Did you know . . .

. . . that I am a comedian in my day job.

It's absolutely true! Among my other [motherly] talents I am a comedian. I figured this out while I was reading my sister's blog about the books she reads to her daughter and the sound effects that go along with it -- and it dawned on me -- I, too spend many hours of the day doing ridiculous (and obnoxious) things to produce giggles from my children.

Now, I must warn you that my material is only suitable for a limited age range (3 months - 3 years) and that because I get paid in kisses and giggles I usually work overtime. Not to mention any normal person would have a CAT scan done on me if they saw me. . . oh, if only they saw me.

Today, for example, Luke was in his bouncy horse. I found out he got the biggest kick if I jumped up and down with him. So, I got a fabulous thigh-toning workout making him giggle. We had so much fun. Plus, fake sneezes, silly faces, and pretend hiccups are always popular. You just can't go wrong with kids. They make for a great audience!

Yes, indeedy, I have the best job in the world!

Parade of 1000 flags

We were able to march in the Parade of 1000 flags that happened here in Ridgecrest this past weekend. I love how patriotic this town is and this was a great event to be able to participate with our whole family. The kids really loved being part of it and Violatte walked most of the way by herself. It was a really neat experience.




Waiting for the parade to begin



Jim before the parade starts. I love the backdrop of flags!



Walking in the parade



This is a picture of us walking through the field after the flags had been placed. It was a really amazing sight to see.

More Funny Sayings

I love this picture of my girls. It is my favorite! It shows so perfectly how different each girl is -- both in personality and looks.

The kids are always doing funny things so I wanted to write them down.

When the girls are scared they try to tell us but instead of saying, "I'm scared" they both say, "I'm scary." It makes us laugh each time.

Luke has started to talk. He says "Da-da" and knows it means Jim. It's so cute!

When the girls want to go outside without shoes on they ask if they can walk outside on their feet.

I am always telling Violatte not to boss Annalee around. My most common phrase is, "Violatte, let me be the mommy." A couple of days ago Violatte was bossing around Annalee and when I scolded her and she said (with a little bit of attitude, I might add) "I know -- You're the mommy, Mommy."

A New You

I went to the most amazing women's program at the beginning of August. It was a self-esteem, spiritual rejuvenation, makeover retreat. I loved every minute of it. My Mom and sister were there too and it was so neat to be able to be there with them. I learned so much and I really did come away a whole new person. I can see such a change in me and other people have seen it too. I wish every woman could go to this program. It made an amazing difference in my life and I am so much happier!

Here are some pictures from the week!

Barbara Jones and Chieko Okazaki



This picture made me laugh. It's so perfect! These two were so funny together!



This is my roommate Heather and I. I just really got to adore her throughout the week. She is so beautiful inside and out. I was so glad that we were roommates!



This is my sister Trissa after her salon day. She is just so stunning!






Trissa (my sister), me, my Mom, and our friend Mindy



Trissa, me, my Mom, and Helen Winings after the makeovers. Aren't we beautiful?



My Mom and I with Chieko Okazaki. She was an amazingly spiritual and funny woman! I just adore her!



Barbara Jones on her comedy night. She is hilarious!



We all got a makeover at a salon -- here is my Mom with her super cute new haircut!



Two of the staff members -- Darrin Knowles and Dr. Mike



Here is a picture of all the staff together.



Barbara was kind enough to let me take a picture with her.

Cute Things By the Kids

Here are some fun things the kids have done lately.

(If you want to see the pictures better click on them.)

A couple of entrys ago I talked about how Annee wanted to fix her broken toy. This is a picture of how she did it.


Annalee thinks tape fixes everything. One day she told me she had owies. The next thing I knew she had strips of tape all up her leg and she told me, "I feel all better now!"

This is a picture Jim drew . . .


. . . and this is Violatte's copy of it.


Here is a picture Annalee drew


Violatte loves drawing faces




Violatte drew a picture of herself with a light saber. The grey part is the handle and the purple part is the light saber part.


Violatte loves everything that deals with Christmas. Notice the Christmas tree on the right side of the picture. And, as far as I can tell, this is a picture of a nutcracker (from the ballet of the Nutcracker).


Violatte loves pizza. Her favorite kind is "macaroni pepper" (aka. Pepperoni.)

Violatte has started using some grown up phrases lately. A few days ago she said, "Mom, you just really disappointed me."

Elipse

We got a new kitten a few weeks ago. We named her Elipse. She is a really funny cat. She is the most klutzy cat I have ever seen. She is always falling off of things and running into things. It's pretty funny. She is also very playful and loves to chase a ball around the house or to bat at the plants. She has been so fun to have around. This is a short video of her watching the mouse on the computer.

Playday At the Park

We love going to the park. We go pretty much every Wednesday. The kids love it and we stay as long as we can until it gets too hot.

Violatte loves roller-skating. She has some cute roller-skates that she uses.


Annalee is so cute in the swings. She could swing forever!


Luke actually loves swinging too. He kind of cuddles up in the swing and just enjoys it.


And, of course, a cute picture of Luke!