THE PARK POST

Sydney and I had a little date alone this afternoon and I wanted to remember some of her questions and comments. As a baby she was so calm and quiet. She must have been deep in thought because now she never stops asking questions. Too many sometimes, but they were priceless: How do baby's get inside the mommy's tummy? If there is an egg, when does the baby crack out of it? Why is there so much blood when a baby is born? How does the baby breathe with all of the blood and water in the shell? Tell me what the gross part about making a baby is? Jackson says there is a gross part that I need to know but he says I'm too young. Does that mean if I hug daddy do I get a baby in my tummy? When I grow up I want to be a cop. How come some people wear earrings in their nose? Why don't you wear an earring in your nose? So some people are bad and don't go to church and so they don't know they shouldn't put an earring in their nose. Why is it ok to put them in our ear...

Sydney performed a special program at school on Thursday. She wasn't feeling 100%, but the costume alone made up for her lack of enthusiasm. I thought they all looked darling.

There are few things we love better these days than a quiet day with nothing on the calendar. Mike went exploring in the backyard with McKell and Jackson.

One of the funniest things down here in the South are the slogans on church marquee boards. I keep meaning to take a picture of them, but I never seem to have my camera in the car when I see one. This is one of the best so far: "Without The Bread of Life, You Will Be Burnt Toast"

Paige performed a ballet solo for our YW Night of Excellence yesterday. She did a great job. She has been very dedicated to her dance over the last year and a half and worked really hard. She is preparing for The Nutcracker with Columbus Ballet, which is coming up soon. She has more rehearsals and practice than I wish to mention, but she loves every minute of it. She would live down at that studio if we let her. (Ms. Fisher would be upset with me starting almost every sentence with "She", right Paige?)

I think I am ready to strike when it comes to cooking. It doesn't matter what I make, someone is always complaining about it (except for my hubby of course who will eat anything under the sun). Maybe if I let them have McDonald's everyday for a month they might appreciate my cooking. I'm starting to get hives just thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. Seriously, should this really consume my time like it does?? The problem is I now have time to worry about it, I don't have the excuse of being too busy to cook. Yikes! Maybe I will start up that dance studio again and we'll go back to Hot Pockets, Mac N' Cheese, and hot dogs. :)

We spent Saturday afternoon at Callaway Gardens. This was the first time the kids were able to go (except for Paige who had rehearsal). I think they really enjoyed it. It is such a beautiful place and the weather was gorgeous.

It's refreshing to have a little one around that is a little more naive when it comes to thinking her parents are perfect. The older kids have figured out that Mike and I are not as perfect as they once thought we were. When they see us they don't look like they're very excited nor do they like hugging us like they used to. My older girls tell me often I have no fashion sense and want to pick out my clothes if I am coming into the school for any reason. But Sydney still loves hugging and telling me how much she loves me everyday. Yesterday she was watching Aladdin and she said, "Mom, Jasmine is so pretty. She looks just like you." I'm sure Sydney must see some hidden potential in me that is harder for me to see these days. I was dressed in my food-stained sweats, no make-up, pony-tail hair do, you know one of those days when you never get around to getting ready, and yet she still saw something beautiful in me. Thank you Sydney!!

Why am I the one stuck looking at the candy bowl all day?? It is cruel and unusual temptation.

Paige decided to be a model for Halloween I guess. he he McKell was a Mad Scientist Jackson was a vampire. It was a fight to get him to dress up. He only wanted to be the grim reaper and have a huge scythe in his hands. (I think he likes weapons a little too much) Syd was a clown. Hopefully that is obvious. Her make-up artist is a novice. The kids with McKell's friend Amber. The finished product Another striking pose The annual pumpkin carving tradition.