Don't Eat Pete!

So I saw an idea for a family game somewhere on the world wide web sometime in the past few weeks. I read the rules and thought, I don't get it. What's the point? Why is that fun?

But I'm always on the lookout for games my whole family can play so I thought I'd give it a try. Sure enough, we laughed our heads off.

First make a game board. Mine looks like this:


Then I put a piece of candy on each face. (I found Starburst Jelly Beans on major clearance after Easter.)

One person leaves the room while the rest of the family decides which face on the game board is going to be Pete.

The one who left the room comes back and the goal for that person is to try to eat every single piece of candy other than Pete.

If that person picks up the candy on Pete's face, the rest of the family yells out "DON'T EAT PETE." And their turn is over.

Some one new leaves the room. The rest of the family picks a new Pete and you start over.

Simple right? Even Grayden got it. It was a blast...evidenced by the drool and sticky fingerprint stains. We had so much fun we played over and over and over until I decided that the kids had eaten FAR too much candy. (Next time maybe I'll use Cheerios...but that takes away half the fun.)

And to turn it into a bit of a learning experience...we talked about feelings before we started playing. What feelings they could identify on the game board. What makes you feel happy (sad, angry, excited, etc)? And what should you do when you feel angry (sad, scared, etc)?

It was too fun to keep to myself. So go apply, adapt, enjoy, return and report.

Spreading the Word

I'll start with CHECK THIS OUT!
That's the most important part of my post. Read on if you still desire.

I recently heard about some friends from my youth who have a 9 month old son born with a life-threatening disease called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa, Herlitz type, and was given less than one year to live. His skin blisters at the slightest touch and it is most often infection from the sores and blisters that cause death. Can you imagine trying to change a diaper? You can read about them HERE. It's a really informative article and gives you insight to some of the details of this trial I hadn't even considered. My heart has ached for these friends ever since I heard the news.

Recently, their son Daylon was chosen to be the first with this specific disease to be part of a clinical trial in hopes to cure him. The clinical trial is in Minnesota and the family (of seven) resides in California.

My good friend Jeanine and her sister Amy are hosting an online auction in their behalf on their blog Serving Pink Lemonade. It began today and runs through Thursday the 29th. People have donated all kinds of items that are up for bid...small items like necklaces and earrings. And big ticket items like facials and photography sessions (including my favorite photographers of all time whose photoblog I stalk). And all kinds of other stuff in between.

It's definitely worth a look...AND worth a bid. Seriously. It's win-win. You get something awesome and this family gets financial help that they really need. SCORE.

And for anyone in southern California, a run/walk and carnival is being held this weekend. Read more here.

You can also learn more or help by going to their site: helpmakeamiracle.org and donate straight to the cause.

And don't forget to spread the word.

My Prerogative

After posting last weeks "Actual Size" artwork, it left me feeling like I should record what my kids are really capable of. So I'm going to be an annoying, bragging mother. And though my kids artwork is probably pretty normal, I still feel like they are artistic geniuses. It's a mother's prerogative. So humor me a moment.

PARKER:

Phineas and Ferb...my personal fave. You have to admit this one is pretty impressive. The likeness is uncanny.


"Cyclops lazering Magneto and cloud monsters."


Star Wars characters

REID:

Reid drew Arthur during stake conference yesterday. To say I was impressed would be an understatement.


Batman, obviously.


Wolverine with Cyclops on his head?

And even GRAYDEN's pictures are starting to take form:

Not bad for a 2 year old. My only criticism is that this specific medium is wall mural, not a piece of paper.

AHHHH Craigslist...

You came through for me again.

Six years, three kids and four moves later...

I sold a chair on Craigslist for MORE money than I paid for it.

One full page picture of Spencer's face...

...brought to you by Parker.

Acshwll Sisi = Actual Size

(Don't know where the extra 'i' on 'size' came from. He's usually pretty good at phonetics.)


And yes, Spencer does have a beard...whenever I can talk him into growing one. I love me a mountain man.

Just a question...

Do your kids ever make up nonsense words and end up swearing? Like really bad swearing?

I never know whether I should address it or not. I choose not. Pointing out something naughty usually just encourages it at my house. But at the same time, I don't want it to become a favorite nonsense word.

Raising kids is more of an adventure than I ever dreamed it to be.

Soda Jerks

I finished everyone's pants and bow ties in time for church yesterday. Park freaked and decided a bow tie would be too much of a spectacle. I forced the pictures (obviously) but he went to church bow tie free.

If you're happy and you know it...

I was putting Grayden's shoes on one day last week. We weren't going any where fun or out of the ordinary. We were just picking Parker up from school like we do every weekday.

Gray looked at me and said, "I am so happy."

Maybe it's because he runs around in wig.

Or maybe it's because his dad can fly.

All I know is I wish it were just that simple.

What A Fool Believes

During bedtime routine:

Park: I'm going to be mayor when I grow up.

Me: Mayor? I've never heard you mention that before. It's a good goal.

Park: And when I'm mayor, I'm going to make everyday in April--April Fool's Day.

Apparently my tricks were a success.