Tuck's Idea of "Cool"

"Mom I really, really want a mullet!" - Tuckerby

And yes, he knew exactly what he was talking about.

Chickies First Field Trip

Here's my newest obsession: 25 perfectly darling little chicks, all covered in fluffy down, practically begging to be spoiled. So we are obliging them as best we can. Since the weather has been absolutely perfect we took them outside for the first time yesterday. Danner and Wynnie discovered that the chickies actually like them! Except the one buff orpington that seemed to really like my foot. Afterwards they slept and slept and slept. The hot sun really wore them out. I think from now on we'll take them outside everyday before bedtime.

Wynnie's Haircut

After Wynnie's friend Lacy got her haircut she was willing to let my trim hers so it was even in the back. She apparently also wanted a little off the top. She is very pleased with the results since her bangs are no longer in her eyes. My ever practical daughter doesn't care so much how it looks, it's all about function. When I told her it was just as short as her brothers' hair and threatened to cut it all off as short as theirs' she defiantly looked at me and said: "it's good for boys and girls Mom!" So there you have it. She even loves this picture and says her hair is beautiful. This was the last trim to even it all out from when she had pulled out half of it two years ago too. C'est le vie.

Vote for Kai

As everyone knows, of much more importance than our Presidential Elections is excerising our right to vote on American Idol. This year by far the most important contestant is Kai Kalama. Besides having a heavenly voice and being darling cute, I grew up with him! Go Redlands! His Mama taught me to sing too! He stinkin better get through to the voting round because my fingers are itching and everyone reading this better vote for him or I'm coming after you. I heart Kai.

The Great Flood of 2009

I feel bad that I didn't get out to get the pictures yesterday, but I forgot my camera the one time I had a chance to go outside, so just imagine the water higher.
This is my neighbors yard, the water was all the way to the retaining wall, threatening to go over.

This is my lower pasture, the water was all the way to the gate in the morning, it rained the rest of the day, so it could have gone even higher.

This might give you an idea of how fast the water is moving today. All I can say is that I wouldn't want to be caught up in it. We have been very lucky where we are. It's just pasture that's under water. There are many places that are much worse. Several counties have been declared a state of emergency. Billy's unit has been called up to help and he's away now helping. I'm greatful he can. Of course all this rain means the bus isn't running, and since Billy took the van with him, I have the boys back home with me again. Which is another point in favor of homeschooling as far as I'm concerned.

Total Complete Danner Brag

So, I'm going over the times tables with Tuckerby (whose bored with second grade math so I taught him how to multiply, but this is a Danner brag), and we were just reviewing all the 1's and 2's. Danner was shouting out the answers before Tuck had the chance. I thought, "wow, what a great memory that boy has, but let's really put him to the test so Tuck can really show off." So we start working on the 3's. I give Tuck 3x1. No problem: "3!" Danner got 3x2, which was again pretty easy since they know their 1s and 2s. So, Tuck then got 3x3 which was a bit trickier but he knows how the whole multiplication thing works so he was pretty quick with the 9, and then I thought I had my kindergartner stumped with 3x4. He sat there looking at his hands. He counted his fingers. I have actually never seen him look at his fingers in quite that manner. One minute passed. Tuck was really starting to get impatient, and told me he knew the answer. I wouldn't let him give it. Of course Danner's Look of Death probably helped keep him quiet as well. Close to the end of the second minute and after some serious finger maneuvering, Danner looked up, face about to burst into a rainbow and declared "12." I was flabbergasted. I had no idea I had taught him how to multiply too. Just to be on the safe side, and to make sure it wasn't a fluke, after Tuck's turn 3x5 (which he got wrong, I think Danner intimidated him a bit) I threw him 3x6. After about 15-20 seconds of consulting his fingers in exactly the same way as before he said 18 didn't wait around to hear if was right or not just said that he was bored with the game and walked away. My chin is still on the floor.

Best Christmas Picture Ever