Pimp My Locker. Pthhhhhhhhhhbbbbbbbbbbbbbbpt!

In reading this weeks Manic Monday Mission, I was led to believe that I have a locker full of lifes hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

I've been on this two year quest of figuring out just who I am and what it is that's supposed to be in my locker of life. Any other week, I probably could have told you at least one or two points. This was a BUSY week though.

Just a huge reminder that it's so easy to just live in the life of my kids instead of my own.

Other weeks, I have pretty good balance between kids, work, and the rest that is Sula. This week.....

Well, let's just request that if you find my locker, please fill it up with fun and laughter and give it back!

Vote!

Before






After










I voted today.





I always vote. It is a right that was fought hard for and one that should be respected by exercising.





This year's presidential election is History in the making though. It's a BIG deal. So I went with my friend C and we took pics. Yeah. i'm a dork. But this was HISTORICAL!



No matter what the outcome on Tuesday night, an historical event would have happened. We are either going to have our first black President or our first woman Vice President. HOW COOL IS THAT????

Remember when we were kids? How far removed from the elections we were? I remember in first grade the teachers pulling us all into one big room to watch "something" about the president. Don't remember what it was, but it had something to do with President Ford.

Today, I'm amazed at how much both my children know about the election. And they CARE about it too! Projects came home last year about past Presidents and the current President.

We watched every debate this year. and my children were glued to the tv. We got to talk about freedom of choice and how our political views are very personal to us as individuals.

And they asked constantly, "Have you voted yet???", "Don't forget to vote!", "You have to vote, Mom!"

When I told them this morning that today was the day, they cheered.

Somebody is doing something right. And I think it's all of us. I think I'm doing a good job talking about how important it is, that their school is doing a great job and my village is doing a great job.

At the end of the summer, I was at a good friends house nursing a cracked heart. There ended up being about 6 of us sitting outside. Politics came up and divisions were apparant. Yet we were still able to have a positive discussion. My children were there to witness it and an example of the importance definately set in.

So if you haven't voted yet, make sure to put it on your calendar for Tuesday.

GO VOTE!!!!

Bu and Me - by Bean

Beanie really is a great photographer. She takes better pics than I do!

This is a pic from Cousin's wedding.

3rd Annual Frog Party

Ever read the book, Go, Dog, Go!?

Well, it's a fave around here and about 4 years ago, I turned it into Go, Frog, Go! because I like frogs. (no, not to eat. sheesh).

So now, my kids throw me a "Frog Party" every year for my birthday. This is the third year in a row. I hope they always do it. it's such a fun thing.

However.... We seem to be a tad short on frogs this year! LOL. Anywho. the party was grand and here's some pics.

Bean and Bu and all the stuffed friends they invited. There is ONE frog in there!

Posers.

The table decorated complete with seat assignments

They invited a few ponies too...

I think my favorite part is where they take a bunch of their toys and wrap them up individually and "give" to me. Or it could be all the little froggie drawings they do. or this year, I think the Frog Habitat that Bean made at school specially for the party when's the fave part.

Most of all - I love how my children take the time and the effort to sing songs, plan a party, decorate AND clean it up, all to celebrate my birthday. I have great kids.

GiggleFest

There are many moments as a parent that you think, "Wow, I love being a parent." (yeah, yeah, there are lots when you say something else too....) but then there are those rare moments that you know you are going to hold on to forever. Not because it was a precious moment. Not because your ultra-smart kiddo said something profound. Not because at that moment you are sure that your kid is going to become president someday.

No... not because of any of those.

But because you can't stop giggling at an occurence that you are going to tell the story of for the rest of your life.

Bu and I had one of those today. I've been stressed because I have sewing stuff all over my living room. I'm trying to finish a project quickly so I can clean the mess up. Bu kept talking and interupting me. So I gave her one of her valentine lollipop's to shut her up. She was happy and went on to start an art project.

About 5 minutes later I hear a blood curtling scream that only Bu can pull off. She had lost her lollipop. I thought I would blame it on the dogs, but the little dog was put away and the big dog had been laying peacefully at my feet.

I needed a break so I went on a lollipop hunt with Bu. We looked EVERYWHERE. In the fridge, in the art supplies, all her hidey holes and even the bathroom. then she turned around and there it was.

A heart shaped lollipop stuck on her butt. I've been laughing so hard since that I just can't get a breath.

When I started laughing she got upset, so i pulled it off and said, "you had it the WHOLE time." She said, "Thanks Mom!" Stuck it in her mouth and literally skipped off back to do her art project.

I'm still giggling. a lot.

On the day my children were baptized

They were healthy, happy and absolutely beautiful. Their wonderful wonderful aunt bought these dresses for them that fit each's personality to a "T". Bu's dress was wild, with stripey socks, one clean shoe and one dirty shoe. Bean's dress was so very very soft and feminine.

Thank you to all of my "Village" that came to support us and all those that couldn't but sent us their thoughts and blessings.

First Day of 1st Grade

She looks so grown up! When did this happen?