“Mom, did you used to be a vet too before we were born?” ~ Kimberly
“No” ~ Mom
“How do you know how to give the cats medicine?” ~ Kimberly
“I know how to take care of you when you are sick too, and I am not a doctor, am I?” ~ Mom
“Yeah, I guess so.” ~ Kimberly

Kimmie is always so curious about life before she arrived. So cute.

Apparently he thought she was confused about what was wrong with him. I just had to laugh.

“Yes, of course.” ~ Mommy

“Like from monsters, zombies, and other scary things.” ~ Paul

“Definitely, if we see any monsters or zombies I will keep you safe.” ~ Mommy

Good thing they aren’t real and this will be an easy task. Some days this little man just makes me laugh.

Oh the humanity!

This year we used items from our dress up or our friends dress up that we could borrow and wear for Halloween. At this point I get the feeling that this is going to be one of those things the kids talk about when they are older. ” . . . remember the time Mom made us wear recycled costumes . . .” I can just hear it now.

Oh well, guess there are worse memories to recall.

I was getting a pedicure this morning and the woman was massaging and tapping the bottom of my feet. Apparently Paul was ready to defend me.

Paul never minds going with me to get a pedicure. I always buy him fries and let him play his DS while I sit there. He is so well behaved during this event that I don’t mind taking him. He was playing his DS so intently that I was stunned that he even noticed the lady hitting the bottom of my feet.

“Yes.” ~ Mom

“Do they have that for people?” ~ Kimberly

“Yes.” ~ Mom

“Oh good! When I get older I want to do that and then adopt 2 or 3 kids.” ~ Kimberly

“That is a good idea. Lots of kids need good families.” ~ Mom

“Yeah.” ~ Kimberly

I wonder if this desire will still be in her when she is older.

Apparently he wanted “real” pants. I thought he would be more comfortable for his procedure with comfy pants on. Who knew?

Geoff was over today for a play date. I listened as this conversation played out, very curious how it would go. I think Geoff’s answer was typical of a 3 year old, most don’t know their place of origin (none of my daughter’s did at this age). Funny how even though Paul is just 4 he has a very different perspective on life. Where are you from is a very typical question he hears from strangers.

They proceeded to poke and prod me telling me where all the squishy, soft and fat parts of me were. At first I was upset because I am not a big fan of all the squishiness that is attached to my body. But then I began to recall the “squishy” people I love.

I remembered dancing with my Father at my wedding and how I can still remember how squishy he was around the middle every time I hugged him. I remembered my Great Grandmother and her skin that seemed to be falling off her arms that was squishy and soft as feathers. All of a sudden squishy didn’t feel so bad.

I think they will always remember how soft I am. By the way they were fighting over my squishy softness I know they each have a reason for loving it. It really made me think differently about my suqishiness. Maybe it’s not much but I know they will remember it and maybe they won’t remember all the times I yelled at them or made them clean their rooms . . . a girl can dream, right?

So proud of my boy for finally making it through a haircut without crying.

As an added bonus, I think it is super adorable that he calls haircuts shortcuts.

“Aww, thanks.” ~ Mommy while my heart was melting

Paul was lagging behind at Sea World and I had no idea what was taking him so long. I was about to loose patience with him when he presented me with this flower and spoke in the sweetest little voice.

“I know. That’s because I’m not Ethiopian!” ~ Kimberly

This may not seem like much but it was a very uplifting moment. Ethnicity/race/color of skin don’t matter to my kids.

When we adopted Paul I knew that we would be faced with comments like these. I knew Paul would be questioned by others. What I didn’t know was how much this would impact all my kids.

In one hand I hate that they have to hear comments like this. Which, thankfully, they just brush off (at least for now). On the other hand, they have a greater understanding and tolerance for the world. They know that character is what matters most.

“What are you talking about?” ~ Sandi

“Mr. Peanut, he’s my worst enemy!” ~ Kimberly

This was out of the blue as we were walking through Walmart tonight. She is so funny about how much she despises anything peanut. I guess if it could kill you, you’d be pretty afraid too.

She certainly has a flair for the dramatics.

“Even Dad can do that!” ~ Madeline

The kids agreed that if Dad could do it then the people didn’t have talent and shouldn’t move on.
Facts are Bill can fart with his armpit and many can’t. I can’t fart with my armpit, course I never spent even one moment trying.

“Mimster can you help me?” ~ Paul

“Annster will you play with me?” ~ Paul

“Kimster I love you.” ~ Paul

It is such a cute little Paulism.

He accidentally stepped on our standard poodle Lucy’s paw. He hugged her and said, “I’m sorry, Lucy.” Apparently, he didn’t get the response he was seeking for his thoughtfulness.

I had to laugh out loud on this one. It always amazes Annie and Kimberly when people confuse them. They can’t imagine how they would be confused since they look so different.

As you know we don’t have cable and only use a regular antenna. TV is not a major part of our life.

Paul will ask me “Can I watch tv?” at least 15 times per day. I allow him to watch one movie a day and one 30 minute show. That is enough in my opinion. His little mind needs to be doing other things, it needs to be learning by experience and trial and error. Every time I answer him “no” he gets upset and says, “aww you always say no.” While it is true, I do tell him no all the time, I am sure he wouldn’t have to hear it so often if he didn’t ask so often!

Annie has been sick for a couple of days. She has bronchitis. Last night I gave her some cough syrup with codeine. Guess it was working. Glad my girl got some rest and stopped coughing for a while.

Don’t think I have ever heard anyone describe themselves as a robot, but when I think about it it makes perfect sense.

Paul says this all the time. Ironically, it is just after he told someone what to do and I look at him. It is almost as though he is trying to convince himself.