1. Leprechaun traps: instead of homework for the past two nights, James has been working on a leprechaun trap. A wayfaring leprechaun found his way into James' classroom and accidentally left behind a shoe. James designed a fake missing shoe using green pipe cleaners. There was a lot of discussion among the older children about what constitutes a proper Leprechaun shoe. Finally, we decided on Jewel's design. The missing shoe would act as bait in the trap. Then we wrapped an empty Capri Sun box in white paper to disguise it as a "Lost & Found" bag. Daddy came up with the clever idea of making a false bottom about half way down inside the box. The false bottom is attached to pipe cleaners which are attached to the lid. When Lenny the Leprechaun jumps in to fetch his shoe, the weight of his body will pull the lid down, trapping him inside. Do you think we'll catch that little guy? I hope so! We could use a pot of gold around here.
2. Tom Sawyer: some neighbors repainted their fence last weekend. The older children went over to help. Over the course of a few hours, lots of neighborhood kids dropped by to lend a hand. Jude stayed the longest. For some reason, he totally got into it. No Tom Sawyer-esque whining, either. He even earned $3 doing it. He was so proud of himself. And he's had paint in his hair all week!
3. Jewel's Musical: Jewel sang in her first musical concert last weekend. She didn't have a speaking part, but she did have a "solo" part with a few other girls. She absolutely loved it up there. A natural performer, Daddy said. Alas, I didn't get to see it. I got hit with a vicious head cold last weekend. I was out flat. I was so sad to miss it! Thankfully, we're able to buy the DVD.
4. Published Article Update: My article about losing Milton will be published in the April issue of Orange Coast Magazine. It will be in the "My Orange County" section. It should be out in a week or so. I will post a link as soon as it's up.
5. Good feedback: My editor over at the Orange County Register sent me an email saying my Facebook article was well received. I hafta admit I was kinda worried about that, so getting good feedback was reassuring. Thanks to everyone for all the congratulatory emails, phone calls and comments. It was surreal (and exciting!) to see my face on the front page!
6. Jon & Kate Plus 8: I saw the promo for their upcoming season finale and I felt worried. The promo seemed to hint that their marriage had hit a rough spot. When I did some research, I became even more worried. I told Matt about it and he said, "Surprise, surprise." We were always concerned by the way Jon & Kate treated each other–even if it was "honest." Still, I'm hoping it's all foul rumor and gossip because I really like their show. I want them to stay together. Especially for their kids.
7. American Idol: I've never really been an AI fan. However, it's Matt's favorite show, so I watch it with him. And maybe it's because I'm on a secular music fast but MAN OH MAN, this year I'm loving it! And I have a favorite. Can that Matt Giraud sing or WHAT? Duuuuude. To quote Randy Jackson, Yo, yo, yo, dawg. You blew it out DA house! LOL. Plus, I think he looks like a brawnier version of Justin Timberlake, don't you? I'm just sayin'! 
Have a fantastic weekend, everybody! Be sure to check out Jen F.'s 7 Quick Takes, too!
