The Clubhouse

It's taken me a lot longer to write this post than I planned. Actually the clubhouse is now out in recycling. Even though it was under the gazebo it was no match for the recent rain we had. Also, the Alfa Dog has moved away. You may understand that last sentence better shortly, but only if you keep reading.

This is the outside of the clubhouse covered with ancient hieroglyphics. Note the dog-looking creatures. They symbolize the mighty wolf. This is evident by the writing above the pictures that say "Property of Wolf Pack." This was the name of the clan of small and mighty warriors who inhabited this clubhouse. The pictures include Alfa Dog who was the eight year old neighbor girl. I think she got to be alpha as she had the best spelling and was the oldest. Also I think it helped that no one else knew what "alpha dog" meant. Ethan was Speedy and Libby was Rose Dog. Proud warrior names if ever I've heard them.This is where the pomp and ceremony take place. Notice the W and P made of masking tape. Yet more evidence that this is the meeting place of the Wolf Pack. For those who are concerned by the wet spots rest assured it is rain water and not evidence of the wolves marking their territory (and Michael says it looks like a homeless guy's house). The girl wolves would have tattled if the boy wolves tried anything like that.

Only those whose names appear here are granted admittance to the proud den. The rules clearly state that you have to be at least five to enter. This effectively barred admittance a certain neighbor's little brother who likes to hit people.

Madsen Joy

I would like to introduce you all to the newest member of our family. Her name is Madsen and she is beautiful.



This is her still in the box. See!? Even the heavens shine down on her. She arrived on our doorstep on the 6th. She wasn't due to arrive until the 7th, but my father-in-law who loves me and more importantly owns a big truck picked her up from the shipping company so I wouldn't have to wait a whole 'nother day. Bless you, Con.

I managed to still my shaking hands enough to rip my beautiful bike out of the box and unwrap it. Then I got on it and rode around the neighborhood, even though I had just put dinner on the table. Dinner could wait - my beautiful bike couldn't. It is also apparent from the picture that doing my hair was also low on my priority list. I just couldn't wait to ride my bike. My beautiful beautiful bike.

Here we are all loaded up to go for a ride after dinner. See how great everyone fits? Thankfully Ethan is big enough to ride his own bike as Sam takes up two seats by himself, the big ol' fatty!

Since my bike's arrival she has gone to the library, church, my in-laws, Barber Park (that was Michael's doing), St. Luke's, the park, and various other places. Oh how lovely is my life (and my bike).


You can't see her in these pictures but rest assured she is watching from the sidelines.


Stay tuned for pictures of my children's joy. The bike is cool but the box it came in? Best thing ever. It is their new club house. Both of my children and two of their friends will fit in it comfortably. As soon as I get some pictures I will post more.

Re : No Sense of Humor

If I had my way I would throw it away. GROSS! If you agree with me please leave a comment so Michael knows it is GROSS.

No Sense of Humor

I'm picking up around the house and bring this rolling pin contraption to the kitchen from the bathroom sink:

Katie sees me bring it out and the follow exchange occurs:

---

Katie: Ugh, that needs to be disinfected!  Grace rolled it in *inaudible*.
Me: She rolled it in what?
Katie: In her POOP!
Me: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Katie: Don't laugh, it's disgusting!
Me: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood?

Last night, I decided that I was just too tired to cook. It has been a long rough week and I just needed some time off. The kids had earned gift certificates for free kids meals at Applebee's through summer reading through the public library. So we grabbed the certificates, grabbed the kids and headed out to eat.

By the time we got there everyone was tired and hungry and service was slooowww. Grace kept trying to climb out of her chair onto the table and Sam decided he needed to eat, NOW! So I fed Sam and Michael took Grace outside so she could run around while we waited for our drinks and some bread sticks for her. An eternity later our drinks came and Michael rejoined us. Libby slurped her chocolate milk in record time and tried an onion ring. A few minutes later she tried to climb onto Michael's lap.  There wasn't much room for her between Michael and the table, and she said her stomach didn't feel good. We told her we were sorry and didn't think anything more about it. Then she said she didn't feel good and dry heaved. Michael was trying to unwedge him and Libby from the booth (her foot was caught between the bench and Grace's high chair) while asking if she was going to throw up. She nodded yes and they made a mad dash for the bathroom. And they almost made it, too. But almost doesn't quite count. She threw up a little outside the men's room and a good portion on the floor in the threshold of the first stall.  She even managed to get some of her chocolaty vomit into the toilet and only a little down her leg.

Meanwhile I'm sitting at the table thinking it would be a good idea to find my waitress and have her box up our dinners to go. While I'm debating how necessary this is I feel something warm on my lap. Sam's diaper had at that moment decided to spring a massive leak all over the sling and my lap. I take that as a sign and flag down our waitress. She was more than understanding.  I apologized profusely even though I wanted to shout, "I swear, I didn't know she was going to be sick." The waitress walks off to have our dinners boxed and I look up to see Michael coming back. Grace took advantage of my momentary distraction to climb up on the table and pull down a full glass of ice water.  The waitress returns at that point with our food and check. She tells me it is fine, not to worry, but I'm pretty sure she was lying. She probably went home and told all of her friends about this nightmare of a family she got stuck with at work. So Michael hauls all the kids out to the van while I pay and grab our food. I'm sure I heard a huge sigh of relief from the waitstaff as the door shut behind us.

We get in the car and Libby now feels great and wants her macaroni and cheese. So we went to the park and everyone ate their dinner after being told they were not allowed to play on any equipment that spins.

I think it may have been easier just to eat at home.