No Sugar!

My friends and I are having a nice little competion: only 1 dessert a week. Whoever lasts the longest gets some free all day long babysitting sessions. I'm thinking that I will probably go to the city with my free babysitting.

I would ask some of you to join us, but I'm afraid of the competition enough as it is.

I like it. You should too.

(The caption says, "Oh nothing, just babysitting.)

If you have heard me talk about co-op before, you might just want to scroll through this post. If you haven't, then you definately need to read this. It might very well change your life.

Okay, so, co-op is a system of swapping babysitting (thanks to Taylor and Susie for introducing us to the magic). In our co-op, we have four families, totaling 8 kids. Each family takes a turn on a friday evening of a month watching all of the kids, while the other couples get to go out. So, you basically get three date nights a month in return for watching the kids once. Obviously, you can adjust how many people you have or the days and times you do it. There are many possibilities.

Needless to say, we have been loving it. We have been co-oping for almost eight months now. Noah and I have a blast. Tonight, we dropped off the kids, got a pizza, and watched the finale of Lost (that we missed last night). Our kids also love it because they get to play with their friends and stay up late. It's win/win in my book.

So, stop wasting time reading this post - - - GO CO-OP!

True Love

Calvin has found his one true love - - - Mario Kart. Yep, the video game. Now, he's only three and a half and although he's extremely talented, it's still a little tricky for him. So, I've devised a strategy that is fun for both of us. I set up the game so that I give him and myself a controller, but I am the one who plays, and he just thinks that he does. He's not quite the seasoned gamer that I am (ha ha), so he occasionally makes rookie mistakes, such as: he will forget to hold down buttons, he might look away from the screen for a minute or two, or he might even get up from the couch entirely and go into another room to do something else while still maintaing that he is "playing". I have to say that I think that takes a lot of skill to play in another room without a controller.

Good times. It wasn't until I had my own kids that I understood what my parents meant when they said that we were their source of entertainment.

Who Can Eat The Most Cereal?

Are you in it to win it or are you just recreationally eating? That was the lingering question at last week's cereal eating competition. Though many were there to win, Noah was only concerned with one challenger, Kasey. Sadly, I must report that Big Noah lost to him. Kasey managed to eat an entire box of Fruity Pebbles, while Noah fell one bowl short. I sat on the sidelines, leisurely eating only three bowls of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cereal. I must admit that I am a little ashamed of the Shafer's no show evening, but I am glad that I didn't eat an entire box. Everyone who tried was crying in their sugary milk, especially Kasey.

Sweet Relief!

Now that Noah has completed the most difficult stretch of dental school we have time for the really important stuff. . . . like Guitar Hero 3.

Problems With The Most Recent Family Picture

1. Noah's eyes are closed.


2. I'm just about to chew something?


3. Noah is trying to throw a Spidey Web with his left hand. (not appropriate for a family picture; we've been over this).


4. Wyatt has a Simpson's mouth.


5. Where's Calvin?

Mimaw Caffy

This is a lady who knows how to have a good time. Whenever she and the boys get together, they always have fun. Out last visit to Tennessee was packed with Mimaw Caffy time, and they couldn't have loved it more. You know it's been good when you put your boys in the bath tub, and there is dirt streaking down their faces. Needless to say, they had a blast. Thanks for being so good to them.

Don't Make Marshmallows With These Women

If they invite you over and try to get you to cook with them, it's usually a safe bet. However, if they want to make marshmallows (or as Calvin says, "smarshmallows"), you must say no. The marshmallows will wind up in your hair. You will laugh so hard you will cry. You won't be able to look at them with a straight face for at least a day. But most importantly, you will have to take responsibility for the disaster and clean all of the pans. Cleaning up homemade marshmallows is tough.

I like it. You should too.

The "Free" section of Craigslist. So free, so far this week: one treadmill, two dining room chairs, and a dirt devil.

Kristen Wiig of SNL. I laugh at nearly every impression that she does. SO FUNNY!

Dan in Real Life. I just liked it. You could call it a Chick Flick, and I still wouldn't be ashamed.



This is a no brainer. Fruit snacks are so delicious. I'll be eternally grateful to my kids for reintroducing me to them.

The Underwear Club Revisited

When I was growing up, my younger sister and brother(Rachel and Austin) started "The Underwear Club." Needless to say, it was exclusive. Entry was contingent on two things: (1) you weren't old enough to go to school, and (2) you wanted to hang out in your underwear. Being as I was in first grade, I was out of the club before I was in. And always jealous, I might add.

The years have passed and The Underwear Club has reemerged from it's 1980's roots with a new scantily clad generation. I am proud to announce that my son is one of the founding members of this reactivation movement, and he brought back the beloved club in all of it's glory during our past trip to Tennessee. Warm weather is conducive to a successful club meeting, and these youngsters didn't let a warm moment pass them by. Sprinklers, Popsicles, cousins, and sunshine make for a lovely day.

You can see His Royal Highness, Calvin, clad in boxer briefs, a rather modest showing at his first meeting. Koa is looking stylish in always classic navy briefs. Andy can't be outdone in Scooby-Doo underoos, and Joey makes a decent showing in a huggies diaper (we'll be expecting more from him after potty training). The ladies (Allie Cupp and Leilee) remained demure in their one piece swimming suites. Honorary members.

All in all I can say that the first meeting was a success with lots of fun to be had. Next meeting should be happening in New York City very shortly. Hope to see some of the Super Cruzes and Wyatt at this next one.

All Things Moving . . . .

. . . . . Our Blog!

I am sure that you have noticed by now that we have moved our blog from VOX to blogger. Sad, kind of. Exciting, yes. The reason is that vox isn't as user friendly. And everbody else was doing it, so why shouldn't we?! If you ever get a hankering (craving) for our old stuff, just click on the link on the sidebar and get your fill of all things Calvin, Wyatt, Katie and Noah from the past. Otherwise, look for some exciting new stuff here.

. . . . . US!

Yes, we moved. Look for some new pics of the new place in the next few days. I'm just not at the top of my picture taking game right now. New place means new park, new library, new commute schedule, new, new, new! We are loving it right now. Stay tuned for the guided tour.

. . . . . Calvin!

Thanks to some thoughtful friends (thank you Seares!), Calvin has a somewhat new bike to try out. After some new training wheels, a trip to the bike store, and a little coaching lesson from Noah, Calvin tried his luck at the park and liked it okay. It scared him just a little to go down the hills, but we are a confident that he will be zooming around the park in no time. With any luck he will be ready for the five borough bike tour this time next year. Are you up for some competition Grandpa Cruze?

. . . ME!

I'm moving on to 29! I had a wonderful birthday being pampered by Noah and the boys. Noah and I met in the city at a yummy restaurant name Agave. Then we went to Crumbs Bakery for an amazing cookies and cream cupcake. It was raining cats and dogs, so we came home early. We continued the partying yesterday with cake, ice cream, Burger King Whoppers, and chocolate marshmallows (be still my heart). I am one lucky woman. I love my babies. I love my hubby. And so far I'm loving being 29!