At a Stand Still

I have not posted in awhile.

No excuses.

Just have not made the time.

Have not really felt motivated enough to post.

Oh, I have lots of ideas - and some great material!

But I am not making the time.

I am too tired.

I am too stretched.

I have so many other areas of my life I want to get into order.

I need to relax, refocus and decide what and why I want to continue this blog.

I am at a stand still, and I need to figure out what to do...

...see you soon....I hope!

Update!

Rattle Me Bones 10K

PB - 1:01:06

October 25, 2009.

But, apparently

My mom is battling stage three throat cancer.

She just completed round one of her radiation and chemotherapy.

During the last 7 weeks I have felt a bit inadequate: I am struggling with how best to offer my love, support and help during this challenging, difficult, scary time.

I want to do more than I am doing for her - she means the world to me!

But,

I am not a nurse, caregiver, nutritionist or orderly.

I am not a scientist, pharmacist, or medical engineer.

I am not technician, radiologist, nor am I a doctor, or an oncologist.

But, apparently,

I am beginning to fancy myself a runner.

Tomorrow, I am running in the Ottawa Hospital 10k RATTLE ME BONES race.

(and though it is not much, it makes me feel like I can help in my mother's care.)

Wish me luck!

(Thank you Ottawa Hospital for taking such great care of my mom!)

HEY MOM, Love you - Hate cancer!

A précis of news coverage

As long-time Fringe readers know, I really do love my job!

But, alas, like many jobs, even dream-jobs, there is usually little recognition for all the hard work we do.

That is, until now!

Last night on The CBC National News there was a call out to my little team of media monitors and analysts. Watch for yourself!!!!

Yep...now, if someone asks what I do for a living I can say, "I deliver a précis of news coverage to the Prime Minister!"

PM Harper is correct, he DOES NOT watch Canadian news broadcasts....I DO...FOR HIM!!!!

Which sounds more impressive than, I watch the news for the Prime Minister!

This morning...

This morning I am tired, cranky and having "period problems".

This morning I eyed up all the donuts and danishes at the coffee shop.

This morning I did not cave in.

Today, I will stay on program.

This week I will be successful at the scale.

Ringing in my ears and deep in my heart

This morning, did you hear it???

The bells ringing....

Did you hear it???

It was the sweetest sound ever!!!

At the Ottawa cancer hospital it is customary for patients to ring the bell after their last chemotherapy session.

So, did you hear the bell this morning?

I sure did!

Today my mom rang the bell.

Today was my mom's last chemotherapy session.

That wonderful sound is still ringing in my heart.

Ready! Set! Go Gobble Gobble!

A few weeks into the school year I got a phone call from DJ's school. Apparently, every second nutrition break he was hanging out with a bunch of grade 3-6 students. DJ would race out of the Grade 1 door and head over to the far corner of the track. The grade 5 teacher called to tell me of DJ's fascination with this crowd.

Apparently, every day, DJ has been leaving his peers and joining in the grade3-6 track team practices.

The coach told me that he does not want to discourage DJr, but that he wanted to make sure my future track star understood he was too young to participate in the upcoming track team competition.

That afternoon, I sat DJ down and asked him about his track aspirations.

He was so cute. At first he thought he was in trouble. Then, I think I figured he was going to be banned from the team practices.

He smiled innocently at me and simply said he liked running with the big kids. It was good exercise and making him strong and healthy.

I congratulated him on his commitment and hard work. Then I gently explained how he could not compete with the school team...not yet.

He smiled. Nodded in agreement. Gave me a big hug and said, " That's ok mommy. I do not run for them. I run for me, cause I like it...and um, I run for you."

"You run for mommy?"

"Well mommy, I like it when you race and I want to race like you. But really, I just want to run with you when I get big and when I get better at running. Mommy, you go to your running class to learn to run - and I go to the running team to learn to run and maybe one day we can run together. I would really like that. Mommy, running makes you happy and running makes me happy and I like being happy with you!"

WOW. WHAM!

It really hit me how my transformation from being overweight, inactive and unhealthy has impacted my children.

My children see how I now take time for myself, and that physical exercise, working out, and taking care of myself makes me happy. Heck, it makes me happy, content, proud and at peace.

They see the benefits to leading an active lifestyle. Both the physical ones, and the emotional ones.

I am committed to keeping up with my new routines of working out, eating properly and taking care of myself. I am committed to being a positive role model for my three children.

So, this past weekend we all ran together. We entered the The Fall Colours Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot race.

And everything about it made me happy.

Pre-race photo!

Ready....Set....Go!

And we are off!!!!

I love this photo of the boys! DJ's facial expression is priceless!

DJ loved the experience. He was awesome!

Click HERE for more photos of DJ giving it his all!

Anderson was excited...and then got a little whiny ...but soon got his second win and finished on a high note!

Click HERE for more photos of Anderson.

Little Madigan ran the ENTIRE 1km on her own. She was so determined. When people cheered for her she would stop and clap! It was hilarious! This photo so captures her race with me loudly cheering her on every step of the race!

Her photos from the race are great! I love the one with her running and a man running behind her with his screaming child! Priceless! Click HERE to see all Madigan`s professional shots!

Here we are after the race. The kids were super proud of their t-shirts, their bibs and especially their medals.

I was just proud of them...and very thankful.

Happy be-lated thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadian bloggers!

The scat master irons his socks

OH my!

Rex Murphy did not disappoint!!!!

"The scat master"

"No bimbos in Harper land!"

"Harper and the Deficits"




OH my!
I HEART Rex!!!!!

So yesterday!

Ok... I no longer have PM Harper's Beatle song in my head...that is just sooooo yesterday!!!

(hee hee, I made a funny!)

Today's brain-knocker is this little glee-ful rendition of a popular song!

(hee hee, another funny!)





TOUCH DOWN!!!!!!

Bravo! Bravo!!!!

OK, our Prime Minister stole the show on Saturday night!



He is NO OBAMA, in fact, many a comedic sketch has payed homage to his robotic nature. But he threw caution to the wind, and took centre stage!


Oh, his handlers have worked hard trying to improve his image - Remember those lovely sweaters?????!!!!

Anyways, thanks to PM Harper I have been humming this song!!!! All. Day. Long.

I cannot get it out of my head!!!

Furthermore, this tune is being hummed all over Parliament Hill!

Every morning I deliver my report to the PM's office in Centre Block. Well, this morning I came across 5 workers humming a certain Beatles tune!

Hilarious!

Genius!

PM Harper's performance is the talk of the town. What a perfect choice of song given our current political landscape. Oh, I cannot wait for Rex Murphy on the Thursday night CBC National program...his commentary will ROCK! (Ya, I am a Canadian Studies major, can you tell?!?!?!)

Now, wonder what PM Harper's encore will be????

At the next G8 meeting, Obama may win the congeniality award, but Harper may be crowned in the talent competition!!!

AH, Canadian politics!!!

My meals for the week come with pre-made photos!

Each week my parents have been residing at The Grimes Lodge - it is like a dorm for cancer patients while they are getting treatment. There is a little kitchenette where they can warm up foods. Since my mom cannot eat and there is no real cooling facilities, I have been trying to provide as many meals as possible.

So, each weekend I make a few meals for my family is an extra little to pass onto my dad! here is this week's menu:

Monday - Crock-pot steak with mushroom & mushroom sauce and cous cous and squash from our garden!

Tuesday - Tandoori chicken with mixed veggies and cous cous.

Wednesday is pizza night! Mommy has a 5:45 gym class and the boys have Beavers and Daddy has to rush home!

Thursday is yummy salmon loaf with grilled peppers and squash (the last one from our garden!).

Friday is kind of up in the air right now. We might go out for Pho soup?

This weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving. Gotta finalize my plans...but it will involve turkey and stuffing and a pumpkin pie!!!

As for my other meals, I am tracking religiously. I am keeping within my points the best I can.

My breakfasts are going to include steel cut oats with PB and banana, or eggs with veggies and salsa or toast with apply butter. I am going to try my best to eat the bulk of my breakfast early, and then have a healthy mid-day snack.

My plans for lunch are pretty basic - mainly a salad with some sort of protein - tuna, chicken, tofu...something tasty, a bit of dressing and a fruit with yogurt.

I bought a huge bag of spinach to have afternoon green monsters - and I am loving a low-fat hot chocolate mix I got that is basically a point!

Last week I had a shock at the scales...SEVEN pounds LOST! Crazy, I know...but I think it all had to do with training and running for the half marathon! I am hoping for a loss this week... but if not, I will know that I have eaten healthy and within my points.

Check out more Menu Plan Monday entries at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

I did not get around to posting on Friday, but I cannot wait to tell you all about my new fitness program for October and November!!!!! Stay tuned!

Well, gotta run and get lunches made and kids into bed!

Peace out my dear Bloggy-friend! Sleep well!

To worry a little less...

Can you believe it is now October? WOW! Time is flying.

I cannot believe that DJ has completed the first month of grade one! Honestly, I had been worried - oh, I wasn't worried he could not do it or that he would struggle - I knew deep down that he would do great! But, just the same, I worried.

I worried he would tire through the long, full day.

- He does come home a little tired, but seems to have adjusted to the full day quite easily.

Still, I worry.

I worried he would not like his teachers.

- Not only does he adore them all, but so do I!!!!

Still, I worry.

I was worried he would join the gang of trouble makers (they were identified in Junior Kindergarten...and well, they sure had an impact on DJ).

- Yes, he still considers one little (trouble-maker) boy his "best friend", but the teacher keeps the "4-Musketeers" separated and DJ is making new friends.

Still, I worry.

I was worried that he would struggle with the work load.

- Yes, DJ is a bit challenged with writing and fine-motor skills, but he is continually improving and not only have we, but also his teachers have seen a huge improvement. He has brought home more work and art in the last 15 school days than he did in ALL of J-K and S-K!!!!

Still, I worry.

I was worried DJ would be alone at recess.

Nope, he tells me wonderful stories of the fun he had during second recess with an ever-growing collection of names. First recess? Well, he has joined the school track team! The grade 3-6 track team practices every day, and well, my little grade 1 is the most eager of them all. The coach contacted me and is very supportive of DJ practicing with the team. In fact, I have registered him into a race in 2 weeks! He loves it!

Still, I worry.

Every Friday DJ comes home with his weekly portfolio. It is filled with work sheets, art work, exercises and notes. Every Friday I carefully examine each piece with great pride.

Still, I worry.

Then, this afternoon, I found this piece of work.

A smile came upon my face, from ear-to-ear.

A tear gathered in my eye and ran down my cheek.

My heart swelled with love, pride and wonder.

And I decided to try and worry a little less...

BINGO! B-I-N-G-O!!!

We interrupt this blog's new found drive to post for a night of B-I-N-G-O!!!!!

Yep, bingo!

Instead of writing an awesome post, I spent a lovely evening playing bingo!

Yep, bingo!

During the week my mom is residing at Grimes Lodge - or as I call it, The Cancer Dorm - and tonight was bingo night!

Yep, bingo!

Guess, what! I had a great time! With no distractions, my mom and I shared some broth soup for dinner, chatted with other residents, started a puzzle in the games room and then participated in a hot game of bingo!

It was fun... and we each won a round!

I never imagined I would spend a weeknight playing bingo with my mom (emphasis on "My") ...I never imagined my mom would ever have to battle cancer...I never imagined a little game of bingo would be so enjoyable, relaxing, fun and valued...I never thought playing bingo could or would feel so normal, so grounding.

Yep, bingo!

Well, at least it was calming, relaxing and normal until I jumped up and yelled BINGO!

Yep, BINGO! B-I-N-G-O!

Thanks Mom, I had a wonderful time!

Love you so much, hate cancer!

XOXOXOX

Menu Monday - Sept 28

Ok - I am getting back on track with my blogging...and I am getting back on track with my WW point counting. I have been a little lazy - training for the half marathon really impacted my eating habits. That ends today! Today I am planning, organizing and counting points for the week.

I need to get back on track...just look at my running total on the right sidebar...yep, up 6 pounds in 4 weeks!!! YEEK!

Monday
Breakfast - Greek Salad Tuna (4) and a banana (2)
Snack - Baby apple (1)
Lunch - Wrap with cucumber and tomato with lite cheese and chicken soup with crackers (6)
Snack - Homemade rice cookies (4)
Dinner - Indian style chicken with veggies and pita (8)
Total points - 25

Tuesday
Breakfast - Steel cut oats, PB and a banana (5)
Snack - Baby apple (1)
Lunch - Salad with light dressing, and leftover chicken (4) Ryvita cracker with tomato and cream cheese (2)
Snack - Yogurt and granola (3)
Dinner - Shrimp and veggie stir fry with rice (7)
Snack - Hot Chocolate (2)
Total points - 24

Wednesday
Breakfast - Toast with tomato and cheese (5)
Snack - Green Monster (2)
Lunch - Greek salad with olives and left over shrimp (5)
Snack - Apple and almonds (2)
Dinner - Soft tacos with grilled veggies (7)
Snack - Popcorn (1)
Total points - 22

Thursday
Breakfast - Steel cut oats, PB and a banana (5)
Snack - Green Monster (2)
Lunch - Scrambled egg whites with veggies & taco beef and hot sauce and 2 Ryvita crackers (5)Snack - Apple and almonds (2)
Dinner - Dinner - Pineapple chicken in the crock pot with squash and carrots (7) (Recipe stolen from Chubbie Chica)
Snack - Popcorn (1)
Total points - 22

Friday
Breakfast - Green monster with berries, yogurt and protein(5)
Snack - Wrap with cucumber and lite cream cheese (2)
Lunch - Salad with light dressing, and leftover chicken (4) Ryvita cracker with tomato and cream cheese (2)
Snack - Apple and almonds (2)
Dinner - Seafood pasta(7)
Snack - Green monster (2)
Total points - 24

Saturday
Breakfast - Green monster with berries, protein, and yogurt (5)
Snack - apple and cheese (3)
Lunch - Grilled cheese and salad (6)
Snack - Cranberry scone and tea (4)
Dinner - Beef stir fry and rice (6)
Total points: 24

Sunday
Breakfast - Steel cut oats, PB and a banana (5)
Snack/lunch - Post-race breakfast celebration ! (unknown!)
Snack - Apple picking and LOTS of apples!
Dinner - Apple and walnut stuffed pork with potatoes and corn (9)

Check out more September 28th Menu Plan Monday entries at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Everything old is new again!

So, I am chatting with my Mom, and she asks me the address of my "new blog".

My new blog?????

"Ya, your new blog, you know, since you have not been posting on your old blog, I figured you had a new blog."

A new blog? Nope, no new blog. Just a dusty one!

Not posting. Yep. That is the case.

Why not?

I am not sure. I have had lots of stories I have wanted to share...but I have just not made the time.

I did not even summarize our amazing cross-county drive! Oh, I wanted to tell you all about the "sign from above" and our laundry. Or how we drove home through the US and visited Old Faithful - how cool is that?!?!?

Oh, I had a hilarious condemnation of our house sitters. You know, the ones who not only drank copious amounts of alcohol in our backyard, but drank OUR alcohol, leaving all the empties by the pool deck, and whose MOTHER threw a pool party and got busted by my parents! That is a story to share, for sure!

I took lots of photos of the "While-you-were-out-Clean Sweep" my wonderful parents did while we were on vacation - HOLY CRAP did they do a great job...though I still need the sticky notes on some drawers to know what goes where!!!!!

Oh, and I wanted to write about my last few training sessions for the half marathon, and my amazing (and surprising) mental state going into the race. I also wanted to spell out a few race stories and surprises.

I wanted to bitch and complain that my Mom has cancer. I wanted to shout out how proud I am in how she (and my Dad) are handling this challenge. I wanted to update on her condition and how her treatments are going. I wanted to sing the praises of the doctors and entire medical team, and I wanted to tell you all about her "cool-cancer dormitory".

I wanted to tell you about how I have been battling the same 2 or 3 pounds at the scale for WEEKS now. I also wanted to share my funny experiences in finding a new WW meeting. Oh, and I really wanted to post my Monday menus to help me stay accountable and organized. My fitness program, oh, ya, I am changing things up and I wanted to run some ideas past you wonderful readers.

I wanted to update you on the kids and how they are adjusting to the new school year. Heck, I wanted to post about Madigan and her 3, yep, THREE first days of school.

I wanted to complain about how I had to reapply for my own job. My ridiculous hours. My crazy co-worker. Oh ya, lots of good material from the office to share!

I wanted to write about all our extra-curricular activities such as soccer, swimming lessons, Beavers, gymnastics - you know all the regular juicy content of a Mommy-blog!

Oh, there has been so much going on...lots of material...I just have not made the time.

When I mention my blog to friends, it kind of annoys me when they comment about not having time for stuff like that...I usually reply, "Well, it is important to me, so I make the time...it helps me keep sane." And, well, sadly, I have not been following my own words of advise.

Having the time, is not the same as making the time. For whatever reason, I have not made the time. That is sad, especially since I really enjoy blogging. I love the outlet, I thrive on the comments and idea sharing and I enjoy keeping up with all my bloggy-friends.

I have been a bad Mommy-blogger, a bad weight-loss blogger, basically, a bad blogger, all round. I have neglected the Fringe! But that changes today. Everything old is new again! New attitude. New commitment to the old Fringe.

Oh, ya, baby, Laura from the Lunatic Fringe is back again!

I did it - a PB!!!

I did it!!!!!
A half marathon!!!!!!
2:19:21.6

My runners!

Left foot: Over 80 lbs gone!

Right foot: Only 21km to go!

Moments before lining up at the start line.

It was amazing. It was the Army Run - so, lots of soldiers, and brave, injured soldiers started the pack. Read THIS amazing story about a double amputee running this race!

I felt strong the entire race. I kept with my plan and never "lost it emotionally".

This wonderful cheering squad met me at 7km, 17km and at the finish line. Each time giving my encouragement and strength. My heart swelled with their yells of, "GO MOMMY GO!"

I finished very strong and felt great!

I had realistically figured I COULD finish in the 2:30s. I had privately hoped to finish in the 2:20s...and was ecstatic to clock 2:19:21.6!!! A Personal Best, you know, since it was the first time I ever ran a half!

We headed off to Chapters - the kids played with Thomas the Train and read books, and I enjoyed a nice coffee, and admired my dog-tag medal!!!!

(Believe it or not, yes, I was able to get up! AND, after running the half, I took the three kids to the local pool for some fun. We then went out for dinner...it was an amazing day!)

Check out my Senior Bunny

School supplies carefully stored in a new school back pack. Check!

Fancy clothes. Check!
(apparently, a belt, makes it "fancy, fancy!)

Smile on your face. Check!

Quick pose with Mommy. Check!

A big yellow bus. Check!

Ready to tackle senior kindergarten. Double check!!

Anderson,

Today you start senior kindergarten; today you are a senior bunny! How exciting! You are so ready for this new challenge. I cannot wait to see what the new school year brings for you. This year you will be one of the leaders in your split class. I know you will help and coach and befriend many junior and senior bunnies. Your infectious smile, crazy antics and sincere caring nature will help you make many friends. I hope that you continue to love writing, reading and drawing. May your level of confidence grow, and your success be many. I hope you allow your cute, cuddlely personality shine, but that you also pay attention, stay focused and most of all, that you have fun!

Every day at 11:47am I will be anxiously waiting at the bus stop for you - excited to hear about your newest adventure and fun. I cannot wait to see the zoodles and zoodles of art projects and work sheets you bring home. I cannot wait to see you excel and totally enjoy your last year of kindergarten.


Good luck my crazy, funny, Pander-Bear!

Kissies and huggies,
Mommy

Grade One

Supplies bought, new back pack packed...

First ever school-lunch packed...




A quick pose with Mommy...




Cool dude, ready to take on the world...



A quick wave and glance back...

... and DJ is off to grade one!

DJ,

May you have a wonderful first day, and a brilliant year in grade one. I hope that you make new friends, reconnect with your old pals, and have the time of your life. I hope you enjoy school, step up to all new adventures and challenges like you usually do - with a smile and a sense of determination and pride. May you make peace-maker decisions. May you be true to yourself. May you seek knowledge, fall in love with learning and have fun. May you accept your challenges, tackle any difficulties, take pride in your successes and use each experience to learn and grow into the person you are meant to be.

Best of luck in grade one, Buddy. I love you.

Mommy

(I miss you already!)

Fashion Statements

For the next 7 weeks, my mom is going to be sporting this lovely fashion accessory:

We, will be wearing our hearts on our sleeves.

Today, as I type this, my mother begins 7 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy as part of her treatment and survival plan against Stage 3 throat cancer.

Prayers are appreciated as my mom begins her battle. May she have the strength and perseverance needed to be victorious. May those of us around her offer the love, support and assistance she needs. May the talents, knowledge and expertise of the medical team successfully treat her. May God know that our faith is strong, our hearts open and our love pure. And may this cancer be GONE, and may our fashion statements go out of fashion VERY SOON.

(Love you Mom!)

Nonchalant, I am not!

Today I ran into an old friend.

We exchanged pleasantries, and I asked her what was new. Following her heavy sigh and declaration that "not much is new, same old, same old, she asked me the same question.

I joked about my weight loss journey, proudly stated my accomplishments, and with much excitement told her of my upcoming half marathon. I smiled ear to ear while I told her that we drove all the way to BC for a summer vacation, and how the entire experience was super-wonderful. I told her how excited all three kids are for school. Then I told her my big news.

She looked at me - kind of scrunched up her face - wrinkled her nose, looking down at me, she blinked her eyes a few exaggerated times and replied, "You're sure being a bit nonchalant about the whole deal aren't you?"

"Huh?!??!?! Nonchalant?!?!?!?"

"Ya, nonchalant. You know: Hey, I've lost 80-something pounds, I am running a half marathon, we drove to BC, had a camping trip, kids going to school, life is great, and oh, ya, my mom has stage three cancer. Jeez, Laura, that seems a bit nonchalant to me..."

I was awestruck. It felt like I was just sucker-punched.

Oh, the reply I wanted to scream back at her. But I was speechless.

No, I am not being nonchalant. Not at all. Life goes on, life has to go on. But while life is going on, every moment and every second of the day, I am thinking of my mom, the battle ahead of her and I am feeling a million, trillion emotions.

I am not being nonchalant.

I am sad. Scared. Hopeful. Upset. Faithful. Cheerful. Tearful. Supportive. Angry. Positive. Nervous. Numb. Trusting. Spiritual. Foggy. Steady. Fearful. Courageous. Terrified. Confused. Caring. Stunned. Loving. Helpful. Inadequate. Empathetic. Anxious. Sympathetic. Shocked. Concerned. Optimistic.

I am a million emotions all wrapped up.

I pray and hope and know that everything will be fine.

I am anything, but nonchalant.

I am anything and everything I can be and I need to be to help and support my mother, my best friend.

Nonchalant, I am not.

Before...Before...After...After!

Everyone keeps asking me for a more before and after shots. Well, I call this my

before, before, after, and after shot!

This is me BEFORE I began my weight loss journey. (Dec 2007)

This is me BEFORE my run this morning. (Notice the nice new water bottle holder belt-thingy! - I just may be turning into a serious runner!)

And this is AFTER I finished 21.6km run....notice the smile! I DID IT!

I ran 1.4km to the Running Room, then joined my clinic group and we ran 18.8km, then I walked 1.4km home.

My race day is September 20th, I am getting excited!

And here is another AFTER shot, after my shower and freshen' up! Showing off my new hair colour! (It is a bit darker than I thought it would be - the box said Light brown! I wanted a change!!!!)

I had a follow up with my doctor last week

- my BMI went from 44.6 to 30.1!

- my fat mass went from 115 pounds to 49 pounds!

- too bad his little scale cannot measure how much higher my confidence, pride and desire to live an active, healthy lifestyle really is - cause, it is THROUGH THE ROOF!!!!!!

Let's get this GREAT party started!

On Sunday we had an anniversary celebration for my in laws, who were celebrating 40 years of marriage.

As the guests were arriving the kids were running around and greeting everyone.

DJ saw that Great Grandma (91) just arrived, with her boyfriend Herald (93).

All excited, DJ yelled out to everyone, " Great Grandma and Great Herald are here, let's get this party started!"

The two love birds (party animals) enjoying the BBQ.

Yep, in all our minds, they both are GREAT!

Private Parts - Priceless

While driving through Alberta, Canada we stopped at Drumheller - Dinosaur land! No trip to this dinosaur discover meca is complete without visiting the WORLD'S LARGEST DINOSAUR.

After we safely parked our van far enough away from the enormous T-Rex (and Madigan was sure he would not eat our van!), we paid the wallet-gouging, tourist-grab admission price to hike up the stairwell, to look out the observation deck.

As we climbed, and climbed, I pointed out interesting parts of the wall murals. Oh yes, the innards of this giant depicted many dinosaur scenes. I also pointed out all the dinosaur bones embedded into the walls.

"Look guys! There is a T-Rex thigh bone! Oh, look, a brontosaurus foot, and a wing from a archaeopteryx, wow, a skull of a triceratops! Cool!"

Then Anderson suddenly piped up and excitedly exclaimed, " And I see his penis! I see the dinosaur's penis!"

GULP! What did my son just yell out loud enough for everyone within 20 feet to hear?!?!?!?!

"Um, Ander, what do you see?"

"His penis. His penis! Look - right there!"

Do you see it??? Ander could be right! (which might explain why they went extinct) It does LOOK like a penis! But...

... it is actually an emergency light fixture!!!!

Oh, the snorts, laughs, giggles, and snickers that were caused by this observation! I thought the mother ahead of us was going to pee her pants, and the man behind David commented it was too bad that was not caught on video!!!!

My son, Anderson - future paleontologist? Who knows!!!!!