What is that thing? REVEALED!

Ben says it's time to reveal the identity of the brown creature he made at school. First, here are the guesses:
Aunt Tamara: A Squid.
G+G Mundy: Bearded Dragon
Aunt Rachel: A magical dragon
Daddy: Killer Rabbit from Monty Python
Cousin Emily: bearded dragon

All great guesses, but the winner is AUNT TAMARA! It is a Squid. Honorable mention goes to Daddy. Ben liked your answer a lot.

Flowers from my far away hubby

These were on my doorstep this afternoon. I mentioned to Mike yesterday that I thought I was coming down with something, so he sent me "get well soon" flowers. Thanks, sweetie!

Hodge Podge Post

I've gotten behind...here goes:

Sam's new shoes.

I thought they were very cute. We don't find shoes that fit over his braces very often. I told him they were basketball shoes and he loved them instantly.

What is that thing?

Ben often brings home creations he makes at the "art center" in his kindergarten classroom. With Ben's imagination, they are always one of a kind. Okay, so submit your guesses as to what this creature is, and the first correct guess gets bragging rights. Ben and I will reveal the answer in a future post. (Note the outfit...yes he went out in public that way).
Work Points
Ben earns "work points" for helping me with small tasks. Here he is earning one point for each grocery bag he carried in for me. He did all the work (except for two really heavy ones). Ten work points earns him a dollar.

"No-Wax Floors"

A phrase you don't hear much anymore because nearly all floors are "no wax" these days. However, I'm now the caretaker of a "yes-wax" floor. Our new linoleum floor requires applying a polish in two coats that has to dry in between. I stayed up last night detail cleaning and waxing the floor, and the result is really beautiful. It wasn't that hard, but definitely something to do after the kids go to bed. Linoleum was popular 50 years or so ago, but people stopped installing it when "no-wax" floors (or vinyl) became the trend. But now it's back. I love it because it comes in great colors, it's super durable (they say it should last 50 years), it's cheap, is made from natural materials (wood pulp, ground limestone and linseed oil among other things), and it's not vinyl! The picture doesn't do it justice, but the floor is really even and shiny. I love it!

Goodbye Liberty Female College!!

Here is a short video of what's happening up the street this morning.

Demolition was approved by the City Council (4-3 vote) Monday night. Demolition permit was issued this morning, and the bohemoth started falling at about 10:30. Sam and I stood on the street with a group of happy neighbors watching for a while. Sam said, "It's awesome, mommy!". Totally awesome.

Beardie

Cousin Madden requested long ago that we post a picture of our bearded dragon. Here he is along with some "fun facts". Isn't he COOL??

1. He eats vegetables, some fruit, crickets, and worms (sometimes).

2. Too many worms give him a tummy ache (he was sick for a week once).

3. He changes color when he's asleep (He's darker during the day to soak up the dessert sun.)

4. He likes to run and jump.

5. He doesn't poop very often, but it really stinks when he does.

6. He closes his eyes when you pet him (like a cat).

7. He doesn't make any noises at all.

8. Sometimes we let him run around Ben's room.

9. He never drinks. He gets all his liquids from the crickets and veggies.

The jacket battle

It's 38 degrees this morning in Liberty.

Mom: Put on your jacket so we can go.
Ben: I don't need a jacket. I have long sleeves.
Mom: You have to wear a jacket or they won't let you go out for recess. How about gloves.
Ben: Okay, I'll wear gloves.
(outside the door)
Ben: I don't need these gloves. (takes them off)
Mom: Bike or scooter?
Ben: Bike.
(one block)
Mom: Are you cold? I have your jacket and gloves here.
Ben: I'm not cold. I don't want to wear a jacket. (3 second pause) But I DO need the gloves. (stops to put on gloves)
(3 blocks)
Mom: Are you excited about indoor recess today?
Ben: What?
Mom: It's the rule. They won't let you out without your jacket.
(waiting at the crosswalk by the school)
Ben: I'm COLD! I want to put my jacket on!

This is just one episode in a "mini-series". We do this almost everyday!

Misc...

There's not much new going on here at the Mundy house, but here's a picture of Ben throwing paper airplanes out of a tree. How many times did he say: "Can you bring that back to me...just one more time!" I finally just had to go inside.

Also, here a sneak peek at something Santa dropped off early for Ben (it's carefully hidden away, and he doesn't read the blog!). He is getting so good at riding his 1-speed bike, but he has to work so hard to get up the hills. This has five speeds and a Shimano derailleur. (Pretty cool thrift store find...$19.99!) His legs are getting longer...hopefully they'll be long enough by Christmas!