things that make me go hulk...

Yes, the Hulk.  People who really know me probably know how I feel about cell phones in general.  I .....hate.... them.  That may seem like a childish statement and sentiment, but I honestly and truly do.  Pressure to get one has been applied by all members of my and Mikes family.  And after a car accident earlier this year, I did start bringing along a phone for emergencies only (I can literally only dial 911).  I really feel like this week has been a culmination of irresponsible cell phone usage around me.  From the woman who made me miss my light because she was looking into her lap to text (this is just flat out dangerous!) /to the woman who walked through the door that I had held open for her and didn't say thank you because she was too "deeply involved" in her conversation/ and to the woman who spent the whole meal  out with her children ON THE PHONE.  People...can we please get it together?  Or are we going to let cell phones alter our humanity?!?  I feel myself changing, much like the Hulk...that is to say, not for the better (unless Loki is attempting world domination...bursting out of your clothes and bashing random people about is unacceptable).  Can we please show some decency?  Thank the person holding a door open for you....be considerate towards other drivers.....and please please pay attention and show love to your children!  I hope people really will change, but for the better.  Otherwise I see my wanted face on the 10 o'clock news in the near future.

Good day.          I believe I said good day!

P.S.  When the lady did not say thank you for my holding open the door, I am ashamed to say I yelled out "YOU'RE WELCOME!".  But she never even turned around....so I doubt that she'd heard or even cared.

on a visit to the pumpkin patch...

story time...

what the hay?

tee-pee or not tee-pee

.... we got to stay for story time, run a maze, catch a ride in a hay wagon (trailer?) and pick out some bodacious pumpkins.  And what with the tropical storm and everything, we actually got some breezy cooler weather...which made it feel like fall for me.  I guess that's one of the things I miss most about home.  I LOVE fall, LOVE LOVE LOVE!  We had a good time at the patch and it was technically Blaine's first field trip....so it was a pretty fun day!  I was going to post pictures of him with his class...but I didn't know how the others parents would feel about that kind of thing.  So I guess this is post is a lot like our life....all Blaine, all the time :).

the things my kid says....

Yesterday I saw this picture on Pinterest out of the corner of my eye.  For a brief second...I thought it was Blaine (think hair people).  And maybe it will be him in a couple of years, who knows....but I asked Blaine if that was him and he said, "It can't be, I don't have bunk beds.".  He says some pretty crazy stuff sometimes!

a little Clarke in the Park

Yesterday we had Blaine's school picnic.  I'm now committee chair for special events so I put the party together.  Let's just put this out there, but I am a terrible leader.  I do not know how to delegate and I'm always filled with doubts about my ideas.  So planning a party for non-family members was a bit of a challenge.  But it happened and it wasn't a disaster :) and I'm pleased!

Have you ever had to put together activities for a large group of children?  I thought, what a cinch lol.  I had planned on doing relay races with the kids to get them ready for the 100 yard dash they're doing come fundraiser day.  Oh naive Lisa.  Have you any idea how hard it is to wrangle a bunch of hard of hearing and deaf kids?  It's hard!  There's too much noise and they're looking this way and that...but they had fun anyway and that's what matters!  And looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

Plus.......there was cake :)!

P.S.  On a side note these pictures were taken after the picnic....just our little family.

random acts of kindness.....

When Blaine and I last took a trip to Oregon, we had an uplifting experience.  We'd taken the first leg of our flight.  A serviceman was sitting kitty corner to us.  I first thanked him for his service to our country.  Ladies and gents, we should ALWAYS thank our military for their service.  Anywho, he was on leave and heading home to see his wife and two little ones.  He was very sweet to Blaine and occupied his attention for almost the entire flight.  Thank you kind sir!  He then gave Blaine a card with the Army's values and principles on it.  Blaine went bananas.  And then while we walked off of the plane he gave Blaine a couple of dollars just to spend on whatever he wanted.  I thought that was so sweet!  Blaine hasn't forgotten it.  He brought it up they other day and mentioned how nice that was.  And I told him that was a random act of kindness.
B-"What's that?"
Me- "It's when you do something nice for someone else, spur of the moment."
B- "Oh, who can I give my money to?"
At which point I explained about people that could use the money more than we could.  I also explained that a random act of kindness doesn't have to involve money.  It could be some kind of service (opening a door for someone, carrying groceries for someone's whose hands are full etc.).  Or paying a compliment to brighten a persons day.  So he and I and are setting out this week to commit random acts of kindness.  We're hoping for a daily opportunity!  Wish us luck in our endeavor!