It takes a real man to carve a fairy

My husband not only tolerates living in a houseful of women...he embraces it. Indeed, despite his legitimate right to claim some man-time among this pool of estrogen that he calls home, he almost always puts our needs above his own. Case in point? Chris loves to carve pumpkins, and this year he had glorious visions of creating something spooky and scary and fierce. But the girls had other plans. Instead of complaining, he got to work...and painstakingly carved the fairy Silvermist.

He's currently watching the first game of the World Series while us chicks marvel at his craftsmanship. (Remember, I said he almost always puts our needs above his own. When the Cardinals are in the World Series, all bets are off. And I say...enjoy, darling. You've earned it.)

He's pretty awesome. Methinks we will keep him.

A mermaid, a princess, a fairy, a middle-aged white guy with no rhythm, and a full bladder

If this video clip were a joke, I guess the first line would go something like this: "A mermaid, a princess and a fairy take over the dance floor." I'm not sure about the punchline, though...it's either Emma running into the wall, Chris's body spasms or Em's bladder. You decide.

Diorama Papa

Emma's big show at her school is coming up this Friday. You may remember my post last year about how every grade at Em's school dedicates two weeks to studying and creating a show about a special topic. This year, the first graders are focusing on biomes. (Alright, I'll admit it: I had no idea what the word meant. Dude, don't judge me...I'm an artist, not a scientist, okay?) There are seven first grade classes, and each has been assigned a different environment to research. Emma's class is studying lakes, and part of her assignment was to create a lake diorama that exhibits the many forms of animal and plant life. That's when Daddy enters, b/c as you regular readers know, he excels at helping with these creative school projects. (Wow, it's like link-apalooza today!)

So they spent the entire weekend putting together their lake diorama. Here they are, hard at work transforming their little shoebox into Lake Michigan.

 

 Um...notice how Chris is sorta doing the work, and Em is sorta watching/assisting? Still a team effort, but I suspect the roles are supposed to be flip-flopped and my husband just didn't get the memo.

And without further adieu...ta da! The fruit of their labors!

I know, I know...I can't wait for summer, either. Winter: go away.

Truly, the photo doesn't do it justice. Ms. Cooper told Emma it was the best diorama she'd ever seen, and OF COURSE she would never lie to boost a kid's ego, right?

You'll have to wait a few days for video of Emma singing about the Great Lakes to the tune of Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane." Oh yeah...NOW I've got your attention.

Cooties and Double Spaceship

This is what Sunday morning looks like around here.