The cure for a bloody nose is...

...to say the pledge of allegiance.  At least, this is what Thing 2 tells me.  Just thought you might want to know.

Change Your Feet

A few weeks ago, we went to see the movie "Brave" at our local discount theater.  Thing 2 and I had actually seen the movie a couple months back.  But it was all sparkly, shiny new for Mr. Knightley and Thing 1.

At one point, Thing 1 leaned over and asked me about what the blue things were (will-o-the-wisps, if you haven't seen the movie).  To this, Thing 2 replied before I had the chance, "They're wisps."  Then Thing 1 inquired, "What do they do?"  And Thing 2 answered, "They change your feet."

You see, the wisps help you change your fate.  But with Merida's Scottish accent, Thing 2 was left thinking that Merida apparently needed to do something about her feet.

P.S.  There is also a scene in the movie where a horn sounds and some dogs howl.  Right there in the movie theater, Thing 2 also proceeded to howl along with the dogs.  It was excellent.

P.P.S. In related news, Thing 2 informed me yesterday of the following: "My feet don't stink.  They smell rotten."  Way to be precise on the details, kid. :)

O, Halloween! (A late, holiday-crossing ode to the awesomeness)

O, Halloween!  O, Halloween!

So many treats have been!

Organized candy.  I can honestly say that I never, ever did this as a child, but 

Thing 1 does it every year.

The treat circle at preschool. 

DINNER!!!  His cute pumpkiny face didn't last for long around here. :)

O, Halloween!  O, Halloween!

So many strange things seen!

 The vampire police man who loves his mummy.  Wha?

Auntie V, you are awesome.  I am totally borrowing this wig at some future date.

Maybe for grocery shopping on Wednesday, k?

With pumpkins bright,

 Thing 2's scary cat. 

 Thing 1's ghost dog, complete with scars. 

 I like to call this little number "My Anxiety." 

Bob - Monsters vs. Aliens.  You know.   Also made by Thing 1.

And funny lights,

 What are those, you ask?  We found real light sabers and gave them to the boys???

Nah, just a glow stick sword and gun.  Bummer, I know.  I was hoping for light sabers, too. 

And trick or treating,

Day and night,

 Trick or treating at the local grocery store. 's awesome. 

Working it - Two boys, two doors, hoping for twice the candy. 

O, Halloween! O, Halloween!

I am your fairy queen!

Self explanatory, right? 

P.S. There are no pictures of Mr. Knightley because he didn't dress up.  Halloween party poopers are not allowed into the Halloween awesomeness ode.  Got that, Mr. Knightley?!  Better shape up next year, daddy-o.  But we love you and had fun with you anyway. :)

Overheard today...

...a conversation between brothers.

Thing 1: "Hey, we should go into business together.  Just you and me."

Thing 2: "Yeah!"

Thing 1: "We could make millions!"

Thing 2: "And we could learn magic!"

Yep, they may make millions (and learn magic) as soon as they figure out what to wear.

I Know What I Like

Thing 1 has really been getting into music lately.  He saved up his money to buy his own iPod Touch.  Previously, the saving...well...she hadn't been so good.  But Thing 1 really got it together to get something he really wanted.  Every time he wanted to buy other stuff, he would remind himself that he didn't want it as much as he wanted that iPod.  And he did it!  Gosh, I'm proud of that kid!

So we've been putting music onto this iPod and talking about the music that Thing 1 likes as we do this.  A couple weeks ago, we put some Led Zeppelin, Rush, and prog rock Genesis onto the iPod, because Thing 1 has decided that he really likes this kind of music.  Gosh, I'm proud of that kid!  Saying it again.  He has good taste at 10!

Anyway, we've had some fun experiences with the music.

Example 1: We were blaring "All of My Love" when Mr. Knightley walked in the door after work the other day.  And, of course, I like to mug on Mr. Knightley's face the minute he walks in the door.  So as we're kissing, the kids be bop into the room singing along and dancing.  And I had a moment of sheer joy because it was like being serenaded by beautiful, hard-rocking cherubs while I kissed my true love.  Kind of cool, no?

Example 2: You can pop and lock to "Spirit of Radio."  Thing 1 has proven this.

Example 3:  Last night I was in my bedroom when I heard "I Know What I Like" being sung at the top of Thing 1's lungs as he was in the bathroom getting ready for bed.  He would add his own lyrics here and there for variety, but always came back to the real ones.  It was so great that I had Mr. Knightley sneak outside the bathroom door to record Thing 1.  But out of respect for Thing 1, I won't post it here.  I'll just save it up for a time when it's needed. :)

In any case, when it comes to music, Thing 1 definitely knows what he likes.  And I'm so glad he likes what I like in my music wardrobe, too.  

When Thing 2 was supposed to be taking a nap...

...here's what was actually happening:

Yes, those are Thing 1's clothes, in case you were wondering.

I'm amused and not amused at the same time.  You know how that is?  It's a gift we moms have.

But Thing 2, he's all amused with himself.  That face positively drips with the smug self assurance of the child who knows that his cuteness will usually surpass his naughtiness, thereby helping to relieve impending punishments with laughter.

Thing 2 Goes to Soccer Camp

Thing 2 did a little soccer camp for several weeks this summer.  His shirt was too big, and those legs still need to grow some more.  But he had fun, and we sure had fun watching him.

Doing drills

 Playing keep away with Mr. Knightley

Remembering which way the goal is (very important)

GOAL!!!  We had to stage this one, because I missed the actual one.  Dang it!

And then he had to get a drink because, as Thing 2 put it, "soccer is thirsty work."  Why yes, I suppose it is.

Happy October!!!!!

Hello, October.  September most unkindly kicked my trash.  It was way too busy and way too hot.  But now, lovely October, you are here with cooler days and nights, beautiful colors, and the promise of Halloween.  At last, I can be at peace again.

Thing 2 is now bringing home lots of projects from preschool like this:

That is what a proper ghost should eat, you know.

Thing 2 has also been planning out a Halloween party, complete with hand drawn diagrams.  Thing 1 is happy that I finally found a mummy costume for him.  (Yes, mummy costumes are not that difficult to make.  But I don't sew.  The last time I did there was a fair amount of blood involved, so I'm not anxious to repeat the experience.)  And everyone is looking forward to the usual October festivities.

I have so much to catch up with on here.  But October is a good and hopeful month, my favorite month, so I believe I can do it.

And I recently read a quote from somewhere that said multiple exclamation points are the written equivalent of jazz hands.  So use your imagination for HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!!

For Hire!

If you have a problem that needs fixing, these guys are available.  The Knight Trooper and the Dutch Beary Ranger are at your service...

...and ready for action.

If you missed the Dutch part, check out Thing 2's shoes.

And I've tried, but I still can't figure out what the hook was all about. :)

Arty Art Camps

We are blessed to live in a city that does some pretty cool programs for kids.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 look forward to 2 weeks of arty art camp fun every year.

This year Thing 1 took a drawing class...

...and a magic class.

Everyday, Thing 1 literally had new tricks up his sleeve.  It was awesome.

(And Thing 1, I'm sorry I don't have as many pictures of you.  But I figured you'd rather not have YOUR MOM hanging out taking pictures of you in your classes.  Lucky for me, Thing 2 is still too young to be embarrassed by that.  Haha!)

Thing 2 took a music class...

...and a superhero boys' dance class.

Flying like Superman

Pop up Bakugan shapes

Spiderman webs

The cuteness was nigh near unto overwhelming.

On the Subject of Library Fines

So, yes, I am guilty.  I am guilty of often having library fines.  Do you think less of me now?  It is due to the fact that I usually have somewhere close to the maximum number of books allowable checked out (hey, we really like to read and that is good) and I don't keep track of time well (and that is bad).

And apparently my children have taken note of this failing of mine.  The other day, Thing 2 was playing "librarian."  Just like at the real library, this involves giving stamps to kids, handing out books, and accepting credit cards.  Yes, credit cards.  Because in Thing 2's mind, when you go to the library, you often have to pay a late fee or buy a book that has disappeared off the face of the known Earth into that chaotic maelstrom of blankets, stuffed animals, books, and toys known as your kids' bedroom.

Ah, well.  I guess there are worse faults to have.  And as Mr. Knightley puts it, I am probably funding whole city programs, so I suppose that some good does come from it. :)

When you're waiting for a play to start...

...you might as well do this.  Because you can.

Helpful Children

Sometimes my children are really, really helpful and do things like this:

Thanks, guys.

Boys Making Waffles

Yep, they're yummy.  And the waffles they make are pretty good, too. :)

End of the School Year: Thing 2's Field Trip

The last preschool field trip for this year was to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point.  We did loads of fun, farmy things there.  And please notice Thing 2's "farmer pants," which he insisted on wearing that day.

Lookin' at baby chicks:

Seein' how milk is processed:

Seein' where the milk comes from:

Ridin' ponies:

Gettin' put in jail:

Breakin' out of jail:

Ridin' a wagon (while making faces):

Meetin' the horsies who pulled the wagon:

And feedin' some goats:

And then, because I'm a bit like Adrian Monk, we went and washed our hands really, really well.

The end.