No screen week

Not sure if anyone else participated in (or was held at gun point to participate in) "No Screen Week." This was something my girls school created, or sponsored, or something. Either way they sent home a paper stating that for 7 days there could be no TV, no Wii, no computers, etc. Basically anything with a screen would be off limits. They even sent home this wonderful piece of "caution" tape to help us remember.

Ugh! This is where you realize there are some definite shades of gray in regards to "How much you support your children in their educational endeavors." We did pretty good. By "pretty good," I mean that Troy and I put the kids to bed extra early, pulled off the tape, watched whatever we wanted to, and then put the tape back up so no one would know. There are some definite bonus' to being the parents on No Screen Week.

Maddie didn't watch any TV until Thursday. Then she lost it. She was having some serious American Idol and Survivor withdrawals. You know, fevers, cold sweats. Due to the risk of any permanent damage, we allowed a short viewing of her favorite shows. In the end, I must say that this was a good test of our family closeness. I am happy to report that we would still rather play games together than watch any show on TV. This must mean that my hubby and kids are a whole lot cuter than Jeff Probst. However, I will say that Lee Dewyze is a close runner up. He is SO cute and reminds me a bit of Daughtry...another personal favorite!

Breezy

So, I am sure everyone remembers our tiny little Christmas addition, Oats.

Well, beings that it is summer time, I figured Mr. Oats could use a little face lift. His hair was getting WAY too long. So I threw him in the car and we headed down for our first trip to the grooming salon. The lady asked me what I wanted done...I had no idea. I said, "a nice little cut for summer." I had already done some trimming around his face. The hair was about an inch long. I asked her, "is this too short?" She replied, "No, that is actually really long." I didn't want to look completely stupid so I casually shrugged my shoulders and said, "Yeah, of course. Um, just do whatever you would normally do. Just make it so I won't have to come back any time soon."

By that time Gracie was hopping up and down saying that she needed to use the bathroom. I whisked her off to the back of the store. On our way back out we stopped for a small sneak peak of our dog...



We left him for about an hour and then came back for the pick up. Here is the new and questionably improved Oats...

The groomer lady told me that he might feel a bit "breezy" for a few days. I told her that was all the info I needed. Anyway, my girls HATE it. Oh well, I figure he is easier to wash, easier to comb, and about 5 pounds lighter. Win, win, win on my end. Hair always grows back, right? By Fall we will have another fur ball running around.

Up, up and away

Before winter decided to come back, we found a day for some pretty cool kite flying.





Brings back some fun childhood memories. I rarely had enough wind to keep the thing up and ended up running miles and miles. Wish I could do that now. Maybe I should take a kite with me on my runs...if I can't keep it up, I must not be going fast enough. Then again, I already know the answer...that would be one mutilated kite by the time I was done dragging it around on the ground. Maybe one day I will be "kite fit." If you see some crazy lady running with a kite behind her... honk, wave, and smile encouragingly...I am probably on the brink of death!

Body Ball

Troy came home one day with this "body ball." We all had high hopes that this would somehow "strengthen our cores." I think I have sat on it twice...BUT the girls are having a blast!


This fabulous ball has successfully relieved me from hours and hours of bouncing them on my knees. Sorry, core...I'll get to you sooner or later. For now, I am having too much fun watching my kids.

Chuck

My sister-in-law, Kati, has been asking Troy and I to watch the first season of "Chuck." She gave it to use several weeks ago and I am sad to say we still haven't watched it. Nevertheless, it is on my "things to do" list. Anyway, Troy was not impressed (or pretended not to be) with the cover. See below...

He thought the dress may have been a bit too revealing. He decided to take it upon himself and "redesign" the cover. You know, a little alteration to make him feel better when the girls pick up the cover to have a look at what we may or may not be watching. Here are the results.

What do you think? Maybe he should design Mormon ads for modest clothing. Too bad sewing isn't as easy as drawing. He could retire.