Happy 14th Birthday to The Oldest

Wow, 14. That is definitely into the teen years, and it shows. I am so very proud of the young man into which you are growing. You are kind hearted and loud, easy to smile and talented. Just thinking about you makes me smile. You will always be my beautiful boy, and I want nothing more than you know how very much you are loved.

From your pre-freckle days when you actually loved dill pickles:

To this year's school photo, freckles, braces, and shaving your face:

Happy Birthday Kiddo! Yes, I know that you are significantly taller than me now.

Monday Morning Thanksgiving Weekend Wrap Up

Yep, this was Thanksgiving in the US. Yep, we celebrated. Yep, The Boys had the whole week off of school. No, they did not finish their homework before arriving at my house on Wednesday afternoon after spending a week at the ex'. Oh and I only had Thursday off of work, though to be fair the rest of the week was really slow, allowing me to get in on some training I'd been meaning to do.

Thursday
Thanksgiving at my Sister's. I had green salad and pumpkin pie to bring. Totally loved waking up late morning, not having to prep a massive meal and clean. I need to thank her again for hosting. Corky was at one of her sister's homes too, and I missed being able to spend the day with her. The Boys were sort of bored because The Nephews were on phones and xbox all day playing what The Youngest didn't want to play.

Friday
Wanted to decorate for Christmas, but The Boys still had homework before Monday, so it was Homework Friday, instead of Black Friday (though they would argue that it's the same thing). The Youngest made blueberry scones for breakfast which were delicious.

The rest of the day and evening was spent fighting over homework and rehearsal. I nearly lost my voice at one point. Corky chose not to spend the night, and I missed her.

Saturday
All homework was finished, we had breakfast, cleaned house and decorated! This is the first holiday season in this house, so we had to decide where everything was going, including the tree. Figured it all out and I think it looks good. Afternoon and evening were spent making ugly Christmas sweater cookies pictured below:

We watched It's Christmas Charlie Brown and The Birdcage, and just enjoyed each other and a nice fire.

Sunday
Slept in for a bit and had a nice relaxing breakfast before more trombone rehearsal. Eventually we worked our way to My Folks' to celebrate The Oldest's birthday (which happens tomorrow). Snacks, and chicken spaghetti, salad, Swiss chard, and Mary bread for dinner. chocolate cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting and Mexican Train Dominoes after dinner. When we went around the table, we all pointed out why we adore The Oldest, and I made it 2/3 of the way through before tears started spilling down my cheeks. I cry at every single one of these. Every one. I am always so touched by the outpouring of love within our family that I can't help but cry. Corky went home after The Boys showered and I already miss having her here.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up

A nice long and really HOT weekend. Over 100 degrees at home for days and days, no end in sight.

Thursday
Found out in the morning that my Mom is going for surgery on Monday (with a cancellation of the surgeon's). Took the afternoon off of work, picked up Corky and headed out of town to San Francisco to celebrate the occasion of a year together. Checked into the Palace hotel and relaxed for a little while. Went to the Pied Piper for drinks, and then to Source for dinner. dinner was disappointing. The food is what I see as a new trend. Vegetarian and Vegan meals made for a carnivore's palate. Most meals feature soy based meat-like products and their all vegetable dish was just so-so. Corky's was OK for  her, but featured a spice that made me a bit gaggy. We left feeling bloated and a bit ill and walked it off for a couple of miles back to the hotel. During the walk, Corky had poop (hopefully dog) splashed onto her pant leg, which was pointed out near a CVS. We bought tissues and hand sanitizer, cleaned her off and continued. It was brisk and I ended up chilled when we got back. After all of that, we chose to just retire to bed, lest additional crappy things happen.

Friday
Our acctual anniversary of our first date. Slept in a bit and headed to the Ferry Building for brunch. It was already 70+ degrees. Had quiche and coffee and a cinnamon roll, all of which were delicious. The quiche was especially amazing. Walked around the building and the street fair and attempted to catch a streetcar headed to the wharf. Two completely jammed cars went by us and we decided to try a taxi. None were near or stopping, all were full already. We and two other people, who were so nice decided to try a water taxi. for $30, they would take all 4 of us to the wharf. OK, so a bit more than the $2 per person for the streetcar, but it was on the water, and not like sardines, sweating in a hot car... We boarded with a cute little family of three, toddler included, and cast off. With the temperature hovering near 85, on the water was the perfect place to be. The ride took about 15 minutes, but he idled us around pier 39's famous sea lions, and Forbes Island, as well as up close to the seaward side of the SS Jeramiah O'Brien and the USS Pampanito. We disembarked closer to the Maritime Museum, and walked the wharf, stopping at the Musée Mécanique, and Pier 39 where I had my ear cartilage re-pierced. Yes it hurts just as much this time as it did the last, making me wonder if I should have just done a different spot... Walked back to the car as it had now cooled to about 75 degrees. Headed back to our side of the bay and stopped at Treasure Island to see the view and find the Doggie Diner heads. Stopped for dinner at our favorite place ever, Mangia Mi. Dinner and dessert were fabulous as always, and despite the 95 degree heat, it was a pleasant evening.

Saturday
The final dual swim meet before championships, and The Boys swam well, beating times in about half of their races. It was over 100 degrees and backstroke suffered as a result of being at the end of the meet. The team did win though, and finished the season undefeated. That was a great result, and now we only have champs next week. We came home, showered and changed and headed to Sis' house for her boyfriend's 50th birthday party. It was fun, and I enjoy his family. Mom was subdued, as expected while thinking of her surgery. My Sister's BF is a really great guy and deserves all the happiness he has brought to Sis and Nephews. We then went to the pool for the annual swim team "sleep" over. Set up our tent and I sat to visit with one of my classmates from 5th grade. I met two other families, one with a husband from Ireland, and the other couple from Scotland. It was great, and they are both so very nice. We sat up drinking and talking, and I finally got The Youngest to go to sleep at midnight, with a warning to The Oldest to not cause any trouble (he didn't). But I awoke with a start at 4:30 to find no trace of The Oldest in the tent. I walked to the other side of the pool grounds to find all of the 15-18's and the managers sitting around visiting, and my 13 year old completely amped up on Coca-cola. One of the young men got him to go to bed by telling him that he wasn't old enough to stay up all night. He groused all the way back to the tent where he fell asleep in under 2 minutes.

Sunday
Woke up at 7:15 a little bleary eyed, packed up and headed home. Went to check on BFF's mom and animals, but her mom decided to stay the weekend, so I have no responsibilities there, which had I known, I would have been slower to get home. Went home and crashed for 5 hours while The Boys vegged out in the heat. When I woke up, Corky was here, we talked and she went home to her air conditioning. We ended up having Frozen Yogurt instead of dinner, because it's hot, we're all tired, and none of us wanted to cook. Early to bed to face tomorrow and the rest of the week, come what may. See tomorrow for photos of the weekend.

Have a pleasant week all!

Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up

I spent the weekend doing many things, hopefully I can remember it all:

Friday
Worked and ran a ton of errands with Corky, including a car wash and a trip to Costco. Worked more when we got home after picking up The Boys. Found out they did not go to swim practice on either day that they were with the ex, making me wonder if I should just pick them up and take them on his mornings. It is worth considering, as they are now acutely aware of not being the fastest swimmers, and expressing interest in improving their times.

Saturday
Second swim meet of the season and The Boys did well. The Oldest DQ'd Fly, but he probably swam faster. After that, we fought our way through traffic going to the county fair and dropped off The Youngest at a party with his friends. The Oldest and I fought back through traffic and picked up birthday presents for my dad and nephew. Had just enough time to shower, pick up Corky and then The Youngest before stopping at home to drop off cupcakes and pick up X-Box stuff and head to my folks' for a birthday dinner for three generations, My Dad, My Nephew and Me! All of our birthdays are during the same week, so we always do a combined dinner and celebration. We kept with the tradition of going around the table and saying what we love and appreciate about the birthday person. Because there are three of us, it is especially emotional. This year a few things struck me: My Sister voiced what I've been thinking for a while - that we are the only people with so many shared memories, and we know each other better than anyone else knows us. My Mom saying that I never cease to surprise her. My Nephew saying that he trusts me to always be there for him, and My Nephew (the other one), saying that he knows how hard it is to be a single mom, and he thinks I've done a great job raising The Boys into fine young men. Corky expressed her love of my kindness and broke down a bit. My Dad saying that I am envied by many for my qualities, including love, and honesty, and wishing he possessed some of those qualities. I love my family, as crazy as we might be at times, we do absolutely love one another.

Sunday
Slept way in after taking cough medicine, since my throat was killing me all of Saturday. Once I cleared all the mucus from my ENT, I found that my throat does not hurt any more (YAY!), and I felt well rested. I got dressed and whacked weeds in the front yard for three hours during the hottest part of the day, drank a ton of water, and got The Boys to help with the yard work and clean their rooms. I took a shower, and felt less like passing out from heat exhaustion. Got The Youngest to open the ibuprofen and drank more water. Corky came over and dinner was Casper dogs for the boys, and cole slaw. It was perfectly cool and light for the hellishly hot day. It didn't cool down until after 9pm.

It was also PRIDE weekend and the Parade in SF which I would have loved to have gone to, but The Boys are not quite old enough. The Oldest is, but The Youngest isn't I felt a little left out of it all, and ended up watching the parade on TV later.

More cough syrup, and it's time for my head to hit the pillow. I hope you all have a great week!

Tableau Tuesday

Still haven't replaced  my camera (waiting on the insurance check), so these are all from the phone, and some have been through in phone or instagram editing. All shot this weekend, during The Youngest's Birthday celebrations:

Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up - There was a Birthday involved

Busy weekend, full of activity

Friday
The Youngest arrived at 7:30a having barfed twice already. He spent the first 20 minutes barfing and dry heaving. I called him in sick at school, and set him up on the couch where he spent the day dozing on and off, sipping water and nibbling on toast. By the time he went to bed he was still a bit tired, but feeling better. I worked all day, and fielded questions from my friends on whether the birthday party would still happen. I held off on that call to see how he did in the morning. Also, had my BFF go behind my back to invite one of The Oldest's friends to her house on a night she was supposed to be here with The Boys and the bff's son - now that I'm pissed off about this and the last interaction with her son, I'm saying bff instead of BFF. She could have said she didn't want her son here, or whatever, but I think it was a play to get closer to the other mom and dad. whatev.

Saturday
The Youngest completely recovered and we got ready for the epic Nerf War of 2014. Twelve kids, 24+ Nerf guns, 300 Nerf darts and 4 hours in the park. The Boys organized the whole thing, the weather cooperated at 73 degrees, and I supplied food, drinks and darts. Corky came to help at the beginning before work, and another friend stopped by, monopolizing our time, and annoying us a bit. Corky left in a mood from that and from feeling left out when the parents came to drop their kids off. I still need to be thoughtful when dealing with acquaintances who have all met her, but I didn't include her in the conversations... The kids had a blast. They didn't want to stop to eat, have cake or open presents, which kind of pissed off The Birthday Boy. We stopped to spend the gift cards on the way home on.... Nerf. At home, I cleaned the garage / man cave and made room for stacking boxes that I have and will be packing. I left The Boys at home and went to a girls night out to celebrate my dear friend who recently moved, and into whose house we will be moving. That was fun - just to be out again. Corky and I have been staying in to save $$ for Disneyland and the move. Home and early bed time for me.

Sunday
Slept in and felt really good. Wished The Youngest Happy Birthday via The Beatles, had chocolate bread pudding for breakfast, and got to work on the backyard with The Boys. We picked up all of the leaves, trimmed the roses, and took down the trellis. Felt really great to sweat a little and get something done while the weather is good. I was thinking of packing, but can do that even in rain later this week. We needed to clean up the yard. The Boys were a huge help, and it makes me glad that they are getting older. I only opened one gash on my calve, and we found our best working situation, which was me not using the clippers, but the lopper, while one kid help open the bag and the other picked up what I was cutting. Got a shower, took some ibuprofen and headed out to spend more of the gift cards with The Youngest. He ended up buying a gift for his brother, who was so happy about it. Corky came over and we headed to my folks' for family birthday dinner. There was another Nerf war with the cousins, which ended with The Oldest in tears (just like every year). There was Mexican Train Dominoes, and laughter, and a go around the table with each of us saying what we love about The Youngest while he sat and giggled. I love that kid.

Happy 13th Birthday to The Oldest

My first baby is now a teenager. I look forward to seeing how he develops into a man.
A look at then & now in the kitchen:

Happy Birthday!

Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up

I need to write. It helps me cope with life and make sense out of the crud floating around in my head.

The week was hectic. I ended up needing to take a night off - I'd been out every night, and just wanted to chill, so Corky and I took Thursday off and stayed home. She made me dinner, because she is really good at taking care of me.

Friday
The Youngest was dropped off early, and I had just jumped out of the shower, came downstairs wrapped in a towel, and the ex insisted on having a discussion about how he didn't want The Oldest playing in the pep band at the High School football game because of missing assignments at school. Great start to the day... I had a meeting at the school district office, and taught art in the afternoon. Tiring, but doable. Of course, the ex had to call in the middle of my teaching so that he could tell me that The Oldest now COULD play in the band because the missing assignment was scored a 9 of 10. I sent a text to The Oldest to have him bring his instrument home. I walked in the door after school, and The Oldest wasn't even here yet. The ex called again to say there was another missing assignment and The Oldest was not to play in the band tonight. I said I'd find out what was going on. He called back later to yell at The Oldest, and then argue with me about pep band. I love how I get so much shit when he thinks I may not back up his discipline, but the week of no screen time goes completely unheeded at his house... Put me in a right fucking shit mood for the duration. It is this last minute back and forth bullshit that has always pissed me off, now more than ever. Corky came over, and I am just under so much stress that I burst into tears.
5th grade camp funds due Monday / Pay for the barking complaint / Lawyer fees / CPA fees / Pay for LA band trip / new catalytic converter for my car. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, and that my blood pressure is astronomical...

Saturday
Started by reminding The Oldest that he lost all screen time until he has a week free of missing, late and incomplete assignments. Got him doing homework, after a heated argument about organizational skills, wherein he maintained he was stupid, and I maintained that he is brilliant. Breakfast and homework over for him, and the battle about homework with The Youngest ensued. I worked with him to figure out the dates when he did his work (it took about 10 minutes), and he was finished. The ex stopped by to drop off the 5th grade camp paperwork after his adamant declaration that he could and would pay the balance due Monday. Evidently, he will not be doing that, so I get to pay the full balance. He also turned in the chaperon paperwork late, and may not get to be one. This will be another disappointment for The Youngest. He is at that tipping point between every disappointment causing him great upset, and the knowledge of who he cannot depend upon. The Oldest went through this at about the same age, and it hurts me to watch. All I can do is talk to him and help him figure out how to deal with it. Laundry and more homework. Dog baths and flea meds all around. I decided to read a book today. It was the perfect distraction in an otherwise overwhelming time of my life. More laundry. Made dinner. Realized laundry isn't dry. grrr. Read more. Finished the book. Wasn't surprised by the major plot twist. Bummed me out a bit that it was that predictable. Decided I need to shoot more photos. Realized I'm shooting a wedding next week, which will likely cost me more than I am charging, because they are friends... oh well. Also, Maria is packing for her vacation to Hawaii, and I realized I'm going to miss her - probably just as much as she will miss me. Thinking about how incredible it is that someone can become so important in your life, and that her being here for me is important, in ways no one else has been able to be. So very important. Also, the boys say she's a keeper. I agree.

Sunday
Awoke to a text reminding me to write a weekly parent e-mail. Got my butt up and moving, finished the email, did more laundry, had some coffee, and got The Boys and myself ready. Dropped The Boys at my folks' and headed to Maria's. We took off for her sister's house to celebrate her 50th birthday. This is the first I've had the opportunity to meet her family. Two sisters, their husbands, a niece and her husband and nephew and his girlfriend. They live kind of in a country setting which is really nice and lots of land around them. It felt really warm and welcoming and nice and open. Also got to meet her dad, and a couple of his friends and neighbors. It was a very nice day, and they had lots of pictures of my dearest throughout her life, which were fun to look at. Her niece was very sweet, announcing during the cutting of the cake that she likes me and wanted to get that out there. I'm hoping I made a decent impression on them, because I was really pretty nervous on the way out there. I did find out on the way home that one of Corky's ex' is asking around about what people close to her think of me... Not sure how to take that. Oh, and ended up picking up the boys after dinner, which was expected by me, but not Corky who thought she could somehow leave in the middle of her own party. I was worried I'd catch hell from my folks, but they were actually pretty cool about it. I find it interesting that they still have not asked anything about Corky, or anything. Kind of nice to not be under the previous level of scrutiny, but I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop...

I hope you all have a fun week!

 

Reflections on 46 years

Lately I have been an emotional mess. Crying for the past couple of weeks at nearly everything. Doma and Prop 8 rulings from SCOTUS left me with happy tears. Wendy Davis standing up for Women's rights and bodies had me sheding tears of sisterhood. The ex and those shenanigans had me crying in frustration. The big cry fest however was on The Nephew's 14th birthday. This is one of my favorite people in all of the world. He is a kind, loving, funny kid. A great preacher - destined for theology, or leading a cult.

What my family began on Mother's Day was to go around the table and say something nice about the guest(s) of honor. There were tears then, but more were to flow when My Folks, Sis with BF and kids, My Aunt and The Boys and I got together to celebrate three generations of birthdays - The Nephew, Myself and My Dad. I love my family, truly. To hear what they all had to say about all of us was touching. To speak about two people I adore and love was lovely, but to hear everyone saying such beautiful and heartfelt things about me was humbling. It is often difficult for me to be in the limelight, and even less comfortable to accept let alone hear compliments about myself. I had tears streaming down my face for DAYS. It is one thing to have periferal people in your life tell you that you did something good, or even great, or inspiring. But to have your family, the people who have known you the longest and the best, the people who have seen you through everything tell you that they are inspired, you are admired, and they are proud is overwhelming. I spent a great deal of my life trying to impress my family and make them happy. I lived for a very long time in that. I changed. I went for self fullfilment, and you know what? They are all incredibly great with that. They love me, for who I am, for what I do to be me every day of my life.

And now the difficult part - I need to tell them who I really am. I feel like they already know - At least most of them do. For me, I need to be able to say that I am Bisexual. I am attracted to all genders. Or maybe I am really Pansexual, but I think an easier discussion to digest would be bisexual. Sis knows, her BF knows, My kids know (have all along). The generation above me - My Parents, and Aunts either know and haven't said, or do not know. This scares me, even though I know they will still love me. It may be horribly difficult for them to understand, and may take a really long time. Not sure when or where the revelation will come, but I know I need it to - soon.

I went to SF PRIDE yesterday and as much as I adore the family atmosphere, I realize that PRIDE is a youthful sport. The parade itself was over 5 hours long. I was nearly crushed against a barricade. I am sunburnt. However, I was able to actually go with a friend, which hasn't happened in probably a decade. This is one of my new friends, met through a meetup of Lesbian women. We have similar tastes in what we like to look at, so that was pretty fun.

Here's to another 46 revolutions around the sun!

Happy Birthday Pumpkin Pie!

 Today marks the 10th Birthday of The Youngest. This kid has weathered alot over the last year, and it has taken a toll on his happiness. He is still my natural born diplomat, and can still make me laugh with a look or just a word. I am constantly surprised by his intellect and thoughtfulness. He is a rough and tumble boy of boys, an everyboy. Underneath that rough exterior and often thorny attitude is the heart of a little boy, yearning to be understood and loved.

I do love him, with all of my heart and soul. He knows it too. I can only hope to make the next ten years as enjoyable and full as the first tn have been.

Another trip around the sun

My birthday was at the beginning of the month. I have been in a funk of late, feeling cavalierly dismissed from people's lives. trying to keep my shit together for The Boys and finding that more and more is slipping through the cracks in favor of a life lived in my head. I deserve better than that, as do The Boys. People IRL often ask how I am doing. What do I answer? "fine, surviving, as best as can be expected." What I really feel and think is of little consequence, though I know they are all concerned. I don't want to be a pity project, and I am lonely. I want a person in my life, a partner, butI know I am not ready. I do not want casual encounters. I am too far along in my life's journey for such folly. It would only bring me greater emotional pain that I do not want or need.

Music Monday Weekend wrap up

This was a VERY busy weekend - but then again, when is it not a busy weekend? That would be never.
Before the weekend even started, I'd driven on a field trip and grocery shopped on Wednesday, had lunch with a dear friend, took the school staff holiday photo, went to therapy and yoga, and made cake pops on Thursday.

Friday was The Oldest's 11th Birthday, and in true fashion asked for a Happy Hour Play Date as a party. Earlier that day, I worked in the classroom and led Destination Imagination Instant Challenges after school. So we had 5 of his friends over, a couple of their siblings, and all of their moms. The kids played and ran around and had fun, and the moms sat around, visited and drank. The party started at 4:00, and ended past 10:00. I had too much to drink and slept like the dead...

Saturday- we had to be at a Destination Imagination Instant Challenge Day at 8:45, and I felt pretty rough around the edges. We came home and had lunch, and I had a hair appointment that I thought would be from 2:30 - 3:30, but instead ended up being from 3:00 - 4:30. I had a couple of friends pick up The Boys and meet me at the salon and we all went to the nearby Christmas Parade. We then rode around looking at light displays, and discovered many were not yet up.We were out until about 8:30 and The Boys were obnoxious and fighting the entire time.

Sunday morning The Boys had a bowling birthday party to attend, and I did some Christmas shopping during that time, and stocked up on supplies to make my traditional Christmas gifts - Irish Cream, Hot Cocoa mix and fudge. I also did all of the laundry and figured out WHY the breaker to the house was tripping. I made dinner and cleaned up afterward.

And now for some NSFW Christmas tunes:


Happy Monday all - and here's to a slower paced week - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Another Trip Around The Sun

Here it is again - another birthday. Today is a roller coaster of life, and I am still here to enjoy it.

The famous people with whom I share a birthday:

Debbie Harry

Fred Schneider
 

Shirley Hemphill

Charles Laughton

Olivia de Havilland

Twyla Tharp

Diana, Princess of Wales

For myself, and for all of us, a little birthday music:

Tableau Tuesday 3/15/2011

Hi all! I took tons of photos over the last week, though I missed a seriously awesome opportunity :-(

This is what my week was like - though you will see more on Friday, during MTSO.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Most of these were during my darling Youngest's Birthday Party on Friday Night.

Music Monday - Happy Birthday to The Dude

This is The Dude's Birthday, aka Ron Pedro Day. The reason being that we have always spent the days surrounding the Fourth of July (and our Birthdays) at Lake Don Pedro. The Dude usually makes everyone wait until Midnight and wish him Happy Birthday from 12:00 AM until 11:59 PM.
An Image from one of the years - maybe last year?

This year however we changed weeks as to avoid the crazy drunken people that usually are around for the Fourth.
And because this is also Music Monday, I am including a few of The Dude's long standing favorites, and a new found group.
A favorite from childhood:


A favorite from his teen years:


From our 20's:


From Our 30's:


And the newest interest:


These are some of the soundtrack of his life, and some are the soundtrack of our life together, and The Boy's childhood. My childhood soundtrack was different than this, but it made me realize that all of us have songs we carry in our heads and hearts throughout our lives. I may explore that theme further in the coming weeks.

Happy Monday all!

J9

How I spent my 43rd Birthday

July First marked my 43rd trip around the sun. And yes, I know the picture to the right is misleading. I do still look quite a bit like it - still have curly har, and now have many more freckles than 38 years ago. I don't think I would go back and tell my five-year-old self what to expect as she gets older. I want her to be just as surprised and full of awe and wonder as she can.
I most especially wouldn't tell her how heartbreaking it is to lose someone you love. How difficult it is to let go, and how painful it is to stand at an open grave on your birthday and say your final good-bye while people sing Happy Birthday to the one person in your family who shares your special day.
Some images from My Birthday:
Members of the Color Guard, preparing to present the flag:

What's left of Uncle Paul:

The view is very nice though:

The Youngest is 7 years old today

And I made 3 types of rice krispie treats for his class. We will be dining on Casper's Hot Dogs, and he will open presents - he's such a cool kid, and I am very proud of him!

More slice of life with boys

So, this weekend brought more boy drama that really makes me just sigh and kind of laugh (now that it's Thursday).
We bought an iPod nano for The Oldest as a Birthday present (although the shuffle is still missing - hello Carol, could you help me out here?)

The thing is, it has video capability, which he really loves, but makes Christmas tough for me because he'd already asked Santa for an actual video camera. So he had it for less than 8 hours and wanted to show me a video he'd taken. When he started the video though, he covered the screen and said he didn't want me to see that part. I asked why and The Youngest volunteered that it was video of his penis. Yes, you read that right. The Oldest video taped The Youngest's penis. great. I took the ipod, handed it to their father (The Dude), and told him to explain to The Boys why this was inappropriate. Instead, he grounded them to seperate rooms and was so angry he couldn't talk to them all day. After about an hour, I talked to them seperately and together, and had to ask what they were thinking. The already know it is not ok to ask to see anyone's private area, or show anyone their own. Yet, somehow doing both and taping it slipped through that filter. So now that's cleared up, and the ipod is taken away, has been wiped clean, reset to factory settings, and I removed the video camera option from the menu. And now I'm considering talking to Santa about allowing the video camera at Christmas.

Also this weekend? The Youngest called The Oldest "Fucker" and got a bar of soap in his mouth for 30 seconds. While that was a great deterent for The Oldest a while ago, I'm not sure that will work for The Youungest, but we'll see.

Tuesday Morning Weekend Wrap Up

Picking up from my last post. Saturday we went to a Christmas party while Sis watched The Boys. I lost my Bunco virginity, and it was pretty fun, but high stress because men play bunco differently than women do. There were mostly men at the party, and I didn't get to an all women table until the last table, and I could like it, if that's how relaxing it really is. The men just roll, roll, roll as fast as humanly possible, while the women chat and visit and roll between words. There was also a white elephant gift exchange that I had to leave during because I'd lost track of time, and needed to pick up The Boys. Ended up visiting with Sis, and didn't get home until midnight. The Boys went right to sleep, but I stayed up until about 1:30 finishing cleaning and putting away laundry. I was going to just get up early Sunday, but I'm glad I got it out of the way, given my history with waking up early ;-)
Then 4:30 in the morning happened. The Dog came into our room, and his stomach was making the most horrid and LOUD sounds - We could actually hear it when he was in the living room, and our door was shut. The Dude thought that The Dog was chasing some animal in our room, that The Cat had caught. But The Cat was asleep, and we soon discovered that it was a stomach thing. The Dude went out to the livingroom to sit with The Dog for about 45 minutes, until the sounds mostly subsided, but we were all a little freaked out. I did some Reiki on The Dog, and we all went back to sleep for a few hours.
We were up at 7:30 getting ready for The Oldest's Birthday Brunch with family. Had to get my egg dish in the oven, and The Dude had to pick up a box of coffee. The Party was a success, the food was perfect, and The Oldest felt just as special as his day! Following brunch, we all headed to watch The Oldest perform in a Christmas play which was just as funny, and cute as it had been on Friday! Everyone enjoyed themselves, and we had the rest of the day to ourselves. For me it meant bringing The Oldest back for the closing show, and The Dude and The Youngest stayed home.

Busy Times, busy times

The entire time leading up to Christmas in our family is completely crazy. So no My Town Shoot Out for this week, but the theme is My Favorite Things, and had this going through my head all week:


My laugh for today is courtesy of Granny on the Web.

Yesterday I worked in The Boys' classroom. The 2nd and 3rd graders worked on ceramic projects, which is one of my favorite parts of teaching art. It was also the book fair at the school, and I brought boiling water so that the class could sell hot chocolate. Ended up buying a couple of books for each boy, hot chocolate, a couple of cupcakes, and a pencil sharpener.
Last night was the final dress rehearsal and opening night for the Christmas Play that The Oldest is in. It went very well, and was really funny and cute. The Youngest nearly fell out of his chair on a few occassions, laughing. Spent most of today doing laundry, cleaning and preparing for the family birthday party brunch Sunday morning, and then we are all going to watch the play. Tonight, we are headed to the Christmas party of a friend, and The Boys are headed to Sis' for a few hours.