Pick Up Sticks

Craig often refers to an imaginary game... actually rather crude one too, so I apologize ahead of time. Sometimes Craig's answer or suggestion to me or to Luke will include the phrase, "play pick up sticks with your butt cheeks." Well, the words finally sunk into Luke's little mind and yesterday he asked in response... excitedly, yet confusingly, "Is that a real game we can play?" Awww.... to be young and innocent again! More from Luke: This morning Craig prepared a healthy breakfast. We all took turns trying to convince Lydia to eat up. Luke's persuasion technique was a little different than mine. He suggested to Lydia to eat up so - HERE IT IS - Eat your food so that someday you will have hair on your chest like I will have. Oh my, let's hope not!

THRILLER

Okay, so yesterday we made the hike (not as far as I thought it would be) to visit our sweet Marisa! We suited up in layers and mittens to attend the Ball State University football game. I full anticipated that we would be freezing our buns, but the stadium seating wasn't metal so it was bearable after all... WOO HOOMarisa is in the marching band and had a super entertaining halftime show! Midway through their Michael Jackson medley, Marisa and her band mates drop their instruments and break out in a little THRILLER dance.

AWESOME!

We then got to see her dorm. She's on the high bunk- practically hits her head on the ceiling when she sits up. Luke of course wanted to get the bird's eye view. Marisa fits well into college life and it brought back memories for Craig and I when we lived at Miami University to tromp around the campus. What a fun fun day!

My MARISA

Almost 2 decades ago, I welcomed a dear-dear girl

into this world and into my life.

My MARISA!

Way back when, I babysat for her and

played with her and changed her diapers...

and now the tables have turned.

She now babysits for MY kids, plays with MY kids,

and has changed their diapers!

She brilliantly earned a full ride to Ball State University and is in the midst of a tough sophomore semester. We're coming up on

FAMILY WEEKEND, so Craig, the kids and I are hopping

into the car and making the trip. We're going to cheer in the cold at the

Saturday afternoon football game, then we'll

visit her dorm and have a yummy dinner.

I can hardly put into words how PROUD I am of how hard she works and how much she has already accomplished. She's an amazing young lady with a sweet spirit. She's tons of fun, and I love every second she has to spend with us.

Our family loves her with our whole hearts!

She's "quacktastic"

(inside joke)

Dear Marisa, LYLAS

Rain Rain Go Away

Rain Rain Go Away

Something to do on a rainy day...

Or if your friends are too busy... GO SOLO!

My Heart Goes Bang

We swap date nights with our friends.

Last night was OUR turn!! Craig and I went

to a GUN RANGE... that's right

BANG BANG

I took almost as many shots as Craig.

And I wasn't awful!

At one point I hit the target

19 out of 20 shots! YAY ME!

It certainly gets your heart pumping, so in a

twisted way it can be considered romantic.

Right?!?!?!

Then off to a scrumdiddlyumptious dinner at P.F. Changs. This isn't "kid friendly" in our family, so we rarely get to enjoy, making this an extra special treat. The best part?

Craig & I ate S L O W L Y

Next, a late movie.

COUPLES RETREAT

and it was superdy duperdy funny.

A must see? I wouldn't go that far, but I do give it 2 thumbs up. It's been awhile since I've been out after dark, much less after midnight! I'm such a party animal! HA HA

Anyway, it was nice that by the

end of the evening, I had been reminded

that I still have the very best fun with

my very best friend.

HAPPY & HEALTHY

The color of the day is...

• GREEN PLATE (check)
• GREEN BOWL (check)
• GREEN SPOON (check)
• GREEN Peter Pan CUP (check)
• GREEN OATMEAL (check)
• GREEN MILK (check)
• GREEN MILK MOUSTACHE (check)
• GREEN TONGUE (check)

And all decked out with Cinderalla

(or "Cinderbella" as Lydia calls her)

HAPPY & HEALTHY

- - - that's all I ask for

Wallies & Decals

YAY FOR

WALLIES & DECALS!

Luke is slowly becoming

bored with his room,

so we added a couple

of fun characters.

Lydia has been a climber since her little legs could lift her little body. Recently, she's been hiking her legs over and out of her crib, so we've finally taken it down.

(bittersweet to no longer need a crib!)

To keep her safe, she's on a mattress on the floor for now. Eye level for her, we created a little fantasy land for her.

SO GIRLY...

kinda makes me feel pukey!

but as long as she's happy

For the Love of Life

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass.

It's about learning how to dance in the rain.

Be careful of your thoughts. They may become your words at any moment.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Blessed are the flexible, for they will never be bent out of shape.

FIVE YEARS

Happy Birthday to Lukey!!!!!

he's FIVE today

Lydia's newest hairstyle.

HOUND DOG vs. HOT DOG

is right around the corner.

IT'S CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT

WHERE THE TIME HAS WENT!!

Our family doesn't go bonkers to "celebrate", HOWEVER...

Craig, along with other coworkers, do their best to humor the students for a day. The other asst. principal??? SHE will be the young & handsome Elvis.

Craig will be the ummm..... less than attractive version.

*** it's normal to feel a little NAUSEOUS after you looked at this!

So once again Luke wanted to mimic every move Craig makes. *** thank goodness he's not old enough to realize I'm sharing this photo with the world! We also picked up an appropriate costume for Luke. Lastly, this photo isn't perfecto, but we were just trying things on for size. Have a WONDERFUL

and HAPPY day!