tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9212505292962805332012-02-14T11:11:08.688-06:00Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.comBlogger2911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-49272179061286500482012-02-03T19:58:00.000-06:002012-02-03T19:58:52.699-06:00

Welcome to "Bedtime Stories with Emma".  I'm thinking of making this a regular entry.  What do you think?

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-13847673678148265912012-01-31T18:42:00.001-06:002012-01-31T18:43:17.426-06:00

My iron is a scowly pants. My gray wrinkly shirt hangs around crying all the time. Mr. Lint Roller is getting the silent treatment from Mrs. Starch.  Maybe he shouldn't have gone off and gotten himself a mistress.  You see, the situation is dire.  Things are bad, and I've started to wonder,  "What's gone so very, very wrong in my little ironing world?" I think I know.    It's this ugly guy.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-11249096370140450232012-01-28T19:36:00.000-06:002012-01-28T19:36:55.194-06:00

Saturday is 'cleaning day'.  Music gets turned up loud at our house, and people go to town on their respective chores.  Everyone's busy, in theory.  Jim's paying bills.  Jack is groaning upstairs about not wanting to clean his room.  I'm elbow deep in toilet-scrubbing-land somewhere in the house.  And then there's... Emma.  NOT doing chores when she thinks no one's looking.  Dancing for her

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-53372811183631159822011-12-25T19:48:00.000-06:002011-12-25T19:48:18.128-06:00

Normally my husband is the guy who can fix just about anything.  It's a very handy talent, and he ends up feeling manly.  It's a win-win situation... On a related note, this year we assembled our Christmas tree and just like every year, it seems, the tree was deciding to be temperamental.  The mid section of the tree would flicker out for no apparent reason.  Flash on.  Flash off.  Finally, one

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-34612923370490123512011-12-24T01:10:00.002-06:002011-12-24T12:00:22.252-06:00

Emma was recently in the church nativity play.  She was the donkey.  You should know that she was not donkey-like at all.  I've never seen a donkey steal baby Jesus's thunder.  The pictures below show it well... getting right up in front of the microphone, making googly eyes at Mom and Dad the entire time.  A wave or three thousand.  It was cute.  She looks like a gangsta donkey.  I'm just

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-71796510049961659862011-11-26T22:29:00.000-06:002011-11-26T22:29:54.624-06:00

Emma will be four in four days!  Wow!  How did that happen?  This week I asked Emma 20 questions.  I hope to remember to ask these questions every birthday and see how her answers change.  But here are her words at just four days shy of turning 4 years old.  1.  What is your favorite color?  Pink, purple, and orange.  And blue. 2.  What is your favorite toy?  Boots, Dora's monkey. 3.  What

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-31453388235246622062011-09-27T21:20:00.000-05:002011-09-27T21:20:05.553-05:00

Me to Jim: "We should just move to Colorado."  Emma:  "Mom, we can't carry the house that far." _______ Jack:  "I can't decide on a Halloween costume, Mom."  Me:  "You haven't found a good one yet?" Jack:  "Sadly, no." _______ Emma to a fussing Jack:  "What's the issue?" _______ Fourth grader to a new student:  "We have two sets of water fountains.  If I'm in the mood for cold, I go to

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-83010977539455795212011-09-14T20:40:00.000-05:002011-09-14T20:40:44.559-05:00

Jack was going to the bathroom with the door wide open while I curled my hair this morning.  He stood there talking over his shoulder.  Cookie pitter pattered in behind him only to jam her head into his calf.  It was the first time I'd seen her all morning, a testament to the fact that she loves Jack more than she'll ever consider tolerating me.  Maybe it's because Jack pets her and stuff. 

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-71961460606229833512011-08-04T19:51:00.003-05:002011-08-04T19:56:56.183-05:00

As I mentioned in the last post, we've been on a family trip this summer!  Bear with me... this will be a looooong post.  We were gone 12 days... First we hit up St. Louis.   While Jim finished up his work week there, Jack, Emma, and I went to the famous City Museum. It sounded like SUCH a fun place, and the three of us were super excited.  Jack had a blast.  Emma had major issues. In case

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-51088939441166712882011-07-27T18:10:00.001-05:002011-07-27T18:11:05.621-05:00

I know.  I know.  It's been too long.  Don't be giving me the hairy eyeball, Ricky. Just a few days ago, we got home from our vacation to Wisconsin/Illinois.  And that has me still sorta tired.  (Too tired to type?  Shut it.)  Plus, July is winding down, and that means I'm settling into bigtime sulking about school starting up again.  All of this has led to sort of the stagnant blog situation

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-43775678459770657112011-07-08T10:27:00.001-05:002011-07-08T10:30:24.886-05:00

Jack, Emma, and I were sitting at Subway yesterday enjoying our ham sandwiches.  We had just come from the fabulous IPA educational store.  Now normally, I would ban this store during the thick of summer because, as Jack pointed out, the place even "SMELLS like a classroom."  But see... Jack had saved some of his money and was dying to spend it on a certain police officer puppet that he had seen

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-19761819900433028032011-07-06T08:37:00.000-05:002011-07-06T08:37:29.326-05:00

We had a nice, relaxing fourth of July in our driveway... just the four of us.  I hope yours was great!

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-37954045314983405682011-07-04T10:53:00.000-05:002011-07-04T10:53:02.141-05:00

"Amazing" lemonade from an amazing kid.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-72424622697554856462011-06-29T17:08:00.000-05:002011-06-29T17:08:46.481-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to decide whether you're going to eat your blue sucker or drink your delicious Sprite first.   Unless you're Emma.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-6599500757236382582011-06-26T10:45:00.003-05:002011-06-26T10:49:27.866-05:00

We are in the thick of summer and the monotony of alternating between the library and the pool as our big "destinations" for the day is maybe setting in a little.  (Remind me NOT to come back and read this during the school year.  I'll want to hang myself for saying that.)  But anyway.  That's why I was pretty excited when Jim got the idea to head to Branson for some fun.  He mentioned "go

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-30289856704590420152011-06-26T09:28:00.000-05:002011-06-26T09:28:48.588-05:00

Jim and I were laughing just the other day as we sat at the table and challenged ourselves to think of any... I mean ANY... similarity between our two kids.  And here's what we came up with: "They both like the queso and chips from Chili's."  Yes.  That's it.  (And that was hard to think of, by the way.)  Just look at them.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-16972362436171155402011-06-24T15:49:00.003-05:002011-06-24T15:59:33.797-05:00

This morning Emma asked me for jellybeans for breakfast.  This is not uncommon.  This summer I've noticed that it's a daily conversation that I have with her.  "No, Emma.  We don't have jellybeans in the morning."  Her response is typically, "But can I have them?"  And then she usually throws in a shrug and a smile.  I wonder what Grandma feeds her for breakfast during the school year.  Her

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-82785782467021953902011-06-19T20:07:00.000-05:002011-06-19T20:07:11.536-05:00

"Mom, go look at my drawing."

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-78657478115666682052011-06-15T12:11:00.000-05:002011-06-15T12:11:58.318-05:00

So, yesterday we were listening to the 80's station while driving in the car, running errands.  Kim Carnes comes on singing her  Bette Davis Eyes.  Jack listened for a bit and finally let out a huge sigh of disgust, asking... "MOM, WHY WOULD ANYONE SING A SONG WITH NOT SUCH A GOOD VOICE?" That was the best part of my Tuesday, people.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-59726015420004960892011-06-07T20:17:00.003-05:002011-06-07T20:30:04.474-05:00

Summer is in full swing!  And we've been gettin' our fun on.  I love summer.  Being an elementary teacher sure has its perks... and summer, you are the biggest one of all.  Here's what we've been up to lately. 1.  Last year, my big projects were Jack and Emma's bedrooms.  This year, it's all about me, folks.  I want a beautiful bedroom too.  Be gone, ugly tattered bedspreads.  Be gone, laundry

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-9647851788715333552011-05-19T21:38:00.000-05:002011-05-19T21:38:27.405-05:00

I haven't seen a pairing this odd since the lunch lady at school gave me pizza and a side of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-10433196152813950502011-05-18T18:53:00.000-05:002011-05-18T18:53:53.033-05:00

My mom came up to visit the other day.  With her, she brought a treasure from long ago... Oh yes!  This is what you think it could be.  Eight year old Whitney's DIARY.  I opened it up, thinking that this was going to be FUN, FUN, FUN to read.  During my reading, I was disappointed about a handful of things.  First, I wrote sparingly with only occasional entries here and there.  I was a little

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-58756342041084447142011-05-03T20:24:00.000-05:002011-05-03T20:24:55.320-05:00

I don't often get blogging assignments, but I have decided they are pretty fun.  I once played a prank on Jack that resulted in an assignment issued by my mother that was one of my favorites... um... ever.  But today?  Today, I've been given a blogging assignment by my hilarious friend, Schlager.  And Schlager, I accept.  I am to "make a video of Emma telling a story."  Okay.  Well, I tried

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-16537711015071739092011-04-28T16:18:00.001-05:002011-04-28T16:30:31.678-05:00

My classroom full of fourth grade angels sees toy fads come and go over the course of a year.  Really, over the past 12 years, I have become quite the expert in what's popular and fashionable on the pre-teen toy scene.  Need a Christmas present and want to know what's cool?  Ask a teacher.  "Uncanny and pretty phenomenal toy awareness" is a  ridiculous thing to put on my resume, but nonetheless..

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-33180295608014623472011-04-27T12:33:00.006-05:002011-04-27T12:46:58.856-05:00

Let's talk about all-things-fish today. 1. Jack wrote a cute paragraph about Blue the other day at school. I will post the illustration. It's impressive for an eight year old. It's impressive for any age, actually. Check it out. (writin' about fish) 2.  It has been raining here for days.  And days.  And days.  Gloomy and gray.  Low, quiet thunder that goes on for minutes at a time.  Chill and

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-19548302865358988022011-04-19T19:56:00.005-05:002011-04-19T20:05:31.164-05:00

GREAT NEWS!  It seems maybe that "Blue" is not all-encompassing when it comes the descriptive powers of our new fish's name.  Blue doesn't seem to be too blue at all.  He's actually happy and healthy... says the internet, anyway. Remember I know NOTHING about fish, so I was pretty alarmed today as I checked on him after Jack did the night time feeding.  I noticed lots and lots of weird little

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-46330231420235564722011-04-19T19:24:00.002-05:002011-04-19T19:28:41.246-05:00

"What are these faces about?" I hear you asking. Yes, well.  There IS a story here.  One face is freshly tear-splotchy, glum, laced with disgust, forlorn, and pitiful.  The other?  Smug.  Oh yeah.  Reeeeal smug. But before I get to that story, I can hear my mother over all of your voices.  Yes, Momma.  Jack's lips are blue, but it's only because he's just had a bluer than blue lollipop (given to

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-34891535157610943702011-04-17T10:49:00.000-05:002011-04-17T10:49:07.542-05:00

Well, we've done cat number 1, and cat number 2.  We've also done pet ants .  Gosh, we've even inherited some tadpoles and killed plants a'plenty at the Hoodenpyle house.  Remember?  So now, we had quite a decision to make when it came to Jack's newest idea:  getting a new pet. We decided on a fish.  (a.k.a.  something super easy for mom...) Jack, Emma, and I all piled into the car today to go

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-6661787133505741702011-04-16T19:47:00.000-05:002011-04-16T19:47:18.429-05:00

  Emma's new favorite hairstyle is the braid.  These braids are definitely cute, but they take no less than 20 minutes due to the fact that she's three and prefers wiggling over sitting still.  But she looks so dang cute... so I braid away. Jack was lingering around in the bathroom during one braiding session recently.  He watched and was clearly curious.  Jack:  "HOW are you even doing that,

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-6340857462179826412011-04-12T23:34:00.002-05:002011-04-13T11:15:08.639-05:00

I have a happy husband.  Jim got to go to the fifteenth annual Steak & Steak Dinner at the Boys and Girls Club this evening.  The featured guest speaker was the one and only Lance Armstrong.  Yes, the Lance. Jim, as Jim will do, plotted all night at how to get within inches of his idol and come away with an autograph and perhaps a photo.  It was a tough undertaking.  Every other person in the

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-46991474966053343442011-03-30T23:22:00.002-05:002011-03-31T10:47:57.162-05:00

Sorry I haven't written much lately.  Jim is gone to Vegas for a work thing.  Jim has also gotten a promotion at work which means he's going to be gone for "work things" several times a month starting pronto.  You should probably expect me to write more blog posts starting pronto.  Let me explain this.  I've decided that sometimes I write on this blog for fun. Sometimes it's a way to feel

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-25071161940366908042011-03-12T17:09:00.001-06:002011-03-12T17:16:30.794-06:00

Sometimes my parents like to bring Emma new clothes when they visit.  They like for her to model them.  Sometimes she cooperates.  And sometimes she doesn't.  Apparently, this last visit was a "doesn't" day.  I received this from my stepdad and had to share.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-24442147152670421482011-02-26T19:30:00.002-06:002011-02-26T19:35:09.633-06:00

When I was in the seventh grade, going into the eighth, I tried out for cheerleading.  My mother was a cheerleader in high school, and I used to gaze at her old yearbooks.  There was a shot or two of her jumping, yelling, smiling... generally being attractive and well liked.  Her squad got to wear cute outfits, and they always seemed so friendly and peppy in the pictures.  It must've seeped into

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-10636288752261990322011-02-26T09:57:00.000-06:002011-02-26T09:57:53.110-06:00

I win.  HAHAHAHAHA!

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-21038152815080792812011-02-26T09:36:00.000-06:002011-02-26T09:36:32.378-06:00

Thanks for playing along.  Now for the results that I promised: Numbers 1 and 3 are truths.  Number 2 is the fiction.  Let's explain.  Yes, I am 34 years old, and I do still sleep with my old, dirty, ratty childhood blanket.  My best friend in the world was in shock, saying, "How come I didn't know this about you?"  In thinking about that, it's generally not something I go around shouting from

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-73206684393387181082011-02-21T18:44:00.002-06:002011-02-21T18:50:16.952-06:00

Let's play a game.  It's called "Find the Fiction".  Well, actually, it's not a game.  It's one of the many Kagan Cooperative Learning structures that I've been learning about during my teacher inservice days this year.  My coworkers and I had great fun with this particular structure today.  It can be used with kids as a bonding get-to-know-you activity or it can be used across the content areas.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-8781701600924643952011-02-13T18:12:00.000-06:002011-02-13T18:12:24.263-06:00

These are Emma's Littlest Pet Shop toys.  Meet (from left to right) Matricia, Matricia, Matricia, Matricia, Matricia, and Alex.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-86419987886503145942011-02-11T16:29:00.008-06:002011-02-13T18:13:27.804-06:00

This is who I work with.  On your left and right:  Ashley and Danavee Yes.  These are real people. Tall, slender, just stepped-off-the-catwalk people.   Like...  coulda been models kinds of people. Yes, they do look like this. Every. Single. Day.  You want to look again... closer... I know.  Okay.  I'm ready to field your questions now.  Who's first? Answer 1:  speaking into the microphone...

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-2442908937059764332011-02-01T16:16:00.004-06:002011-02-01T16:27:46.969-06:00

It's another snowday off of school! At least a foot of snow is keeping us all indoors today, and so we decided to have a Hoodenpyle Family bowling tournament. I was bent on winning, but quickly fell behind when I got distracted with moviemaking. These were worth the sacrifice, in my opinion. Sweet, funny, and proud bowling. Aaaand the more obnoxious approach. (Yeah, you only thought

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-18486682353550836852011-01-23T21:25:00.010-06:002011-01-23T21:51:59.107-06:00

These are Emma's babydolls. Each of them came with a cute set of clothes and accessories. They came with diapers, baby beds, strollers, pretend baby monitors, pacifiers, bonnets, little plastic bottles with fake milk in them, onesies, you name it... the babydoll regulars.But then Emma became their mommy. And now they look like this. They've been stripped of their clothing. Their accessories have

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-25308786422584460292011-01-20T19:30:00.006-06:002011-01-20T20:23:55.707-06:00

Every significant snowfall deserves a good play in it. Wait? What, Emma? You don't want to play in it? Well, let's get our snow gear on, and just see if you like it. We can come right back in if you don't. I promise. Remember how she HATES sand on the beach. Remember last year when she rejected the snow. Even mounds of bubblebath bubbles around her in the bathtub creep her out. Well, this is a

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-43740186391713160542011-01-20T10:59:00.005-06:002011-01-20T11:22:41.665-06:00

We all got a snow day today! See? 3-4 inches maybe? Cats like snow days too.Good things happen. Like fireplaces. And laps. And snow day treats.Snow days-- PURRfection! Tomorrow's post will be about how cats not only love snow days, but also disgusting smelling food/cheesy wordplay.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-41238386851171970522011-01-04T15:36:00.005-06:002011-01-04T15:52:12.780-06:00

As promised, here is a scan of Jack's winning safety calendar contest entry. Congrats, Mr. January! I've never met safer potatoes than these.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-49899344535796790362010-12-29T20:41:00.004-06:002010-12-29T21:12:59.318-06:00

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas! We sure did!Christmas time makes for interesting conversations at our house. Here are a few excerpts:Jack: HO! HO! HO! I'm Santa Claus!Emma: HO! HO! HO! Jack, I'm Mrs. Claus!Jack: Umm, no, Emma. You can't be Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus is gentle.___Emma: (milling through the pantry) Mom! I'm hungry. Can I have candy?Mom: No, Emma. Pick out a different

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-47043242833047344252010-12-15T19:40:00.005-06:002010-12-15T20:18:51.596-06:00

Recently Jack entered a calendar illustration contest through Jim's workplace, Frito-Lay. Each year children of employees of the company are invited to create a safety themed illustration and enter their drawing in a contest. 13 illustrations get chosen to be published on the poster. (12 months + cover)Well, folks. Let me introduce you to Jack B. Hoodenpyle.... Mr. January!!!His drawing has been

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-83378387334784491852010-12-09T19:11:00.004-06:002010-12-09T19:32:50.562-06:00

Which part of the gingerbread man do you eat first? The latest Dunkin' Donuts research survey says that your answer reveals much about you! Who knew?! Which part does Jack eat first? The legs. He is not among the majority. (64 percent of cookie-eaters eat the head first.) According to the survey, that first leggy bite indicates that Jack tends to be more "sensitive, reveling in the company of

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-14667737008500629942010-11-30T20:58:00.006-06:002010-11-30T22:02:42.308-06:00

So far, the most fun parts of being three are:Sliding.Sliding with friends.Wearing out your brother.Licking birthday cake icing. And opening new treasures.The trickiest part? Showing people how old you are now. It's super hard.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-22140193143488524362010-11-18T15:46:00.000-06:002010-11-19T21:41:54.995-06:00

"Tracey, I just wanted to make you aware that I am having contractions that are fairly regular (5 minutes or so apart). They are NOT strong enough for squat yet, so don't send anyone to cover my classroom. I just wanted to let you know in case... Cross your fingers. Today is a good day!"I just found this email, or the beginnings of this email, in my "Work in Progress" folder at school. It was

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-22672622807539818942010-10-31T12:47:00.002-05:002010-10-31T12:57:26.927-05:00

You're looking at "Best Costumes 2010". Oh yeah, you are.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-54132253684646747182010-10-27T15:50:00.007-05:002010-10-28T08:18:21.784-05:00

The kids and I pass quite a few school buses in traffic on the way to school each morning. I guess those school buses were the inspiration for the following car conversation:Jack: Mom, when I get older I'm going to buy a bus and change the name on the side. It will say, "Jack's Lab" on the side.Mom: Oh? For taking passengers to see your science labratory?Jack: Yeah. For when people want to come

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-14451068336016520862010-10-20T20:41:00.005-05:002010-10-20T21:01:00.457-05:00

Jack is learning to read music at school. Yesterday, I caught him using the iPad to draw sheet music just as his teacher had shown him. Check out the time signature, quarter rests, and even a repeat sign. (Sure, one measure has five beats, but hey.) He'll "sing" the rhythm to you, correctly, if you ask. Geez.Not to be outdone, Emma immediately wanted to demonstrate her musical ability too.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-54817351927751983002010-10-12T18:32:00.008-05:002010-10-13T08:24:19.274-05:00

We, adult Hoodenpyles, are invited to a Halloween party for the second year in a row.After one accepts a Halloween party invitation, it is natural for the mind to jump right into, "What am I going to dress up as? Am I going to look like an idiot? Am I too old for this?" All of these are valid questions, and so it's worth a look on the internet to get some answers.I dare you. Type in the google

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-78180227710142643762010-10-11T07:30:00.001-05:002010-10-11T07:42:54.207-05:00

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-83734556857932141422010-10-01T11:07:00.009-05:002010-10-02T12:19:35.225-05:00

Jack's latest persuasive argument centers around:The lint roller. Yes, the placement and storage of our family's lint roller(s) is on his mind. Nevermind thinking about useful things like: learning how to take a bath in less than an hour, keeping his room orderly, or not engaging his sister in knock-down-drag-out-I-want-to-choke-you fights. The lint roller, folks. It's apparently a pretty

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-79237891820759895242010-09-30T18:13:00.004-05:002010-09-30T18:23:47.098-05:00

Jack: "Mom, we need to make a jack-o-lantern!" Emma: "NO! We need to make a Emma-o-lantern!"

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-63722767845872026972010-09-22T21:44:00.006-05:002010-09-26T19:04:37.315-05:00

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-10324947050112208562010-09-15T11:38:00.000-05:002010-09-15T11:39:50.239-05:00

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-653776617438819532010-09-10T21:30:00.005-05:002010-09-10T22:56:22.512-05:00

Jack brought home a handmade craft from school. I wasn't quite sure what it was. So I asked him.I listened to his lengthy response. And then we decided we needed to make a movie about it. You'd better get some popcorn.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-23922930927198049722010-09-02T19:28:00.007-05:002010-09-02T21:01:09.670-05:00

This is Jack's whiteboard drawing of a coral reef. You might correctly surmise that he has been learning about ocean life at school. Jim and I were really impressed with the detail of the drawing. We told Jack so with lots of enthusiasm. We told him so... in front of Emma.I wanted to take a picture of the drawing. See the hammerhead shark? The coral? The pufferfish, sea urchin, and blue whale?

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-56460563278764589522010-08-26T15:59:00.005-05:002010-08-26T16:11:35.098-05:00

Fishing is good. It's just me and nature. A boy, like me, can get good and lost in his thoughts... And possibly rope Grandpa into ridiculous purchases at the giftshop.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-70716811765099478652010-08-19T20:40:00.002-05:002010-08-19T20:43:24.471-05:00

There's a frog on our window. That's all I wanted to say.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-23433589921985685432010-08-01T21:16:00.006-05:002010-08-01T21:47:50.390-05:00

As promised, here is the reveal of Jack's Outer Space room. He is so very proud of it... and I am too! Very grown-up and sophisticated. New big bed. Love the dark blue paint that makes it feel so warm.Here are a few additions to Emma's room as well. The inspiration for the room, below.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-56278596606924175492010-07-25T19:41:00.006-05:002010-07-25T19:53:05.665-05:00

To compensate for my previous pretty depressing post, I decided I needed to recommend a website that makes me giggle. Currently, tales of "Gary" and "Elaine" (who live in Pottery Barn catalog scenes, as seen below) are the only thing rescuing me from the scowls. Thanks to Amanda who passed this website on to a few of us via Facebook. Mom, in particular, you're going to love this. Click here.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-23884875718458236822010-07-25T18:21:00.013-05:002010-07-25T19:39:37.263-05:00

At the close of summer, which... let's face it.... we've arrived.... you probably wanna know how the reaching of all my goals panned out. It's a fair question.1. Create a household system = Fail. No system has revealed itself to me even though I feel like I've spent some real time on it. The house is still the messy house. How can one spend so much of the summertime cleaning and still be in this

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-88598191257773537412010-07-15T23:41:00.008-05:002010-07-16T16:50:48.704-05:00

We had a hunch, yes, that the first day of the annual Hoodenpyle garage sale would produce its fair share of funny stories. And as with all other years before, this one is not disappointing us so far. My Sour Patch candy would like to perform a reenactment of one memorable garage encounter.Greeny will play the role of Me. Red will play the role of a pretty ballsy garage sale customer.Red: "How

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-72789360638021618512010-07-05T16:08:00.010-05:002010-07-05T21:40:03.363-05:00

Last night, we got to celebrate the fourth of July at grandma/pa's house with Aunt Vicki, my cousin, Mark Ryan, his wife, Brittany (just realized I'm not entirely sure of her name's spelling), and his son, Ryan (Jack and Emma's second cousin). Ryan is a year old and cute as a button. It was a fun holiday. Jack had a great time with Mark Ryan, tagging along as official "fireworks co-picker-outter

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-7349460620193531242010-07-03T15:36:00.006-05:002010-07-03T15:58:11.017-05:00

Emma's room can nearly be checked off the list. Here is how it turned out. I pretty much wish it were MY room now.The downstairs guest bathroom got some minor updates in style too. See below.The empty, colorful frames on the wall make very little decorating sense to the man who lives in my house, but he says he likes it better "than how it was." I think that's good in boy-speak. I'm pretty sure

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-38436625632820927512010-06-26T18:46:00.008-05:002010-06-26T19:19:35.696-05:00

Triathlons are fun, but they are not THAT spectator friendly. Anyone in my family will tell you. It's almost always a scorcher. And it's almost always a long wait as we watch for Jim to whizz past us here and there over the course of the one, two, five, or eleven hour event... depending on the race. BUT in the meantime, we have ourselves some fun. (Fun = Face-making contests.) It's almost always

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-37984087593546103182010-06-17T04:24:00.022-05:002010-06-17T06:31:54.081-05:00

To quote my dear friend, "Summer, I love you. Please SLOW down." Boy, that's for darn sure. Here's what we've been up to...Jim's triathlon season is hot and heavy (and hot) this year. Recently, we traveled to Lawrence, Kansas where he competed in a Half Ironman event. Although he didn't finish as quickly as last year (just 16 minutes shy at a touch over five hours), he did extraordinarily well.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-38314920331751860052010-06-03T11:56:00.017-05:002010-06-03T13:30:55.958-05:00

A few weeks ago, I made myself a to-do list for when summer arrived. I'm happy to report that summer HAS arrived, and I've started to work on a few things from my list. Here's an update: 1. Ummm... this one's not a good one to start with. There's still no system.2. I have done no painting, but I HAVE done a little decorating. Mostly I've prepared to decorate. But progress is being made. About a

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-76044020305334888002010-05-21T15:34:00.017-05:002010-05-24T16:30:40.144-05:00

Recently I and my coworkers were given an end of the school year gift. It was a lovely gesture on my boss's part. It was really and truly nice and, I believe, meant to be kind of a goodbye gift to many of us that will not be a part of her staff at the beginning of next school year. Each staff member was set up with a family portrait session and a free 8x10 from Lifetouch Photography, the same

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-75314157781140898792010-05-12T08:33:00.010-05:002010-05-12T13:20:04.782-05:00

This is the newest installment in grandma's back yard. It is Heaven on Earth for little children. They can climb and pretend. They can slide and swing. They can run, and jump, and tumble. After the expending of all of this excess energy, we are so thankful that this fancy, fancy thing brings out the angelic tired and spent sides of our children. Having said that, we are aware it sometimes brings

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-26557437880215549322010-05-10T12:29:00.004-05:002010-05-10T15:43:06.682-05:00

My summer break is getting nearer and nearer, and this summer, I'm looking at things differently. Most other years, I would spend January-May salivating at the thought of lazy days and nothingness. Then, stunned at summer's actual arrival, I'd stall - overwhelmed by all of the empty spaces on the schedule. I'd spend so much time considering all of the glorious options that I'd actually end up

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-62390600137638016702010-05-06T22:32:00.005-05:002010-05-07T12:10:03.156-05:00

This candid camera style video is one of my most favorites of the kids in a long time. It could be because in it, they are just so... THEM. Two minutes of typical Emma and Jack as sister and brother on a Thursday. Sometimes it just kinda sucks to be the big brother on a Thursday.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-26174858648373753502010-04-22T20:26:00.002-05:002010-04-22T20:39:53.679-05:00

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-89649319793181426922010-04-11T14:08:00.005-05:002010-04-11T14:22:12.935-05:00

Airport boredom... Goofiness ensues when someone glances at the moving sidewalk thing and says,"Hey! I have an idea."

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-91264718089076239562010-04-11T10:33:00.017-05:002010-04-11T14:07:26.382-05:00

At last we reached our boat... sighhh. Paradise. Here are a few photos of our happy place:"Goodbye, Jamaica!" From on top of the boat."Goodbye!" from the other side of the boat. I never did really retain the difference between 'port' and 'starboard' even though Jim must have explained it a thousand times. I have decided that I would not make a good sailor. Wind. It made things interesting.This is

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-39631567190768325752010-04-06T21:27:00.012-05:002010-04-07T11:42:39.344-05:00

And then there was Jamaica. I was expecting a paradise of laid back, steel drumming, smiling people. Sun, sand, warm. Ehhhh.... some revising of my expectations was necessary.As we arrived in Montego Bay, I immediately remembered how intimidating the immigration process was while entering a foreign country. Long lines of people, shuffling a few inches at a time, destined for stalls where stern

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-40158594940647467842010-04-02T11:03:00.009-05:002010-04-02T12:28:47.573-05:00

We are now back from our spring break cruise! Wow! We had great fun!But let's back up to BEFORE the fun began....With the arrival of the first day of spring, came an odd downpour of freezing rain in Springfield, MO. The night before our plane was to take off for Florida, the temperatures dropped and Mother Nature decided to be ironic. We didn't appreciate it as we woke up at 3:00 in the morning

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-60020893415227821332010-03-19T18:29:00.005-05:002010-03-19T18:50:38.320-05:00

Spring Break has officially started, and boy, am I excited!!! Last October, Jim surprised me with an anniversary present - A CRUISE. A real and actual honeymoon (10 years later)! Wow! He will never outdo this one. I was shocked and excited and ready to go right then.Well, the waiting is over. Spring Break is HERE. And it's cruise time, people. I'm elated! See you when we get back!P.S. (to Jack

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-32595036670683804172010-03-14T17:21:00.005-05:002010-03-14T17:51:22.631-05:00

Emma's entering an arguing-for-the-sake-of-arguing phase. Sometimes it's cute. Sometimes it's not. Sometimes I think she just feels the need to say the opposite of what I'm saying to ascertain the fact that she is an independent two year old and can. Sometimes what she's arguing makes no sense. Sometimes it does. Sometimes I'll pull a Bugs Bunny on her just for a laugh.Now I'm sure, as she grows

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-89241849310506430372010-03-07T12:17:00.013-06:002010-03-07T18:25:51.706-06:00

I don't have a lot of hobbies really. I tried to cross stitch as a child. I'd seen my mother be passionate about the craft. I couldn't stick with it. When dainty little threads get tangled and I can't easily accomplish the untangling, I want to punch someone in the face. Fishing was never too much fun for the same darn reason. Curse you, you snagging bushes across the river! I tried scrapbooking

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-33858343546585614032010-02-27T20:32:00.009-06:002010-02-27T21:31:22.360-06:00

The family went roller skating today to celebrate Jim's parents' 40th wedding anniversary. 40 years is a long time, by the way. Happy Anniversary! In keeping with the theme of "things long withstanding", we went to Skateport (yes! it's still around) during their 2-4 p.m. Saturday free skate. The place looks EXACTLY the same as it did when I started going to skating parties in first grade. Same

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-78261912001002805352010-02-21T18:39:00.005-06:002010-02-21T19:29:42.946-06:00

I still sleep with the baby monitor next to my head at night. Technically, I guess I have no "babies" in the house to monitor anymore, but you know. It's something of a comfort. Jim used to give me grief about my attachment to the thing, but I think he's long given that up. We're both pretty sure that I'm not going to change my worrywarting ways. Logically, I know I probably don't need it

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-26431282867779329432010-02-17T07:34:00.022-06:002010-02-17T21:45:57.223-06:00

I had "the talk" with Jack this morning. It wasn't the birds and bees talk. It wasn't about strangers. It wasn't even about saying no to drugs. Now that I think about it, this talk may not even occur in all households. I guess mine is a unique perspective, and my kids are gonna want to know "stuff". So today's topic? "Why are teachers sometimes kinda mean?" A sad Jack wanted to know."What do you

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-17970632639433191812010-02-08T13:37:00.010-06:002010-02-08T15:45:38.330-06:00

This week I'm not loving my job. Yes, I'm glad and thankful to have a job. But I'm not loving my job. I'm allowed. It's February.February is the most undesirable month of the school year, in my opinion. It's cold. It's long. It's gray. It's tedious. In the words of my friend Terri, "Everyone, once in their lives, should have to substitute teach in a February." I agree. Sometimes to get myself

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-34978627173836449642010-02-05T19:32:00.004-06:002010-02-05T19:51:15.272-06:00

The stressful lullaby... you know... for when you want your baby to have nightmares.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-81510238880638504932010-02-05T18:52:00.006-06:002010-02-05T19:15:19.180-06:00

Maybe it's because I HATE winter so much that the especially nice moments really hit me and knock me out of my seasonal fog with a jolt. Snow came recently, and with it, came some things that made me so happy that I had to stop and snap a picture. Grandpa cleared this path through his yard so that the mailman could more comfortably deliver letters to the porchside mailbox. I think that's

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-29064160881020851372010-01-25T19:45:00.006-06:002010-01-25T20:19:23.483-06:00

I'd like to issue a formal apology to my mother regarding my last blog entry. I am going to think back reaaaally hard to those tooth-pulling days and use my imagination...I bet my mom wasn't a sneaky tooth puller. I bet she was merciful. I bet she was asked to tie the dental floss around her child's tooth once. I bet that happened when the child was feeling brave. And I bet her child chickened

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-75688890678753635962010-01-18T20:46:00.005-06:002010-01-18T21:21:42.871-06:00

Jack has lost his third tooth. This third tooth proved to be a stubborn one. It did not cooperate with Jack's preferred and standard mode of extraction. He has worked on the wiggly thing for weeks now. But it just would NOT come out. Today brought a new dilemma, however, regarding the tooth. Jack had worked it to the point of dangling. But then, with the arrival of bedtime, Jack developed a worry

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-42278217654722269492010-01-14T19:08:00.004-06:002010-01-19T16:20:40.917-06:00

Have you ever played Mad Gab before? It's a fun game where partners compete to quickly decode mystery phrases. I say decode because the phrases, although they are usually very well-known, are sometimes TERRIBLY hard to understand. Maybe I can explain better with examples:What are these mystery phrases? It's not really about what you say. It's about what you hear.A) Abe Seize Ease Supports

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-14976967173800010472009-12-30T19:40:00.005-06:002009-12-30T20:15:25.561-06:00

Emma has learned a monumental new trick, HER LAST NAME! This is big! (Yes, yes. Her trick is big too, of course.)

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-67831816827038083522009-12-26T21:10:00.002-06:002009-12-26T22:42:39.448-06:00

Today is Jack's birthday. He is seven years old, and I can hardly believe it! Where did the time go? Everyday I am startled by how fast he is growing up. Where did my first little baby go? I tried to reminisce with him about it this morning. It went something like this: Me: "Jack? Remember when you were my baby? And you would let me rock you? And cuddle with you? And hold you in my arms? And

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-70296998800814900342009-12-26T19:08:00.010-06:002009-12-26T19:24:59.258-06:00

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-23291366789737224642009-12-17T13:43:00.021-06:002009-12-18T14:30:46.186-06:00

When you're two, stuck upstairs in a crib, and you don't want to commit to sleeping at bedtime, try shouting bizarre things from your room. After all, everyone else is awake and having fun downstairs. That's not fair. Here are a few options to add to your list of SHOUTABLE stall tactics, as tested and recommended by Emma. Try:*Pretending that your foot is "STUUUUCK!" in the bars of the crib. Call

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-26913338286710940322009-12-07T21:19:00.003-06:002009-12-07T21:30:46.295-06:00

Well, this is not really intended for ALL of your eyes. But it's too funny to pass up. Grandma and Grandpa mentioned wanting to have Emma's "I Love You's" on a video. So I obliged. (Because they're old, ya know.) I'm just kidding, Grandma/pa. You know I love you. Here is the result:

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-68258228867426680292009-12-07T20:18:00.007-06:002009-12-07T20:40:05.888-06:00

What do you mean you don't remember this old story? Santa and the Christmas Bird! Everyone knows Santa and the Christmas Bird. Good grief. I can't believe you.Think back to your childhood... all the old Christmas folklore? Remember? Santa Claus and the Christmas Bird! Come on! The story goes something like.... One night Santa Claus puts on some really snazzy clothes. He struts around his house in

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-38444559460833044702009-12-04T08:34:00.007-06:002009-12-04T12:18:56.029-06:00

Wow! It's been awhile since we played a tagging game together. Here we go. Angela says my blog is fabulous and is due for the winning of a "Fabulous Award." While this is certainly no leggy lamp with fishnet stockings, I do consider this a "major award". So thanks! According to the rules of this tagging game, I'm now supposed to discuss five things that I am compulsive/obsessive/somewhat

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-81718946039978527442009-11-29T20:35:00.005-06:002009-11-30T13:29:14.680-06:00

Stupid camera and its insufficient memory space for the last word... "Mommy." It's official. She loves me. (And Daddy.) And we love her too.

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921250529296280533.post-15095042956317155012009-11-12T20:31:00.004-06:002009-11-12T20:45:36.325-06:00

Jim and I don't think this commercial is funny. Well, we take that back. We like one second (and exactly one second) of it. We can stare at this commercial straight faced and unamused until one particular moment, and then we fall to pieces. Laughter. Laughter with tears streaming down the cheeks, actually.How well do you know the Hoodenpyles? Can you name the second?

Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03835061654639115334noreply@blogger.com2