What happens when....

Mom makes you go to the mall on a Saturday?



Well.... you make dad take you up and down the escalator 100 times of course.

Voting!

Proud moments, memories, and turkey basters?!

We had a parent-teacher conference today for Madelyn. These conferences always seem to tug at my heart strings. First, because there are a lot of words like "difficulties, not typical..", but why does it tug even more? Well... in the 20-30 minutes I spent at Madelyn's school this morning I had teachers, administrators, and even janitors running up to me to tell me how much they love Madelyn. I would get pulled into this classroom and that... just so I could hear how hard she tries, how funny she is, and how unbelievably determined to go farther than any of us can even dream. No, she is not typical. She is extraordinary. She thinks in a way... that we just don't understand yet. She sees math, feels writing, and wants to show you just how much she understands. 

Madelyn has had a tough week (bullying.. yuck!) and a great week. The birthday gifts kept coming in the mail, even after Halloween!

Then on Saturday after American Girl I asked Madelyn if she wanted to have a girls night. We stayed out very late, went to Target, strolled through Marshalls, and even went grocery shopping at 9 pm. We had so much. We giggled. We ran through the stores. And then at the checkout she gulped an entire water bottle. I mean in ONE gulp. She looked at me... laughed... and then looked as though she was going to be sick. 

...Madelyn, look at me. What is the matter? What is happening. Do not throw up right here. You are ok. Hold it in girlfriend!

Just as I feverishly went looking for a bag, barrel, or anything... she grabbed a turkey baster off the end cap. This! I need this.

She hurriedly had the woman check it out before ringing out our groceries.

Then she did sort of "basted?" her saliva. 

Oh yes... I said that right. I think?

She told me... yup. Better now.

I also was blessed with the opportunity to be given my grandmother's end table. Oh how I miss her. Even small pieces of furniture like this remind me of her comfort. I can just see a tray of orange slices or Hershey Kisses on top of it. I am honored to be the next it was carried down to.

How Many Cars?

How many cars does it take to fall asleep?

American Girl Take 2

After the American Girl snafo last week (they didn't sing Happy Birthday to her) we were invited back for round 2.

Reed-isms

Driving to Miss Janis's today Reed looked out the window at the dark sky.

Mom, why is it dark?
    It is dark in the morning right now.
Mom, are monsters out there?
    No way, Jose.
Mom, are monsters in their beds?
    Yes. Their mommies are probably feeding them breakfast.

Birthdays, Halloween, and Everything in Between

For the big 8! Madelyn wanted to be a doctor... so it was only fitting that Reed was her patient!