Vote.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

We interrupt this blog for a special word from our sponsors.

Borat's impact on the Periodic Table of Elements.

Yeah, you read the headline right. We seem to study over here a lot, with Tyler constantly prompting us with 'quiz me on this, quick!' This week, he's learning the Periodic Table of Elements. Remember how FUN that was back in school? So I walk by the dining room, with Matt on one side of the table and Tyler on the other.
Matt: Aluminum
Tyler: Al
Matt: Gold
Tyler: Au
Matt: Ok, symbols. B.
Tyler hesitates...
Matt: B.
Tyler hesitates...
Matt (with lebanese accent): Hello, my-name-a-_____
Tyler: Boron!

Who knew a simple phrase from such a Godawful movie would help. Then again, we'll take it wherever we can get it. And, a note to all concerned parents reading this: NO we didn't allow him to see the movie. YES his friends have iPods with clips available, as also shown on YouTube. Lovely, isn't it?

Finally: tryouts complete...

Way to go, kid. It's official... he's an A Bantam. I think this is where I give him a speech about how all the long hours and hard work he put in really helped him achieve his goal.... but not now. He's happy, so we're happy. Tonight (finally) everyone rests in peace.

Grand (re) opening!

We've been working on a little project for a couple weeks, specific to our bathroom/closet. Nothing major, just re-work of floors, closet configuration and really riveting things along those lines. It's been a little surprising in that the boys have really been circling, waiting for the project to be complete... checking in and asking when it'll be done. It turns out that despite our efforts to simulate our shower in their bathroom that ours is still far preferred (go figure). We FINALLY get to putting shelving back and tidying things up when I was again reminded of perspective.

I was thinking "Thank GOD this freaking project is done- FINALLY I can get our house back to normal" when Jackson walked in, burst into a huge grin and said "WOW! This looks great. When is the Grand Opening?"

Life's list.

I have talked about this topic with friends and family through the years, often on daydreamy kinds of days. Question being: what is on your life's list? Example: skydiving, visiting Rome, Hawaii, feeding sharks... you get the idea. I have a pretty simple Life list, I think. Not elaborate but a few things that are easier to knock off- others more time/money intensive.

Today was a day for me to knock off something I've been dreading but wanting to do forever: I saw a movie alone. I don't know why, but I have always thought people who go to movies alone must really be lonely and have no friends. Really, who doesn't have someone to go to the movie with?

Well, I figured it out today. What a great experience! I had the day free so I went for it. Afterward, I concluded I am neither lonely or friendless... and I got to see a chick flick I would NEVER see until it hits video (Nights of Rodanthe). I'm going to examine that little list of mine more closely, I really like it so far!

Oh no, you di'unt.

It's Sunday afternoon. I'm relaxing with my family (sort of, as a closet re-work project is underway) and the doorbell rings. The only reason I jog that-a-way is because Jackson's been out to play with friends in the neighborhood. To my disappointment, I'm face to face with an Obama supporter. To be clear, I'm not saying I do or do not support Obama- I just don't want to be face to face with anyone who willfully comes to my front door on a Sunday afternoon to invade me with politics. GO the heck away! I'd be forgiving if this were the first visit. Unfortuantely, it is not. I was accosted a few weeks back by another... after the longest, crappiest day at the office. A political foot-soldier was next door trying to get the neighbors to talk shop. They clearly didn't bite.... and she bee-lined it for me in the driveway, while still in the car. Worse yet, when I said "if you have literature, feel free to leave it but I'm not in a place to talk" she ignored me. I then sent her packing with sharper words. I was ticked. Here's the deal: politics have a time and place. If you want a freakin' vote, use the traditional channels and work the people who have opted into your shinnanegans. DON'T come to my home!!

Kids grow up.

Whether I like it or not, my kids are growing up. Tyler just celebrated his 14th birthday and it's such a shock sometimes just to look at him. Thing is, I do look at him often and see nothing different- nothing that REALLY stands out. Then I took this photo- illustrating where he spent his birthday money. Wow, he has monster hands. I guess there's no going back to squish him small- he's a young man and a good one at that. I'll have to settle into that whole idea some more.

Click it.

I had a lovely exchange with Jackson as he climbed into the car- sketch book in hand. It's something he's been carrying around lately- drawing, sketching and studious with his art supplies.



Conversation:
Me: Hey fella, how was your day?
Him: Awesome.
Me: Really?
Him: Yeah. It was great. I spent time with my pals- we were drawing and stuff. I learned how to draw three new monsters, it rocked.
Me (ready to move the car): Hey fella- are you buckled up?
Him (sighing loudly and sounding disgusted): Ugh. No.
Me: Well, you should buckle so we can get on our way.
Him: (another sigh). Mom, don't you know artists don't NEED to buckle up?

I wanted to mention to him that maybe that's why all the great artists are dead... but I refrained. See, I do have self control.

Venus Flytrap: Follow up

If you're completely lost with the subject of this post, refer to a previous post. If not read on.

Someone fed it salmon. Yes, the fish. The upside? It's really cool to watch it snap up the food and close it in. The downside? It reeks. House fulla boys- I'm sooooo lucky!

Something to appreciate!

When I was young, my mother gave me a Shel Silverstein book as a birthday gift. If I remember it right, it was A light in the Attic. I recall reading (and reading and reading) the book and really digging the quirky kid-poetry. As time repeats itself, it's a hit at our house in yet another generation too. Jackson can't get enough of Ickle Me Pickle Me and Boa Constrictor. Best yet? I found audio tracks on Napster and transferred them to the handy dandy iPod. I'll admit it's true- I'm older, especially when I say things like "my kids like things I liked." But seriously... don't tell anyone I've grown up; they won't believe you anyway!

Food for thought.

Something has been gnawing at me all week and I am completely compelled to take my blog in a serious direction for just a few minutes. I know, it's usually an entertaining kind of place- but bear with me. I hope my message will provoke thought.

My mind keeps wandering this week to one word: perspective. Getting all caught up in the I's, me's and we's of life often leads to loss of perspective- that is, what's really and truly important. It's easy to lose sight, as in: I can't belive this or that happened to me, we are totally incovenienced because of (random reason here), we would be fine (if only xxx didn't happen). What's missing from the conversation and discussion is simple perspective.

I encourage you, to take some time today to think about perspective. Think of:
- The struggles some families have to manage simple tasks. Maybe it's due to health, finances or ailments. Don't judge. Spend the energy celebrating the fact they're together.
- The family who needs help and good thoughts, not 'Oh my, they more than have their hands full.' Offer a hand to a mother or father trying to catch up to their quick kids; chances are they'd do it for you.
- Hope for mothers who are expecting. Think of a healthy mother and baby, not "I hope it's a girl or boy." It's hard enough being pregnant- support good Karma!
- Every child as an equal. Don't judge on abilities, especially while they're young. It is the best way to squash a great person in the making. Every one of them has their own set of tasks and learning set forth by the Big Guy. Be a partner in that journey - not a judge.
- Choices that people make as just that - choices. Every decision we've made to this day makes us who we are. Don't wish it away. Embrace it, own it and take the good stuff forward.

Shift your thinking, even for just one day to see the perspective of others. It's something that'll make you feel good about yourself. I'll close with one of my favorite quotes:

Its the little things that matter, that add up in the end. - Elizabeth Dunphy

Let the games begin.

Tryouts start today.

Ever wish for a fast-forward in time?

I know I do... about this time every year.

Good luck big boys!