We might be Rednecks...

Our Summer included some less than aristocratic activities that could be the punch lines to many a Jeff Foxworthy joke.

Take for example our FREE tour of the Jelly Belly factory, that we had to wait in line 45 minutes for, but walked out with a yummy bag of jelly bellies, also FREE! (& No, we didn't buy the picture, they were nice enough to share in online, for FREE!)

Or my kids first experience in our home with Cup O Noodles. Since I was fortunate enough to schlep them with me to the grocery store since school is out, they both saw this bowl of sodium and told me how they had eaten it at friend's houses. Since they don't exactly break the bank, at about a quarter each, I obliged and felt like a model of the trailer park mom.
And how do you spend a Target gift card you get for your birthday from your Grandma? Swimsuit - no, arts & crafts - no, books, who am I kidding. They want fake nails, and I have to let go sometimes and let them express themselves. (Seriously, it is wrong, not adorable)
I guess they are expressing their desire to join beauty pageants, you gotta love "Toddlers & Tiaras"! Bring on the fake eyelashes.
And what is the maximum kids per bed ratio before you have to stop having kids? (I guess at that rate, we could have 7 more kids.) ((FYI, they do each have their own bed.))

Look at Me, I'm Andra D!

Happy Birthday Sista!

Hope you have a great year even though you are now in your "late" 30's", but don't worry, I won't tell anyone;)

But seriously, I want you to know I have always looked up to you, until I was in about 8th grade and then I started looking down on you. (those darn Diamond genes)

(BTW, this is your official birthday card, stamps are so expensive these days.)

As a *bonus* present (in addition to your fanny pack), I thought I would share a few Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy for your day.

The memories of my family outings are still a source of strength to me. I remember we'd all pile into the car - I forget what kind it was - and drive and drive. I'm not sure where we'd go, but I think there were some trees there. The smell of something was strong in the air as we played whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, older guy we called "Dad." We'd eat some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home. I guess some things never leave you.

(That one is because I am memory challenged also. Don't judge me, it's a disease.)

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."

(I think you should try this as a social experiment on all your girls and note how each responds.)

Love you Nell!