A is for Alligator Bowling

Well, I've been a horrible blogger lately. Updates about the kids have been sparse. So, here's a quick update.

Lila and I came down with bad colds. The kind of colds that aren't quite the flu, but, make you think you may just die even so. It got me thinking, a little bit, about flu season and whether I'll give my kids the flu shots. Jury's out. What are you all doing?

The sugar-free challenge is over. I did the beginner version for the kids (no refined sugar, no white four) and a more moderate version for myself (no natural sweeteners either). We cut out refined sugar so long ago, that we don't really miss out. I thought I would crave chocolate or wine or something, mostly because I wasn't supposed to have it. But, I didn't. Which, I'm happy about. I was, however, hoping more of my Meniere's symptoms would disappear. Unlike some people in the challenge, who noticed that many of their chronic illness symptoms disappeared, mine did not. Shocking that cutting out refined sugar and white flour could help some people feel so much better, so quickly...

Admittedly, we broke the challenge a day early. I had been cooped up and sick all week and couldn't come up with another grain-free/limited recipe. So, my friend Amy and I went shopping and out to eat (read: I finally bathed and stopped blowing my nose every five seconds). Matt and her husband bought pizza and gave the kids Coke. Yup. The nasty drink with HFCS. Matt was long asleep before his daughters last night. Need I say more?

My neighbor and I took our girls bowling today. Lila was scared to death. She wouldn't tell me why, specifically. But, she sat in a chair and watched for a while. Then, finally, got up the courage to run around. She would not, however, bowl.

Olivia's interest in bowling waned after about three frames. I was a little disappointed. I love to bowl and was hoping Olivia would have a little more interest in the game. But, she did have fun, despite her short attention span. Sometimes she had the alligator (see top picture) help her out and sometimes she threw the ball down the lane (between her legs) and sometimes, she threw the ball into a lane not operating.

I have finished painting the kitchen, dining room, living room, entrance and hallway. Finally! We are the slowest painters ever! If it were not for the help of my neighbor, it wouldn't have gotten done. I just, pretty much, throw paint all over the walls and make a mess. She came behind me and fixed the mess. Eventually, I'll move to the bedrooms...

Fall is rapidly coming to a close here (so it seems). I was not prepared for this cooler weather. Fall is my favorite season but, so far, in all my travels, Vermont Fall, hands down, has the prettiest Fall and I miss it dearly every year. The search is now on for winter coats, hats and gloves. I do not like cold, wet weather and am not really looking forward to winter. However, I'm sure the kids will love it. Their joy will rub off on me...I hope.