tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61271892011-12-11T10:09:26.934-06:00Doug, Lila, Eli, and I have many adventures, big and small. I'll admit that most of them are small, but I have a flair for being over-dramatic. If that does not amuse you, then go away.Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.comBlogger12101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-10584464232869032462011-01-24T19:10:00.007-06:002011-01-24T19:22:14.990-06:00

I watch entirely too much TV.Using the phrase 'entirely too much' makes it sound like I care or that I want to watch less. In reality, that's not true. Here are my current Top 5 shows along with the number one reason why I love each one...1. Big Bang Theory - I have a secret crush on Sheldon Cooper.2. The Soup - It's actually a tie between my gratitude for how much they rag on Oprah and my

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-88575047941673716062011-01-14T19:18:00.004-06:002011-01-14T19:37:11.063-06:00

We just returned from eating at CraigO's pizza for the first time. (We visited the Mopac and 290 location.) Doug's evaluation of the regular pepperoni pizza wasn't stellar. He said there was too much sauce and the pepperoni wasn't very flavorful. I would guess that his evaluation of the atmosphere wasn't too stellar either. Our table had a serious wobble, the pizza perch was precarious, and we

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-58252648043210358252011-01-02T19:07:00.003-06:002011-01-02T19:29:55.727-06:00

I've been living gluten-free for one week now and I've learned several things. The number one thing being this: Many people have no idea what I'm talking about when I say "gluten-free". So here's a little education (my reference is The Living Gluten-Free Answer Book by Suzanne Bowland).[Side note: I told Lila that she should ask Daddy for a nickel every time she hears Mommy say the words "

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-89703138111919219992010-10-20T08:48:00.002-05:002010-10-20T08:58:53.141-05:00

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-54912727045285480842010-06-14T20:41:00.004-05:002010-06-14T21:14:58.768-05:00

I feel the need to vent about the preschool-centric television programming that I'm subjected to on a daily basis. I don't know. It's not so much venting as reviewing. There are a few that I hate though and I'll be sure to tell you which ones they are!For the record, Eli only watches one 30-minute video per day and Lila watches two (except on thursdays, when we watch a movie after dinner). So I

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-15974633016567926202010-05-30T20:50:00.005-05:002010-05-30T21:04:14.232-05:00

Whew! With Doug being gone for the past two weeks, I couldn't even think about updating my blog. That uses more brain power than I had at the end of each day! But now he is back and all is well at the Peeler House.I'm very (very) excited to announce that the kids and I will all be going to BSF next year. I signed us up a couple of weeks ago and I can't wait for September! I love BSF for my own

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-78712386491062232952010-05-12T20:11:00.004-05:002010-05-12T20:33:48.571-05:00

Warning: What follows in this post might convince you that I am a few bricks shy of a load (or whatever your favorite euphemism is). This is why I generally keep this kind of information to myself. Today, I decided to share with the world in the hope that someone else I know is as crazy as me!This past week has slipped by far too quickly. Doug's business trip looms on the horizon and my level of

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-21294161008658613452010-05-03T19:35:00.006-05:002010-05-03T19:51:16.733-05:00

We had a fabulous weekend in Dallas! We had a big adventure on Saturday that started with the Dallas World Aquarium, which is just about the coolest thing ever. It's more like an indoor jungle than an aquarium and it's beautiful! I almost fainted over a pair of manatees they had there. I wanted to hug them so bad I could have burst! The kids enjoyed it too, especially once we got a snack into

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-31401537804419490742010-04-27T20:02:00.003-05:002010-04-27T20:28:09.847-05:00

When the children and I left the house yesterday to go to the gym, the house smelled fine. That scent of HOME that you can no longer detect because it's so familiar. The smell of spring, of coffee and conditioned air... and a touch of cat.When we came home from the gym-- Well, I opened the door and said something along the lines of "Eeaarrgghhh! Bleck! Ew!" My first thought was that one of the

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-48286834726124052672010-04-23T19:50:00.002-05:002010-04-23T20:03:09.894-05:00

You know, when we were looking at houses this last time, we were really hoping to get something larger than what we were in. We found this house, spacious and beautiful - just what we wanted! I had no idea what I was getting into. We have the same number of belongings as before (more or less), but so much more space to scatter them across. I can't keep this place clean for anything!I still love

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-56928782028549296452010-04-19T19:45:00.003-05:002010-04-19T19:59:16.834-05:00

You know, I faithfully kept up this blog for six years (what?!?) before wimping out. I have already given all my Facebook/lame excuses for why. But I've come to realize what an important place this held in my life. There is a writer inside me that dreams of one day writing books. Since I don't have the time (or, let's be honest, the patience) for that at this stage of my life, my blog gives me a

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-44993775494949247162009-12-06T18:36:00.003-06:002009-12-06T19:49:40.419-06:00

I am loving the cold weather we're finally having in Austin except for one thing. I'm tired all the time! I mean, more so than usual. I'm always a tired person with a disturbing ability to sleep, but I've been walking around feeling drugged for the past week. Still, that's just one complaint. The list of things I love about cold weather is much longer!I didn't watch the whole game last night (

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-80792884752379719332009-11-11T09:48:00.003-06:002009-11-11T10:08:53.037-06:00

For those who haven't heard, we have officially decided that we are done with having children. It was, for me at least, a difficult decision. I mean, when I'm pregnant and right after my babies are born, I'm certain that I never want to go through that again. (and i question why the heck i went through it the first time!) After several months, however, the amnesia sets in and I start thinking

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-3982937191450663422009-11-09T21:16:00.003-06:002009-11-09T21:35:53.576-06:00

Boy, I'm having a really hard time keeping up with this blog. I get backed up on email and I do most of my updating through Facebook. I need to put forth more effort, however, because not everyone who checks this blog is on Facebook! (hmm... heard all this before?) Plus, this blog is better than any baby book (and i don't even HAVE a baby book for Eli) (well, not one that i have ever actually

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-43900441995345244592009-08-31T09:48:00.002-05:002009-09-06T17:57:02.881-05:00

I am all alone in the house this weekend. (hee hee) Daddy and Susan were supposed to come here to visit, but they had to cancel at the last minute. (hee hee) That was pretty disappointing, so we came up with some alternate plans. (hee hee) Doug took the kids and went to Dallas to visit Keith and his family. (hee hee) Doug gets to hang with his brother, the kids get to play with their cousins, and

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-53488976839094109112009-08-27T14:32:00.005-05:002009-08-30T15:22:48.016-05:00

I started this post two days ago, but something happened while I was away from my computer and the window got closed. The photo had been saved, but the words I wrote were lost. Grr... I think I was typing something about needing some spiritual refreshing. And life refreshing. I mean, I need a little vacation from life so that I can remember how much I love everything about it!It won't be next

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-80755893321784542372009-08-24T22:35:00.005-05:002009-08-25T11:59:52.719-05:00

I picked up a random movie last week from Redbox and it ended up being quite good! The movie is called 'Gladiator', it's from 1992, and it has nothing to do with the Romans. The main character is a guy who looks exactly like the Russian guy from Rocky IV. Oh yeah, and Cuba Gooding Jr. is in it too - came out the same year as 'A Few Good Men'. Anyway, it was unexpectedly good. (Angela rating: 7

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-35528720278659528382009-08-23T23:28:00.001-05:002009-08-23T23:32:06.550-05:00

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-53363431345704369092009-08-18T15:17:00.003-05:002009-08-18T16:06:47.934-05:00

Doug has started doing The Master Cleanse now and is also having a hard time with it. My hard time had to do with cravings and then getting physically ill. His hard time has to do with feeling actual hunger. Doug is the type of person who can't go to sleep if he's hungry. If he wakes up in the middle of the night, and is awake long enough to start feeling hunger, he'll get up and eat a piece of

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-19809336550957564722009-08-17T18:42:00.003-05:002009-08-17T20:42:35.496-05:00

I'm tired this evening, but I don't think it's physical fatigue. I think I just need a break from people. Specifically, I need a break from people who don't come up to at least my shoulders. My children are an unbelievable blessing, but I need a break! I am so excited that Eli is weaned so that I can get away for a while! Sometime in the next few weeks, I will be leaving the house on Friday

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-8130401372111296402009-08-13T13:08:00.001-05:002009-08-13T20:47:40.112-05:00

So, Doug is contemplating (really, nothing more than that at this point) getting back onto the music team at church. Now that we're at the south campus, there is a greater need for musicians and we like the style and feel of the music much more there. Even though it means I'll lose more of his time to song-learning and band practice, I think it would be great! I haven't seen rock 'n' roll Doug in

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-81565749306187510262009-08-10T09:52:00.002-05:002009-08-10T18:16:39.534-05:00

Soo... is it Fall yet? I saw someone describe this year's weather as "inhumane". I think that's a very fitting description! I mean, seriously, 51 days of 100+ degree weather?!? And it's only August 10th, so you know there's more to come! It never fails. Every August, I find myself wondering why the heck we live in Austin. And then fall arrives and the weather cools down and things get green again

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-62736861476854030752009-08-09T18:03:00.001-05:002009-08-09T23:19:37.319-05:00

For those who haven't heard, we had to have Hurley put to sleep yesterday. This photo is the last one taken, just before we left for the vet. :(

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-28603661552533358512009-08-02T09:13:00.002-05:002009-08-02T21:15:14.124-05:00

Doug has been gone on a solitude retreat this weekend and he comes home today, sometime after lunch. I'll admit that I'm most looking forward to taking a nap, but I'll also be very glad to see him. I've been praying that he'd encounter God during his times of solitude and come home refreshed and recharged. Even if it was not an earthshaking event, I'm sure it was a nice time for him to pray and

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-42084961008918523302009-08-01T13:45:00.004-05:002009-08-01T14:45:23.929-05:00

Wow, today is the first day of August! Lila is beside herself because it is now her birthday month. And now we'll have an even more difficult time explaining to her that tomorrow is not her birthday. This has been going on for weeks now. She'll ask when her birthday is and we'll tell her that it's, for example, three weeks away. Then she'll ask, "Is it tomorrow?" Speaking of three weeks away, I

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-51092829063969048822009-07-30T11:49:00.002-05:002009-07-30T11:53:41.484-05:00

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-51734196552224978292009-07-29T19:57:00.002-05:002009-07-29T20:42:00.919-05:00

I finally finished reading 'Dracula' today. I've read it before, but it's been years. I still like it, but I'd have to say that I enjoyed the first 60% more than I did the last 40%. The 'diary entries' became more like exact transcripts of long conversations. Anyway, still a good book. Now I've moved on to 'Life, the universe and everything' by Douglas Adams. It's utter silliness, naturally.I'm

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-43857771971887987252009-07-28T09:54:00.004-05:002009-07-28T17:20:08.798-05:00

Hey, look at me! I'm updating my blog regularly again! (AND i'm voluntarily making phone calls? hmm... definitely suspicious.)[sigh] Charlie is wearing me out. He has an attitude about the new house and is taking it out on us by going potty on the carpet! Grr! I suppose he doesn't like having to haul his chunky, 10-year-old butt up the stairs every time he needs to go. He also can't slip through

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-24660791223021088682009-07-27T14:48:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:41:25.772-05:00

My focus this week is on getting the play room unpacked, organized and cleaned up. As with all other rooms, I can only work on it for about 10 minutes at a time, but it's already going more quickly than I expected.So, a little while ago, I went in and cleaned for a while as the kids played. I made a good dent in all the "stuff" that was littering the floor and felt quite proud of myself. I then

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-81547494190772784292009-07-26T21:26:00.002-05:002009-07-29T20:45:58.215-05:00

This plant was mean to me. (stinging, itching, redness, bumps) Anyone know what it is?UPDATE: It's a Stinging Nettle.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-17396536694994829912009-07-24T09:13:00.002-05:002009-07-24T21:23:44.193-05:00

I'm not the type to want to rush time, but I do wish that Fall would arrive. I think that Summer should only last one month - July - and an extra month should be added to both Spring and Fall. I love the cooler weather of Fall and the holidays and the decorating possibilities. Mostly, I love the cooler weather.I wonder if we'll take any vacations this year. We had talked about taking the kids on

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-23519253572444399482009-07-23T16:09:00.002-05:002009-07-23T16:18:40.189-05:00

I really don't mind unpacking. I definitely prefer it over packing. It's fun to pull things out and decide where to put them. It's like taking the paint off a canvas you've already painted and then putting it on a new canvas in a different way. Unfortunately, I've been spending so much time unpacking and organizing that everyday sorts of chores have fallen terribly behind.There are mountains of

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-5423523720203595662009-07-22T11:07:00.003-05:002009-07-22T11:16:26.646-05:00

We've been getting involved in the Gateway South campus over the past couple of weeks and it's so exciting! I find it ever so much easier to feel comfortable and connected in a smaller setting. And being in a theater (junior high auditorium) with music that is far too loud felt like the Gateway of old. There was a tangible sense of comaraderie among the volunteers as people started tearing down

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-81750442109324134892009-07-21T14:45:00.003-05:002009-07-21T15:02:22.700-05:00

I wonder... now that I live in South Austin, how long will it take before I start to think that tie-dye is cool? That's one particular trend that I've never been fond of, but it's all over the place down here. Instead of taco stands on the side of the road, there are tie-dye stands. Okay, so really there are both, but I still find it odd. I wonder if anyone's ever tie-dyed a wedding dress...My

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-91719549838871375552009-07-07T11:48:00.002-05:002009-07-07T11:55:36.666-05:00

I'm typing this update from the library. I had to call Doug at work and have him look up the nearest branch and give me directions. We will have Internet access again on Thursday, but for now I'm afraid to try and find any new places because I don't want to get lost. I hadn't realized how dependent I had become on the Internet for finding information and directions! No Internet and no TV means

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-50574343616173183682009-07-07T11:44:00.000-05:002009-07-07T11:47:09.750-05:00

We've been in the new house for two days now and we're all exhausted. I've hardly done any manual labor myself. My fatigue comes from still being half-sick and – well, I'm always at least a little tired, aren't I? Doug, on the other hand, has worked himself like a mule for two days and he's at it again as I type this. Things look about as good as they can with boxes all over the place. I have the

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-80851551583787894402009-06-29T20:59:00.005-05:002009-06-29T22:51:36.876-05:00

It has been far too long since I updated this blog. I've been spending more time on other sites and I really must put a stop to that! Things have been completely insane around here.Doug is in Japan right now on a business trip. He's been gone for just under a week and won't be back until Thursday. Our whole stinkin' family fell apart after he left, but I'll go into that more later. He's working

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-55297552098534016962009-06-16T20:35:00.004-05:002009-06-17T10:02:25.445-05:00

We found out yesterday that our sweet little hedgehog, Hurley, is not going to be with us much longer. He has cancer, probably in several places. The vet sent us home with steroids to help him feel better for a while and then he will either pass on his own or we will have to put him to sleep. We are all very sad because we love our little prickle-puss...Puffa-puffa, stick-stick, Hurley! XOXOXOXO

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-14560277900944988902009-06-05T13:11:00.006-05:002009-06-05T13:37:08.533-05:00

Do you ever have a day that just makes you want to cry? Yeah, I'm having one. There's not any one major bad thing that's happened. It's more the accumulative effect of 100 little things that have gone wrong (or just not gone the way i expected).No one has come to look at our house for nearly two weeks. I'm sick of cleaning it every time we want to go somewhere, just in case a realtor does call.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-64464021555771071972009-05-27T15:16:00.004-05:002009-05-27T15:18:51.273-05:00

The kids and I just got home from the library. While we were there, Lila was wearing her princess shoes and complaining that they hurt her feet. Once we got in the car, I said to her, "Good. Now you can take those pesky shoes off!"Her reply: "Why are there pesks all over them?"Good question, Lila! I don't know.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-14770849160873674462009-05-25T13:54:00.004-05:002009-05-25T14:03:31.425-05:00

Okay, I cannot believe that it's been two weeks since I posted anything to this blog. Hmm... it's also been about two weeks since our house went on the market. A coincidence? I think not.I am so over this House-Showing business. I love having a clean house. And it's much easier to keep a house clean than to get it that way. That part is fine. It's the fact that we can't leave the house without it

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-89716159999394447552009-05-11T14:32:00.003-05:002009-05-11T14:40:05.101-05:00

As you can see from the modest sign in our front yard, the house is officially on the market. It went on the MLS Saturday and we just had our first people come and view it this afternoon. I was expecting to have to disappear whenever people came, but this realtor insisted that I did not have to leave. I was going to do so anyway, but he called from in front of the house (instead of before they

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-8523040406910688482009-05-08T14:54:00.004-05:002009-05-08T15:07:16.845-05:00

I am so mentally exhausted that I really don't know what I'm going to say here, but I know I need to give everyone some kind of update! On top of everything that's going on with getting the houses ready to sell, Eli got sick this week. He had a high fever on Monday and Tuesday and spent most of his time laying on one of us or sleeping. His fever went away on Wednesday, but he developed a cough.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-72559944168611875242009-05-02T20:46:00.003-05:002009-05-02T20:54:27.407-05:00

It's a busy weekend around here. Actually, it's a busy time in general. We decided on a house in South Austin that we all love and are set to close on May 29. That means we are now focused on trying to get our two current houses ready to go on the market. I've been scrubbing our living room from top to bottom for two days. I'm decluttering as I go and the room looks fantastic! I need to remember

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-12875008850845160022009-04-23T12:05:00.004-05:002009-04-23T12:15:20.169-05:00

Eli has a new skill! No longer does he flop onto his belly and roll around until he's tired of it, then begin to cry in frustration! Now he very deliberately gets on all fours, lowers himself to his belly, rolls around until he's tired of it, and then pushes himself back into a sitting position (while making so many grunting noises that he sounds like he's in labor)! Hooray!This morning, we even

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-2617683658572545342009-04-20T14:54:00.004-05:002009-04-20T15:07:29.473-05:00

We spent this past weekend (Thursday to Sunday) in San Antonio and had LOTS of fun! As you can see from this photo, our biggest adventure was a trip to Sea World. I have always wanted to go myself and there was no question about whether Lila would love it. Animals and water - what more could she ask for? Well... princesses, maybe... Nonetheless, we had a blast!We saw shows (watching Shamu and the

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-76312508324592256522009-04-15T11:05:00.004-05:002009-04-15T11:13:29.436-05:00

We had a fun Easter weekend here at the Peeler house. On Saturday morning, we went out and looked at a few houses with our realtor. We found out that the one we were most interested in, the one that looked to be nearly perfect, had just gone under contract and was no longer an option. I was SO disappointed! We looked at another one that just wasn't very exciting and smelled vaguely of natural

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-28304175277416178292009-04-02T21:20:00.004-05:002009-04-02T21:34:11.784-05:00

Well, I finally got my email inbox under control and today I managed to get through my whole daily cleaning routine... but I haven't touched my blog in a week. [sigh] Oh well!I'm currently typing this post (obviously), playing Internet Backgammon, and waiting for Doug to finish his Quiet Time so that we can watch last night's episode of LOST. My head feels better than it has in days, thanks to

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-39089598737904051942009-03-26T19:08:00.004-05:002009-03-26T19:24:03.990-05:00

The things coming out of my child's mouth just keep getting better and better. Just a few minutes ago, I was trying to steer Lila toward getting in the bath and she told me she was... I don't now - something that involved the word 'practicing'. I said, "Practicing, eh? Well, what you need to be doing is taking your clothes off, going potty, and getting in the bathtub." Her response:"Let me tell

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-69262995289575110252009-03-21T18:02:00.007-05:002009-03-21T18:18:03.243-05:00

The kids and I just finished up our dinner: vegan chili, cornbread, and corn. I didn't buy vegan chili on purpose and it's really not very good. I also did not think about the fact that I was making cornbread AND corn. Oh well. I can only pay attention to so many things at one time.Anyway, about halfway through the meal, Lila turned to me and told me she was taking bites of corn and cornbread

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-10266820790995482832009-03-18T13:59:00.011-05:002009-03-18T15:16:03.076-05:00

Do you ever have days when you make a mistake or a poor choice at every turn? Well, that has been my day. It's like the worst-played game of Operation ever! And I won't even bother about the first few hours. I'll just start with mid-morning, when we left the house to go to the gym.I have, as has been stated before, an addiction to Dr. Pepper. On the way to the gym, I was contemplating how I might

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-75323093940043502742009-03-17T11:17:00.003-05:002009-03-17T11:22:05.450-05:00

My Good Cents is giving away a freshwater pearl bracelet with a heart charm. This is all about raising awareness of women's heart health.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-84114308510582346562009-03-17T09:51:00.005-05:002009-03-17T10:20:44.645-05:00

Lila and I just did a fun little St. Patrick's Day activity: handprint rainbows. Honestly, I'm not sure what makes that a St. Patrick's Day craft, except that we talked about St. Patrick before and during the activity. At any rate, it was fun. I decided to put some music on while we worked and Lila requested The Wiggles. I agreed that The Wiggles would be a good choice, and so we painted and

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-71706698020278178242009-03-16T20:16:00.006-05:002009-03-16T20:32:14.510-05:00

Do you ever feel like a kid who wants to do something just to see what will happen? Just because you can...?I took Cordy into the shower with me earlier today. I was getting ready to go in and she was standing behind me, talking. I responded, we conversed, and we decided that she should shower with me. Apparently, she was having that 'not-so-fresh feeling'.Now, to be fair, she and I do speak

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-68575360234526729092009-03-16T13:07:00.003-05:002009-03-16T13:10:11.897-05:00

maybe i should create a new label for giveaways, since i keep posting about them...the latest one i found and want to share is the '3 Sweet Peas Jewelry Giveaway'. they make personalized hand-stamped jewelry and it's all very cute.check it out here: http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/03/3-sweet-peas-jewelry-giveaway.html

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-74540462423591959262009-03-15T13:11:00.002-05:002009-03-15T13:16:47.822-05:00

Check out this website for a giveaway for some extremely cute baby/kids' shoes: http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/03/classic-tale-giveaway.html#comment-formThe store, A Classic Tale, has some other great stuff too! Check it out!

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-11743255485516342182009-03-14T20:28:00.003-05:002009-03-14T20:38:40.941-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful winter day. The first that we've had, in fact. There have been cold days this winter, but none that were cold and wet and could chill you to the bone. Too bad it waited until March to get here!The preschool girls (along with a bunch of other young homeschoolers) took a class on Invertebrates at the Austin Nature and Science Center yesterday morning. Lila really enjoyed

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-44663654342036739742009-03-11T00:08:00.003-05:002009-03-11T12:56:07.631-05:00

I'm typing this at the Austin Public Library and I have a headache. The reason that I am able to sit and type out a blog post at the library is that Eli is not here with me. Just Lila. Eli does not allow us to enjoy trips to the library because he thinks it's boring. Thankfully, Doug came home right around the time I was thinking of loading us up to com here. We decided on a gender split. The men

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-37559969827609718412009-03-04T11:52:00.006-06:002009-03-04T12:36:05.172-06:00

I just overheard the following coming from one of Lila's school friends while playing make-believe outside:"We miss our daughter. [fake crying] She died like Darth Vader. [more fake crying]"Other fantastic things said by 3-year-olds today:Lila: "I love you, Mother."Me: "I love you, too, Daughter."Lila: "You are my most special Valentine ever."...and...Lila: "All my little kitties are called

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-69154331860927477092009-03-02T11:32:00.003-06:002009-03-02T11:42:42.566-06:00

I found a giveaway for a $150 shopping spree at kidscoats.com. They have the cutest boutique coats and jackets for boys and girls (many more for the girls than the boys, of course)!Go to Extraordinary Mothers for more information and to enter!

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-86949738671869805762009-03-01T10:08:00.003-06:002009-03-01T10:13:37.791-06:00

I figure it's about time for me to give an update on Doug and his job transition. In case you missed it, he left Dell in December, after nearly 12 years. He'd been contemplating a job change for some time when Dell announced that they were offering a very generous Voluntary Separation Package. What's that? You'll pay me to go and do something that I'd already been considering doing for free. Okay

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-74093123976511553822009-02-28T09:17:00.002-06:002009-02-28T09:22:53.155-06:00

I don't remember whether I've mentioned this before or not, but I recently gave myself over to a coffee habit. I now drink a double cup of coffee every morning after breakfast. I read somewhere that a moderate amount of coffee was actually good for your heart, which seemed like a sufficient excuse to start drinking it. I've always had a somewhat romanticized view of coffee-drinking, probably

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-2715344439347195542009-02-27T18:26:00.003-06:002009-02-27T19:17:51.004-06:00

Since Lila was a baby, she has called me Mommy. I couldn't see her calling me that forever, but it's the name I decided to start with. Sometime in the past year, she started alternating between Mommy and Mom. That is totally fine with me. I kind of like being called Mom. In fact, with both kids, whenever we'd talk for them, we'd have them referring to us as Mom and Dad. It just happened that way.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-61525746584475905372009-02-25T21:45:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:48:21.640-06:00

The best thing that Lila asked all day: "Does God have a wand?"

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-48161240812787716142009-02-24T09:22:00.002-06:002009-02-24T09:45:07.153-06:00

Yes, I am finally sitting down to type out a real post. I can't believe how long it's been since I did this! The problem, I think, is an increase in emails to read and the introduction of other distractions into my life. I'm thinking of making blogging a part of my morning routine. Wake up - Wii Body Test - Breakfast - Coffee - Blog. The only problem with that plan is that the creative part of my

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-23386173612068962512009-02-22T12:37:00.001-06:002009-02-22T12:38:32.254-06:00

Check out Meghan's Mindless Mutterings and enter to with a Rain-X Car Care Kit!

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-75796654313504954332009-02-16T09:49:00.002-06:002009-02-16T09:52:10.512-06:00

Check out this RC Airplane giveaway:http://mommosttraveled.com/flying-model-aircraft-with-children/Looks way fun!This website has a bunch of cool stuff too: https://www.modelaircraft.org

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-4277804861819979102009-02-14T15:43:00.001-06:002009-02-14T15:45:12.744-06:00

Eli was nine months old yesterday and we went to the pediatrician for a check-up. She wants us to take him to a specialist to be evaluated for a possible speech delay, but I'm really not worried about it. I mean, we'll take him and have him evaluated, but I'm just not worried. And here are his latest stats...Weight: 18 lbs 13 oz (20th %ile)Height: 26.5 in (4th %ile)Head Circumference: 46 cm (70th

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-15468675806508546142009-02-14T09:45:00.002-06:002009-02-14T09:54:46.497-06:00

I went out for a late-night movie last night and saw, appropriately enough, 'Friday the 13th'. My review in four words: Don't waste your time. Rating: F-I mean, I wasn't expecting anything amazing. This is Friday the 13th, Part 73, after all. But there was nothing remotely original about the plot. Several hedonistic young people go out into the woods and die horrible bloody deaths. Just like

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-2333359991629929412009-02-09T19:36:00.005-06:002009-02-09T19:42:41.149-06:00

Lila just said something so random and funny that it almost made me cry. Doug and I were discussing a weekly park day on Friday and I mentioned that it starts at 10:30 or 11 a.m. when Lila piped in with,"Yeah! It starts at 11, and then it's 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and all the 10s get tornge."I... umm... what?!?It was all I could do to look her in the eye, with a straight face, and try to clarify this

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-60753559724830401362009-02-05T23:40:00.003-06:002009-02-06T00:34:17.985-06:00

I'm sitting in the living room right now, listening to Eli cry. He woke up about 15 minutes ago and is refusing to go back to sleep. I'm guessing that I'll wait about four more minutes and then try feeding him. Hopefully that will settle him down and he'll sleep. I'm glad I decided to stay up late tonight because if I had gone to bed at the same time as Doug, then I would have been awakened after

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-1822240743678105762009-02-04T21:53:00.002-06:002009-02-04T21:59:23.611-06:00

I keep thinking of all these wonderful things that I'd like to post about, but I've been buried under a mountain of email for a week. I'm mostly posting this photo to let you all know that I'm still here. Don't give up on me! :oI~

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-11952500667228435252009-01-31T19:03:00.005-06:002009-01-31T19:07:23.954-06:00

...but do they have to do it with gloves on? in the middle of a birthday party? while people are taking photos?

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-79204256842520899592009-01-24T14:52:00.004-06:002009-01-24T15:20:55.225-06:00

Lila totally freaked me out the other day. We were on our way out the door, headed to Double Dave's for peproni rolls. Doug had already taken Eli out to the car, I was gathering some last-minute item from the kitchen, and Lila was getting a jacket from her room.Then Lila says, "Mom!" -- (she calls me 'mom' now) -- "I found something mysterious! Behind my closet."I was, first, amused by the fact

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-52563387237211835912009-01-19T19:45:00.002-06:002009-01-19T19:48:24.391-06:00

We have been going non-stop all day long and I am so tired. [see photo] We had school all morning, lunch at Chick-fil-A, a marathon photo session at the mall, then dinner at Chuy's. Now Eli is crying in bed, Lila just got out of the bath, Doug is sick, and I think I might fall over. All that being said, I don't have time for a full update, but I wanted to post something.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-77739655176188900192009-01-13T16:15:00.002-06:002009-01-13T16:37:38.406-06:00

Something amazing happened to me at the gym today. I was laboring away on the elliptical machine and people-watching when I suddenly saw the people I'd been looking at. And what I saw amazed me! They were beautiful. All of them! They were youthful, wrinkled, overweight, lean and toned, energetic, careworn... and breathtaking.True, there were still a handful of people that I had a hard time

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-20505107076871011532009-01-13T13:23:00.004-06:002009-01-13T13:27:05.448-06:00

There are moments in my day -- when my daughter says something that takes me by surprise and makes me laugh; when I pick up my son and he buries his head in my neck -- which leave me certain that I am the most wealthy woman I know.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-90603665931955168462009-01-09T11:25:00.004-06:002009-01-09T11:30:07.077-06:00

My daughter said to me, a little while ago, "I need to understand myself so I can figure out how to go to sleep at night without back pats."Wow. I knew she was a lot like me, but that's just unnerving!By the way, this photo is not very impressive as a small image, but if you click on it to enlarge, it's quite cute. This is when the girls were 'ice skating' around the living room. Actually, this

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-60362797729938539302009-01-08T22:23:00.005-06:002009-01-08T22:52:00.799-06:00

I love this photo of Eli. He is sitting in the floor, watching the preschool girls 'skate' around the living room with paper bags on their feet. We frequently do things during school that make him question what kind of nuthouse-- er... family he's been born into. You should have seen the way he looked at us when we were flapping around in circles and making turkey noises!I've come up with a few

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-72316295198890626032009-01-05T16:01:00.005-06:002009-01-05T16:21:57.808-06:00

Lila and I were just having a discussion about going potty. I was telling her how great it is that she's just been going potty when she needs to lately. She used to tell us she needed to go or just stand around doing the potty dance until we asked her. For the past few days, however, she's been going in there and taking care of business all by herself.Anyway, she was sitting on the potty seat

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-8991482341080058192008-12-31T16:40:00.002-06:002008-12-31T17:08:53.378-06:00

While we were in Houston, someone had the idea to take all the granddaughters to the movies one day. After some discussion, we realized that it would not work due to attention spans, energy levels, and competing naptimes. Instead, we popped some popcorn and everyone (except me - i escaped for a little while) settled in to watch 'Wall-E' at home. This photo shows Hope, Cole, Kuncle Keith, Olivia,

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-20712709434663094992008-12-29T20:18:00.002-06:002008-12-29T20:28:16.419-06:00

I'm kicking myself (very hard) in the tush right now. When we were in Houston, we saw an ad for the Wii Fit for only $90 at Target. That is an amazing deal! We were going to stop on the way home from church to try and pick one up. For some reason, I was feeling hesitant on the purchase, so I suggested that we wait. By this evening, I had decided that it really was a good idea (especially since we

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-56844779555467286192008-12-22T19:51:00.003-06:002008-12-22T20:07:27.547-06:00

Lila just started crying and said that Charlie had scratched her. Since I know that his aggression is rarely unprovoked, I asked her why he scratched her. That's a little more diplomatic than asking what she did to him. Anyway, she said, "I was trying to be kind to him, but I couldn't. I just wanted to be rude." Just to clarify, I asked her if that meant she was being rude to him and she said

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-46638524150865114312008-12-20T20:14:00.002-06:002008-12-20T20:25:43.499-06:00

Lila and I had a fun little date today. We went to a free screening of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas at the Alamo Drafthouse (South Lamar)! They even had a live jug band play before the show. Lila's favorite part of the experience was getting to eat (she ordered a corn dog and ate only the corn, not the dog). Her least favorite part was the dark theater. It really wasn't that dark, but I think

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-38096483093204736672008-12-17T18:17:00.001-06:002008-12-17T20:47:27.583-06:00

My head and neck hurt and I feel kind of ill. I'm going to do 10 minutes of yoga and see how I feel afterward. If I feel better, then you'll see another post from me this evening. If not...

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-16539057974204594442008-12-14T17:13:00.003-06:002008-12-14T17:22:31.715-06:00

Lila has spent most of the past 24 hours playing by herself. We brought out a Peanuts Christmas play set - it has all the characters with moveable arms, etc. and props. This morning, she incorporated Baby Jesus, a large rubber frog, and Cinderella into the crew. The funniest part is that the part of Baby Jesus is being played by Nearly-Headless Stretchy Man, a little yellow smiley face guy with

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-23816583391206482502008-12-10T21:07:00.004-06:002008-12-10T21:38:26.260-06:00

I was attacked by the toilet paper dispenser in a public restroom today. It was one of those large plastic ones that has two big rolls of paper side-by-side. I pulled down on the paper, then pulled up to tear it off and the thing fell open and whacked me in the head! The best part, I think, was imagining the woman in the next stall, who had no idea what was going on. From her perspective, I just

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-74007417084824518222008-12-07T20:12:00.003-06:002008-12-07T20:23:17.043-06:00

It seems like at least yesterday that I wrote that last post. Was it really just late this morning?!?Doug has put our Christmas tree up and it's got lights and a skirt, but no ornaments so far. To be honest, I like the way trees look with just lights and no ornaments. Especially when 85% of your ornaments are Peanuts characters. Cute, but not classy. (Sorry, Irene. I know that's a traitorous

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-16844091508180867432008-12-07T10:24:00.003-06:002008-12-07T10:31:02.377-06:00

Grammie and Uncle Bill (Grammie's brother/Doug's uncle) are visiting right now and Lila has turned into the Evil Dictator that she always does when grandparents are around. She's got a bossy streak in her anyway, but it gets 10 times worse with the grandmothers. We insist that she speak kindly and politely to us, so maybe she just goes nuts when she gets around someone who doesn't. I don't know,

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-88609485711521162742008-12-03T20:51:00.004-06:002008-12-03T21:12:44.368-06:00

My daughter is incredibly articulate. She has a tiny voice, but uses it clearly and distinctly... Most of the time. The child seems entirely unwilling to say 'YES' and 'NO'. Both words come out sounding the same. The following is a frequently recurring conversation:Us: [Some question requiring a yes or no answer, such as,] "Do you want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"Lila: "Nyeao."Us: "Was

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-4581987166708197172008-12-02T21:54:00.003-06:002008-12-02T21:57:50.978-06:00

From his 6 month check-up on 11/20/08...Weight: 16 lbs 13 oz (45th %ile)Height: 25 inches (10th %ile)Head Circumference: 44.1 cm (55th %ile)As of yesterday, when we went in to have his ears checked, he had gained another pound! Must be all that baby food he's been packin' away.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-49418603949002172392008-12-02T20:06:00.005-06:002008-12-02T20:27:23.856-06:00

So, Lila went to the bathroom this morning and made a poopie. When she was done, she wanted to look at it, as always. She was so proud of her poopie that she wanted me to look at it next. She then enthusiastically proclaimed, "It's biiig and strooong and looong!" I did question how so much poop could come out of such a small person...Tonight Lila is trying out 'sleep panties' for the first time.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-10389246710307236922008-11-24T20:03:00.005-06:002008-11-24T20:19:55.935-06:00

Psalm 150Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty heavens.Praise him for his acts of power;praise him for his surpassing greatness.Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,praise him with the harp and lyre,praise him with tambourine and dancing,praise him with the strings and flute,praise him with the clash of cymbals,praise him with resounding cymbals.Let

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-41695266231954452322008-11-23T19:23:00.004-06:002008-11-23T19:32:42.026-06:00

Lila, Eli, and I went to a rescue ranch yesterday with some other friends and their kids. We chose this particular place because they have one male turkey [see photo] and I wanted Lila to see one. She claims that seeing the "big ol' turkey" was her favorite part, but I disagree. She was completely infatuated with the baby guinea pigs they had and spent a long time picking each one up and talking

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-88838592583195116302008-11-19T17:46:00.004-06:002008-11-19T17:53:03.916-06:00

I don't know why, but I always have a hard time with Wednesdays. Maybe it's because I know that I won't have Doug's help for most of the evening on that day. Or maybe it's because it's the middle of the week, so I'm starting to get worn out, but it's not really close to the weekend yet. Maybe it's the alignment of Venus, our neighbor's car, and my top left molar...I am shamelessly hiding behind

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-37653787808978478932008-11-17T19:43:00.006-06:002008-11-17T19:58:15.398-06:00

My daughter totally just taunted me. She was in the bathtub, clean and playing. I had a timer set to remind me to get her out in 7 minutes. In the meantime, I was at my computer, trying to read something. In the background, she starts yelling at me from halfway across the house, "HEY!... Mommy!... Come here!" It was very difficult to concentrate with this going on in the background, but I wanted

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-2711977514482682342008-11-16T20:05:00.003-06:002008-11-16T20:11:03.248-06:00

Lila just got a fun dessert - Birthday Cake ice cream. She wasn't sure if she wanted that or some of my chocolate, so Doug showed her both. When he told her there was cake, and icing, and sprinkles all in the ice cream, AND that it would turn her tongue blue, she got pretty excited.She started cackling madly and slapping her knees, and said, "What-eee-ver!"

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-52689490336987921782008-11-12T22:14:00.002-06:002008-11-12T22:15:41.330-06:00

The photo I put in my last post is stressing my mother out, so I'm giving her a new one to fixate on... :)

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-16719931661090848592008-11-11T15:39:00.002-06:002008-11-11T15:43:54.564-06:00

Lila and I had the following conversation on Monday morning.Lila (who was feeling very contrary): I don't like having school. It's not fun.Me: You don't like having school?!? What do you not like about it?Lila: When my school friends come... [mumble mumble]Me: You don't like it when your school friends come? You always seem excited when they get here. Why don't you like it when they come?Lila: I

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127189.post-26672417262645961752008-11-06T18:45:00.002-06:002008-11-06T21:08:37.076-06:00

I was going to type out a real update to go with this photo, but that was two hours ago. Then I got distracted by my husband and children and now I'm having a hard time staying awake. I have a strong desire to go to bed right now. I'm also having difficulty speaking in complete and grammatically correct sentences because I've already gotten into the habit of making little mini-updates on Twitter.

Redpeelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06522705764656533596noreply@blogger.com2