Hello August!

*When we returned from our vacation, we discovered that our freezer and washing machine no longer worked.  Ugh.  Repairing the washer was going to cost a lot, so we ended up getting a new one about a week later.  I've been washing everything in sight since we got our new machine- simply because I can again.  Laundry, anyone?

*I read an article lately linking later bedtimes with childhood obesity.  I shared this with the kids- half joking- as a reason why they need to get to bed pronto one night.  A few nights later, I was trying to get Kate in bed and she was protesting.  She surprised me with, "But Mommy, I WANT to get fat!"  I didn't think she was listening/even "understood" my humor a few nights prior.  

*We're cramming in our pre-back-to-school activities.  School starts in 9 days!  Long's donuts is still on the to-do list.  No worries...we will be sure to knock it out. 

*I spent some girl time with my sweet friend, Molly, today.   We ate cheesecake, shopped for clothes, and then decided we need to train for a 5K together.  :)  While away, Jon took the kids for a hike at the park.  (Another pre-back-to-school activity checked off the list!)  

The kids also spent half of the day at my parents house today.  They reportedly had a fun time, and I was drilling them when I got home about their behavior.  

Me:  Were you good today?

Kate:  Yes

Me:  Is that what Grandma and Grandpa would say?

Kate:  I don't know because I didn't ask them.

Scott enjoys reporting on the girls' behavior.  Jon thinks he would have made a good Pharisee back in the day.  Anyway, he was telling on Kate for a particular incident from this afternoon.  I gave Kate the look, and she sighed and said, "Natalie has been teaching me bad things."

She's said this a few times lately.  She's heard us talk to Natalie about being a good example, and so now...Kate's using the excuse that all of her misbehavior is learned from her big sis.  It's only partially true!:)