Anna is exacerbating me

exacerbate...make worse or compound. I called in sick thinking I would have myself a quiet night, get other things done, fix up Lucy's whelping box...then Anna calls and tells me about the sale at Fred Meyer and I'm thinking...yes, I would like some more of my favorite soy milk at buy one get one free price, and alright, I could see if there is anything special for my expanding quiverfull of grandbabies. There I go, no, the sale was not ubiquitous, Anna must have a better Fred Meyer than I do, and I'm still looking at the same dirty dishes I had before I left.

So good

I'm so excited. Today started out unfavorably since Eli decided 5 AM was a good wake up time & just as Eli & I were finally drifting back to sleep, my darling Abby came in loudly proclaiming, "It's morning-time!" So then we took Abby to preschool a bit late since my friend Amanda called to cancel our playdate because everyone at her house has the stomach flu. After preschool we went to Fred Meyer for some soy milk for Eli (he's been congested for a week now & dairy just exacerbates the problem) & I saw they were having 75% off last marked clearance price on their clothing. I quickly flipped through the racks to da-dada-DA save $142 off of clearance prices on clothes for my kiddos! Just think of what I saved off of the regular price! All by shopping in advance for the kids. Abby will get a Dora sundress for her birthday & will be showin' her Papa her new WSU Cougar cheerleader-style dress sooner than that. Lots of Osh Kosh for both kids & an awesome pair of Levi's that in the end cost $4.50. Some days I really (slightly obsessively) like Fred Meyer. I'm thinking I may even check out another store tomorrow.

Clogged...

Well, here I am, living with girls again and the sinks are, or were, clogged. I first thought that maybe I'd get lucky and a little Drano would do the trick, but our bathroom has two sinks. I'm pretty sure that the Drano pushed the individual sink clogs down to where they could meet up and form one huge clog. Mom, maybe you shouldn't read this part, but I pulled out (pardon me if I spell this wrong, Hans) a Chubacca-sized clog. Hey, who's up for Au Jus tonight?

Kailee & Mailee

I don't know how many of you have met Abby's imaginary monster friends Kailee & Mailee. She drew a picture of them a couple of days ago for us & we found out they both have long red hair just like Eli. Kailee is green & red & Mailee is red & purple. They often accompany us to school, driving in their own yellow & blue & purple & pink & brown & black car. Today they are chasing Abby around the apartment. Abby is screaming, "Aaaahhh!" as she runs in circles around the living room. Eli, not to be outdone & certainly not knowing exactly what is happening, tries to follow her crazy patterns, also yelling, "Aaaahhh!" It's a must-see when you get an opportunity. I did have to discipline Kailee & Mailee a moment ago for pushing Abby & knocking her to the floor. Oh the fun we have at our home!

Sadly, I missed "Almost Famous"

We didn't get to everyone until the day after Thanksgiving (the memorable "Almost Famous" event) since we'd spent Thanksgiving Day with Hans's family in Bend. That was the day we told everyone I was pregnant with Abby.

I have nothing on Lola

This may come as a shock, but other than viewing her resting either in the parking lot at Lucas & Robyn's Burlingame apartment or sitting quietly in front of the Gresham house, I never had any relationship with Lola, not even to sit inside her just a moment & have her not run. I'm thinking I may have just missed out on the experience of Lola.

No more Lola...

Well, the bus is sold. And as it was the most ridiculously fun vehicle I have ever owned, I would like to encourage everybody take a moment to recount their favorite story. Whether your favorite experience was the "Buffett or Bust" extravaganza, the Thanksgiving trip to "Almost Famous," or the night five people drove from Portland and spent the night in the Umatilla Tesoro parking lot just to watch the Umatilla High School football game, it's safe to say we will not soon have another car like Lola. So reminisce for a few, and if you happen across a memory worth sharing, please do. Also, if you would like some photos to remember the bus by, just let me know and I will scan a few into the computer to send your way. I sure am going to miss the world's most fun vehicle to drive (and not drive).