New Trend?

My Pioneer Club kids at church are currently earning a Tumbling activity badge. If I were a smart leader, this would be of no physical consequence to me. Instead I have been awake since 4am, very tired from lack of sleep resulting from neck pain and extremely grateful that I already had a scheduled chiropractor appointment for this morning. Note to self: Somersaults at age 36 are, perhaps, not a good idea.

While on the subject of bad ideas, let me state that one of my biggest annoyances are guys that walk around with their pants half down, with boxers showing. I am so tempted to yank them down when I see it and if my boys ever attempted this style, you can bet I would. I believe, however, that I have found a fashion trend which is even worse. On the way home from the Fryeburg Fair last week, we stopped for gas. While in the car, I glanced through the window and saw an employee who had his shirt tucked neatly into his pants as you might expect at a place of business. The unusual element of the uniform was the fact that his pants were belted not at the waist, but around the bottom of his butt. Apologizing for the poor quality, I have included a photo for you. Please tell me this is not a new style...........

3 Down

Last night Tell said goodbye to 3. The toddler era in the Gilbert household is quickly waning, taking with it both the frustrations and joys of these formative years. Nolan made Tell a chocolate chip cookie "pizza" early in the day. Nolan baked it from scratch, a birthday gift to his younger brother, complete with lit candles placed in the still warm treat. As is tradition, a birthday meant a day off from school so Atira and I ventured out to Red Dragon Toys and Play and Learn to track down the two gift requests from Tell: two more engines for his Thomas wooden train collection. After procuring Emily and Stanley and the rest of the ingredients for chili, we headed home to get the place 'party-ready'. For the third year in a row the requested cake was Thomas themed and brought by Mimi and Grandad. They were joined by the Aussie grandparents via webcam and the celebration was complete. Eight o'clock found a very content four year old, snuggled in his bed, wearing new Thomas flannel jammies. Life is good.

Finding the Silver Lining

Our plan for this weekend had been to meet up with part of the Seeley clan on Saturday to bike on the carriage trails of Acadia. The dark, rain-bearing clouds changed our plans, much to my disappointment. Instead, we took the opportunity of a plan-free weekend to complete phase 1 of the kitchen fix. Our inexpensive stock cupboards are nearly 25 years old and their wear is very evident. I sanded the bottom ones a couple weeks ago and yesterday they received their new garment of paint. Those that have older houses will understand that our one project inevitably turned into three as we set to work. We had two drawers that did not stay on track and a lazy susan that no longer spun completely around. New tracks installed by my handy man took care of the first problem and then he set to work on the lazy susan. After a few minutes the problem was discovered. Under the turning tray Jim discovered my now mangled mixer attachment that has been missing for months! You never know where items will turn up in this house. Now on to phase 2, the top cupboards......