What did the Triplets do for Thanksgiving?

Addison snacked while waiting in line for the swings

Uncle Daniel helped Jackson learn to fly

Jackson helped Mimi make the dressing

William likes playing with their ABC Food Fun toy

This is why you should work to live, not live to work. Of course that is easy to say when my life is my work:)

Al

What Obama has done for me...

He has made it a lot harder and more expensive to buy a gun. No, really. If you have not noticed gun sales are WAY up. I have been wanting a pistol for a few years now and I look off and on. One gun shop owner said Obama has sold more guns since the election than his store had up till the election this year. Not only are assault rifles flying off the shelves but anything that might be banned in the new administration. Even one pistol I am "sweet" on, the Springfield 9mm XDM. Sure it can hold a whole box of hollow points in just one clip AND they give you two of them AND you get two more free from the manufacturer but when have you not wanted to have 77 hollow points ready to go?

I am torn about gun control... I do not want criminals to get their hands on many of the weapons that laws in many States have banned but if it hits the fan I would not mind having those weapons. I know, I know, where is my faith in God in all of this you ask? I always say you need to live in the middle. For example, you may live to be 150 - if you do you better be saving a lot of money. Or you may get hit by a bus tomorrow - if that was true, live it up today and don't save. Like that example I want some protection (who knows if these Zombie movies might become reality) but I don't plan on moving to a ranch in the middle of nowhere and stockpiling ammo and food.

With the advent of fingerprint recognition on safes you can now have quick access to a weapon AND keep your children safe. Note, put a light on your gun so you know what you are shooting. There is NO excuse for having a weapon, much less a loaded weapon, that is accessible to others, especially children. If you own or are going to buy a gun be sure you have taken or will take a safety course. If not it is like jumping out of the boat before learning how to swim.

I am still surprised that you can buy a gun with no waiting period. Sure they do a background check but there is no foreground check telling anyone what you intend to do with it.

If gun control saves one person's life, isn't it worth it?

You can get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than a kind word alone.
Al Capone

Al

To buy or not to buy, that is the question....

We are wanting to stay "on budget" but it is really tough with all the Black Friday deals out there. Of course if the economy continues to tank then the $500 I could spend to get a laptop would come in handy in other areas of our budget:)

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I, for one, am beat:)

A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation.
Saki (1870 - 1916), "The Square Egg", 1924

Al

Happy Thanksgiving!

This past Sunday our Associate Minister reminded us that no matter how bad things get there is always someone in the Bible who had it worse. He used Job as an example. So I try to thank God everyday and if there is something I do not currently see as a "blessing" for him to give me the wisdom to see the good in it.

Long story short, enjoy and cherish Thanksgiving. It is one of the few holidays left where you won't offend someone by wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving:)

Thanksgiving two years ago.

I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.
J. D. Salinger (1919 - )


Al

Nannies are forever....

You might already know this but I have not been as brave (stupid) as I am now. When the Triplets were first born both the CFO and I tried our hand at staying at home with them. Let's just say that it would not have been good for our relationship(s). So then we tried daycare. With Triplets, daycare = nightmare. Your odds are quite high that one of the three will be sick and not be able to go to daycare. Not to mention having to re-load the bottles every night. I felt like the kids were going off into battle each day. You had to be sure they had everything they needed for the day, load it in the van, load them in the van, get them and everything into daycare then do the reverse every evening. Not to mention the 20 minute drive each way with all three screaming at you:)

So after a month of daycare and William getting a 2nd degree burn from the crockpot where they warm bottles, we found a Nanny. We found our Kelly through Church. She made the next year not only bearable but also fun. Now that we are in Alabama she visits us and sometimes brings a friend or family. This last time she came with her parents! Her Mom made the kids quilts. They loved them (a.k.a. fought over them) right away.

Every man is wise when attacked by a mad dog; fewer when pursued by a mad woman; only the wisest survive when attacked by a mad notion.
Robertson Davies


Al

Kids are smarter than parents

I know my title is no shock to any parent out there. They control, manipulate, confuse, distract, and plot their way into our hearts. But what really surprises me is when they figure out something I can't. The geek in me yells out in protest:)

Our science center has a exhibit where you can fly a model plane. You control the speed of fans and the controls of the plane. But of course kids over the years (months) have messed up the controls so they don't work well. I tried "flying" the plane for the kids, no luck. A little while later I look back to see this.....

William not only started the exhibit but got the plane in the air... that big head comes in handy:)

An economist is a surgeon with an excellent scalpel and a rough-edged lancet, who operates beautifully on the dead and tortures the living.
Nicholas Chamfort (1741 - 1794)

Al

Fool me once....

Addison (mini-mommy) has figured out that if she says she has a poopie I will get her down from the table before we are done with meals. One of my "rules" is that we stay at the table until the meal is over. Well, I hope I have put a stop to that. We were all having dinner with the CFO's Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother when Addison said she had a poopie. I asked "Do you have a poopie?" She said yes. So I said "OK Addison, I will get you down but if you don't have a poopie you will get a spanking." I then asked again if she had a poopie and she said no:) I told her that if she just wanted to get down she should say "down please." Next words out of her mouth? "Down please."

I use the work "spanking" but I do not "spank" the kids. They do however on occasion need a tactile reminder to obey:)

It seems that we are doing product placements with the kids:)

If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)

Al

Is it judging or just pointing out "observations?"

I really do try not to judge people, Luke 6:37, but I do have things that people do that drive me crazy.

Here are some of my pet-peeves. I also share my sarcastic view of why they do/don't do it and then the "softer side" of me's view. Hey, I can be a guy and be complex:)

Leaving shopping carts in the middle of the parking lot
Sarcasm - Lazy, lazy, lazy.
Softer side - They had a child with them and did not want to leave them in the car alone.

Not using your turn signal or signaling right before you turn.
Sarcasm - Selfish, self-centered person that does not worry about anyone else.
Softer side - They just forgot to signal.

Parking a SUV in a compact only space, parking on the line or very close to my car.
Sarcasm - If you cannot drive it don't buy it, idiot.
Softer side - They did not realize that they are making it tough for someone else to park there or get in their vehicle.

Talking with food in your mouth or chewing with your mouth open.
Sarcasm - You were raised by Wookiees.
Softer side - No one has told you that this behavior is not usually accepted by society. (OK, there was still a little sarcasm in that one)

Walking around with your mouth open.
Sarcasm - Neanderthal
Softer side - You may have a jaw problem or sinus problems.

Yelling at your children to shut up, calling them stupid or cussing at them in public.
Sarcasm - Don't be surprised when they treat you the same way.
Softer side - You have had a very bad day or just lost a loved one and your nerves are frayed.

I know, I know, I am being picky. Yes, I have probably done all of the above from time to time but remember, this is about you, not me:)

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
Yogi Berra

Al

Is sarcasm un-Christian?

My poll is still open till next week but I am leaning towards a blend of three choices. Make it private, reserve my sarcasm and "wit" for the weekends and pack heat:) So, is sarcasm un-Christian? I know the Bible is pretty clear on "judging" others but I don't see anything I can relate to sarcasm.

My thoughts are that if you use sarcasm and the people hearing/reading it get the sarcasm then well, it is hard to say it is "Christian." But I also have a hard time seeing it as being un-Christian. My first thought is that if it is not seen as Christian then it must be un-Christian. But if you use that argument then is bowling un-Christian? I mean sure you can have fellowship with others discussing the Bible while you bowl but you could also be gossiping about others which is definitely un-Christian, Romans 1:29. But is the act of "bowling" one or the other?

So maybe sarcasm, like bowling, is neither and both at the same time. Just as a gun is not good or evil until it is in some one's hands. Then it takes on the intentions of it's master.

I haven't got the slightest idea how to change people but I keep a list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.
David Sedaris

Al

Addison thought she was from Missouri

Those of you with kids know that you are constantly asking them questions....

• What hurts?
• Did you fall down?
• Did Jackson take the ball from you?
• What is that in your nose?
• What is that coming out of your nose?
• What has torn the seams of your universe apart now?

When I ask questions I expect answers. In the mornings and after nap time I ask each of the Triplets if they have a poo-poo. Well, Addison decided that she would show me by sticking her hands, yes both of them, in her diaper. I was in the middle of changing William's dirty diaper when I noticed a piece of what I soon realized was her "evidence" landing on one of her stuffed animals. I quickly taped Williams dirty diaper back on him (parenting triage - take the worst first) and grabbed her. I quickly explained that she had just had a bath and if she got it anywhere other than her hands it would not be good. By the grace of God we only had a few casualties. We then had a long conversation (by toddler standards) about why you don't stick your hands down your pants, especially when you have a poopie.

Grooming is very important to Jackson.

Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form.

Karl Marx (1818 - 1883)

Al

Just in case you didn't catch the reference... Missouri is the show me State.

When do we start doing and stop practicing?

I always joke about Lawyers and Doctors practicing, not "doing." Well, I feel the same way about parenting. So, when do we start doing and stop "practicing" as parents? I know, I know, the answer is NEVER! I started thinking about this during breakfast while the kids were "practicing" eating cereal with milk. We went through the same thing a few months ago with oatmeal. On a tangent... why do we need instant oatmeal at home? I always thought that old fashion oatmeal took forever to make. Turns out it only takes 2-3 minutes in the microwave vs. 1-2 minutes to heat up the water to make instant oatmeal. Anyway, when do you get to the point when you are not "training" them on the basics? I know, I know, never:) I still have potty training, bathing, dressing, undressing, tying shoes (is Velcro back in yet?), not to mention shaving, etc... to go.

Jackson winning a pulling contest with Dad at the science center. Hey, he had the advantage of a lever!

A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.
Sir Barnett Cocks (1907 - 1989)

Al

Now that is a look of excitement!

When not to follow directions

Women are always getting onto men about not following or even asking for directions. So where safety and/or the kids are concerned I have made a concerted effort to read and follow directions. That is until today. I decided to start using a conditioner/detangler on her hair. So I read the instructions. Mainly because I know that some you rinse out and some you leave in. Yes, I use to have hair so I know these things:)

Here is where I got confused. It said that after applying you should "comb or brush starting at the ends and work your way to the scalp." WHAT! I thought that was called teasing your hair. I envisioned Addison with a huge rats nest of hair. No way I was following those instructions! So I asked a friend that was visiting and she laughed. She explained to me that almost every woman on earth would understand what that meant.... to comb out the hair a little at the time starting at the ends. "OH!" I said, "I see, they are just sexist and believe that only women will be using their product."

This is just another example of why men don't like to ask for, read or follow instructions.

Pictures of our little artists when they painted their pumkins at a Fall Festival.

Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.

Albert Camus (1913 - 1960)

Al

Who needs toys?

If you have kids you probably already know this but I sometimes feel like money on toys is wasted. The things they like playing with the most are not meant for that purpose. They spent 30 minutes jumping off the stools that came with their potties.

The sad truth is that excellence makes people nervous.

Shana Alexander

Al

The Triplets head to the reunion days 4 and 5

The CFO did a much better job keeping the kids quiet on her morning than I did. She leaped out of bed when Jackson again started SCREAMING... DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! at 5:30 EST Sunday morning. I got to sleep till 8:30 am. After breakfast, getting ready and packing we headed to my Dad's for brunch (lunch by the time we got there.) My Aunt and Uncle drove in from out of town to visit and some friends came by. This was a stressful couple of hours to say the least. My Dad loves antiques, has a condo (no running room for the kids) and we had eight adults and Triplets in about 400 square feet consisting of a kitchen, dining area and living area. We all had a great time then headed out of town. We stayed with our friends again on the way home.

The kids slept in till 6:30 am EST this time and we got on the road around 9am. We stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch. The kids LOVE stacking checkers and the rocking chairs. Addison had two HUGE meltdowns while we were there and Jackson had one.

Below are pictures of us at my Dad's then us at Cracker Barrel. Including Addison and I having a little "chat" about her melt downs:)

I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.

Beryl Pfizer

Al

Triplets head to the reunion day 3

As I mentioned yesterday I got to bed around 1am. The CFO and I agreed ahead of time that Saturday morning was mine and she would take Sunday morning. So when Jackson started SCREAMING DADDY!, DADDY!, DADDY! at 5:30 AM EST I was called to duty. I sprung into action.... ran to their bedroom from loft we were sleeping in and grabbed Jackson. By this time Addison and William were standing up in their cribs. I quickly told Addison and William to lay back down, we were going back to sleep. Jackson and I then slept on the bed in their room. I got another two hours of sleep!

Did I mention the hotel we were staying in had 60 rooms out for a soccer tournament. Not just any tournament but a teenage girl soccer tournament. We all headed to breakfast around 8:30am. God was on my side and we found a table. Everyone had a great breakfast and no one got trampled which was no small miracle.

We headed to a family cookout at my High School's gym for lunch. It was neat being back. I had a great time fielding questions from everyone. Here were two of my favorite questions and my answers....

Q: Where are you working?
A: At home.

Q: What is their age difference?
A: About three minutes.

We decided to leave before a melt-down could occur. When we got back to the hotel room I put the "Service Later" sign on the door and we put the kids down for a nap. The CFO and I also went down for a nap. Ten minutes later the maid started knocking. She said we needed to use the "No Service" sign. I wanted to say "If you ignored the service later sign why should I think you would pay attention to the no service sign. Yep, you guessed it... Addison and Jackson woke up. I entertained them around the hotel property while the CFO and William caught some shut eye. Two is VERY manageable, it is the third one that pushes you over the edge:)

Once William and the CFO got up we went over to my best friends house only to have Addison and Jackson fall asleep as we turned onto his road. So we all stood around the van and talked for an hour while they slept. We headed back to the hotel to get ready for the main function of the reunion, dinner and dancing.

We met my friends that I was with on Friday night and headed to the dinner. The CFO decided to leave early (I don't blame her) and me and the guys were going to take a cab. A few hours later we decided to walk back to one of their houses. It was not a unanimous decision but we had a great time walking. It only took about 20 - 30 minutes and it was only in the 40s that night:) This is something I did often in High School, College and even after College. As long as you live through it those times become great memories. Heck, in college it was not uncommon for me and some others to walk home even when it was ten miles or more.

I finally got back to the hotel and in bed around 2am. The funniest comment of the night?

You don't dress like a stay at home Dad!

Here is a picture of me and my fellow walkers for the night. Sorry, no pictures of the kids:)

The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.
George F. Will (1941 - )

Al

The Triplets head to the reunion - days 1 and 2

We have had quite a bit of experience traveling with our Triplets but it keeps changing as they get older. This time we had a total drive time of about nine hours. We decided to break it up and stay with some friends that were only six hours away. We left Thursday after picking up the trio from their day out program. We drove straight through, no stops. They did GREAT!



Of course they were wound up when we got to our friends' house:) The Triplets did a great job going to sleep as usual. The CFO and I got to visit and catch up with our friends until around midnight. Much to my dismay the kids woke up at 5:30 am EST. Since we live in CST this was VERY early. Oh well, hope for the best but plan for the worst they say. Addison had a nice surprise for me around 7am - a blow out. Luckily she had on long pants but unluckily for me I did not notice until it was too late. Nothing new:) She does not like going poopie sitting down so she held it the previous day I guess. It went up and out the back as well as both sides. Anything worth doing is worth doing right I guess:)


We decided to drive around town and see the places we use to live. We then ate pizza at our favorite pizza place before hitting the road to my home town. Of course I promptly put the left-over pizza on the roof and drove off. Consistency is the key to my life:)



Friday night my parents watched the kids while the CFO went over to a friend's house and I met up with some guys from High School. It is amazing all the funny (not always funny at the time mind you, but they are very funny now) stories that I had forgotten about High School. Here is a VERY brief synopsis of some of them:

• On spring break we ran from cops with someone that is now a preacher. He stopped running, the rest of us got caught, at gun point and got frisked. Don't worry, the nice officers actually ended up giving us a ride back to the party.
• New Years Eve party (not at my house) where a dining room table was broken (subsequently put back together by yours truly and another great friend) a piece of silver service was crushed, and red clay was all over the beige carpets.
• One of my nicknames was "Charter." Don't ask, I won't tell:)
• A very good friend jumped out of a 2nd story window while at the beach. He was sleepwalking and thought the house was on fire. No injuries.
• While meeting up for a pick-up tackle football game (we did that in our teens and 20's, it is no bueno in your 30's) one friend decided to park his Cutlass by doing a hockey slide into a parking spot. Too bad there was another friend already standing there. After a short flight and a tough landing he was VERY mad but OK.

After shooting pool for a few hours Friday night two of us then went to a casual reunion get-together for "a little while." We ended up there till after midnight. I finally got to bed around 1am.

I know, I know, you are like "shut it and show pictures of the kids." So here they are and a picture of our first house that was and still is a whopping 850 square feet. Also pictured is the kids' first experience with super bounce balls, Addison and I dancing, then Addison and I giving the boys a talking to:)

Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Al

Great reunion but a bad homecoming

All five of us went back to my hometown for my 20th High School reunion this past weekend. We had a great time. I will post more about this later this week. But we came home to find a pink envelope taped (on all four sides) to our front door. I was surprised it did not take the tape off when I removed it. The note below is what was inside.

I have some observations....

1. Sarcasm in a note such as this is not funny. I almost always appreciate sarcasm but this makes me want throw bologna on your car.

2. Do not tape ANYTHING to a painted door. Ever heard of vandalism?

3. Nice job assuming the worst. I guess if one of my children cried you would call Social Services on me as I must be abusing them.

4. Nice passive aggressive behavior.... not even signing the note. I have half the mind, that is all I have, to walk door to door and ask all the neighbors if they wrote it.

5. If you are going to do all the above things please, please, write a note that at least sounds like you were sober when you wrote it. What do foxes have to do with any of this?

By the way, we paid a friend to house sit for the weekend. The dog was out one night as he would not come in for her. But she was up till 1 or 2 and did not hear anything.

Gotta love people:)

Look for the ridiculous in everything and you will find it.

Jules Renard (1864 - 1910)

Al

Pumpkins!

The Triplets got their first interactions with pumpkin carving this year. Addison would not put her hand in it but Jackson and William LOVED helping the CFO gut them.

I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it.

Jack Handey (1949 - ), Deep Thoughts

Al

When cows do a drive-by