Can you see my big fat tummy?

Ok so Matthew comes out wearing a simply stunning outfit he has designed and asks if I like it. Itell him I am amazed and that this is definitely picture worthy so hold still for a photo.

Matthew: "Can you see my big fat tummy in the picture?"

Me: "Well no. I don't actually think you have a big fat tummy."

Matthew: "Well I'll turn to the side and you can take another one. Now can you see it?"

I agree that I can see a little tummy, and he runs back to his bedroom. He returns in a few short moments with more 'accessories' added to his outfit, I take another picture and he runs back to his bedroom.

He's back in a few minutes in an outfit which his father proclaims is 'over the top'.

Matthew: "See the orange thing here (points to stuffed pumpkin tucked into his scarf)? This is my other head. Do I look like I'm prepared for anything?"

Me: Sure, what do you think you are prepared for?

Matthew: "Well, flying and other stuff. See I have a thing on my back like Boba Fett and Jenga Fett had (points to wrapping paper tube stuck in his Speedo floatie)."

Dad: A jet pack?

Matthew: "Yeah a jet pack. So I can fly."

Dad: That looks like its stuck in your pants. Is it an exhaust tube? (explains what an exhaust tube is used for and what fumes might be exhausting from his pants ... this results in loud cackling from all parties)

Good times.

Jenn ... Lord of the Flame

Of course you know there has to be a story behind that.

So to preface the story, I have to tell another story about when I was scrapbooking at Miriam's house a few years ago and she had some lit candles (!!!) on the table where we were scrapbooking. As I got ready to leave, I set my paper bag full of scrapbook paper on top of the table, it leaned over and was just close enough to the candle flame to catch on fire. Miriam noticed the flames, gave out a little shriek, grabbed the bag, rushed it over to the sink and put out the fire. After telling this story to her family the next day, Knox (age 5 -- who had been watching a lot of the movie "Ice Age") christened me 'Jenn, Lord of the Flame'.

Ok fast forward to this week ... I had a candle burning on the bedroom dresser. I went in to check on my husband who was sleeping and noticed the candle burning low but decided to let it burn. I came back in later that night to go to bed and noticed that the candle had gone out on its own from lack of wax ... there was a little smell of smoke in the air, but just the kind of smoke like when you blow out a candle so I didn't really think any more about it. The next day I went to throw the candle out and realized that the candle jar had shattered from the heat and there was a big black burn mark underneath where the candle was sitting on the dresser.

So, I am extremely grateful that 1) My husband didn't die from smoke inhalation or fire and 2) My house did not burn down.

I'm participating in the year-long Gratitude Project and below is my page for my gratitude book that I made about this incident:

Mint Truffle Kisses

Last night my 7 year old step-son finally tired one of these mint truffle kisses ... he promptly declared with a surprised tone in his voice "Wow, these are really good! You guys should try some of these!"

The surprise was what cracked me up ... I have offered him some of them multiple times in the past week and he always looks at me like I am trying to poison him. In fact his Dad and I have already eaten at least a bag and a half so we know they are good!

Gratitude Project

A friend (thanks Jeanne Ann!) notified me of a great project that she is going to participate in and I thought you all might enjoy participating as well. The goal is to become more grateful for all the blessings that we are given. Your assignment is to weekly identify something you are grateful for and document it in some way .... either through a picture, or online blog, journal, or scrapbook ... whatever works for you.

You can read more about the intent of the Gratitude Project here on Brenda's (the founder) blog. She has some great ideas for implementation as well.

And if you want to join us, check out the wiki at: http://gratitude.wetpaint.com

It doesn't cost anything but a little of your time. And I know I am happier when I focus on my blessings instead of my trials.