I have a portrait of my nieces' and nephew's feet hanging in the studio from a couple years back. I adore it — three pairs of toes all squished together in black and white.  I have tried many times to get that shot with my own kids' toes, and it just never happens (because that would require three children to lay on the floor in close proximity and just sit there).  WAY too much to ask, I know. 
Well, my sister in law helped me on my latest attempt, and it just might be a keeper! Thank goodness for Photoshop.

The initial "He is touching me", "she's in my way," as they get settled:

Moving all over the place:

"Scootch up" means lift your legs to a two year old:

And, finally, tame toes:

I rolled my eyes in disbelief when we were all hanging out at my sister's house with the cousins playing.  My niece told a whopper of a lie, and my sister called her over to discuss by saying, "Let me see your forehead."  Instant tears by the offender, followed by an instant apology, possibly the quickest Q&A session I've ever witnessed.

Little did I know, Kaylie had her children convinced that a red dot appears on their foreheads when they are lying (visible only to parents, not kids).  And they believe her. The crazy thing is that it works! Well, after a weekend of watching their cousins get busted by that mysterious red dot, my kiddos were 100% convinced that they too had glowing red dots on their heads while telling a lie — kind of like a modern Pinnochio tale.  

I absolutely hate hearing (and having my kids hear) other people's versions of how Santa brings presents, or how the tooth fairy delivers in their households. It leads to too many questions and comparisons, and I want my kids to be innocent and believing forever.  But this one was too good to pass up. 

My children now are very aware of the red dot factor.  I know when they are lying, not because of a dot or my excellent mom-intuition, but because they cover their heads when making their case (see E-Man, below).  I know when the truth is being told because my boys will stand proud and let me look directly at their heads, even moving hair aside to make a point.

It's been over a year now using the red dot method, and it's definitely been a bonus in our household.  I love those quick and easy verdicts!  Court is quickly adjourned for the day, Judge Mommy stepping off the bench. 

There is a new king coming to reign at my parents house.  He is a 1.5 pound puppy chihuahua.  My parents came to town for a quick weekend visit with the kids.  I, however, had ulterior motives.  The pet store we frequent had two litters of chihuahuas that were gorgeous.  Well, by Saturday at noon (after minimal arm-twisting) this little dog hit the jackpot and had new owners.

A year and a half ago, my parents dealt with the loss of Ernie the chihuahua and were devastated.  Ernie started out as my sister's dog back in college, and weaseled his way into my mom's house where he was treated like royalty.  Ernie slept in a drawer under the couch for most of his 12 years, and had a permanent spot on her lap.

This new little puppy is going to be great for them! My dad is retired and will love the canine companionship, and my mom missed having a little friend around the house.  The puppy is tiny enough to travel, and so incredibly mellow.  And any creature that survives 48 hours in my household deserves kudos!

We spent hours brainstorming names for the dog, which is dangerous around crazy E-Man, whose suggestions run from Armpit Head to Steve Urkel to Luke Skywalker.  Big B acted as secretary, writing down the possibilities and commenting on all of them.  My husband walked in, tossed ONE name out, and that was the end of the story.  Meet Bo. For my Sooner friends, the choice might not be so obvious, but Husker fans will know the man who inspired the name:

We apologize, Mr. Pelini, for naming a dog in your honor. It was meant with love, I promise.

And more photos of the Bo:

What a fun and exciting weekend! I'm so happy for this new addition to the family, and can't wait for the next visit.