Hung out to Dry

I was unloading the washing machine today and found R2-D2 hanging out between the clothes. Clean as a whistle! It got me thinking about all the other things I have found in the washing machine.
Several times I have washed Marshall's cellphone. Various phones through the years. One phone twice! And everytime they worked after drying them out! His wallet has also been through more than a few times.
Of course the kids toys. Mainly in the warmer months the kids are culprits of pockets full of sand. Hence part of my distain for it.
My M.I.L.'s washing machine stopped working. She found a suggestion to open up the catch where the water drains. She found a whole pitcher full of coins and bullet casings. (My F.I.L. shoots trap and reloads his own shells.) She showed it to me. I couldn't believe it!
What's the most unusual/interesting thing you have found in your washing machine?

Math and Mayhem

For quite a long while now Trent has been working to pass his mixed math test. When we practice, he knows the answers, just not fast enough to write 50 of them in 2 minutes. I wasn't concerned, but was ready for him to move on. Friday was his day! He passed! The little stinker tried to trick me by saying he didn't pass, but I should "look to see which ones he missed." He's not a very good prankster. I wanted to make a big deal out of his accomplishment. We went to Stonefire Pizza to celebrate. Basically a glorified Chucky Cheese. Talk about chaos! We got in before the crowd, but there we people waiting in line to get in, then once they were in, waiting in line to get a table. I had been there once before and swore I'd never return, but I won a $25 gift card, so I figured now was the best time to use that up and swear it off once again! Of course the kids had a blast. Callie would go to one area, play there then say, "I'm ready to have some more fun."

Chasing Time, Year in Pictures - 2008

Some of my favorite memories from the past year.

Happy Birthday Gran!

We celebrated my Mom's birthday with a bowling party. I love bowling! When I was growing up we had a bowling alley with in walking distance. I was on a league for many years. Had my initials on my ball and everything. My Mom just recently gave that ball back to me. Of course she still had it. Those were the days of "Walk Like an Egyptian" on the juke box. I only really play about twice a year now, but I still bowled pretty well my first game. Callie beat me the second game. She had high score on our lane! (With a little help from the ball "slide"!)Trent went freestyle with his bowling, a running start for momentum! He does have a little bit of my natural talent. We'll need to cultivate that a little more.

Carol got a video of my Mom sitting on the Birthday Saddle at Texas Road House. Note to self: Get copy. I think she would kill me if I posted it. Sorry!