Flowery Fun

Thanks to Angel over at Aduladi' for this fun survey. Try it, and let me know what kind of flower you are!

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

(Sometimes I think I'm more of a "snappy"dragon...)

Friday Funnies

A funny clip from the I Trust You to Kill Me rockumentary. Isn't it amazing that someone so famous could go "incognito" when handing out free concert tickets?

A Fable

The kids and I have been doing fables in school, so I decided to try my "writing hand" in producing one with a little added meaning *wink*. Enjoy!

* * *

Once upon a distant time, in a land full of sunshine and fruit trees, there lived a small Binzu bird called Kaysay. His plumage was bright gold that shone in the sunlight, and though he was somewhat shy, he sang with a beauty far superior to that of the other Binzu birds in the land.

His favorite place to sit was high in the Hollyberry tree where the sunlight was brightest, the dew the sweetest, and the berries most plentiful.

The other birds loved him. He was always friendly and sang songs of all kinds, never too much about himself.

So the days passed in the pleasant way of the seasons, and Kaysay continued to enjoy singing on his perch high in the Hollyberry tree, dining on the berries and drinking the dew. And he sang with the utmost sweetness.

One day, Poolee, an older Binzu bird, saw Kaysay flying a little more slowly than usual.

"Young Kaysay, you have the voice of an angel, and I, like many others, enjoy it so much. But you should be careful what you eat and drink while sitting so high in the tree."

"You are most kind, old Poolee, but I am fine. I enjoy eating and drinking while I am sitting up there, and I've never hurt anyone."

"That is true, young Kaysay, but be wise in your choices. To indulge too much might bring hardship to you -- and your family and friends. Such would be a sadness to us all."

Kaysay knew that Poolee was a wise bird. He had lived nearly three times as long as the other birds in the land, but he liked his life, singing amongst the highest branches of the tree, eating berries and drinking dew. He saw nothing wrong with it.

Then one day, Poolee's prediction came true, and Kaysay fell through the branches of the tree, his sweet voice hoarse with squawking for help.

But who could help him?

His body had grown too heavy for his wings, and no one could lift him to higher ground. Had he been mindful of his over-indulgence he might have been able to stay where he belonged, high in the treetops.

But now he knew he was at the mercy of his predators.

Moral: When at the top of the very high Hollyberry tree, basking in the sun's rays, be careful how much you consume lest you become too heavy for your perch.

Copyright 2007

Stars and Stripes

Oh, my....dumb, dumb, and dumber.

I've been debating whether or not I should even comment on this on my blog, but the whole situation is swirling around in my brain so maybe typing something about it will relieve that?

Some (but not all) of you may have heard about Kiefer Sutherland -- my favorite-most actor -- being arrested for DUI. Hmmm... Not surprising really. The guy really does enjoy drinking too much.

Hopefully this will be a "wake-up" call that enjoyment of such should never ever ever include getting behind the wheel of a car afterwards. (You'd think he'd learn after being picked up and busted in September 2004 for the same thing!)

So now, because he was on probation, he's facing jail time...

Okay, okay. Maybe it'll just mean wearing "stripes" for a week or so. But, being completely selfish here, what about making 24??? (Ugh! You're such an excellent actor, Kiefer!)

The bigger question in my mind is: Why do it? Why blow his success with "having a bit of fun" like that?

Sure, he might enjoy the taste and the feeling of being uninhibited, but why seemingly all the time? Why, when he seems to be at an apex in his career, would he risk hurting his reputation?

Stuart told me there were men that he knew in the Royal Navy that got drunk all the time just because they liked it...it was what they did.

I'm not sure I can understand that. I'm not sure I want to understand that.

All that aside...

When I was in university, I had to take a course on journalism ethics -- I promise that is not meant to be a juxtaposition -- and one of the big topics that we debated was that of public figures. How much freedom does the media have in reporting stuff about their private lives? We went 'round and 'round on that.

I don't think I completely understood that topic until I worked for the newspaper.

I'm sure I'd still disagree with the prof on the degree to which a public figure's private life may be divulged. But another issue came up through that: no matter where you work or who you are...you represent someone/something besides yourself.

Kiefer represents the FOX network. He represents the show 24. He represents -- though I think he's completely separate from -- the character "Jack Bauer." He chose that the moment he signed his "John Hancock" to the paperwork offering him a job with 24 and later when he accepted a contract for $40 million over three years. He represents the 60+ movies he's made.

That said, he needs to be more careful how he lives his life in the public eye. And it's very public and very watchful.

Perhaps that puts a lot of stress on him, causing him to drink so much in the first place?

Hmm...then I guess it's time to choose a new line of work.

Of course, I won't stop enjoying his work. (I know from meeting him that he's a really nice guy!) And I'll still support him. After all, we're all sinful humans.

I might feel embarrassed for him and disappointed that he let his indiscretions get him into trouble (again)...that he didn't think before he got behind the wheel of a car...that he didn't remember who he is and what that means to the rest of the world.

And if I lived in L.A., I'd be joining the rest of his family, friends, and fans in kicking his butt around the block.

*grin*

Ah, well. Life goes on, and this too shall pass. I'm sure that's Kiefer's "Thought for the Day."

Tons of Trucks

A slideshow of photos from the Tons of Trucks show that Stuart and Edward went to a couple of weekends ago:

Magnanimous Monday Musings

Celebrating victory with ice cream!
Happy Monday to you!

The very last Monday in September! Wowowowow! Nearly October -- my favorite month. Can't really say why I like it so much... Hmmm... Maybe something to do with birthdays?

Victory, sweet victory!!

Yesterday, the Blasters beat the Lightning Bolts 4-0! Way to go, Blasters! Edward played really well in all his positions, including two saves as goalie. He even took the ball up the field, nearly far enough to get it to the goal. It was an exciting game, to say the least!

And even though it was the first day of Autumn...Summer had the last laugh on all of us with a very hot afternoon. Edward said it was so hot he thought he was going to melt into a "puddle of human."

A new week, a new video, and the potential for lots of new fun!

The countdown continues....only 3 1/2 months (count 'em!) until 24 premieres. Even less until the Season 6 comes out on DVD. Yeeeee-haw! Prison Break started last Monday night with a promising beginning...since the main character is back in prison...in Panama. Another new episode tonight. We haven't watched much of anything else though we're spoiled for choice with all the new shows starting up. I borrowed the movie The Departed from the library and can't say that I'd recommend it. We spent 2 1/2 hours watching some excellent acting -- but the ending...well, you'll have to see for yourself.

We begin our 4th week of school today. I can't believe how quickly the school year is going already. We're nearly finished our first month. I'm teaching journalism in the high school at the homeschool learning group we attend. I have a great group of six students and think they'll have fun learning to put together a newspaper. This semester I'm helping them. Next semester, they'll do it all by themselves. Hmmm...should be interesting, if nothing else.

We get our new windows this coming Friday. Yes...our nearly-90-year-old house has 19 windows on the main two floors. Two years ago we replaced 7 of them. It made a world of difference in our heating bills that year. Now, we're finally replacing the rest of them. It should make a big difference in our heating/cooling bills, and our house will definitely look nicer! *grin*

* * *

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT

• a quiet nook for reading

• colorful soccer uniforms

• an effective poker face

• bristly walrus whiskers

• crocheting

* * *

One of the things that has impressed me with the soccer program Edward is in has been simplicity of the team uniform. Each team has the same shirt in a different team color.

Edward's team, the Blasters, wears maroon. They played the Lightning Bolts who wore a light blue shirt. Last week, the Blasters played another team that was light green.

It makes for a very colorful field when you glance across it at game time.

Go, Blasters!

Cheering before game time:

Game Time!

A bit of the game action. (Pardon the jerkiness of the camera and loudness of my mouth. I get a "little" involved in the game...)

Friday Funnies

I decided to do some wedding videos in honor of the wedding of longtime friend, Greg, over at TV Guy. We hope they enjoy their wedding day and a marriage filled with funny days and...

Points to Ponder

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before he is considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"...but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every two hours or so?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you in a movie, but you're on TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the "Alphabet Song" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" have the same tune? Why did you just try singing the two songs?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Are You Smarter Than a Preschooler?

I got this in an e-mail and thought I'd try it out on you. *grin*

 

A PRESCHOOL TEST FOR YOU

Which way is the bus below traveling?

To the left or to the right?

Can't make up your mind?

Look carefully at the picture again.

Still don't know?

Preschoolers all over the United States were shown this picture asked the same question. 

Over 90% of the preschoolers gave this answer (drag your cursor over the white space between the quotes to see the answer): "The bus is traveling to the left." When asked, "Why do you think the bus is traveling to this way?" They answered, "Because you can't see the door to get on the bus." 

 How do you feel now?? 

 I know. Me, too. 

 (Let me know how you did by leaving a comment.)

Manic Monday Musings - Part 2

Must...look...at...the...calendar...no afterschool activities today...okay, breathe, breathe.

Heavy sigh...must be our "day off."

*grin*

* * *

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT

• inspiration from a dream

• oatmeal, milk, and honey

• a love of learning

• the smell of sweet fern

• stout wooden doors

* * *

One of the best things about homeschooling has been the firsthand view of the kids starting the learning process -- and loving it.

Just yesterday, when Edward and I finished his language arts story, I told him that it was time for art. His face lit up as he burst out, "I just LOVE art!" And he feels the same way about music, science, and history.

And it's the same for Emily. We started a tradition in her kindergarten year that we've resurrected this year, and that's having a "cuppa" (tea) while we discuss her literature lesson. It's makes analyzing and digesting the story so much sweeter.

But school isn't the only place to learn.

Being by nature very curious, I keep reminding my kids, learning is for life. (I'm learning stuff right alongside of them.) Be curious. There's always something new and fun out there that we can learn about. There's no age limit for school.

Curiousity may have "killed the cat," but satisfaction brought it back.

It's all about fostering a love of learning.

Manic Monday Musings

Edward "driving" a pump truck at the "Tons of Trucks" Show
Happy Monday afternoon -- evening? -- to you! I haven't had much of a chance to sit down and muse today. It's been one of those busy, crazy, manic Mondays. But we all have those, right?

Can you believe it's the middle of September already? I can't. We're starting our third week of school. And so far the kids are seemingly enjoying it. I've decided to play the "tortoise" instead of the "hare" this year. Slow and steady does win the race...or finish school, whatever the case may be.

Season 3 of Prison Break premiers tonight. Stuart and I are excited as the finale of Season 2 left us on a "wild note," as my oldest sister said when they finished watching it last week. It does indeed. A bit of a full circle storyline. Hmmm... Should be very interesting tonight. And reading through the latest issue of TV Guide, many of our favorite shows begin new seasons this week...with the exception of our very, very, very favorite-most which will start in January. But it's worth the wait!

Speaking of 24, Kiefer didn't win the Emmy last night. *sniff!* But he did look extremely dapper when he presented the award for best lead actor in a mini-series. Still, he's been nominated every year since the show began over 6 years ago. That has to be an accomplishment in and of itself. I'm not a huge fan of awards shows, but I make an exception for the Emmys. Stuart (who's not a fan of these shows either) watched a bit of it with me, and we both agreed that last night's show was very...stilted. Oh, well. The worst part came when they gave...Al Gore an award. Ugh! I nearly turned it off. But the one and only award I was interested in hadn't been announced yet. What a quandary.

Our Edward had his first "football match" yesterday. He enjoyed it so much, and it was such fun to watch, though we had to temper our cheering and loosen the grip on our chairs as we did so. It was so...exciting!! We definitely saw a different side of him, as he put his "all" into the game (something he would never have considered doing a year ago). We left the game in which his team, the Blasters, lost 4-2, and he said, "I can't wait until tomorrow. We have another practice already!" Maybe he was born to play this sport?

Speaking of Edward, he and Stuart went out to see the "Tons of Trucks" show up the road from us. They had "tons" of fun -- enjoy the pun -- especially because it wasn't overcrowded. Edward sat in every truck (see one example above) and even got to peer out the top of a military truck. Emily and I enjoyed some "girl time" at Barnes & Noble. We bought some "coffees" and took our writing books to chisel out some more adventures for our "Jacks." (Her "Jack" is Jack Rabbit, a Lagomorph Area government super agent sent to find and arrest Marbun to bring him to justice. You gotta love the imagination! We sure do.)

I'll save the "5 Things to Be Happy About" for tomorrow...and bid you adieu.

My brain and my fingers are weary...we're off to soccer. *smile*

First Game Fun

Well, Edward Stuart Foote, a member of the Wyomissing "Blasters," experienced his first-ever "football" match at 2 p.m. today. And we have to say (...if our sore throats are any indication) it was such fun to watch and experience with him! *grin*

Our "shy-guy" was anything but shy today and constantly ran for the ball, trying to defend or "offend," depending on his position. (He seems to prefer playing defense so he hung out on that part of the field...except for when he became part of the amoeba of U8 soccer players, amalgamating en masse in one spot on the field, each trying to kick the ball away from the others, even if they were on the same team.)

We were so proud!

They didn't win -- the score was 4-2 which I think disappointed him a little bit -- but they had a GREAT time! And learned lots.

And isn't that winning, too?

Friday Funnies

Okay. Okay. I know this girl vindicated herself, but I couldn't resist this funny video in keeping with an earlier theme...

Exonerated

Miss Teen South Carolina was allowed a chance to clear the "shame" she brought on herself because of her nervousness in the recent beauty pageant...and I have to say, she really did exonerate herself.

I give her KUDOS for even coming back to national TV to explain herself after her major faux pas. She deserves every wish for success.

Learning Group Lessons

I know that I'm an adult (not just because of the constant reappearance of gray hairs) because I have kids.

Having kids means that I have to "act my age" -- most of the time. *giggle*

I've never been a fan of "nanny-nanny-boo-boo"s, or ditties, as I call them. In fact, my children know not to use them. I've told them over and over that our house is a "ditty-free" zone.

But today -- the first day of our homeschool learning group -- my daughter did a one-up that caused Stuart and I to regress a bit and do a high-five (secretly, of course).

Angel and a few others who know us will know of a particular girl in Emily's learning group class -- who will remain unnamed but who hails from a farm -- who has always treated Emily with haughty contempt (read: snobbiness)...not that she has reason to do so (see above). She's "queen" of the other girls in their class and rules with a cohort of equal snobbery.

You get the idea.

Well, today Emily told me that she noticed the new, fancy, bright-pink sneakers she was wearing were very similar to this girl's, with the exception that the other girl's were brown. Emily said she mentioned this to the other girl who retorted, "Yeah, but mine are way cooler." To which Emily said, "Yeah, but I got mine in Macy's in New York City."

Suppressing a chuckle, I asked what the other girl said to that, and Emily said she was speechless. "What could she say?" she wondered out loud. "How could she better that?"

You go, girl!

A-hem...I mean, be careful that you're nice to others, Emily....

(*High-five!*)

Happy Birthday, Stuart!

Happy Happy Happy 37th Birthday to my honey, hubby, and very best-est friend!

Enjoy YOUR day!!

We Remember...

Still More Muggy Monday Musings

Recycling a favorite photo of my hubby and the kids.
Another happy, but muggy, Monday to you! A new week -- and a birthday week in our house! My hubby celebrates his birthday tomorrow.

And the world remembers...

New video on the player. And don't forget to sign my guestbook or leave a "shout" in my sidebar shoutbox.

We finished our first week of school and survived the busyness of all the new after-school activities. I'll say it again, how do parents with more than two kids in more than one activity each do it?? We were hopping all week. This week doesn't look any better.

We enjoyed our Friday night surprise trip to see Rocco Deluca and the Burden in concert down in Baltimore. The kids loved it so much and keep talking about it! Being able to share in something that Daddy and Mommy have talked about and loving it alongside of us...priceless. We've been to six of the band's concerts -- mostly "local" (within a two-hour drive) -- and have to say we've enjoyed every one of them. If we ever make it out to L.A. before 24 is finished its run, we hope to catch a RDB concert in Long Beach, Ca.: Rocco's home turf.

Anyways...

Apparently, 24, our favorite-most show in the world, is beginning production today. We can only hope. Only 4 months to go until the premier!!! We have watched all but the last two episodes of the second season of Prison Break. It's such an excellent show! And Season 3 starts next Monday night. We also watched a few more episodes of The Closer last night. We're almost finished the first season. It's such an enjoyable show! I just love Kyra Sedgwick!!

Edward, our once-shy-6-year-old-guy, is infatuated with soccer now. He tells us everyday how many days it is until his next practice. He has his first-ever game on Sunday. Should be really fun to watch! Emily told him that maybe he'll play in the World Cup one day. He said he wasn't sure he wants to do that just yet...and asked if he had to. He has a long way to go before the World Cup is even a possibility...

He had us laughing last night when he asked, "Is miniature golf more dangerous than real golf?" Both Stuart and I hadn't really contemplated this before. We said we weren't sure and then asked why. He said he thought miniature golf might be more dangerous because if you hit the ball and the castle door closed, the ball might come back and hit you on the head, knocking you unconscious. Hmmm... Hadn't thought of it like that before. *grin*

* * *

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT

• the first move in chess

• a blue whale whistling

• artwork on the fridge

• shiny red cars

• parachuting

* * *

Isn't the first move in any game a bit tense at times? I think so anyway. And chess is probably the worst for me. There are so many possibilities, and I feel like I have to choose just right.

Edward began playing chess with Stuart last year while we waited for Emily during her dance class. He has no problem beginning that game....but that's because he's only just starting to strategize.

He knows how to play and what he has to do to win. But he likes to play by one rule: Don't let Daddy take his Knights. Not because they're powerful and can protect his King. Nope...just because they're his favorite piece.

Not really the aim of the game....but he has fun...and he does win sometimes. *wink*

Making Musical Memories

Have you ever decided on the spur-of-the-moment to do something that mentally seemed incredibly wild and bold? But somehow you have to do it -- to seize the moment?

There have been a few times in our marriage and parenting years that we've done things that we (and others) would deem as absolutely crazy. But we've been all the better for it....and we've made memories.

Driving all the way from Pennsylvania to Ohio (about 350 miles each way) to get our dog, Buster, ranks high among them.

Hmmm...I guess last night could join that list.

Being a regular peruser of several websites, I like to keep track of where Rocco Deluca is playing, just in case he's close enough to go to see.

So when a Rocco Deluca and the Burden end-of-tour concert suddenly came up in Baltimore....and it was FREE...and outside...we got to thinking. We could look for babysitters...or we could take the kids along.

Before you think that we did it to save money on babysitters, both of our kids are huge fans of RDB's music. We listen to their CD often -- in the car, on the computer -- ever since our crazy trip to Atlanta last year. Emily has been talking about when they are "bigger" how they can go with us to see the group in concert. Yeah, right.

Well, how do you pass up a fairly nearby, free, outside concert for two smaller fans? It's the perfect situation.

So we surprised them by spending our family night, driving to Baltimore to see Rocco and crew.

They had no idea even when we went to Power Plant Live, the concert venue, which was a bricked courtyard in front of a row of restaurants and bars.

It wasn't until we took them up to the stage and Stuart pointed to the keyboard which read "Rocco Deluca and the Burden" that the proverbial penny dropped. The look of shock and excitement made our surprise journey all the more worth it. (See our slide show below.)

We had a bit of a wait until they actually came out to play, but the kids were so psyched to see Rocco and the other band members walk to the stage that it was soon forgotten.

The best part of all was still to come. We went to the side of the stage to see if we could get an autograph for Emily and a photo or two.

We were rewarded by hugs, handshakes, and photos for all.

Emily declared that she'd "never wash again"...because Rocco hugged her. And Edward said it was the "best night of his life."

It's not something we're likely to do again for awhile. They won't become regular "rockers," at least not yet.

But it was crazy...and fun! Something you gotta do once in awhile.

Memory making.

Photographing a Memory

Friday Funnies

The truth about dogs and cats...an "oldie, but goodie!"

DOG’S BLOG

7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!

8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!

9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!

Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!

2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!

3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!

4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!

6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!

7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!

8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!

9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!

11pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people’s bed! My favorite!

CAT’S BLOG

Day 483 of my captivity…

My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction that I get from clawing the furniture. Tomorrow I will eat another houseplant.

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded - must try this at the top of the stairs.

In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must remember to try this on their bed.

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, that did not work according to plan…

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing “allergies.” I must learn what this is and how I may use it to my advantage.

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.

But I have patience, I can wait, it is only a matter of time…

Dancing Queen

"You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen

Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine

You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life

See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen."

~"Dancing Queen" by ABBA

Well, the official dance season has begun.

Emily, our little dancing queen, started dance class yesterday. (Of course, she's only 9-going-on-10 not 17...but she's definitely "young and sweet" to us.)

She's been doing it for so long now we thought it would be comfortable like an "old hat." But she did feel a bit anxious as she has two classes this year and a new teacher.

Still, once she was there and in her new shoes, she was in her element and found friends from last year's class.

Stuart and I are excited to see what she learns this year -- especially because she's taking 2 1/2 hours of classes per week this year.

But her smiles after class are always a return on our investment.

* * *

As an aside...pardon the "soap box."

Why do we, as parents, need to make comments on how "big," "tall," or, like one mom yesterday said, "thin" the girls have gotten?

That mom -- somewhat outspoken anyway -- really shocked us when she said to Emily that she's lost "a lot of weight."

I said that Emily has never been heavy.

The mom was a bit flustered and agreed that Emily must have grown taller.

I wanted to tell her that Emily is already concerned about her weight and how much "fatter" she looks compared to the other girls in class. (But she's a good 4 to 5 inches taller than most of them, too.)

A little sensitivity to feelings... Not too much to ask, is it?

A Singing Angel

Although I'm not a viewer of American Idol or even America's Got Talent and its equivilant in Britain, this video was priceless.

And the precious 6-year-old singer melts everyone's heart (I'm still wiping away my own tears), even Simon's.

He Shoots! He Scores!

Well, he did it. Edward finally started playing his beloved football (read: soccer).

He's talked of nothing else since we signed him up last Spring. He talked of nothing else ALL DAY yesterday.

So last night at 6:15, we arrived, Edward decked out in soccer gear, at the playing field, and he began...

...to cry.

That's fairly standard for Edward. He's so incredibly shy. And no one held it against him (the emotions were shortlived). After all, he's only 6.

The coaches -- all three of them -- encouraged him -- along with Stuart -- to join everyone on the field for a chat about the game, and then the action began.

They played lots of little games to learn the moves and build teamwork and confidence. Edward's smile grew bigger with each activity.

Then they played a "game" against the coaches -- and each other.

The coaches describe kids at this age playing soccer as amoebas. They bunch together and all try to take the ball to the goal.

Still, they had fun -- as evidenced by Edward's huge grin and sweaty face at the end -- and that was what it was all about!

Next stop...dance class...

Sunny Day...Everything's A-Okay

Here are some more photos from our trip to New York City last Saturday.

School's In!

"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire."
~William Butler Yeats

Well, school is officially "IN" at our house. In style...in session...in our house.

As a treat, Stuart got us breakfast from McDonald's, and we enjoyed some excitement together before the "schoolbus" (read: the Speedybus -- named for our car which we call "Speedy") drove the kids to "school" (read: our frontdoor) to meet their new teacher (read: me in an apron with "TEACHER" on it).

All somewhat silly really, but it makes the kids feel special and excited about learning....so we're glad to do it. (Plus, it's fun for us, too!)

5th-grader

1st-grader

Anyways...since I didn't get the schoolroom done yet -- due to dead-bat difficulties -- we gave the kids a schoolbox to keep together all their new school supplies and notebooks.

Now, the students are busily studying...

Well, that was the hope.

One small first-grader just came to me in tears because he took apart his mechanical pencil and can't get it back together....

Ugh... Buddying engineers.

Merry Moiling through Monday Musings

Happy 1st Monday in September to you! And Happy Labor Day? Not sure what we "celebrate" on Labor Day, apart from no work (*laughing here*) and the end of summer vacation. Still, it includes a three-day weekend so "Yaaaaaa-hoo!"

School officially begins tomorrow. I was madly scrambling to clean up the room we use for school and made a grisly discovery whilst I was just about to take another box up to the attic...a DEAD bat on the stairs. I'm not sure why, but dead things creep me out more than living things. I'm not usually squeamish about animals -- we have enough small creatures as pets -- but knowing there was a dead bat on the very stairs that I'd been using... Ugh. Cleaning paused for awhile.

We just got Edward's soccer practice schedule and now our weekly busyness went from "Aaa!" to "AAAAAAAAAAAAAaa!" We'll have Monday night - dance; Tuesday night - soccer; Wednesday night - dance; and Thursday night - soccer. We're thankful the two don't end up happening on the same night (at least not in the month of September; apparently, that's slated to change next month) since we only have one car...but still! How do people with more than two kids keep their sanity while driving them to all their activities?

The highlight of our weekend was going to New York City to meet Lana, a wonderful friend and fellow Kiefer/24-fan I met online last summer. She and her hubby moved to the city earlier in the year, and we had been talking about getting together. Finally, the dates worked and up we went on Saturday. The kids -- esp. her Emma and our Emily -- seemed to really enjoy being together. We took the subway to the Children's Zoo in Central Park and spent the rest of the morning chatting, playing, snacking, and getting to know one another. It was, as Lana said about the girls, as if we'd always known each other. We can't wait to meet up again!

After lunch on Saturday, Emily had begged to go to Macy's to view what she calls the "world's authority on all things fashionable." We thought we'd take in the Empire State Building first, but the line was way too long. (We decided that might make a great birthday adventure...stay tuned.) So off to Macy's we went to get a glimpse of this year's fashions. After arriving on Floor 7, the children's department, Emily laughed and said that most of the clothes were "bleh!" and many of the fashions weren't even as good as those we've seen at Target. Oh, well. Sorry, Macy's. It was fun anyway, and we ended up with some "school" sneakers that "screamed" Emily's name. (For those of you who don't know Emily, she is the "queen of all things pink.") What do you think?

We're working our way through Season 2 of Prison Break. And, so far, it's very good! Interesting since the storyline doesn't take place inside the prison anymore...but I saw the finale, so I want to know how they got from Point A (ie: the finale of Season 1) to Point B (ie: the finale of Season 2). Season 3 starts in a few weeks. We're taking a break from The Closer this week (due to the holiday) to watch a movie or two that we rented from our free online subscription to Blockbuster's. (That way we can trade them in at the store for more Prison Break - Season 2 DVDs.) Still no word on 24 production starting...though I think it's slated to begin next week. Here's hoping! According to one of the online Kiefer fan blogs I read, Mr. Sutherland (the younger) was sighted Friday getting off a plane at JFK Airport. So I'm guessing he's not "hard at work" yet.

The kids have been bugging us to have another baby, and a conversation concerning this came up in the car on Friday evening. Of course, we said we'd like to (this isn't an announcement), but it just isn't happening at the moment. To which, Edward piped up from his seat, "You know, a baby is born every 8 seconds." Not in our house, honey. Thankfully!

* * *

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT

• knock-knock jokes

• the smell of new textbooks

• an evening chill

• chicken coops

• beer and pizza

* * *

My favorite part of college was arriving back on campus, unpacking my stuff, and going to the bookstore to get my new books for the semester. The smell was intoxicating and jogged all those sleepy braincells back to wakefulness in time to learn.

Well, that was the theory anyway.

Actually, I think it was more likely the total cost of the books that awakened my braincells.