Don't step on this!

Because that would be gross.

Sylas told me the caterpillar is mad at him because he stepped on it's baby a few days ago. I'd hate to see the bottom of that shoe.

Wanna laugh and be inspired at the same time???

Then visit here. My friend from ND wrote this, and as always she makes a very good point.  I also choose this day to love myself. Thanks Liz!!!

Our visit to an honest to goodness Virginian Jungle.

On Saturday in a desperate attempt to get the kids outside and away from the electronics, we took the kids for a nature walk. During the 20 minute drive there, Lohn asked the kids to tell him all the characteristics of a jungle. And then for the entire duration of the nature walk he pointed out various reasons why we actually lived in the jungle. I told him to stop, he was starting to convince them and how silly would it look when our 3rd grader insisted to his teacher in school that we live in the jungle???

The James river. And the cutest 4 kids on the planet.

Proof #1 that we do live in the jungle- Moss. Moss on everything. Rocks, trees, plants.

 We took this picture solely to show the moss on the trees. Also to show off our awesome kids.

Proof #2- Vines. Vines hanging from all the trees in various thickness and heights. Tarzan-worthy vines

 Proof #3- Curious Flora and Fauna. At his point, I was starting to warm up to the game, and I pointed to a spot behind Gunnar in the water and I said, "Look an alligator!" Ander condescendingly told me, "No Mom, they would be in the swamp, not the jungle." 

 Proof #4- Injuries. Gunnar got this scrape and what Lohn said to him is "Yep. That is what Jungles do. They grab you, chew you up and then spit you back out."

 Proof #5. More vines. The awesome climbing kind. We need this in our backyard.

Proof #6- Bugs. Seriously, just click on this and listen to the bugs. Ick.

This isn't proof, but Lohn told the kids that this is the entrance to Foo. Or maybe the bridge to Terrabithia. 

So what do you think? My husband has quite the imagination, yes? Are you convinced we live in the jungle? The kids aren't. "There weren't any monkeys, Dad!"

Journey to the Fringe

So my good friend from Notre Dame wrote a totally awesome book. If you are interested in a free book giveaway with her autograph, visit here. If you want to know more about her book, visit her website here.  I already have a copy, but it isn't autographed. So here's to hoping I win!

First day of school

My kids started school today!

Ander- 3rd grade. Isn't he a heart-throb?

 Gunnar- 1st grade. I'm gonna miss his cheery presence during the day.

Sylas- Preschool. He starts next week. And he's potty trained. 

Folks, this is the first time my house has been diaper free in almost 11 years. 

And the Beautiful Tamsyn. 5th grade. My baby is growing up. A lot.

I will also miss this. My kids make good slaves, and now I'm going to have to wash the dishes.