the city says....

well, it was what we expected, but terribly disappointing....

here's the response we received from the city...(and I say we, because even though the letter is from me, Jason is one the that technically owns the house, and therefore, the response came to both of us....)

This letter will acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 21, 2012.

I appreciate your proactive stance and fully understand that your letter is not written with the intent of asking permission, but more in line with telling the City of Midland (City) what you're going to do about chickens in a residential area.

It is not my intent to address each paragraph of your letter or debate cases or statutory citations that are included in your correspondence.  My response represents the City's position and will be made very clear in the following.

The raising of chickens for egg production and sale in an area zoned residential is a clear violation of the City of Midland Code of Ordinances, specifically Section 3-40. (See Attachment 1)  A violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor offense that has a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or $500.00 in fines that is charged against the property owner,  The listed property owner is J**** B*****.

Further, the Right to Farm Acti is intended, in large part, to protect "pre-existing agricultural uses" from violating local zoning laws.

Simply put, the property at **** K******* is zoned residential. (See Attachment 2) It has never been zoned agricultural.  It has never been a commercial operation of raising chickens for egg production.  Therefore, the Michigan Right to Farm Act does not apply.  Further, the GAAMP (Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices) clearly describes excepted site selection practices for new and expanding uses to be zoned agricultural.  Again, your home is zoned residential and therefore, the GAAMP does not apply.

You have also indicated in your letter the following, "I have several friends and acquaintances who intend to purchase my farm fresh eggs from me, thus making my farm a commercial operation, and I will keep records and file taxes accordingly."  The city has a home occupation zoning ordinance, specifically Section 3.06 (A)(4) (Attachment 3) which clearly states, "No such home occupation may be conducted in any accessory structure or attached garage."  Therefore, your proposed commercial chicken operations outside of your home would not be allowed in your residential neighborhood even if chickens were to be allowed.

Also keep in mind that the Planning Commission, which is an advisory commission only to the Midland City Council, proposed an amendment to the City of Midland Zoning Ordinance regarding chickens and it was voted down by the City Council with a 5-0 vote on October 24, 2011.

In summary, chickens are not allowed to be kept in a residentially zoned area within the City.  Violations subject the home owner to court related actions and penalties as found in our local ordinances.

This reply has nothing to do with your statements in your letter of growing a garden.  This deals only with the issue of chickens.

I do appreciate you proactive approach and hope you fully understand the City's position as well as the penalties associated with zoning and ordinance violations.

Sincerely,

*City Attorney*

Wow.  (needless to say, Jason is not thrilled at being threatened with a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail...)  As I posted on backyardchickens.com...my basic thoughts (after some tears and some time to settle down) are this:

First, I am completely dismayed that the city attorney found the case law and precedents set by current MRFTA to be so irrelevant that he did not address them in any way in his return letter to me. Is it just me, or isnt that THE WHOLE POINT. A judge has rendered their interpretation of the law - and the city is clearly totally ignoring that. I would have thought that the attorney would have been instructed to at least check out those cases and my reasoning and then address them - rather than state that he wasn't even going to try.

Second - to point out to me that there was an attempt to change the ordinance and that it didn't pass - DUH - did you READ my letter?? I opened with that information! It's why I'm resorting to MRTFA protection!

 In reference to the home occupation - I'm going to have a small flock of 6-10 birds.... I have four children, and we eat a lot of eggs ....we won't have many eggs to sell and I literally think that I will be hand delivering them to friends when we gather at social events. I think, given that, I don't need to worry about that ordinance or the GAAMPS associated with a farm market - correct?

So my question to you all is - do I send a response to the city attorney with a copy of the MRFTA and more case law and do the same thing he did to me and basically say "I'm not going to address each of your ordinance citations because none off them are relevant...." and wait for a further response.....or do I see if I can find a lawyer that will send that letter on my behalf - as the city basically indicated they intend to disregard state law and threatened fines and jail time??


Also - as an FYI - here's the local paper article that ran the day after the ordinance was voted down
http://www.ourmidland.com/news/article_f8c8fca6-ff13-11e0-8436-001cc4c03286.html

To me, it's a matter of misinformation and snootiness.....

It just doesn't seem like a small flock of chickens should be such an unreasonable request.....

I'm working on my next step....

chicken crusade

So I'm not entirely sure why and when my obsession with backyard chickens started...but it did....and now, i'm fighting city hall (literally and figuratively!)

Late last summer, a local gentleman with chickens and ducks as pets in our city was cited for a zoning violation - you apparently can't have anything other than typical 'pets' in our city limits.  His story ran in our local paper and I started doing some research into the backyard chicken 'movement'....I also have a couple of friends with backyard chickens, so at some point it had gotten into the back of my mind already.

I followed the case via the internet and local paper.  The "chicken gentleman" filed a motion to amend the ordinance to allow chickens.  The Planning Commission did their dutiful job and researched other backyard chicken ordinances throughout the state and made a recommendation to the City Council to approve a change in the zoning ordinance...this would allow for chickens with stipulations (like several other Michigan cities have done....Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, East Lansing, etc....)  Given the recommendation by the Planning Commission to the City Council to approve the amendment, I didn't go out of my way to press the issue...doh.  The City Council voted down the change, thereby affirming the current ordinance not allowing any animals other than 'typical pets' and forcing the "chicken gentleman" to give up his animals.

Truth be told - I was really upset.  I'd now spent a month or two getting to know chicken care.  I researched city-appropriate coops and plans, etc.  I found hatcheries and studied different breeds and picked the ones I wanted.  (Jason had already warned me not to name them...I'd get too attached...)  I found myself on a website and forum called backyardchickens.com that has been incredibly helpful.  And there, I learned that Michigan has one of the strongest Right to Farm Acts in the United States...and low and behold, if done properly, my backyard chickens would be protected.  Agriculture has, and will likely continue to be for quite some time, a leading economy in our state.  And while I don't intend to become a full-time farmer, the law, as it is stated now, dictates that I can farm anywhere.

I have been on a crusade since the ordinance didn't pass.  And by I, I literally me "I" - not Jason and I.  He has been very understanding and supportive...however, he also stands by the feeling that he really doesn't want to take care of anything else that consumes oxygen (which I can't understand why...all we have now are 4 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 gerbils....plenty of oxygen left!)  I've stated my 'chicken case' to him over and over...chickens make great pets, provide many benefits (eat bugs...make great poop for fertilizer...) and, most importantly, lay eggs - which our family consumes A LOT of.  I've got coop plans drawn up and I'm ready to start building...

He blessed my attempts to get chickens (I think only because in the back of his mind he doesn't think it will ever happen....)  Funding my plan is an issue, of course...but I'll work on that (seems my sponsorship plan was well-received when first announced...).  Right now, the real issue is dealing with the City.  And Jason has said - no chickens until we hear from the city that it's 'okay'.  So I have been working on that.

I spent weeks doing research and drafting my letter.  I sent it to the City (the Planning Commission, the Mayor, the City Attorney, and the Zoning Board of Appeals).  Here is what I sent - 

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I am writing to have protection under the Michigan Right to Farm Act to establish a farm on my residential lot within the City of Midland, Michigan.  I intend to have a small vegetable garden and to raise chickens for egg production.

In August, 2011, a petition was brought before the City of Midland Planning Commission seeking to amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit chickens and ducks on residential lots in the city.  The Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council to permit chickens, with certain standards.  In October, 2011, the City Council voted to NOT amend the Zoning Ordinance, thus upholding the ban on poultry/fowl in the city.

Since that time, and with much research of cases of similar issue in the State of Michigan, it has become clear to me that I can continue with my plan to raise chickens in my residentially-zoned yard, and have protection under the Michigan Right to Farm Act, both to ensure I am not in violation of current Zoning Ordinances, and also any nuisance complaints that might arise.

As a courtesy, I am providing my justification for my actions, in advance of establishing my farm.  I believe that I am entitled to establish a farm on my residential lot for the following reasons:

The August 23, 2011 minutes from the Planning Commission meeting state the following:

This section shall not regulate the keeping of chickens in those areas zoned Agricultural district, where the raising of poultry is a permitted principal use when conducted in compliance with the Michigan Right to Farm Act (MRTFA) and the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices.  The MRTFA is not applicable in municipalities with zoning when the property is zoned single family residential.

It was the view of the Planning Commission that the MRTFA does not apply to properties zoned single family residential.  Court rulings in the State of Michigan support the opposite, as highlighted on Page 6 of the attached resource, Land Use Planning and the Right to Farm Act, as prepared by Dr. Patricia Norris, M.S.U. and Dr. Gary Taylor, M.S.U. Extension.  In summary, the Michigan Right to Farm Act was amended in 1999 to read:

Beginning June 1, 2000, except as otherwise provided in this section, it is the express legislative intent that this act preempt any local ordinance, regulation, or resolution that purports to extend or revise in any manner the provisions of this act or generally accepted agricultural and management practices developed under this act.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, a local unit of government shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance, regulation, or resolution that conflicts in any manner with this act or generally accepted agricultural and management practices developed under this act.

This amendment was upheld in the following court cases:

• Milan Twp. V. Jaworski – concluding that a Milan Twp. Ordinance that limited hunting preserves to areas that are zoned agricultural conflicted with the RTFA “to the extent that it allows the township board to preclude this protected farm operation.”
• Village of Rothbury v. Double JJ Resort Ranch – concluding that “an ordinance provision that only permits single family dwellings, playgrounds, and parks would prohibit farming operations, the ordinance provision conflicts with the RTFA and is unenforceable.”
• Charter Township of Shelby v. Papesh – concluding that “…the RTFA no longer allows township zoning ordinances to preclude farming activity that would otherwise be protected by the RTFA.  Rather, any township ordinance, including a zoning ordinance, is unenforceable to the extent that it would prohibit conduct protected by the RTFA.”
• Papadelis v. City of Troy – concluding that a zoning ordinance “…limiting such activity to parcels with an area no less than five acres is preempted by the RTFA and is not enforceable.”

In addition, Page 2 of the enclosed Right to Farm Act Policy Platform by the Michigan Association of Planning, summarizes recent court decisions that provide nuisance immunity in newly established farms in residential areas.  While the Michigan Association of Planning is recommending changes to the RTFA, they acknowledge that the court decisions currently on file with regards to the RTFA support both newly established farm operations, including residential areas, as well as preemption of local zoning ordinances, so long as the farm uses GAAMPs.

I believe it to be indisputable that the Michigan Right to Farm Act allows me to establish a farm in a residentially-zoned area.

To be clear, the Michigan Right to Farm Act only provides protection from nuisance complaints if said farm meets the criteria of a farm, as defined by the RTFA.  These criteria are as follows:

• The activity is a “farm or farm operation” – definitions provided on the attached resource, page 2.
• The activity is engaged in commercial production of its farm product
• The farm complies with the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices

My farm will produce vegetables, as well as eggs from chickens.  I have several friends and acquaintances who intend to purchase my farm-fresh eggs from me, thus making my farm a commercial operation, and I will keep records and file taxes accordingly.  I also intend to comply with all relevant GAAMPs, including, but not limited to those pertaining to Manure and Animal Care.  Prior to farm operations commencing, all GAAMPs and other related regulations and resources will be on file in my home office.  Copies of the Michigan Right to Farm Act and GAAMPs can be found on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website.

In order to maintain positive neighbor relations, I intend to raise chickens under many of the guidelines suggested by the Planning Commission in the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, including but not limited to:

• Not keeping a rooster
• No slaughtering of chickens on the premises
• Providing an covered enclosure that will house the chickens at all times
• Locating the covered enclosure in the rear yard, no closer than 10 feet to any property line and/or within 40 feet of any neighboring residential structure
• Constructing a covered enclosure with traditional building materials, that will prevent rats, mice and other rodents access to the chickens.  All feed will also be stored in a rodent-proof manner.
• Not install signage with regards to eggs for sale.

I firmly believe in my right to grow a garden and raise chickens for eggs in my own plot of land, regardless of its location.  I will do so responsibly and with respect for the animals involved, and my neighbors.

I thank you for your attention to this matter, and hope that this proactive attempt to avoid any zoning violations and/or nuisance complaints is appreciated.

Best regards,

*me*

Enclosed                Land Use Planning and the Right to Farm Act, Norris and Taylor

                                Michigan Association of Planning, Right to Farm Act Policy Platform

Several members of backyardchickens.com suggested that I proceed with my chicken plans and deal with a zoning violation when it comes.  I'm nearly certain that it WILL come (i have some lovely neighbors), but my agreement with Jason is that we must receive some sort of acknowledgement from the city that my plan is acceptable before any money or construction, and most definitely chick arrival, happens.

There is already much case precedent set for the Michigan Right to Farm Act.  I am hoping for the best...and I have promised Jason that I won't spend any money, or an unreasonable amount of time, in my fight.  Basically, we can't/won't go to court over the issue.  Several others have already done that before us...and even though they've won their cases, it was years and time and money.

So....let's see what the city says....

despeepable me

it's true - it's my new obsession. i've seen it probably 30 times since christmas, easily.

so there was no other 'scene' that was more fitting for my peeps diorama than

despeepable me

i chose a scene in the lab....gru has talked to the minions about their successful venture stealing the Times Square Jumbotron and the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower (both the Las Vegas versions) and is plotting his next big mission - to build a rocket and steal the moon.

margo, edith and agnes find their way to the lab (agnes complete with unicorn, prior to its disintegration)

the minions around the water cooler...and the minions that must secure agnes a new 'baboy'...the blue prints for the rocket...the tubes that minions travel by....the circular room that the rocket launches from...

i thoroughly enjoyed making this diorama.

i will do it again.

just for fun

it all started with jason sending me this link in an email:


a peeps diorama....of course. right up my alley.

the whole premise was very intriguing...create a scene (pop culture or whatnot) where the characters all had to be depicted with Peeps. Peeps have a long history with our family - while I know some will marvel at my creative use of them, others will strongly object to their waste, and for that, I apologize. but what better way to glorify the marshmallow?

if you read the fine print, we aren't eligible to win, but that wasn't going to stop me. i'm way past the deadline anyway.

while i constructed my diorama in my sleep, i mentioned it to a few people and posted a few comments on facebook...and the thing gained some momentum. there was no stopping it.

enter two snow days this week.

and peeps dioramas were born...all over our house.

let's start with molly's

not so much a diorama...but she is only four. it's titled "Easter Family"

and next, maya's...

titled "Family in Bedroom"

here we see her scene...

and the 'mom' laying in bed viewing the big screen TV (cleverly made of cardboard)

a swirl rug, and two peeps enjoying some good books (one is Harry Potter, the other is Kingdom Keepers). you'll also see a baby peep in a crib, with a babysitter nearby. don't miss the chandelier, also.

and then there's lilly's...

titled "Easter Peep House Party"

she decorated the back of her diorama


and here is her scene


notice the confetti in 'mid-fall' from the ceiling. drinks and a full candy dish on the table are sure to please all the peep party guests. and what could be more festive than balloons.

stay tuned for my creation.

the first campaign

i started it - 'armchair activism 2011'

our first charity is charity: water
(notice i use the word 'our' - cause this is a group effort, remember?!?)

please visit their website here and you can read all about it...

there is an incredible thing with this charity, that you won't find with many others...from their website:

How the 100% works.
When we started charity: water, we made a bold promise to the general public — 100% of their donations would go directly to the field to fund water projects. Even the credit card fees from your donation today are sponsored so a true 100% goes to people in need.

seriously.

another great thing about this charity is that you can donate specifically to my 'armchair activism' campaign - so if you use this link, all the money goes directly to charity: water, but we get to track that you donated because of my campaign...so please use this link:

http://mycharitywater.org/armchairactivism

and when you go to this page, there's a video you should watch, too...it's the story of charity: water.

it's easy. so do it :)

armchair activism

okay, so a facebook friend posted a report this morning on bottled water brands - you can read it here:

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/best-and-worst-bottled-water-brands-2436818

it certainly was a big issue when Nestle started the process to pull spring water from my hometown area...and i don't want to minimize the issue at all - related to wet lands and natural resources and even bottled water itself.

however - it also brought to mind the fact that at the same time, the whole issue seems very 'trivial' to me. i have been to third world countries. they don't have a choice of turning on a tap or picking a particular brand of bottled water. so it's hard for me to get on board with a bottled water issue, or an organic produce issue or chicken breasts enhanced with a 'broth solution'. the fact of the matter is that life for me is so much better than what they could even dream of as being available, that i can't get all up in arms about it here. it doesn't make me happy, and i think that there are changes that should be made....however, i've got a 'big picture' view right now that's a little more global.

there will be something that will kill me. it could be the 'dow cloud' i live under. or the water or artificially-sweetened soda or the steroid-enhanced meat. or old age. or a car accident. who knows.

but i do know this - my life expectancy is much longer than the vast majority of the world's population, and it's simply because i was fortunate enough to have been born here.

SO - this morning's article on water reminded me of a blog post by one of my fav scrapbookers, Cathy Zielske, who organized some fundraising for a charity that spearheads clean water projects in places that need them. you can read her original post here (i loved it, clearly...) i did donate to her cause, and her goal of raising $5000 to fund a water project was met and exceeded, to the tune of nearly $9000.

it was easy for me to donate. i sat at my computer (which you are doing right now). i read what she had to say. i clicked the link and read what the charity had to say. i found it important enough to part with a few dollars. which i could do, all while still sitting at my computer.

so it got me thinking this morning...collectively, Cathy's blog readers made a difference in the lives of hundreds. all because we read her blog, clicked a link, and punched in some credit card numbers and donated money rather painlessly (my budget does certainly have room for an extra $20 a month...)

i don't have the number of blog readers she does. but i do have over 300 facebook friends. so what if i made donating easy for them, too?! and what if, instead of one project a year, i find a couple, and collectively, me and my facebook friends could start a little 'armchair activism' and make a difference.

cathy references something in her blog post that i also strongly believe in.

I realize there a countless charities in the world that need time, money and help to succeed in all of their respective and extremely worthy goals. I fully and completely understand this.

everyone has their own issues and their own causes. and i totally respect that...i donate to certain charities because they are important to me for one reason or another. they may not be your first choice, and then again, your cause may not be my own, either...

but my goal here is to make donating easy. because even armchair activism can make a difference. and if you're someone who already donates to the causes of your choice - great! if you want to hop on board with some of mine - FANTASTIC! if charitable giving isn't a part of your life right now, might i suggest you give it a try - and i'll give you an easy way to do it...

can you spare $5 or $20 this month? will you send a link to a friend who might also help? how about again in April? if this month doesn't work (post-holidays and all), can you save a few pennies and donate to a cause later in the year?!

realistically - i think the answers to those questions are a 'yes' - so let's DO THIS!

here's what i'm thinking - i'm going to profile a charity (we'll start with charity:water, cause well, that's how my brain started moving gears this morning)....i'll set a goal... i'll provide a link for you to donate...and then, well, please do :) you won't do any donating thru me, because i don't want to be responsible for any money issues, or tax issues (because, of course, all of these will be tax deductible contributions)...then just comment on the blog post or facebook status and whatnot to let me know that you donated, and if you choose, the amount - no matter how big or small. we'll have to guesstimate total donations to see if our goal is met, but i can tell you, my goal will be in the $5000 range (that's less than $20 per facebook friend I have...but I know you all can't be on board, so share the love...) that's enough to fund a water project thru charity: water, or an ark through Heifer International...

and a year from now, we can all be patting our backs that we collectively made a difference in the lives of hundreds with tens of thousands of dollars in donations...and we never had to leave our computers...

(a final thought: if you think i'm totally crazy, that's fine. i suggest you watch the movie "yes, man". to quote jim carrey's character "i wasn't open to stuff, and now i am, and things are changing for me." none of my other friends are organizing such an effort - so it might as well be me. i hope you'll join me.)

***i have posted our first campaign - please read about it here to donate***

in tribute

Jason just poured my beer into "grandfath's" mug...perfect, since we missed 3pm martini time....

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my christmas - by maya baker

she handed me this this morning...

i thought it was blog worthy.

This story is about my Christmas. My Christmas is not real Christmas day.

The first thing I will tell you about is Christmas morning. We wake up mom & dad by running into their room screaming "Santa came! Santa came!" After we open presents we play with the toys. Usu
ally on Christmas we have breakfast at 11:00.

The second thing I will tell you about is opening presents. All the kids have certain wrapping paper. So we don't get mixed up with which present is for who. Whoever finds the pickle ornament first gets to pick the first present. Our family opens stockings at the same time.

The third thing I will tell you about is Christmas night. We make sleep potion. We throw out reindeer food and leave cookies for Santa. It is hard to sleep on Christmas. This is what I do on Christmas. I hope you love Christmas too!

my mountains

so i posted this today as my facebook status:

Dr. Seuss inspiring me today: Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.

and then i left the house - at 8:45am - to take molly to swim lessons. then we stopped at the post office. then we went to meijers. where we didn't pull back into the driveway til a few minutes after noon.

and for the second time this month, i had a $300 grocery bill. ugh.

so i'm tired.

and i whined to myself.

and i reminded myself - i'm still climbing this mountain. go put the dang groceries away.

and then i was reminded of a time a year or so ago that i had a similar grocery bill, only instead of the self check-out, i went through a lane with an actual person.

and she made a remark at the end about how much money i just spent on groceries, and basically, that i didn't even bat an eyelash at the bill. and she couldn't imagine doing that.

now THAT could be my mountain. though i have already climbed that mountain before and am very thankful that i don't have to anymore.

everyone has their own mountains. and some are harder to climb than others. and some have better equipment to climb with...ropes, and pulleys and safety nets...and some people have none of that. but they climb.

as we approach this season of thanks - and giving - and caring - i am very thankful for my mountains. i am very thankful for the equipment that has been given to me - by people - by education -and inherently, by God. every day a new mountain to climb. i know some will be higher and steeper than today's. i am thankful that i really am so very capable of climbing.

it is also a time for sharing your rope. becoming a safety net. helping pull someone up.

so...get on your way!

fabulous fun friday

And the morning has already started well -

molly: what day is it?

Me: Friday.

Molly: What is this (pointing to day-of-the week panties she is wearing)??

me: Friday!

Molly: YES! I knew it!!

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football saturday

it's football saturday...our first saturday all fall without soccer games...so in theory, we can sit and watch college football all day.

it's also porter's birthday.

in my opinion...he dressed appropriately (notice his Michigan State t-shirt)...

but on the way home from his haircut...we got a kqotd:

porter: when we get home, i'm going to change.

me: why?

porter: because i want grandpa to like me.

and if he sees me wearing this, he's going to scream like a little girl.

AAAAAHHHHHH! *in his little girl scream imitation*

kqotd

Molly: so where are we going for lunch?

*silence*

Molly: TELL ME! Or else you're fired from being my mom.

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kqptd

maya to molly: cats do what cats do. they don't come to whistles.

theater bug

jason is not much of a theater person...he never really has been. though, through the course of our years together, i have managed to drag him to a few shows, and he's even enjoyed some of them.

a few of our favorites include rent, avenue q and the full monty - all of which we've seen on national tour more than once, and some as local productions as well.

the full monty is one of our favorite movies, and we saw the new musical production in london and found it to be a brilliant adaption. over the years, we have fantasized about what parts we would play, should it ever be available to local theater groups.

low and behold...midland center for the arts is doing a production of the full monty this winter.

this is the one and only show that jason has ever even considered auditioning for. many years ago, when i was in a production of a funny thing happened on the way to the forum, the director was in need of some more 'bodies' to fill the roles of proteans...small, non-speaking roles. he didn't even give it a second thought. the answer was 'no'.

even when jason was twice the size he is now, he considered being in the show. now, of course, he'd have to pick a different role from his original 'intent' - as the original 'dream role' was one of an overweight, pudgy, lovable fellow with self-esteem issues.

it is only because of our extreme love for this show that we are even considering auditioning. there are many factors and complications influencing this decision - though strangely, for jason, none of them seem to be the fact that the show is based on MALE STRIPPING.

one of the largest complications involves our planned spring break, which is currently scheduled for a production weekend. so over dinner tonight, i decided to take the opportunity to discuss this possible change of plans with the children.

it also involved a brief synopsis of the plot. and jason explaining, using one of our favorite lines from the movie - that he doesn't sing. he doesn't dance. 'well, what is it you do then?' and it boils down to the fact that he thinks he's willing to strip in front of greater midland.

the children laugh. sort of. and he says, but you know who might be there? grammie. grandmom and grandpop. people i work with. tara and neil. coach doug. and the list went on.

and then came several, priceless, kid quotes of the day:

lilly: you would just prove your manliness!

maya: i do NOT want to go to see that play. that is really, REALLY disturbing.

porter: can you stop talking about underwear and naked people??

maya: wouldn't you get arrested for public nudity!?

auditions are in a few weeks.

we'll keep you posted.

the hills are alive

in midland...and for the first time in many years (I think about 8!) i'm appearing in a 'community theatre' musical!

it's great to be back on the stage and i'm making lots of new friends (gotta love those theatre people!)

lilly auditioned, too, but after two shows last year it's okay that she didn't make the cut this time...the older girls and i did play along in a little promo, however.




we've also got commercials running locally!




we're on the cusp of opening night and the girls are so excited to be 'tracking' my rehearsal schedule...it's fun that they know what 'tech rehearsal' means, or first dress...and they were thrilled to see me wearing my promo tshirt today, complete with my character name on the sleeve....one i got to pick myself - Sister Evelyn.

tickets are selling fast (sunday is already sold out) so if you intended to come see me grace the stage, now is the time :)

kqotd

me: okay, let's head upstairs to get dressed.

molly: can you carry me?

me: can i carry you!?!? what do i look like?

molly: *giggle* a giant who carries big babies?!?

kqotd

molly: mom! you should buy some colgate total complete. it fights strong for 12 hours. that is so cool.

kqotd

Molly was sitting in the car while we unloaded groceries...when we returned....

Molly: did you guys hear me crying?

Jason: no

Molly: then how did you know?

Cara: i saw your cheek was red.

Jason: did a squirrel jump in through the window and slap you on your cheek?

Molly: NO! Cause then there'd be dots where the claws were.

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kqotd

Porter: momma...i forgot i had some homework

Mom: what?? After you argued with me about doing your reading?

Porter: well, it's not really homework. It's something i want to do. See? I can turn it in any time.

But i dont understand the words.

Molly: M - O - L - L - Y

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thoughts on our week away

well, another week away on a grand adventure, and many a lesson was learned and a thought was had...

#1 - we like the caribbean, but not as much as hawaii - go figure.

#2 - we need more to do than just sit at a pool or beach every day. unfortunately, the weather hampered our snorkeling plans for most days, which meant we spent A LOT of time just sitting on beaches and at pools...which is okay for a few days...but we would have liked a few more things to do.

#3 - it made me really want to take my kids on a tropical vacation - we've done it twice without them now, and being able to take them snorkeling and share that experience (different from swimming in the ocean on hilton head and in florida) will be cool.

#4 - our kindles were a great investment. given our totally leisurely schedule, i read 3 1/3 books while there...here's my quick reviews -

• the hobbit - i was 2/3 of the way through this when we left...it was fun to finish off...and read more of the background of the lord of the rings
• overcoming perfectionism - yes, i read it...but 90% was not pertinent to me...and the other 10% told me that i am the way i am because of how i was parented - DUH - should i just apologize to lilly now?!?
• have a little faith by mitch albom - LOVED it...great 'beach' read...love his books, and this one was great.
• the red queen by phillipa gregory - the counter-tale to the white queen - i didn't think it was quite as good as the white queen, but in general, i still love her historical fiction of this time period and it was a good read.

#5 - it's always good to be gone...and it's always good to come home.

many, many, many thanks once again, to our children's caretakers (and taxi drivers!). molly was asked by a friend before we left who was taking care of her while we were gone. she answered "grandmom!" and the woman said - "wow, your mom is lucky!" and molly answered "NO! WE'RE the luck ones!"

but really, it's still us :)