Really, I'm not one of those parents!

If you have a child who is anything like mine, she (or he) has multiple toy cell phones. Occasionnally, Kaylin will like to take her phone with us when we run errands. Usually I make her leave all toys in the car because 1)either she'll lose them or 2) I end up carrying everything she totes along. The other day, however, we went into Wal-Mart and I let her take her phone in with us. This particular day she was very talkative. OK - maybe it's just me but I've seen too many mini "Paris's" these days. I don't want to be one of those parents responsible for creating such a child. Well - imagine the scene: A tiny four year old walking around Wal-Mart, swinging one arm with purpose as she walks (almost oblivious to her surroundings) and talking loudly on the cell phone with her friend Derek (from Princess Swan). Again - maybe it's my imagination but she was getting a lot of looks. And even though I think she's the cutest girl ever, my mind was telling me these people were saying "I can't believe that women lets her toddler talk on the cell phone. What's that girl going to be like when she's twelve." I felt the strongest urge to defend myself by hollering out: "IT'S A TOY PHONE!" Although I refrained from making any comments I did make a mental note: "Leave the toy phone at home next time." Whether justified or not at the very least it will save me from mental anguish.

Kaylinisms III

I compiled another list of some of my favorite things Kaylin says or has said: 1)It gets really windy out here and one day as we got out of the car and the wind was in full force Kaylin said "God's really good at blowing." 2)Kaylin has a funny way of being indirect. Instead of asking for what she wants, she instead makes a declaration. For example: "I haven't had that before." or "I haven't tasted that before." Translation: Can I have a bite? One day she said to me: "Grandma hasn't seen me in a long time." Translation: I want to go to Grandma's house. 3) She also says the following: Holey Schmoley ---- gremote control ---- merceipt (receipt) ---- That might make me swell up (instead of "throw up").

A Little Static Goes A Long Way

Easter

Our local community center put on an Easter festival on Saturday. Below are some pics of the fun time.

First - we discovered that Kaylin likes her picture taken more than she fears the big scarry bunny. She played some games. She successfully tossed a toy into a smiley face cup. Then she practiced her bowling game and her golf game.

Next was the big Easter egg hunt. Okay - the truth be told there was no hunting involved. The eggs were tossed onto a big open field. The wistle blew and mass chaos insued. The event lasted all of about 30 seconds. But - as you can see from the pictures below, Kaylin still had a great time.

Interview with Kaylin

This interview has been going around on Facebook. I thought I'd add it to my blog for your enjoyment.

1. What is something mom always says to you? “No” (It took her less than half a second to answer that.)

2. What makes mom happy? “play around”

3. What makes mom sad? “I get hurt.”

4. How does your mom make you laugh? “Funny faces, laugh”

5. What was your mom like as a child? “Riding in cars.” (Yeah – I don’t get this either.)

6. How old is your mom? “I don’t know again. 7 – 8 years old.”

7. How tall is your mom? “Like this tall.”

8. What is your mom’s favorite thing to watch on TV? “News”

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? “Take a nap." (um – I think she’s confusing me with her dad.)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "Pretty"

11. What is your mom really good at? "Cooking" (Yeah - I've got a fan.)

12. What is your mom not very good at? “Grilling”

13. What does your mom do for her job? “Eat” (um – I’m sensing a theme here. I probably shouldn’t have started this interview when she was hungry.)

14. What is your mom's favorite food? “Acorns” (Now she’s so hungry – anything sounds good.) 15. What makes you proud of your mom? “Laugh” (you may have noticed – she likes one word answers)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? “Mickey Mouse”

17. What do you and your mom do together? “Play games”

18. How are you and your mom the same? “Our voice is the same.”

19. How are you and your mom different? “You’re taller and I’m short.”

20. How do you know your mom loves you? “Because you like me.”

Donkeys are smarter than you think

Yesterday I was reading a book when I kept hearing the noise of a horse neighing. Well - I was a little confused as I didn't think donkey's neigh. They just he-haw (with everything they can muster). I looked out the window to see James riding Dink the donkey. I thought this was funny so I went out to catch a better look. We decided to put Dink back in the corrale and get Jack the mule out (he was the guilty neigh-er). He seemed to be jealous of Dink's good fortune. As we were getting Jack ready for me to take a ride (sorry - I don't have picture proof of that one), I noticed Dink jostling with the gate latch. I said to James: "It's just a matter of time before he figures out how to get that gate open." Really - I wasn't too worried. Maybe I have been stereotyping donkeys but I didn't think he was smart enough to make a run for it. When we got ready to put Jack back in the corrale, Dink proceeded to open the gate. Oops! We put the animals up and James jimmy-rigged the latch on the gate. We went inside. After a few minutes I looked up from my book and saw Dink walking across the driveway. Oops again! James' jimmy-rig didn't work. So we got Dink back in his place and James' fixed the latch again. Sometime during the night or early morning Dink worked his magic again. This morning we discovered Dink and Jack had made a run for it. They headed off for some greener pasture. We got them back. (OK - "we" didn't. Mike and James did. But I was ready to get some carrots to lure them back. I've heard that works.) So far the latch is working. But I give the donkey credit. The cows never even noticed the open gate. Or - maybe they're smarter than we think too. They know where there food comes from. That's my farm adventure for the day.

Dr. Kaylin Gage

Kaylin received a doctor kit for Christmas. How do you like her in her Dr. glasses? I think she definitely looks the part.