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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Thanks for the prayers

Thanks to everyone for your prayers for my dad. As you may, or may not know, he had a total knee replacement Tuesday morning. I dropped Drew off at his Mimi's house and then went to pick Dad up and take him to Arlington Memorial. We were there, waited about 10 minutes, they called him back and started all the surgical prep work. He even had his knee shaved... woo hoo. Ha ha ha!

I went with his friend Denise to see him when he was coming out of anesthesia -- had a cute nurse... wonder if he hit on her. Ha ha! Then I went and grabbed a bite to eat at TGI Fridays and then back to hang out for a while. I left the hospital about 7pm and got home in time to spend a few moments with Drew before bedtime. It was a long day.

I didn't get a chance to go see Dad today because Josh is HOME FROM IOWA!!! His flight was delayed about 30 minutes... but he's HOME... there was a very tender moment with Drew that I'll write about tomorrow... but it was very sweet..

We went to the Rain Forest Cafe tonight to celebrate his homecoming and he and Drew are already at it like brothers (I did NOT miss that!) :) Josh DOES seem a little more tolerable of the little troll now though. :) LOL

Dad's still got a long way to go with recovery and physical therapy and he will be coming to stay at myhouse until he has a release to drive (it was his left knee that was replaced so it should't be too long since he drives with his right foot before he's released). I know he doesn't want to lose his independence... who would...but at least I'll be able to take care of him. My formal living room will be turned into his little get well room until he's all better. :) That will be nice to have him around again. :) I kinda miss him. :)

I'm taking Josh to visit him tomorrow after Drew's gymnastics class.


He's HOME!

Today my little man came home from his summer vacation visiting his dad in Iowa. I was pretty excited. I took Drew and headed for the airport with plenty of time to spare and a HUGE rainstorm was closing in on us so we were really hoping he made it home and out of the plane and to the car BEFORE it hit! We also hoped to miss the deluge becuase immediately afterward we were going to The Rainforest Cafe for dinner.

This was the first summer that Drew really experienced loneliness without Josh there and it was SO hard to watch that... but he was SO excited knowing we were goign to the airport to bring Josh home. This was Drew continually watching for "dosh's pwane."

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This is how you entertain a 4 year old that is so excited he doesn't know what to do with himself...
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Once we finally saw a plane headed toward the jetway (or whatever those little walkway things you have to go up when you board/exit a plane are called)... we moved to the area where we could see eveyrone as they departed the aircraft.

He began to practice what he would be telling everyone as they tried to depart...
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This one is too cute
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When people didn't start coming out IMMEDIATELY, Drew really didn't think his brother was coming home and that they left and he started to cry. He was so sad. Almost inconsolable. He was so filled with emotion, he didn't know what to do. I hate that he has to experience this kind of "loss" every summer just for Josh to go be bored for 3 weeks up in Iowa (the first two are always a lot of fun...after that the calls become more frequent.... like, once every five days to ... once every four hours... yes, the last week he called me about 5 times a day. He was ready to be home.)

And finally... a great time at The Rainforest Cafe.
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Something for all your patriotic football fans...

This is totally worthy of your time....

This is a piece by NFL films on flyovers at NFL games. Great stuff.
NFL Flyovers


And while we're on the topic of food...

My dear friend Christa sent me this and I thought it was definitely "blog worthy"

After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health:
  1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
  2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
  3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
  4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacksthan us.
  5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heartattacks than us.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink whatever the hell you like. Speaking English isapparently what kills you, but the U.S. Government is trying to correct the problem.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Food adjectives

I love it when children do not yet possess the vocabulary to articulate what they are wanting to communicate.

Point in case: Cotton Patch Cafe. He must have been 5 years old. Six years old at the oldest. I ordered for him while he was busy coloring some odd cartoonish drawing in the children's menu. The waiter delivered our dinner. He ate a little of this... ate a little of that... picked up one of the steamed baby carrots and was thinking it was going to be this crisp delicious treat and it was cooked. He spit it into his napkin saying that he didn't like "melted carrots." So steamed carrots have always had that term for us now.

Fast forward to tonight. Wonderful dinner... steamed fresh broccoli, broccoli with cheese, mashed potatoes, steak, fresh loaf of French bread... you get the point? it was a nice meal. He won't eat many vegetables but he will eat broccoli. I hadnt ever given him cooked broccoli before so this was a new one... he takes a bite and spits it out saying that he didn't want to eat "sweaty broccoli"...

SWEATY BROCCOLI? Could you even imagine ME serving such a creature?

The vanilla ice cream with sprinkles more than made up for it after dinner though. :)




I had sweet dreams

And I $hit you not.... Rick Springfield was in it... it was crazy! :) BUT... it's a great way to wake up. LOL :) I need to go on that cruise! I just need to...

mmmmmmmmmm...

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Friday, July 25, 2008

A theatrical moment

I've been having the insomnia bouts again... not getting to sleep until 2:30 or so..then up at 7:30... it really starts to suck the life out of you after a while...and knowing I can't take anything for it really bites the big one... so I was thoroughly enjoying sleepin in until I realized, CRAP, I'm taking Drew to the movies this morning. It was his first trip to the show. We went to see "Flushed Away." It was so cute! Mind you, we already have the DVD and Drew had already seen it but he'd never been to a real movie, popcorn and all... so it was rather an exciting day. I played it up and got him really excited... it was basically a chance for moms and their kids to get out and go see a movie without the fear of them ruining it for everyone else (b/c the theater was filled with moms and kids!)

He did a smashing job! He laughed and giggled and I had a new appreciation for the movie since all I'd ever done was hear it from the front seat while it played in the DVD player for the boys in the back.

We didn't do much after that... I scrapped some last night and thereafter cleaned my scrap room. Enough so that I could find everything easily enough to pack for the crop I attended tonight with my new friend Kelly. She and her family just moved into the neighborhood from Kansas City. She's got two adorable, energetic boys as well. Hers are 18 months apart and Drew is already calling "them" (collectively) his new best friends. I love that he's got a new friend... AND the fact that Kelly's pretty cool too makes it nice to have a friendly face (THAT SCRAPS) on the street. :) We're talking Canton after the heat dissapates as well. She thinks her scrap style is plain but I think there is something to be said for simple pages... thing is they are simple in terms of embellishments... but they're adorable as she picks (and takes) great photos... and uses fantastic papers so they really look great. :) She needs to give herself more credit.

I'm going to post my friend Christie's Ireland Book on here eventually... I did a couple of things for it last night when I realized that it wasn't in any "order" as far as what she did when... DUH... I really need to get that to her... again, DUH... was thinking Saturday but you know... I dunno... me wanna go ni ni...

:)


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bill O'Reilly

Sometimes this man gets on my nerves but I can honestly say that I agree with him on a lot of issues he brings up.... like THIS ONE

http://www.billoreilly.com/newslettercolumn;jsessionid=605877FBF5447E6417875987ED3D2700?pid=23930

If that link doesn't work ... go look at his page and read the column entitled "A Cash Transaction."

The ideals of some of these freakin ignorant politicans just BLOWS ME AWAY!?! Since when does throwing money at a situation EVER make it better... for the long run and for the good of everyone involved? IT DOESN'T!


Conservative or Liberal? What are you?




Your Political Profile:



Overall: 70% Conservative, 30% Liberal



Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal



Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal



Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal



Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal



Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal



Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Jonas Brothers

I got the fun task of leaving Josh a message on his cell that the Jonas Brothers were moving about 5 miles away from us... he was like "NO WAY" and is just about elated. He wants to drive by their "compound" and see where they're going to live. Mind you, they live in a gated community with the likes of PGA golfers, Terry Bradshaw, Dallas Stars and Dallas Cowboys (current and retirees). HOWEVER, just knowing that is pretty darn cool. :)

Are you an animal lover too?

Everyone needs to see this... the segment on Puppy Mills done on Oprah was just sickening... the quotes on this about how when men learn to become insensitive to animals...that's how they'll treat their fellow man... I believe it.

But wow this was heartbreaking. Still, you should watch this video... profound statements there. I believe in speaking for those that have no voice...

http://www.brightlion.com/InHope/InHope.aspx




Generation gap

You know usually there is a huge generation gap between you and your kids. Mostly you just tolerate what they watch because it's good for them... go ahead... admit it...

la la la la
la la la la
Elmo's world.... we all know the jingle...

toot toot chugga chugga big red car

hot dog hot dog hot diggedy dog... (mickey mouse clubhouse)

See... you know the deal..... there are lots of them... and we tolerate them..

and my son Josh (now 9 years old GASP) watches a show called Drake and Josh... and you know if you read the lyrics... there's no generation gap... they're great

I'd never thought that it'd be so simple but,
I found a way, I found a way.
If you open up your eyes, and see what's inside.
It's gonna take some time to realize,
But if you look inside, I'm sure you'll find,
Over your shoulder, you know that I told you,
I'd always be picking you up when you're down,
So just turn around.
Oooooooooooo!

You May Be A Taliban If...

My mom sent me these... gotta love her.

YOU MAY BE A TALIBAN IF...

1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.

2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can't afford shoes.

3. You have more wives than teeth.

4. You wipe your rear with your bare left hand, but consider bacon "unclean."

5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.

6. You can't think of anyone you HAVEN'T declared Jihad against.

7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.

8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.

9. You've often uttered the phrase, "I love what you've done with your cave."

10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least one.


Vote - but don't vote your freedoms away...

My only hope for this presidential campaign is to have America be educated. I'm afraid that the black community is continuing to rally around Obama not for what he truly stands for but only because he is black. Am I afraid to say that? No, I'm really not. I won't vote for anyone based on their race or religion or sex for that matter -- I'm not a fan of Hillary either and she was hoping to have women rally around her. I would hope that people would educate themselves and vote for the person that is best for AMERICA... undersatnding that just because you throw money at a problem doesn't make it go away... someone promising funding doesn't mean anything more than ME saying, "I'll take care of it." It means nothing more than words.

I've stated before that I, as a Christian, believe homosexuality is wrong. I don't, however, feel that those individuals should be neither targeted nor discriminated against. I have had homosexual and bisexual friends in my lifetime and have had no problems being their friends. It's not up to me to judge. However, I don't feel that they should be entitled to "marriage" but rather "civil union." I do feel that the networks continue to push the token homosexual in most shows because the more exposure you continually have to it in all your prime time viewing, the more accustomed you are to seeing it thus begins the slow erosion of your moral compass...

I feel like Obama is going to do that same kind of thing... and I feel even more threatened reading things like this article from John C. Sigler, President of American Rifleman. This was in their June 2008 magazine. No, I didn't get copyright permission for reprinting this so I will excerpt it for ya...

A True Threat To Freedom

Right now, one of the most antigun politicians ever to set foot in Washington, D.C.,may be just one election away from the Oval Officeand far too few gun owners realize the true threat to freedom this candidate represents.

No, it's not Hillary Clinton-we already know how bad she is. It's Senator Barack H.Obama, D-III.,the man who promises "change"while pretending to offer"hope:' But exactly what kind of "change" is Obama "hoping" for?

It is far too easy for gun owners to slip into a false sense of security, unquestioningly accepting the candidate's promises and proclamations regarding the Second Amendment; but the unreported truth is that Barack Obama has an atrocious record on your most fundamental civil right-the right to a firearm for self-defense.

Over the years, Barack Obama has either voiced support for, or voted to enact, laws to:

  • ban all handguns
  • ban the sale or transfer of all semiautomatic firearms
  • ban the Right-to-Carry in every state, nationwide
  • ban firearms in the home, even for self protection

And he voted against a "self-defense exception;'which absolves folks of violating gun bans when their reason for violating those bans is to fend off criminal attack in the home.

Did you READ THAT? even if you shot and killed a predator entering your home, YOU would be criminally charged for protecting your family, your home, your property, your safety, yourself. Can you even BELIEVE THAT?

Do you seriously think a gun ban is going to keep guns away from criminals? Get REAL. Gun bans will do nothing but keep your regular Joe-Schmo from being able to buy a gun but Billy Gangbanger will have an entire arsenal at his disposal to use on you. How does that law level the playing field? If criminals want drugs... they can get them and know where... "Normal" people -- you and I... ??? I wouldn't have a freaking clue where to get drugs, nor would I want any. Why would making GUNS illegal have any barring on criminals getting their hands on them?

Go to Obama's website and you'll see his claims of respect for your rights, claims which are, at best, misleading. Obama's website claims,"He will protect the rights of hunters and other law-abiding Americans to purchase, own, transport and use guns for the purposes of hunting and target shooting:'

But as the bumper sticker says-"The SecondAmendment ain't about duck hunting:'

Obama has supported bans on ammunition magazines, gun-lock mandates, renewal of the 1994 Clinton gun ban and California-style gun registration. He voted against confirmation of both
Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alitofor the U.S. Supreme Court, and then refused to sign the pro-gun "friend-of-the-court" brief filed by 55 other senators and 250 House members in the District of Columbia.v.Heller gun ban case.

In July 2005, Obama voted against the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act-a vote against the rights of every law-abiding gun owner, dealer and manufacturer in America, and a vote against our national defense.

Yet,while Obama's disdain for Second Amendment freedom appears limitless, his attitude toward armed, violent criminals has been one of benign neglect, at best.

In 1999,on a vote in the Illinois senate on whether to try teenage gang-bangers as adults when they fire a gun on or near school grounds, Obama voted "present" -the functional equivalent of"NO"!

Responding to a ChicagoTribune questionnaire, Obama said he believed federal mandatory-sentencing laws used to put armed and violent predators behind bars should be abolished!
And if those same violent criminals attack you, Obama opposes your fundamental, God-given right to protect yourself.

He opposes your Right to Carry. In fact, according to Obama's own hometown newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, Obama supports federal legislation to ban the Right to Carry for everyone but
police officers!

Even attorney Walter Dellinger, who tried to defend the Washington, D.C., gun ban before the u.s. Supreme Court, admitted, "It is a universal or near universal rule of criminal law that there is a self-defense exception. It goes without saying:' In other words, Barack Obama's position is even more anti-gun than the District of Columbia's! Obama's record is clear-his concept of "hope and change" willsurely result in anti-gun/anti-freedom changes bringing more hopelessness for
the most helpless in our society.

The end of the article encouraged everyone to share it with people... which is why I'm sharing it with you today... educate yourself on the issues... not just because someone is a charasmatic speaker who is a lot of talk.... the man is promising change... that's great...but at what price and what KIND of change?!

Monday, July 21, 2008

They Call Me The Fireman...

So for the last few months, Drew has been on a total kick for all things "fireman." He lines up his Hotwheels emergency vehicles... hides in the closet with the door shut handling emergency after emergency. He prefers to read Clifford at night because Clifford becomes an honorary fire dog. He has a fire truck coat, hat and hose. He has a firetruck sleeping bag... this kid even has two DVDs called "Lots and Lots of Firetrucks". His birthday was the 13th... he's got the songs all memorized now.

So, he's watching DVD 2 this morning and turns and says to me he needs a "breather" because when there's a fire he can't breathe. "I need to go to toy store get breather." I, being the voice of reason, of course, say, "Drew, you don't need a breather" those are for big men."

Huge mistake, Mom.

Meltdown starts... true crocodile tears... whining, crying, throwing a full on FIT (which really isn't par for the course with this one) So trying to think of ANY recourse I said, "Drew the toy store isn’t even OPEN yet!"

Our exchange continues...

"when does it open"

"40 minutes"

"okay" sniffle sniffle...

And off he runs to the bedroom... ***I*** am assuming to put out fires.

Back he runs.

"what are you doing"

"watching clock"

"what for"

"40 minutes"

OMG this kid is goign to be the death of me??? GRRR…

And you know, far be it from me to begrudge this child his one true addiction right now... And frankly, I had absolutely nothing else on my agenda for once for the day, so off we went to the Army Navy Store… they didn’t have one…they recommended another store called Cheaper Than Dirt about 15 minutes down the highway…so off we went.

And now… THIS is what I have at home

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An interesting article..

On autism... check it out.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/crusades_versus_caution.html

I completely agree with the statement in this article... I, as a parent, wouldn't let my child be tested for it ... unless there were an actual NEED for the testing. That's insane. Give someone a checklist and they'll give you a label for your kid? CRAZY!

In the "part 2" of this (i didn't provide the link...but am providing a quote...) it states

"Much has been made of statistics showing a sharp increase in diagnoses of autism in recent years.
What has gotten much less attention is the changing definition of autism, which raises the question whether there has been an actual change in the real world or simply a change in the way words are used when collecting statistics.
People today are often spoken of as being "on the autistic spectrum," rather than as having autism."

interesting thought.

OH MY GOSH!!!@#$~#$!~@#$~

Want a great way to rev up your energy level??? Turn on Oprah to find RICK SPRINGFIELD!!!!!!

OH MY GOSH I just about had a heart attack!! WHY WASNT I THERE!?!?! OH MI GOD! I LOVE THAT MAN! He was signging "You Better Love Somebody" UGH>.. I do rick... I DO! LOL

I hope you all Tivo'd it... I'll save that one... FOREVER!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Just because

He's just so delicious. :) I love this man.... sexy sexy sexy. :)

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Today is the first day

of a new beginning. :)

After a great "come to Jesus" talk over dinner Saturday night... and a double vodka and cranberry juice had nothing to do with it -- I'm SURE -- ha ha... we agreed that Irving Bible Church IS the place for us. :)

I can't even begin to tell you how completely thrilled I am to have my church home back. We spent the day together and then went to church to the 6 pm service... the music was moving... the words were enriching... the message was poignant... the people were smiling... the kids were excited... it smelled like home... I wanted to be like "That Girl" and run to the middle of Town Square and throw up my purse and spin around... I know, completely corniness but you just don't understand how completely lost I've felt since even contemplating trying to find another "home"... but... my home was there all along... and I'm so thrilled to be back. :)

Drew, who is usually a little dramatic at first when he gets dropped off at Sunday school class went in willingly (they had out playdoh - huge bonus!) and it was just fantabulous! :)

I'm telling you... all these things.. they've been nothing but a sign. After the sermon we let Drew play in the Tubes (it's like McDonald's playset on crack! I wish I were a kid... they're AWESOME!)... and then went to Jason's Deli. I did pretty good all day with WW... blew it on a baked potato. They have baked potatoes that are like the size of your head...it's insane. Someone must be injecting those bad boys with Miracle Grow. :) I had about half and a great super duper side salad with light honey mustard.. mmmmm...

I left there just beaming... still am. :) I'm so excited to be back... ready to get plugged in and back to good. :) (reminds me of that Matchbox 20 song... I think I'll find it on my Zune and listen to it).

So, greetings and toodles... I just had to share my new found joy in a familiar place. :) Sometimes, I think you have to leave your comfortzone to really appreciate the beauty you have... makes you 100 times more grateful... I'm going to cover this church with prayers...

The CUTEST thing I've ever seen!!!

Check this out... it's freakin ADORABLE!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnAjel02lM


Time Gets Better With Age

This was sent to me on an e-mail. :) I think you'll enjoy it as well.


I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sings "Silent Night".
Age 5

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 12

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.
Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.
Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 30

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
Age 42

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.
Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.
Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 51

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.
Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Age 90

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92


Friday, July 18, 2008

Productive day (well, not really)

Got up, worked a little, and little man and I had a day! We didn't do a whole incredible lot but we did something. I was going to take him to the movies but he didn't want to go. He was in full-on puzzle mode today. That and we watched "Lots and Lots of Firetrucks" about a half-dozen times. If you have a child that likes fire trucks, this DVD set is a MUST! They'll be entertained... and singing the songs. It's TOTALLY adorable! :)

I swear Drew's going to be a fireman now! :) And it's really neat -- one of the songs says, "When danger caaaaaallllls, all you need is a heeeeeeeero" and he just sings that song at the top of his lungs... and says "he my hero, is he?" :) I love how he words his questions... it's not, "Isn't he?" It's, "Is he?" So cute!

I was somewhat productive. I hung mini pennants along the ceiling front of his and Josh's playroom. I'm liking the progress I'm finally making in there! :)

I need curtains... any one have any ideas on what kind of curtains? :) Ha ha..
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and these are the larger more traditional sized pennants... they're going to be arranged "pizza style" on this wall. :) just need to figure out whom all to purchase... these three were a given. I say the Broncos... (of course)... the Steelers... just cuz their coach was always such an aewsome guy... and then I'll take input on the rest lol... JUST KIDDING...
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

How to tell your 3 year old has had your camera

You go to download photos of your new hair cut and THIS is also in the download

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(yes, above is another dog butt hiding from Drew)

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(nice finger over the flash huh?)

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(this one has to be my favorite!)

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(his OCD of lining up cards / anal retentiveness on display)

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...and where Lola likes to live (in the chair behind me)
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I love all these things he finds interesting enough to take pictures of. :) Nice little glimpse into the things that a 3 year old found interesting. :)