M80 vs Orange

Another proud Fourth of July memory. Yes, those are Conor's feet hightailing it out the line of fire. I wasn't there but from what I heard the orange shrapnel was flying. Only a dime-sized piece was ever found. Next up, the brave plastic army men who gave their lives for our amusement.




Video courtesy of Renee and Chris.

And god said...

..."go forth and multiply go fourth and have a barbeque." And we did. And it was good.

It was a pretty hot day yesterday, but we found ways to handle it just fine.

Good friends and plenty of marshmallows make any day special.

So do little cherubs with sparkly star crowns.

When we wanted to cool off, we headed indoors for fun and games. But that didn't last too long.

Soon enough people headed back out for boffers...

and hula hoops...

...and fireworks in the cul-de-sac.
Lots of fireworks.
Enough to damage the finish on a neighbor's car, as I found out from her early this morning.

I think I'm starting to agree with karma about the damn fireworks.

All photos courtesy of Qacei, Carelia and Renee!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. When I heard that Sarah Palin has resigned as governor of Alaska I shrugged a big whatever.



2. A good massage is the best medicine.

3. It's late, but I'm doing my Friday fill-In anyway.

4. Be good to each other, always.

5. My eyes have seen the absolutely transcendent face of my friend Helen's brand new daughter. Well, I've seen a picture of her anyway. But soon I shall snuggle that punkin' and breathe in her newborn sweetness and you can't stop me.



6. I strongly recommend an iced vanilla latte on a hot day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Weeds on DVD, tomorrow my plans include a BBQ with my tribe while we attempt to support poor Karma on the toughest day of her year (damn fireworks) and Sunday, I want to stay cool and finish the book I'm reading!

Get your own Friday Fill-Ins.

One howlin' wolf is awesome enough...but three???

Trust me, you need to check out this magical piece of apparel on amazon.com. It could only be better if the t-shirt was made of velvet. I was thinking that I should get one for Jon's birthday next month, but I'm afraid its powers may be too great and he'll leave me before we get to go to Paris. It's cool and all, but dare I risk it?

Seriously, go read the reviews and see for yourself. There are 1,187 of them. And if you've got a lot of time on your hands, click on the Product Forum where they have discussions. About this shirt. With the wolves. Oh, oh and the pictures! Remember to click on Customer Images.

I love the internet.

Thanks for the link, Courtney!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. She had a great life and she knew it.

2. Karma, the wonder dog is by my side, always during firecracker season.

3. I know this: MJ makes a kick-ass mix CD! Really. You should ask her (really nicely) to make you one. Her music choices are wonderful and perfectly suited to whomever she's making the mix for. Thanks MJ!

4. It is nearly impossible for me to sit still during the LIFE is Good Conference. I'm running around doing something even when there's nothing left to be done.

5. These words apply to me: Je vais à Paris!

6. I went for a long walk when the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working on my latest altered book, tomorrow my plans include helping Qacei find a friend who is available to go with her to the first Corvallis PRIDE Parade and Rainbow Rave and Sunday, I want to go for a hike with my hubby!

Get your own Friday Fill-Ins.

Top Ten New Titles for Jon and Kate Plus Eight

I'm not even going to try to pretend I didn't watch Monday night's painfully sad episode of Jon and Kate Plus Eight. I've already admitted to being a reality show junkie. But just in case you are above all of this, here it is in a nutshell. (Oh and what a NUTshell it is.) Two parents plus two sets of multiples equals one cute idea for a fluff TLC show. (Which is probably exploiting the children but hey, at least they have a nice house and college funds now, right? Not to mention plenty of money left over for the therapy the kids are going to need.)

Anyway, fast forward five years, lots of camera time and millions of dollars later though and you get...a trainwreck. She gets bitchy, he steps out and now they're divorcing. Have I mentioned they have eight very young kids? Sad. And Lord have mercy did we learn nothing from the world's first reality show, An American Family? Cameras in your face do not help an already stressful situation.

But you know me, Laugh at the wonder of it all. Plus, you know, I like to be helpful. So here are my Top Ten new titles for Jon and Kate Plus Eight.

10. Jon and Kate Plus Berate
9. Jon and Kate Plus Unattractive Personality Traits
8. Jon and Kate Plus INFLATEd Egos
7. Jon and Kate Plus "How About a Date, I'm on a Reality Show You Know"
6. Jon and Kate Plus Eight Attorneys
5. Jon and Kate Minus One Mate
4. Jon and Kate Plus Jail Bait?
3. Jon and Kate plus Fate
2. Jon and Kate Plus Eight Kids Who Never Asked For Any of This
1. Jon and Kate Plus Hate