We have had a busy couple of days. On the 4th we started with a breakfast at the church. There was a contest for the most Patriotic Dress. Michaela won in the childs category (she made her own costume) and April and Spence for the older kids. I went as Betsy Floss (Michaela's brainchild--you dress as Betsy Ross and hang dental floss around your neck). Doug tied a piece of patriotic fabric around his head and let people guess who he was. Easyrider was mentioned numerous times.

Michaela has been a "fairness fairy" most of her life. I know her first words were Mama and Dada but her first sentence was "that's not fair."

Last night she sat on Spencer's head. Needless to say, he was hurt and I sent her to her room. She began her constant whine that begins...you never see what he does...you always blame me...etc.

I went up to talk to her later and she confessed that she has a problem with "anger management" (her words not mine). She expressed a desire to find a more appropriate way to negotiate with Spence. She then went down to the computer and drafted this document. While it is charming as can be, I truly appreciate the intent of this young girl. She understands that she has a choice how she will react and is taking responsibility to change the home she lives in for the better. Formidable.

Michaela's manifesto:

House rules for safety and fairness
These rules are to represent having fights turned around to result in better daily schedules that can help our daily lives in this very busy house with 5 people living in fury and fun (there are fights and fun). This house document is being typed by one of the former livers of this crazy life style and I say that this document will help everyone in this house become more peaceful and understanding. Most people in this house don’t want to deal with fights, get hurt, or have their stuff or power disrespected in this house, which happens daily causing many fights and lots of anger which slows us down every day resulting in bad conflict and much crankiness which makes the house very busy and tiring to live at and deal with everyday. So as a resident you would wonder what it would be like without the fighting and disrespect, let me give you examples. Less fighting in the house, more pride in what belongs to you, less tiredness in daily schedules, and more peace and happiness around the house which will make much more time to relax. Now this is what possibly could happen if these rules were followed.

1. No joking around on things that could make other people angry.

2. Try to respect others special items that they wouldn’t want taken.

3. Always ask before you take something that doesn’t belong to you.

4. Be polite by answering yes 5 out of 10 times after someone asks.

5. Do not ask the same question one after another.

6. Make out a plan before playing a game that may turn out unfair.

7. If someone asks but you’re playing on the item simply work out turns.

8. “No” can be said more than once for safety or emergency.

These are the rules that I believe will make the house a much better place to live.

________________________ ________________________
Child signature Parent signature
________________________ ________________________
Child signature Parent signature

___________________________
Guardian signature (this is April)

I Michaela Tate believe in a more peaceful house, if you do sign here.

That is all thanks for listening.

Enough for now...love to all.

Okay, as I was reading about blogging, someone suggested making up nicknames for the main characters in your story (family) to protect their identity. I have been thinking about what to call Spence and Michaela (see--apparently I don't get it cause I just revealed their identity).

The Nutty Professor may be my choice for this child.

These are two questions he has posed to me within the past 24 hours.

1. Mom, if you took a block of cheese, threw it in the air, and hit it very hard with a tennis racket, what do you think would happen?

2. Mom, if you were on a deserted island, would you eat your foot? When I hesitated he followed up with-- You could cook it first.

He is slighty nuts and boy am I a lucky mom.

Thanks to my NBBF SF(new best blog friend), I can now post a blog award tag on my site. Thank you, SF!!!! I am learning so much from you.

Okay, so the point of these tags is to acknowledge other Rockin Girl Bloggers. CP has been a friend and mentor of mine for over 10 years. She introduced me to blogging back in Oct 06. This is the first time in my life that I have successfully maintained a journal. It got me interested in taking pictures and documenting our lives more consistently. A total gift. CP has been blogging for almost a year and her love of family and friends inspires us all. She is funny, loving and to the point. She is a talented writer and all around renaissance woman, blending family and career with great skill.

So it is with great pleasure that I award this tag to:

Real Life by Carrie Pearson. http://carriepearson.blogspot.com/

You totally rock.

Enough for now...love to all.

Today is my Birthday!! When I was 30, I threw my own 30th Surprise Birthday Party. It was a totally great party. In that spirit, I am writing my own 47th Birthday Tribute..... I started to write a list of 25 great things everyone should know about me but I got kinda tired just thinking about which 25 to select. I dug this out of my e-mail. So just think I can write about myself and assuage my guilt around all the people who sent this to me and assumed I would pass it on and I never did.

Four jobs I have had in my life

1. Travel counselor for Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

2. Wedding florist

3. Top Rep for Dynix (Library Automation) (this one is for you Carrie)
4. Currently work with Honda, Suzuki, Mitsu and Kia

Four movies I have watched over and over again

1. Room with a View

2. The Mission

3. Cry, the Beloved Country

4. All the Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings

Four TV shows I love to watch

1. Any and all reality shows, regardless of the worth. I once watched an afternoon of Flavor of Love Charm school. Pathetic, I should be embarassed.
2. The 4400

3. The Office
4. All varieties of Law and Order

A few places I have been on vacation

1. Italy

2. Carribean: 5 cruises
3. D.C.
4. Florida

Four of my favorite foods

1. Shrimp Scampi

2. Pasta Carbonara
3. Cheese Enchiladas
4. Chocolate
[I love food -- this list could be very long]

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Taking a nap

2. Italy

3. Making cards
4. Reading a good book

Four things you do not know about me:

1. I can do a stupid person trick where I fold my elbows inside each othe and put my head through the middle.

2. I once worked on a church project with Bill Marriott. He would call me for the meetings and it totally freaked out my co-workers.

3. When I watch, "So You Think You Can Dance," I think I can.

4. I believe I can do most anything (except professional sports).

Four ways I am incredibly blessed:

1. I have an amazing family including extended who are loving and supportive.

2. I have incredibly loving and talented friends.

3. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ to guide me in life. This makes all other blessings sweeter.

4. I am richly provided for in all ways.

Happy Birthday to me!

Enough for now...love to all.

On the weekends, we have been exploring California, especially since April is with us. Yesterday, we decided to venture down to Venice Beach. Plenty of oddities. Michaela noted that is Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, Venice Beach is the Craziest.

One thing I love about Spence and Michaela is their lack of judgement towards others based on appearance. They met many jewelry artists and got right down on the ground to discuss what the gemstones were, what were their favorites, where they got them, etc. These were some very interesting individuals and Spence and Michaela were in deep discussion over how crystals are formed. April was certainly a good sport.

This guy make wire trees with the names of all your family. So cool!

We found the perfect t-shirt for Spence. We are too cheap to buy it but we often joke about Spencer's love affair with ketchup. Spence has been known to drink ketchup which grosses us all out but hasn't hurt him any.

It has been a rather peaceful Sunday. The calm before the storm. This week begins Birthday Season, 4th of July, Celeste Bowler's shower.

By the way I am also now a grand aunt. I really felt old as I became a grandma last year, but a grand aunt?! I am on my way to a starring role in a Dicken's book.

Enough for now...love to all.