Death Became Of It!

We finally caught our furry friend. YAY!!! It happened early this morning. Andy heard it thrashing around on the sticky trap.  He quickly took it outside to the recycle bin & believe it or not it was still trying to get away. Before we went to church this morning I had Andy make sure it was still there. He informed me that the trap was but the mouse got away. On the way to church & during sacrament Andy tried to convince me that there was no way it could get out. I however was not so confident. If a mouse can run up your leg after being told it CAN'T I was not convinced. (that's another story that I'll have to tell some other time.) So after church I made Andy look for it in the recycle bin & sure enough there he was trying to escape. I made Andy kill it to make sure it would never get out ever again!  I think we are in the clear now unless he had a friend which is very likely but our house is booby trapped so if there is another he will be trapped soon & will be rejoining his friend in the recycle bin.  This is about how the mouse felt when Andy was done with it but much much much worse. Thanks babe! I will sleep better tonight :)

Too Sour!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Emmy & Evan!  They are at my dad's ranch eating pomegranates & letting us know they are too sour.  (pic. taken about a year ago)

Guns or Doctors. You choose!

Well, I was reading around the blogging world and came across a really funny post on the use of fire arms and I could not pass up on sharing the info with others so read and enjoy. The info came from a man who likes to hunt Scott. He is a friend of Quincey my sister-in-law. 

Interesting Statistics

FACTS TO PONDER: (Thanks to Scott friend of Troy & Quincey)

(A) The number of physicians in the U.S.

    Is 700,000.

(B) Accidental deaths caused by physicians

    per year are 120,000.

(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.

    Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept

    of Health Human Services.

Now think about this:

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is

    80,000,000. (That's 80 million.)

(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year,

    all age groups, is 1,500.

(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner

    is .000188.

Statistics courtesy of FBI

So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000

times more dangerous than gun owners.

Remember, 'Guns don't kill people, doctors do.'

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN,

BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.

Out of concern for the public at large, I havewithheld the statistics of lawyers.

Andrew posted this one.

Turning 5 & Shots!!!

Every Tuesday I babysit for my sister. It's really cool cause she teaches music & so with exchange she teaches Emma for free & I babysit her children. Well today, & I'm not even sure how the conversation started but Emma & Evan (my nephew) were talking about their ages. Evan is 6 months older than Emma. Emma very excitedly tells Evan that when she turns 5 she will get shots & then get to go to school with her dad. Evan looked kind of puzzled & then the conversation ended.

So fast forward to later this afternoon. I'm driving home from my sister's house & Emma is exhausted. She fell asleep & on the way home I stopped by my mom's to pick something up. I pull away from my mom's  & little Miss awoke with tears in her eyes cause I did not wake her up to see grandma even though grandma was not there. Then half way home she screams, "I don't want shots! I just want to go to school with my dad".  I know I shouldn't have laughed cause it made things worse but it was just so out of the blue & kinda funny. Oh & then again at dinner we had another break down about the shots. So come June we will have to see if she goes through with it ( not like she has a say in it or not)  I really need to watch what I say around her.  She picks up on EVERYTHING.

Hello Everyone, We just added a new post of one of our favorite Holiday movies, NO. Not the Nativity, although that one is awesome, we refer to The Griswold Family Christmas. If you want to see this arrangement you have to scroll down the blog to see it. We were having a bit of a challenge getting it to the top of the site. Still trying  to figure that one out.  Enjoy them. 

  Andrew

Santa Claus

 
Wednesday I went on a field trip with Emma & her preschool class to the mall to visit Santa.  There are about 12 kids in her class & so it was a bit tricky getting the kids to cooperate but they did such a good job & thought it was cool to tell Santa what they wanted. Emma asked for a Diamond Princess Castle.  I was impressed with Santa this year. He actually looked like a real Santa. Usually it's just a guy with a fake beard but this one looked really good. He had his own beard so he really looked the part.  I am grateful for Emma's teacher. She has cool ideas & teaches the kids really neat stuff. Emma loves it & I love how I get a few hours by myself every Monday & Wednesday.  :)

First Ballet Recital

Today was Emma's first dance recital. The theme was "The Jungle" She was dressed up as a jungle cat (thanks again mom)  Emma started dancing this summer with a neighbor friend, & has loved it ever since.  She's our little princess dancer. In the pics. she is the one on the very end.

Gingerbread House

Last Monday night for FHE the kids decorated a gingerbread house. They had fun being creative as you can see by the pictures. It actually turned out kind of cute. Most importantly the kids had a good time & we had fun watching them eating some of the candy & making a mess! :)

Two Babes In A Manger

This was given to me in Relief Society many years ago.  I think it's sweet (a little long... ok so very long... just read it!)

In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals & ethics (based on biblical principles) in public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire & police departments & a large orphanage. About 100 boys & girls  who had been abandoned, abused, & left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:

It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary & Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to the stable, where the baby Jesus was born & placed in a manger. 

Throughout the story, the children & orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.

Following instructions, the children tore the paper & carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.

The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to the table where little Misha sat. He looked to be 6 years old & had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger.

Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him & looking at his completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately-until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me & asked if I had a place to stay."

"I told him I have no mamma & I have no papa, so I don't have any place tp stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift.

"So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?" And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me."  "So I got in the manger, & Jesus looked at me & told me I could stay with him---- for always."  As Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table & his shoulders shook as he sobbed & sobbed.

The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him-FOR ALWAYS. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

 

SURPRISE!!!!!

I can't keep it a secret any longer! Yes, I am pregnant with #3.  I am currently 10 weeks & 2 days. Feels like forever since I found out & been dying to post it! I told a few friends at church today & figured I better post it before anyone hears it other than from me. We are excited & I am somewhat shocked. June 26th is the due date so we all have to wait till then to meet the new little G. I am doing well as for now (knock on wood) no serious morning sickness but I never really did with my other pregnancies so hopefully this will be the same (I just cursed myself) Gavin & Emma are way excited but they are having a hard time with what gender they want it to be cause neither of them want to share their rooms. I'm just hoping it's healthy & small :)  

Adios & until next time. (Alice, I was dying to tell you cause I think we are a few weeks apart)

The Tree Hunt

OK,  So the family tradition every year is to cram into the van the morning after Thanksgiving Day and head over to Bonsall. The event is actually really fun, we drive to a Christmas tree farm and hunt for the tree for the season. Parking can be a challenge but we make it work. The weather was wonderful at a cool 68 degrees and of course the chillens were really bouncing around the farm looking for that perfect Holiday symbol.  We go home wash the tree down and today we set it up to the tunes of Ricky Tanner. Thats Right! Ricky Tanner. So The house is all set up, lights and all and Emma keeps asking us when Santa is coming and driving us up the chimney. (author Andy)

PICTURES

I realize that I hardly post pics. of my family. So here you all are. ENJOY! :) 

Just Curious

Who else besides Sarah is going to the midnight showing of Twilight? Inquiring minds want to know!

Not The Post I Wanted

I mentioned in my last post that I was working on something & I yet have not figured it out. It is coming soon though. Stand by! Meanwhile check out this pic. Now that has got to hurt!

Unwanted Guest, Bulldogs, & a small RANT

We have an unwanted guest at our house. It happens to be a mouse! I have not seen it thank goodness but every night Andy & I can hear it within the walls. We think we might have trapped it in the walls cause we found it's source of  entering & exiting so hopefully we put a stop to his midnight runs to our kitchen looking for food. When I told Emma about it she said to me that we should live in a brand new house without any mice! I agree! I would love a mouse free house. But I'll tell you that I would rather take a mouse over a cockroach any day. Weird huh? But ya those cockroaches are creepy & gross. Not like a mouse isn't, but I'd rather see a mouse. Can't explain it. I hope we have trapped it & soon we will no longer HEAR it or SEE it.

Does anyone know of anyone selling English Bulldogs? Preferably free. It's one of Andy's favorite breeds & I would love to get him one for Christmas. They are so dang expensive. Maybe I'll look at the pound.

Ok so my small rant. I am tired of the people that did not get what they wanted on PROP 8. It's over! Get over it! That's usually what happens at an election. One side wins & the other side loses. It's how it's always been. And if it gets overturned in court then I want Prop 4 to get overturned. Why does nobody think that this is important? Why do people think it's ok to let young girls get abortions? Nurses at schools can't even give out aspirin without permission from a parent or they can't even in most cases leave campus without a written consent from a parent. To me this is more severe then getting married to your gay lover. But what do I know. I just wish people would be civilized. There's no need to take their anger out on our churches or members. I guess in due time it will settle down I hope.

Ok Q so there you have a new post. I told you on your blog why I don't post that often. 

Till next time see ya all! 

I HATE COMPUTERS!

I really HATE them!  They are great when they do what you want them to do but when they don't they SUCK! I had this really cool post that I was going to put up but I can't figure it out & it's not my fault so I'll blame this blasted computer. You will all have to wait now till  I can figure it out cause I'm done for the night! I have no more patience left!

Halloween Greetings!

Since this is the time for goblins and bats, Halloween spirits and ghosts and cats, Weird happenings and witches brew, These are things I wish for you, May the only ghost that comes to stay,  Be the Holy Ghost to guide your way. May the only spirits you chance to meet, Be the spirits of love and warm friendship sweet. May the only trick you are asked to do, Be the trick of helping a child or two. These are my Halloween wishes for you, and may God bless you in all you do.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL!!!!!

I'm Esme

Click this to find out what Cullen you are. 

What's In A Name?

I found this on a friend's blog & thought it was cute.   Try it. :) 

1. Your Rock Star Name  (first pet, current car);  Fluffy, Sienna

2. Your Gangsta Star Name  (favorite flavor ice cream, favorite type of shoe); Chocolate, Flip Flops

3. Your Native American Name  (favorite color, favorite animal);   Blue, Dogs

4. Your Soap Opera Name  (middle name, city where you were born);  Don't have a middle name, Escondido

5. Your Star Wars Name   (first 3 letters of your last name & first 2 letters of your first name);  Gor  Me

6. Superhero Name  (2nd favorite color, favorite drink);  Purple, Pepsi

7. Nascar Name  (the names of your grandfathers);  Stan, Don

8. Tv Weather Anchor Name (your 5th grade teachers last name, a major city that starts with the same letter);  Mcalvaine, Monrovia

9. Spy Name  (favorite season/holiday, favorite flower);  Christmas, Daises

10. Cartoon Name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you are wearing right now);  Raspberry, Jammies

11. Hippie Name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree);  Raisin Bran, Oak

Words of Emma

Emma was taking a shower today when she poked her little head out & said: 

"Mom, Gavin is not a girl right?"

Me: "Right, he's a boy."

Emma: "So why does he use my Princess towel after he takes a bath? Shouldn't we be calling him a girl?"

                                        

All I could do was laugh. Got to love the kids & the things they say :)

Also I was thinking today & this is way off the subject but does anyone out there remember SHRINKY DINKS? Growing up I remember coloring these things & then cooking them in the oven to watch them shrink. It was a great pass time when it was raining out. I miss those things. Does anyone know where I can find them for my kids?

Six Random Things & 3's & 8's

I've been tagged! First from Ames (sis in law) & then from Sarah (another sis. in law) First i'm supposed to name 6 random things about me:

1. I love gymnastics & wish I would had stuck it out when I was younger cause I have always wanted to join the Olympics.

2. When I get older & the kids move out I want a corvette! A black one! (oh & when I become rich... that's a HUGE factor)

3. I love this time of year when trees become bare & sweaters get to be pulled from the closet to be worn. 

4. I love football! Love to watch it & I secretly have always wanted to be a cheerleader!

5. I have a love for the Opera & have always wanted to sing as an Opera singer (my friends laughed at me growing up for thinking such a thing)

6. My last random thing about me is........ I sleep naked! (jk mom) I just couldn't think of anything else!

Okay so onto my 3's & 8's :

3 Joys:

1. My hubby

2. My children

3. The country in which I live ( I think)

3 Fears:

1. SPIDERS (that had t be typed in caps)

2. Failing as a mother to my kids

3. The earth coming to an end

3 Obsessions:

1. Being thin

2. Having a clean house

3. Getting to church on time (which we are failing miserably)

3 Surprising Facts:

1. I can do the Chinese splits!

2. I like to mow the lawn

3. I've lost my big toenail twice in 1 year.

8 Things I am Passionate About:

1. My hubby

2. My kids

3. My sisters & brothers

4. My mom & dad

5.  Chocolate

6. Colorful flower arrangements

7. My kids being clean

8. Making sure my kids are watched over & safe

8 Words or Phrases I am Known For:

1. Go to bed.

2. Brush your teeth

3. Eat your dinner

4. Get up! (for Gavin not for Andy)

5. Hey boo boo (for Emma)

6. Am I talking Chinese?

7. We're so doomed (when talking politics)

8. I'm dying!

8 Things I Want Do Before I Die:

1. Learn to fly a plane

2. Visit Greece 

3. Visit Russia

4. Learn to cook like my mom.

5. Learn to sew.

6. Get out of debit

7. Learn Spanish 

8. Visit Argentina

8 Things I Pray For:

1. My family

2. Our Country

3. Our church leaders

4. Our future generation

5. Wisdom 

6. To have safety

7. Be of good cheer

8. To live & to be happy!

8 Things I Have Learned

1. Being positive & laughing helps you stay healthy

2. Going to church keeps you on the straight & narrow

3. Just cause I see black & white does not always mean it is!

4. Jesus answers MY prayers that he sees fit for ME!

5. Keeping debit to a minimal is a good thing

6. Helping those in need lifts the heart

7. NEVER judge a book by it's cover

8. Trying new things is a good thing

8 People I Tag:

1. Quincey

2.Kristen?

3. Alice

4. Renee

5. Jenny S.

6. Jenn (my cousin)

7. Emily

8. Lori

Have fun guys!

Words of Wisdom

I'm glad today is Friday & happier tomorrow is Saturday & then Sunday. After a week I have had (nothing bad) it's just been a long week, I could use some words of wisdom from our bishop & fellow members but till then I'll settle with Dr. Suess:

Here are a few favorites:

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere."

"Im sorry to say so but, sadly it's true, that bang-ups & hang-ups can happen to you."

"The more you that you read. the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more place you'll go."

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

It Pays Off...... (or does it?)

Thought I'd update you of my neighbor that was so rude to the paper guy! Supposedly it does pay off to be rude cause my hippie weird neighbor is NOW getting his papers PORCHED! 

Maybe the paper dude is afraid of my neighbor as much as I am & so is doing it to save face  ya I dunno! Just with my own experience I have never gotten what I wanted by being rude. Let me tell you a story of a long time ago..........................

Sometimes it's better to stay in bed rather than go to work are the thoughts of the guy that was the recipient of  ME!  My awesome cruisin Prelude was in need of a new battery. My dad & his friend told ME exactly what to do & ask for at Sears. My loving husband accompanied me although he wish he had not.  I stepped up to the register with a huge line behind me on a Saturday afternoon. Very politely, yes mom I did start off talking nicely... I told the guy exactly what I wanted & needed for my car. I had a few questions & although I am not a mechanic I do know a little about cars. He redirected all my questions back to Andy like I was not even there. So that made me very angry (oh did I mention I was on my period) & I blew up. Started yelling at the dude! Told him he was a pompous jerk & that I was the one asking the questions & he needed to talk to ME! Needless to say I left with no battery & we had to go back to get one later that day & when we did we noticed the guy that I had yelled yet smoking up as chimney outside I guess he had to take a break. I was embarrassed & mad & crampy so I made Andy go in & buy a new battery for me. So moral of the story is, Don't be stupid in public... Be calm at all times (but if you are on your period all is good :) ) I think I have the ladies vote on that. 

With all this said, Y'All have a great week :)       P.S.  that was the mild version

Rude People Suck!!!!

 here is the porch of the neighbor (the other pics. would not upload)... but if they had you       would have seen that the house is not very big & that the walking distance from the                     driveway to his front porch is not that far!

           
First I must apologize to my mom for using the word suck.

Saturday morning Andy & I were enjoying our morning upstairs.  Andy was reading in bed, I was at the computer reading the news & what not, Gavin was downstairs playing quietly & Emma was still sleeping. It was a very quite relaxing morning when suddenly I hear my neighbor from across the street say or rather yell, "Next Time Porch It!"  I look out the window & see my hippie neighbor in his pjs in front of his lawn yelling at the newspaper dude telling him to porch his paper. I must tell you that it's not even the real paper. It's a local paper. I felt bad for the newspaper dude that I kinda guess did not speak English very well because my neighbor then started speaking Spanish to him. I'm thinking to myself that why would the newspaper dude even want to porch it? He's not getting paid extra to do so & also after being spoken to in that manner why would he even want to after that? I felt bad for the newspaper dude Here he was doing his job & a scary looking hippie dude yelling at him for not porching his paper. My neighbor could have approached the situation so much better.

I can hear the words from my mom now as she would say "Next time remember that" "Remember the way you want to be treated & how you should treat others"

You know I can't even tell you why it disturbed me so much that my neighbor did this but it did. And come to think of it he really in not the friendliest person. I took pictures to show the house & his porch. I was kinda hesitant taking taking the pictures cause I didn't want him coming out of his house yelling at me for taking pictures of his house, but decided if he did I would say that the camera was new & I was just taking random pictures. Which is kinda true cause I never use the camera so it kinda new to me :) 

So, remember don't be rude to ANYONE! 

 

                                                                 

Twilight Saga

What is the hype about? I finished the last book last night & I seriously do not see what everyone was talking about. I was expecting more drama I guess. From what people were saying it sounded like it was going to be a huge dramatic ending... Not all that impressed. So, enlighten me... What did I miss?

Do You Hear That?

It is the sound of utter SILENCE!  Today is the 1st day of school. This means 8 hours of no fighting between Emma & Gavin. It also means no doors opening & closing & letting in a million flies.  I can barely contain myself I have no idea where to start my day. It will be fun to just hang out with Emma. She will start school Sept. 4th, two days a week for a few hours & then it really will be quite here! I'm going to continue my morning in silence before Emma wakes up. Y'all have a good day :)   HAPPY 1st DAY OF SCHOOL.

So Much To Blog!

Okay so it's been forever...... I have been busy & that is my excuse... I know I should never be too busy to blog but really if I'm not entertaining my kids I'm just too dang tired to blog. Okay so perhaps it's laziness that has taken over more than anything but I'm here now so now you will all have to read as I get you up to date on our lives. 

First, Andrew & Gavin start school this Monday (YAY) & they will be going to a new school. Andrew's principal retired last year & he was super cool. We were all sad to see him leave. Well this new principal that took the job was not so cool. She called Andrew & said she was going to give him  a kindergarten/1 st grade class. Yes, you read that correct, Andy said no way jose & called a different school but within the same district & asked if there were any openings. Turns out there was 1 opening for a 3 rd grade position at Temple Heights, (closer to home! yay!) He was interviewed & called within 30 minutes of the interview saying they wanted him! This is such a better move for him. I'm excited for them both & can't wait to hear all about the first day!

This summer has been busy. Gavin had swim lessons, Emma has had dance lessons & she still is continuing them. I have been engrossed of the "Twilight" Saga (halfway through the last book.) I'll have a whole another blog just for that cause I just have to talk about it! 

We took Gavin to his first baseball game. We saw the Padres & Diamondbacks. We went with Gerret & Sarah & it was a fun night. It was Mormon night & I think the favorite part of the whole evening for Gavin was when one of the batters broke the bat in half. He thought it was amazing! 

Andy wants everyone to know that he mowed the lawn today. Not a very fun feat but nonetheless the lawn looks great! One of the best on the block!

Lastly, I wanted to write about my grandpa. A few weeks ago we took the kids to Ontario (Cali) This is where my grandma & grandpa lived for many years. We went to a favorite restaurant by the way will open in Temecula closer to us. so instead of driving an hour & a half we'll drive just 30 minutes to Vince's Spaghetti. We went to grandpa's grave & cleaned it off. Then we drove down old I Street to see their house. I remember spending many summers there. I loved that house! We then took the kids to the corner store to buy candy. When I was young we used to walk there, we as in my siblings & cousins. It was great to go back to Ontario & to tell the stories that I remember with grandma & grandpa to Gavin & Emma. I loved staying with Grandma & Grandpa. When we first arrived at their house & as soon as my mom & dad left they would put us in their car & take us to the store to buy Fudgecicles & Captian Crunch all the junk food that we normally did not eat :) Those were the days & those are the times I will cherish forever! 

So, now back to reality... Back to school. Back to a normal routine. I'll be better at my blogging. I'm posting pics. of my grandma & grandpa's house & the little candy store. I don't know how to put the pictures where I want them yet so bare with me & I'll figure it out soon!

11 Years!

I am so lucky to be married to the most handsome, devoted, caring, loving, understanding (<--- that one is big cause I am very hard to understand at times) romantic, fun, humorous, hard working person! I love you Andrew, & it does not seem possible that it has been 11 yrs! Time flies when having fun! Thank you for all you do for us. I couldn't be happier! 

Last night Andy & I celebrated our anniversary. He worked all day doing things around the house & then later in the evening with the kiddos asleep we ordered take out at Romano's Macaroni Grill. It was yummy & we had the lights turned down in our room reminiscing about our wedding day trying to think of every detail. During the day we'd stop for a minute of what we were doing & look at each other & say, "At this time 11 yrs ago we were doing" & then say whatever it was that took place at that time! It was a fun day & very relaxing romantic evening :) Thanks Andy! I love you babe! Here's to many many many many many more! :)

Mom My Ride

We Love Disneyland!

A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to Disneyland. We ate lunch (super yummy lunch) at Ariel's Grotto with all the princesses. Emma had the time of here life. We rode a few rides & then the kids were both chosen to fight the Dark Side. Gavin fought against Darth himself & Emma went up against Darth Maul, but before she knew what she had volunteered herself for she was back at out side with huge tears in her eyes. Gavin however, used the FORCE & not only defeated Darth Vader but fought off the 2 Storm Troopers as well. It was a fun day & Andy & I hope to return soon with the kiddos in tow! Here are some pics. Enjoy :)

Pictures

Okay, so I lag we all know this... Here are the pics. of Gavin's baptism.  Sad but true, as I look through the pics. this is the only one that is not blurry :(

What is a Black Leaf?

We were sitting at dinner tonight when Emma said, "I want more black leaf please" What is a black leaf? More importantly where does it grow & does it taste good? Apparently to Emma it does taste good cause she wanted more...... Okay so what's your definition of a black leaf?

Major Flashback!

A JC Penney catalog from 1977.

Found my next dining room set, which is apparently made by adding upholstery to old barrels:

 Also, I am totally getting this for my bathroom:

There's plenty more home furnishings where those came from, however I'm not going to bore you with that. Instead, I'm going to bore you with something else. The clothes.

The clothes are fantastic.

Here's how to get your butt kicked in elementary school:

Just look at that belt. It's like a boob-job for your pants. He probably needed help just to lift it into place. The belt loops have to be three inches long. And way to pull them up to your armpits, grandpa.

Here's how to get your butt kicked in high school:

This kid looks like he's pretending to be David Soul, who is pretending to be a cop who is pretending to be a pimp that everyone knows is really an undercover cop. Who is pretending to be 15.

Here's how to get your butt kicked on the golf course:

This "all purpose jumpsuit" is, according to the description, equally appropriate for playing golf or simply relaxing around the house. Personally, I can't see wearing this unless you happen to be relaxing around your cell in D-block. Even then, the only reason you should put this thing on is because the warden made you.

Here's how to get your butt kicked pretty much anywhere:

If you look at that picture quickly, it looks like Mr. Bob "No-pants" Saget has his hand in the other guy's pocket. In this case, he doesn't. And what’s up with the matching coffee cup?.

Here's how to get your butt kicked at the beach:



He looks like he's reaching for a gun, but you know it's probably just a bottle of suntan lotion in a holster.

How to get your butt kicked in a meeting:



If you wear this suit and don't sell used cars for a living, I believe you can be fined and face serious repercussions, up to and including termination. Or imprisonment, in which case you'd be forced to wear that orange jumpsuit.

How to get your butt kicked on every day up to and including St. Patrick's Day

Dear god in heaven, I don't believe that color exists in nature. There is NO excuse for wearing either of these ensembles unless you're working as a body guard for the Lucky Charms leprechaun.

In this next one, Your Search For VALUE Ends at Penneys.

As does your search for chest hair.

And this -- Seriously. No words.

Oh wait, it turns out that there are words after all. Those words are What. The. H*** . I'm guessing the snap front gives you quick access to the chest hair. The little tie must be the pull tab.

Also, judging by the sheer amount of matching his/hers outfits, I'm guessing that in 1977 it was considered pretty stylish for couples to dress alike. These couples look happy, don't they?

I am especially fond of this one, which I have entitled "Cowboy Chachi Loves You Best."

And nothing showcases your everlasting love more than the commitment of matching bathing suits. And what exactly is she looking at?

Then, after the lovin', you can relax in your one-piece matching terry cloth jumpsuits:



I could go on, but I'm tired, and my eyes hurt from this trip back in time. I think it's the colors. That said, I will leave you with these tasteful little numbers:

Man, that's sexy.