Lick the Doors

It's happened! It was inevitable. My son has entered middle school. He is doing very, very well and has joined Symphonic Band and Lego Robotics. Although he has definitely earned the privilege, we set strict rules about how to use the phone and the consequences of not being responsible. And, as I have posted before about being "like most mothers," want to ensure that his morning chores are being done. This particular morning was really busy and I decided to text him to make sure he was on track to get to the bus stop on-time. Leave it to "auto correct" to help me make that communication more clear.

I'm just glad it didn't tell him to "water the lights," "wear your cat" ....or worse "pack your sexaphone!"




First Day of School. YAY!

 

5 Years Ago Today...

5 years ago today, a mother was enduring the birth of her offspring. This precious little puppy would soon become a part of my life and bring joy to our family for years to come! 5 years ago, we started our search for a dog that would bring smiles, companionship and loyalty. I found a picture of her online and soon connected with the non-profit agency that had her in foster care. When we went to pick her up, as fate would have it, we learned they had named her Sarah and she was the last of the litter. She was clearanced for a quick adoption! It was a no-brainer for me! I had to have her! The lady told me her birthday was 4/4/08 and the day we picked her up, she was exactly 4 months old (8/4). 5 years ago today, she weighed, at most, only a few pounds. She is now a whopping 64 pounds! And she was born to run...literally! Being part Rhodesian Ridgeback, they are bred to chase lions in Africa. Needless to say, my house is a mini racetrack and the cats get some well deserved exercise every once in awhile!

5 years ago today, the cutest of them all would soon realize that she could use that to her advantage. Making her way into our hearts, her beauty can't be denied. She is lovely....and she knows it! I'll admit, my baby is spoiled! She gets the best spot couch when we watch T.V. and she gets to sample some of my cooking before anyone else, like chicken or steak! Today, though, she gets a special treat...a Jumbone! YUMMY!

 

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since our princess has come into our lives and blessed us with her unconditional love! I hope we get to spend many more years snuggled with each other on the couch...Happy Birthday, Sadie!

Lock Your Doors...No Burgers Allowed!

Like almost every mother, I am somewhat overprotective of my children. Even though we live in a relatively safe neighborhood, I always try to remember to lock the windows and doors when we are home.

Driving in the car is no exception! Just as buckling the seatbelt has become a habit, I have been trying to make locking the doors and back passenger windows a habit, as well! My eldest son has taken note. However, one day, in a rush to get everyone in the car and buckled in properly, it slipped my mind. Not long after rounding the first corner in our neighborhood, did I hear Justin exclaim, "Mom, you forgot to lock the doors!" "Oh, right. I forgot. Thanks, Buddy!" He went on to say, "Yeah, we don't want any burgers trying to get in!"

We both laughed at the same time, knowing he twisted his words! He really meant to say 'burglars'! I said, "Right...and no hot dogs, either! But french fries are okay!"

'Bill'ionaire Gates

Like most kids, my son is very interested in money and gets excited when he earns a dollar for doing a chore, or gets money for his birthday:



We all know that Bill Gates is very, very rich! In 1987 Gates was officially declared a billionaire in the pages of Forbes' 400 Richest People in America issue, just days before his 32nd birthday.


In a recent discussion about this topic, my son asked, "Is 'billionaire' named after Bill Gates?" I just laughed and said, "No" and explained that it is a word describing a very large number. Can you imagine, though? If only Bill Gates would have 'somehow' trademarked the word "billionaire"! I think the royalties from that would greatly surpass the billion dollar mark and he'd probably be worth a googol (but that's already taken)!

(Future) King to Bishop 4

Today was not just any ordinary day, at least not for Britian's Royal family. Upon watching the fairy tale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, it was hard not to gawk and stare at some of the hats that were worn to the ceremony.


Such as some of London's socialites...



or Princess Beatrices' interesting and tacky (IMHO) hat....


As the ceremony came to a close, the Prince and Princess walked down the isle and out of Westminster Abbey to greet their loyal subjects. Justin just happened to catch a glimpse of the recessional and he turns to me and asks, "who's the guy with the gold hat?" I replied, "that's the Bishop." He said "Oh, then where is the knight and the rook?"



Well, I guess it makes sense for a 10 year old to think of chess when he hears the title "Bishop". Especially since Kings, Queens and Knights were all in attendance.


Queen Elizabeth II


Sir Elton John


King and Queen of Norway

Look Mom!

"Look, Mom! I can put on 120 Silly Bandz at once! Aren't you proud?"

"Of course! I'm always proud of everything you accomplish!"
....as *silly* (and strange) as they may be!







".....children bloom like spring flowers under praise. They want so much to be noticed and appreciated, to excel and have that excellence noticed.” -Earl Nightingale

Thinking On Your Feet

To be able to think on your feet, you must be able to put your best foot forward. And for Jman, that also means to have your feet on the ground. For he does not have feet of clay, since he is always at someone's feet. And for me, the day started out on the wrong foot and ended on the right foot after Jman caught me flat-footed and had me on my feet laughing. I'm sure one day he will sweep a girl off her feet with his innate comic ability!





(These were taken with my 2.0 megapixel camera phone-no flash. Since I didn't have my regular digital camera with me, I too had to think on my feet to capture this moment! While at Kohls, and after a brief second of being distracted, I turned around and he was trying to measure both feet at the same time! OH, did he have me in stitches!! The first picture I took came out blurry and after noticing my attempt to capture the moment, he wanted to pose for it.)

Thanks to http://idioms.yourdictionary.com/foot --although, I'm not sure all those put together make sense!