Survey

I'm looking to survey everyone in blog land about my older daughter's name. As many of you know, Elle started Kindergarten this week (pictures and post to follow soon). And just as Carroll and I predicted back when we decided on her name, everyone is calling her "Ellie." Now, I will admit that I need to brush up on my rules for pronunciation on this matter, but it just seems so clear to us that it is "Elle" like the magazine, the model Elle Macpherson, or the character "Elle Woods" in Legally Blonde.

I'm usually not bothered by having to correct people...it usually takes two times and then they've got it. An experience that I had yesterday, however, irritated me just a bit and prompted me to survey you.

Elle's school has a very organized pick up system. You place a sign on your dash with your child's grade and first and last name. As you proceed through the pick up line, a coach reads the sign and calls your child's name over the speaker. Of course the coach butchered both names and therefore, Elle did not come out as expected. I pulled up and signaled to the coach that I did not have my daughter and she repeated the incorrect name. I then corrected her and she says "Elle?! It's not Ellie?!" She seemed very perturbed and the way I took that was as if she was thinking we were idiots for spelling her name that way. Keep in mind that I'm very sensitive and hate to cause anybody frustration and I probably read into the situation.

I haven't come across anyone confusing "Anne" and "Annie." Isn't that the same difference as "Elle" and "Ellie?" Just wondering what you think.

Update: I wrote this earlier today before school was out. You'll be happy to know that after correcting the coach yesterday and the coach talking with Elle for clarification on how to say her name, it was called out correctly today. Yeah! (The coach seemed so nice today. Funny how we let our emotions read other people, eh?)

I am still interested to know your take on the difficulty of Elle's name though.

Funny Things Kids Say and Do, Part 2

A few things to share that made me laugh in recent weeks. You can't make this stuff up, it's so funny.

• Before allowing Pa (Carroll's Dad) to tickle her, Piper said "OK, you can tickle me, but don't tickle me where it tickles."
• While changing Cannon's diaper a few months ago, Elle was by my side and asked "What's that potato-looking thing below Cannon's tinkler?" I laughed and thought to myself "Hmm, it does look kind of like a potato." Kids have the best descriptions, don't they? And yes, I know I should probably use the correct terms, but I'm not ready yet...she is, but I'm not!
• Finally, Cannon took a liking to Elle's lunch box. He carried it all over the house one afternoon...he wouldn't put it down!

Seinfeld

Carroll and I always wrap up our night together watching Seinfeld. Thursday night, right before the show started, a commercial advertising this came on.

Me: Let's go see Jerry.

Carroll: We are.

Me: WHAH??

Carroll: We are.

Me: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!

Carroll: The tickets will be here Monday.

Me: WHOO HOO!!

Lunch Box Ideas

OK Blogging Buddy Gals,
You have got to help me! Elle starts Kindergarten in two and a half weeks. I need your lunch box ideas...tell me about the kid friendly lunches you pack for your children and while you're at it, give me the scoop on the best containers, ways to keep things cold/hot, drinks to pack, etc.
Thank you!!

Random Things to Share

Big Boy Haircut

Surprise Gifts

My Aunt and Uncle, Mandy and Clyde, were in town last week and brought the kids some really great t-shirts by Life Is Good. They are so soft and I love their motto. We've also been given Snuggle Socks in the past, which are fabulous for keeping feet warm in the winter.

Friends

I was recently informed that one of my best swimming buddies from high school has a trendy restaurant here in town called Cafe Paladar. (I don't get out much so of course I was not aware of it.) Brian, er, Chef Brian West now, is one of the funniest people I have ever met and what a great buddy. I immediately emailed him and it's like no time has passed at all. Thinking about him reminded me that God has blessed me with some amazing lifelong friends and I just want to give a shout out to some of them for no reason...here's to Rebecca (friends since high school), Will (friends since college), and Dancing Queen (friends since our early teaching days). You guys have saved me from more stuff than you could know. Thank you for your friendship.

Dedication

We're having Cannon dedicated at church in a couple of weeks and I just love the invitations I found. I get all giddy about stationery!


OK, that's all the randomness for now. Until next time...