Snow Day 2011

Every significant snowfall deserves a good play in it. Wait? What, Emma? You don't want to play in it? Well, let's get our snow gear on, and just see if you like it. We can come right back in if you don't. I promise.

Remember how she HATES sand on the beach. Remember last year when she rejected the snow. Even mounds of bubblebath bubbles around her in the bathtub creep her out. Well, this is a new year... Just at the garage line, nervous laughter. Tentative steps.

Getting braver. In too deep to turn back now.


Having mom's reassuring legs close by (to hide from wayward snowballs) helps.


And watching a brave (and seemingly unharmed by the snow) bigger brother boosts confidence.

Oh my goodness! You can lay down in it and NOT die? Wow!

(We may be partially over the fear! Yeah for snow days!)

Cookie Gets a Snow Day!

We all got a snow day today!

See? 3-4 inches maybe?

Cats like snow days too.

Good things happen. Like fireplaces. And laps.

And snow day treats.

Snow days-- PURRfection!

Tomorrow's post will be about how cats not only love snow days, but also disgusting smelling food/cheesy wordplay.

Mr. January!

As promised, here is a scan of Jack's winning safety calendar contest entry. Congrats, Mr. January! I've never met safer potatoes than these.

Christmas 2010

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas! We sure did!

Christmas time makes for interesting conversations at our house. Here are a few excerpts:

Jack: HO! HO! HO! I'm Santa Claus!
Emma: HO! HO! HO! Jack, I'm Mrs. Claus!
Jack: Umm, no, Emma. You can't be Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus is gentle.

___

Emma: (milling through the pantry) Mom! I'm hungry. Can I have candy?
Mom: No, Emma. Pick out a different snack.
Jack: (whispering) Whatever you do, Mom, don't say the F word.
Mom: What?! Jack?!
Jack: (leaning in to my ear) You know. Fruit snacks.

___

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Jack Wins!!!

Recently Jack entered a calendar illustration contest through Jim's workplace, Frito-Lay. Each year children of employees of the company are invited to create a safety themed illustration and enter their drawing in a contest. 13 illustrations get chosen to be published on the poster. (12 months + cover)

Well, folks. Let me introduce you to Jack B. Hoodenpyle.... Mr. January!!!

His drawing has been selected for publishing, and as soon as it does get published, you'd better believe that I'll be scanning in a copy for your viewing pleasure. In the meantime, let me tell you the ADDITIONAL good news!!!

As a contest participant, Jack's name was thrown into a hat for the winning of an iPod nano.

Mr. January ANDDDDD nano winner?! Holy Moly!

He is super excited, and has already loaded five songs. You're curious about his songlist, aren't you? Jack's top five:

1. In My Arms (Plumb)

2. Free Like a Bird (Caspar Babypants)

3. You've Got a Friend in Me (Gypsy Kings, Spanish version from Toy Story 3 Soundtrack)

4. Fireflies (Owl City)

5. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

Somewhere my friend, Danavee, has a smug look on her face about that number five.

Congratulations, Jack! I can't wait to show everyone your safety poster! Great job!

Jack, According to Gingerbread Men

Which part of the gingerbread man do you eat first? The latest Dunkin' Donuts research survey says that your answer reveals much about you! Who knew?!

Which part does Jack eat first? The legs. He is not among the majority. (64 percent of cookie-eaters eat the head first.) According to the survey, that first leggy bite indicates that Jack tends to be more "sensitive, reveling in the company of others." Yep, that's my kid.

Gingerbread men = solid research

Happy Birthday, Emma!

So far, the most fun parts of being three are:

Sliding.

Sliding with friends.


Wearing out your brother.

Licking birthday cake icing.

And opening new treasures.

The trickiest part?

Showing people how old you are now. It's super hard.