Today I can talk like a pirate!

Today I feel like poo. So does Elijah. He and I have not had a lot of fun on our day off. We both started coming down with sore throat, sinus-type junk a few days ago and its gotten worse. I'm not sure we have the same thing, but I can't see how we don't. Unless, we both have allergies. Maybe. Anyway my voice is almost gone... I sound so ugly -- like an old woman who has smoked for 60 years. I actually can talk like a pirate. I was trying not to talk or anything, but when I put E down for his afternoon nap he insisted. He was all cuddled up against my chest, blankie in hand, humming a sweet little out-of-tune song, which is his way of saying "Momma, I want you to sing to me". It's true. So I broke out a terrible rendition of Oh Shenandoah (because there aren't any high notes). Isn't it nice that children don't care if you sing well or not?

I have been entirely unproductive today... AGAIN! I wanted to fold that last load of laundry, sweep and mop the whole downstairs, vacuum upstairs, hang E's new curtains, plant a mum, and cook dinner for the family. So far I have managed to carry the laundry basket upstairs and come up with plan for dinner. But that's as far as I've gotten. I wasted my 3 hour break this morning taking a nap while E did. Gosh, it's 4:30 -- I better get a move on! Wait... isn't Oprah on right now? Ha ha. Just kidding.

No, my day hasn't been altogether lazy. I mentioned that I started reading that book "Youniquely Woman" and am feeling a tiny bit inspired by it. So, I also went outside and cut some flowers (the last of the hydrangeas blooms) and other greenery to liven up the house. It looks nice if I do say so myself. Also, after lunch E and I headed outside for some swinging. He has such a great time in his little baby swing! I love to watch the pure delight on his face when I make him go higher. When I let it slow down he says "moa" and signs more. :) So cute! After that we sat on a blanket under the shade of the ever-reddening dogwood trees on the hill and played for a while. It is such a perfect afternoon - the breeze feels lovely coming through the house.

Oh yeah! I forgot to mention... one of my birthday gifts from my parents was a NEW kitchen faucet which my dad and Manny installed yesterday! It's so great! I'll take a picture of it soon! They also finally installed the baby gate at the top of the stairs. I'm so glad to have it so I don't have to worry about E crawling over there.

Keith, Paula, and Gracie left for TX this morning. Here are a few pictures K took on his camera.
Here's my Grandma with Elijah and Gracie (her great-grandkids) and Zoe (granddaughter)

Elijah playing dolls with the big girls.

So excited about his pb&j!!