How long...

...until just feeding the fish isn't fun and she tries to swim with them?

Sunday's with grandma and grandpa

I'm sure plenty of my girlfriends wonder why I go to my parents house every single Sunday for dinner. The answer is easy: free food. Just kidding. I go because I can wear my sweats and my mom doesn't care. I go because they call my husband "the wonderful" son-in-law. I go because they love my kids and all our quirks. I go because no where else can I let my daughter swim naked or watch my dad teach the kids to jump rope. I go because what would a Sunday be without feeding the fish or laughing until I cried at the dinner table over some comment Rich makes at his own expense. I go because it's where we can all be who we really are... obnoxious

What happens when...

So what happens when you turn your back for 30 seconds to rescue a 5 year old from falling to pieces if the dog gets a hold of his stuffed dolphin and your one year old finds the last chocolate kiss from the holiday? A combination of laughter and tears.

4th of July

Ah, the fourth. I love July. It's the month with two holidays, ripe watermelons and patriotic decorations. We had a great day. It started out a little stressful when Rich decided this was the day to clean out the garage but after that project was done, we had fun. We didn't go farther than the corner block party so we could just enjoy the night at home. Anja parked herself in front of the music and danced the night way. Jensen "chose" which firework we did next and Carter was the official "firebug" trying to start everything on fine. It was wonderful.

Kristin and Steve

In a few short weeks I will have a wonderful new brother-in-law. This is Steve. He's a great guy who means the world to Kristin and Nadia. I think he's in for the shock of his life. He's been a single guy living in a clean condo for a long time-- make way for the Barbie doll house, pink bike and Hello Kitty band aids. The wedding will happen in L.A. This also means the end to having Nadia in my home on and off for the past four years. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me how old my "twins" are and I just smile and say, "they are six months apart."

Why can't I paint

Ah, the joys of parenting Anja...

Rich has always had an art studio in our home, even when we were poor and lived in a 600 square foot apartment. We've never, ever had a child wonder into his studio and start messing around, until today. Rich finished a painting early this morning and left the door to his studio open. Anja found it and wondered in. I was in the next room and heard her calling, "daddy, daddy." When she finally came into the family room she was holding maybe 20 paint brushes. I couldn't see any visible signs of paint, but that's besides the point. It is only a matter of time before she discovers the vivid colors associated with oil paint. I am in trouble.

On a bright note...

Jensen has moved up in piano. His teacher bought a second piano and placed it next to the one he's been using in the studio. The two of them played side by side for 45 minutes today. He learned an entire song by ear with his eyes closed. He has a beautiful tone. I loved sitting there just listening. I can't wait for the next lesson. It finally feels like all the time we have invested is paying off.

I hate water

My head really hurts. I need to drink more water, but I hate it. I love the sun, but hate feeling thirsty. Go figure. Who ever invented Crystal Lite water bottle single serves is a saint.