And folks wonder why we call 'em monkeys

My husband started it years ago-- calling our children monkeys. We even called the Princess that, until one neighbor was horrified surprised that we referred to our precious single girl as a monkey. They gave her the name Princess. They did it, and it's stuck ever since. This past Christmas we signed our cards that we sent out: ~R, Amy, five monkeys and a princess. Some thought it was cute, some thought it was funny, some thought it was goofy, who knows what everyone really thought... But I'm here to tell you now people, there's a reason--- and I'm about to show you, however embarrassing it is to us as their parents. Brace yourselves.
First, we have the Princess...

Notice: She's on a pony, long hair gently flowing in the breeze. See the shirt? It even has princesses on it. **Laaaaalaaaaa..... **

Now, in stark contrast, Monkey Two. Not only climbing in bare feet, but scratching his head! This is no set up folks-- I actually captured the kid just doin' his thang.



Then, as I peer from around my camera to see what the rest are up too, I see this: GROOMING!

I say, "Hey Four, whatcha doin'??" He replies, "I've got some major peely-feet around my toe knuckles!!" (see From Left Field-ish) Then, to my astonishment and slight embarrassment, I hear Two shout, "Peely-feet?!!? You have peely feet?? Where?" Then, (and I can't believe I'm sharing it here...) this happens:

Unbelievable! And to further my point-- my monkeys hang:

Climb:

And some have poor table manners:
Don't say I didn't warn you.

Who knew??

Did you know that today is Make Your Own Holiday?

Thanks to Dawn over at By Sun and Candlelight, I am now the wiser.

You Are Easter

You are an optimistic, hopeful, and genuinely sweet person. Sensitive and affectionate, you are easily touched. You love nature, animals, and anything cute or cuddly. For you, every day is a new chance - no matter what happened yesterday. What makes you celebrate: Almost anything. You love most holidays and celebrations. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The peacemaker. You can prevent any squabbles that might break out. On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Remember to include everyone

What Holiday Are You?

He is RISEN!!

He is Risen indeed!!!

From Left Field-ish

Monkey Four. From the time he could string words together, this kid has come out with some of the funniest (and sometimes most bizarre) comments and questions I have evah heard. For about a year or two, at least one word would end in -ish. "Boy, this food is a bit hotish", "That car is a bit smallish, so we couldn't ride in it.", "When I'm biggish, I'll be able to eat that"... and the list goes on. As cute as the -ish affliction was and still is, it's no comparison to the things that fall out of this kid's mouth on a regular basis. And it usually is completely out of left field. Like the day he cracked the silence in the car with this, "Are horses--oh, wait-- never mind, they aren't hatched out of eggs (chuckling to himself)--'cause that'd be one prreeettty large egg!" Or after dh and I had come back from a week long trip-- Four was snuggling up to me and said, "Mom, when you were gone the holes in your ears stayed the same--open". So glad you noticed Four. Or like this morning when he just felt like announcing to everyone, "I don't like people's hair when it looks like rope-hair." I said, "You mean like braided hair?" Four says, "No, ROPE hair, Mom, rope hair." Uh, okay.. And last, but certainly not least, (there is a long list you know) at dinner one night came, "Mom, have you ever been poked by a blowfish?" Nope Four, not to my knowledge.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Cleaning

This is a neat tradition. I had never heard of it until today. Not to late to jump on board though. The monkeys have had it pretty light around here lately anyway, with us being out the last three weeks. It is a good time to come together for preparation--and what a better way than to be working together and offering our time up to the Lord!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,

the power of God uphold me,

the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,

the ear of God hear me,

the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,

the way of God lie before me,

the shield of God defend me,

the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit,

Christ when I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen

A favorite

This picture is one of my favorites I took while on vacation at Disney World. It really reflects the great time all of us had.

We're baaaack!!

Finally home! Feels great. We were on vacation for a couple of weeks then out again for a week long work related conference. It is so good to be back home. It's hard to believe that today is actually Palm Sunday and that we begin Holy Week this week. Whew, lots of stuff to be done, but this is really the time to meditate on the last days of Christ. We'll watch The Passion and contemplate, as a family, the immense sacrifice of Our Lord. Peace be with you all.

Happy Birthday Two!

Well, we're back home from our whirl wind Disney/Florida trip! (more on that to come) Most importantly, today is Two's ninth birthday! Two fills our home with energy and laughter. He's the pizazz and sparkle of the family. We are very blessed to have him as a son. We love you Two.