"24" reasons why Jack Bauer Rules

We love 24!! So, in preparation for the big premiere, here is a fun list of why we all love Jack Bauer.

1. Jack makes carrying a purse masculine.
2. He gets perfect cell phone reception, regardless of his location.
3. He's tough enough to withstand torture, but isn't ashamed to cry.
4. He gave Cheng the silent treatment for 2 years.
5. Jack can fly a plane and a helicopter.
6. Jack doesn't care what other people think of him.
7. Jack Bauer is always right.
8. He got Erin Driscoll to listen to him eventually.
9. He pulled the trigger on Chase. Talk about dedication to his work.
10. Despite suffering from Herion withdrawl, he was able to break Ramon Salazaar out of prison.
11. He broke Ramon out of prison in less than an hour. It took Michael Scofield a whole season to break out of Fox River.
12. Hacksaw.
13. He doesn't always listen to orders, because he knows he's right.
14. Jack hurt that annoying scumbag Joe Prado.
15. He killed the whole Drazen gang by himself.
16. He figured out to look up presumed dead people in order to find Saunders.
17. He can hold his breath forever.
18. His magic hoodie is very impressive.
19. Straight men have crushes on him.
20. He can kill people without using his hands or legs.
21. He asked for forgiveness before killing Chapelle.
22. He's "died" twice and yet seems to be in great health.
23. He trusted George to take the plane down.
24. Despite saving millions of people over and over again, has never asked for a thank you!

Flashback Friday-It all started when...

Since our 16th anniversary is this next Tuesday, and I have been thinking about how fast time flies when you're having fun, I decided to post this picture of Jeff and I. This was at Ricks. It was one of the formal dances just after Jeff and I started to become pretty serious. ---I mean look at him, how could I refuse a gentleman like that.

Cracker Soup...from a 3-year old point of "View"

Jeff and I walked upstairs this morning to find Andrew, the chef, stirring up a nice big "pot" of what he likes to call, "Cracker Soup". He informed us that it was for our dinner for which I am personally very glad since I wasn't sure what to cook myself. He then proceeded to ladel out some bowls for us to try--Yum! Doesn't it look delicious! Where, you might ask, did we get such a beautiful serving dish? Being the conservation-minded citizens that we are, our ash container from the fireplace doubles as the perfect soup turrine. I think it also serves as the secret ingredient in the award-winning soup.

The enjoyment he was obviously feeling from this fun little experiment was almost, but not quite, equalled by my own enjoyment when, just after ladeling out everyone's soup, he turned around to give the dog a big hug and I was greeted with this enticing view.

Maybe Santa will bring him a belt for Christmas! In the meantime I get to secretly smile whenever I catch a glimpse of those sweet little cheeks.

Tidbits of Fun

These kids are cracking me up! All of the silly, funny things that they think up to entertain themselves keep a permanent smile pasted to my lips. I store them up so that at times when they, let's just say, aren't quite as cute, I can remember them and I decide it's not worth it to do bodily damage. Here is a small sampling of recent things that I want to remember.

Andrew put together this helicopter with his builder set and flew it all over the house. Why is it that boys learn how to do sound effects so much earlier and with so much more efficacy than girls?

I was making dinner one night and Addy started squishing cheese through my garlic press like it was play-dough. She was so excited to be able to make all of that blonde, stringy "hair".

I have no idea what the thought process was behind this brilliant idea. I only know that a whole roll of adhesive tape was used to perfect this masterpiece and that much to my homemaking shame--it stayed on the door knob for at least a week before I finally took the time to remove it.

My kids LOVE doing this! They go and get their "footy pajamas" on and hit the stairs time after time. I'm not sure who has more fun though, the kids--or the dog.

Andrew and Addy worked together to put this fascinating musical instrument together. Designed to be able to play it from either direction. Andrew is modeling the choke-hold method--much akin to the Suzuki method you have no doubt heard about. I have talented children, that much is for sure.

All three children gathered up buckets of water and lotions and heaven only knows what else into the living room last night. They then presented me with an invitation to visit their "spa." They were trying to pick out a dress for me to wear after I went to the spa. I asked them what this was all for and Kaylee replied, "We want to make you pretty so that daddy will want to take you on a date." Kaylee continued, "What dress would make daddy bounce around and want to kiss you all night?" -------------OH MY GOODNESS! Where do they come up with this stuff???

Flashback Friday--"Do You Like My Hat???"

One of our all-time favorite pictures of Addison--in her "younger" years. I just want to gobble her right up!

Fall Colors

The fall colors have been pretty stunning this year. I don't think they lasted very long, but for a few days there, they were pretty awesome. I loved the contrast between the green and red in this one. Very symbolic. Having lived a good part of my life in Arizona, I never seem to get tired of the beautiful colors of Fall. I do have to admit that I am not quite ready to part with the glories of summer. I already miss the sun and I'm not quite ready to give in to the rain and the cold of winter. At least I know that come June, the sun will shine yet again --unlike the uncertainty that comes from having a socialist as our new "American" president. Heaven help us--because we can't seem to help ourselves!

Halloween Happiness

We had a great Halloween. We hit the trunk or treat at church and then trick or treated our favorite neighborhood. Everyone loved the costumes this year--Kaylee's basket of laundry in particular got rave reviews.



Andrew had so much fun talking to the home owners--wishing them a "Happy Halloween" as only my rambunctious baby boy can. He'd tell people, "I'm spiderman! da na na na na na na na ---Batman!" Some one at one of the first houses called him a "kiddo" and he thought that was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. After that he told each person as he left the door, "see ya yater, kiddo. Happy Halloween!"

Addy was my sweetheart. She opened up a package of starbursts and she would give one to each person that gave her candy with a very pretty, "Thank you".

All in all, a very fun night!