Dirty Mouth?

Once again, thanks to Jessica, our home is on its way to being a better place. (Although Skip, if you're reading this, it was totally my idea and Jessica was just trying out what I suggested to her.)
These kids of mine. Do they even really like each other? Doesn't seem like it. They can be so mean to each other, and the NAME CALLING... ai papi! It's horrible. So we implemented the system. We took the trash words, (see word bubble below) wrote them on papers, and threw them in the trash. We agreed it's okay to get angry at someone, but there have to be better alternatives to expressing that anger. We came up with four. (Funny, it was WAY easier to make the trash words list...)

So. The trash words are in the trash. The acceptable alternatives are posted on the wall. The "oops" jar has been created. (If they "forget" and use a trash word, the boys have to put a quarter in the oops jar. Noe just has to find some kind of coin... since they're all the same to her anyway, and she doesn't even get an allowance yet.)

So wish us luck. Lucky for me, I only use my trash words in private. So I'll be keeping all my money.

Tick-Me-Off-Elmo

You may recall we went to California this summer. Anyone interested in a little recap of one of our highlights? Here's what we thought: Let's hit Hollywood Boulevard! It could be fun, right? Sure!

Unless Elmo's there.

Elmo: (in sweet, chirpy voice) Hey kids! Wanna come take a picture with Elmo? Hey Mom! Take your kids' picture with Elmo!"
Me: Sure! (I take a picture)Elmo: (holding out tip bucket, still chirping) Thanks guys!
Me: Oh, I'm sorry, I don't have any cash on me.
Elmo: (in angry, possibly drunk, grown man voice) Oh come on, lady! You think we do this for fun? We work off of tips, you know.
Me: (in slightly irritated voice) No, actually, I didn't know that. You might've mentioned it before I took the picture!
Elmo: (still in mean-guy voice) You mean to tell me I'm the first character you've taken a picture with today? Give me a break!
Me: (in really sick of Elmo voice) Um, yeah, actually. You ARE the first picture we've taken today. And probably the last.
Elmo: (in completely disgusted voice) Yeah, well for the record lady, we don't do this for kicks. We make our money off of tips.
Me: Well you may want to mention that up front next time. And you don't deserve a tip anyway. You scared my children. And I think you might also be drunk.

So. As you can see, Hollywood Boulevard is no place for amateurs. Come prepared. Come with cash. Or booze.

I Love You Just the Way You Are

So. Sometimes I get a little confused in my marital relationship. I see my darling spouse, Paige Skip, and I know there's a lot of love, but I just gotta wonder...
The other day we were walking down the street. Paige Skip says to me, "We need to get you some new shoes." I say, "What's wrong with the shoes I'm wearing?" Paige Skip says to me, "You look so good, and then... there's the shoes."
It's a known fact that I'm frugal. Possibly even a bit cheap. I go for the sale items. I employ the old motto "Make do or do without." I don't know why. I'm not really poor. I just am that way.
Paige Skip, on the other hand, likes to encourage me to get new things and look my best. Remember when Skip Paige inspired me to buy that new dress? Well it got me a little hooked. I just bought another new dress. And I'm sure my spouse(s) will like it a lot.

It's nice to be loved. It's nice to know that my spouse(s) want(s) me to look and feel my best. It's good that he or she encourages me to treat myself to new things from time to time. I appreciate having such a loving spouse(s) and I just wanted to give a public thank you.
It's good that the one who most loves me in life is also fashion savvy and willing to drop a lot of money on a pair of shoes or a new dress. So Paige, Skip, I love you.