soccer + mom

Bad. This is bad. And not like when fat is 'phat'. Why don't we also snap a picture of me throwing like a girl, golfing with my hands on the club like it's a hockey stick, doggy paddling in the lap pool and throwing up a granny shot.

Now, really, folks. I did grow up playing all sorts of sports and being pretty good at most of them. Someone must have dropped a quarter in the grass next to the soccer ball...I know better than to look at the ball while kicking, don't I???

Seriously a modern-day miracle

For Immediate Release
Date: May 22, 2008
Contact: William T. Cousins , III
Township Manager
(616) 949-1500

CASCADE TOWNSHIP PURSUES TWO OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES

(Cascade Township, Michigan) Cascade Charter Township took the first step today toward the
eventual purchase of two large, undeveloped parcels; thus preserving the Township’s open space for future generations. In today’s action, the Township signed an option agreement, which gives the Township the right to purchase 80 unoccupied acres of the Tassell estate property (located north of Burton Street and East of Cascade Road), to make it a public, open space for the township. This action is pending formal approval of the option agreement by the Cascade Township Board at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the Township has been actively pursuing other large tracts of property, also identified by the Township’s long-standing Open Space Committee. These major purchases, as well as future parcels deemed suitable for purchase by the Township’s Open Space Committee, are contingent upon the successful passage of a proposal seeking a millage increase on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The Township will continue to pursue other sources of financial support (e.g. private gifts, public grants, etc.), to augment the millage.

-more

Cascade Township News Release Page Two

The public acquisition of open space was identified as a high priority by the Township’s Open
Space Committee, and by a survey of Township residents, conducted earlier this year. The
aforementioned property acquisitions are being considered because they contribute to open
space, promote land conservation, and encourage careful stewardship of land and water
resources. The purchase of these parcels also meets many of the criteria of the Natural Features Inventory in a manner that supports the Township’s Master Plan. If exercised, the option for the Tassell estate property will allow for a closing on the property on or before December 31, 2008.
# # #

A small measure of success...for now...

Uniting as neighbors, it seems we have had some success at stopping or at least stalling a horrific proposal to develop-to-death a large plot of land at the top of our street. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a large number of our extended neighbors through this process and will continue to be actively involved in our township's future planning.

Dear Neighbors:

I just spoke with Steve Peterson and he confirmed that John Halland has withdrawn his proposal to develop the Tassell property. He reported to Mr. Peterson that he could not arrange financing. Mr. Peterson indicated that the escrow account Mr. Halland established with the township will be charged for all the services done for this proposal, and if there is anything remaining, it will be returned to Mr. Halland.

The next meeting of the Board is Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 PM at the Wisner Center. There is likely to be discussion of this withdrawn plan and I encourage as many people as possible to attend, in order to demonstrate that the end of this proposal is not the end of our involvement.

The next meeting of the Planning Commission is on June 2nd at 7:00 PM at the Wisner Center. I will keep you informed of the agenda as it becomes available. Issue of stormwater runoff, erosion of streams, etc. are still in play in our township and we must stay involved.

So now, with this preposterous proposal withdrawn, we can get to the business of working with the township officials to correct the process that is used to propose developments, update and make specific the ordinances that have been written with too much room for interpretation and subjectivity, require that the Comprehensive Plan have the legal weight of an ordinance and generally improve the way we, the citizens of this township, view and interact with our own community. We have begun. THANK YOU. Dick

Skullduggery

Playing pirate ship at the zoo. Fun times! Elli is saying "ahoy!" while I'm shouting "aaargh! where's me booty?". Liam is hoisting the sail and Addi is the gypsy princess.

Super Man cake

Liam's birthday theme of choice this year was Super Man. He actually wanted Spider Man, but mom Hoffman didn't have a cake pan that would allow me to easily make a cake of the webbed wonder. This cake pan was one my mom used for my brothers when they were little and I was so excited to make a super cake with Liam and my MIL--who had never used an icing bag before! I think she's hooked, and I think I did pretty well to "let go" and let Liam ice the way he wanted to, and I just gulped and let the glaring brown spot of cake showing on Super Man's belt just stay that way rather than swoop in and fix it.

I feel pretty...oh so pretty...

You can look at me like you hate me. I'll look back at you with stubborn resolve at the heart of which is love.
You can narrow your eyes, avert your eyes, refuse to look me in the eye. But when you're ready to look at me, I'll still be looking at you.
You can treat me like I'm not in the room or not even in your life. But I'm not leaving the room, and even if I do, I'm not leaving your life.
You can be silent. Lock yourself away in your room or tap on your keyboard and pretend I don't exist while you while away the minutes, hours, days doing nothing. I'll keep listening to make sure you're there and that you're OK.
You can sob and pull on my heart strings so damn hard I physically hurt standing up tall despite the strain. I'll set the tissue box within your reach, and when you're not looking I'll go sob my heart out too.
You can make me wonder if I really am the bad guy. If I'm evil. If I'm mean for pushing you to do the right thing. For not backing down and letting you get away with being weak or making poor choices. I'm not perfect either, and I know that.

But I will not let you not be a man.

Up next, Jenna chains herself to a tree

(Sent to neighbors4serenity)

I and 4 other neighbors attended tonight's (Monday) Planning Commission meeting. Here are some of my observations:

The case before the commission was a public hearing for an individual requesting a special permit to build an outbuilding on his property--basically a workshop and storage for ATV's, tractor, etc. There were photos, site plans, and Steve Peterson had made a site visit as well to walk the property and view the surrounding properties. The board asked if they had received any letters or phone calls about this case, and there had been none.

Steve's recommendation to the board was that the structure was within the guidelines of the township, and the building and materials used "would fit in with the neighborhood".

Not on the agenda, but Steve asked for the board's impromptu feedback about a bank that is being built on the Meijer lot (Kraft & 28th st) wondering how the township would feel about their adding a 4th drive-thru lane and or a stand-alone ATM onto their site. Some of the board comments about this idea were:

• "I'm most concerned about NOT creating a traffic hazard
• "The sight is already so tight"
• "I don't know how much more we can really fit..."
• "I'm afraid we've been trying to develop [this site] for the developer. I think they need to bring us a plan and we say yes or no"
• "I'm more concerned about the traffic flow"
• "That's enough. It's like putting a size 10 foot into a size 8 shoe"

I got the impression that they don't really want to interrupt traffic, cram things in, create safety hazards, etc. It gave me a warm fuzzy in regards to the concerns we have for the Tassel parcel being jam-pack-crammed with living spaces.

After the meeting, I asked Steve Peterson if we can expect responses to the letters we've written. He said there's really no way for anyone to respond to them as they have not yet received or seen an actual plan from the developer. He said he would be collecting the letters to copy and give to the board before the public hearing so that they would be informed on how the community feels about the project.

He assured me that the Halland proposal he had seen thus far was nothing more than a sketch with not even measurements etc written in on it, hence why they had asked him to get more detailed information before returning to them with a plan. One of the other board members standing nearby to listen to our conversation asked if I was on Windcrest (yes) and said that they are getting the feeling that there are quite a few people very passionate about this project. They said the original drawing had 97 homes on the site, then tried to remember if it was 103...I mentioned that the latest we had seen/heard was 101 homes. I also mentioned that the ponds keep moving--which got a laugh out of both members.

I mentioned that I hoped they got the impression that yes, a lot of us are very passionate, but it's because we care. I asked what we could be doing to best come alongside the board and work together on the potential development of this site, and Steve said that we don't need to come to all the meetings (we are certainly welcome, though)--he (meaning Halland) won't sneak in and get something approved at the last minute as there are deadlines to get on the agenda etc. He said that if we are organized for the public hearing--as in have a spokesperson from each neighborhood concerned, that will be best. Also in the area of letters, brevity is best (that's HIS recommendation...not mine;-).

I asked if there's anything else we can do, and he said "get on the board...there are spaced open...turn in your name." So...anyone want to volunteer?

All in all, I got a really good feeling that we probably have more on our side than we are anticipating--not to disband and let what will be just be, but at least they are getting a sense that we are "out there", that we are passionate, involved, concerned, and to keep doing what we are doing.

Also--there is a Planning Comission Board Open House at the library Tuesday night 5:30-7pm. Same time as the watershed meeting--which Steve affirmed that storm management water and run-off is a huge issue in the Tassel/Halland proposal. So let's really work that storm water management angle as much as possible! And get people out to talk to the board members, they aren't unapproachable at all--they want to hear from us and serve us the best they know how.

Hope this is a pat on the back to a lot of you as well as a shot in the arm to keep it up.

The baby doll

artist (pronounced 'ar-teest') in Duff's bakery i am not, but able to take the old Wilton Raggedy Anne cake pan from 1971 and turn it into Addison's baby doll birthday cake i am.

I borrowed a recipe called "One bowl chocolate cake" from Jean and modified it just a bit to cut the sugar in half (this a cake for a 2-year old people, kids don't need sugar!), add a little bit of health (using olive oil and some rye flour instead of all white processed stuff) and give it some zing with a bit of fresh grated lemon zest. It was delicious. I don't know anyone at the party that didn't have two pieces!

I've never gone wrong with mom's recipe for vanilla butter frosting. And making the icing and decorating this bad boy...or baby doll...in under an hour amazes me. Imagine what I could have done if I had taken my time, and been able to do it without a "helping" 3 year old on the counter getting into all the tips, bags, colors, icing, candy, etc. or a crying 23 month old in one arm for most of the time!

Enough bragging about myself. I need to go to bed so I can wake up tomorrow and bask in memories of my last birth experience...that's another brag session in itself...and the child that has been a surprise and delight of gargantuan proportion. Addison Mabel, every birthday of yours will be happy for me because of the constant joy you bring to my life. I love you more than words can say, my little baby doll.

Yeah--it fits

After taking the Facebook "Which Jane Austen Heroine Are You?" quiz, I realized I had not read or seen the Jane Austen novel whose heroine I most resembled.

So I read it at the cabin in about 2 days. I LOVED the book, and think I do quite resemble the heroine in many aspects. It's not spot on, but pretty close. Close enough to give me a chuckle.

I thoroughly enjoyed the wit Austen employed in this novel and would recommend you read it rather than the other well-known of her novels. This one is more unique, I think.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Dear Township Board Members,

I am writing to present my concerns regarding the proposed development of the Tassel property into a high density housing complex called “Oak Park”.

My family and I moved to Cascade township in 2004. We moved here from Grand Rapids township because we liked the ambiance Cascade township provided—mainly that of unique homes on large wooded lots with an abundance of natural surroundings. We wanted to live in a place that was safe for raising children, where neighbors and community were part of our everyday life, and where we could be close to work, church, and good schools without being jam-packed up against neighbors the way we were in GR township.

When we chose our home on Windcrest street, we asked what the large tract of land at the top was, and were told it was the Tassel property—and that it would never be developed because it was protected land.
That's why we were shocked and dismayed to get the flier from Halland Homes outlining a garish housing complex that would turn our quiet cul-de-sac of a street into a veritable through-way for construction vehicles and ultimately upwards of 1,000 cars per day.

We had planned to live in this house for the duration of our lives (we are 31 with 3 small children), but have put a screeching halt on all of our planned home renovations until we hear the outcome of the township's decision on this development. We are afraid of the negative impact the actual construction will wreak on our homes as well as the fiscal decline all the surrounding neighborhoods will inevitably suffer if this development is authorized by the township in its current proposed form.

My biggest fear and absolute nightmare is that Windcrest will not only be used as a construction entrance during the construction phase, but even if it is initially deemed only an “emergency entrance/exit”, it will soon become just a through street to 1,000 plus cars. [PUD 16.02(4)], [PUD 16.03(3.b)], [PUD 16.04(5.d, 5.g]

The only relief in this situation for us is knowing you are there. You are Cascade township residents just like we are looking out for the best interest of your constituents and the township as a whole. When we placed the Halland Homes site plan next to the Cascade township zoning ordinance, we could clearly see that they did not line up. That gave us hope that this project could not come to fruition as proposed because you had already created guidelines to protect residents from having their properties infringed upon and from developers being allowed to change the landscape and aesthetic of the township simply to maximize their profit margins. Thank you for protecting us by having these rules and regulations in place so that land is not simply developed for the profit of others at our expense!

1.To encourage the use of land in accordance with its character and adaptability.
Halland stated that they will first need to “clear cut” the site and “site balance” it in order to build a development. This clearly wipes the land clean of any character it might have boasted of. [PUD 16.03(2.b, 2.c), [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.e, 5.f, 5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]
Home sites will need to be retro-fitted for walk-out basements, which do not naturally occur with the landscape of this parcel, but rather because in Halland's words, “no one wants a flat house anymore, so to make walk-outs we have to scoop out dirt to make 'em.” [PUD 16.03(2.b, 2.c)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.j)]
The character of the current property is lush ground cover, trees, wildlife habitat, and pond areas—these will need to be removed and rearranged in order to replace them with proposed homes and recreational areas rather than building between and around the current natural landscape.[PUD 16.03(2.b, 2.c,2.d)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.e, 5.h, 5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]
Adaptability—the biggest hurdle is getting water to the home sites by tapping into current water pipes as well as damming, burming, piping, and using ponds to keep natural run-off from the site from running onto other properties. It makes no sense to me to have to force all of the water re-distribution proposed to make this home site work. Hence, the adaptability of this land for such high density home sites is not inherent.[PUD 16.03(2.b, 2.d)], [PUD 16.04(1,4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.c, 5.f, 5.k)]

2.To promote the conservation of natural features and resources.
Halland will be clear-cutting this land, removing and chipping all the trees on it then shipping the chips off-site. [PUD 16.03(2.b)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.e, 5.f, 5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]
Wildlife will be displaced. (We were told not to say anything about the deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, hawks, mice, spiders, bugs, snakes, etc., so I am not going to mention any of them) [PUD 16.03(2.b)], [PUD 16.04(4)]
Current water-holding areas will be “moved” and re-created to allow the housing development.[PUD 16.03(2.b)], [PUD 16.04(1,4)], [PUD 16.04(5.c, 5.k)]
There will be nothing “natural” left—everything on this entire site will be manufactured—even and especially the “common areas” and “open space”. We asked if Mr. Halland would transplant any of the trees on site and he said no.[PUD16.03(2.b)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]
One of the most important natural resources on the Tassell property is the ground which acts as a natural water filter for those of us whose homes subsist on well water. I shudder to think what the water filling our wells would be like should this development be approved—no longer having the 80 acres of natural filtration and now dealing with toxic fertilizers, chemicals, nitrates, phosphates etc. the residents and caretakers of these homes may choose to use on their homes and properties or would naturally occur form their day-to-day existence in these homes.[PUD 16.03(2.a, 2.b, 2.c, 2.d,2.e)], [PUD 16.04(4)]
Should wells become tainted or poisoned as a result of this development, will well-water residents be forced to hook up to city water at their own expense? [PUD 16.03(2.b)]
Today we had a rainy day. I snapped pictures of water streaming down Windcrest. I cannot imagine the floodwaters that would roll down our street every time it rains should the 80 acres at the top be developed into concrete slabs that do not absorb water, sloped and designed to make it run off from their properties. [PUD 16.03(2.b. 2.d)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.b, 5.c, 5.k)]

3.To encourage innovation in land use planning and development.
There is nothing innovative about cramming as many homes as you can onto a plot of land for your own personal gain and at the great expense of everyone in the surrounding vicinity. [PUD 16.03(2.a, 2.d)], [PUD 16.04(1, 4)], [PUD 16.04(5.g, 5.i, 5.k)]
There is no intentional site-integration planning involved in this proposal, simply the most quick-fix and biggest bang-for-your-buck type of plan that will bring a quick flow of cash, but in the long run be a costly and ghastly mistake. [PUD 16.03(2.a,2.d)], [PUD 16.04(1, 4)], [PUD 16.04(5.g, 5.i, 5.k)]
This land would be a perfect opportunity to try to attract people of the creative class to Michigan—by luring them with beautiful, creative, unique homes set in a ethereal forest-like setting. Not repel them with pre-fab-like row houses. [PUD 16.03.(2.e)], [PUD 16.04(5.e, 5.k)]

4.To promote the enhancement of housing, employment, shopping, traffic circulation and recreational opportunities for the people of the Township.
It is obvious that flooding the current housing market with more supply when there isn't even any demand will only drive down housing values. [PUD 16.03(2.d)], [PUD 16.04(5)
Currently, there is one buyer for every 12.5 sellers (that is for all of Kent County and adjoining counties). For the past two plus years we have been in a double digit buyer to seller ratio which may not mean anything to some people unless they are aware that about four years ago we were running ratios in the high sixes to mid eights back when the market was healthy and the housing market was peaking. As the last page of the report demonstrates, the majority of homes selling in the area are homes under $150,000 (a whopping 75%!), if any builder is saying that new $300,000-$500,000 homes are moving the best, I would have to beg to differ and ask for some documentation. My figures are straight from the Multiple Listing Service of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors of which this builder is a member. (Kim Paavola, Greenridge Realty-Cascade)
When I go to the MLS and search all sold properties in Forest Hills schools from 4/1/07 to 4/1/08, here is the breakdown of homes sold in various price ranges: --$0 - $150,000 = 104 homes sold --$150,000 - $300,00 = 316 homes --$300,000 - $500,000 = 161 homes --$500,000+ = 65 homes. This includes both new and existing homes, again if any builder is claiming that $300,000 to $500,000 is the most active, then I'm not seeing it. That being said I will agree that a good portion of the market in that price range is attracted to new homes but of the 161 homes that sold in the $300K to $500K range mentioned above, 117 of them were two years old or older. Certainly not every new home that was sold was listed but I think saying that new homes in the $300K to $500K range are selling the best is an ambitious statement. (Kim Paavola, Greenridge Realty-Cascade)
This unsightly design does not in any way enhance housing for anyone in the Township.[PUD 16.03(2.c, 2.d)] , [PUD 16.04(1)], [PUD 16.04(5)
Traffic on roads around this proposal are already in various states of disrepair and crowding. Adding upwards of 1,000 cars per day will increase traffic circulation problems and multiply safety issues necessitating an increase in public service entities.[PUD 16.03(2.b)], [PUD 16.04(1)], [PUD 16.04(5.f, 5.g, 5.h, 5.k)]
There are no recreational opportunities presented in this plan for people of the Township. As a gated community, only inhabitants of the community will be able to use the recreational areas of the development. [PUD 16.03(2.a)], [PUD 16.04(4)], [PUD 16.04(5.e, 5.f, 5.h, 5.k)],
The incorporation of the bike path with the entrance to the development sounds like a certain death-trap rather than a sage design in safety for the welfare of walkers, joggers, bikers, etc that regularly use the bike path. [PUD 16.03(2.a, 2.b)], [PUD 16.04(1,4)], [PUD 16.04(5.d, 5.g)]

5.To promote and ensure greater compatibility of design and use between neighboring properties.
All the properties on the surrounding areas enjoy large, private, wooded lots. Living on Windcrest, which has the smallest lots of all the surrounding properties, we enjoy our own vegetation, privacy via a large amount of trees, homes staggered down the hill so that we are not looking into each others' windows, as well as a generous amount of land between each home. Not to mention each home is unique in design and layout in accordance with the flow of the land—for instance our home has a walkout basement because the slope of the hill allows it while our next door neighbors do not have a walkout basement because their slice of land does not. [PUD 16.03(2.c)], [PUD 16.04(1,4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.d, 5.e, 5.f, 5.g, 5.h, 5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]
This afternoon I drove around to look at other homes and lots around the Tassel property. What Halland is proposing could not be more different and incompatible with what is currently in that area. Cookie cutter homes on a flattened section of land cleared of all trees and vegetation has no place in this township—in fact it reminded me more of the side of town I moved away from—Kentwood.[PUD 16.03(2.c)], [PUD 16.04(1,4)], [PUD 16.04(5.a, 5.b, 5.d, 5.e, 5.f, 5.g, 5.h, 5.i, 5.j, 5.k)]

On a positive note, I like the idea of employing a local developer. In Michigan's current economic state, I am thrilled to keep as much work “in house” as possible. I believe one of Mr. Halland's residences lies within Cascade township, which I assume means he has a vested interest in the look, feel, and aesthetic of the township he and his family live in. I would hope that profit generated from this project might be recycled back into the township. I have heard second and third-hand that Mr. Halland is a good developer, builds beautiful houses and is good to work with in selling and closing on homes, yet I have also read articles lambasting him for despoiling coastal dunes and beaches and that The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investigating possible criminal charges against Halland. (Muskegon Chronicle, June 7, 2007).

I believe the currently proposed development does not in any way, shape, or form coincide with Cascade township ordinances for developing within the look and feel of our township's aesthetic. I also fear many greatly negative ripple effects fiscally, naturally, to traffic patterns, safety especially to bike path users and Windcrest residents, and emotionally to the residents surrounding the entire perimeter to the proposed Oak Park development.

In the Spring 2008 Cascade Connections newsletter, one of your goals is to “Continue to seek and aggressively pursue large tracts of land for open spaces preservation. Seek additional opportunities for public and private partnerships in this.” The property in question for proposed development would make a fabulous open space, park, or bike path crossroads for the people of Cascade township to enjoy. Has this line of inquiry been pursued?

Thank you for receiving and representing our common concerns in regard to this proposed development.

Sincerely,

The Scott Family—Jennifer & Dan, Liam, Ellison, Addison
7114 Windcrest St SE

I am...

I took the "which Jane Austin heroine are you?" quiz and came up with this one. I haven't read this book yet, but just ordered it from the library. From her description, I think it's about half correct...or maybe it's spot on and I'm not willing to admit I'm perceived as naive and loved for my childlike adventurous spirit?

Catherine Morland

You love to read and often allow your over-active imagination to run away with you. You are not afraid of a mysterious adventure, and as a tomboy would rather be apart of the action than sit around gossiping with the girls. You are considered humble and often naive, but you always learn from your grand mistakes. You are loved for your childlike and adventurous spirit.

Funny stuff

While I was up to my elbows in fluffy pink bows and heart-riddled bridal shower wrapping paper at Party City, my husband and kids were at the back of the store goofing off. I had no idea they had done this until Dan uploaded these pictures, which he entitled "channeling Elton John". Seriously folks, how much life was missed before they put cameras on cell phones?

Easter Dinner

Le Menu

Spiral sliced ham with pineapple

Mashed potatoes with pink ham gravy
Green bean casserole
Resurrection buns

If you or anyone you know needs a place to sup for Easter dinner, the Scotts extend an open invitation. Please let us know how many will attend. (So I can make enough resurrection buns)

We are bad parents

One day while I was running errands and Dan was babysitting, Liam gave Addi a "haircut". She now has a mullet-type look on one side of her head.

Not too many days after the first haircut, I was home with the kids when Elli decided Addi needed some "bangs"--right in the middle of the top of her head.

Now you know why I keep putting a side ponytail and myriad hair clips all over Addi's little head. It is NOT because I am stuck in the 80's.

Smokey Spice

My food nerd friend, Heather, did this first. I think my spice is right on.

You Are Cumin

You are warm, unique, and pretty dominant. It's also pretty likely that you smoke or like fire. You are energetic and intense. You definitely stimulate people.

What Spice Are You?

At camp this weekend, we tried to drive the Odyssey up the hill to the rec center. But the icy hill and hairpin curves foiled us, and we had to back down the hill. Our camp friends fired up two John Deere Gators--one of which I got to drive. Liam LOVED the Gators, but little did he know that his mommy loved driving them even more. There's another "first" on my list--driving a John Deere. And ENJOYING it. Yikes! Never saw that one comin'.

C is for cookie

So, I've been singing "C is for cookie" --but changing the letter to suit my kids' names and sing about them--for about 5 years now.

Today after lunch we cleaned up our places and sat down to eat our cookies for dessert. We were talking 'Cookie Monster' (me like cookie, um, um, um) when Liam asked me to sing "L is for Liam", then "E is for Elli", I had to ad-lib "A is for Addi" because I've not sung that to her yet. After I finished, Liam started singing "J is for mommy". (You think I was going to stop and correct him? No way--I totally knew what he meant and there was no stinkin' way I was going to stop his song because I couldn't wait to hear what he came up with!)

"J is for mommy, she is a really good mommy" (yes, I was sobbing by this point)
"J is for mommy, she likes purple"
"J is for mommy, she likes candies that are chocolate"
"Oh J is for mommy, mommy, mommy.

I even got a second verse, but I can't remember any of it. It was just totally unexpected and sweet. Especially after we had a bit of a 'rough' morning.

Even more shocking--I can't believe how well he knows me--even the second verse was spot-on things about just me. Not generic like "she is a girl" or "she has yellow hair". Shocking because children are totally ego-centric until between ages 4-6. Liam's not yet 5.

That, and a bunch of other things I can't talk about here, really made my day today. Speaking of C is for cookie...I'm gonna go get me 'nother cookie before the kids wake up from their naps. See ya!

I miss bonfires!

It's winter, but summer's comin'!

My big little stack of 'dirty' books

I'm so thankful our local library has self-checkout. If I had taken this mammoth stack of sex books to a librarian to check out for, I think they would have been mortified. And rightly so.

I can just imagine one of them leaping over to the computer system to 'flag' my account as a possible sex fiend after checking out the titles I did. Then using Purell to cleanse their hands and eyes from what they had just been subjected to looking at. And I picked the 'tame' titles! There were a few steamy ones I had to make myself put back on the shelves. Some were inappropriate and some were perplexing to this aspiring sex kitten. Meow?

For each LAB meeting, I endeavor to provide as many resources as possible on the topic at hand. In preparation for Monday night's LAB meeting (on returning to intimacy after baby--or the sex pep-talk) I wanted to have a wide variety of marriage, intimacy, communication, and sex books available for anyone brave enough to come to the meeting.

Here is what I checked out:

• The Sex-Starved Marriage: A Couple's Guide to Boosting Their Marriage Libido by Michele Weiner Davis


• The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger


• Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality by Rob Bell


• Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy... and Sometimes I Let Him Sleep by Karen Scalf Linamen


• Sex 101: Getting Your Sex Life Off to a Great Start by Clifford & Joyce Penner


• Five Essentials for Lifelong Intimacy by Dr. James Dobson


• Now What?: The Chapman Guide to Marriage After Children by Gary Chapman


• Living Romantically Every Day by Barbara Taylor Bradford


• the Seventeen guide to SEX and YOUR BODY by Sabrina Solin


• Sex on the Brain: The Biological Differences Between Men and Women by Deborah Blum


• The Marriage you've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman


• The Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman


• Is That All He Thinks About?: How to Enjoy Great Sex with Your Husband by Marla Taviano (my friend with whom I went to college)
  


• Every Man's Battle: Every Man's Guide to...Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey

• Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex?: More Questions You'd Only Ask a Doctor After Your Third Whiskey Sour by Mark Leyner and Dr. Billy Goldberg (this book is hilarious, and is apparently a sequel to Why Do Men Have Nipples? Hundreds of Questions You'd Only Ask a Doctor After Your Third Martini--I've gotta get this book too!)

I've also read and reviewed Sex Begins in the Kitchen: Because Love is an All-Day Affair and Is there Really Sex After Kids? on the blog before.

So, I'd love to sit and chat, but I have some reading to do. Then a husband...to...cough...cough...giggle...do.