GUH-LEN!!!

This week at church, I started remembering all the things that dad and I would do that would often get a dirty look or a pinch from mom...

Many of you that know my madre will appreciate the title of this blog (except her maybe, love you mom!)...however, no, she did not yell this in church - although sometimes I'm sure she did in her head.

One of dad's favorite things to do was to sit next to me and find stray hairs (that were clearly still attached, but he claimed to be unsure) and he would gently tug at them...he'd continue to tug until I definitely felt it by an annoying pain followed by a crazy itch.  He'd find it hilarious.  He'd cause me to fidget in the pew occasionally try to give him a charlie horse in his quad and then I'd be the one to get in trouble by mom.  Once things settled down a bit, he'd repeat.  Ugh, dad.

One of my favorite thing about church was signing the hymns next to dad...he'd often sing the soprano (or attempt) and I'd do my best to sing the bass.  Then, often, while we would be singing opposites, we'd try to act out the hymn, I don't recall exactly, but there was one about leaning on Jesus - so as you can imagine dad and I would be standing acting out this song.  It was priceless when mom would join in.  Sometimes I think she was more embarrassed of us - but I blame her for having us sit in the FRONT of the church =)  Hey at least we all enjoyed the service, right?

Our whole family (when I was younger, but probably through middle school) would play the line game.  There were drawing pads (for little kids, but hey, we were kids at heart) that we'd each take turns drawing one line - then we'd pass it down the pew to the next person.  You'd have an idea of what the picture would become but leave it up to the other three family members to really mess it up.  This may sound like it would have been a distraction, but oddly enough, when I'm doodling or drawing I'm actually able to pay attention much better, instead of my mind wandering off - so this was a great game to keep us entertained and focused.  Dang brother and mother were much better artists and always had the fancy lines...

Thanks mom, for trying to keep us on our best behavior - who knows what we woulda done without you pinching us and keeping us in order.  I like to think we'd never get carried away, but that may be questionable.  Thanks dad, for always pestering me causing trouble with me.  I love you both!