Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Natural Born Killa

We have a gate separating the bedrooms & bathroom from the rest of the house. With 2 puppies, we don't want them in the bedrooms by themselves, wrecking havoc.
Cute little Daisy often squeezes through when someone opens the gate. She likes to go in my bedroom to visit "Grandma," our 15 year old mutt who likes to stay away from the chaos.
The other day, under the guise of bringing Grandma a basket of goodies, Daisy went on a killing spree.

The Unusual Suspect:


Daisy has a "thing" for small stuffed animals. She took Lewie's much-loved Pikachu and gouged his eyes out and beat the stuffing out of him.


Prognosis is poor........... I can't sew to save my life.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

We had a lot of fun last weekend with beautiful weather for gardening, playing outside, going to the Lilac Festival, and celebrating Lewie's adoption day! FIVE years! I love my little nut-ball.


On Sunday night, Elly said that she couldn't wait to go to school the next day so she could tell everyone what she did. I asked what her favorite thing was and she looked at me like I was crazy. "I saw a LIMO Mom and they let me look inside! It was totally awesome!" On Saturday night, one of our neighbors went to his prom and his pals came to pick him up in a limo. My kids were hysterical with excitement. Frances said "I can't believe that I've never been in a limo." I told her that I never have either and I'm just a few decades older than she is.


Tonight was Frances' last concert at her school. She's going to MIDDLE SCHOOL next year. I feel faint already.
I usually can't even see Frances when she's sitting because she's such a shorty. Here's a rare viewing.


They had a special guest playing with them and stood for the last song. Isn't she adorable? The girl next to her is her "stand partner." They have shared a music stand for orchestra and chamber all year. They are the same level so they have fun playing together.

Monday, May 4, 2009

NINE years old!

I know it's cliche, but I can't believe Analise is nine years old! We all had a fun weekend celebrating her. On Saturday we went to the mall so she could get her ears pierced. Frances got hers done when she was 8 and cried, Elly when she was 6 and she screamed and wailed. Ana gave a little *ow* and that was it. It only took me this long to figure out that maybe a little anbesol would numb the ears and make the experience not so painful. Better late than never!
On Sunday Ana chose her favorite dinner - homemade tortillas twith all the good burrito fillings and then we had cookie cake with ice cream, and presents.

The beautiful birthday girl


Is there anything funnier than a kid with no front teeth? I ask Lewie to smile at me about 10 times a day so I can see that silly grin.
Haircut courtesy of Uncle John.

Library Time

At my school, teachers who are interested join the kids in a "25 book campaign." The goal is to read 25 books during the school year. I just finished my 25th so I bring you my Top 5 of the Year and the Worst of the Stinkin' Worst. My top 5 are in no particular order.

Obviously I loved White Tiger. It is narrated by a taxi driver in India, who is addressing the Premier of China. He needs to perpare the Premier for a vist to India.


I finished The Help last night and I was crying, which is pretty unusual for me with a book. The young society ladies in 1960s Mississippi and their Black maids star in this gem. One of the society lady secretly begins writing a book about the maids (with their cautious help).


I read A free life several months ago. It's a great, detailed story about a Chinese family trying to make a life for themselves in the US. I was reading reviews of this book and people either love it or hate it. I thought it was very moving.


The little giant of Aberdeen County is the story of Truly, who believes she is too big and ugly for anyone to love. She discovers some magic in an old quilt.


Since I carry books around, people often as "whatcha reading?" This book has gotten the strongest negative reaction - Dinner with a cannibal. It's the history of cannibalism around the world, through the ages ..... some so recent, it's scary. Absolutely fascinating.


Silent tears brought on loud sobs. Woman goes to China, volunteers for a few hours a week at an orphanage and then has to go home and eat bonbons to recuperate or go on luxury getaway weekends, slams orphanage workers (who earn about 5 cents a day) as being uncaring. Go back to your ivory tower. Bleeeeech.


There you have it my friends. Carry on and read something good today.