Back to School

It's back to school for me this semester. I hadn't actually planned on taking a class this term because of the two specific classes I need to graduate neither one is offered due to the budget cuts. So it wasn't until last week that I was informed that even though those classes were not offered, if I did not enroll the University would drop me because I was not enrolled spring semester (even though I was finishing a project in May) due to Blog Man's job change and schedule that prevented him doing baby duty. That would mean having to reapply completely for my program and then waiting until next fall because my program only accepts applications once a year. For anyone who has ever applied to graduate school, you know what a PAIN the application process can be with all those transcripts, essays, letters of rec, writing samples, etc. So, I had to enroll in a course to keep my standing. I don't need it but of course it counts towards my GPA so I can't be a total slacker. I informed Louis of the bad news which is we will be spending $2K for this class. The good news? It's tax deductible and it's all in the name of furthering my education and knowledge. He was thrilled.

I was thinking any old course. How about a nice undergrad course in underwater basket weaving or the Twilight series? 

Well, it seems with all the budget cuts that the poor undergrads can't get classes. That means as a grad student I would be taking a space for a poor undergrad who actually needs the course when there are graduate classes still open.

So, I find myself in a graduate seminar of World History-"From Auschwitz to 9/11 "is the title. Sarah and Matthew are modeling just SOME of the books required for the class. At least the ones they had at the bookstore.

Louis, when you read this, you will know why there is a $500 charge on the Visa.

Today I went to see my professor so he could catch me up from missing last week. The twinners came along and Matthew loved the cute coeds as we walked across campus. Though when Dr. Khanna was explaining an author's viewpoint on globalization, Sarah decided to take Matthew's cracker and my perfect children started making loud vocalizations of their displeasure with each other. Upon leaving, as I was putting Matthew back in the stroller, Sarah took off down the hall and walked into a class in session. I caught up to her as she was grinning up at the professor and waving while the class was silently watching. I scooped her up and said the freshmen keep looking younger every year and got out of there.

That is my tale of woe. 

Actually, the topics covered will be interesting and I'm sure my little brain will be stretched to the limits of analytical thinking. But it will explain why you might not see much of me in the next few months or why I have dark circles under my eyes.

Summer Salad

I was looking for a tasty salad recipe to take to tomorrow's BBQ and came across this one:

CORNED BEEF JELLO SALAD

2 pkg. lemon gelatin (3 oz.) 2 1/2 c. boiling water 1 can corned beef, finely shredded 2 c. celery, chopped 3 tbsp. green pepper, chopped 3 tsp. onion, chopped 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1 c. salad dressing (not mayonnaise) Grated carrot Mix the lemon gelatin with the boiling water, let cool, but not harden. Mix in a separate bowl the corned beef, celery, green pepper, onion, lemon juice, salt and salad dressing. Combine the gelatin with the corned beef mixture and stir well. Pour into a greased pan and chill. Serve with grated carrot and a dash of mayonnaise if desired.

Really? 

Corned Beef with Jello?

Who would eat that?

Really?

Your Opinion Needed

As the health care debate rages, people prepare to say goodbye to TK, and Japan's unemployment hits a new high, let's turn to the really important issues.

Halloween costumes!

With only a few weeks left until the ultimate fall holiday arrives, it's time to start pondering what creation to come up with this year. There are so many possibilities in which to subject the children, and when you have twins.....well, the therapy inducing list rises. So what should the Gray House come up with this year?

2008 brought us a Cat in the Hat Theme:

So what about this year? 

-There's Pebbles and BamBam.

- Your basic baby farm animal costumes

- A witch and bat

- Eggs and Bacon

What do you think? 

Any creative ideas?

Twin Tuesday: Welcome to Toddlerhood

We have officially entered toddlerhood.

 We now have two kids who like to toddle in two different directions. (Help!)

Meeting up with The Mostess and her charge J yesterday, we went on our first merry-go-round and train ride.

Problem Solved

The Amazing Canine Food Machine Logan (aka: Dobie, Gogie, Logie, Logster) will be hired to take care of our little food-hits-the-floor-constantly problem. We are awaiting his pawprinting and back ground check before we make an official offer.

Summer Lovin'

We are still enjoying our summer here at the Gray house. Even though the stores are putting out their fall merchandise we know that summer weather will continue well into September. 

Thursday, Blog Man and I got out of the house on a date to see Lewis Black. The show was up at the Mountain Winery which looks out over the Santa Clara Valley. Beautiful View!

Friday, I went to celebrate the fabulous S's birthday while Louis did baby duty. 

Saturday, we went to AN night at the A's game and brought the twinners along to enjoy the game. And the A's actually won with a walk off single in the 9th.

Sarah lets us know how she feels about the Tigers.

Getting ready to watch the fireworks down on the field with fellow ANers.

Dad and Sarah rocking out with the game tied in the middle of the 9th.

Why I Need a Dog

When you own a beagle, nothing edible stays within its reach longer than .5 seconds. Quite convenient for spills if I do say so myself. Now that the beagle is in doggy heaven, I find myself wishing for a canine companion at least three times a day-breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The picture shows just Sarah's contribution to the floor decoration. She likes to touch all the food I give her with one finger, give it a taste and then proceed to throw the rest on the floor. Except for strawberries and raspberries, which she will consume eagerly. Hence the need for a floor cleaner that does not include me constantly bending over or down on my hands and knees cleaning up.  Matthew is content to put everything in front of him in his mouth and chomp away. (Love him!)

So I'm thinking maybe a part time dog. One I don't have to walk or clean up after. One that will merely come by when needed and clean my floor or when I need a doggie fix.

Twin Tuesday: Rubber Ducky You're the One...

You Make Bath time lots of fun...

Rubber Ducky I'm awfully fond of you.

Jump Around: By Popular Demand

Please be patient and let the video load. Click twice to start play.

Another Year Older

And Louis and Kristine too!

Matthew is ready to PAR-TAY!!

(He's wearing his Apple shirt in your honor.)

Kills Germs and Bad Breath

Why is my daughter drinking Listerine?

Because today in 1865, British doctor Joseph Lister performed the first surgery using antiseptic.

He had this idea that little things called germs caused post surgery deaths due to blood poisoning and gangrene.

People laughed at him.

Until deaths dropped dramatically when doctors actually cleaned wounds and medical instruments.

Take it from someone who's had blood poisoning, it's no fun.

Listerine was named in his honor.

Pretty cool, huh?

Twin Tuesday: Bed Time Means Tossing Animals

We think we need to buy a trampoline. Matthew and Sarah are still as bouncy as ever, even as they grow taller. One new wrinkle is that both of them, Sarah especially, like to toss their stuffed animals out of the crib here, despite my protesting. Just another typical evening at the Gray household.

Pool Time

The kids and I have been getting a lot of use out of the pool this summer. We are down there at least 1-2 times per week. If you've ever had to lather up two babies with sunscreen, put them in swim diapers and suits and haul all your stuff, then 2x a week is pretty good. Last Thurs S and her two boys came over for some fun.

Matthew looking up to the big kid, Aaron.

Just floating along.

Blonde baby conspiracy meeting.

Who can resist those dimples?

"I love the pool!"

Bumper Boats

Whoops

" Who me? I knocked that over? Seriously?"

"I'm sorry." (sniff, sniff)

Who can resist that face?

Dear Twilight Fans,

(Yes, Mostess I'm talking to you.)

 I found your Christmas gift.

http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=718&P=124&Rec=12&N=37+4294964885&Nao=112&R=463157-8TWZTWL1

Keep it classy!

Twin Tuesday: Food Storage

Tonight is our ward's canning night. 

And I'm in charge.

Blog Man is conveniently out of town. 

Jenni, our awesome babysitter will be coming over.

As you can see, we already have some food storage at the Gray house.

Can never be too prepared, right?

Just think of all the uses of those empty #10 cans?

Like storing Daddy's candy, which the twinners have discovered.

And yes, I know that today marks the anniversary of Germany's violation of the Treaty of London that pushed Britain to declare war and start World War I. But who really cares, besides me?

Namaste!

Blog Man likes to tease me about my Mommy and Baby Yoga class that I go to once a week in Palo Alto. He's always asking what we do and what new moves the kids are learning. Since we are now in the toddler class, basically I do yoga and the twinners crawl around the room, playing with the other kids and toys and mooching food from the other moms. 

Today he showed me this video. It is just so BAD on so many levels. But it had me laughing so hard I started crying. Who would ever let their child be in this video?  Along with the creepy guy, the rooster and the cow are what really put it over the edge. 

Enjoy!