Same & Different

I have a confession to make. A total, white-trash, nervous laugh, embarrassing confession...

I have Christmas lights up in the kitchen.

They've been there since December and can't bring myself to take them down. It's a single string of simple white lights on a white cord, so they're pretty unobtrusive during the day and blend into the background of the tile. But at night, when it gets dark, I turn off the kitchen lights and turn on this little string of magic and I'm instantly transported to a bizarre sort of state-of-perpetual-relaxation where nothing can penetrate my serenity. That silly little string of lights in the dark makes me sigh and smile softly and release my wrinkled brow (that tends to crop up at some point or another during the children's bedtime routine) while I stand mesmerized and tranquil, even if it only lasts about 10 seconds. It's worth the social faux-pas embarrassment to be able to end my day that way.

I just wanted to share that.


And onto to completely unrelated news.
Some small comparisons of my children and why they are different. Or really the same.

This one LOVES the pool.



So does this one.
Well, don't all kids? By the way, there is nothing cuter than a baby's chubby little tummy sticking out in a swimsuit.



This one LOVES being outside but HATES the grass.



This one couldn't care less about grass, dirt, sand, gravel...as long as he can play ball.



This one LOVES playing with everyone's shoes. Wow, I REALLY need to shave my legs. (Haha! Just kidding! That's Michael's leg. But for those that really know me, you believed that for a second, didn't you?)



Oh, wait, this one loves to play with shoes too! Yes, those are my heels for church. And a stocking footie. (And yes, Michael is appalled with this picture.)



They BOTH love to play and/or eat in this little cupboard that I've left bare in the kitchen exactly for this purpose. Little peas in a pod...


And since this has been a string of totally random, unrelated posts, let's end on something completely different. It's...THE MYSTERY MEAT OF THE DAY!!!!


We went out with friend's this weekend and ordered this dish for everyone to share. It's pretty covered with scallions and a few huge strips of ginger (mmmm...) but would anyone care to guess what kind of meat it is??? I'll give you a hint: it's not chicken, beef or pork. And it was actually quite delicious. OK, those aren't really good hints, but they narrow it down a bit for you.
I would love to hear your guesses, although I don't think anyone would get it. In fact, I'm so confident that I'll give a prize to anyone who guesses right. Let's hear it, any ideas???