what I did not buy at the thrift store

On a recent trip to my local Value Village I observed more things one should never buy at the thrift store then treasures I wanted to drag home. Rare for me, remember that I have those tendencies to hoard all the things?!

Up first is this leotard with loads of sparkle and velvet to spare. No thank you, not even my fond memories of countless gymnastics classes would get this in my cart.

 Addendum: If you were going to purchase that leotard you are then bound by law to wear it with these silver booties. A steal at $14.99.

I didn't need a 70's sweater dress either, so I passed on this as well. Although, paired with those silver boots, you could totally be Twiggy for Halloween. You're welcome.

Now we have arrived at the more serious portion of this post. I'd like to forewarn anyone with a sensitive stomach or prone to fainting...;)

This guy will climb down from your shelf at night and eat your face. Seriously, freaks me out.

Unless of course you buy these dolls as well. Then the dolls will crowd out the mug because they're quicker and it will be a face buffet all night. No kidding!  I think I saw an episode of Scooby Doo about this once.

Ahh! Look away! They will steal your soul.

Yikes. Haven't been back in awhile, too busy with nightmares and therapy.

60

My dad would have turned sixty this week.  He was always the birthday wizard, making special days extravagant. I'd like to think all my party planning madness came from his genius. So I thought it only right that I do a birthday post.

I happened upon a website where you enter your birthdate and it spits out a mostly right-on analysis of your personhood. (gee-golly am I ever a sucker for that type of thing!) My Dad's said it perfectly, in regards to my memory of him;

 "... July 23 people also have a great deal to offer the other party in a relationship: their highly developed problem-solving abilities, compassion, understanding and human qualities are invaluable....
The emotional complexity of those born on this day, their warmth and human struggle, generally makes contact with them meaningful."

A whole lifetime of meaningful packed into his 42 years. Cheers, Dad!

last of the graduation posts

A few more of the first day of school (before) vs. the last day of school (after) pictures.

∆∆∆ before ∆∆∆

                                                                       ∆∆∆ after ∆∆∆
   I think they were as ready for summer as I was. Well, almost. What is it about that morning dash of lunches and loading up that zaps me so much? Anyhow, I am currently enjoying my freedom to lounge about in sweat pants and serve the children cereal for dinner.

we made it

This post is tricky. Kindergarten was the best of times. It was the worst of times, too. So I am going to rip it off real quick like a bandaid. Collin made it. He is a champ. And his big drama Mama made it. The only tears shed on graduation day were Dad's, realizing how this life zooms by so quick.

We celebrated with Red Lobster because "you get to share food!" and "it's attached to a beach!" according to Collin. (who was only a wee bit dissappointed when we arrived at the real Red Lobster)

strawberry pickin'

 This has so far been the summer of "Please don't kill you brother today!" No kidding. It will be a success if I just keep them all alive and not seriously injured this summer. We went off for some family fun a couple Saturdays ago. Mostly I just hoped their behavior would be better in public. Wrong. But it made for some cute pictures for the blog.

The evolution of a group photo. Parker was the photographer because he was not having any fun. I guess I shouldn't be too bummed about a 5 out of 6 success rate.

We went on to lunch at Crockett's, one of Guy Fieri's Diner's Drive-ins, and Dives. Stopped in a See's Candies for a treat and wrapped things up watching The Croods. (where Parker FINALLY started to have fun)
Sidenote: I had such ridiculously low expectations for that movie (it has Nic Cage in it) but I could not recommend it enough. It is funny and has a wonderful message about family.

Kaleb's Sky City Experience

This lil' nugget graduated from fifth grade.

Around here, graduating from elementary school is a big deal. So we did it up for our charming Kaleb the other night. A fancy dinner atop the Space Needle on one of the nicest days of the year. The food was delicious, the view was spectacular, and Kaleb was such a fun date. 

Congrats to you, our drama major in the making ;)