D - & The Winner Is......

Chris Gee!!! Congrats on being the most convincing, deceitful story-teller we know. You were, however, among good company. Mike said he is worried for all of your spouses because you are all such quick, compelling liars! Seriously, you guys are good! I had so many great suggestions that I think I should find a way to post these as a resource to other needy parents.

In case you didn't read all of the comments, Chris' idea was to tell Noah that I had to take the bike back to the store. The reason this was such a persuasive argument for us is because Noah is plenty old enough to understand how cheap his father is. He knew I had gone to Walmart alone the night before, so I told him I bought the bike then. Then when I told dad about it, he said I had already purchased way too much for her (this part totally true) and the bike had to go back. Noah was horrified. He said, "But she would really love that!" I told him we would have to write Santa a letter and beg him to bring her one.

Now, Audrey, Gina, and all you others who think I'm horrible, PLEASE understand. I'm a good mother, really I am. Under normal circumstances I really am opposed to lying. I only make up these elaborate stories at special times like Easter, Christmas, loose teeth, April Fool's Day..............................

D - Help!!!

Calling all good liars............I have a Santa emergency!

I bought Katie's Santa gift last night (a new bike) and have it in the back of my van. Unfortunately, I didn't get it into a safe place last night, and Noah saw it today. Yikes! He was very excited and told me what a great gift I had for her, so I lied and said it wasn't for her. (We were having this whole conversation right in front of her, of course.) He kept pressing the issue, "Well, who's it for then?" I finally got him to quit asking questions by begging him and saying that at Christmas time we just have to have some secrets.

Anyhow, damage has been done. How am I supposed to still give this gift from Santa on Christmas morning without telling him the truth??? I need a good story quick! If any of you have a good lie or two up your sleeves, please let me know.

M - (a little) Backyard Bottle Rocket Mischief

A handful of bottle rockets and a tiny little rebellious streak. Those were our ingredients for a few minutes this evening. Being the generally law-abiding citizens that we are, we only shot off one bottle rocket over the pond - which makes for a nice BANG and slight echo down the creek.



It might at first appear in the picture below that I have a bottle rocket stuck in my eye. I can assure you that at no time, either before or after the fuse was lit, did I have a bottle rocket stuck in my eye. Had there been an actual bottle rocket in my eye, it might have ruined our fun for at least the rest of the evening. My young apprentice took this picture and I think he did a fine job considering it was pitch dark outside.

Technically bottle rockets are "illegal" in Oklahoma. What does "illegal" really mean in this sense? Is it like those yellow signs with a speed limit that are more just guides for good living than actual black-and-white rules? Mere suggestions, I think. For tonight, I believe the no-bottle-rocket rule is simply a good idea but in no way actually precludes the enjoyment of ye' old beloved pint-size pyro projectile. Besides, we shot this one over a relatively nice size body of water....where's the fire hazard in that, I ask? Play the video below for a first-hand review of the fun.



Turn up your sound to hear the crack of this tiny torpedo (and to hear Noah say "run dad run!"). This sentiment was likely based more out of concern for my safety than for any potential misdemeanor charge or incarceration.

All in all tonight was just some harmless fun amongst the boys. No harm done but certainly lots of fun! :-)

M - Children's Christmas Parade in Dallas

This year marks our third outing to the Neiman Marcas Adophus Children's Parade in Dallas. It's become a family tradition and each year I'm reminded why it's worth the effort. We have a great time and I might enjoy it as much as the kiddos. There are just a handful of activities that make me feel 'kid-like' again at Christmas time and going to a parade is one of them for me. When I was a kid we usually made it to the downtown Christmas parade in Ardmore and, in hindsight, boy did those floats pale in comparison to these.

The latest census bureau data show that there are approximately two giant Asian gentlemen living in the USA. One plays for the Houston Rockets and the other, apparently, attends children's parades in Dallas with his wife and daughter. I had initial concerns when Giganto appeared next to us but I thought "This is one huge dude. He is probably well-versed in ensuring his hunormousness does not interfere with those sub-7ft mortals around him." Giganto could have easily stood behind us or, perhaps...the hotel...and still enjoyed a full view of the parade. Nonetheless, Giganto lovingly blocked my view though much of the parade and this behemoth was so tall I couldn't even see the Comerica skyscraper across the street (perhaps a little exaggeration on that one). Here is a picture of Giganto next to my brother-in-law Brian.

Next is a picture of SANTA, the final float, the pinnacle of the parade, the...wait, you can't see Santa? Yeah, neither could I. But Giganto could.

I'm sure Giganto is a great fella, well-loved by all who know and look up to him.
SO, enough sarcasm, now on with the report!

Here is Katie enjoying some cotton candy. Click on the first picture to get a better view of my baby's beautiful blue eyes (and mouth!).

Frosty makes his way down the street.

Next comes mine and Noah's favorite float...THE GRINCH!

Curious George, Bob the Builder, and some big jolly penguins

Overall I'd say we had a great time once again. We watched the parade from in front of the now apparently defunct Dallas Grand Hotel. It was a great spot, really, and had it started to rain we could have easily ducked under cover. This picture was taken just after the parade ended.

The parade lasted over an hour, had too many floats, bands and balloons to count and apparently had 350,000 in attendance with 118 million viewing it on over 300 channels in 159 markets. Could I put any more stats in one sentence? Next year we'll try even a little harder to get there even a little earlier and get even a little closer to the curb and have even a little more fun. If you feel like going let us know...we'd love to have a whole crew there together. I highly recommend the parade as consideration for one of your new family traditions.

Here are some pics from 2005 if you are interested. Enjoy!