Did you know mice can read?

Neither did I.

We've had a bit of a problem this summer with field mice burrowing through my flower beds. We've had some mousetraps set (not those snapping ones, the slightly more humane cardboard box ones), but no luck. We weren't sure if the mice were on to us, or if they just moved on to one of the neighbors. Yesterday Victoria came to me and said, "I know why the mice aren't going in the traps. It's cuz there's a dead mouse on the package." Well, duh! I guess the picture was a "dead" giveaway (pun intended)!

Back to School – Finally!

Is it wrong that I’m so happy school is starting again?

Victoria started this past Tuesday, and Alex starts on Monday. I know I should be a little sad that my youngest is starting full-day kindergarten but, truthfully, I’m almost giddy!

Let’s see…school starts at 9:15, so by 9:16 I will be doing a happy dance in my living room ALL BY MYSELF!!! I don’t think I’ve been all by myself for a whole day in 7 years!

I know, come Monday morning, I may get a little misty-eyed as my baby enters the building with his big sister. But don’t worry, I’ll get over it. I may even skip back home!

Times they are a changin'

In our house we have a never ending battle over what's for breakfast. Alex thinks a single sausage link is a balanced meal, while Victoria is more likely to have a waffle (cut into strips) every day for the rest of her life.

As we prepared for the start of the school year, I thought I would mix it up a little and ask the kids for new ideas for breakfast food. Maybe oatmeal, cereal or-I don't know-something crazy like eggs.

In the cereal aisle at Walmart, I told Alex to pick out whatever kind of cereal he wanted. He said he hates them all. (I think it has something to do with his aversion to honey. The rest of us like Honey Nut Cheerios, but Alex can smell the honey from the next room and has a fit!)

Anyway, I tried to get him to get a box of Kix. I told him, "You used to love Kix. You used to eat it all the time." To which he replied, "Times change. Seriously, mommy, they do."

Associated Content Rising Star Award!

Wow! July was a great month!  I am very proud to announce that I just got word that I was one of five recipients of Associated Content's Rising Star Award for July 2010!!

Each month, AC awards five up-and-coming new contributors who have started publishing in the past four months. Winners are determined based on factors such as publishing volume, community involvement, writing style, page views and, most importantly, potential for future success.

I didn't even know I had received this award until I started receiving a bunch of congratulatory messages!

Click here if you would like to read the whole announcement.  Yay me!!!!

Random Ramblings

Went to the drive-in last night. First time for the kids. They loved it. Went in their PJs, brought candy and popped popcorn (although we did have to pay a $5.00 "outside food and beverage" fee for bringing our own food), set up pillows and blankets in the back of the SUV. Made it through the first movie (Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore). Would have stayed for the second movie (Inception) but there was some lightning and a few raindrops. Not to mention the train that went by every 10 minutes, making it hard to hear. Anyway, got home at almost midnight, and the skies opened up for one hell of a storm. Good timing on our part.

The other night when tucking Victoria into bed, she was watching one of her baby movies. She asked if I had any movies from when I was a baby. I said no. She said, "Oh yeah, that's right, cuz there wasn't, like, power."  Nothing like a shot to the ego to end your day.

Alex starts football practice on Monday. He's very excited. He's been practicing throwing and catching the football with Daddy. The league even gets to attend a Browns game and go on the field for some pre-game activities.  Daddy is planning on taking the kids to Browns training camp this week.

Can't wait for school to start in a couple of weeks!

Associated Content Featured Contributor

I am proud to announce that, in addition to being a Featured Contributor for Arts & Entertainment on Associated Content, I have just been accepted as a Featured Contributor for two more categories: Travel and Home Improvement.

Look for lots of Disney tips in the Travel category, as well as traveling with small children.

In the Home Improvement category, I'll be sharing lots of ideas on designing a custom closet, home office, garage, etc., as well as general organization tips.

If you haven't noticed, I've redesigned my blog to add pages by category, which are listed across the top of the page.  Here you'll find links to my articles and specific blog postings.

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy!

Don't Miss Toy Story 3

One rainy day last week, I took the kids to the movies to see Toy Story 3.  Let me tell you, it was the best Disney-Pixar film I have ever seen.  If you are a fan of the first two Toy Story movies, don't miss this one. 

And don't forget the tissues!  There were many moments that I teared up (thank goodness the 3D glasses disguised it), but I was crying like a baby at the end! 

My kids were like, "Are you crying?!"  And I'm like, "Shut up and watch the movie."

For my complete review and other movie news, check out my Arts & Entertainment page.

SPOILER ALERT! Do not read the Toy Story 3 review if you haven't seen the movie yet!