Audition Tape

Kendall LOVES singing and pretending she is a princess. Maybe we should send her to Disney to audition. She has picked up that the princesses will sing about just about anything, from thingamabobs to cleaning, to their prince, about reading books. So Kendall sings about anything. Today I heard her singing about her Daddy and him coming home. When asked who her prince is she says Daddy, and when she dresses up like a bride, she often asks Andy to marry her. Super Cute. So when I heard her singing about her prince, I had to get it on video so that when he grounds her at age 16, we can replay this and say, 'Remember When?'

Fall Fun

Ok , so despite not having my USB cord, I still managed to take some pics this fall and will attempt to explain our activities.

I turned 30. yuk. there were no pictures to commemorate this event since in my head I am still like 21, I have no idea how I accumulated children, a minivan, and a marriage license. Things happen so quickly.

We had and participated in the annual bizarre. Our family has been running the White Elephant Table at this bizarre for 30 years, that is a long time. It is like a giant garage sale. We go through, organize, and price people's donations, things they would sell at their garage sale if they had one. All the proceeds go to the church that my family went to, my aunt still goes there. We just cannot stop doing it, every year its the same, we complain about the same stuff, yet we all can't seem to just stop doing it. I think it is because we all are so nosey, we love to look through the piles of things, and laugh about why this person had this or that, but also it is a great place to get awesome finds. I think I have gotten a large majority of my Christmas decorations there. This year someone who must have worked at Borders donated a bunch of children's books that were never read, they cracked when you opened them. Kendall also took home a children's suitcase full of Barbies. I got some great retro items for my kitchen, and Ethan got a bunch of cars and a mat for the floor that resembles a road. The best part is, is that when next year comes along, if my kids are no longer interested in the items, I give them back. The total amount of money I spend, is worth the year of entertainment. Not only that, it is a great time for the ladies of the family to spend time together. Kendall LOVED going through all the boxes and finding treasures.She brought some dress up jewelry home, here is some big clip on earrings that are just to die for... Ethan has been growing and growing in size as well as intellectually. He is just as big as Kendall, and people all the time whisper as we pass, 'oh look at the twins!' Some people ask, but they automatically think that Ethan is older.

He is now saying bunches of words, and will repeat all words that we ask him to say.
He is so excited that we are understanding him more. He loves to read, just like his sister, although, his attention span is much smaller. That is another boy/girl difference, he likes to flip flip flip through the pages and move on to the next, so most stories are made up real quickly as we flip through at rapid pace. But of course when we get to his favorite book, The Truck Book, it is complete analyzing and focus, so funny.

Ethan loves to help. He loves to help cook, clean, help his sister make her bed, he really is a caring boy under it all. But he also is all boy and loves to rough house. I have come to the conclusion that Ethan does not know his own strength and does not understand his size and mass. He will run in to Kendall kind of with the purpose to knock into her, and she goes flying. Sometimes they think this is hilarious, sometimes it is the end of the world, and Ethan just doesn't get those differences and also the girl moods that surround this type of play. I can clearly look at Kendall and know by her presence whether or not she would like to play with Ethan, he, like most boys and also men, does not get this at all and walks right into the Lion's Den to be met by an attitude next to none and is devoured whole.


Kendall is now 2 1/2 going on 13. She told me she would like Santa to bring her some lipstick in her stocking.And just last night she told me she would like me to get her a Crock Pot so she can cook a roast also. What?!?! Her conversations are hilarious. She loves imaginative play and just last night she was mimicking me doing my chores, huffing and puffing and all. She also likes to treat Ethan as I treat Ethan, for example by saying, "I am so proud of you little buddy, good job!"

Yesterday we went to story time at the Library, it was our first time in a long time and they loved it. Ethan was dancing and 'singing,' louder than anyone. So I will have to keep up with that. Because for as fast as Ethan is growing, his attachment to his Mama is just the same. Even in all the fun he was having yesterday, every 5 minutes or less I would see him turn and squat down and look for me and when he saw me would quickly smile and go back to his activity. I know that this is endearing and that I will yearn for this when he is older, but I also don't want him to miss out on all the social activities that Kendall loves. And quite frankly, sometimes I need a break. The subject was on Dogs and the Librarian asked, 'who here has a dog?' Kendall of course raised her hand because her new friend Abby did. When the teacher asked Kendall what her dog's name was she said loudly and excitedly, "Steve!" So apparently we have a dog named Steve. I can only think that she spat out Steve because she likes to play Blue's Clues and be Steve, and this is the first name that popped into her head. I said afterwards to her, 'Kendall we don't have a dog.' and she looked at me as if she was saying, 'DUH!', and she said, "I know that Silly."

Girls.

Mix Tape Monday

So this week our featured DJ is my sister Meghan. At a random attack we have begun to reach outside the home to find people's musical tastes. What they like to listen, dance, and sing to in their rooms, their cars, their showers, their kitchen floor, whatever, ours works well because its hardwood, so at times it is an impromptu stage, but not only what but why, we ask the tough questions. :)

Our interview with DJ Aunt Meghan...


US:Thank you so much for being our chosen DJ this week. Just a few questions about some of your chosen songs. Who has been a pivotal influence in your music taste and style?
AM: My sister… Melissa

US:Oh, that is just so nice. I do really like music, and now so do my kids. How would you describe your music taste?
AM:Everything but screaming heavy metal.

US: Your first pick is 'Livin on a Prayer', did you know this song came out in 1986, you were 3 years old? Do you enjoy 80's Ballad Music, and also, do you like Jon's hair at the time he recorded this song?
AM:Bon Jovi is classic, but I picked it because it reminds me of nights in the bar my senior year of college. The bands would always play this song and everyone would sing along. I love 80s music! I don’t remember Bon Jovi’s hair at the time he recorded this song… I was only 3 (but you were only 8)


US: Yes, I was only 8, but once you saw his hair, you never forgot it. Next pick, Michael Jackson, hmmm? I also enjoy Michael Jackson, pre weirdo days. Probably the best pop artist of all time. This song, 'Beat It,' is from his Thriller album, by far his best, and my favorite of his albums. Is there is a reason you chose Beat It?
AM:I love Michael too. He has definitely gotten crazy. ‘Beat It’ reminds me of singing and dancing in Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop Lyons’ house with my Aunt Amy and Melissa. It’s a classic 80s song.

US: This is definitely his most hostile song. Have you ever seen the video? Do you have a secret desire to be in a dancing underground subway station gang fight? Because I could arrange that for you in Suburban Station, don't forget your pocket knife though, because they like to dance around in circles holding each others hands wielding pocket knives.
AM:I’d rather not dance around suburban station with a pocket knife, but I am not going to lie sometimes I want to break out in a dance down there. They have some great music sometimes.

US: OK, on to 'Yellow Submarine'. Did you know this was written by Paul Mc Cartney with the intention of being a kids song?
AM: I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! It was my favorite song when I was a kid. I would “rock out” (if that’s possible to this song) in my dads work van to this song.

US: Would you actually want to go on a submarine? You know that if you were in the Navy and you were stationed on submarine, you could potentially live in it for weeks if not months at a time? Could you do that? I couldn't.
AM:I think it would be fun to live in a submarine if it wasn’t totally underwater. Maybe halfway. I don’t think I could do it if I was in the navy and there were like a ton of people with me and of course if it was completely underwater.

US: Uh, yeah, but that is the purpose of a submarine to be submerged in water, hence the name, they are not all like the ride at Disney 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea. But, the song seems to say that living on a submarine is some sort of party, with a band and all your friends, I guess that would be cool. Alright, Sleeping Beauty. Is this your favorite Disney movie?
AM: I always wanted to be sleeping beauty.

US:I think it is funny that Princess Aurora just meets this stranger in the woods one day and they dance and sing and fall in love. Now if you came across a stranger in the woods, would you dance and sing with him bc you met him once upon a dream? Well I guess if you were talking and dancing with animals previous to that, you would be crazy enough to trust a stranger.
AM: Would I be in the woods in the time this movie was made or now? Not so much if it was 2008, because I would be afraid that he would up to no good. Maybe if it was 1960s.

US: I wish I could sleep like Sleeping Beauty, you want to call up an evil witch for me?
AM:Would you really want to sleep like sleeping beauty??? You would miss out on a lot!
US: Really I think it is only a couple of days, and I already told you before, I could sleep all day if I had the opportunity. But you are right, maybe not several.

US:If you could chose your dress color like the fairies were fighting over for her, would you chose pink or blue?
AM: Pink, of course

US: Moving on, 'Your Body is a Wonderland.i too like this song, did you know that this was once rated by some magazine as one of the worst songs ever? But yet, the song also won a grammy, what a contradiction.
AM: I love Your body is a wonderland. The song is catchy yet meaningful.

US:I don't know if i would put it on the list, i think the person that made the list was just jealous because he didn't have anyone in his life that had a body that resembled a wonderland. What do you think the worst song ever written is? I would chose Crash Test Dummies, 'Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm,' I mean what in the world is that song about and what does the chorus have anything to do with it anyway?
AM:The worst song ever that I can think of right now is the Macarena, but I am sure there are a ton others.

US: Hootie and the Blowish, speaking of worst things ever, this has to be the worst band name ever. If you were to make a band, what would you call yourselves?
AM:I will agree worst name ever. If I had a band I would name it…The Silver Lining.

US:As producer, I chose two songs for you. Living a wall over from you for many years, you had this thing when you were a adolescent of playing songs over and over and over again. Idon't know, maybe you were dancing in your room maybe you wanted to be in an N'Sync video, or maybe you thought you were Britney Spears, regardless, these two songs I know every word to because of your repetitiveness, thanks.And not only that, N'Sync is a little shot out to Lance Bass, who we want to win Dancing with the Stars, Go Lance, Kendall loves you!
AM:Thanks.


US: Barry White, the man with the velvet voice. Did you ever meet anyone with a voice that deep? Did you know his daughter did an episode of Baby Story? Why did you pick this song? Do you like funk?
AM: Wow! That was a lot of questions. I can’t recall ever meeting someone with a super deep voice like his, but I will be listening to everyone’s from now one to see. I did not know his daughter did an episode of baby story. Interesting. I picked this song because I love singing along to it. I love this style of music – so you could say I love funk. Its timeless, I don’t think it will ever go out of style.

US: Michael Buble does a lot of covers of Frank Sinatra and those type of singers, like big band or jazz. Do you like that type of music or just this song? Blake Shelton, a country singer, covered this song, ironic, do you like his version better? He must get homesick a lot? Do you get homesick? I have never been homesick, I have missed people, they may or may not live in my home, but I don't get homesick I get people sick I guess. I am a homebody who doesn't get homesick, weird.
AM: You are weird. I like Michael Buble and I like this song. The song reminds me of when I was in Paris for 3 months. I loved being over there, but I was ready to come home and see everyone and leave a few strange teammates. I totally get homesick… for about a week or two, but once I get busy – I am fine! I have heard the country version and I must say… it stinks.

US:'Baby It's Cold Outside,' is in my favorite holiday movie, 'Elf', what is your favorite holiday movie, and if it is 'Elf', what is your favorite part?
AM: Watching Christmas Story is my favorite Christmas movie to watch year after year, but Elf is hysterical. The whole movie is my favorite, but if I had to pick one part it would be when he answers the phone and says this … “Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?”

US: And that concludes this interview, thanks so much for your time.
AM:Can’t wait to hear this mix!

Without further ado, Monday's Mix Tape, (note from producers: the songs are not in the order of the way Meghan chose them, we reorganized them to make the mix flow) by Aunt Meghan, our DJ:

One of my most burning questions answered.

Thanks to Yahoo, one of the things I wonder about on most mornings has been answered today, and I thought I would share it with you. This is a great day!


Why Does Everything Taste Bad After You Brush Your Teeth?
by Matt Soniak - November 16, 2008 - 11:20 PM Buzz up!on Yahoo!


If you have no idea why we’re pondering that question today, go brush your teeth real quick and grab a drink (orange juice, iced tea, beer—anything except water). Awful, isn’t it?

You can thank sodium laureth sulfate, also known as sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for ruining your drink, depending on which toothpaste you use. Both of these chemicals are surfactants – wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid – that are added to toothpastes to create foam and make the paste easier to spread around your mouth (they’re also important ingredients in detergents, fabric softeners, paints, laxatives, surfboard waxes and insecticides).
While surfactants make brushing our teeth a lot easier, they do more than make foam. Both SLES and SLS mess with our taste buds in two ways. One, they suppress the receptors on our taste buds that perceive sweetness, inhibiting our ability to pick up the sweet notes of food and drink. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they break up the phospholipids on our tongue. These fatty molecules inhibit our receptors for bitterness and keep bitter tastes from overwhelming us, but when they’re broken down by the surfactants in toothpaste, bitter tastes get enhanced.
So, anything you eat or drink after you brush is going to have less sweetness and more bitterness than it normally would. Is there any end to this torture? Yes. You don’t need foam for good toothpaste, and there are plenty out there that are SLES/SLS-free. You won’t get that rabid dog look that makes oral hygiene so much fun, but your breakfast won’t be ruined.

Halloween

Yeah! We can finally post those Halloween pics.

It was a lot of fun. Our neighborhood friends had a Halloween party the weekend before, so Kendall was all about Halloween this year.

And what were they...Cinderella and Gus, Cinderella's mouse friend. I was just about ready to order the crocodile and the monkey costume off of ebay because that is what Kendall said they were going to be, when she decided one day that they needed to be characters in Cinderella. Which was much more appropriate since she thinks that she is a princess. She has already said that she is going to be either Pocahantas or Belle next year.

Ethan though is absolutely terrified of masks or full body costumes where we cannot see the person at all, so something like Disney World would be his worst nightmare come true right now. So that is just fine.

One day our little friend and neighbor, Andrew thought it would just be hilarious to come to our door in his Darth Vadar mask because that what he was going to be for Halloween, so we hear this banging on the door, we go downstairs, and there is Andrew in his jeans and a tee shirt with this mask at my door, Ethan scaled my body screaming and pinching. Kendall on the other hand found it hilarious and said, 'Hey Andrew, that's a pretty cool costume.' How she knew it was him, I have no idea, and how she wasn't scared is beyond me. Andrew was beyond pleased because he scared someone, which was his intent, and also someone thought his mask was cool.

Kendall knew just what to do on Halloween night and they ran around with their friends from door to door collecting their goods. Ethan caught on by house 3, but I had to carry him bc you never knew what masked villan was lurking around dark corners.

Princess Cinderella, not being able to contain her excitement about candy collecting

Gus Gus, not sure what all the fuss is about,

but ready to follow along with the other kids.

Waiting for their buddies so we can go trick or treating!

Prairie Court Friends...Emily as Snow White, hence the reason Kendall also had to be a princess, Sarah as Dorothy, and yes, she had ruby slippers, but she will wear no other shoes but these black ones right now, it was also Sarah's 3rd Birthday, Andrew as Darth Vadar, and his little brother, Ethan's buddy Evan, as Yoda.

Baby Leah, as a cat, but also has the stroller resident beer girl.

The daddies got their own treats as we toured the neighborhood.

Phil & Sue, quite possibly the nicest couple I have ever met,

we are just so lucky to call them our neighbors.




Ethan examining his loot after his stressful night filled with worries about strange masks and scary people.

We found it!

After some good long detective work, and a ton of Blue's Clues

types searches, we have found the USB cord!

Lily is thrilled!

Mix Tape Monday

Today we are featuring

Kendall Anne Fink's

Favorite Musical Line Up.

Here are a few quick questions towards our featured deejay as to why she chose these songs out of all that we listen to on a daily basis:

Mama: Kendall, you chose a lot of princess songs, why?

Kendall: Because Princesses are pretty

M: ok, do you have a favorite princess?

K: um, Cinderella because I was in her dress at Halloween, remember Mommy, I wore make up.

M: We listen to Princess Music a lot in the van don't we?

K: Yeah, Ebee likes to sing too. You sing too Mommy, real loud!

(sidenote: Ethan is now 'singing' the prince parts in all the songs, I think he figures, I might as well join in and make the best of this, and I might as well pretend I am a broadway star since my kids aren't critics)

M:I see you chose N'Sync

K: What?

M: This silly dancing song, Mommy loved N'Sync

K: oh that's ok Mommy.

M: You like this song?

K: Yes, I dance to it all crazy

M: And a Yo Gabba Gabba song, this one is a great one

K: Yes you sing this all the time Mommy (laughter)

K: I like silly songs.

M: Me too, good pick.

M: A Backyardigans song, you don't watch them very much. Why did you pick a Backyardigan song.

K: Brynnie likes them.

M: Oh, you picked a song for Brynnie.

K: Uh huh

M: Is Brynnie your best friend?

K: Brynnie is my best cousin

M: Oh ok, I think she thinks that of you too.

K: she does.

M: And Banana Phone, you like that song?

K: That is E's favorite

M: Yeah E is a good dancer.

K: Me too, see my cool tricks?

M: Awesome!

M: I see you picked a Laurie Song, everyone loves Laurie.

K: mmm hmmm

M: but you wanted to end it early why?

K: to go back to the princess songs.

M: of course.

K: Mommy, do you hear that?

M: No, what

K: Pocahantas is on, I'll go watch it

So without further ado, Kendall's Mix Tape:

?

Does anyone know where my USB cord is so that i can download pics from my camera...yeah lost somewhere, but in the process a lot has been reorganized.

pet peeve 763: looking for lost items

so no, i don't have a llama, but if i did, he too would rally behind our president elect. it's ok, if you voted for mccain, you get a week to sulk, but then remember that we are called to support and be behind the leader of our country.

there is a plan and a will behind him being elected, and we as american's need to gather behind that.

that's all i am going to say.

ok, and that i have gotten dogged by some conservatives that i will not mention in this blog so that they can just support the president elect without feeling like i am putting them in a corner, but you may be surprised to note, that i am not going to say, 'i told you so!' just so long as you stop thinking of me as a crazy socialist who has turned against her religion. :)

Tomorrow is the day...but today is Mix Tape Monday

I won't post Halloween pics unless you promise to vote...
Here is some easy listening to get you in that voting kind of mood.
Happy Mix Tape Monday.