houpley

While walking downtown after lunch, my husband and I passed a large man bellowing words from the gospel at passersby. He wore a black suit, had a large white cross standing beside him. A worn bible was in one hand while the other was in a fist being shaken at downtown employees scurrying for grub on their too-short lunch break. He was unstoppable, passionate and very loud. His booming shouts were echoing off of downtown's skyscrapers. Eric kept glancing his way as we neared and I noticed how he made other folks a bit uncomfortable. "I kind of like it," I said gesturing toward the corner preacher. "Really?" Eric was a bit surprised. "Yeah," I said. "I like to hear stuff like that on the street. I think it's cool. It's like America. It's like I live in a big city." Eric paused and took a sip of his soda while considering my reasoning. I continued. "It's like one time I walked back from lunch and passed one guy playing a gui...

It occurred to me that when Jack moved from being a Penguin to a Monkey I wrote a bit about his transition, new class and teachers. Last week he made yet another transition into the Alligator room. It seems like every transition is a very big deal. Last time it was stressful for me because he was moving up to toddler level meaning no longer on the infant floor. This transition is once again all about becoming more independent. Fortunately many of the independent behaviors they will be developing he already enjoys doing. Such as.., -using utensils -drinking from a cup -taking his dishes to the sink -washing his hands -using a napkin These are all things he has been doing at home on and off again for quite some time. While nervous about Jack becoming such a big kid, I am excited about his teacher’s curriculum plans. They will begin a daily preschool session and by the end of the year are expected to know colors, shapes and more in Spanish. I'm thrilled about that because the majority...

While cooking supper... Jackson: I saw mama. Mama: Oh. You did? Ok. Jackson: I saw daddy. Mama: Oh, yeah? I did too. Where did he go? Jackson: I saw Elvis. Mama: Did he go with daddy? (I finally look up and see Jack headed toward the dog with the green-handled SAW from his tiny toolbox.) Mama: Hang on, now! Don't saw Elvis. After supper... Jackson: Mama, where trash cans go? Mama: I don't know. Where did they go? Jackson: Garbage man came, Mama. It's Tuesday.

Me: I had a terrible dream last night. Eric: Really? Me: I dreamed you cheated on me. Eric: Awwww, baby. Me: With Katie Holmes. Eric: Oh wow! Great job, Eric!

It's hard to write about this topic without coming off like an arrogant, pompous kind of mom (you know the type.) But after noticing this a few times and even discussing it with a few relatives who have noticed it too, I've decided something must be said. I am so irritated and disappointed with the incorrect grammar and punctuation slipping into children's literature. There. It's out. Is this the part where I yell at those kids to get off my lawn? Now that I have set myself up for scrutiny - as I'm sure my posts are riddled with misspellings and grammar whatnots - I would like to point out these posts are causal and not meant for teaching children to read. On the contrary, Jackson's latest favorite, Speedy the Fire Truck, is a great Wheelie book he thoroughly enjoys. Meaning we've read it a brazillian times. It's got everything. Plenty of fiery action, handsome fire men , rhyming phrases, large spinning wheels, a cat, etc. And it all ends with a giant, g...

Birthday photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/73102019@N00/sets/72157621914997225/ and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50981739@N00/sets/72157621819517849/ (hope these links work. otherwise, you may have to cut and paste.)