I Got a Label Maker

New Tricks

Today I learned how to swap one of these

for one of these.

Next on my list of skills to acquire: how to install blinds. I've done some studying at the University of YouTube, though I think the windows I have and the blinds I've purchased may not be compatible.

Syllogism

Bryan and Topher enjoy snuggling and watching animal videos. Last night they watched this one. Topher loved it so much that when I came in to announce bedtime, they played it for me.

As we watched and listened to the adorable sounds the porcupine made as he ate his tiny pumpkins, Topher watched with a fascinated expression. Then he said, "That por-kee-pine is eating a pumpkin. Pumpkins are tasty! We eat pumpkins. (pause) We are por-kee-pines."

Write What You Know

As I was tucking Phoebe in last night she turned to me and the following conversation took place.

Phoebe: Mom, I'm eleven now. Wow! I'm eleven. (pause) Does that mean I'm old enough to write romance?

Me: (steady laughter for longer than was necessary) No.

Then we talked about Little Women and Jo's decision to write what she knows. I told Phoebe maybe she could write romance stories after she's allowed to date, so watch for a series of romances from Phoebe sometime in late 2026.

Don't Go Breakin' My

A few days ago, after a terrible night of being more awake than asleep, we were all chatting over breakfast when Topher interrupted to get our attention.

Topher: Guys! Guys! Cooper, Phoebe, Sophie, you are ALL CHEATING!

Phoebe: Topher, what does cheating mean?

Topher: It means you are all not following the rules!

Phoebe: (amused) Topher, what rules are we breaking?

Topher: (with great passion) You are breaking my HEART!

All Dressed Up

We unpacked the costumes.

Chip or Dale

"Hello! Can you come inside?!" -Topher, standing inside the closed kitchen door, looking at a chipmunk that was sitting on the deck. 

When the chipmunk finally scurried away, Topher threw himself to the floor and cried angrily, saying, "I was gonna give it a hug!"

Creative Technology

Cooper has a very full school schedule this year, including an elective called Art in the Digital Age. One of his assignments this week was to create a piece of art. He decided to use his Wacom tablet that he got for his birthday earlier this year to draw something digitally.

He drew this slightly abstract phoenix. I think it's beautiful.

The Original Shoe

I played in the backyard with these two this morning, then we took a walk. When we got home we sat on the edge of the deck for a cold treat. Between getting back from the walk and eating the popsicle, Topher took off his shoes. When he headed outside the second time, this conversation took place.

Me: Oh wait Buddy, you don't have shoes on.

Topher: Oh, it's okay, I'll use my feet as shoes.

Robot Boy

It's always fun when your creative biggest sister uses the abundant supply of recycling to turn you into a robot.