Well, That Was Unexpected

I just … but … I thought you were sleeping, Josephine.

  

She was NOT. A lone crayon was left in her bedroom the other night, and when I went to check on her, I saw that beauty, turned on the lights, and saw she was also sporting a crayon mustache, goatee, and nail polish.

The worst part is, I love it. I think it’s the most interesting design she’s drawn to date. If it were on a piece of paper, I would have framed that baby.

In related news, I welcome all tips for getting crayon out of carpet.

Double Birthday, vol. 3

Saturday was a big day in this house:

DOUBLE BIRTHDAY, 2014-style.

Yes, in case you didn't already know, the girls have the same birthday. Here, let me answer the questions most people ask when they learn this information: Yes, I'm totally serious. No, we didn't plan it. Yes, I'm aware that they are going to hate me when they get a little older.

I was tempted to tweet something cheeky on August 8th to the effect of "Hey, it's August 8th and I'm not in labor. Weird." but thought better of it at the last second. I mean, you just never know, right? No need to tempt fate. Now that August 9th has come and gone, I can officially say that I didn't have a third baby on August 9th. Whew. 

The birthday twins had a smashing day. Just the best.

dancing in her room full of balloons

birthday pancakes have sprinkles and come on a silver platter

Daddy designed and built them a castle playscape and they saw it with walls, swings, and a slide for this first time the morning of their birthday!

Barnes & Noble treats

 

Happy Birthday to my amazing girls! We had so much fun with you, and we hope you look back on this day and think you had a great day, too. We love you more than anything.

Vote YES on the Library Millage Renewal tomorrow, St. Clair County!

ST. CLAIR COUNTY VOTERS! TOMORROW DECIDES THE FATE OF THE LIBRARY SYSTEM!

Yes, the entire library system (11 branches that serve tens of thousands of patrons a year) will cease to exist if this millage renewal does not go through. 

Because the library provides a free service, it relies on tax money to operate. In fact, 80% of its operating costs come from what amounts to (on average) $35 per household. For $35 a year, you can check out unlimited books, CDs, and DVDs; have access to free Internet; and take your children to countless free activities. 

The most important things to know about this millage are:

• It is a RENEWAL, which means there will be no increase in your taxes.
• The renewal is 0.7 mil at the current tax rate, which means a home assessed at $100,000 will pay $35. HOWEVER, as you know, homes in St. Clair County are being assessed WAY below their market value, so if your home is worth more than $100,00, chances are you are still not going to pay more than $35 a year.
• If the library does not receive this millage, they will also not be eligible for state or federal money, which provides an additional 10-15% of their funding. 

St. Clair County Library system is very fiscally responsible compared to other library systems, so you can rest assured that the small amount you pay in taxes goes a long way in the community.

I know a lot of people who would be devastated without the library -- thousands of daily patrons who come to check out books,  job seekers who don't have access to the Internet anywhere else, students who need computers, kids of all ages who need someplace safe to go after school, young children who thrive in the programs that offer education and socialization, and the people whose jobs depend on the library staying open. People keep talking about revitalizing Port Huron and bringing new businesses to St. Clair County. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't open a business somewhere that can't even get their act together enough to provide free library services to their citizens. 

Keep St. Clair County a nice place to live, and vote YES on the millage tomorrow. If you don't know where to vote, you can check HERE. If you want me to call text, email, or facebook message you tomorrow to remind you to vote, leave your name and info and I will be more than happy to!