06 August 2017

Madelyn is curious every month when it's a full moon and if the mood has a special name. She noticed the clock and Mom and Dad's had the moon completely filled in.

Madelyn: Is it a full moon?
Dad: Is it completely filled in?
Madelyn: Yeah.
Dad: Then it should be.
Madelyn: I wonder what the full moon will be called if it is a full moon.
Alyson: A circle moon.
Me: Not every full moon has a special name.

04 August 2017

Madelyn really wanted to go to the "Dinosaurs: The Exhibition" at Broadway at the Beach. She actually really loved it. There was a dinosaur that was about waist high for her. You're allowed to touch the dinosaurs as long as you don't put your hands in their mouths or pull on them.

Me: What don't you give it a hug?
Madelyn, trying: I would, but I can't reach!

03 August 2017

We went to an all-you-can-eat Calabash seafood buffet for dinner tonight.

Madelyn: Every time we leave here I'm stuffed.
Tony: Well, it is an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you're not full when you leave, you're doing it wrong.

02 August 2017

While we were out kayaking today, there was a trolling boat with outriggers going by a bit away. When I told Madelyn what it was, she very seriously told me, "Nope, that's a pirate ship!"

01 August 2017

Vacations confuse everyone.

Me: Hand me your phone so I can add you to the August Charity Miles team.
Madelyn: But it's not August yet.
Tony: Yes it is.
Madelyn: Oh.

31 July 2017

We were watching a performer who was riding a unicycle and juggling. First he was juggling clubs, and then he was juggling clubs that were on fire. Madelyn said to us, "I'm surprised he has a lot of talent."

30 July 2017

While we were getting ready to go to the beach this morning, Alyson picked up the spray sunscreen from the table and looked at me questioningly. 

Me: That's Daddy's.
Alyson: Why?
Me: Because he's hairy and it's hard to get sunscreen to his skin.
Madelyn: He's Harry Potter!

29 July 2017

With every single mini-golf course we passed when we got to North Myrtle Beach today, Madelyn asked, "Can we go to that golf course?" Specifically when we passed the pirate one, Madelyn asked, "Can we go to that one? I want to see if I'm still afraid of it."

28 July 2017

I saw today a running on Facebook post her idea for her own funeral. She has so many race medals that she wants her funeral to be a race, and everyone who runs the race gets to pick one of her medals when they finish. Madelyn was in the room when I saw this

Madelyn: You should do that for your funeral!
Me: It is an awesome idea.
Madelyn, excitedly: I would definitely run the race and pick a medal!

Um, thanks, I think?

27 July 2017

Before bed, Madelyn and I were laying on her bed chatting like we do every night. She was laying perpendicular to me with her head on my stomach.

Madelyn: You're the nicest mommy ever!
Me: Thanks, but why is that?
Madelyn: Because you let us lay on you and climb on you and play with you.

25 July 2017

While Alyson and I were in the garden, we found a really cool looking spider. Later on, I sent a text with a picture of the spider to my mom. She hated it and told me to keep the spider at our house. Madelyn saw the text conversation.

Madelyn: I'm going to find all of the spiders in our yard and put them in a big box and take them over to Grandma!
Me: Um, no, spiders are good. Leave them in our yard.
Madelyn: I'll bring them back. I love spiders!

23 July 2017

Madelyn saw on my Facebook that we're doing Shark Week themed challenges this week in the Ravenclaw House of Hogwarts Running Club. Ravenclaw's mascot is the eagle. The post about it the challenges had a log of "Finding Nemo" animated gifs. Madelyn started singing, "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep eagling."

22 July 2017

Sometimes you just have to let them learn for themselves.

We tried making it to the play fountain in the center of our city before thunderstorms rolled in today. The storms were moving faster than any of the weather apps we looked at were predicting. We thought we had about an hour, but then the storms hit as we were driving there. So, instead, we went to the library for a bit. After it stopped raining for a bit and we left the library:

Madelyn: Can we go in the fountain now?
Me: It's about 20 degrees colder than before. You're going to get cold.
Madelyn: It isn't cold to me!

We let them go into the fountain for a bit. There were other kids playing as well. Then, we noticed Madelyn was shivering.

Tony: Are you cold?
Madelyn, with a stubborn look on her face: Yes, but I'm going to keep playing!

21 July 2017

I told the girls earlier today that we were planning a fun surprise tomorrow if they are good. Madelyn was not very happy that we weren't telling them what the surprise is. At random times, she would say to me, "Tell me what the surprise is!" or "Why won't you tell us the surprise?" She was not happy that I was having fun not telling her.

20 July 2017

Someone was a little hungry for dinner today.

Me: Daddy's leaving in 10-15 minutes, so it's a little early to fix dinner.
Madelyn: So, we're going to eat dinner before he gets home!
Me: Are you hungry or something?
Madelyn: Yeah!

19 July 2017

Madelyn was showing us her latest Lego creation and telling us all about it. As she was telling us, "The reason this has two of these is to keep it stable," part of it came crashing to the floor. It wasn't the part she was talking about, and it was only two pieces, but the timing was impeccable. 

17 July 2017

Alyson was in the back room getting something from the LEGO stash. Madelyn went back there, snuck up on Alyson, and yelled, "BOO!" Alyson screamed, and Madelyn laughed and came back into the kitchen. I beckoned for Madelyn to come over to where I was and had my hand up for a high five. She thought it was awesome that I was approving of her scaring her little sister, and said to me, "Let's not tell Aly we did that."

16 July 2017

Before bed, Madelyn randomly told me, "All kids must be silly. I've never met a kid that wasn't silly."

15 July 2017

Today, the girls played outside with the water table for a good chunk of the day. After they were outside for about an hour or so:

Madelyn: Playing in the water table is so much fun!
Alyson: It's actually kind of boring.
Madelyn: Yeah, it's boring if you're been playing with it all day....

14 July 2017

Today was Madelyn's last day of her week of basketball camp. When I picked her up, she quickly ran out to me.

Madelyn: Can I do basketball camp again next week?
Me: Um, no.
Madelyn: Well, then, can I do basketball camp next year?

13 July 2017

I downloaded a game on my phone for Madelyn without her knowing. I called her to me and was letting her play with the game to show it to her. Lately, I haven't really been letting her use my phone. While she was playing, she declared, "This is awesome! You're actually letting me touch your phone!"

12 July 2017

Madelyn was driving me crazy this afternoon. It isn't her fault. She's tired from basketball camp. So that I didn't yell at her, I texted Tony to complain. Later, I forgot about it, and Madelyn saw the text.

Madelyn: Why did you say that to Daddy?
Me: Whatever you were doing at that time was annoying me. So, instead of yelling at you since it's because you were tired, I complained to Daddy. You would rather me do that than yell at you, right?
Madelyn, after thinking about it slightly: Well, yeah....

11 July 2017

Alyson wanted a popsicle after dinner. She has wanted one for days. I was trying to get her to elaborate and describe what she wanted.

Me: What popsicle do you want?
Alyson: The kind with sticks!

Me, laughing along with everyone else: All popsicles have sticks.

Madelyn: Someone write that down!

10 July 2017

Must make sure to carefully phrase the question next time. Madelyn is at a girls basketball camp this week, and today was the first day.

Me: How many girls were there today?
Madelyn: It was all girls.

09 July 2017

Tonight, Madelyn's dinner plate was literally overflowing. She looked down and then at me and said very earnestly, "I think I might start to need a bigger plate maybe."

07 July 2017

We were at my aunt's today for a surprise party. While we were waiting for her to come home, my cousin kept looking through the peep hole in the door.

Madelyn: Wait, there's a little hole to look through and see out the door?
Me: Yeah, it's called a "peep hole".
Madelyn, knowingly being silly and trying not to laugh: I want to look through the people!

05 July 2017

On our drive home today, we were listening to the "Hamilton" soundtrack. Madelyn suddenly asked, Was the Revolutionary War after Jesus was born?"

04 July 2017

Before dinner, Madelyn went into the kitchen. She saw the raw hamburgers on the counter and said her grandma, "These hamburgers look good! Why do they have dimples in the middle?"

03 July 2017

We needed to go to a store in Bethany Beach today. When we were leaving the area, Madelyn saw a sign for the "Bethany Beach Museum" and exclaimed, "I want to go to the Bethany Beach Museum!" without having any idea what was in the museum, only that it's a museum.

02 July 2017

While on the Paratrooper at Funland today:
Madelyn: Funland is the best amusement park I've ever been to.
Me: It's pretty much the only amusement park you've ever been to.
Madelyn: You do have a point there.

01 July 2017

This afternoon we were working on teaching Madelyn to ride her bike. A couple of times I let go, and she rode maybe 10 feet on her own before veering off the path slightly.
Me, after the second time I let go: Did you even realize I had let go?
Madelyn: Yeah, I was thinking, "I'm alone. STAY CALM!"

30 June 2017

While the girls were packing for the beach, which, admittedly, we don't usually actually go on while there:
Madelyn: I have everything together!
Me: Did you pack a bathing suit?
Madelyn: Why? Oh, just in case.

26 June 2017

During dinner of chicken, noodles, and edamame:

Me: Guess what was released in the UK twenty years ago today?
Madelyn, looking at me like she knew she was being silly: Chicken?
Alyson, following her sister's lead: Noodles?
Me: Um, no. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!

25 June 2017

The girls and I went to Home Depot this afternoon to pick up a few things. As we walked into the store:

Me: We need to get a marigold plant to replace the one that's about dead in the front garden.
Madelyn: Are we going to have a funeral for the marigold?

24 June 2017

This morning, Madelyn informed me that they were playing "massive studying camp". Is this like summer school? They seemed to enjoy it, though.

23 June 2017

An example of the weird thought process of a seven-year-old.

Tony used the term "autocucumber" instead of "autocorrect" as a joke directed at someone. Madelyn thought that was hilarious. As we were talking, it morphed into tea cucumber, then to t-bone cucumber.

Me: What exactly is a t-bone cucumber?
Madelyn, laughing so hard she could barely talk: You take a t-shaped cucumber and put it on a plate. Then, you put steak all around it!
Me, pulling out my phone to write this down as a Madelynism reminder: Okay....
Madelyn, getting excited: Use that as a Madelynism! DO IT!!!!

21 June 2017

Madelyn has a little inside joke going with the Headmaster of Hogwarts Running Club, Brian Biggs, that all started when she rolled her eyes at something he said the first time she met him. Multiple times when we saw him today:

Brian: Give me an eye roll!
Madelyn very seriously gave him and eye roll and then laughed.

Before bed today, Madelyn told me: I gave Brian three eye rolls today!

And, during dinner tonight, Brian got a text, then looked at me and told me, "Your daughter just pranked texted me through my daughter through my daughter's phone!"

20 June 2017

We have gotten Madelyn used to using the Charity Miles app when we go for walks or runs. Today when we got home:

Me: Do you want to go for a walk?
Alyson: Only if we can go to the park.
Madelyn: Only if I can take my phone for Charity Miles.

19 June 2017

While the girls were playing:

Madelyn: It's Moana time!
Me: Is that like Hammer Time?
Madelyn, confused: Hamilton?

Then, I tried explaining "Hammer Time" to her and failed.

18 June 2017

On the way home today, we stopped at a new ice cream shop to get ice cream (of course). It' was about lunch time, and we had heard that the place had huge servings, so we decided on a treat.

Madelyn, as we walked up to the store: Wait, we're having ice cream for lunch?
Me: Yup.
Madelyn: Well, okay!

17 June 2017

As we were leaving the boardwalk this evening to head back to "Grandma's Second House":
Madelyn: I can't wait for tomorrow!
Me: Why? Because we're going home?
Madelyn: No! Because it's Father's Day!

16 June 2017

Ever since she was little, Madelyn called Mom and Dad's place in Delaware "Grandma's second house." While on the way there today:

Madelyn: Why is it called "Grandma's second house"?
Me: You decided it needed to be called that.
Madelyn: When did I decide that?
Me: I don't know. Probably soon after you learned how to talk.

I got the look of death in the rear-view mirror.

15 June 2017

For dinner tonight we had tortellini and salad. When Madelyn was finished with her dinner:

Madelyn: Is there anymore tortellini?
Me: Yeah.
Tony: But there isn't anymore sauce.
Madelyn: That's okay. I don't want sauce anyway.

She got up to get some and came back with practically another full plate.

Me: Did you leave any in the pot?
Madelyn: Yeah! I left a little.

13 June 2017

Think before you speak?

Madelyn: What is Mia and Anabelle's name?
Me: What?
Madelyn: What is Mia and Anabelle's name?
Me: Um, Mia and Anabelle?
Madelyn: Oh, no. What is Mia and Anabelle's mom's name?

12 June 2017

Madelyn: This is what I would love to do if I had a library all to myself and some free time. I would pick out a book, read it to the end, and then pick out another book.
Me: Okay, Belle.
Madelyn: You don't have to call me Belle.

11 June 2017

Random dinner conversation:

Alyson, to me completely out of the blue: We have a boss. It's you and Daddy.
Madelyn: Our boss is whichever adults we're with. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Julie, Aunt Gina, Uncle Matt....

The conversation continued about who would be their boss depending on who they were with at the time.

10 June 2017

While we were at the Aquarium today, we went to the Dolphin Discovery exhibit. A trainer was telling everyone the names of the dolphins. One of the females is called "Chesapeake." Madelyn told me, "Chesapeake is a good name for a girl dolphin. Another could be Bay. If they were twins, they would be Chesapeake Bay."

09 June 2017

We had spaghetti and meatballs tonight and had already decided that Madelyn was pretty much taking the lead on fixing dinner with our help, of course.

Before helping fix dinner: "But I don't want to fix dinner! I want to keep playing!"

After helping fix dinner: "I want to help fix dinner every time we have spaghetti!"

08 June 2017

The girls and I went to Habit Burger for dinner tonight. Madelyn was reading the words and phrases on her burger wrapper while eating. She read something about it being "the best burger you've ever tasted" and said, "I think this is the best burger I've ever tasted. I can't even imagine what a better burger would taste like."

07 June 2017

During dinner, Madelyn was reading the side of the hummus container I had out.

Madelyn: Why does that say "OMG"?
Me, seeing the big print that said "NON-GMO": Do you mean "GMO"?
Madelyn: No. OMG.
Me, looking closer: Oh! 0mg! That means zero milligrams.

06 June 2017

After dinner, the girls came outside to "help" me plant the last flowers. They ended up playing instead. Alyson was running away from Madelyn and laughing and screaming when Madelyn tagged her. Madelyn yelled, "Freeze! Now you have to stay frozen." How exactly does freeze tag work with only two people?

05 June 2017

Today during indoor recess, Madelyn drew a picture for her daddy. As she explained it, "[Classmate 1] taught [Classmate 2] how to draw a John Deere tractor, so [Classmate 2] taught me how to draw a John Deere tractor, and I drew a robot driving it because Daddy works with robots and it's cool!"

04 June 2017

Right before bed:

Madelyn: I wish it was a three day weekend so that I could sleep in tomorrow because I'm tired.
Me: You never sleep in when you have the chance.
Madelyn looked at me like I ruined her fun.
Me: Well, you could have slept in yesterday, but you didn't. At all.
Madelyn: So? I still wish it was a three day weekend. Can I still sleep in? Even for just one minute?

03 June 2017

Madelyn knew I was going to go see "Wonder Woman" this evening after they were in bed. I'm pretty sure she was jealous because Wonder Woman is her favorite superhero.

Madelyn: Why do you and Daddy have to watch older movies first to make sure we can see them?
Me: Because some movies for grown ups have too much violence and too many bad words for you.
Madelyn: And we're not old enough yet to see that stuff.
Me: Right. That something you get to do later when you know more and can do more stuff. It's comes with maturity.
Madelyn: Maturity? I didn't know it was called that!

02 June 2017

We had burgers and salad for dinner tonight. The salad was a mix of things we had around and included baby spinach, mushrooms, cucumbers, strawberries, and feta cheese.

Me, calling to the girls: Come get silverware and whatever dressing you want.
Madelyn, upon seeing the salad: FETA!!!!
Alyson, also looking at the salad: STRAWBERRIES!!!!

Glad I could please.

01 June 2017

We had pancakes for dinner tonight. The girls know that if we have pancakes, they shouldn't even bother asking for dessert because they won't get it.

Alyson: Let me guess. I shouldn't even bother asking for dessert because we're having pancakes and pancakes aren't even healthy!
Madelyn: The pancakes aren't so bad. It's the syrup. If we were having just plain pancakes, that would be healthier, but not healthy healthy. 

31 May 2017

The girls were outside playing, and I had just gone inside to fix dinner. From inside, I hear yelling that almost sounded like Alyson was crying very hard. I went to check on them.

Me, yelling to them on the play equipment in the backyard: What ARE you doing?
Madelyn, looking at me like I was insane: Playing?

29 May 2017

We went to a Memorial Day parade this morning. There are numerous politicians who give out candy, marching bands, Latino dancers, scouts, and similar groups in the parade. 

Me: What was your favorite part of the parade?
Madelyn: The bagpipes! And, the CANDY!

28 May 2017

All week, Madelyn has been wearing her Frozen ribbon hair tie, which hasn't gone with any of her outfits. This morning when I was getting ready to do her hair:

Me: You know this hair tie doesn't really go with your outfit, right?
Madelyn, sarcastically: Has it really gone with anything I've worn this week?
Me: Granted.

Point to the seven-year-old.

27 May 2017

A couple hours after the girls had gone to bed this evening, Tony was upstairs in our room. Madelyn walked in.

Madelyn, seeming to be awake: I have to go potty.
Tony: Um, okay.

She walked into our bathroom. Tony, confused, went to check their bathroom and see if Alyson was in there. The door was wide open and the bathroom was empty.

Tony, to Madelyn: Why didn't you use your bathroom?
Madelyn just looked at him and didn't have an answer.

26 May 2017

Madelyn and I went running today after school with Alyson in the jogging stroller. It was windy today, so I knew the stroller would become a sail at some point.

Me, after we turned into a gust of wind: Ugh! Wind!

Madelyn: Challenge yourself!

25 May 2017

Alyson: Do you want to know what my favorite part of our field trip was?
Me: Sure.
Alyson: Riding the school bus there!
Madelyn, slightly jaded sounding: You'll be able to do that every day when you start kindergarten.

24 May 2017

During dinner, Madelyn was eating her burger and suddenly informed us, "When I eat something hot, I get hot sometimes."

22 May 2017

When I was leaving Madelyn's room after saying good night to her, she wanted a hug. I reached back and gave her one. She said, "Backwards hug! I know how to give a backwards hug. You stand behind a person and hug them!"

20 May 2017

As we were leaving Becca and Evan's wedding this evening, Madelyn declared, "I'm going to miss the farm. I want to get married here when I get married!"

19 May 2017

For most of the day, Madelyn was playing with Evan's nephew, Ezra. When we left today after the wedding rehearsal:

Madelyn, yelling to Ezra: Bye, Ez... Ezer... Eh...
Ezra: Bye!
Madelyn, to me: Oh, good. He said bye. I liked playing with him even though I couldn't remember how to pronounce his name.

18 May 2017

Madelyn's note in her lunch today asked if she was getting excited. I was referring to leaving tomorrow for her aunt Becca's wedding. When she was putting her dirty lunch stuff in the sink, Madelyn brought her note to me and asked, "What would I be excited about?"

17 May 2017

We were talking a little about Aunt Becca's wedding this weekend during dinner. For some reason, Alyson said something about marrying Madelyn. Madelyn responded with, "And we can't marry each other because we're sisters, and we'll always be related."

16 May 2017

On the way home from the bus stop:

Madelyn: [Friend] invited me to his birthday party, but I already told him I can't go because it's this Saturday.
Me: Yeah, that won't work. But there will be other birthday parties.
Madelyn: Yeah, I'm not even sad because I would rather be in Aunt Becca's wedding.

15 May 2017

There were a few cicadas in the yard this afternoon.

Madelyn: What is that?!?!

I explained cicadas and the fact that they really won't come out for another 4 years, but that there are some early ones now. 

Alyson: Ew! Make it go away! I don't want it to fly into me!
Madelyn: It's just a bug!

14 May 2017

While on a walk this afternoon, we came up to a relatively steep hill.

Madelyn let out an exasperated sigh.
Tony: Oh, come on, you can walk up that.
Madelyn: I know, but I'm tired.
Me, yelling from behind them: Come on! You can run up that hill!
Madelyn, taking off running: Okay!

13 May 2017

Madelyn got her face painted like a rainbow tiger at the Walk for Williams today. 

Madelyn: I want to leave this and wear it to school on Monday!
Me: No. You can't wear that to school, plus you have to sleep and you have church tomorrow, and you'll need a shower after Healthy Kids.
Madelyn: Good point.

12 May 2017

Madelyn and I were horsing around before bed tonight. She was climbing all over me like I was a ladder.

Me, standing next to her bed with my hands on my hips: Try to climb on my arms like a ladder.
Madelyn, tentatively putting a foot on my arm: Like this?
Me: Yup, then put your other foot up.

She did it and stood up on my arms while holding on and putting a good deal of her weight on my shoulders. Once she was standing on me, I suddenly moved my arms out and caught her in a piggy back.

Madelyn, startled but laughing: That was fun! Do it again!

11 May 2017

It was raining when the bus came this afternoon. I had the golf umbrella and Alyson had her little umbrella.

Me, to Madelyn as she got off the bus: Do you want to get under the umbrella?
Madelyn, speeding up to walk past me: Nope, I have a hood.

And so it begins....

10 May 2017

We had a practice session for Healthy Kids Running Series tonight. Madelyn usually runs the 1/4 mile, but tonight she ran the 1/2-mile. When she was done and they were stretching:

Co-ordinator: You all want to go run another mile, right?
Madelyn: No! I can't run anymore.
Me: Madelyn, you can run another 2.5 miles.

She glared at me. Then, when they were done, she ran off with the other kids.

09 May 2017

We ordered Madelyn a new case for my old phone that she uses for running. It came yesterday and we put it on the phone today. When we were done, Madelyn exclaimed, "I love my new case! It's like I have a brand new phone!"

08 May 2017

Twice today, we had this conversation with Madelyn while she was supposed to be getting dressed in her room.

Parent, noticing that Madelyn was reading a book while half naked: Madelyn, whatcha doing?
Madelyn, frantically closing the book: Getting ready!

06 May 2017

During dinner today before the Frederick 5K and Kids Fun Run, we were joking with the girls about throwing them through the fountain in Carroll Creek if they got muddy since it was raining.

Tony: We can throw you through the fountain at Carroll Creek. Do you want Mommy to throw you and Daddy to catch or Daddy to throw you to Mommy?
Madelyn: Mommy throw. [really registering what Tony was asking] I mean no! No one throw!

05 May 2017

Madelyn is running her 5K tomorrow. Randomly today, she blurted out, "I'm so EXCITED for tomorrow!"

04 May 2017

Today was Madelyn's last training run before her 5K on Saturday. She was excited and actually had a good run without complaining. While we were running, she was horsing around and jumping up to grab low tree branches. As she was doing this, she said, "I'm being silly because if I'm silly I won't notice the running as much." Whatever works, kid.

02 May 2017

This evening, Alyson got in trouble for sliding down the stairs on her heels while standing. She wasn't happy about getting in trouble or that I wasn't consoling her and was screaming.

Madelyn, when I came upstairs: Why is Aly crying?
Me: Because she got in trouble for sliding off the steps on her heels, which isn't safe.
Madelyn: Oh, that's not good. You have to follow the safety rules unless you're in a place that doesn't believe in safety, but that doesn't exist.

01 May 2017

When Madelyn was finishing up dinner, she announced to us, "Before I leave for CCD, I want to go play 'My Shot' on the keyboard. I'm going to play it once with my right hand and then again with my left hand!"

30 April 2017

Madelyn's foot has been hurting her a little for the last few days. I'm pretty sure she needs new shoes. She claimed it was bothering her after her race today.

Madelyn: I'm going to go over there.
Me: Okay, just stay with your sister.
Madelyn: Fine, I'll just limp over to that tree.

As she walked away, I didn't notice any limping going on.

29 April 2017

As we were driving to the University of Maryland today, we drove past IKEA. Alyson recognized the sign, but couldn't remember what it spelled or what the store name was. Madelyn was trying to give her hints.

Madelyn: What store has ice cream?
Alyson: The ice cream store?
Madelyn: Well, yes, but no. It also sells furniture.
Alyson: Oh, IKEA!

28 April 2017

Yesterday, we planted an Eastern Red Cedar sapling that Madelyn got from school in a large pot until we figure out a permanent home for it. When she got home today, she insisted on checking on it.

Madelyn: It still looks really good!
Me: Yup, it looks about the same as yesterday.
Madelyn: But, it's still there!

27 April 2017

This afternoon, I took the girls to try to find gold hair clips to use for their aunt Becca's wedding. While we were paying, the computer froze up and we had to wait.

Cashier: I have no idea what this computer is doing. It's never done this before.
Madelyn: If Daddy was here, he could fix it!

26 April 2017

Before bed, Madelyn and I were talking a little about her adventures with Bill tomorrow.

Madelyn: What time and I going to school tomorrow?
Me: You're not.
Madelyn: So, I'm spending all day with Bill?
Me: No, but by the time you get home, school will be close enough to over that there will be no reason for you to go.
Madelyn: Oh...
Me: Did you want to go to school?
Madelyn: Well, yeah....

She's fine with it. Silly girl.

25 April 2017

Alyson was dancing around in the hall before bed like the silly four-year-old she is. It was a combination of spinning, jumping, waving her arms, and sticking out her butt and shaking it. Madelyn was brushing her teeth, but not having much success at ignoring Alyson. At one point when Alyson was shaking her butt, Madelyn laughed and exclaimed, "Oh, she just cracks me up!"

24 April 2017

Madelyn is spending Thursday morning with her godfather for Take Your Child to Work Day. I asked her teacher today if there is anything she wants Madelyn to do about the day, like write anything.

Me: Madelyn, on Thursday afternoon, you need to draw a picture or write about what you saw and learned with Bill.
Madelyn, whining: Why?!?!
Me: Because your teacher wants you to present it to the class and tell your class about your day on Friday.
Madelyn, suddenly excited: Oh! Okay!

22 April 2017

As Madelyn was going to bed, which was an hour or so later than usual:

Me: You're tired.
Madelyn: Yup...
Me: Me too. I probably won't be up too much longer because I'm exhausted.
Madelyn, slightly scolding: Well, you did stay up past midnight last night....

20 April 2017

During dinner we were discussing the plan for tomorrow.

Me to Madelyn: During packet pickup, you'll need to babysit Alex. Do you think you can handle that? Ms. Kaitlyn says that she likes to get into everything now.
Madelyn, excited: Really? Sure! I'll make sure she stays near the adults and doesn't wander off or get into anything she isn't supposed to. I'll be sure to watch her the ENTIRE time!
Alyson: I'll keep the baby away from the adults so that she doesn't chew on their pants.

19 April 2017

Priorities, right?

Madelyn, as we walked home from the bus: I don't want to go run 25 minutes straight.
Me: Why not? If you do your run, you can get a milkshake at Silver Diner tonight.
Madelyn, suddenly very excited: OKAY!

18 April 2017

As Madelyn got off the bus today, she had a big smile on her face and was holding her arm up so that I could see the huge bandaid on her elbow.

Me: What did you do?
Madelyn, proud of herself: I fell at recess and slid on the blacktop.
Me: Ouch. So, I'm guessing you saw the nurse.
Madelyn, even more excited: Yup! I saw her twice today! I had to go back because the bandaid came off, so she used THREE bandaids to hold this one on.

(She's fine. I even changed the bandaid again and it isn't a bad scrape at all. It'll just take a few days to heal.)

17 April 2017

The girls know that the next two weeks or so means lots of walks and running because it is time for the HRC Quidditch Cup! 

Me: I'll probably go outside tonight and find out how far I can walk with the monitor, you know, for science.
Madelyn: Why do you mean "for science"?
Tony: She's going to experiment and see how far the monitor stays in range.
Madelyn laughed.
Me: You think I'm joking?
Alyson: Yes.
Madelyn: No because Quidditch!

16 April 2017

For Easter dinner at my parents' today, we had Cornish game hens. The girls have never had them before. When Madelyn walked up to the table and saw her plate, she exclaimed, "Why do I have a big chicken on my plate?"

15 April 2017

Madelyn: I can't wait until tomorrow morning!
Me: Why?
Madelyn: Because the EASTER BUNNY is coming tonight!
Me: Oh, is he?

Madelyn just glared at me like I was evil and she couldn't believe I wasn't excited.

14 April 2017

Before she went to bed, Madelyn and I were talking about it being a good idea for her to sleep in tomorrow since she has been sick.

Me: Even if your clock says that it's okay for you to get up, you don't have to get up. We don't have anything planned. You can sleep in.
Madelyn: Yay! And if my clock says that I can't get up yet, I'll just roll over...
Me: And go back to sleep.
Madelyn: And TRY to go back to sleep.

13 April 2017

I was sitting at the dining room table filling out a form for having Alyson evaluated for speech therapy. Madelyn came with a paper and sat down with me at the table.

Madelyn: How do you make a cursive n?
Me, showing her: Like this.
Madelyn, starting to write something: Okay.

She wrote something and then asked me how to make a y. I showed her. Then she stopped what she was doing and was staring at the forms I was filling out.

Me: You could go get the workbook you have for learning cursive.
Madelyn: Nah, I don't know where it is.

She then proceeded to be nosy and read over the forms I was filling out. Seems to me like she really just wanted to know what I was doing.

12 April 2017

After being in bed for a few hours, Madelyn vomited suddenly, which happens to her sometimes. She had managed to get out of bed and was trying to get to the bathroom, but threw up all over her bedroom floor just inside her door. While I was cleaning it up:

Madelyn: Well, at least I didn't throw up all over my bed.

Me, trying to resist the urge to facepalm: Actually, that would been easier because I could have just taken your sheets off to wash them and put clean ones on.

Madelyn: Oh....

10 April 2017

Our latest Hogwarts Running Club medals came today for the 10k and S.P.E.W. race. For those unfamiliar with Harry Potter, "S.P.E.W." stands for the Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare. 

Madelyn, reading the medal: The Shoshity for the Protection of Elfish Welfare.
Me: Society.
Madelyn: Soshity for....
Tony: Society.
Madelyn: Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare.

Then, a few minutes later, the entire exchange would repeat.

09 April 2017

Tony made lasagna for dinner tonight. Madelyn helped him. When Tony put in the basil, he accidentally put in too much. (It still tasted good anyway.)

Madelyn, running in to the living room where Aly was: Aly! The lasagna is going to have extra pizza plant!
Aly, excitedly clapping her hands: Yay! Yum!

08 April 2017

At Becca's bridal shower today, we played a game where you tried to guess the number of candies in a jar. For one of the jars, the person leading the game hinted to Madelyn how many candies there were. Madelyn ended up getting it right and winning the jar of candies. In the car after the shower:

Madelyn: I'm so happy I won the caramel kisses!
Me: You really only won because you were told the answer. I don't think I would have accepted the candy if it was me.
Madelyn: I accepted it because I like candy.

07 April 2017

Madelyn and Alyson were playing with some dollhouse toys at Nana and Poppop's today. While playing, Madelyn declared, "I'm going to neaten the living room."

"Neaten" is a word, but not one you normally hear. It's in the bottom 20% of words by popularity according to Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neaten

06 April 2017

Last night, we attended a special event at Madelyn's school. As a result, she was in bed about an hour later than usual. Before bed tonight, Madelyn was telling me how tired she was all day, "I was so tired all day today because I stayed up sooooo late last night!"

05 April 2017

Hearing Madelyn's thoughts on running and running advice is often one of the best parts of running with her. Today, she advised: "If you can't run with music, you should listen to as many songs as you can before you go running. Then, they'll get stuck in your head and you can 'listen' to them while you run."

04 April 2017

During Tony's birthday dinner at Mom and Dad's today, Mom was asking Madelyn about helping me cook dinner last night.

Mom: So you cleaned shrimp? Did you like it?
Madelyn: No, I didn't like it at all. It was kind of gross.
Mom: Aw, I was going to have you clean shrimp for me when I need it this summer.
Madelyn: Well, I don't really want to do it, but if you ask me, I will.

03 April 2017

Madelyn helped me fix dinner tonight since we had the meal and new recipes she picked out. When Tony got home, she announced to him, "I was Mommy's sous chef for dinner!"

02 April 2017

Madelyn finally read her cookbook and picked one meal for us to have tonight: Shrimp-Mango Quesadillas. The plan had been to have that tonight so that it would be easier for her to help fix it, but the mangos aren't ripe enough yet.

Me after checking the mangos: Nope, we can't have the quesadillas tonight. We'll have burgers instead, and the quesadillas another night this week.
Madelyn: We have to have it a night I can help!

Little does she know that I think she's going to learn how to peel shrimp. Bwahahahahaha!

01 April 2017

Sibling rivalry about everything, right? Tony went up into the attic to see if he could find something. Alyson stood looking longingly up at the bottom of the ladder.

Alyson: When will I get to go up and look in the attic?
Madelyn, almost taunting: Daddy has already let me climb the ladder and look in before.

31 March 2017

Madelyn had the hiccups before bed. I started tickling her to make her laugh.

Me: I'm going to tickle the hiccups out!
Madelyn, laughing: That isn't going to work!
Me: Even if it doesn't work, it's fun for me.

Once I stopped tickling her, Madelyn laid there quietly for a few seconds and then looked at me.

Me: Did the hiccups stop?
Madelyn, in disbelief: I think they actually did!

30 March 2017

During Madelyn's piano lesson today, Alyson decided she wanted to play piano as well. Right before Mrs. Rackey left:

Me: Alyson, did you have something you wanted to ask Mrs. Rackey?
Alyson: Yeah. Can I play piano, too?
Mrs. Rackey: Sure you can.

Mrs. Rackey, Madelyn, and Alyson then discussed how Madelyn can get her first piano book and start teaching it to Alyson.

After Mrs. Rackey left, Madelyn and Alyson came excitedly into the kitchen.

Madelyn: Alyson and I came up with a plan! In the mornings, I'll go practice piano and then I'll teach Aly! She'll get to learn piano, too!

29 March 2017

It's nice to know that they actually listen sometimes. While we were running today, Madelyn repeated back almost exactly what I have told her in the past: "Running is like piano or basketball. You're only going to get better the more you practice."

28 March 2017

Tony was doing his Duolingo Spanish lessons at the dining room table while Madelyn was in the living room. Alyson was at the dining room table and kept asking what things meant.

Tony: Un abrigo. A coat.
Madelyn, singing: A coat of many colors....

27 March 2017

Tony went running during Madelyn's CCD class, so he was sweaty while she was getting ready for bed. He gave her a good night hug.

Me to Madelyn: You need to tell Daddy, "Ew! You're sweaty!"
Madelyn: No, it's "ACK!"

26 March 2017

Conversations with Madelyn today tended to go between classes we needed to take in college and what what a social worker does, specifically two friends of ours: a social worker for the army and Madelyn's godfather who is a forensic social worker.

Madelyn: When I grow up, I want to be a social worker in the army like Jessica!
Me: Do you want to be a social worker or specifically in the army?
Madelyn: Jess is in the army, so army.
Me: Bill is a social worker, too. You can talk to him about what he does.
Tony: And in the army, you have to do what they say. If they tell you to move, you have to move.
Madelyn: Hmmmm... maybe I don't want to work for the army. I'll be a social worker like Bill!

25 March 2017

While I was FaceTiming the girls today:

Me to Madelyn: Did Grandma pin your dress up today to take it in?
Madelyn: Yup, and I had to take my shirt off!

24 March 2017

I took off work today to drive to Becca's bachelorette party weekend. Since I was home, I took Madelyn to the bus stop this morning so we could say goodbye. In typical Madelyn fashion, when the bus came she ran to get in line without saying good bye.

Me: Aren't you going to say good bye?
Madelyn: Oh yeah! Bye!

23 March 2017

While FaceTiming Aunt Becca:
Alyson: I can't wait for your wedding!
Becca: I can't wait either! Well, actually, I can wait.
Madelyn: Well, you're going to have to wait because the wedding isn't for a while.

21 March 2017

I guess Madelyn really was looking forward to going running today. While walking home from the bus stop:

Alyson: I want to play on my phone.
Madelyn: No! We're going running! Besides, it's during the week anyway.

20 March 2017

On the way to CCD tonight, Tony and Madelyn were listening to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in the car. When they were listening to the closing song of the first act, "Go, Go, Go Joseph", Tony was trying to explain to Madelyn the similarities of closing songs from the first act of different musicals. "Go, Go, Go Joseph" takes place in Joseph's prison cell.

Tony: Where do you think this song is in the musical?
Madelyn: In Joseph's prison cell.

Yes, but no....

19 March 2017

Madelyn had a very important question about Beauty and the Beast that no one will probably ever be able to answer, "If Gaston wanted to marry Belle, why did he have her locked up with her father?"

18 March 2017

Abbreviations can be hard.

Madelyn, reading the side of her cup during dinner: How many of your milk glasses would fit into my cup since it's sixteen oozes?
Me: What?
Madelyn: My cup says it's sixteen oozes.
Me: You mean ounces. O-Z is the abbreviation for ounce, O-U-N-C-E.
Madelyn: Well, it had a Z in it!

17 March 2017

During dinner, we were talking about plans for tomorrow. Madelyn is going out with her godfather (and still doesn't know what the surprise outing is) and Alyson has a playdate with her "boyfriend".

Madelyn, teasing: Aly and [boyfriend] are going on a date to plan their wedding!
Me: People don't go on dates to plan their wedding.
Madelyn: Then what do they do?
Me: Get to know each other better.
Alyson: Yeah! We're too little! Kids can't marry each other!

16 March 2017

For dinner, I made tortellini with homemade Alfredo sauce. The girls loved it. While eating:

Me: I'll definitely have to teach both of you how to make a basic white sauce.

Madelyn, turning around toward the cookbooks: When can I start reading the cookbooks?

15 March 2017

Madelyn is known by a few as the Queen of the Eye Roll. While waiting for the bus this afternoon, I was teasing Alyson and she gave me a mini-eye roll.

Me, after we were home: Oh, Madelyn, Alyson gave me a little eye roll today.
Madelyn, excited: Ooh! Aly show me!
Alyson, confused: I didn't give Mommy and eye roll.

Madelyn then started saying silly and absurd things to try to get Aly to give her an eye roll.

14 March 2017

We had homemade personal pizza "pies" today for dinner because it is Pi Day. While eating:

Madelyn, after barely taking a bite: It's hot!
Alyson: Mine's not. [She took a bigger bite.] Oh, hot!
Me: I'm the only one who can say that their pizza is "hot".
Madelyn, confused: Why?
Tony: Mommy put red pepper flakes on hers so it's spicy. She was being punny.
Madelyn: Oh, okay. Wait. What's punny?

13 March 2017

Daily Saving Time is really getting to Madelyn. At least she is hearing the advice I give her.

Madelyn: When you're tired, you should talk less and pay attention and focus more.
Me: Are you tired?
Madelyn: Yes, so I'm going to take my own advice.

12 March 2017

I don't think Madelyn quite gets the concept of "infinity" yet. She was talking about math and counting and said, "When you get tired of counting, you can just say infinity, infinity, infinity."

11 March 2017

We saw a local high school's performance of the musical "All Shook Up" this afternoon. This evening, Madelyn and I were discussing it.

Me: Who was your favorite character and why?
Madelyn: I have three!
Me: Okay, who were they?
Madelyn: The first was Douglas.
Me, a little surprised: Okay. Why?
Madelyn: Because he was called "little man"!
Me: Okay....
Madelyn: The second was Chad because he has a cool guitar!
Me: Okay.
Madelyn: And the last is Natalie because she's a mechanic, and I want to be a mechanic when I grow up.
Me: That's a new one.

10 March 2017

Madelyn and I were cuddling before bed.

Madelyn: I'll love you forever and you can't get rid of me.
Me: Good because you can't get rid of me either.
Madelyn: Then you'll never be able to kick me out of the house.

09 March 2017

I think we need to give Madelyn some more lessons in IT security. This morning she told her grandma, "I know my computer password, but I'm not going to tell you. But to remember it, I have to remember [password hint]. What's your password?"

08 March 2017

Madelyn and I completed Week 2 Day 1 of Couch to 5k today (with Aly in the jogging stroller of course). When we got home, Madelyn insisted on ending her Runkeeper activity herself and said, "I want to do the smiley faces!" (Runkeeper uses a series of smiley faces for you to select how your run went.)

06 March 2017

Madelyn threw up this evening, so she will not be going to school tomorrow.

Me: You need lots of rest and since you won't be going to school tomorrow, you get to sleep in.
Madelyn: Yes!

05 March 2017

Madelyn and I ran her last workout of week 1 of Couch to 5k today in preparation for the 5k she wants to do. When we finished the first running segment and were walking, she asked, "How many more weeks is this?"

04 March 2017

We visited with Julie today for dinner. During dinner:
Madelyn, to her auntie Julie: Guess what my theme of life is right now.
Julie, sounding slightly confused: I don't know.
Madelyn: History!

03 March 2017

The girls were supposed to be cleaning the playroom, but it sounded like there was more playing going on than cleaning. Tony went back to check on their progress.

Tony: Are you cleaning or playing?
Alyson: Madelyn's not cleaning.
Madelyn: You do't always have to stick the blame on me.

02 March 2017

I carried Madelyn into her room tonight. Sometimes I give her a piggy back ride, but tonight I carried her in front. She was excited and proclaimed, "I'm getting a piggy front ride!"

28 February 2017

Madelyn's school had a restaurant night at Matchbox Pizza today. When we were leaving, Madelyn noticed the matchboxes in resin just outside the door and exclaimed, "There are matches on the floor of the world!"

27 February 2017

The girls were playing after dinner with some stuffed animals. They "found" an orphaned baby and were talking about it.

Madelyn: The baby's name was.... Mama Lucia.
Alyson: And the baby's name is, um.... Baby.... CiCi!

(To those not familiar, Mama Lucia's is an Italian restaurant and CiCi's is a pizza buffet.)

26 February 2017

Madelyn and Alyson went to the Maryland Women's basketball game today with Bill. For the first two minutes or so of the game, Madelyn kept figuring out the point spread between the two teams. She was convinced that they were going to be eight points apart for the entire game. Final score: Minnesota 60, Maryland 93.

25 February 2017

While we were making a grocery store list this afternoon, we had the girls look through the paper ad to see if there was anything they wanted for lunches or dinners this week. Madelyn took that to mean that she should read through everything in the ad and ask, "Do we need drumsticks? Do we need chicken roasters? Do we need pork shoulder? Do we need chicken thighs?"

24 February 2017

We ordered Chinese food for dinner tonight. The place also sells sushi and Japanese food.

Me: Do you also want edamame or sushi?
Madelyn: Sushi! Wait, can we have both?

23 February 2017

While Madelyn and Alyson were FaceTiming with their aunt Becca this morning:

Madelyn: I'm already learning division in my iReady! Fourteen divided by two is seven!
Becca: That's right! Good job! Aly, what's two plus three?
Alyson, using her fingers to count: Five!
Becca: Yup! Good!
Madelyn, to Alyson: What's seven plus seven?
Alyson: I don't know.
Madelyn, to Alyson: What's two times seven?
Alyson: I don't know. 

22 February 2017

At the end of Madelyn's basketball practice this evening, they were going to scrimmage like they usually do, but only half of the team was at practice. Of the five girls there, Madelyn was the most emphatic in chanting, "Kids versus parents! Kids versus parents!" We ended up playing against them. Madelyn left practice so excited because that was "so much fun!"

21 February 2017

While the girls were playing:

Alyson: Who is your principal?
Madelyn: Ms. [name]. I don't know her real name.

Me: That is her real name.

Madelyn: No, I mean I don't know her first name!

20 February 2017

After we left the Aquarium today, we were trying to decide what to do before leaving Baltimore.

Tony: We could walk around Barnes & Noble.
Madelyn: We could... What else?

19 February 2017

Madelyn and Alyson were playing with their toys. Tony and I weren't paying much attention until we heard Madelyn say, "They live in a hotel where it's quiet." I don't think Madelyn has stayed in enough hotels in her life.

18 February 2017

Lately, Madelyn and I have been horsing around a bit before she goes to bed. A lot of it is me picking her up or her trying to see if she is suddenly stronger than me. Tonight, she declared, "I'm stronger than you when you're using only one arm and I'm using my whole body!"

17 February 2017

While we were out for dinner tonight, Tony left the table to use the restroom. Madelyn was sitting so that her back was toward the direction of the restrooms. Just before Tony came back:

Madelyn, with an "ah ha!" look on her face: Here comes Daddy!

Me: You hear his keys, don't you?
Madelyn: Yup!

16 February 2017

We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner tonight. When I got the meatballs out to cook them:
Me, showing Madelyn a meatball: Madelyn, how many meatballs do you want?
Madelyn: ... I'm waiting for you to tell me the serving size.
Me: Oh, okay. Six.
Madelyn: I'll have six meatballs please.

15 February 2017

On the way to basketball practice, we drove past a building with a restaurant on the first floor. The building's key feature is all of the windows. Madelyn went to the restaurant with some family for her birthday.

Madelyn: They had automagical... Wait... Umm...
Me: Automatic?
Madelyn: Yeah! Automatic drapes that covered the windows!

14 February 2017

Tonight's special family Valentine's dinner was cheese fondue and chocolate fondue for dessert. The girls had never had fondue before. Madelyn's general opinion of the fondue was, "I LOVE IT!"

13 February 2017

While walking home from the bus stop:

Madelyn: I want to play iPad.

Me: You know the rules. No iPad during the week.

Madelyn: Then why did you let us play on Friday?

Me: That was after school on Friday, so the weekend had basically started. But, I can also not let you play on Fridays if you want.

Madelyn: No! Fridays can count as weekends!

12 February 2017

I tried a sample of a new protein shake today. It really wasn't good, but I drank it anyway. It was vanilla flavored, but was green colored because it boasts to contain two servings of greens. Eventually, Madelyn decided to be adventurous and taste it even though she knew I didn't like it.

Alyson, after Madelyn drank some: What does it taste like? Grass?
Madelyn, after drinking some water: Yuck! No. It just doesn't taste good.

11 February 2017

While eating dessert after dinner, which was chocolate cake:

Tony: This cake is really rich.
Madelyn: What do you mean by rich? There's too much money in it?

10 February 2017

Madelyn's school had their Valentine's Day parties today. Madelyn ate a lot of treats during her party. I was there. I saw it all. After the party, she told everyone she could multiple times, "At our party, I ate everything I could get my hands on!" That was only a bit of an exaggeration. 

09 February 2017

After dinner, Tony was doing is DuoLingo Spanish lessons. Madelyn decided she needed to chime in with what she knows and said, "¡Hola, penguino! ¡Adios, penguino!"

08 February 2017

Madelyn picked out scratch and sniff dessert themed Valentine's cards for her class. Her class's party is on Friday, so she went ahead and addressed her cards today. As she was getting them out of the box, she was in Heaven and exclaimed, "Ooooh, these smell so good!"

07 February 2017

I had to keep an eye on the time while the girls were getting ready for bed because I was going to the PTA meeting tonight. I glanced at the clock in Madelyn's room.

Madelyn, saying this in rhythm and knowingly smiling at me: What time is it?
Me, completely understanding her reference: Showtime.
Madelyn laughed.
Me: You would have been really mad if I hadn't answered that way, right?
Madelyn: Yup.

06 February 2017

As Alyson walked past me, I grabbed her to hug her. I trapped her legs with my legs and had my arms wrapped around her as she was facing away from me.

Tony: Are you trapped?
Alyson: No! If Momma let my arms go and I got my legs out I could get out if I just stepped out like this and...
Madelyn: That sounds like you're trapped.

05 February 2017

Madelyn was reading a book before I said good night to her.

Me: You're such a bookworm. 
Madelyn: A book what?
Me: A bookworm. It's means that you're always reading a book.
Madelyn: Yeah, I read whenever I can!
Me: Exactly, bookworm.
Madelyn, back to her book: Mmmhmmmm.

04 February 2017

We went to a sushi place for dinner tonight. Madelyn had a Shrimp Tempura Roll and really liked it. (Alyson had pb&j rolls from the kids menu.) After we left the place:

Me: So, you liked your sushi?
Madelyn: Yeah!
Me: Next time, you'll try something with raw fish, right?
Madelyn: NO!

03 February 2017

Mom and I decided this morning that I wasn't picking Alyson up after work because we were going to have dinner at Mom and Dad's. Instead I was going to go home and get Madelyn from the bus stop and then go over to their house. Madelyn was right there for the conversation, but the first thing she said as she ran off the bus was, "Where's Aly?"

02 February 2017

The girls wanted to have breakfast for dinner tonight, but they were arguing over omelettes (Madelyn) or pancakes (Alyson). I gave up, and we went to Silver Diner.

Me: What are you going to get, Madelyn?
Madelyn: Blueberry pancakes.
Me: But you're the one who wanted omelettes.
Madelyn: Yeah, well, now I want pancakes.
Me: Okay then, Ms. Kiddo.
Madelyn: Don't call me Ms. Kiddo!

01 February 2017

I packed each girl a cookie in their lunches today. I put them in a disposable snack bag instead of a reusable one. Apparently, this didn't meet Madelyn's approval because she asked me, "These bags aren't good for the environment, are they?"

31 January 2017

During dinner, I gave the girls a heads up about dinner for tomorrow since Madelyn has basketball practice and we all have to go.

Me: Tomorrow, we'll have a dinner of leftovers.
Alyson, looking at her plate: I want this and this.
Me: We're going to have the leftovers that have accumulated all week. You get to pick what you want.
Madelyn: Well, what are our options?
Me: The fettuccini or the sausage and spinach over rice or the soup or the sweet potatoes and green beans.
Madelyn: I want the sausage and spinach! That's my favorite. I could eat that everyday until I got sick of it!
Alyson: But, I want sweet potatoes and green beans!
Me: You don't have to have the same thing.
Madelyn: Yay!

30 January 2017

Madelyn's shoelace was knotted and she asked me to unknot it. It was a mess. As I was untying it, she said, "I don't even know what happened. Sometimes surprising things happen."