Chills and Thrills

"Amazing" is really how much you can get done in a week when you are nose to the grindstone.

Merritt is doing really well in his big boy bed.  He was under the weather for a couple of days and so we had some great adventures with poop.  On the flipside, he is able to hear and follow many one step directions.  He isn't much in the talking department, but today Sheila was able to help him say,"Ahhh, Dude," with some clarity.  (Why I didn't try something more helpful like "help" or "most awesome parent, may I"--I don't know.)

Everett is just making connections like you wouldn't believe.  He asked many questions related to how the brain works this week. . . why do people forget?  Did you forget?  Don't forget  . . . . .  How is he learning?  Did I learn that good?  Erik discovered this weekend that Evy is a switch hitter.  Evidently, that isn't common.  We'll see if any one side does start to dominate as he gets older.  (he is right handed when drawing and writing)  And, yeah, this three year old has been making consistent contact with the ball and bat for over a year now.  It is amazing to watch.

Erik and Sheila are networking hard trying to finish out a two night career event.  Right now, we are running into obstacles in getting a professional athlete and a professional musician scheduled.  We've talked to really nice people who are just not available.  Friends who work for professional football/baseball teams are, uh, busy with the approaching or ending season (go figure!).  And musicians are either rehearsing/performing/or teaching.

The weather  . . . gorgeous.  Like we actually went to several parks during the week and stayed over an hour at each one!  (I'm sure you northern living people may not appreciate the miracle that is.)  And, my bell pepper plants are growing back.

The Boys of Summer

We had a marvelous, relaxing time at the Frisco RoughRiders baseball game tonight!  We were on the party deck over 3rd base, could watch the players warm up throwing and catching the ball--all while we sat with food, space to run around, and a breeze in the nice evening.

Everett started the evening off by asking the attendant very nicely for a glass of water (after he asked me first for permission). He then picked out a bag of chips, asked his dad if he could "stand over there," and then proceeded to make friends with everyone he met.  He showed everyone his magnifying glass, took care of his water without spilling, and shared his chips (repaying the attendant by sharing chips with him, too). 

Merritt charmed everyone as he was very intent to carry water in a cup since everyone else was carrying a drink.  He also needed to carry around a bag of chips just like everyone else.  And, you know what, he didn't climb the railings, much to my surprise and relief.  He enjoyed walking around, trying to escape the area, trying out all the chairs, standing in the chairs, and cheering the players during the game.

Erik and Sheila were actually able to have several conversations with adults and we all left before everyone was crying.

It is 10:15 now.  The boys have been in bed for about 15 minutes.  We were still feeling good vibes when we got home and Merritt was inspired to put on the R&B tunes and have a dance fest.  (he always chooses that station) 

We needed a relaxing evening like tonight.  It did everyone good.

(Evidently, the memo said orange plaid.  Merritt's only orange was his pants; so he didn't make the cut.  BTW, orange is an easy color to spot in a crowd--I'm using that for all large group gatherings.)

A New Era: Sharing

I found a one day a week preschool program for Everett to join.  At least, I am planning to register him tomorrow.  It is at a science/nature museum, and it is focused on habitats and animals and adaptation--really cool stuff like that.  Frankly, I really have not looked forward to this part. I like having freedom in my day to shift the activity to my mood and my children's moods. Enter reality. y.u.c.k.

Now, I have to share him with other people.  Other people. I don't like that. Call me Selfish Sheila.  Call me Controlling Selfish Sheila.  Knowing these two boys are all the "little boys" I'll have makes me want to keep them by me all the time, well, most of the time (I still haven't figured out how to get a daily shower done without Merritt joining me).  At the same time, this science preschool program is a fun program, not one where they are shoving the alphabet and "rest time" at you.  I am sure he will LOVE it!  And we'll have lots to talk about and he can teach Merritt all about it.

Recently, we have been having "school" in the afternoons while Merritt naps.  And, Everett and I really enjoy that time together.  So, I'll savor that time and let go (though you know I am going to be tempted to try and figure out to how to keep Merritt interested in the museum and trails for two hours the first time I drop Everett off so I am not far . . . you know, just in case . . . can you see Erik rolling his eyes at me?)

-------------------------------------------------

Everett is a sweet kid.  We talk about the foods that we eat, like, all the time. 

"Is this good for me?"
"What vitamins does it have?"
"Will this help me have good poop?"
"Will this help my owie get better?"

Over the summer, as he made connections with how we get the food we eat with the food on the plate in front of him, he became concerned.

Evy:  Is this cut from a cow?
Mom:   Yes.
Evy:  That is not nice.  That is mean.  He needs it back.  We need to give it back.
Mom: [insert some answer about how animals help us, Heavenly Father gave us the things we need to have strong bodies]
Evy (unconvinced):  We-ell, I am going to p-tend it is dinosaur meat.

Some of the hardest moments are when he holds up a french fry and says,"Is this good for me?"  Uuuhhh, no?  And, so why am I feeding it to you?  That question is coming soon.

Mantis

The Praying Kind

This guy was on our dining room window when I arrived home last night.  Evy was just going to bed and was kind enough to help me catch him.  Then we looked at him under his magnifying lens.

Then we put him outside and watched him for another 30 minutes.  It was cool watching his head turn way around and he had the biggest eyes.

Today, during school, we decided to learn about him during our "creature time"--did you know that they eat MICE, BIRDS, and FROGS.  Should be called preying mantis.

Faith--When I Don't Get It

from Popular Mechanics

You know sometimes you feel prompted or pushed to do something when you don't get why?  In my old age, I now try not to intellectualize or apply logic to it (that skill comes from my special government training--that's a joke, people).

Tonight I had several of those moments.  A prompting to read a story at church when we were really out of time.  A prompting to ask a seemingly odd question.

There are times when the reasons behind those promptings come to light.  And, I savor those moments, I hoard the details in my mind trying to analyze each piece.  Other times, I have to just have faith that what I just did made a difference somehow.

Elder Richard G. Scott once said:  That prompting is a personal message from the Lord to you. Remember that message. Follow it now for your happiness.

An example of what I mean may be inconsequential to you . . . but, it was huge for me.

Last November, we were set to travel to the Fair City of Austin (sigh)--conference for Erik and the boys and I were going to attend a family adoption ceremony, and as I was packing up the car, I felt prompted to bring both sets of keys with us. Now, this, to me, is almost tantamount to stupid.  What if I misplaced both of them while we were traveling, we'd have no back-up.  I brushed it off the first time the thought came to me.  The second time, though, I gave up the logic in it and just grabbed the spare set from the key ring.

In Waco, we stopped over to see my sister (and eat a delicious meal).  When I went to the car to get the necessary supplies to get the kids ready for bed and our drive to Austin, the trunk wouldn't pop open.  It wouldn't move . . . just a "whirrrrrrrr" grinding sound that turned my stomach sour.  I gave up on the trunk release button and tried the keys.  no. go.

What if all of our stuff, including Erik's work stuff was stuck in the trunk of the car?  It was late.  No real extra funds for a pop-a-lock, especially since it looked like we would need one every time we wanted in the trunk (can we say "gotta get the stroller?").  I was already feeling under the weather and was pushing myself so that we could attend the adoption and celebrate with family. 

But, wait, what if I tried the spare car key set?

You can guess what happened, the trunk opened without complaint with the spare set and I was happily off to put Merritt and Evy in some footsie pajamas.

Would there have been serious injury or insult if I didn't bring that set of keys?  Maybe, maybe not.  Did God really care about my mental, emotional, and financial status enough to help me bring the extra set.  Yes, He did.  (I also truly believe there is a special place in His heart for sleep deprived parents.--just my own thought)


Elder Richard G. Scott shared more on the subject "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance":
In that environment, strong impressions began to flow to me again. I wrote them down. The message included specific counsel on how to become more effective as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class. I sought a more private location, where I continued to write the feelings that flooded into my mind and heart as faithfully as possible. After each powerful impression was recorded, I pondered the feelings I had received to determine if I had accurately expressed them in writing. As a result, I made a few minor changes to what had been written. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life.



Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.


What I have described is not an isolated experience. It embodies several true principles regarding communication from the Lord to His children here on earth. I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you.


Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.

Mine!

Chills and Thrills

Erik is experiencing a minor lull in the work pace.  Oops, I think it is over now.

Merritt is in his big boy bed.  His new trick is unlocking all the windows.

Evy is into fishing and hockey games.  He CAN'T wait for cooler weather when those things are possible.

Today, it is cooler.

There are birds fighting over bugs on our skylight.  Kind of cool.

When I get up to run, it is now really dark.  Makes it hard to get going.

I was tempted . . .

 . . . to not let him clean his face for the rest of the day.

I was horrified for a split second thinking it was poop.  Nah.

Mascara.

"I didn't mean to."

I love glass--stained glass, painted glass, clear glass, stuff made of glass.

Shortly after we were married, Erik introduced the tradition of gifting a stained glass star for each wedding anniversary.  He ordered them from a shop in Rhode Island, which at the time was the only supplier we knew had them.  He stopped buying them after eight because in the picture window where they hung, it was kind of getting "old lady-ish." 

Now, they hang in our skylight (very close to my whimsy project wall), and I've been thinking all year that there is more room.  That if we added the additional six stars this anniversary season to again be equal to one start per year of marriage, that it wouldn't look to "old lay-ish"--but then again, Erik would have to hang the stars.

And, I nearly fainted when he was hanging the original eight, because it is REALLY far from the floor.  Like I couldn't watch.  I had to close my eyes when I handed him supplies.

So, I'll go with less is more.  And, besides, Erik is going to have to hang a couple hooks for the whimsy project.  Whoo-hooo!

Reaching Higher Heights

Ah, my little love is at it again.

Today, he decided that reaching with his hands just wasn't entertaining enough, not exploratory enough.

He decided to use the play tools to reach for the sky, or framed art.  (And, he successfully extended his reach by at least 8 inches.)

And, reach it he did, and knocked it down he did, and cracked the glass he did.

And, the lesson in all this: the world is now his.

(We spent over $100 this weekend on further babyproofing gadgets--gulp!  Have now re-reinforced the babychickenwire on our banister; all double doors are locked, including the pantry; we are redoing the locks on our drawers; we consisently remove the handles on the bathub facet; all we need is a boy-sized hamster bubble.--do they have those on craigslist?)

"Feeds Us Chocolate Cake"

Tonight we started eating apples when Dad arrived home, which led to peanut butter and apples, which led to the chocolate cake that Evy and Dad made last night.  (of course, right?)

"Can I dig in with my claws and sharp teeth?"  Evy asked both of us, referring to his cake.

"Sure!" we knew what was coming.

And, he attacked with fervor, quicker than a snake strike, showing just how much of a study he has made of T-Rex table manners.

At some point, we did eat ham and cheese, but way more chocolate cake was eaten than apples, peanut butter, and the ham and cheese.

Merritt found out that he does have skills in cake cutting, though slices are asymmetrical.

Reminds me of that awesome Cosby routine.

Play Today

Mom in a blue and white striped stovetop hat.

Merritt in a red, plastic fireman hat with a crack in it. 

(the official decision was that it is okay to keep the hat since we mostly do p-tend fire stuff, not p-real fire stuff)

Evy in a pirate's headwrap.

Evy:  [rings some bell he found]  Mom, you have to go save the squirrel.  It was hit by the vacuum cleaner.
Mom:  Can't you go save the squirrel?
Evy:  No, because my job is to ring the bell when someone needs help.  [duh!]
Mom: oh.

Evy, Mom, and Merritt RUSH to the vacuum cleaner where, in fact, the squirrel puppet is lying helpless and inert.

Evy:  Mom, can we fix him?  Can we make him better?
Mom:  He looks pretty bad.
Merritt:  [looks concerned with the rest of us]

We, indeed, determine that we weren't fast enough to save the squirrel.  The next course of action was to preserve him in a plastic cup . . . and after about 30 seconds, Evy decides that we need to bring him to life.

Mom:  Abrakazam, abrakazo, please come back squirrel, we want to play with you.

The squirrel puppet makes a marvelous, nay miraculous, recovery, and we go on to "get our party on and have a cake" hosted by Evy in his room.  Merritt was in charge of entertainment, which meant we sang the fast part of "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" like four bajillion times.

No actual animals were harmed during this play session.  No, Everett understands that magic cannot bring dead animals back to life.  This is what he calls "p-tend play."

Getting Dressed

Everett is in full charge of his wardrobe.  He does get help on Sundays reaching the clothes that are on hangers, but it is his job to pick out the cool threads for the day.

I get a kick watching him run through the house during the day.  Several months ago, before he would get dressed in his room and then come to show off his outfit, he would grab his clothes, BOUND through the house and throw the clothes into the room we were in with such a level of exuberance that you couldn't but stop and admire the shirt/pants combo. 

Now, he BOUNDS though the house, sometimes throwing a trot step in there with it, and LEAPS into the room . . . sometimes saying "surprise/ta-da/SEE!"

Often, the shirt or shorts are on backwards, by design.  Sometimes, if his heart wasn't really in the activity of changing, he'll just put the "day clothes" or "night time clothes" right over the ones he was wearing.

My favorite days are when he has specific footwear that needs to go with the outfit.  I think it is because I love that he often chooses rubberboots.  I love rubberboots.  I love it when Evy wears rubberboots.

I want to always remember the carefree Everett BOUNDING through the house, eager to start the day, and always happy to see us.

Vanilla Ice and Erik Save the Day

Text From Sheila to Erik:

If the kids and I make it through today alive, I should be immediately sainted, transformed into an angel, and given the power of levitation.  When you get home, don't forget to look up to find me.

Sheila had been up for more than 36 hours thanks to the alarm system.  Merritt was understandably shaken up by the midnight electric screaming due to power surges and unable to calm down for the next 12 hours.  From midnight and through the morning, it consisted of him running around overstimulated, unhappy, and unable to sit even to watch George, and he loves George.  Nothing could make him laugh or happy.

Just as he fought being strapped into his eating chair at lunchtime, his head started to drop and he fell asleep, even without a full belly.

Thankfully, he napped.

The discontent flowed through the rest of the day.  He fought dinnertime and even though we offered the range of options from food with substance to chocolate, marshmallows, etc, he wouldn't have it.  Just screamed and screamed.

Then, Sheila turned on Vanilla Ice:  Ice Ice Baby  and he danced and laughed.  Calmed enough to go take a bath.  His laugh was something that everyone in the house needed to hear.  It is amazing how even small moments of levity can sooth jarred mental levels.

Thank you, Vanilla Ice. 

Erik, the Superhero Dad, took care of dinner and brought Sheila's favorite drink.  He is now working, again.  That man is never still.  I believe he introduced the alarm system to the crowbar; thus becoming the true hero of the day.

I really think I should be given the power of levitation, though.  I mean, really, it would be handy.

Back to School

I spent the day back in a high school today.  My brother-in-law starts his teaching career this year.  And, I was invited to help him set up his classroom.

I had a great time spending the day in his classroom, his school, going through the teacher nerd process of setting up a classroom, meeting other teacher nerds working hard to prepare for the students, checking books from the bookroom, thinking through the first days of school, and mentally high-fiving the fact that I *don't* have to get up early to teach someone else's children.  I get to teach my kids.

As I got up this morning at 6:30, I remembered that not that long ago, that would have been the time I was at the metro station.  I was happy to not be at the metro station at 6:30 this morning.

Even though I thoroughly enjoy being a teacher nerd: striving to reach the hard to reach student, managing the complexities that the job brings, and hoarding those crumbs of progress you see on a daily basis, I am happy being a mother nerd. 

And, the greatest invention for teachers, sticky-tack.  Take that you concrete wall! 

Amen!

Snack? Dinner?

Mom still doesn't get it.

But the Sick Boys do.

Cake Batter Eaten From a Cup

(picture was taken two weeks ago)

(cake batter was eaten two weeks ago)

(Mom still doesn't get eating cake batter by huge spoonfulls without any intent to bake the batter. Some things gross her out.)

Chills and Thrills

Chills for the past week: 

• Erik worked extremely late nights (or early mornings you might say). 
• He is working again, right now (late Saturday night). 
• Heat, heat, heat. 
• Weird bodily ailments, probably related to the heat.

Thrills:

• Found a way to remove the Killer creatures without feeling inhumane.
• Making progress on Boston 2012. 
• Awesome tie dye activity with the Young Women at church (made the cutest onesie).
• Sheila has permission to do the Whimsy Mural.  Whoo-hooo!

Extreme Busy:
The past couple of weeks have proven to be Extreme Busy for both us.  I can't recall a time when we were busier.  Even when we were both working full-time jobs while serving in callings that required huge time commitments, we weren't this busy.

One of us has had meetings almost every night related to our volunteer work, which we call callings, with our church.  Erik is the Ward Employment Specialist:  meeting with people who need jobs, meeting with people who work with him at church to help people find jobs, and working every night through phone calls or emails to set up logistics to accomplish the work. 

Sheila works with the Young Women at church, especially with a group called the Beehives (12-13 year old girls).  She has midweek activities, lots of meetings during the month that hopefully put together the work that goes into 1) building rapport with and between the girls and 2) teaching them how to have fun and spiritually building experiences while they develop their testimonies of the gospel.  (It is an awesome experience to contribute to that work.  I am continually in awe of the courage that the girls have.)

Our family is extremely blessed by our opportunities to serve.  Our Heavenly Father blesses us more than equal to the effort we put into our callings in serving others, even while we make mistakes along the way.

At least we are both sincerely trying. 

Often times, when one is of us is off at a meeting, Evy will ask something like,"Is Daddy out helping someone?"  Provides a great chance to talk about how we need to help others and how Jesus served others.

I needed to go into Dallas this week, and so the boys and I drove around the Temple grounds.  (way too hot to actually get out)  On the way to the Temple, driving around at the Temple, and on the way home from the Temple, Everett and I had a conversation about Jesus.  Where is Jesus?  How does he help us if he isn't here, if I can't see him?  Can I see Jesus?  Does Jesus live in the Temple?  Can I go into the Temple?  How does Jesus talk to the Holy Ghost?  I want to see Jesus.

Dallas Temple

[and other questions like:  who is that guy on the top (of the Temple)?  does he fight monsters with that sword?---BTW, it is the Angel Moroni statue and it is not a sword, it is a trumpet.]

It is fun and humbling to have conversations like this with Everett.  He is an extremely thoughtful thinker, always pointing out the inconsistencies that he finds along the way as he creates his own understanding of concepts.

We feel blessed to have a job, blessed to have two cute, growing boys, blessed to have working AC, and blessed to find a great deal on brisket (guess what is cooking tomorrow!).

Jailbreak: You Knew This Was Coming

And it did.

Merritt is completely aware of how to get out of his crib.

And does it all the time now, starting today.

I guess I am lucky he forgot that he could for about 6 months.

And, so, today, he found the hidden, almost gone tube of Desitin during his "nap."

And used it as a spa treatment on himself, mostly the back of his hair, and all surfaces within his reach.

It really could have been much worse.

Won't be able to use a crib tent.  He would totally laugh at us in disbelief if we tried . . . cause he can do zippers and velcro.

Didn't have enough time to empty out his room or convert the crib to a toddler bed today.  He should not be unsupervised in any room while he is awake.  And, I don't want him to fall while busting out of the crib and break his arms or something.

Guess I'll have get brave and get cosy with the toolbox tomorrow (Erik will be at church meetings).

Sir Munch A Lot

In under 30 seconds, he got it open.  I don't have to worry about him going hungry.  Self-sufficiency should start this early.

Chivalry Is Not Dead

When I can convince Evy to brave the morning heat, we go out "hunting dwagons."  The endeavor to either befriend or slay the medieval, winged beast is very, very serious.

"Stop, MOM!  There is another one."

"Back UP!  You are too close.  I do not want you to get hurt."

After which, Evy, using very highly honed skills, flings a pirate's sword and Dad's shoestring through the air . . . slaying and containing the danger.

Today, he took a hit.  While on the dwagon hunting walk, major road rash.

He walked home, blood running down his legs, as a brave boy.

Sweet Baby Merritt

Today was one of those harder days for Merritt, and the evening isn't proving to be better for him.  He has a little cough and . . .

He got his knee caught between the slats of the crib.  This has happened a couple of times before, usually with Erik here to help.  I thought that I was going to have to either call the fire department or call Erik and have him leave the late night work behind in order to free Merritt.  Thanks to prayer, the fact that Merritt was working as hard as I was to get him out, and a scene from Bolt, we made it through only to get  . . .

To experience a couple bouts of vomiting.  It is so hard when the little ones do that and they are old enough to realize they can't control it.  They just look at you with this mixed look of "what the HECK" and "I'm SCARED" and "HELP!"

While I was changing everything out, he tripped on his blankie falling down and incurring a nosebleed and a busted lip.  I don't think he had managed to get both at the same time before tonight.  He was so upset, using, you know, the devastated cry.

And, he threw-up again.

After a bath and a couple of sessions where I get the diaper on him and he flees, taking off whatever clothing he had on *and* the diaper faster than any professional quick change artist out there, he is now a bit calmer and, though whimpering, nestled down into the vomit free bed.  Aaahh, the joys of fresh sheets.

I love that little boy.

806th Post: Pictures Galore

Digging for Dinos

Everett digs in our yard for dinosaur remains on a regular basis.  Caught here on video was one such occasion.



Here is a video of Merritt. Mostly the Grandmas will watch this one.


Here is part two of the dinosaur dig on this day.

Late Nights with Dad

Everett has had some great times with Dad over the summer.  Pool trips, ventures to Sonic, exploring cornfields, experiencing the "stolen" grocery cart, and icecream runs to the store (going above and beyond the call of duty to find Mom's favorite icecream).

Killers, Part Two

Though I was trying to create an educational experience with the Killer Creatures.  I have to "dispense" with at least three of the four.

Erik is making me do it all. by. my. self.  (though he is all for checking their adaptation skills when placed on the blacktop at 107 degrees outside, and something about a magnifying glass)

These aren't slugs.

I am at a loss as to what I am going to do.  Too close to The Very Hungry Caterpillar for me.  Wondering if they are cannibalistic and too chicken to find out.  I don't think I would be very good on a farm.

Pioneer Day

The Obligatory Parade

Yes, Evy left the big wheel behind . . . too slow for him.

Arm Wrestling

Love Erik's face

The Nursery Kid that ran around the gym the whole time.

The Spitting Contest
(sunflower seeds, people)

Killers.

I had five beautiful bell pepper plants this morning.  There were several bell peppers growing.  This evening, I have nothing.

Tomato Horned Caterpillar.

(yes, that is a quarter to get size comparison)

Their poops are M&M sized.

There are four in the jar.

In 90 minutes, they deposited 12 poops.  Yes, I counted because I am a total nerd like that.

I totally thought I could "feed" these until they, you know, turn into moths . . . I don't know if I can feed them that long.  BTW, I *packed* this jar full of leaves. And all those leaves were eaten in under two hours. Hungry, are we?

Yes, the moths are large, very large.  One got lost in my house last spring. 

Muscles!

Guilty Pleasure-REVOKED

I have a guilty pleasure, or a luxury, per say.  I love baths.  I love beginning my day with a bath.

For the past several months, I would put on Clifford for Evy and put Merritt in the pack-in-play by the bathroom.  Then, I would take a 20 minute bath.  l.o.v.e.l.y.

Today, it ended.

During the course of my bath, I would always get a visit from Evy giving updates on the show dispersed with his own requests (bath, food, going to the pool, playing cars).  So, I wasn't surprised when a little head peeked into the tub to say hi . . . then a couple of seconds later, I realized it wasn't Evy.   It was MERRITT.

I knew this time was coming.  He is completely capable of getting out of the pack-n-play, has been for months.

And, in the couple of minutes it took to get the soap out of my hair and decide to go sans shaving, he dumped 20 cups of water on the floor, turned on the water repeatedly, climbed into the tub 4 times, and completely forgot to attack the toilet (thankfully).

Erik thinks that this is the point where I will finally relent and buy the 6 paneled gate system.

And, I'm happy to report that my bathroom floor got an extra cleaning this week.

"Honk if you hate noise pollution"--bumper sticker

All is quiet right now.  Merritt is snoozing away . . . Evy is done charming more bedtime stories out of Dad and Dad is laying next to Evy as he falls asleep.  The house is quiet. 

Well, the AC is on and you can hear the clank and whir of several of the fans and the hum of the dishwasher, but the movement of bodies is silent, at rest.

I've got a huge To Do List pressing on me right now.  I think I have overcommitted with all the work I'm supposed to do.  I should be at least getting pictures from the last week on here.  But, I don't wanna.

Thursday night was the first night in awhile where we had nothing scheduled, no where to be but home.  We should have finished some project or completed some volunteer work, but we didn't.  And, it was great.

There is value in rest.  Value in the quiet.  And, I think that Erik just fell asleep beside Evy's bed.

Dale Chihuly

Like Totally Hot

Yesterday was blastingly H.O.T.

Over 106 degrees in the shade, and yes, we have humidity in Texas, people.

When it is that hot, we lose our appetites (except for candy and popcorn while watching movies), we get cranky easily, we last like 5.6 seconds outside, and all cleaning and "noncandy/nonpopcorn" endeavors immediately are forced to slo-mo.  (you know, slow-motion)

Today, it is h.o.t.t.e.r.

The Greeks and many other cultures have it right.  Naps in the afternoon, dinner very late, and party from late night until the "cooler" temps (like 80s around here) in the early morning.

Erik's work schedule this week is brutal.  We delivered a Schlotzky's sandwich to him for lunch as a pick-me-up.  The guy at the drive through was especially sweet to us.  He saw Evy's red face in the back of the car and offered to hand over some waters for the boys along with our sandwich.

Evy just ran in over say,"It is an MERgency!"  Can you tell we saw oodles of police, ambulance, and firefighters while we were out today?

Heat Wave 2010