Our Godly Grammarian

after nightly blessings...

Darren: "We really shouldn't say, 'Amen.'"

Mommy: "Well Honey, it's like ending a prayer with, 'We really mean what we said."

Darren: "No, I know what it means. What I'm saying is it should be A-man. Men means more than one, and 'a' doesn't go with that."

Here's hoping God's forgiveness extends to our etymological inadequacies.

Today, I am thankful...

that in the future, at Sarah's request, we will both relax on the sofa with cucumber slices over our eyes and "those colored masks" on our faces.

that when he was carrying a container of two fish ever-so-carefully to add to his class' aquarium, Darren made it to Mr. D's first grade room with no mishap.

Makes My Monday

Sometimes an image simply makes your day. When that day happens to be Monday, the cheer brought is exponentially more appreciated.

This one, taken by Double Daddy's cell phone as he was hiking around the James River with Darren and Sarah yesterday, certainly falls under that category.

Have you got a picture that simply Makes Your Monday? Please post it on your blog, and add your name to the Mr. Linky below. Be sure to link back here so you make sure others don't let rainy days or Mondays get them down!

Don't forget to enter the Multiple Moms Rock giveaway (see the left sidebar), and to order some great gifts for the holidays ahead...use the code TWINFATUATION and get a 10% discount!

Baby Picture Sundays: Buddha Bellies

Darling Debi at Who Says 8 is Enough? hosts a weekly baby picture retrospective on Sundays, always with a thematic incentive. This week's call to action "Buddha Bellies" made me giggle -- realizing I have NO images of our twosome displaying their tummies that are suitable for web-consumption. Similarly, I am not too certain this photo of me with my belly full of babies is entirely viewer-friendly, so please feel free to avert your eyes if you must.

While I enjoy looking at other women's pregnant abdomens, I was not a fan of having my picture taken while expecting. This is the only bare belly shot we have (and this is the first and only time I plan on sharing it)...and for that, I am thankful!

Now for some far more appealling images of rub-worthy Buddha bellies, go visit Debi!

Three Years

36 months. 156 weeks. 1095 days.
The love of my life, Double Daddy, has been cancer-free for three years today.

As I type, he is assembling bookshelves in the kids' playroom (with some help from Darren) singing along with Dean Martin. You're nobody 'til somebody loves you.

My flannel pajamas are still on (with flamingoes, given me by my Vegas-lovin' man). Sarah and I are making banana bread with the fruit yet again gone over-ripe. The leaves blowing past our windows are rustling as only wind-swept fall leaves can.

This morning is marvelous in every detail -- much like each appreciated afresh minute of each day of the past three years. For those 36 months, 156 weeks, 1095 days, and for the cancer-free decades I am faithfully confident await us...

Today, I am thankful.

More Blessed to Give...

Trust me; I love receiving bloggilicious awards like the one above. Embarrassingly, I tend to keep 'em in my back pocket (and on my sidebar) for a "future post," then all too often, I neglect to pass along the love within a reasonable span of time. Perhaps with autumn's progression, it's time to turn over a new leaf and get with the goodness!

So, THANK YOU to Nancy at The Zimmer Zoo (a regular read for me, and what darlin' babies she has...) for the Superior Scribbler Award.

Here are the rules:

Post the award on your blog.

Link to the person who gave it to you.

Link to the originating post - (and go add your name to the ever-growing list).

Pass the award on to 5 people.

Post the rules for the recipients.

The 5 Superior Scribes to whom I bestow this award are the women behind the words on:

More MereCatherine

Giovanna Diaries

Noble Pig

Lit and Laundry

Yes, and So is My Heart

Catholic Teacher Musings

If you don't already, you must go read the five fab writers above. What?!? That's six, you say?
Stop counting and go read 'em!

Stay tuned, I'll be awarding a LONG overdue group of gals (and maybe a guy or two...) the "Super Commenter" award in the next few days. New mantra: Laurels are for passing, not for sitting. Kudos comin', People. Get ready!



Today, I am thankful...

for Sarah's insightfulness (or is that simply "insight"?) and consideration. When Darren's teacher needed to let me in on something that happened in class yesterday, Sarah, who was dropping off Darren with me, piped up with, "This doesn't sound like any of my business. I'm going to my class. Love you, Mom." That's my girl.

for Darren's tears when his teacher informed me of his behavioral lapse yesterday that Darren himself conveniently "forgot" to share. Also forgotten? A homework assignment that was to have been completed in connection with that incident that went undone. Tears indicate regret, remorse. I'm thankful for them.

Double Daddy and I are in agreement that our children will -- and must -- make mistakes in school and elsewhere; and that we, as their parents, need to allow them to experience the consequences without parental interference.