Christmas Pictures-the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Yes, it's that time of year again. It's the time I dread with all my being. It's time for our annual family Christmas pictures.

You'd think it would be easy, wouldn't you? Just plop the kids down in front of the tree, tell them to smile and take the damn picture, right? Wrong!

It never fails. Never. My kids are not cooperative in front of a camera. Someone is always giving someone else bunny ears (Aaron!) and someone else has a cheesy little grin on her face (Marissah!). Someone else refuses to smile at all (Micah!). this year I was lucky. I only had to take seven pictures before getting a decent shot. Praise the Lord! One year I had them posed for over an HOUR and didn't get a single decent picture. Of course, then Mike stepped in, took two shots and had a great photo. :P

Last year we had a true family picture for our Christmas cards-Mom, Dad and kids. We opted to leave the dog out because he hates to sit still. this year it will just be a picture of the kids, in front of the tree they decorated themselves (they did a great job!), all wearing their Minnesota Vikings gear. they look adorable, if I do say so myself. And everyone smiled.

I'm ordering my Christmas cards from Shutterfly this year, just like I did last year. Only difference is, this year I'm getting them free for writing this blog. LOL Check them out-I know you'll be pleased with the quality-I always am! http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

Why Aaron Doesn't Want to be a Clown

Yesterday on the way home from school, out of nowhere, Aaron informed me he doesn't want to be a clown when he grows up. I never know what's going to come out of that little mouth next (sometimes it's really bad), but I asked him why anyway.

"Well," he started. "First I would have to learn how to throw a pie at someone without hurting them. Then, I'd have to learn how to ride a unicycle! Then, I'd have to learn how to walk in those big shoes. I'd have to put make-up on. And then, I'd have to buy a red nose, too!"

So, I guess I can breathe a sigh of relief. He won't be attending clown school when he grows up after all! ;)

It's Almost Time!

Almost time for what? SCHOOL! Woo hoo! The little heathens have their supplies and brand-new backpacks and are ready to head to school next Tuesday (Wednesday for Marissah). Today we had Micah's open house/registration. We got his locker combination (works like a charm) and his schedule and met most of his teachers. He got his picture taken and looked so handsome.

Marissah's registration was last week. She's taking French, Biology, History, Algebra, English and Science of Flight (Jr ROTC). We are happy campers!

Aaron will be in class with Mrs. Hubenthal and Ms. Fay this year, but he's not as excited to go back as Marissah and Micah are.

Mommy starts school for Medical Coding on September 21. Wish me luck-it's been more than a couple years since I was in school! It's an online program, though, so no classrooms for me.

The Heathenville Navy

Here it is, the Heathenville Navy's fleet of fighter jets. Commander of the squadron, Admiral Aaron, has been busy making and decorating his planes all day long. It's good to know Heathenville has it's own fighting force at the ready.

Weekly Reads

I read four excellent books this week. They were all so good, in fact, that I can't choose a favorite. If you're looking for a good serial killer novel, you can't go wrong with "The Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly. If you're looking to sample another culture, try "A Nail Through the Heart" by Timothy Hallinan. For all forensics, all the time it's Kathy Reichs' "Devil Bones." And last, but certainly not least, Lily Burana's "I Love a Man in Uniform" is the memoir of a former stripper who marries an Army officer.

Weekly Reads

Are you sick of seeing my weekly reads yet? If you are, don't bother to check my blog on Tuesdays. :)

Another week of great reads here in Heathenville! My favorite read of the week was Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air." This book, published in 1997, is about Krakauer's experience climbing Mount Everest in 1996, the year 12 people died on the mountain in one day. It was a fantastic book, highly recommended, even if you don't care at all about mountain climbing.

Hangin' at the River

It's been so hot here in Heathenville that, in the interest of self-preservation, we took the kids to the river last night. I've never been swimming in a river before (and I still haven't LOL), but it was nice. We went with friends and had a little barbecue (turned those burgers with a stick since no one thought to bring a spatula). The kids had a fantastic time and Aaron only needed to be rescued once. Within minutes of getting into the water, Aaron had gone out over his head. Mike had to jump in, fully clothed, and save his little behind. He coughed up a little water and Mike asked him if he was okay. "I'm fine. Put me down," Aaron responded. Then he was back in the water, thankfully a little more aware of his limitations. We stayed until dusk and came home to a much cooler house. It's 10:30 am now and the boys are both still sleeping. I'll be surprised if they wake up before 1 today since they were so tired last night.

This Week's Reads

Wow, I had a great reading week. Six books and they were all great. I think my favorite was "Vanilla Ride" by Joe R. Lansdale, simply because it's been so long since there was a new Hap and Leonard book. Yay!