to her class to help with the books they're writing. I didn't find a note about it in her bag, but she said we should come at 1:00. I figured she wouldn't have invented such a specific request, so we went. Once there, I spent 40 minutes with two other parents, wandering around the classroom with bottles of whiteout. The kids were doing their

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-62759283218214856052007-03-20T23:04:00.000-04:002008-12-09T08:38:21.539-05:00

After peeling my 1,000th apple as a mother, I started to appreciate why my mom got mad if we stole apples she was peeling and slicing for pie. I am quite adept at peeling fruit now, but I can't say I enjoy it. Nevertheless, children who eat fruit are much smarter, cuter, and happier than other children, so if I have to clean, peel, and slice the fruit I will.One of my least favorites is

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-20720599437410327842007-03-19T11:27:00.000-04:002007-03-19T11:40:24.237-04:00

Outside after school, Lauren volunteers a story about her day:Lauren: Mommy, today we learned about south patrol.Mommy (is this part of Virginia's Confederacy curriculum?): South patrol? What's that?Lauren (looking a little unsure): Umm, no not south patrol...Mommy (hey, I know what she means, it sounds just like...): The south pole? Like penguins and stuff? What did you learn?Lauren (still

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-89162335511405427262007-03-14T23:00:00.000-04:002007-03-14T23:03:44.081-04:00

Marty: Help! Save me from the laba!Lauren: It's lava, not laba. Say lava.Marty: Laba! Save me from the laba!Lauren: Marty, say violin.Marty: Violin.Lauren: Say vegetable.Marty: Vegetable.Lauren: Say lava.Marty: Laba.Lauren: No Marty, not laba, lava.Marty: Lava.Lauren: Okay, I'll save you. Give me your hand.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-63220345222042254262007-03-05T21:48:00.000-05:002007-03-05T21:58:35.021-05:00

Lauren's little friends down the street each have a Nintendo DS and a game where you can raise a dog and teach it tricks. She LOVES this game. I have given some thought to getting her a Nintendo (and have plenty more time to think about it since her birthday is not until September) and a dog game, but her last book order had a computer game called Fetch listed for $14.95. I'm no math major,

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-53125730340412705782007-03-05T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-09T08:38:21.668-05:00

Of course, she'd look a lot cuter without that Eagles jersey.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-78934647733601619582007-02-28T23:56:00.000-05:002007-03-01T00:13:36.858-05:00

Aislinn: Mommy, I have to write a story for Student Treasures and it's really hard.Mommy: What is Student Treasures?Aislinn: I don't know.Mommy (figuring it must be a class anthology): What's hard about it?Aislinn: It's going to be really long, and we need to use lots of adjectives and I've only written three chapters so far.Mommy: Well what is it about?Aislinn: It's about a lady bug named

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-89976374672366356712007-02-22T23:10:00.000-05:002007-02-22T23:11:31.404-05:00

Today Marty was digging around in our bucket of plastic food, trying to find an egg to put in his chocolate stew. I guess he got tired of looking, because suddenly he said “Pizza! You always need pizza for the chocolate stew.” A few minutes later he told me that he needed to mix it with the loud mixer so I should go play somewhere else. When we lived in Kentucky, a little girl in the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-35653014712367803772007-02-09T11:24:00.000-05:002008-12-09T08:38:21.797-05:00

I can still vividly remember the sensation of my top front tooth coming out. I won't attempt to explain it here, since as we have repeatedly told Aislinn, everyone's front teeth come out. Her front teeth have been very loose and wiggly for over a month, and yet she refuses to work at getting them out, and runs from the room whenever we ask for a shot at them.Unfortunately, her short stint as a

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-5283961805370408672007-02-05T23:49:00.000-05:002007-02-05T23:54:15.265-05:00

Tearful Marty, placing hand on my knee: Mommy, I don't want to die.Mommy: What?Marty: I don't want to die. Aislinn said if I knock over that lamp the house will explode.Mommy: The house will not explode. You shouldn't be playing with the lamp, but the house will not explode if you knock it over. Aislinn?Aislinn: ... (smirk and shrug)Mommy: Aislinn, don't tell your brother that. The

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-4589664095052504622007-02-02T12:16:00.000-05:002007-02-02T12:40:43.404-05:00

The other day when I arrived to pick up Marty, his teachers were laughing and debating whether to tell me something he had said. I figured it might be related to the detailed yet somehow skewed specifics of potty-training that he often spouts. Instead, she said (in a whisper), "Today Marty asked me if I drink W. I. N. E."I was momentarily puzzled, because I didn't realize that Marty knew how to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-12585434777554208412007-01-30T23:31:00.000-05:002007-01-30T23:42:34.725-05:00

There have been Sundays at my parents’ house where the kiddies get dressed before we go swimming, then change into t-shirts and sweatpants to wear to and from swimming, then before I can stop them change into still other clothes after swimming, and then of course put on their pajamas at bedtime. These episodes result in quite a bit of excess laundry. (I know I don’t always have to wash things

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-73798560251805446822007-01-23T23:45:00.000-05:002007-01-23T23:48:11.970-05:00

They are just not that cute anymore...Actually, they are. I don't know why I've got writer's block here, I just do. For some reason known only to the school system they've got half days for the rest of the week and Monday off, so maybe all that togetherness will help me come up with something to say.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-72147361759903358582007-01-10T13:09:00.000-05:002007-01-10T13:39:30.284-05:00

Every weekend a lucky girl from Lauren's class gets to take home Mrs. Ted E. Bear for a visit (a lucky boy takes home Mr. Bear - I guess they are estranged). On Sunday evening the lucky parents of the lucky girl get to write an entry in Mrs. Bear's journal about all of the fun things Mrs. Bear did that weekend. This entry is supposed to be dictated by the kindergartener, but when you read the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-6536719254148681772007-01-08T10:23:00.000-05:002007-01-08T10:25:31.722-05:00

Christmas Card Photo Shoot: December 18 Christmas picture dropped off at Walmart for reproduction: December 19 Christmas cards, address and return address labels finished: December 20 Lame Christmas letter copied: December 24 Christmas card envelopes labeled and stuffed: January 5 Christmas cards mailed: January 8 (maybe, it’s raining outside)Total days in production: 21

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-33917526067199529752007-01-05T10:06:00.000-05:002008-12-09T08:38:22.047-05:00

Yesterday morning, before he had even changed out of his pajamas, Marty came into the kitchen, looked up, and said, "Can I have one of those?"The average person looking at this picture might first think that he was asking for one of those Christmas candies, inexplicably being stored in a huge plastic tupperware container within reach of all short people in the house. That was not what he was

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-30905367537269369752006-12-04T22:49:00.000-05:002006-12-04T22:50:32.461-05:00

Marty: Look Mommy, it's Toys 'R' UsLauren (scornfully): Shouldn't that be "We Are Toys?"

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1164861335639110702006-11-29T23:32:00.000-05:002006-12-04T22:49:48.926-05:00

Marty has a new interest in making letters with his body, a la drunken Eagles fans at the Vet. He is pretty good with the Y, T, X, and O, but some of his other positions leave me rather puzzled as to which alphabet he's using. Anyway, I wasn't too surprised the other day when I was sitting on the couch with my legs bent to the side and he saidMarty: Look Mommy, this is an AMommy (looking down

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1164861050632660012006-11-29T23:13:00.000-05:002008-12-09T08:38:22.182-05:00

The Welcome Home sign was a project designed to distract the kiddies so that we would not have to spend five days having this conversation:Kiddie: When's daddy coming home?Mommy: I'm not sure. He's going to call us when he knows.Kiddie: When is he going to call us?Mommy: When he knows when he's coming home.Kiddie: Well, when is he coming home?ETCWe bought the paint and the board and the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1164684673523300822006-11-27T22:14:00.000-05:002006-11-27T22:32:43.280-05:00

November 22:Marty and I took, Auntie Kate and Grandmom and PopPop to Lauren's kindergarten Thanksgiving lunch. So that the experience wouldn't be too unfamiliar to Marty, a monsoon was arranged so we had to slog through the puddles like we did the week before at lunch. Neither child of mine was willing to eat the fried chicken, but Lauren was delighted by the canned corn and canned green beans.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1164118825573053922006-11-21T09:19:00.000-05:002006-11-21T09:20:25.586-05:00

Until Verizon stops trying to kill me slowly by a stress-induced heart condition, I'll be publishing my posts by nailing them to my front door.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1163738752990177722006-11-16T23:38:00.000-05:002006-11-16T23:45:53.006-05:00

Lauren has been asking, and asking, and asking, in a persistent manner that is hers and hers alone, if I would come and eat lunch with her at school. In theory there is nothing wrong with this request – I like her, I like lunch – but in reality, lunching at the school involves a lot of logistics (getting lunch and then to school on time), heavy–lifting (that would be Marty), and time (Lauren’s

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1163655304045608472006-11-16T00:19:00.000-05:002006-11-16T00:35:04.073-05:00

Last year my birthday weekend coincided with what we thought was the HPs exit to all things Afghanistan (as it turned out, he was able to come back for a few days and have Thanksgiving with us). My parents and three out of four of my brothers and sisters (four having visited a week or so earlier) came for the big farewell which also included a cake for my birthday. It was one of Aislinn's most

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1163530838984535602006-11-14T13:57:00.000-05:002006-11-14T14:00:38.986-05:00

Mommy: Knock KnockMarty: Who's there?Mommy: BooMarty: Boo who?Mommy: Oh, don't cry Marty!Marty: HAHAHAHAHA! My turn, Knock KnockMommy: Who's there?Marty: JoeMommy (I can't imagine where this is going but I guess I must play along): Joe who?Marty: Joe mommy! HAHAHAHAHAHA! PopPop taught me that!

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1163128303156645752006-11-09T21:51:00.000-05:002006-11-09T22:11:43.176-05:00

I know there are many problems your children can cause at mealtime. Some kiddies won't eat their vegetables, some won't eat anything at all, some are ridiculously messy, some are ridiculously gross. My children do not have these problems. They are unable to sit in their chairs. It's not that they run around during meals, usually they stand right next to their chairs. Sometimes they have one

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162957266671437592006-11-07T22:40:00.000-05:002006-11-07T22:47:27.213-05:00

Today the girls left the house at 10:30 to check in with their new best friends down the street. Yesterday, my neighbor and I had talked about taking the kiddies on a picnic today. However, when I woke up this morning after a crappy night's sleep (thank you Marty) and saw that it was rather overcast outside and the forecast was for rain, I thought maybe the picnic would be cancelled.When oh when

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162957233984217782006-11-07T22:15:00.000-05:002006-11-07T22:48:21.353-05:00

Some candidates probably find election day to be a long day. Let's see if they can top this:12:00 - 12:48 - Quiet sleep (at the time, underappreciated)12:48 - 3:30 - Attempt to quiet a crying Marty, make 5 different trips to his room and finally bring him into my bed3:30 - 6:45 - Get repeatedly kicked and head butted by Marty6:45 - Get rousted by girls who on the previous school day had to be

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162873730387552922006-11-06T23:28:00.000-05:002006-11-06T23:35:32.230-05:00

Exhibit A: I am lying down with Lauren, having read her book, fixed her covers and kissed her good night.Lauren: Can I ask you one more question?Mommy: NoLauren: Please, just one more thing and I promise I’ll go to sleep.Mommy: What is it?Lauren: How long is the night?Mommy: 12 hoursLauren: How long is the day?Mommy: (…)Lauren: Please, just one more thing and I promise I’ll go to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162788272093433452006-11-05T23:42:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:52:50.680-05:00

This was a weekend to lay low, cancel plans, and annoy my sister Erin. Fortunately, now the buddy boy is feeling much better, not so snotty and much less coughing. The sad and now faceless jack-o-lanterns have been put in the trash (and I cringe to think what the squirrelrats will be eating out there tomorrow morning). They even carried away one of the pumpkin lids. How is that possible?On

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162523134422573742006-11-02T21:54:00.000-05:002006-11-02T22:07:25.513-05:00

When the Buddy Boy is sick, his eyes are even bluer than usual because they are so glassy. His nose runs, and since he is new to wiping his own nose, he wipes it on his sleeve, on the furniture, and most often, on me. Ever since he kicked the chronic ear infections two years ago, he's been so healthy that last night I couldn't even place his cough until I was standing outside his door, because

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162431808084231542006-11-01T20:32:00.000-05:002006-11-01T20:43:28.116-05:00

October 31:Look! How festive! How Halloweeenie! How bright and glowy!November 1:Ew.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162261995216193492006-10-30T21:19:00.000-05:002006-10-30T21:33:15.233-05:00

This morning after I had unloaded all of the children, I started straightening up the house for the arrival of Grandmom and PopPop. I went to the closet to get a roll of paper towels, and there on top of the paper towels was a grocery bag with two boxes of halloween cookies that I had bought for Lauren's classroom Fall Party. I looked at them for a moment, unable to determine what day the party

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1162181767053414032006-10-29T23:00:00.000-05:002006-10-30T21:18:16.370-05:00

For a recent school assignment, Aislinn had to choose another place (anywhere in the world) that she would like to live. She considered Louisville, Nashville, Italy, and Ireland, but eventually decided on Scotland. I don't know why she chose Scotland, other than the fact that she liked the Scottish dancers that were on a Wiggles Christmas video that we have. That, and she remembered the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161913628984425302006-10-26T21:32:00.000-04:002006-10-26T21:48:52.653-04:00

Almost every day I feel compelled to ask Marty, "Why are you so cute?" He usually answers, "Because I'm so cute," or "Because I'm a big boy," but still I wonder how so much cuteness could have been crammed into such a cute little package.Today after his usual ritual of eating breakfast, playing "Wah wah dollhouse" (where I am instructed to make the dollhouse babies cry continually while he has

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161836561068705192006-10-26T00:07:00.000-04:002006-10-26T00:22:41.106-04:00

Every day Lauren comes home from Kindergarten with tales of one of the boys in her class. He is always in trouble, he never does his work, he gets time outs in Music from the nicest teacher in the school, he can't write his name, etc., etc., etc. Lauren is excellent at telling stories of outrageous behavior in an astonished wide-eyed fashion (typified in the absolute delight and disgust she had

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161567448911558852006-10-22T21:31:00.000-04:002006-10-22T21:37:28.913-04:00

Attention CD manufacturers: If you would like the results of a study that the children are currently conducting in my car, please contact me. They are testing the limits of CD durability and trying to determine if one could actually wear out a CD from too much use. The test subject is the High School Musical soundtrack.On Saturday at Target, in absolute desperation I bought the soundtrack to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161567079567831812006-10-22T21:17:00.000-04:002006-10-22T21:31:19.583-04:00

Our first Easter Sunday in Kentucky, only a month or two after we'd moved, we sat behind an woman who looked exactly like an extra from The Waltons - a caricature of a little old lady with the calico dress, the grey pincurls, sensible shoes, a big ugly purse, and a grumpy mean face. In the middle of mass, when her grandson apparently forgot his place and looked in her purse for something to put

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161489432366881492006-10-21T23:32:00.000-04:002006-10-21T23:57:12.393-04:00

Kids are messy. I get that. However, simultaneously tonight at dinner time Aislinn spilled a bowl of peas in the kitchen and Lauren spilled a box of straight pins in the dining room. Is there a better one-two punch of things that you don't want to feel underfoot?I decided to go for the straight pins first since the girls were determined to help me clean up, one pin at a time. If I hadn't

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161397851638784362006-10-20T22:15:00.000-04:002006-10-20T22:30:51.663-04:00

This afternoon while I was putting Marty's shoes and socks on, the girls ran outside to play. Moments later, they started yelling that one of the pumpkins was broken. I figured it was the work of the disgusting squirrels that live around here, but unfortunately it wasn't.I have read articles describing the impending Halloween pumpkin shortage. Apparently the weather conditions are ripe for

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161312713475157142006-10-19T22:36:00.000-04:002006-10-19T23:05:28.526-04:00

One of my least favorite tasks of motherhood (not as bad as pushing swings, but close) is spelling. At least once a day, one or more of the kiddies yells to me "How do you spell Thursday?" or whatever day it is, or whatever they are looking at, or whatever word they think they've heard before but can't pronounce. It is crucial that they position themselves just right, so they can hear me but

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1161055577613888262006-10-16T23:09:00.000-04:002006-10-16T23:26:17.630-04:00

I can only remember one trip to a pumpkin patch as a child. It is not a happy or an unhappy memory, I just remember I was there, it was a little muddy, and I was carrying a pumpkin. I have a vague recollection that it was kindergarten so I can't say whether I don't remember all the other fun available at the pumpkin patch, or if there was no other fun available. At the Johnson's Farm pumpkin

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1160755573809201642006-10-13T11:51:00.000-04:002006-10-13T12:06:13.823-04:00

This morning for the first time since the HP left, we all overslept and missed the bus. We didn't miss the bus in a "Oh my God! The bus! THE BUS!!! RUN! RUUUNNNN!!!" sort of way, but in a "We'll never make the bus, I'll drive you to school today (sigh)" sort of way.I woke up at 6:30 this morning, looked at the clock, attempted to identify the child next to me ("Hmm, soccer shirt, must be

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1160709252706403602006-10-12T22:59:00.000-04:002006-10-12T23:14:12.726-04:00

Since this blog is meant to preserve the highlights of the kiddies' childhoods and since I described the major event of the day over on the other blog, I am going to take this opportunity to transcribe and immortalize Marty's first musical composition, which has made a resurgence of late. If you have to ask about the meaning of these lyrics, you are obviously not as deep as the buddy boy. This

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1160539272951523522006-10-10T23:35:00.000-04:002006-10-11T00:17:16.480-04:00

On Friday as I was attempting to clean up the house before our trip, I cleaned off the dining room table and then dusted it/removed the petrified layer of fingerprints and food particles with my handy bottle of Pledge. After I vacuumed the rug, I bent to down to attempt to pry some dried rice out of the nap of the carpet. That was when I noticed some marks on the hardwood floor right next to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1160446297828913922006-10-09T22:05:00.000-04:002006-10-09T22:41:58.216-04:00

Now here's a little news story I never saw this weekend in Delaware:Schools are closed in Isle of Wight County today, where the rain-swollen Blackwater River has been flooding homes and roads. The river kept a section of U-S Route 460 between Windsor and Zuni impassable yesterday after the region got up to ten inches of rain on Friday and Saturday. The road is expected to be closed there again

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1160100421940142232006-10-05T22:06:00.000-04:002006-10-05T22:27:37.400-04:00

Yesterday the girls wanted to go visit their new best friends, two sisters who are in first and third grade. They are fun kids and their parents are normal people, so I was happy to let them go, but Marty wanted to go too. I know he is too little to go to other people's houses without me, but Newsweek had just arrived, so I thought maybe I could let him go and I would follow about 10 minutes

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159934616087099272006-10-04T00:01:00.000-04:002006-10-04T00:03:36.100-04:00

EDY’S DIBS ICE CREAM BITES IN THE MUNCHABLE FLAVOR OF VANILLA WITH NESTLÉ CRUNCH COATINGNutritional facts ( Amount per 26 Pieces) Calories: 380Calories from Fat: 250 Total Fat: 28 gSaturated Fat: 20 gTrans Fat: 0 (g)Cholesterol: 25 (mg) Sodium: 90 (mg) Total Carbohydrates: 29 (g) Dietary Fiber: 0 (g) Sugars: 24 (g) Protein: 3 (g)Calcium: 8 %CAULIFLOWERNutrition facts (1/8 medium head)

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159847288881446532006-10-02T23:41:00.000-04:002006-10-02T23:48:08.893-04:00

Marty: It's a beautiful day todayMommy: You're right.Marty: And autumn is here.Mommy: YepMarty: That means fall.Mommy: You're right.Marty: The leaves are turning orange.As he gazes up to the sky and realizes that all of our leaves are still green, he shows a quick flash of anger, realizing that he has been duped by all the autumn/fall crap people have been feeding him.Marty (recovering):

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159674640141881872006-09-30T23:46:00.000-04:002006-10-02T23:52:40.143-04:00

Last spring (or maybe winter) my parents gave me a bench from their dining room table. They bought the bench at an unfinished furniture store that was near a soccer field where I played in grade school. Needless to say, the bench is a borderline antique - except that where the Antiques Roadshow people might like to see "patina" what we have is a foot rail (actually, maybe we weren't supposed to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159588446223290332006-09-29T23:45:00.000-04:002006-09-29T23:54:06.236-04:00

When Aislinn turned five, the HP gave her an Eric Carle book called Mr. Seahorse which was all about the daddy fish in nature that take care of the fish eggs before they hatch. One of these fish is Mr. Tilapia, which Lauren, who was not quite three, called Mr. Tiyapia. Mr. Tiyapia apparently carries the fish eggs in his mouth to keep them safe before they hatch. Once Lauren acquired this

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159321922840982012006-09-26T21:43:00.000-04:002006-09-26T22:00:18.386-04:00

Today when Lauren got off the bus, it was clear that she had recently been crying. When I asked her what was wrong, Aislinn informed me that Lauren was upset that she had too many things to do after school.Mommy: What do you have to do?Lauren: I have to go to CiCi's pizza and I have to go to CCD.Mommy: We're going to CiCi's pizza for dinner. We always have dinner so that's not really extra.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159242812113751422006-09-25T23:35:00.000-04:002006-09-25T23:53:34.123-04:00

I have been torturing Aislinn (and forcing others to torture Aislinn) for four straight days with addition flash cards, because I was given no notice that she will be taking a timed addition test where she must finish 30 random problems in 2 minutes. This was never told to me by the teacher, who apparently thinks that a 7-year-old in her 3rd week of second grade is ready to take in and report to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1159241645725883322006-09-25T23:05:00.000-04:002006-09-25T23:34:06.193-04:00

All I really want is a little quiet. Not days of quiet, just a couple hours where I don't have to play, "I Spy" or "I'm Thinking of a Color" or "Going on a Picnic" or "The Copying Game" or "Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater" or "The Animals on the Farm Keep Falling Off the Horse and Need to Take a Deep Breath and Get a Bandaid," and a couple hours when the kiddies are off being entertained,

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158977345899397312006-09-22T21:50:00.000-04:002006-09-22T22:09:05.926-04:00

Today was not a banner day. A had a long list of errands to run, workouts to complete, and cooking knock out while Marty was in hourly care. Of course to his delight, he didn't go, and my whole day was shot. I was exhausted from all the visits to the dentist, the school, and the mountain of homework that Aislinn has to dig out from under every day. It was the kind of day that you just wish an

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158809401660233042006-09-20T23:17:00.000-04:002006-09-20T23:45:09.086-04:00

When I was younger, just a bad little kidMy mama noticed funny things I didLike shooting puppies with a B.B. gunI'd poison guppies and when I was doneI'd find a f#$%^&% cat and bash in its headThat's when my mama said What did she say?She said, "My boy, I think somedayYou'll find a way to make your natural tendencies payYou'll be a dentistYou have a talent for causing things painSon, be a dentist

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158631601608330782006-09-18T21:42:00.000-04:002006-09-18T22:06:41.626-04:00

Looking back over the recent posts, it seems that Lauren has not been getting her share of the attention. Part of this is because now Marty and I are always together. Part of this is because Lauren, having conquered Kindergarten in an impressive fashion, has a rather large attitude. We have been having regular disagreements over if/when she will do the things that I ask her. This attitude,

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158368875784109122006-09-15T21:00:00.000-04:002006-09-15T21:08:58.583-04:00

I suppose there comes a time in every child's life when he is temporarily enamored of the copying game. Unfortunately, that time in Marty's life began about a month ago and seems to be without end. Example:Mommy: Marty, did you finish your dinner?Marty: Marty, did you finish your dinner? Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!Mommy: Marty, if you don't eat your dinner, you can't have a treat.Marty: Marty, if

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158203571668852432006-09-13T23:10:00.000-04:002006-09-13T23:12:51.683-04:00

Number of children requesting apples for breakfast: 2Number of apples washed and cut up for children for breakfast: 2Number of apples consumed by children for breakfast: 0Number of apples I wanted for breakfast: 0Number of rapidly browning apples I ate for breakfast because there are starving children in China: 2

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158110672491086772006-09-12T21:21:00.000-04:002006-09-12T21:39:45.386-04:00

Sydney: I’m going to name my dog Cocoa, but I don’t know what to pick for a middle nameAislinn: How about Cocoa Wedding?Sydney: Wedding?Aislinn: Yeah, my aunt Erin is getting married in June to her FIANCESydney (suddenly serious, standing up and putting one hand on her hip): Well you know her fiancé better be a grown man and better treat her right or I’m going to have to have a talk with him

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158110474730024702006-09-12T21:20:00.000-04:002006-09-12T21:38:22.376-04:00

Tuesday is folder day, when the school sends home all of the crap that needs to be filled out and returned. Technically, this is now quadruple the task it was last September because I have one extra kid with filling-out-crap requirements and one less husband to help with said filling-out-crap requirements. I tell you this only so you will know why the kids were outside unattended and came

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1158029142145223822006-09-11T22:34:00.000-04:002006-09-11T22:45:42.626-04:00

The kiddies are a little late to the High School Musical party, since I read about it in the spring and they just saw it for the first time at the end of August. For those of you who don't know, its full of singing, dancing, singing, dancing, minor high school drama, and basketball. All three kiddies are wandering around the house singing their versions of the songs (and they know quite a bit

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1157770225448633902006-09-08T22:39:00.000-04:002006-09-08T22:50:25.463-04:00

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that Marty occasionally mentions someone named "Coachie," and for some reason, Coachie never seems to agree with what I'm saying.For example:Mommy: Marty, eat your dinner. Marty: Coachie says never to eat any more dinnerNow, however, I don't just get the Coachie pronouncements second hand. If I make an unreasonable request like "Marty put that popsicle

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1157769534452928802006-09-08T22:26:00.000-04:002006-09-08T22:38:54.473-04:00

8:09 am: Marty wakes up.8:10 am: Marty declares he will not go to the bus stop.8:10:15 am: Marty demands to go to the bus stop.8:10:25 am: Marty declares he will not go to the bus stop because he won't wear shoes.8:10:45 am: Marty screams that he wants to go to the bus stop.8:11 am (as the bus comes into sight): Marty demands chocolate milk for the road. 8:11:15 am: Marty decides to leave

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1157594093669021492006-09-06T21:33:00.000-04:002006-09-06T21:54:53.683-04:00

Aislinn took a nap every afternoon until the day before she started kindergarten. She needed a nap, and I needed her to take one. I attempted to follow the same pattern with Lauren, but she gave up her nap when she was three and three months old because I couldn't take the nonstop debate that ensued every afternoon at one o'clock. Also, since she has always been able to amuse herself and leave

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1157507169468485582006-09-05T21:29:00.000-04:002006-09-05T22:12:14.650-04:00

With the resolution on this photo, one might think that Marty was upset about his sisters going off to school. Actually, that is just his new, charming "picture face," that he trots out whenever he sees the camera.Although it wasn't windy, Aislinn appeared to be walking around in her own private photo shoot, because every time I pulled out the camera, a breeze would blow through her hair.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1155697931915008102006-08-15T22:49:00.000-04:002006-08-15T23:12:11.930-04:00

For some reason, small children such as mine eat lunch at school around 11:00 am these days. Although I have tried to readjust their schedules this summer, they get up and eat breakfast so early that they usually can only wait until 11:30 at the absolute latest for lunch. By the time we had reached the Phillips on Friday, the kiddies were already teetering on the brink of starvation, and still

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1155696554649244202006-08-15T22:24:00.000-04:002006-08-15T22:49:14.666-04:00

Of course there are many other fun things to do in Washington besides visit the museums, but we don’t need to do any of those, because the kiddies would be happy to ride the Metro nonstop for 2 days. Actually, they wouldn’t want to ride it nonstop, they would like to switch trains and ride escalators and repeatedly use their farecards. Honestly, they would likely prefer a complete tour of the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1155613369401225902006-08-14T23:03:00.000-04:002006-08-15T00:03:22.083-04:00

Although the kiddies may not now appreciate it, they have an auntie who lives right across the street from the National Zoo. Whereas some families might plan an entire vacation around a visit to the zoo, it is so old hat to the kiddies that in the two times we stopped by the zoo this weekend, once to go to the bathroom and once to buy snow cones, they had no real interest in seeing the animals.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1155180255404425532006-08-09T23:15:00.000-04:002006-08-09T23:24:15.416-04:00

At least once a day I find myself ordering one of the kiddies to "Look at your brother/sister and say you're sorry. No, say it like you mean it. So he/she can hear you. Either you can apologize or have a time out, it's up to you." So to all of my loyal readers here and abroad, please gaze intently at your screen as I say "I'm sorry. I really mean it. I know I should update my blog

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1154356314635842022006-07-31T10:23:00.000-04:002006-07-31T10:31:54.650-04:00

During one of our many stints of great parenting last week Marty touched the end of sparkler that had just fizzled out (yes we give sparklers to our two year old, I told you, we're great parents) and received a very gross blistering burn across his thumb and two first fingers. Early yesterday morning I found Lauren and Marty gathered around a lamp on the floor.What Lauren said: Feel this, the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1154052357836425022006-07-27T21:58:00.000-04:002006-07-27T22:05:57.850-04:00

Here is where I planned to post all of the cute pictures from the HP's leave, but the antique computer available here (and first let me say, all other aspects of my free accommodations are top notch) will not upload anything but lithographs, etchings, brass rubbings, and cave paintings. I am attempting to interest the management into upgrading their system, and if they do, the pictures will

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1152586269780978842006-07-10T22:44:00.000-04:002006-07-10T23:03:12.656-04:00

Daddy magically reappeared at the Baltimore Airport yesterday afternoon, and although he seems prone to dozing off at all hours (or shall I say still seems prone to dozing off at all hours), we are a happy little family again. In my typical super-organized fashion I forgot to bring my camera to the airport. Luckily my sister-in-law quickly provided me with a top of the line disposable one, so

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1152239773695487512006-07-06T22:31:00.000-04:002006-07-06T22:36:13.706-04:00

Growing up in a big city, with the National fireworks just a short subway ride away, it is easy to overlook the way that most Americans happily celebrate the 4th. But in small town America, it is easier to get in touch with that patriotic flutter in your heart.Even though the fire trucks passing by can be much too loud.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1152153087805468402006-07-05T22:27:00.000-04:002006-07-05T22:31:27.806-04:00

Force down the healthy food...And bring on the snow cones!!!

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1152152823568368472006-07-05T22:23:00.000-04:002006-07-05T22:27:03.580-04:00

Question: If you discover that you and your sister have bought all 6 cousins matching Old Navy flag shirts and that somehow all 6 are dressed in khaki shorts, do you attempt to perfect the photo op by brushing out 6 heads of sandy beach/pool hair?

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151949787588842582006-07-03T13:54:00.000-04:002006-07-03T14:03:22.703-04:00

Grandpa, although it was a rather anticlimactic contest since Lauren never appeared for breakfast. By the time I finally got her to go eat something, she stopped at the top of the stairs and called "Grandpa, are you ready for the contest?" but Grandpa had already eaten his coffee cake. When I asked her about it later, she said "We decided to forget about the contest?" but she did concede defeat

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151889800794699052006-07-02T21:13:00.000-04:002006-07-02T21:23:20.806-04:00

It started innocently enough, when Lauren appeared in the living room looking for an after dinner treat. She declared that she wanted a corn muffin, and I, thinking that she was under the impression that the muffin in question was a sweet Otis Spunkmeyer cake rather than a Betty Crocker one that my mom had made, asked if she'd rather have the last piece of coffee cake instead.Lauren informed me

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151756062401312422006-07-01T08:09:00.000-04:002006-07-01T08:14:22.416-04:00

It seems that even the kiddies couldn't wait to get away judging from the excessive amounts of good behavior exhibited on the beach (pre and post-snow cone). If I hadn't been worried that Marty was going to keel over and fall asleep in his bucket, all three would probably still be sitting in the sand, filling a bucket using a small plastic spoon.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151635784969936222006-06-29T22:45:00.000-04:002006-06-29T22:49:44.983-04:00

We are finally at the beach and awaiting the arrival of the HP in a few short weeks. I even remembered to bring the software from my digital camera so I can download pictures at my parents' house. Hopefully once I have come down from the stress of packing up the house, arranging to have it cared for (2 most beautiful words in the English language? lawn guy) and transporting almost everything

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151464552058786482006-06-27T23:10:00.000-04:002006-06-27T23:15:52.070-04:00

Today marks the 5th day in a row that raindrops have fallen on my head. The kiddies cannot go out and play because everything is soaked. They ask to watch TV then wander away. They call me to see a room they have straightened up, then destroy it again after I've admired their work. They complain that they are too hot and too cold and too bored and too tired and too hungry and too thirsty to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151287207411435842006-06-25T21:57:00.000-04:002006-07-10T23:01:22.250-04:00

So I'm glad he is still confined to his crib. So far he has sung Happy Birthday to: himself; Wags the Dog; his stuffed dog named Ruggy; his stuffed hedgehog/porcupine; his sisters; several of the Von Trapp children; and his blanket.Now he is doing the Von Trapp children roll call.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151286717377947872006-06-25T21:28:00.000-04:002006-06-25T21:51:57.400-04:00

There is a situation at your merry-go-round that requires immediate attention. No, the horses are not wobbly and the speed is not too dizzy, but I'm afraid that your merry-go-round operator is both. She is the kind of weird that makes people want to run all the way back across Europe in search of sanity and a drink.While waiting our turn for the merry-go-round, the ride came to a stop, and the

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151285295611579282006-06-25T21:17:00.000-04:002006-06-25T21:28:15.623-04:00

While we lived in Kentucky, we began to suspect that their was something in the HP's secret Army file that prompted the Army to surround our house with chaplains. In Kentucky, we had 3 chaplains in the surrounding houses, and here in Virginia we have 4. However, none of those chaplains has ever, ever, had any interest in interacting with us. I think that when they put on their special chaplain

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1151032687969422172006-06-22T23:10:00.000-04:002006-06-22T23:18:07.983-04:00

Mr. Clean and I finally gave the kiddie pool a good scrubbing, and the kiddies had a fun afternoon splashing around. They wanted to know why I didn't want to put my feet in, but I think this picture of the sunscreen oil slick and floating debris answers that question.When I attempted to fill the pool, I realized that the plug was missing. Instead of raging against certain grey furry rodents

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150940073156130822006-06-21T21:21:00.000-04:002006-06-21T21:34:33.170-04:00

In order to enroll in kindergarten in Virginia, the little kiddies must undergo a medical evaluation that probably dwarfs the one given to potential astronauts. As if the poking and prodding at the doctor weren't enough, here is what Lauren went through today:7:30 am: Awakened from sound sleep to get ready to take Aislinn to camp8:00 am: Strapped into car seat for 40 minute round trip to

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150939245070455162006-06-21T21:13:00.000-04:002006-06-21T21:20:45.083-04:00

Aislinn started an 8-day summer enrichment program/camp today. Here is my list of accomplishments:I got everyone home from the beach and in bed by 8:30 last night!I got out the map and preplanned our route to the school where the camp is held!I picked out clothes for everyone and laid them out for easy dressing!I woke up early and got breakfast ready!I located the paperwork to find out if she

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150858482728525842006-06-20T22:36:00.000-04:002006-06-20T22:54:42.740-04:00

This weekend I forgot to bring Marty's pacifier with us, mainly because he only uses it in bed, and since I only think 10 minutes into the future, I never considered what would happen at bedtime. About halfway to the beach I remembered it, but I thought I had left one there, and put it out of my mind until bedtime, when I realized I had not left one there. He naps without it at daycare, so

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150857327285333642006-06-20T22:31:00.000-04:002006-06-20T22:35:27.303-04:00

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150687163157931102006-06-18T23:18:00.000-04:002006-06-18T23:26:12.503-04:00

1) The US Open ends with a whimper and another Phil Mickelson choke. Clearly that is not optimal, but bearable.2) Grandson Marty sings a song with a dominant lyric involving throwing Grandpa in the trash. Actually, everyone found that song rather entertaining.3) The air conditioning on the second floor of the 4 month old retirement house stops working. Yes, that was rather upsetting, but

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150467023439975932006-06-16T10:07:00.000-04:002006-06-16T10:10:23.450-04:00

I thought Aislinn was all grown up until I saw this picture. I guess sending the kiddies to a school with an enormous hulking principal is one way to keep them looking small.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150380653918061002006-06-15T10:08:00.000-04:002006-06-15T10:10:53.920-04:00

Marty: Mom, Lauren is being mean to my orange juice!Lauren: I told him that we are playing night time and we need to put his night time drink on the table.Mommy: Is that okay Marty?Marty: Yep! Let's go play Lauren!

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150380391468518292006-06-15T10:04:00.000-04:002006-06-15T10:08:15.273-04:00

The other day on the trampoline, the kids were playing a game where Marty was the hot air balloon, Lauren was the snow cone, and Aislinn was the guest. After a few minutes, Lauren and Aislinn asked me to mediate an argument about whether the game could have two guests, or if it really needed one of them to be a snow cone.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150248677531284122006-06-13T21:28:00.000-04:002006-06-13T21:31:17.556-04:00

This morning when we arrived home from the commissary, Marty asked if they could go on the moon bounce (a little inflatable bouncer that Aislinn got for her birthday). Figuring this was a perfect way to occupy Lauren and Marty while I got the groceries unloaded, I lugged out the whole contraption, pounded the stakes into the ground (and let Lauren and Marty pound with the hammers for a while too

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26490329.post-1150167150854483102006-06-12T22:50:00.000-04:002006-06-12T22:52:30.866-04:00

Posed by Lauren as she was dosing off at 8:15: Do snakes have eyelids?My answer at 8:15: Uh, I don't know.The correct answer: No.

Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05359634935444755118noreply@blogger.com3