New Year's Resolution

This is project #1 of 5483. My goal this year is to completely organize my house. I really wish I had a picture of these shelves in my laundry room before I started this project. Actually, I don't. That would've been way too embarrassing to show to anyone. I had craft/school supply/party stuff strewn in like 4 different places in my house and the thought of having to use any of them was so overwhelming because I never knew where anything was and it would take me forever to gather up all of the necessary supplies. Well, no longer! This makes me happy. Hopefully, I'll have more pictures to share of newly organized spaces. Anyone have ANY organizing tips for me? I'm all ears!

Spaghetti Reincarnated

Last night, after I wrapped up my last piano lesson, I went to pick up the girls from dance. I told Austin that there was meat in the fridge all made up ready to be formed into meatballs and thrown in the oven. Well, I knew Austin and Spencer were up to something when I left and Austin whispered to Spencer, "Don't tell, okay?" and Spencer got a very mischievous grin on his face. I didn't pry so that they could have their fun. Well, to my surprise, spaghetti with meatballs turned into....dun, dun, dun... "Dead Man with Blood and Worms". Spencer thought this was the coolest thing ever and I must say that Austin was pretty proud. As Spencer was giving me the tour of this dish (the dead guy, the noodle worms, the blood sauce) he then went a little impromptu and added, "And there's his spirit." Austin: "His what?" Spencer: "The smoke rising up...it's his Spirit." Insightful or disturbing? I'll leave that up to you to decide. Anyone want to come over for dinner?

The olive eyes and frown make me laugh!

And just before the blessing, I handed Austin the knife to cut him up with (yuck) and he immediately did this....

Now that's just gross.
(Despite the presentation, dinner was morbidly delicious!)

Old stuff, new use...

So my cuckoo children have recently rediscovered the Baby Einstein movies. After watching it, Paige came up to me and said, "Man, that's a workout."
Me: "A workout? What were you watching?"
Paige: "Baby Einstein."
Me: "How is that a workout?"
Paige: "We make ourselves do whatever the toy is doing."

I laughed and sure enough, her little forehead was glistening with sweat! The next day I look over and Spencer is sitting in a weird position, waving his arms out and in. It was then that I realized that he's imitating the little plastic bear, clanging cymbals together! Oh, my....

I had just finished writing this post when the girls came home from school and within minutes were back into their workout regiment! I snapped some pictures and video to let you in on the entertainment...

Oh, Jack...

If you know Jack, you know he is a man of many words at this point. He talks constantly, however, there is one slight problem. Most of what he says can't be understood. 90% of his words do not contain consonants...just vowels. It's actually kind of fun to pretend to speak Jack-ese. Just hold on to your tongue and talk...good job! You've just mastered a new language! However, to try to interpret Jack-ese, well, not so fun.

The other day, Jack was trying to tell me something. After repeated attempts, and increased frustration on both ends of this conversation, his desires were still unknown. Spencer to the rescue! In his most serious voice, and with both hands (fingers tightly pressed together) going up and down like they do when he's trying to explain something, Spencer suggests that we let him give the interpretation a try. "Mom, let me try. I can figure out what he wants. I speak Jack Spanish." Sure, enough, within 20 seconds, Spencer had it figured out and got Jack what he wanted! I tried not to laugh too hard at the term "Jack Spanish" because he was so serious at the time, but I still get a chuckle every time Jack is talking and I can only hope that one day I can be fluent in Jack Spanish...or that Jack will learn to speak correctly...whichever comes first!