I Swear

At the end of 2009, I received an envelope from Kyle's school bus company. In it I was surprised to find a citation for misbehavior on the bus. I was especially surprised to see what was marked:

I couldn't believe it. Profanity!?! I couldn't imagine my Kyle using big-boy bad words. Are we already at that stage of childhood? I was really scared to keep reading. What did he say? And to whom? I began ordering all the swear words in my head from least offensive to most offensive and tried to figure out where Kyle may have landed on the scale. My heart sank as I mourned the inevitable loss of innocence of my seven year old. I was so NOT ready for this stage of parenthood.

I took a deep breath, steeled myself and prepared for the worst as I turned to the section detailing the offense. Here it what it said.

(Warning: this next section contains a remark that is profane and/or offensive)

What?!? "Dumb-Dumb Poopy Head"? Are you serious? I tried so hard not to laugh, especially because Kyle was standing right next to me. It was difficult because I was so relieved and needed an outlet for the all tension I was holding in. I was so happy to read those four words! I wanted to dance around and sing "Dumb-Dumb Poopy head" over and over at the top of my lungs. Instead, I took a few deep breaths and attempted my most serious face for a talk about appropriate language and how our choice of words make others feel.

Later that night, after giggling my way through an explanation to Marc (out of Kyle's earshot) we met as a family and decided to make a New Year's resolution to clean up our language. We instituted a fine jar to help us. As you can see, the words are quite sophisticated:

And since it's inception, not only has the taboo list grown, but there is a lot more silver at the bottom of the jar! Here's to a healthy, happy, and, especially for our family, a clean 2010. Happy New Year!

Very Merry

Here are a few highlights from our festivities this year.

This year was Sean's first Christmas. He celebrated by eating his fair share of wrapping paper. Every time I turned around he had something new in his mouth! I half expected to find his the contents of his diaper wrapped prettily in festive paper that night.

Kyle and I kept up our tradition of gingerbread house baking and decorating. Do you think we used enough candy this year? We had a lot of fun working together and decided this was just a bit more fun than building with Legos because we could eat it afterwards!

Speaking of Legos, we were all a bit bummed out this year because we left our Christmas decorations in storage in Utah, including our very kid-friendly nativity set which Kyle loves to play with. I thought that he would freak out when he realized it wasn't here, but instead Kyle declared that he would make our nativity set this year. He ran to his room and after a few minutes, this is what he came back with.

( L to R: Wise man with gift, Mary, baby Jesus in Manger, Joseph, shepherd with sheep)

We're missing two of the wise men and the sheep is almost as big as a camel, but I have to admit, even looking at it now, I'm one proud mama. It doesn't have flourish or polish, but it's got the basics. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

We hope you are enjoying this holiday season and wish you the best in the New Year!

Too Cool for School

Seven inches of snow and -12 degree temperatures can only mean one thing: SNOW DAY! Not only were we excited for the first snowfall this winter, but it was especially exciting because it was Kyle's first snow day. School let out early on Tuesday due to a monster winter storm and we were completely snowed in on Wednesday. Temperatures are still below freezing so we're home again today. The weather might sound frightening to you and me, but to a seven year old boy, this is heaven! Kyle and his friend Simon made the best of the weather and spent hours sledding, throwing snowballs and making snow forts.

Field of Dreams

Even Sean got in on the fun. He was thrilled to have Kyle home and even more excited to get out and explore the snow. What a wonderful way to spend your half-birthday, huh?

Six months and counting...

This storm hit most of the nation pretty hard, so I hope this finds you all safe and well!

WANTED!

Two happy, healthy boys, last seen Thanksgiving Day.

Approach with caution, they are highly contagious.

Known associates: two sleep-deprived parents.

iTunes Killed the Radio Star

In this digital music age of on-demand, commercial-free music provided by iTunes, Rhapsody, Pandora, etc., radio is falling by the wayside. Just the other day while driving in the car, Kyle asked me to replay a song we were listening to on the radio. When I told him I couldn't go back because it was "live" he was disappointed but accepted it by saying, "Well then, when we get home can you at least put in on my iPod so I can listen to it later?"

I didn't go as far as downloading the song for Kyle, but we did look it up on YouTube.

This isn't the song Kyle requested, but here is one of music videos we pulled up on YouTube, "Here It Goes Again" by OK GO, which is always a hit in our house. If you haven't seen it before (and even if you have) I guarantee, it'll bring a smile to your face. Happy Monday!

Watch OK GO...On Treadmills in Music | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Rock Bottom

After a four-day, Halloween candy bender, I went to the Halloween bucket only to find the dregs - 2 green apple Twizzlers, 1 mint chocolate 3 Musketeers, a piece of taffy and 4 pumpkin erasers.

As I contemplated the appeal of the erasers, I realized that I had hit rock bottom - both literally & figuratively. I wonder if the Betty Ford Center treats sugar addiction...

I ate the 3 Musketeers.

Tricks and Treats

When I went to download the Halloween pictures from my camera today I found this picture that Kyle took while my back was turned.

Maybe he has a future as a ninja after all.

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!