What, who, where, have you seen my shotgun?

Todays Quote: When you're born, you're pure. Unspoiled and trusting. Some say it's the only time we're perfect. You're also born covered in blood and placenta. No one gets nostalgic about that. - Titus from the TV show Titus

I'm tired. I'm beyond tired. I'm completely drained and stressed. I'm not even quite sure how I am operating. If this is what our parents went through as they balanced work, raising kids, and remembering who they were... Bless 'em for surviving!

It's been a while so let me give you a quick updating. The A-Ren is now approaching 3 years of age. For those of you not familiar with the "terrible twos" count yourselves lucky in some aspects. The daily changes and emergence of his personality is both frustrating (yes we've created a monster) and wonderful (I'm so proud of what I've helped create). He is learning his numbers, identifying colors, operating a mouse and playing basic computer games on Noggin.com or Playhousedisney.com, playing with Dulpos, hiding when we are trying to potty train him, throwing a fit when he doesn't get his way, repeating everything you say even if you did not know he was in earshot, and basically frustrating you to no end. It really is sooo amazing.

In reflecting back how my parents handled my brother and I, a small business, going to college, a full time job, helping run a Portuguese Language school, and a variety of different civic groups, I have no idea how they not only managed to accomplish this, but still provide us with numerous opportunities to see different sites and explore different location in the US and Europe. Although we didn't always appreciate being dragged from New Jersey to Virginia or shuffling from town to town all over Portugal, in the end, I believe the well rounded and inquisitive natures that both my brother and I share are a direct effect of all the experiences that were provided to us. As I look upon my growing family, I can only hope that I am able to provide these little adventurers that not only shape how you see the word today, but open you up to new experiences and world views tomorrow. Thanks Mom and Dad... Now where is my Virginia Beach is for Lovers T-shirt?

This weeks entertainment: The Upside Down Show/Umbilical Brothers- If you have a chance find these guys either on the web or on Noggin (TV channel) for your child (as The Upside Down Show) . A-Ren is so attached to them right now and their blend of imaginative play and wackiness is infectious even to adults. For adult themed versions of their work, look them up as The Umbilical Brothers. Keep the kids away from those clips, they aren't kid friendly.