More pictures of Alaina

Here are a few more pictures of our new niece Alaina (and her older brother Chase and older sister Ella).

What do parents discuss at a teacher conference?

So, Matthew has his preschool teacher conference today (yes, they really do have conferences for preschool). I told him that his teacher and I were going to talk about him today.
I asked him,
"Matthew, what do you think we will talk about in your conference?"
Matthew responds,
"Hamsters."
I said,
"I think we will talk about whether you behave. If you are a good boy or a bad boy, and we'll talk about what you are learning."
He said,
"No, you talk about hamsters."

Hmmmmm, I wonder if this should worry me.....

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

We have a new cousin!!!

Welcome to the world Miss Alaina Marion Ball :)

8lbs 9 oz

21.5 inches long

described as "a carbon copy of older sister Ella"

Alaina and mom Tarra are reportedly doing well and are healthy and happy.





Matthew was so happy to learn of his new cousin. He was, however, quite disappointed (to the point of tears) when he learned she was not at our house for him to meet in person.

Camping....with 14 second grade girls

Yes, you read that correctly. What did I do this weekend? I and three other brave moms took 14 (yes, fourteen, outnumbering us by more than 3-to-1) girls camping. Did we have the fantastic 70-degree sunny weather that we had last weekend? Uhhh, not quite. We did get a lot of drizzle, wind, and rain. It didn't snow, nobody was stepped on by a horse (that happened to a girl in Julia's friend's cabin), and nobody fell down a flight of stairs (that happened in Amanda's cabin). A girl in Julia's cabin did actually have to leave early to get stitches when she fell running on slippery wood, and that story was spread in detail to everyone (getting more devastating with each telling). We had smores, did crafts, did a scavenger hunt, got wet a few times, and had a pretty good time. We were supposed to do canoeing, but the weather was not good enough. Some kids did archery and horseback riding. Some kids just got really muddy (but I think that was intended in many cases). There is even a pool there! Okay, it's only open in the summer but how cool is that? Some kids wondered if they could bring their families back. So, that's a good sign that they liked it I think. They didn't even seem to be concerned when I answered that probably only the girls in the family could come!!! Who needs boys, right?

Meanwhile, Matthew and dad had what was probably their first male-only weekend ever. Dad took Matthew out for a fun lunch and then took him to a candy store. They also did a bunch of stuff around the house. They had fun I think....

Cookies and snow

It finally snowed again in Georgia! I can hear all you up north laughing at us (and secretly hating us for not having to deal with it more often!) But, for all the hype on the news, it was pretty uneventful. We still have a tiny bit on the ground, but the roads are fine. I think it's the parents here who are disappointed more than the kids that school won't be cancelled (I didn't expect it to be - but there were some I spoke with who were convinced that this meant a 3-day weekend!) I don't have pictures because our camera finally died. It lasted 7 years. That's an amazing amount of time for something to remain functional, let alone intact, in our house.

So, the snow was the big story. The other story is THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ARE FINALLY HERE! Yeah! And, we have almost all of them already delivered. I have a few orders still in my kitchen waiting to be picked up, but our girls' boxes are all delivered or soon to be delivered. I picked up 79 cases of cookies with Matthew on Saturday morning in the pouring rain. As we were quickly loading the cases, he just had this incredulous look on his face watching the cases stack up all around him. He said, "Wow mom! This is a lot of cookies." Then, he said, "This is TOO many cookies mom. You'll get a tummy ache." Awwwww....he's worried about me getting fat too! Although, I have a feeling that what he really meant was that I could not possibly eat them all by myself and would have to SHARE them with someone like (for example) a 5-year old little boy. And, yes, he still considers himself a "little" boy.

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

More quotes...

First up, we have Julia. Julia was home today with a 104.5 fever. When asked how she felt, she casually responded, "Fine!" Only Julia would feel fine with a high fever.
Anyway, a few days ago she was reading something. She asked me the following question:

"Mom, what is 'Teddy' short for? Is it 'Tedsworth?'"

"No, Teddy is short for Theodore." I was also told that it was not correct that my nickname came out of Kathryn. Apparently, it "doesn't make sense". Anyone who knows me knows that I seldom make a great deal of sense, so it really does fit.

Next up, we have (of course) Matthew. When putting him to bed the other night, I saw his little stuffed rhinoceros which he calls "Rhino". So, I asked, "Ohh, here's Rhino. Is Rhino your friend?" He looks at me with THAT look (the one that says, "Really? Do you really have any functioning brain cells left? It's amazing that you can even put your shoes on the right feet.") and says, "No, mom. This is my sleeping toy. Rhino is my favorite sleeping toy."

Overheard ...

Amanda asked to make popcorn after finishing her dinner. I said yes (I must have hit my head falling off the chair or inhaled way too many paint fumes). So, she popped it up and was getting the usual accompanying drink, napkins, and bowl. Allison came over and was eyeing the popcorn. I overheard the following exchange:

Allison: "Ummmmmm." (visibly drooling contemplating a handful of popcorn)
Amanda: "Ohhhhh, no. Don't even think about it. And, it's not because I'll kill you. It's because it's hot."

There was some sharing in the end. No deaths or serious burns were reported.

More 5-year old viewpoints

The girls really do live in the house too, but the stuff they say sometimes borders on more exasperating than funny. It used to be funny, but now it's really not. So, we are left at the mercy of Matthew for a lot of our material. Here are two of his latest views on comments or situations...

First, we have an incident where Matthew was being a bit of a clown (which is pretty much most of the time he is awake). So, I said to him, "You're a funny guy aren't you?!?" To which he responded angrily, "I'm NOT a funny GUY! I'm a funny BOY!" And you know he is already, at 5, wondering how long he will have to put up with his parents being idiots.

Our second incident comes at the expense of both Bucky and Matthew. Bucky is close behind Matthew as the source of most of our entertainment. Bucky was actively pursuing a squirrel. He thinks he will someday catch one. We mostly laugh a whole lot watching him try to miss the trees, fence, and the occasional child as he tears after the seemingly taunting critters. We were joking around and said, "Attack, Bucky!" Matthew turns and looks at us (with hands on hips) and says quite seriously, "He CAN'T! He doesn't have arms, only legs!" I guess to a 5 year old, hands are really required for an attack.

Have a great Tuesday :)

Polite Refusals

In Matthew's school today, they were asking the children what their favorite vegetable was. There was corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and a few other odds and ends. The children were not asked WHICH they liked, they were asked to name a vegetable they liked. So, they listed the vegetables and the names of the children who chose that particular vegetable. Then, at the bottom of the list, there is one last category. And, it's not a vegetable. It simply says, "No Thank You." Apparently, when asked what his favorite vegetable was, Matthew calmly and adamantly replied:

"NO THANK YOU!"

The Littlest Linskey is 5!!!

Yes, it's official, the boy has actually made it to 5 years old. We didn't think he'd make it this far, but he proved us wrong.

He was awakened by his sisters who serenaded him with "Happy Birthday". He seemed to jump right out of bed (perhaps because his sisters did this before brushing their teeth?) Then, we brought out the balloons. We always get mylar balloons from the Dollar store...and they last a few weeks (unless Bucky gets them). His favorite was a "Love Monkey" balloon. I guess that's the benefit to having a birthday not too far away from Valentine's Day. He had a great day at school, and overall had a really fun birthday.

It's just hard to believe that it's been 5 years since Matthew made his early appearance...where did the time go? Hopefully, the next 5 are as fun (and include fewer hospital visits and/or stays!)

Good quote and article

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."

- Margaret Thatcher


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123388703203755361.html

How to...what???

Okay, I have another lesson learned. And, of course, Matthew was the instructor.

So, Matthew has been known to enjoy his "special time" on the floor. He is hit or miss with doing it, but today decided to do it when we had guests over. He has no problem with this. And, when I said to him (stupidly), "Why do you do that?" He answered, "Huh? (with a look of 'why is someone interrupting me!') Ohh! Like this!" and proceeded to SHOW me, demonstrating how to use particular body parts in excruciating detail, trying to get ME on the floor to try it, wondering why I was just such a boring mom NOT to try it, how to do this peculiar little thing on the floor. Being that I was so stupid and uncooperative, he even stood up and showed me how to do it standing up. Yeah, why did I even ask? Did I think I'd get an answer that made sense? No, but I also didn't expect a play-by-play demonstration of the exact technique. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the reverse of Julia's butt-crunching (which, in itself, is a whole different peculiar habit that anyone who's known Julia knows she's done since she could clench muscle...but although not a common grade-school activity it is, in fact, an incredibly effective buns-of-steel exercise...go rent the video if you don't believe me).

So, the lesson is:
Lesson #432
Don't ask why they have a strange/odd/peculiar little habit and expect a logical answer (or any answer at all). Don't be surprised if they try to get you to join in the fun. If it's not breaking the law, and improves muscle tone, why not just let them do it? Eventually, they'll grow out of it. Right?

Dad gets older

We celebrated Todd's birthday this weekend. Bucky surprised him with...a hickory nut. Actually, this was a surprise because we didn't think there were actually any left. He must have saved it for the special occasion. He did get a few other odds and ends, but really enjoyed Amanda inviting 3 friends over for a sleepover. Nothing says "Happy Birthday Dad!" more than screaming and giggling girls and the blaring soundtrack to High School Musical.

Matthew surprised mom by upending the birthday cake she'd made the day before. I always make the cakes ahead of time. I didn't tell him or show it to him - I think he just found it. When I make the cake, I use a big tupperware bowl that as the cover and the lid as the cake plate. So, it's upside down when you see it. Matthew apparently believes that anything upside down needs to be turned right-side up. SO, that is what he did. The cake was actually okay - the candles were driven about 4 inches into it, but other than that it was good. I guess that could be a new rule too:

#431 - Keep all 4-year old boys away from birthday cakes. If they don't flip them upside down or drop them, they will "take a peek" at it and take enough "tastes" that by the time you actually get around to eating the cake you'll have to re-frost it (if it's still intact).

Matthew's birthday is in a few weeks. I told him he was going to be turning 5. He said he wanted to remain 4. I asked why, and he said, "Because I just do!" I reminded him that he couldn't have a birthday cake if he didnt' turn 5. He then decided it would be okay to turn 5.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHY!!!

Happy Birthday to our great aunt Cathy in Philadelphia. We wish it would be a warmer day for your birthday (78 degrees would be great!) But, 18 is what it is there now. It's only 60 degrees off. Think warm thoughts...

If you know Cathy, wish her a happy birthday. I think she's 27 this year.

Have a great one :)

Ohh Where, ohh where, could the remote control be????

It's been a few months since we had a good lesson. Today, we learned another one.

Lesson Number 430:

NEVER LET A 4-YEAR OLD MAINTAIN POSSESSION OF ANY REMOTE CONTROL EVER. YOU MAY NEVER SEE IT AGAIN OR FIND IT 12 YEARS LATER IN THE BOTTOM OF A SUITCASE OR ENCASED IN SHOE POLISH OR BURIED IN THE MUD OF THE BACKYARD.

So, we watched a little tv this morning. It was tuned to HGTV. That's okay on Sunday morning. But, when Sunday afternoon rolls around it is a LAW that it be tuned to a station carrying a football game. Especially, a playoff game. Otherwise, husbands fixing torn apart bathrooms have to run up and down the stairs to check the score. Are we really that lazy that we can't just turn the channel on the television manually? No. But, we have a good reason for why we can't do this: It lacks that capability. Seriously, you actually NEED the remote to change the channel. That's the one downside to this tv. So, Todd assumes that I have lost it. This is often true, but not always. I often maintain my innocence until it turns up in my pocket or hand. But, today, we knew that Matthew had been playing in our room. He must have taken it. We looked in all the obvious places (under the bed, in the covers, in the bathroom, in the refrigerator, etc.). Then, we looked in not-so-obvious places (in Bucky's kennel, in the garbage, in the car, in the neighbor's tree, in the attic, etc.). We couldn't find it. Matthew said he "put it in the box". Well, that narrows it down only a little because anyone who's ever been here knows we have boxes EVERYWHERE. So, after about 3 hours of searching off and on, we found it. The girls had looked in my dresser. There was a "box" for sunglasses. Matthew had indicated to them that that was where it was. It wasn't. The brilliant search party neglected to realize that there were TWO sunglass boxes. Next to each other. In plain view. They only checked one. They even put the empty one back next to the one that mom discovered 2 hours later containing the remote. So, we learned another lesson - get a better search party next time. The pictures above show Matthew's hiding place, his smiling mug with the evidence, and the reason why the others were searching (they couldn't play Wii again until we found it).

Basketball!!!

Here are some pictures from basketball. Julia took a few shots and had some assists - but they didn't win. That's okay - they played a tough team. Allison's team tied (0-0). They don't keep score. She had an good game too. They will have some things to work on at practice, and they enjoy playing, so all is well :)

Happy New Year!

Happy 2009 to everyone!

To start off with, we have new quotes from (yes, you guessed it) Matthew.

Our first quote was from a situation involving the Wii. Allison, in her exhuberance to bowl as well as Grandma Irma, threw the Wii remote. Shockingly, she'd forgotten to put the wrist strap on. It thankfully missed the television, but it also got her banned for the day from any more Wii playing. She came up and told me about it (although, I heard it happen). About 20 seconds later, Matthew came up to tattle on Allison and tell me what she did. I let him finish his tattling, and then started the conversation...

"Matthew," I said, "Allison already told me what happened. Are you being a tattle-tail?"

"NO! I don't have a tail."

"But, Matthew, you are tattling on your sister. That makes you a tattle-tail."

"NO, it don't!!!" Pulling his pants down to show me his butt, he points and exclaims triumphantly, "See, I don't have a tail. There's no tail. Only a butt."


Our second quote came when Matthew walked outside to say goodbye to our neighbor Mr. Paul. As he's waving goodbye, he all of sudden says,

"Look! It's my friend."

I look and see that he's pointing at the moon. So, I said, "Matthew, that's the moon."

Matthew, displaying an expression often shown by his sisters - the one that you give to someone who is monumentally stupid -replies, "Yes!" (eye-roll) "It's my FRIEND, the MOON."


In other news, Girl Scout Cookie selling season has begun (stop screaming, it's not that bad!) The girls were out the first day of the sale...walking up and down hills, in rain and shine, showing big smiles and selling cookies with stunning sales pitches like, "Hey, ummm, do you want to buy cookies?" or, "We're girl scouts. Guess what we're selling?" Our goal is the same as last year - each of them sells 75 boxes to get a patch. Mom can't wait to get to that goal. It takes a LONG TIME to walk our neighborhood (especially when we have Matthew - who we dress in a festive Brownie shirt and green Girl Scout hat - hey, it's better than the tutu).

We LOVE Christmas!!!

News stations reported that there was a thunder-like disturbance resonating from the northern Atlanta suburbs earlier today. Was it a fight at a gas station? Was it the sound of Lake Lanier finally filling up after our rain last night? Was it exuberant Badger fans on their way to Orlando? No, it was none of those. It was instead the sound of 4 kids jumping up and down in unrestrained exuberance. Santa brought a Wii. You can't find a Wii, according to mom. In fact, some of dad's coworkers were wondering if Santa might be bribed to get any Wiis he may have obtained. Hypothetically. In case you fell into a well or have been asleep for the last few years, Wii is a really neat game system. It's very interactive in a way that no other gaming systems are. This means that you can literally get injured playing video games. And, they are the kind of injuries normally only seen by people reenacting Packer plays in their livings rooms after consuming a lot of beer. But maybe not this season, in which case the injuries were more related to punching holes in walls. Especially on Monday night.

We're playing Wii sports baseball right now. This is thoroughly confusing Bucky, who keeps thinking we're either throwing him a ball or trying to hit him. See, Allison is pitching and dad is hitting. To a dog, or anyone staring in our window, this would look really odd. Now, we switched to bowling. Anyway, it's really cool. Santa rocks.

We also opened our other gifts. And, holy Bakugan! That is what Matthew is playing. He is walking around with his Bakugan figures. He has set up his Bakugan game. He will probably sleep with Bakugan. Yes, he is happy. If you want to know what Bakugan is, ask any boy ages 4-10.

The kids were all thrilled to get pajamas and outfits- we really BADLY needed them. We have been lax in our clothes shopping of late. Now, Matthew won't have to wear any hand-me-downs from Allison (although he looked stunning in her Easter dress).

Amanda received a purse and candy from her good friend Yumina in Japan! According to Amanda, "It's the best!!! Thank you Yumina!!"

Then, there were games. We got a lot of games. Zingo is AWESOME! And, we love the ones that make us think. We got a few movies - WallE, Kung Fu Panda, and Horton Hears a Who. And, we got some Nintendo and Wii games (wow!!!) We also got some gift cards and coloring books and a great bubble maker. Allison has proclaimed that this is the best Christmas EVER.

And, mom even got a present from the kids. She got a Nuvi 360 GPS. She is currently trying to figure out how to program it with voices from Monty Python. Just picture John Cleese yelling, "What are you doing! I told you to turn right you daft imbecile!" Dad shopped for himself and bought himself a handheld GPS. Apparently, mom and dad decided that we should start planning ahead for when we can't figure out where we are.

So, thank you to everyone who sent us such great presents and gifts and cards and everything!!

Merry Christmas !!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone (at least to everyone who celebrates Christmas). If you don't celebrate it, then instead Happy December 25th.



We'll open presents tomorrow. Today, we made some sugar cookies for Santa (and some for our neighbors Mr. Paul and Miss Betty, and their daughter and son-in-law). Ohh, and the kids ate a lot of frosting. This could explain why they went running up and down the hill for 10 minutes (our hill is at about a 60 degree angle for those who have not yet visited us). They sang a few Christmas songs (Jingle Bell Rock, and Reindeer Rap). Matthew dazzled us with his dancing moves that rivaled Steve Martin in "The Jerk". Right now, we are watching the Grinch.

We did have a new feature in our pre-Christmas festivities. The girls wrote last Friday to Santa asking if they could have an elf. See, all these kids at school have written to elves and then (magically) these elves appear in their houses. Magically. The elves turn into stuffed animals during the day, and at night make their "secret reports" to Santa. And, they also do mischief. Our elf has hung himself from ceiling fans (by his clothes, not to kill himself!), turned chairs over, put chairs on tables, etc.. Some in the house have wondered out loud if our little elf might do good and nice things (like baking cookies or cakes or cleaning up bedrooms) instead of mischief. I said that I didn't think our elf, Eugene, was that kind of elf. Those helpful elves have to stay at the north pole. The elves that get to come to houses are sort of like elves-in-training or delinquent elves. Anyway, when Allison first read the letter from Eugene (see above picture of Allison and Eugene)explaining how this was his first house and how he hoped he wouldn't do too much damage, she couldn't pronounce his name. She called him "Egu". Mom also had trouble, and Allison has to keep correcting her when she refers to Eugene the Elf as "Egu the Elf". Mom is really dumb. Sadly, Eugene will be hitching a ride with Santa tonight and heading back to the north pole. We hope he can find our house next Christmas, wherever that will be!

We heard that Santa was on his way. We've checked NORAD to make sure the kids are in bed on time. He's getting close! Here's the link for you to track him: http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

Matthew has nice rosy cheeks as he is going to bed. When dad asked him why his face was so red, he calmly answered, "I just pooped." He's a charming package.

Merry Christmas to everyone :)


(Ohh, and as you can see in the picture, Allison got an early Christmas present...her other front tooth!)

Piano Recital

Here is video of Amanda playing "Over the Rainbow" at her recital a few weeks ago :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXJBqHEbrfk