This is hilarious!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/1191/time_for_some_campaignin#/teaser/1191

Framed (I guess)

I have to say that this challenge of taking a picture each day is proving to be a little above and beyond my creative genius (or lack there of). I truly struggle to think of something or become inspired by something every day. My creative side is definitely lacking. Perhaps I need a special IEP or modified list for the creatively deficient. A good list for me may be: 1. something red, 2. animal, 3. something square, etc. And, if necessary, I'll ride the short bus.

So anyway, again I ramble on and on and on. We have about a million pictures framed in our house. Most from different trips that we have taken and of the boys. These are the pictures that change with each passing year. I get the boys' pictures taken by themselves one time each year. Alex and Andy have pictures taken at school and I take the little guys to Target. Perhaps you notice that Alex's school picture is not hanging here. That is because the school photographer this year was appartently a little tipsy and unsteady on his feet when photographing Alex's class. Alex's school picture was almost diagonal he was so crooked. I had it hanging for a few months until Alex finally said, "please change that, I look weird." So, we replaced his school picture with one of his black belt pictures. When he got his black belt last August I took him to Target for pictures to comemorate the big event and they did a great job! The picture hanging here has him standing with all of his color belts draped around his neck. It's really cool.

Perhaps tomorrow will be a little bit easier. One can only hope.

Flat

Okay, this is a lame one I admit, but nonetheless...Here is a picture of my flat screen TV that I am going to watch tonight, alone, by myself, lonely and depressed. Oh, sorry, I'm rambling. CTP is in Boston "on business" so I'm stuck here with nothing to do but watch a made for the Disney channel movie, "Picture This" with Ashlee Tisdale from High School Musical. Yes, I'm a nerd and I like (okay love) High School Musical (1 and 2). I know you've all read my detailed profile so you already know that I love all musicals. I could sing some (or all) of HSM (1 and 2) for you any time you'd like. Call me now and I'll break into song. I also take requests (for a small fee.) Am I out of control with the parentheses tonight or what? I used to tell my family that I could save the musical industry a ton of money because I could perform "Miss Saigon" all by myself. They wouldn't need to hire any other performers. I could sing all of the songs and portray every character by myself. One time at band camp, I mean, when traveling with my family, they told me I was only allowed to sing the songs sung by one character. I was crushed and unable to contain myself. I actually think I missed my calling...

Effort

This one was an easy one for me. In the picture are most of my trophies and medals from the 2007-2008 tournament year. I am proud of my accomplishmens, but reaching my goal of becoming State Champ did take a great deal of effort. I practiced every day and was constantly looking for ways to improve. My supportive husband was my chauffer and critic during this year where atleast two weekends a month found us traveling to states far and near. Capt'n TP was never shy about telling me when I stunk up the joint (which luckily wasn't too often) and humored me on the car rides home by going over and over the results of each tournament. Although at some point during the year he decided my main competition (you know, the one who asked me to quit trying for all three) was kinda cute. Kinda suspicious...

Anyway, at some point I am going to convince Ninja Princess and Southern Belle to join me at tournaments. They are a great deal of fun. Trust me, it's much more fun to beat up someone you don't know than someone you take class with all the time. Plus, you are both fantastic and would do extremely well. I mean at one point Mr. D said to me, "I bet you're glad Tami didn't decide to compete this year" and "I bet Wendi could help you add some things to your XMA weapon form." So, obviously he thinks you'd both be successful. How about Slippery Rock on Sept. 27???? Okay, I'll stop bugging : )

Did you see THAT?

Look at those two wonderful boys helping mom with the dishes! How often do you see that? Me neither. The picture was staged because I was at a complete loss. I asked my family if they had any special talents that I could take a picture of and Capt'n Tightpants made Chewbacca noises (which I couldn't capture on film), Andy decided to shove blueberries up his nose, and Alex touched his foot to his nose. Since the youngest two are already in bed, I didn't get to inquire about their possible photo ready talents. Aidan's would probably be hitting one of his brothers while Aaron's would be making stinky diapers.

So, rather than risk a possible ER visit because of fruit stuck in places where it shouldn't be (don't let your mind wander any farther than blueberries and noses) I thought I'd take a picture of something truly mind-boggling - the boys helping around the house!

Color my world

This is the picture I originally thought of when I read the word for the day. However, Lady Leslie informed me over ice cream, that the rules state the picture must have been taken on the same day as the word and this one was not. However, I love this picture and decided to post it anyway. My boys do color my world a rainbow of colors. From bright, shiny yellow to dreary, dull gray. Luckily many more happy, sunny colors than dreary ones. :)

Since I can't officially use the picture of the boys, I'll be more cliche and use this one (which was taken today). I love my flowers. These impatiens are my favorite, especially when they haven't been gnawed on by the bunnies. Planting and maintaining flowers is one of my favorite spring and summer activities. This is the time of the summer when they are finally taking root and beginning to grow like crazy. All the rain hasn't hurt either! So, my flowers color my world.

Joining in the word game

In our house this is a big issue. Yes, even in July. As the big boys get older, they begin to question everything. Believing in Santa Claus is a big cause of consternation in this house. My most common response to the question, "Is there a Santa Claus?," focuses on believing in the magic of Christmas. So, even though it is the middle of summer, when I think of "Believe" this is the image that comes to mind.