It's NOT My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To!

So the Monkey is one year older. Big deal! So she had a chocolate cake. Don't care! So she had a party. Ha! I don't know why she is so special today. Because she was born. Whatever, I was born too once. Besides who wants an old doll. That's what she got an old doll. You won't catch me touching that thing. Heh, heh, yeah I might touch it, but you won't catch me!!

How does that song go? Oh yeah...Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! You look like a Monkey and you smell like one too!

A Little Culture

Notes From the Boss


You might think that I spend my days just drooling and tasting my toys, but you would be wrong. I'm not saying that stuff isn't good. I quite enjoy it actually, especially the toy part, but I would like you know that I take time out to culture myself. Yes indeed. I'm all over culture and stuff. Why just this week I took time out to watch a ballet. Okay so, it was The Queen's ballet class, but it still counts. The dancing was...yeah I didn't see much of that. The stairs were awesome though, and I loved bouncing on Mom's legs. 

No culture with this one...none!

Yum...coffee! Just kidding..it's empty!

After a good ballet, there is nothing like a great cup of joe. I recommend the Peppermint Mocha at Dunkin Doughnuts. 

I think The Monkey had a little too much hot chocolate.

How to Enjoy a Meal

Notes From the Boss
Over the past few months I have discovered food. I find it to be quite good despite what The Monkey whispers in my ear. She claims that mom is trying to poison us and that the only food worth eating has sugar in it. I don't believe it. Thank goodness I ignored her because tonight I have tasted the most wonderful delicacy...pizza! Mom stayed home to nurse my sick sissy The Queen back to health and decided to make, yum, pizza. I say thank you Mom and thank you nasty stomach virus that forced The Queen on the couch and Mom into the kitchen.

The Secret is Out

Notes From the Boss

Well Mom has started teaching and things have been pretty hectic here. I've tried to help out around the house. I cooked, vacuumed, and set the table. I even tried to pick the dust bunnies off the floor. Mom didn't appreciate any of it. Then I realized what I could do. I'm taking over this blog! I know just where to start...

Boss making dinner.

It was morning. Mom and the Sisters were in the kitchen making all kinds of racket. I told them to hush and let the Boss get some sleep. Instead of quieting down, Mom comes bustling into the room and scoops me out of bed. She's all cheery and smiling, so I go with it. The Sisters are finishing up breakfast and Mom is barking out orders. It was just a normal morning. Then I saw it, a pile of bags by the door. Before you knew it the bags were in the car, the Sisters were in the car, Mom was in the car, and I was in the car.

In no time at all, we had landed at school and I was unloaded, yes unloaded into a little classroom. I watched in awe as Mom kissed me and walked out with the Sisters following. I sat there stunned. What was going on here? I thought and thought and then BAM it hit me. I'm a demigod!

Boss vacuuming.

You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. For weeks the Sisters have been listening to these stories about Percy Jackson. I tried to listen, but I got bored and fell asleep most of the time. These stories were about a boy (like me) who had discovered he was the son of Poseidon. He had to go to Camp Half-Blood to learn how to defend himself and be awesome. I couldn't figure out why we were listening to it until now. I was being given a warning. I had heard the Sisters talking. The Queen kept saying she was the daughter of Athena. The Monkey said she was the daughter of Aphrodite. (I'm still not sure about that one.) They must have been telling the truth. They were demigods too! We were all at Camp Half-Blood together!

I thought I might be a son of Poseidon like Percy. I like the water. No, not close enough to the ocean. I could be the son of Zeus. I am the Boss. Perhaps I was the son of Dionysus. I love food. Then I knew it. Oh yeah, I'm a son of Apollo. The sun doesn't come up until Dad gets up. Also, Dad likes music and makes silly poetry. But the clincher were the cows. Yep, Dad owns cows just like Apollo. Could it be possible that I'm even more awesome? Yeah, it is!

Me being awesome!

Despite the groundhogs foraging, we did manage a few beans this year. When I say a few, I mean "My gosh! That's it?" Usually I'm canning green beans for several days and Mr. Farmer is picking two or three feed buckets full from each row. That amounts to anywhere from 32 quarts to 48 quarts of beans. This year he brought me one and a half feed buckets full of beans...from all four rows. That amounts to exactly 10 quarts. Yeah, don't know if that was worth the effort of digging out the pressure canner. I curse you groundhog!

The Monkey and the Boss help can beans.

Despite the poor showing this year, we are still in good standing as far as our beans are concerned. Because of the good years we have had, I have beans a plenty. Pressure canning green beans is a fairly easy endeavor and not nearly as complicated as one might think. Remember I learned how to do it, and so far I haven't blown anything up. The recipe I use has been passed down from Mr. Farmer's great-great-grandmother. It is fairly basic and has been updated for today's safer and not so temperamental pressure canners.

I can bush green beans. When I first got married, I tried making them without canning them. Yuck! They are really tough. I also tried serving them without seasoning them thinking they would be like the kind you get in the grocery store. Well, we use a lot less salt I suppose because they were too bland to eat. Over the years I have learned how to cook them so that they satisfy the picky palates of my family and my need for healthy cuisine. I was forced to succumb to bacon as a seasoning because you just can't make good green beans without it. After many trial and errors, this is the recipe that won over the hearts my family.

Cook two strips of bacon in a dutch oven or medium pot. When it is crisp, I remove the bacon and empty out as much of the bacon grease from the pot as I can. I want the flavor but not all the fat. At this point you can saute a chopped onion in the bacon drippings, but I usually leave this out. Just lazy I guess. Then I dump in 1 quart of canned green beans (or you can use fresh, but you will have to cook it longer and add enough liquid to cover the beans). I also throw in 1 tsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a dash of pepper. I crumble up the bacon and toss it back in the pot as well, but you can leave it out if you want. I bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The bacon makes it salty enough for Mr. Farmer and the Queen, and the sugar adds a hint of sweet for the Monkey. I'm happy because everyone eats their green beans.

Notes from the Boss

No bacon in here!

I don't know anything about those green beans. My green beans are all mushed up and don't have bacon anywhere. I think I'm getting cheated. I watched Mom can those green beans. I didn't see any bacon there either. The Queen sings the praises of bacon and so does Dad. I think I need some of that bacon, but I don't think I'm going to get any from Mom.

All fenced in

She isn't the only one who is trying to keep me down. The sisters have started complaining that I don't play fair. They claim that there are no giants that knock down towns and eat people in their games. I disagree. I think every game needs a giant, and I make the perfect one. The Monkey crossed the line when she fenced me in the other day. She said I could play with anything inside the fence. Um, there wasn't anything in there but fence. I explained that to her and then took what I needed from her stuff. Problem solved!

The Expert

We have returned from our trip to Memphis where Farmer Dad learned about all things dairy and the Boss and I toured the luxurious Peabody Hotel. The Boss made quite an impression and received the royal treatment from the staff. He of course wasn't surprised and expected it. The three of us also took a little side trip to Graceland, the home of Elvis. The Boss was not impressed, so while Farmer Dad took his time and caught up on a little trivia, the Boss and I took the express tour. We finished by nursing in the gazebo next to the memorial. He felt this was not only necessary but quite appropriate. The 100+ degree heat was unbearable that day. When I commented to Farmer Dad, he laughed it off saying he works in it everyday. I reminded mister smarty pants that he didn't work in it with a 16 pound baby strapped to his front and that it really was time to go!

Leaving Graceland

While we were walking in Memphis, the sisters were living it up at Camp Nanaw's, the camp where dreams come true. In truth that is how it works. You dream it and the crew (the Awesome Aunts) work to make it happen. You dream that you had a theater? Poof! The civil war tent becomes Mockingbird Theater complete with lights, carpets, furniture, and plush chairs. It is the ultimate theatrical hideout for little girls who love to perform. You dream about being a famous chef? Poof! Dishes just the perfect size for small hands are found and before you know it you are making cobblers and casseroles and enjoying them with your own personal tea set. It is Disney without the high price tag.

Getting ready for Camp Nanaw

My girls love Camp Nanaw, and look forward to it every year. When they come home, we hear for a week how things were done at Camp Nanaw and how they wish they were still there. They make plans to build a house in the woods across the street or learn to fly so they can fly there everyday. None of these superior ideas are practical, so instead they have to be satisfied with recreating it the best they can. Yesterday we were  doing just that as they made baked apples in their tiny pie plates and brewed a cup of Sweet Orange tea.  The whole time I was coached on how Nanw did it. You need to use the butter on the dish Mom. Nanaw uses dark tea. We need lots of sugar. Don't double dip the spoon because the sugar will clump.

The treats were served and tasted. The Monkey sighed and looked at me. "You tried your best, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but Nanaw just makes it better." Oh well, I'm not an expert...yet.

Notes From the Boss

I highly recommend the Peabody Hotel to any baby needing a little break from the daily grind. Crawling, eating, pooping, and napping can be such a drain on little fellows like us. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all and relax. The Peabody provides just the right balance of fun and rest. There is always something new to see and plenty of floor space when you need to stretch your legs. The food is spread on tables and you are encouraged to eat all you want. Just as it should be. Everyone appreciates your cuteness and are eager to wait on you. The pool is just warm enough for little bodies and nothing relaxes you more than a night swim. Should you crave a little night time fun, Beale street is full of crazies that never cease to amaze. Or, you can just go downstairs and talk to the family of ducks that live in the fountain.

Finally, when you are done for the night you can retire to your bedroom and cozy up in a fluffy bed just for you. Ah, good times. My only question is, "When do we go again?"

Growing Like Weeds

The rains kept us out of the garden, but not the weeds. When Dad went to check on the garden, he had to do some serious tilling before the girls and I could work in there. Still the weeds weren't the only things that benefited from the rain. Before we left for the beach, the garden was dry and looking rather dismal. Now, greenery has exploded from every corner. The beans have bounced back from the groundhog attack, the corn is big enough for the girls to hide in, and I believe the squash is plotting a coup behind the tomato plants backs. With the out of control growth has come the first fruits of our labor. I have pickled some cucumbers and sauteed some zucchini. Yum! In my opinion the best way to eat zucchini is sliced and sauteed in a little olive oil with salt and pepper. I purposely get a little carmelization on it (burnt according to the Monkey and the Queen) to make it so sweet.

Not everyone in family shares my passion for undressed squash though.Truthfully nobody in the family shares my passion for squash. Their mantra is "Squish the squash!" So, when I get a bumper crop I have to get creative because these guys will have none of it. Squash casserole will not cut it, so I turn to my trusty La Leche League: Whole Foods for the Whole Family cookbook. There is a recipe for zucchini boats that the family likes and will eat without being threatened.

Zucchini Boats
6 small zucchini ( or 3 overgrown ones)        1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper
2 T. oil                                                           1/2 c. sliced celery
1/2 t. each rosemary and basil                     1/4 to 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 t. oregano                                                 4 to 5 tomatoes, chopped
1 T. chopped fresh parsley                          1 C. cottage cheese
3 cloves of garlic, minced                           2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 C. chopped onion                                    1 C. bread crumbs


Cut zucchini into halves lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving sturdy shells intact. Reserve pulp and shells. Heat oil in heavy skillet. Add rosemary, basil, oregano, salt, parsley, garlic, onion, pepper, celery and mushrooms. Saute for 2 min. Add reserved zucchini pulp and tomatoes. Cook until zucchini is tender; remove from heat. Add cottage cheese, stirring until melted. Place zucchini shells in greased baking dish. Spoon 11/2 T. Cheddar cheese in each shell; top with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and remaining Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Yield: 12 servings


Now, I adjust it for our tastes. First I leave out the green peppers, celery, and tomatoes. I don't want to push it. I also add beef because the family likes meat and we have half a cow in the freezer. I also leave out the bread crumbs...just lazy. I also sub garlic powder for garlic. I don't make them eat the shell, just the inside. I freeze leftovers and then pull them out to chop and add to plain tomato sauce to make spaghetti sauce. I love a dish that multitasks!

Notes From the Boss

I have discovered that the garden is really a playground. Yes, it is true. I knew my food was in there somewhere, but I didn't know I was going to get to play with it. I saw the girls hiding in the corn, and then it dawned on me that the real purpose of the garden was for sneaking. If Mom would just put me down, I would slither into the garden like a little snake. Then when the sissies were playing, I would pop out and strike out like a baby python. Oh, that would be so much fun! The sissies would scream, but I would slither to the squash and hide under the big leaves. It could be like my little house. Yeah, good times. Oh, and Mom you aren't going to fool me with your covert operations in the kitchen. I will sniff out the squash and squish it!

Groundhog's Day

Nothing makes me madder than a freeloader, especially when that freeloader is furry with four legs. The girls, the boss and I went to tend to the garden the other day and were met with a horrific sight. The tops of the beans on two rows had been eaten. Something had decided it wanted a midnight snack and had made itself at home. By the looks of it, the thing had brought the whole family along.

Now, I get that the animal is only feeding itself and on an enlightened plane of thought I can appreciate that. Far be it from me to deny an animal its right to eat. BUT I draw the line at my garden. That is for me and mine and I'm not in the mood to share with strange critters looking for an easy meal ticket. So I marched to the shop to elicit the advice of my husband. Farmers are the most resourceful individuals because in their line of work it is a necessity. They also know how to work with nature as well as how to battle nature on its home turf.

Groundhog trap

Farmer Dad decided to set a groundhog trap in the garden in hopes of catching the sneaky thing. He also enlisted the help of  the Great White Hunter, his dairy man (the guy who milks the cows), who is an avid hunter. Well neither solution worked. In the end, nature took care of it. There were actually three groundhogs noshing on my beans. A random car got one of them, Farmer Dad took out another, and his dad took out the last one. It just goes to show you that an easy meal makes you lazy and careless. Just think about Peter Rabbit. It is always best to follow the advice of mother bunny and stay out Mrs. Bright's garden!

Notes From the Boss

I can't let my guard down for a minute. I went to bed one night and thieves invaded the garden. Mom was mad. Now don't let her mild demeanor fool you. As my sissys will tell you, it is not good to get on her bad side and that groundhog was definitely on Mom's bad side. I thought the trap was interesting, but wasn't sure how a groundhog would fall for it. I mean think about it. The little groundhog walks along and sees some apples. Yum, he says. I think I'll eat these apples. Oh, look no I'm supposed to go into a cage. No matter, I love apples! Yeah, not Dad's brightest idea even if it is humane. I preferred the Great White Hunter's approach and offered to help with the stake out. Dad said no. Mom said no. The sissys laughed. In the end Dad and Grandpa went Elmer Fudd on the groundhogs...only they didn't get away like Bugs Bunny. Problem solved.

The Beach Life

Relaxing at Destin Commons

We took a break from gardening and went on vacation. Yes, while Dad stayed to tend to the cows, the Boss, the Queen, the Monkey and I escaped to the beach with my family. The sea was salty, the sand was sandy, and every bit of it was fun. There is truly nothing like a little rest and relaxation to make you feel human again.

The girls playing in the surf.

The girls spent most of their time rolling in the surf like mermaids while the Boss spent his days finding ways to be carried around. He discovered that Pepaw was a softy and so made an easy target!

The girls getting a little crazy at the Whataburger.

Enjoying a delicious meal at The Back Porch

Feeding the fish at Fish Lips

Nothing like filling your belly and falling asleep!

When we were back on the farm the girls told me how much they missed the ocean, their cousins, and the crazy aunts that drank Coca-Cola for breakfast. They also wanted to know when they were going to get to do that!

Future pilots at the National Naval Aviation Museum

Notes From the Boss

Enjoying a little sun, sand, and surf.

After driving and driving and driving, we finally arrived at the biggest pond I have ever seen! All of Dad's cows could fit in this thing and still have room to swish around. The water kept coming in and going out making a pounding noise that was just so exciting. I'm going to tell Dad to put a pond like that on the farm. Yeah, that would be good. Cousin O was there as well. I had to explain to her about my toys and how she couldn't touch them. I tell you what...girls just don't listen. Also, her mom had to explain to her that I wasn't a drum. My mom said she was just excited to see me...whatever Mom. I think next time I'm going to be excited to see her. What do you think about that Mom? In the end it was okay because Pepaw understood. He would scoop me up out of danger and show me the sights. I like that old guy. He is just about my speed.

Hanging with my godmother (who loves me best!)

The Battle Begins

The call to arms has been sounded. The War of the Weeds has begun. Last year the weeds won, but I was handicapped. I was growing reinforcements for our side, and I couldn't bend over very well. But this year the Boss is here. This year I am ready. I have assembled my troops. The weeds will not survive.

Okay, so my "troops" aren't very hardened (except that weathered guy in the back), but give them a few years and they will be unstoppable. Until then, I'll just have to work with what I have.

The Boss has appointed himself general. He surveys the battles from the comfort of his stroller. The Monkey and the Queen take turns pushing him in the shade as he shouts encouragements. Meanwhile, one lucky soldier and I hack and pull at the ferocious weeds. No survivors is our motto. When necessary Dad pulls out the artillery, the rototiller, and finishes the weeds off in a sneak attack at night.

We have planted six rows of corn, four rows of bush beans, four tomato plants, some squash, and some cucumbers. It is ambitious, but think of the delicious fruits of our labor.

Notes From The Boss

I am General Boss. From my noble steed, Stroller, I survey the battleground. I take my job very seriously. Mom is fighting on the front line. Someone needs to keep the soldiers focused and busy. That is my job. So, up and down the gravel drive I go making sure that everyone is doing their part. I even check on Dad as he works on the farm. Sometimes the Queen tries to abandon me in the shop so she can sneak and read her book.One time the Monkey even tried to strand me in an apple tree. No matter because Mom's eagle eye seeks me out and everything is put right. Weeds beware. I, General Boss, will not rest until every last one of you is gone!

Good Endings

With the school year coming to a close, I feel a need to brag on my children's accomplishments. So here is my Mother's Brag Sheet for the year.

The Queen won first place in a youth poetry contest at the county level. Then she went on to win second place at the district level for her poem "Dance" earning her $5.00. Then she won April's Child Abuse Awareness Poster Contest for the county earning her a $10.00 Wal-Mart card. Finally she won third place in the school's Accelerated Reader competition earning a $50.00 Wal-Mart card. She has taken her spoils and bought an iPod Shuffle. The Queen has learned that using your talents and working hard really pays off!

The Monkey's mammal poster comparing cows and humans won at the school level. She went on to win Grand Champion (Kindergarten level) at the County Science fair. At her Kindergarten graduation, she received the Starburst award for being a budding star/actress. The Monkey has learned that glasses really do make you smarter and get you noticed!

Finally, Dad was mentioned in an article on farmers and social media. Also, DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) is featuring farmers who use social media to promote dairy on their website. Guess who is going to be featured in July? That's right...Dad. The article will highlight his blog "Silo Skies." I don't know if the article will mention his undercover cow blog "The Udder Side", but it does give a more humorous view of farming. I'm not sure Dad has learned anything from this, but his excitement for twittering and blogging has increased. This translates to more time in front of the computer. That's okay. Everyone here is getting used to a three-way conversation with him - Dad, you, & the computer. Still, I can't help but wonder if there are any lucrative opportunities lurking around the next corner. Maybe a book...."Of Farmers and Dairy Cows"? You never know.

Notes From the Doctor Boss

Ahem! How soon we forget Mom. I couldn't help but notice that everyone was mentioned up there but ME. Peoples this is a sad mistake and I must toss it up to my Mom's post feverish brain. That's right. The woman was sick. It all started Friday morning when she woke up feeling 'not quite right.' The next thing you know she was running a fever and moping around the house. Thank goodness Doctor Boss was here to save the day. I prescribed the standard regimen of nurse and nap. Yeah that made me feel good, but Mom is such a whiner. She complained that she wasn't getting any better, so we took a field trip to a specialist, a primary care doctor. Well he was impressed with my obvious skills, and I was complimented on my good looks and charisma. In the end, Mom survived and is back to normal. I take all the credit for her speedy recovery, and I look forward to my next challenge. Oh  by the way, I do make house calls.

The Excitment of Motherhood

For Mother's Day I wanted to send my Mom a card. So I strapped the Boss in his Sash carrier and off we went. He fell asleep before I'd walked from the car to the store, so he was no help. As it turned out, I didn't need any help. I spotted the card right away.

On the front of the card was a mom sipping her coffee looking very relaxed while the baby tears apart her purse, the dog knocks over a vase, and the kid plays ball in the house. The quote on the front says that her life got more fun when she started calling her tensions, excitements.

The neighbors cows making our drive to school more exciting.

I'm the oldest of ten so it is a given that my mom had plenty of excitement in her life...and still does. I didn't fully appreciate it though until my family started getting more exciting. Now when the Monkey resists the healthy offerings at dinner and accidently spills her milk on the floor, I know dinner just got more exciting. When the Queen rolls her eyes after being told to put up her clothes, the evening takes on an exciting energy. When the Boss decides that his butt must always be at least four feet off the floor or in the nursing position, it is going to be an exciting day. And when my husband stomps across my newly mopped floor in his dirty barn boots, my life just continues to be exciting.

My sister's children making her evening a little more exciting.

So I want to say hats off to all those mothers out there and their very exciting lives!

A Note From the Boss

Playing dress up with the Monkey.

I know all about exciting situations. Look at me up there. The Monkey has dressed me up in blue sequins. I don't think boys wear blue sequins, do they? Oh brother! What if one of my friends had seen me. Oh, how humiliating....I mean exciting. Mom help me!

When Good Stuff Happens

In my previous blog "Stuff Happens," I detailed the plumbing disaster at our house. In the midst of that craziness, I heard something very non-chaotic. I had asked the Queen to entertain the Boss while Dad and I cleaned. She had grabbed a book and was reading to the Boss. He was riveted. I was impressed.

As a teacher, I always stress the importance of reading. As a mother, I struggle to find the time. Still when parents ask me how to improve their child's reading fluency, I tell them to read and read often. I tell my students that you can't be a star football player sitting on the bench. You have to practice. The same is true about reading. Great readers...read.

My Five Tips for Developing Great Readers

1. It is never too early to start. No, they don't know the words...yet. They do love cuddling and listening to your voice though, so don't discount the good reading ju ju you are creating.
2. If your child doesn't like one book, try, try another genre. Children each have their own style and their books should reflect that. The Queen loves mysteries, but the Monkey loves princesses and scary stories (preferably together). Who knew?
3. Don't stop the read aloud when your child can read. A child can listen on a higher level than they can read. Imagine the great discussions not to mention the stellar vocabulary development. Remember you are your child's most important teacher. For more on reading aloud, check out Jim Trelease's Home Page or enjoy an excerpt from Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook. 
4. Illicit the help of older siblings (if they are willing) when reading to younger ones. You will enjoy the hands free time, the younger child likes the positive attention from big brother or sister, and the older child is getting more practice. It's a winning situation.
5. Always be sure to have plenty of reading material. We have books and magazines stashed all over the house, but our favorite place to go for books is the public library. You can't beat free! Check out your local public library. The trip is free, the cost is zero, and the kids will thank you.

For more fun facts visit Ten Facts Parents Should Know About Reading by Jim Trelease.

Try these sites for great lists to get you started:

New Children's Literature Reviews

Reading is Fundamental Reading List

Jim Trelease's Book List

The Treasury of Read Alouds

Reading is Fundamental Home Page

Notes From the Boss

I listened to the Queen, and I was inspired. I decided to try out that reading thing myself. The only thing I had handy was Mom's LL.Bean catalog. I figured why not. Mom started reading on a Sears catalog. My conclusion, interesting information and tasty illustrations, but it didn't hold up to multiple readings. I think I might try something sturdier next time. Maybe I should pick up one of those board books Mom keeps on the bookshelf in the hallway. Now, I just got to figure out how to get to the hallway. Hmmm...

Stuff Happens

So, I'm washing dishes as I prepare to cook dinner, and I step in a puddle.
"Good grief!" I say thinking, "Did those girls spill something?"
I check my anger and think logically. "It could be me. I am washing dishes."
I begin to investigate. The lip of the sink is dry. I bend down to the floor and see dripping from the cabinet. Still in denial I think,"Maybe it is dripping down the cabinet front."
Closer inspection finds that area dry as well. I know that I need to open the cabinet, but I'm frightened of what I might find. I take a deep breath, unhook the child safety lock and swing the door open. A lake greets me with my cleaning supplies floating in pools of water. My well managed evening has been washed away.

It turns out that one of the pipes had been knocked and then loosened. This was probably done by me as I'm the only one who would voluntarily clean anything. Then when the dishwasher emptied, the force of the water flowing through the pipes separated the offending pipe and water cascaded from it into the cabinet. Thus a tiny waterpark was born.

Needless to say, my dinner prep was forgotten as I quickly emptied out the cabinet. Before long every counter space/chair was full, and I had a toddler size dehumidifier parked in the floor in front of the only counter available for food prep. I did manage a dinner of sorts that night. I don't have a meaningful message though about overflowing pipes other than to say,"Doesn't it just stink when 'stuff' happens?"

A Note From the Boss

I remember that night well. There I was swinging in my farm swing thinking about cows and chickens. I really like cows, but I'm not still not sure about chickens. All of sudden there was a loudly spoken word I don't think I'm allowed to repeat. Then the Sisters were being called. Dad walks through the door and the barnyard was buzzin'. Later I explained to Mom about pipes overflowing. I told her that's why they make diapers and drool bibs. I think she'll take my advice. I'm tellin' you people...Listen to the Boss because the Boss knows.

Reaching Milestones

Everyone was reaching milestones last week. The Queen had another visit from the tooth fairy. The Monkey participated in a one hour Trike-a-Thon for St. Jude's Hospital. The Boss learned to pull hair and went to his first movie, Hop. He doesn't remember much because he decided he was hungry. He conked out before the opening credits finished.

But the biggest milestone reached last week ...no not Congress passing a budget...the Boss finally rolled over! Like Congress, the Boss had been working on it all week keeping the house on edge. The Sisters tried to help by showing him how easy it was to roll. He watched, but wasn't convinced. We waited to see the outcome of all the grunting, complaining, and pleading. Would he roll over before the country shut down? The tension was maddening. Then Saturday morning came. As the country breathed a sigh of relief we clamored in excitement for a front row seat as the Boss finally rolled over.

Notes From the Boss

You know what can I say. I worked hard and I trained everyday. I want to send a special thanks to the Queen for helping me improve my technique. I also want to send a special shout out to the Monkey for all her encouragement. It was her excitement that kept me going. Of course I can't forget to thank Mom and Dad for pushing me...really sometimes I got stuck. What do I plan to do next? Well, the Queen and I have talked about starting a band. I'll play the maracas.