Easy Three-sy

Emily of Essential E (who so often inspires me with her posts -- if you haven't been to her blournal, please go visit) has put up a fun challenge for a rainy Saturday. Here's what you're supposed to do: Copy this and paste it into your own post. Delete my answers and type in yours, then tag a few good friends and family.

The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known things about each.
Three Names I go by
1. Cheryl
2. Ross (and the diminutive, Rossi), my maiden name
3. Mommy

Three Jobs I have had in my life
1. Pharmacy tech
2. Cashier (in many locations, Trak Auto, Bud's Deep Discount, Model Masters...)
3. Waitress (no better preparation for twin motherhood...)

Three Places I have lived
1. Alexandria
2. Williamsburg
3. Richmond
(all in Virginia...wow.)

Three TV Shows that I watch
1. 24
2. Rescue Me
3. Entourage

...and non-scripted (you may call it reality if you wish...) shows I watch
1. Rock of Love - Bus

2. Sober House (and Celebrity Rehab)

3. Confessions of a Teen Idol

Three places I have been
1. Ireland
2. England
3. Great Wolf Lodge

Three books I have especially enjoyed
1. The Screwtape Letters
2. Living Buddha, Living Christ
3. The Tale of Despereaux

People who e-mail me regularly
1. Fellow members of groups (e.g. the church, the museum, book club, other school parents)
2. Girlfriends
3. Blog friends and commenters

Three of my favorite foods
1. Kung Pao Tofu from Lakeside Chinese (extra spicy, light on the sauce)
2. Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles from Krispy Kreme
3. Plain M&Ms in the colors of the season

Three friends I think might re-post
1. NOT

2. TOO
3. SURE....
*Consider yourselves challenged!

Three things I am looking forward to
1. The end of sickie season
2. Next weekend's "Fishful Thinking" Symposium in NY
3. Scott walking through the door any minute, returning from three days on a shoot in Pittsburgh

As did Emily, I'm not officially tagging anyone, but am thoroughly encouraging anyone who wants to, join in! (And be sure to comment accordingly if you do so we can go see your answers, and your friends'...and as the old Faberge Organics commercial chanted, "and so on, and so on, and so on...")

Enter the Darren

Backstory:
Last year, Darren and Sarah both participated in their school musical, Aladdin. Sarah will be in this year's production, Pinocchio; Darren elected to be a "judge" for the try-outs instead.

So as we wrapped a full-family viewing of "Ninja Warrior" on G4 (seriously, that show is an inspiring demonstration of athletic prowess, physical determination, family support and phenomenal sportsmanship...topped with a fun smattering of effusive Japanese commentary with captions. Dare we hope to pick up a little?), the TV remained on as Double Daddy hopped onto the computer and I headed to the kitchen (an acknowledged odd role-reversal).

Within a few minutes, we realized the G4 programmers had scheduled a Bruce Lee martial arts classic as the follow-up to "Ninja Warrior." With some concern, we monitored the kids' enthusiastic viewing -- there were some female practitioners amidst the melees, holding their own with guts and grace. After 10-15 minutes, as we turned off the TV and sat down to eat...

Darren: "Now THAT should be the school musical next year!"

Bet he'd try out for that one! The picture above was taken when D was a "Little Tiger."

He's now a proud Blue Belt.

You Take the Good, You Take the Bad...

...and there you have the facts of life...
Courtesy of my brother's Facebook posting generosity (and humor), here I am a la eighties in what he declared my "Lisa Whelchel" look.

Admittedly, he does have a slightly embarrassing point!

For those whom the sitcom pre-dates, we oldsters do get credit for seeing George Clooney via his first NBC series debut! (And hopefully, we've all aged so well....)

Now go on over to Candid Carrie's and enjoy the Friday Foto Finish Fiesta fun!

Benadryl Sergeant

That's me. The coughing seems to have gone on for weeks. Waning and waxing. Wet and dry. Head and chest. Brother and sister. Husband and wife.

At least it's not a tummy bug....we dealt with that in December. Seems like everyone has been passing around viruses of innumerable varieties this season.

How's your family faring? Care to share, or are you too spent to vent?

Go ahead. Get it off -- or out of -- your chest.

Way Back When-esday: Delighted By Daddy

Dateline: August 2005
Darren's Age: Nearly 4
[as was his sister]

Right before the twins' 4th birthday, my mother and father-in-law generously gave us their week of timeshare in Hilton Head. We rented a van, and spent a glorious 6 days...just the four of us together.

Who could have predicted the most memorable aspects were amongst the simplest? A week-long friendship with "Mr. Arnie and Mrs. Elaine" across the hall, coloring side-by-side at the living room coffee table, getting groceries from a walking distance Piggly Wiggly, a diner booth game of hand-stacking with Daddy. The rapt adoration on Darren's face says it all.

What image or story from "Way Back" is well-imprinted on your mind's eye? Share it on your blog, and with us! Be sure to go visit others participating for the web-wide weekly reverie.

Pleasantly Plump Tuesday

While haphazardly tidying up, I came upon the kids' memory verse study sheet from this past Sunday...
Literal Biblical interpretation has never been my preferred mode nor my personal conviction; I find the scriptural texts far more compelling and truth-pointing when read fully aware of their historical context and appreciative of their power of analogy. (Parables worked for Jesus' original audience; they work for me.)

However, with Lent looming large, should I take heed of this not-so-subtle sacred hint to "pick up my mat and walk?" Hmmm....maybe I need to be more open-minded and receptive to slap-me-in-the-face cues.

Are you pondering a behavioral adjustment or spiritual pursuit this season? Do tell....

Makes My Monday: Go Fish!

Indulge me a moment while I flare my fins....

Great News:
I am thrilled to have been invited to serve as an ambassador/faculty member of Pepperidge Farms' "Fishful Thinking" campaign!

Created by renowned Positive Psychology leader, Dr. Karen Reivich (who also happens to be a twin mama), Fishful Thinking is a tool for helping parents raise confident children...children who are well-equipped to overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity -- kids who can dream, and ultimately reach their goals. [Can I hear an "Amen"?!?]

Best News of All:
On March 7th, from 8am to 3pm at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains, New York, Dr. Reivich is hosting the Fishful Thinking "Parenting for Possibilities" Workshop.

It's FREE, but is limited to 250 participants, so please RSVP here ASAP if you can attend.

Along with the 7-9 other Fishful Thinking faculty, I'll be there with my twin mama bells on; and would LOVE the chance to meet you in person to exchange ideas on how to encourage our children --positively and proactively.

An opportunity like this one simply Makes My Monday...and beyond.

No doubt you have a happy facet Making Your Monday this week -- please do tell!

Add your name and link to the Mr. Linky below, and share in the web-wide, week-beginning, day brightening. (Say that five times fast!)




More Monday-making merriment:
Do you ever find yourself seeking a really good read? Or perhaps more importantly, hoping to dodge a really bad one? Terra of The Emerson Family has begun a fun and helpful new blog, Tales from the Nightstand, sure to assist you in your reading material selection process. As part of the blog's kick-off, she's got a giveaway going. Go see her and enter to win!

Burns Me Up

Montgomery. George. Christy Turlington and Ed. Burnses, all.

On the way to last night's school Unity Dance (featuring face painting)...

Darren: "I want to have rug burns on my face."

Mommy: "What?"

Darren (irritated at my apparent ignorance): "At the face painting station. I want them to paint rug burns on my face."

Mommy: "You want them just to put big splotches of red all over your face? That's what rug burns look like."

Darren (more agitated); "NO! I want the rug burns that go from your ears down toward your mouth."

Mommy: "So you want them to paint lion or cat whiskers on your face?"

Darren (embarrassed for me at this point): "NO, mom. Rug burns like ELVIS had."

Mommy (with a bit of relief): : "Honey, those are side-burns."

Darren (with a bit of shame, under his breath): "Whatever."

As it turns out, the warrior motif was the more popular choice. Sorry, Elvis.

Bad Haiku Friday: A Loaf of Bread, A Glass of Wine...

The show? Sober House.
Exploitive? I don't think so
Dr. Drew? Hero.

Be sure and go participate in Laura's Bad Haiku Friday this week! Otherwise, be prepared to wait until Easter...guess what our favorite amusing Catholic teacher is giving up for Lent?

Compose now, or 'til Easter morning hold your peace, and bad poems...

Happy Thursday: After the Bath

Squeaky clean, and serene...
...when hammy brother joins the scene!

What a silly -- but very happy -- conclusion to my Thursday. (They smell good, too!) Now go on over and visit Goddess in Progress to see other glee-bringers as the week draws to a close.

As Blondie Sang, "Call Me..."

Morning conversation...

Mommy (to Daddy): "Here is my direct line at work Honey -- in case you need to call me."

Sarah (disgusted): "Why would he need to call you?"

Well, there you go.

Way Back When-esday: Princess with Pigtails

Dateline: February 2004
Sarah's Age: 2 Years
[it was Darren's age, too]

Taken exactly 5 years ago, this picture encapsulates so many facets of that February. The little rocking horse was a longtime favorite. The potty (and one just like it) were moved all around our home in those "mastering the moves" days. The holiday photo cards around the entry to our dining room have always been one of the last decorations to be dismantled...and clearly, in 2004, I was very reluctant to remove them. Perhaps most notably, the fact that our little 3% weight curve (until age 5) girl appears to have chubby cheeks here ...and a smile, while wearing pigtails (verboten now) and heaven forbid, a princess dress. She who for as long as I can remember has assessed princesses as "okay for other people, I just don't like them," and who at two proudly professed black as her favorite color...this image just makes me laugh.

So what image from "way back" brings a smile to your face this When-esday? Dive into your digital albums and share! Be sure to add your post to Mr. Linky, and visit other participants for the weekly web-wide reverie.

Two for TWO-sday: Double Bubble

When you earn a giant bottle of bubbles for good behavior in class, it's never too cold to try 'em out! (And if your good behavior can extend to letting your sister join in, all the better...)

Now go on over to Deanna's and see what other two-fers are playing along on her wonderful, weekly feature!

PS - Don't forget, Way Back When-esday is TOMORROW! Dive into those digital files, and join in!

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho

New, more mature, lunch box fillers...

New denomination in wallet, for parking garage...

Newly painted fingernails, and new glasses...

And new boots, just because...

Heigh ho, heigh ho...it's off to work I go.

Double Daddy is getting his long-desired opportunity to be Stay-at-Home-Dad...at least for a while. (Hand to Heaven, if I hadn't been bodily attached to the feeding apparati, we'd have had quite the throw-down to determine primary caregiver for our two in the earliest days. He's due.)
Wish us all luck!

Makes My Monday: Presidential Plans

Given the pre-Presidents' Day project catalyst "What would you do if you could meet the President?" or "What would you do if you were President?" these posters discovered in our twosome's elementary school hallways Make My Monday:

"If I could be President for one day...First kids could do what they want. Then kids could vote. Next grown ups in jail. Last free country for kids." -- Sarah Lage

"If I could spend a day with Barack Obama...First, I would introduce myself. Then, I would be in a parade. Next, I would go on a tour with Abe Lincoln. Last, I would invite Tomas [sic] Jefferson for pizza and movies!" -- Darren Lage

So what brightens your week's beginning? Share what Makes My Monday -- and be sure to visit other participants for plenty of pleasantness this Presidents' Day!

PS -- Know what else Makes My Monday? The chance I had to get to know Patricia Resnick, the amazing mama behind the new Olivia series (based on Ian Falconer's wonderful books) on Nick Jr. Go on over to Mommy Track'd and read more about her! (She also wrote an iconic film that is being translated to Broadway musical this spring...hmmm, wonder what it is....)

OH NO, SHE DI'INT!

What else Makes My Monday? The ever-lovely Laura of Catholic Teacher Musings gave me a li'l goodie to Make My Monday afternoon. Behold....

Really, is there anything quite like a thoughtful surprise to Make a Monday? Feel free to pick up the button if you are playing along; and by all means, if you haven't already, go get acquainted with Laura and her blog...treasures, both.

We Have (T)-Winners!

Ooooh, we have winners!

Our goodies package (including Twinspiration, TwinSpin CD, CribNotes and I Was a Good Mom Before I Had Kids) contest wrapped last night, and the random integer generator has spoken...
Congratulations to entrant Number 26, the Perret Party of Four! Please email me cheryl [at] twinsights [dot] com with an address to which you'd like them sent. Thanks to all who played along and shared such wonderful comments.

But that's not all! The lovely Amy Keroes of Mommy Track'd offered a copy of her amazing Mom's Ultimate Family Organizer as a giveaway for for one lucky, randomly selected individual who commented upon the interview with Kay Hanley.

Congratulations to BlueViolet! Again, please email me cheryl [at] twinsights [dot] com with an address to which you'd like it sent (I will forward it to Amy). Again, thanks to all who played along and shared such wonderful comments.

More contests coming soon, so check back in often!

Hands Over Our Hearts

As Double Daddy was reading a newspaper article, spurring conversation...

Daddy: "You know, in Saudi Arabia you cannot celebrate Valentine's Day?"

Sarah: "Why not?"

Daddy: "Because in that country, the people cannot choose to do what they want or to believe in God they way they want. The government tells them what is allowed and what is not. Store owners who sell valentines and presents are sent to jail. You cannot even wear red on Valentine's Day without getting in trouble."

Darren: "I'm proud to be an American."

Mommy: "Me too, Honey. Me too."

Regardless of what happens in our country, we have so much to be proud of --and so much to love.Happy Valentine's Day.

PS - It's the last day to comment and enter (only one comment per day permitted) to win the twin goodies contest listed on the left sidebar! If you have already entered and NOT left an email address (or if your email is not affiliated with your blog account, please comment again with that info! Winner will be chosen tonight, at 8pm EST. GOOD LUCK!

Finished for Friday: Sir Mixalot's Delight

Darren's scarf got me reacquainted with crochet, and now, I am fully hooked. (Sorry, who could resist that pun?!) Dodging the "devil's workshop," that's me.

Amigurumi are typically wee crocheted animals; but leave it to Sarah to find a pattern for one not-so-wee. Behold, the completed "Big Butie"....
...and the glee. [The pattern was acquired online via Roxycraft...super easy to follow and great customer service; and yes, Darren has already put in his latest request...]

Now go see other web-crawlers handiwork on ThreeUnderTwo's weekly feature: