Random list

We finally had Blake's birthday party last weekend, after he recovered from pneumonia (apparently a small case in his right upper lobe according to his xray).

Faith helped me get ready for the event. We made cupcakes and tried to tidy so people think we don't live like pigs on a day to day basis (even though we do). It all went well, including have lots of extra space now that our basement is done. Karen and I even played pool! And, miraculously I won due to a wayward eight ball.

So, after chili, cupcakes, and ice cream (also beer and wine), we declared another birthday party a success.

Anyway, I was doing some more cleaning this week (what's up with that?), and found a random list that Faith had written before the party, each item with a little checkmark beside it:

Blake's Birthday Party

• music
• cupcakes
• presents
• love
  

Cue melting hearts.

Can't go without mention

Due to the wonders of my PVR, I forced the kids to watch the inauguration today after I picked them up from school.

Impressively, Faith made it through the swearing in before she took off to play Barbies, and after a lesson in how to pronounce Barack Obama. More impressively, Blake spent the ceremony replay spontaneously sitting on his potty in front of the TV and pooping!!! So we clapped for him and Obama at the same time. This is probably one of the few instances when a parent's excitement over toilet training success was surpassed only by world events.

Happy Birthday Blake!

Blake turned 2 today! As part of this family tradition, we baked a cake, licked the bowl (I know, I know, raw eggs) and got really messy with the beaters. Afterwards, Blake peed in the potty.

All in all a good birthday so far, despite Blake's recent diagnosis of pneumonia. None of us were sick over Christmas, so the reprieve had to end sometime, right?

Overheard...

Faith and George were reading on the couch with "Executive Decision" playing in the background. You know--that famous Steven Seagal movie. (Yes...another totally inappropriate viewing moment for my children.) When she was done her book, she looked up to see Halle Berry on the screen in her little flight attendant's uniform.

"Hey! I know that lady," said Faith. "She was in the Flintstones movie. She's a really good actor."

I'm sure Halle would love to know she plays well to the under-10 set.

Happy New Year!

Yes...this is a Christmas picture, but I'm a little behind in the photo processing this season. So Happy New Year to everyone!