Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
A little birdie told me...
Note: I started this post back on June 1st, but wasn't able to finish it for some reason. Well, I'm glad I didn't, because now I can tell the whole story!
Today (as on many hot summer days), we took advantage of Grammy and Grandan's status as SouthWood homeowners, and we went to take a dip in the pool. But Tyler and I weren't the only freeloaders at my parent's "Little Yellow House" this afternoon! After the pool, Ty and I stopped by to check on things and found a surprise on the front door. Can you see what it is?
Today (as on many hot summer days), we took advantage of Grammy and Grandan's status as SouthWood homeowners, and we went to take a dip in the pool. But Tyler and I weren't the only freeloaders at my parent's "Little Yellow House" this afternoon! After the pool, Ty and I stopped by to check on things and found a surprise on the front door. Can you see what it is?
Not yet?
How about now? 
That's right ... a friendly SouthWood bird had built her nest on Grammy's front door floral arrangement. And, although a similar event wreaked havoc on their door last spring (let's say it was "well decorated"), Tyler and I couldn't bring ourselves to move it.
6/15/10 Update
So ... today on the way to pick blueberries (so we had the good camera this time), we stopped by to do some more freeloading (not swimming today, instead we were washing a comforter in their washer ... it's bigger than ours) and found that the mama bird was reluctant to leave her nest. We thought it was because the eggs were getting ready to hatch ...
But when we came back by after blueberry picking, Abby accidentally scared mama bird away from the nest (she didn't mean to look big and scary!) and we saw why she was being so territorial...
Ah ... the wonders of nature. Now, let's hope this expanded bird family decides to move on to another home. Four birds living in a front door arrangement could get messy!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Kenny's Key to Life
Heard a great quote tonight at an event I attended with Dennis. The whole event was very nice, in fact, but the guest speaker/entertainer really got me thinking with his timely advice (for the young men and women being honored at the event tonight) and his heartwarming songs. Anyway, the quote is actually something Kenny Rogers said back in 2004:
"If I make music 95 percent of my life, when the music goes, so does 95 percent of my life. So I have these other things that I'm equally passionate about. I try to always make sure I have someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to."
I just LOVE this. Aaron can vouch for the third thing ... we have always said it's pertinent that you have something to look forward to in life (even if it's the smallest little thing)! The speaker tonight said he considered himself lucky if he had two out of the three. So, I guess that makes me REALLY lucky, as I say I think I have all three!
"If I make music 95 percent of my life, when the music goes, so does 95 percent of my life. So I have these other things that I'm equally passionate about. I try to always make sure I have someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to."
I just LOVE this. Aaron can vouch for the third thing ... we have always said it's pertinent that you have something to look forward to in life (even if it's the smallest little thing)! The speaker tonight said he considered himself lucky if he had two out of the three. So, I guess that makes me REALLY lucky, as I say I think I have all three!
- I have several someones I love very much.
- I have something to do ... and then some!
- And I have something to look forward to ... as I am always making plans.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Star Wars Mania
We had a big Star Wars weekend here. 
Lots of rainy weather, which means Dennis was able to show the kids the other two parts of the original Star Wars trilogy. If you're behind on this "saga" ... here's what you missed:
- Dennis saw Star Wars when he was seven-years old, when it came out in 1977 (did you do the math? Yes, D is turning 40 this year!)
- He loves the movies (putting it mildly)
- He has waited (not so) patiently for Abby (who might I remind you, is a girl!) to turn seven, so he could share Star Wars with her
- Dennis has taken great measures in recent months to ensure neither child learned the secrets of Star Wars, despite the fact that Tyler's four-year old buddies play it on the playground
- He caved and let Tyler join in on the fun(!) when Abby's birthday finally arrived (the younger sibling does many things by default)
- On 5/21 Dennis showed both kids the original movie ... and since then they've been talking about nothing else!
- Now, Dennis can't help himself. Episodes 5 and 6 (Empire and Jedi) were shown this weekend (Dennis says due to the rain, but I think he was planning it!)
- Who knows what the plan is for Episodes 1, 2 and 3 ... but personally I think they are a bit scary. So, guess who (yes, Dennis.) is going to be comforting scared children if they start having nightmares!
Anyway, to make up for my spoilsport attitude, I got in the game this weekend and made some spoofs of the Star Wars movies, starring some super actors. Bet you'll recognize them! Now, some of them were willing to participate (like Tyler ... who is officially obesessed with Star Wars), but others (the Orlando and Tampa folks!), won't know they were lucky enough to land roles in the productions until they see themselves here. Hope they don't expect compensation!
Episode 4: A New Hope
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi
(Note: they do take a bit of time to load)
Oh, and here's one more for good measure. You could call it the "director's cut!" Dennis really thought it was fitting for him to appear as Darth Vader in the three spoofs we did. But, when we just watched them before posting them here, I could tell Dennis was jealous of "Aaron Solo" ... who gets lots of facetime. So, I did "The Empire Strikes Back" with an all-Schnittker cast.
Enjoy (or at least don't talk about how nerdy we are behind our backs)! For the record, I am not into the movies as much as I am into this funny JibJab technology. One of the spoofs above, and this Monster Mash production we did around Halloween, was free. BUT, in order to do all three Star Wars spoofs, I had to join JibJab. So, guess what kind of cards you're all getting for your birthdays this year!?! :)
Lots of rainy weather, which means Dennis was able to show the kids the other two parts of the original Star Wars trilogy. If you're behind on this "saga" ... here's what you missed:- Dennis saw Star Wars when he was seven-years old, when it came out in 1977 (did you do the math? Yes, D is turning 40 this year!)
- He loves the movies (putting it mildly)
- He has waited (not so) patiently for Abby (who might I remind you, is a girl!) to turn seven, so he could share Star Wars with her
- Dennis has taken great measures in recent months to ensure neither child learned the secrets of Star Wars, despite the fact that Tyler's four-year old buddies play it on the playground
- He caved and let Tyler join in on the fun(!) when Abby's birthday finally arrived (the younger sibling does many things by default)
- On 5/21 Dennis showed both kids the original movie ... and since then they've been talking about nothing else!
- Now, Dennis can't help himself. Episodes 5 and 6 (Empire and Jedi) were shown this weekend (Dennis says due to the rain, but I think he was planning it!)
- Who knows what the plan is for Episodes 1, 2 and 3 ... but personally I think they are a bit scary. So, guess who (yes, Dennis.) is going to be comforting scared children if they start having nightmares!
Anyway, to make up for my spoilsport attitude, I got in the game this weekend and made some spoofs of the Star Wars movies, starring some super actors. Bet you'll recognize them! Now, some of them were willing to participate (like Tyler ... who is officially obesessed with Star Wars), but others (the Orlando and Tampa folks!), won't know they were lucky enough to land roles in the productions until they see themselves here. Hope they don't expect compensation!
Episode 4: A New Hope
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi
(Note: they do take a bit of time to load)
Oh, and here's one more for good measure. You could call it the "director's cut!" Dennis really thought it was fitting for him to appear as Darth Vader in the three spoofs we did. But, when we just watched them before posting them here, I could tell Dennis was jealous of "Aaron Solo" ... who gets lots of facetime. So, I did "The Empire Strikes Back" with an all-Schnittker cast.
Enjoy (or at least don't talk about how nerdy we are behind our backs)! For the record, I am not into the movies as much as I am into this funny JibJab technology. One of the spoofs above, and this Monster Mash production we did around Halloween, was free. BUT, in order to do all three Star Wars spoofs, I had to join JibJab. So, guess what kind of cards you're all getting for your birthdays this year!?! :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Roberts' Water Day
Remember when the "last day of school parties" were on the LAST DAY!?! Well, they start things earlier nowadays. Abby's "Water Day" was LAST monday at Roberts (and school doesn't end until this coming Friday) ... fun, fun! Fortunately, I got to be there to help out ... and peek in on the action! There were water balloon fights ... 
and a super duper water slide (which Tyler got to try too, since he was home "sick"!) So, I wonder how they will top this for the real year-end party!?
Abby's End-of-the-Year Party
Abby had a great end-of-the-year party with her class on Friday. It was actually more of a field trip ... a walking one ... to her friend Mary Leah's house. Fortunately, a few parents (including myself) walked with the class, as Mrs. McGrane would have had her hands full otherwise! 
Two plus hours of jumping around on an obstacle course bouncer results in a bunch of hot and sweaty ... but happy first graders! Thank goodness for popsicles!
Ladies Lunchdate
Abby and I started a new spring tradition this weekend ... a birthday lunchdate with Emily and Lorie Smith. This year, we met at On The Border.
Seven years ago, while both Lorie and I were on maternity leave, we got together a few times to help each other cope with becoming new mothers. Now look at our babies! It's hard to believe so many years have passed, and that we are now able to treat them to a big girl lunch (and actually carry on adult conversation at the same time)! 
Can't wait to do it again next year!
Seven years ago, while both Lorie and I were on maternity leave, we got together a few times to help each other cope with becoming new mothers. Now look at our babies! It's hard to believe so many years have passed, and that we are now able to treat them to a big girl lunch (and actually carry on adult conversation at the same time)! Can't wait to do it again next year!
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