Mitchie, M.D.

Mitchell rushed home from school the other day to tell me about what he learned in science. Before I knew it, he had grabbed a bunch of ziplocs from the kitchen drawer, ran around outside to collect some stuff, and then proceeded to give me a lesson about "non-living things" in the "ecosystem". What fun to see such enthusiasm!

Mitchell Reading "Ten Apples Up On Top"

As goofy/silly/kooky as he is, Mitchell (5 1/2 years old) is reading even earlier than his sisters did at his age. Who'dathunk?!

Wait...when did that happen?!

From the time my kids were born, I constantly heard, "Enjoy it - they grow up too fast!" I guess I was too busy keeping up with kid after kid to stop and ponder that statement. I was just anxious to have them all potty-trained, in preschool, and able to dress themselves, hoping for some bit of relief Mommy duties.

Well, while sorting through laundry this morning, it finally hit me. I had to do a double-take on a pair of jeans. Mine or Lindsey's? Yup - in 11 short years, she has slowly but surely become more of an teenager than a kid. There were subtle changes in the last couple of years:


"Ew - I don't wear pink."


"Yea, go ahead and clear out most of the stuffed animals in my room."


"I can't think of anything I want for my birthday. Can I have cash?"


"The 'kids' are too noisy. Would you shut my door?"


"I can't find mine - can I borrow your zoris?"


"No, I don't want you to read me a bedtime story. I'll just read on my own."


"May I have more salad?" (When did she start liking salad?!)


"Look, Baachan! I'm taller than you!"



Ugh. I guess I have to accept it. Instead of missing my little girl, I have to enjoy the brief moments of childish behavior she occasionally displays:


"Where's MY kiss and hug?" (when I say good-night)


"Can you cut the crust off my sandwich?"


"Mooooommy! We made up a song for you!" (but if I videotape it, she says, "Don't put that on Facebook!")


Lucky for her, I had technical difficulties, so I oouldn't post the crazy song and dance she made up for me. I will, however, add a goofy photo to document her silliness...


I love you, Lindsey girl!

Molly's Letter to President Obama

A couple of months ago, Molly (5 yrs) came home from kindergarten and told me that her friend Mary had written and received a letter from President Obama. She told me that she wanted to write a note to him too. As I do far too often, I just kinda said, "Yeah, yeah, get a piece of paper," and forgot about it.

As I was cleaning up her room last week, I found a folded up note behind Molly's bed. This is what it said:

to: presudit Obomu

you no Mary
She's my frend
My name is Molly
do you liv in the lite Haows?
I wish I cud see you own day
p.s. olso yore famulley.

from: Molly

I was really sad thinking that I hadn't given her enough time and attention to help her complete the process of writing and mailing the letter. It was a definite reminder to slow down and pay more attention to what my kids say to me each day; far too quickly, I'm sure they won't even want to talk to me very much!

We'll send the letter out tomorrow and I'll keep my fingers crossed that she gets something in reply!

My Life According to Make-up

I'm really weird when it comes to make-up. I've been fighting it my entire life. I'm very much a "less is more" kinda girl. I even go so far as to try to avoid applying it in front of my girls - as if it's something bad - so that they don't get interested. It doesn't work, though - I'm always finding uncapped lipglosses and eye shadows in my drawers!

Unfortunately, as I've reached my 4th decade, it now seems to be a necessary evil. Here's my make-up philosophy:

In your teens, too much make-up just looks silly and clown-like.
In your 20's, your skin is gorgeous, you have no wrinkles, and you're at your beauty peak - why mess with a good thing?
In your 30's, you can still get by with the bare minimum. I'd rather people be surprised by how pretty I look made-up instead of them being shocked by how tired my face looks when they catch me without it!
In your 40's, the age spots, wrinkles, and general worn-out look has finally caught up with me. Even for a quick trip to Costco or the park...pass the concealer!

Ugh - maybe I'll switch to Botox in my 50's...

Something Gus will be using in a few years...

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER
Print out and submit as per instructions at the bottom of the form
1. Name :_________________ Date of Birth :_______________
2. Height :________ Weight :______ GPA :_________
3. Social Sec. #______________ Drivers license #_______________________
4. Boy Scout Rank :__________________
5. Home address :_____________________________________________
6. Do you own a van ?___ A truck with oversized tires ?____ A water bed ?____
7. Do you have an earring , nose ring , belly-button ring ?______ tattoo ?______
(If yes to any of #6 or #7, discontinue application and leave the premises)
8. In ten words or less, what does LATE mean to you ?_____________________
9. In ten words or less, what does ABSTINENCE mean to you ?_________
10. In ten words or less, what does DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER mean to you ?_____
11. Church you attend :________________ How often you attend :____________
12. When would be the best time to interview your Father, Mother, and Minister ? ____
13. What would you want to be IF you grew up ? _______________________
Answer the following questions by filling in the blank. Please answer freely - all answers are confidential (I won't tell anyone - ever- I promise)
If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want wounded is in the ___________________
If I were beaten the last bone I would want broken is my ________________________________
The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is _____________________________
When I first meet a girl, the thing I notice about her first is________________________________
(Note: If above answer begins with T or A, discontinue and leave premises: Keeping your head low and running in a serpentine fashion is advised. )

I SWEAR THAT THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF: NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, DEATH, AND DISMEMBERMENT.

Signature (that means your name, moron)____________________________________________

APPLICANT'S RIGHT THUMB PRINT IN BLOOD

Thank you for your interest. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not attempt to call or write. If your application is rejected you will be notified by two gentlemen wearing white coats and carrying a violin case.

Christmas Eve Checklist

1. Yummy steak dinner
2. Fabulous Christmas light show (thanks for the rec, Shelley!)
3. Santa letters written
4. Cleared out fireplace
5. Stockings hung
6. New pj's (Snoopy & Elmo) and board game (Perfection)
7. Cookies, milk, and carrots out
8. Kids in bed!