Wednesday

Well, hello. Today we went swimming, then rushed to the car, hastily changing our clothes on the way, so we could make it to the Family Film Festival in time to get seats. Seating is limited because this is a popular event (read free), in other words, they fill up quick. Free, that is, not including the $18.50 I spent at the concession stand (and I didn't get much). Well, we made it to the movie (Carebears 2). I wasn't really sure what to expect, wasn't expecting a new release, but I don't even remember hearing about this movie or seeing it playing at the theater. I only noticed it was G and the other movie was Hairspray (PG). I definately knew I would enjoy Hairspray more, but might be a little "mature" for my young brood.

Wow, the Carebears animation was "old". I got home and checked...the movie was produced in 1986! Yes, I said 1986. Judging the quality of the animation, I feel really old. Was this movie really released the year I graduated from high school? It reminded me of the time V and I rented The Last Unicorn (1982) for the kids, and were awestricken by the poor quality animation. Lucky for me, the kids loved the Carebears movie and weren't sensitive to mommy's prejudices.

So after movies the older kids went back to Safetytown while A, refusing to take a nap, spent an hour and a half "organizing" the toys. It must be a normal developmental stage, because all my kids have gone through it. You know all those annoying little toys with all the many pieces, you wish you never would have bought in the first place? Well, at least they prove themselves to be good for something. First it was N's stone collection, then his plastic bug collection, then all his little matchbox cars. There was a line of little cars at least 9 feet long, not exactly straight, but close enough!

This afternoon I spent at least an hour talking to my old friend Lisa. The kids occupied themselves with free-play while we talked. I always clean while I talk, so I figure I am allowed this small indulgence. Wow, has she got a story to tell. It seems she has become an activist in her own right. She sniffed out a child-predator (volunteer coach) at her kids' charter school and exposed him for who he really was. Not only was he a volunteer track coach at the school, but also a volunteer youth pastor for a local church. Now she is on a mission to change the way they handle volunteers (requiring background checks). Moral of the story.. be involved with your kids, know who is coaching or mentoring them, attend their practices, check up on them! Don't be afraid to speak up if something looks suspicious.










The lucky day has arrived. E's new booster seat arrived. It is pretty! Pink and brown with a petite daisy pattern. We took the booster seat out of the box and I told the kids to save that box, in case the chair was a dud. Well, I am busy making dinner and take a peek in the living room, there they are ripping that box to shreds, climbing in and out, and creating an elaborate fort out of it. A wanted a chance to try it out the seat! ...So here's her chance.

Last night I experimented with this Five Minute Curried Salmon Recipe by Rebecca Wood. It was a hit with the hubby, while the kids found it tolerable. They are getting pickier and pickier. Tonight it was spaghetti, my old fall-back on "alone" nights.

Pottytraining Update: Well, I seems I owe my daughter a trip to Bounce U. She has not had one accident today, not one! She must have used the potty 10 times today, two times for number two. We have been talking about it all day, about Bounce U, and going to Hannah's house, and having a potty party, and going to Ms. Mindy's for school...We had to call Daddy at lunch to give him an update. And yes, for those of you who are wondering, bribery does work.