Hukd On Fonix

So we all remember the pink eye incident, right? Isabelle has been at it again. I called one of the moms in Izzy's class to RSVP for a birthday party. During the conversation, the mom starts thanking me profusely for her son's new found love of reading. "I owe it all to Isabelle--if she wouldn't have told me she did Hooked On Phonics, I never would have considered it!"

Pause. (My mouth is gaping open at this point in the conversation. Good thing I was on the phone.)

Of course Isabelle has never done Hooked On Phonics. It's probably a great product, but the only thing I've ever done is make fun of it. Not buy it. I really didn't know what to say. I think "ya...reading really opens up a whole new world for them..." escaped my lips.

Hooked On Phonics. Really, Isabelle? Seriously?

Someone Got a Haircut...

The End of the World

Isabelle just lost her second tooth, which is a good thing--it's been hanging on by a thread for days. However, she can't find it, which is a bad thing. Quite possibly the end of the world. After a lot of sobbing and squeaky words only dogs could hear, Luke and I figured out that she is afraid the tooth fairy will not come. After looking under the bed, under the dresser, and in the toybox for the tiny little tooth, she remembered something funny in her strawberry at lunch. Now she wants me to take her to the doctor so they can "use one of those beep beep things that they look for stuff in the ground" to see if the tooth is in her stomach. I wish I could still think like a 6 year-old.

Friends

When Luke and I moved into our neighborhood five years ago, there were no kids. None. We absolutely love our location, and we instantly fell in love with our neighbors. I knew that Isabelle and Dylan would really love some pals their age that lived nearby, though. Luck has definately been in our favor, because lately it seems that we are surrounded by good friends. Who live within walking distance. Awesome. We spent this afternoon playing, eating, and being silly with a handful of the neighborhood crew. What a cute little bunch!

Race For The Cure

Last year, I posted about the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. If I remember right, there were a few of you from out of town that expressed interest in participating. It's a great thing to be a part of--up to 75% of the proceeds from the race will stay in Salt Lake to support breast cancer programs. The remaining income goes directly to a Research Grants Program. I do the 5K walk with the kids, and Luke does the 5K run. There's also a 1 mile fun run. It's only $30 to enter, and you get a free t-shirt. That totally makes it worth it! If you want more information, click here. Let me know if you want to come!

Congratulations, John and Lori!

Welcome to the world, Lily! What a perfect little addition to the family! We are so happy for you guys--it couldn't have happened to two more deserving (and patient) parents. Nicholas, we know you'll be a great big brother! We love you all, and can't wait to meet this sweet little girl!

Watch Out, Picasso!

I know--I thought the same thing. Spitting image.

Edges Rule!

I can't think of many people who don't love the edges and corners of brownies. As far as I'm concerned, the middle doesn't even count. Earlier this week, my friend Stephanie gave me the pan pictured above, which is featured on the Baker's Edge website. Every brownie has at least two edges--can anyone say genius!? I just took it out of the box, and I'm browsing around the internet for a great brownie recipe to try. Any good ideas? If anyone has a fabulous recipe to share, please let me know!

Luke's response to this photo...

"Does it look like Dylan is flipping Jeff Gordon off in this picture?" (Luke can't stand Jeff Gordon, and no, Dylan doesn't even know what flipping off is--Luke was just being funny)

Milestones

I was standing in the preschool classroom, trying to help gather lunches and collect money. I got a text message from Luke asking if Dylan was having fun on his field trip. Not yet, I responded, we aren't on the bus. But Dylan was shaking. I mean really shaking. Asking every 30 seconds when we were going to be able to get on the bus. Is it time? Where is the bus? Can we get on the bus? How big is the bus? Does it go fast? I really don't think it mattered where the bus ended up, just as long as we were able to ride on it. And he didn't want to sit by me. He was content between his friends, so I took a backseat and thought how lucky I am to be able to watch my kids achieve these important milestones. Independence. Being social. Enjoying life, riding buses, and everything else that 4 year-olds do!

We went to an educational playroom on the west side of town. It was awesome. Clean, interesting, and a lot of fun. The kids had a blast! They could have stayed all day. Dylan and Isaac stopped long enough for me to snap this picture. This bridge was really high in the air--I am surprised it didn't scare the kids. I'm not a big fan of heights, so I opted for the stairs to take me to the other side of the room. I will definately take Isabelle and Dylan back. It was very reasonably priced, and the admission includes swimming.

Dylan shopped in the make-believe grocery store. He found a big jug of syrup. Hmmm...that should last him about a week.

Another quick picture before Dylan was off and running again. Don't you love his new hat? It has a monkey on the front of it. So perfect for him. It ended up being a great afternoon, and Dylan even sat by me on the bus ride back to school. Being a mom is the best job ever!