Little Bee's Family

The assignment was to do a SELF PORTRAIT. However, Little Bee does not feel complete without the rest of us. Mommy LOVES it when little girls choose not to follow directions for good reasons. I am also particularly fond of the sporty glasses on her father.

Another Crappy Meal --- Another Nasty E-mail

Dear Einstein Bagels -

What a HORRIBLE experience we had during lunch today at your Baileys Crossroads store. My mother, daughter and I went in at lunch time. There were 2 people at the counter and a large crowd formed. At which point, one of the women disappeared, and came back a few minutes later without her apron and with her lunch. Then, the two women argued (presumably about this being an inappropriate time to take a break, though I cant be sure because they weren't speaking English). After a LONG time, the remaining woman started making sandwiches without asking what kind of bagel we wanted. At this point, the crowd was HUGE. When we told her that we wanted a different type of bagel and no cream cheese on our sandwich, she began to SCREAM at my mother and accuse her of not being able to read while pointing to the (confusing) menu board. All of this was witnessed by the woman on her break and (at least) 10 customers in line.

Your bathroom is FILTHY and the whole restaurant smelled old.

I find it hard to believe that in todays economy, this is the BEST you can get?

To your credit, at the very end of this experience, a gentleman came to the counter who appeared to have a clue, and did allow me to trade in my MOLDY fruit salad for the fresh. Silver lining?

Welcome Home!

We said we would never do it again, but, never is a LONG time!

Meet Luna:



And Pluto:



I suspect that the fish might be in trouble?

The 1st Grade Constitution

Today was Ms. Beans first day of 1st grade (and Little Bee's 1st day of Pre-K, but that is the subject of another post).

During the course of the day the 1st Graders worked on, and wrote up the Constitution that they would abide by during the school year. The Constitution was then transferred to paper, and sent home for the parents and students to sign.

The First Grade Constitution:

1) Treat others the way you want to be treated (Ms. Bean enthusiastically informed me that this one is hers).
2) Keep your hands and feet to yourself
3) Raise your hand
4) Don't talk when the teacher is talking or reading.
5) Sit up to learn

Good luck to Ms. Bean and the rest of her friends. We look foreword to an amazing academic year. For the record, I never mastered any of these Constitutional Articles, and aside from maybe keeping my feet to myself, doubt I ever will.

What happens at Papa's, does not STAY at Papa's

The other night I heard the following discussion between Ms. Bean and her "Uncle" Tim -

Tim - "So, how was the rest of your summer"?
Ms. Bean - "Oh, it was GREAT! I got to stay with my Papa and Susie, and my Papa fed me PIE for Breakfast". (pause) "But I only ate the crust".
Tim - "Really? Did he eat pie also"?
Miss Bean - "No. He just read his paper (she spread her arms out to simulate the act of holding a newspaper) and said over and over, "I wonder if this will make Susie mad"?

Don't worry Papa. NO ONE WILL EVER FIND OUT!

Overheard last weekend

Little Bee (while sitting on the toilet) - Mommy, I love you.
Me - I love you too.
Little Bee - Mommy, I love you so much that for your birthday, I am going to draw you a very special picture. It will be a picture of your very favorite thing.
Me - Really? What is my very favorite thing?
Little Bee - It will be a picture of a poop, in the potty. Because that is your favorite thing.

Hmmmmm. I wonder how much that particular peice of art will get me on ebay?

Peanut Butter and ............................

2:45 this afternoon:

Me: Girls, I am going into the store to get a few things for the drive tomorrow. What kind of Jelly do you want with your Peanut butter sandwiches?

Ms. Bean - Raspberry. Raspberry JAM! Not jelly! I only like Jam! Jelly is too lumpy. So, get me Jam, OK? OK Mom? Raspberry Jam.

Little Bee - (sigh), Chocolate Jam.

Me: They don't make Chocolate Jam.

Little Bee - Then I wont eat anything.

This could be a VERY long vacation.

Day 2 - Topsail

So, I forgot the component that uploads the photos from the camera (along with all toiletries, most of our food, and a pair of shoes for Tom). BUT never fear, Bean and Bee took care of the storytelling.

Here is Ms. Beans day from beginning to end. She "awoke, went to the beach, and ate". Her words, not mine.



The best part of Little Bee's day is below. Here she is on the dock at seaTulls with Tom and Ms. Bean (all on their designated colors) after they pulled up the crab pot. In the background is the house, and I am taking photos of the three of them (in blue). You will see the actual photos in a few weeks.



I like vacations better through their eyes anyway!

We're in Topsail!

This morning started our great adventure! Tom and I are on leave for the next two weeks, and are enjoying a few days at Gary and Jana's lovely home in North Carolina before heading to Disney World to meet the Woolcotts for a week long visit with Mickey!

I woke the girls up earlier then I should have this morning (in part because I was so excited) and as a result forgot EVERYTHING that I planned to bring (to include 90% of the food that we prepared and shopped for). So, while Tom Tom is at the grocery store, I had the girls draw pictures of what they did on Day 1 of their vacation:




Ms. Bean merged reality and fantasy to create the above collage. We have a 6-hour ride strapped into her booster, followed by a visit with a mermaid, and then dinner! Hmmmm.



Little Bee was more literal, and captured her wading in the Ocean. The first visit I might add, that she truly enjoyed, despite her terrified tears that filled the whole walk to the beach.

Tomorrow, I will unpack my camera and post some real photos!


XO D

The Driver

For the past couple of days I have been driving Ms. Bean and her friend (Malcolm) to a Theater Camp. I have, for the most part, become completely invisible while the two of them chat away. Once in a while I get to say something, but I am getting the impression that I am an “annoyance that needs to be dealt with”, vice a productive member of the carpool.

I have to admit that I am rather enjoying this role. It both allows me to eavesdrop onto her world and discover what is really on her mind PLUS their discussions are hysterically funny. I promised myself that I would start to write some snippets down so that I would remember them. What better place then my (much loved but rarely used) blog?

Tuesday –

Malcolm – I wonder when that library will be finished with construction. It was big to begin with, now its going to be huge
Ms. Bean – Have you ever been to that library?
Malcolm – No, but I drive by it every Sunday when I go to Church.
Ms. Bean – What do you do at Church?
Malcolm – I dunno.
Ms. Bean – Do you like Church?
Malcolm – Yes. They have snacks.

Wednesday –

Ms. Bean – I really want to be Glenda in the play (Wizard of Oz).
Malcolm – I want to be a monkey, or the Wizard. I could be both because the monkeys and the Wizard are never in the same scene.
Ms. Bean – I want to be a girly character, like Glenda or Dorothy. I DON’T want to play a boy.
Malcolm – Hmmmm. Maybe I can be a Monkey, and a tree that throws apples at Dorothy.
Ms. Bean - (after some contemplation) – Well, if I am Dorothy and you are a tree and you throw apples at me ……. I will just turn my head and walk off stage.

Cant wait to see what Thursday brings.