The Great Minnesota Get Together.

You've got it, the fair. We finally caved and hit the fair; with no less than thousands of other people looking to take advantage of a beautiful late summer Minnesota day.

Our visit was much shorter than usual, as Matt observed within the first 10 minutes "I don't think more than 5% of the people here are aware that there are other people within a foot of them when they (a) stop, (b) make sudden turns or (c) turn around and run into you." That said, we still made a good dent in all things fair, especially food. If I were really on the ball I'd list out: pork chop on a stick, home made lemonade, bull bites, cheese curds (round 1), soda, foot long hot dog smothered with onions, mini donuts, waffle sandwich (which turned out to be two eggo waffles with ice cream wedged inside- amazingly good, I might add), cheese curds (round 2, followed by a stomach ache for Matt later), orange/ice cream float, malts from the dairy building and the BEST: Pina Colada Hawaiian Shaved ice. There were also the token visits to the snake gallery, midway, machinery hill, DNR building, grandstand... you name it, we hoofed it.

The after report goes something like this: we all have fair food hangovers. Pray for us; but mostly for sanity that we don't do this again next year. The 364 days in between quickly erase the memory of aching feet and tummies!

The gap is very..... wide.

Today we bit the bullet and dove head first into all things 'back to school.' It was during our venture today that I realized how very different my kids are. Before I go too much further, I will say this:

- Yes, I realize they are 7 years apart in age.
- Nearly 14 and 7 creates a spread of interest and priorities.

Despite this, I'll admit we really had fun.

On one hand I had my clothes horse. He wanted to go into every dark, smelly, loud store there was. In there, he'd find treasured items that look a lot like what you find at target- but much more expensive. And, the more tears, rips and wear... well, the better! On the other hand, I had my lego horse. Can't wear them to school, can't bring them to school and they certainly won't help a child write and prepare for a test. Nonetheless, they were very important and critical to the back to school list.

So, we split the difference. I anticipated Jackson would have zero interest in shopping, so I did his online a couple weeks back. We visited lego land, hopped him up with goods and went to the dark smelly stores for Tyler.

In the end, we came home with less bags that one would anticipate carrying after dropping the money we did- and I wondered how jeans are so expensive. Then I realized what was really happening. Despite all my hard work and dissertations as a teen of how I would never put MY kid on a budget and never restrict what MY kid could buy, I've become my mother! Lord help us all, I think this means I'm growing up.

Your manicure will show your age.

That is, according to Jackson. While playing in the dirt this weekend he had some majorly wicked nails. Fingernails and toenails. So, naturally, I confirmed they'd need to be cut and cleaned - there's nothing worse than mega-dirty nails on the boy!

Fast forward: as I am snipping away and he says "Ahh. Mom. Come ooooooooon. Now I look like a grown up. You're taking away the part that made me look like a child."

I kept snipping and laughed quite hard (inside). Clean nails = old. Funny.

It's Mah Birtttthhhhhddddaaaaayyy!

You know me and you know I celebrate my birthday. Not a little, more like a lot. Ok, a lot. A lot lot. In fact, I probably fall into the category of the most annoying birthday celebraters ever and I don't apologize for it... not even for a nano second.

The roots of my celebration are historic and as time would have it, this mayhem all started with my mother, who embraced the word 'celebrate.' She did amazing motherly things to bring the special feeling to the occasion. From home made cakes (seriously elaborate) to counting down days to my birthday (we had 12 day countdowns.. that eventually became birthday months), organizing friends for surprises and more - every birthday I had from then forward have been major occasions to celebrate. Why stop now?

So, today is no exception. I have decided to publish a scribe related to my thoughts on birthdays:
- I will celebrate this day until the age of 105, when I anticipate I may no longer wish to celebrate.
- I will parade around like queen for a day. I deserve it and my family puts up with it (for now, anyway).
- I will demand hugs and walks in the park with boys who'd rather not. And, better yet, I will get them because it's my birthday.
- I'll always have a great cake because a great cake IS a birthday.
- I'll always call, hear and share this day with my family because (a) it's the day we were all introduced and (b) a day we should always celebrate our connection.
- I will not, under any circumstance, work on my birthday.

In light of my now published freak-happy-birthday-admittance (assuming you're not writing me into the looney bin), I'll share a couple experiences from today.

SCENE ONE
We were in the car making our way to Tyler's football scrimmages today. We're driving and I prodded Jackson...'Hey, have anything special to say today?' He looked puzzled, then guilty, then curious. Then he started the list:
"Good morning?" - (no)
"Thank you?" - (no- but nice - wonder what that was for?)
"I'm sorry?" - (no- but funny, guilt is good around here apparently!)
"Buenos Dias?" - (no- but good Spanish)
"I didn't mean it." - (no, but what didn't you mean? Nevermind, he says.)
"I love you." - (warmer, and close)
"I really love you?" - (that got him off the hook)
"Happy......"
"Oh, birthday!"

I was entirely entertained at the Pavlov's dog response related to 'do you have anything to say?'

SCENE TWO
We're at Tyler's hockey game this afternoon. As I'm departing, a friend says Happy Birthday!! Another friend mentions it's also her husband's birthday. We exchange pleasantries, birthday wishes and laugh on the way out. Then, on the way to the car I hear Jackson grumble.

Under his breath I hear him say "Birthday stealer."

I guess the Leo in me rubs off on others, too. I might need to amend my scribe to include something like 'it's sort of ok to share a birthay.' I'll consider it. But, until next time I'll just hug my birthday Grinch boy.

Second grade Football

Jackson's in the thick of it - it's football time. Thanks to cousin Bruce, who's playing at Moorhead State in Kentucky- he decided to suit up and hit the deck. At his age, it's straight flag (a disappointment there is no tackling) but he seems to be enjoying the couple of practices they've had so far. I, on the other hand, am also enjoying the practices by listening to the coaches. They are Dads, just like other sports, but it's interesting- we hear a lot from the sidelines. So, I'm sharing my top three favorite lines of the night:

3) Situation: Boys can't run straight from one line to the other. They keep bunching up like fish. Verbal fix: "Let's try not to run like drunken sailors. Pick a spot on the opposing line and run straight to it." This is especially funny to me, as I'm pretty sure Jackson doesn't know what a drunken sailor is.

2)Situation: Boys are getting lined up to run a 'offensive/defensive play.' One of the boys pipes up with "And if there is anyone who gets injured my Mom always has supplies with her. See her over there? She'll fix you up in no time.' Verbal fix: "If you're bleeding it's ok- it's football.' Visual? Many boys with their mouthes agape.

1) Situation: Boys trying to figure out handoffs, what direction, how, but mostly how to get the ball from one set of hands to another. Verbal fix: "Hand off the football like you mean it. Hand it off like a loaf of bread, not a baby!

Bravery, 5 cents!

With summer's end looming just out of reach, we're working to cram as much in as possible yet this summer. Take today, for example. We finally hit Valleyfair. Most days Matt would claim 'allergic to the place' however we were able to con him into joining us for an evening at amusement-jiggle-your-insides-central.

If you know Jackson, you know he's often been the guy dipping his toe into the water instead of running full speed and figuring it out later. As time has progressed, so has his outlook... but he's cautious. BUT tonight we had a massive win. The kid went on EVERY ride we lined up for- including the corkscrew (and HUGE roller coasters, which he LOVED). And, we had an exchange that a person can only have with Jackson.

< - - The scene: we have climbed into our bucket seats on the corkscrew for his first ride ever. He is nervous and can't stop chattering.- - >

J: Mom, is this really safe?
Me: Yes, it has to be or they wouldn't be able to run it.
J: Do people ever fall out?
Me: Not that I know of- and certainly not us. We're all set.
J: Ok.
.... long pause.....
J: Here's the deal. If I fall out of this thing and die, at least you'll be my witness. Let's get this party started!!

And, while all this is happening... Tyler was on the mighty axe using some of super-I'm-an-awesome-Romeo-guy lines:
Tyler to girl seated next to him: Hey, you have really pretty eyes.
Girl (creeped out by the guy sitting next to here): Uh, it's dark out here.
Tyler: Ok. Yeah.

Good times, good times.

Shark week, it's not...

National Geographic it appears to be. I'm feeling like I should open the doors to a big 'ole ark in the back yard! Who can resist this little guy? He still has siblings running around our yard- we couldn't catch them after we found their nest in our front yard under a tree. You'd be pleased to know they were relocated safely(which took a lot if you know my history with rabbits) and tucked in with special words from Jackson this evening to the tune of "Stay right there unless something big comes by- then run suuuuper fast!" Now, a pair of peacocks, anyone?

We have Twins!!

Gotcha with the headline, ay? Take a peek at our new pets/housemates/buddies/marathon training partners/peeps/homeslices.... ah, you get the picture. Now I have to find a way to keep the lid slightly open so they can make a break for it. All the handling and love might just make them faint.

Like father, like son.

Wow, what a striking family resemblence!

Deep thoughts.

Ok, another night and I'm cleaning. Scrubbing toilets- and yes, ultra-amazing fun. Along comes Mr. Sassy, sauntering into the bathroom for yet another riveting dialogue that goes something like:

J: Mama, what ya doing?
Me: Scrubbing the toilet.
J: Hmmm. I see the water is still blue.
Me: Yep- still blue.
J: How many flushes HAS it been? I thought Dad said it'd be blue for like 500 flushes.
Me: Maybe we haven't flushed 500 yet, I'm not sure. Why?
J: Because it shouldn't be blue anymore. We've flushed a whole bunch- I was in here the other day flushing and flushing. And, when I look at it now, it's just not natural.

I think to myself: he's actually right. Then I wondered if anyone else in the whole wide world thinks about toilet water this much.

No worries, he's ALLLLL mine.

I was chatting it up with Jackson tonight when we arrived at the topic of muscles. As in "Hey Mom, have you moved a muscle yet?" as I was summoned to review a lego war taking place (NO WAY!) on our steps. After careful review of why Darth Sidius and Luke Skywalker COULD be in their positions, we went back to muscles. Our dialogue went something like this:

Jackson: "So, you did move a muscle?"
Me: "Yes, I'm here now at the steps. That proves I've moved muscles."
Jackson: "Well, then. How many muscles DO you have?"
Me: "Enough to move."
Jackson: "No, really. How many muscles are in your body?"
Me: "Hmmm. I'm not sure but I could look it up."
Jackson: "Don't worry. Just go to howmanymusclesinyourbody.com. I'm sure they'll know."

Silly me. I knew he was my kid all along.

And, while Rip Van Winkle slept...

His brother was having a BLAST with his pal, Parker tubing on the river. Literally. These little boys are bananas for tubing, having spent serious chunks of time flying around atop the water this past weekend. I heard phrases like "it was so cool, I flew like a skipping stone" and "I did like three face plants- yeah!"

Thursday alone was over 2+ hours of tube time... so I say thank goodness for a patient Uncle Frankie, Auntie Dee and a group of folks who don't get sea sick. 'Cause that'd be really ugly.....

I got my baby back...baby back.. baby back..

So long silence, Ty's home. In one piece but a bit cranky and overtired, but home. We picked his lovely self up Sunday, when they had their last 'tournament' game play. As you can see from the photo, he's MORE THAN HAPPY to stand for a mom photo op.... :-) Since coming home mid-day Saturday, he's not been awake much- basically a couple hours Saturday afternoon and after he woke up at 1 PM yesterday. Maybe I should go to this camp too... then I'd actually have an excuse for my desire to sleeeeeeeeeeep!

Sounds of silence.

With Tyler at hockey camp and Jackson opting to hang with Auntie Dee and Uncle Frank a couple evenings, we actually had something resembling silence. Because it's been a while, I looked up the definition and here's what I got:

1. absence of any sound or noise; stillness.
2. the state or fact of being silent; muteness.
3. absence or omission of mention, comment, or expressed concern: the conspicuous silence of our newspapers on local graft.

Yep it's true, we experienced silence. It's official.... and I don't like it. I'm used to this place hopping, bustling at every moment and hunting down noise from boys I can't identify. But, fear not. I talk enough for 10 people on any given day and I'm confident Matt feels like nothing changed at all.

Hogwartz, here he comes.

Yesterday's events centered on getting Tyler situated for a week of physical hockey fun; he's at Shattuck St. Mary's hockey camp this week. Moving him into the dorms feels so strange... but more strange (I'd bet) was watching full grown adults smuggle a mini fridge in for he and his roomie (hey, we had one and I KNOW they'll be thirsty). To Jackson's sheer delight, he is housed in the traditional dorms on campus- which he refers to as Hogwartz. Indeed, they share striking similarities!

Anyhow, Tyler loves this camp because of it's rigor (although he comes home unbelievably physically exhausted) and diversity. After the first scrimmage last night he learned he has team mates from Florida, Canada and Italy (not a ton of English spoken but as Tyler says "Hockey's universal"). Updates to come throughout the week - either way, we know he'll have a blast.

At any rate, here's a list of my top 5 things to do while he's away:

5) Go through his closet and re-arange the less than stellar space.
4) Let Jackson in Tyler's room. Activities will likely include investigation of all the 'off limits' stuff, watching a movie, jumping on (and then sleeping in) his bed.
3) Try not to text him more than once a day unless texted first.
2) Get rid of t-shirts, socks and underwear that should have been retired MONTHS ago!
1) Miss him like crazy and celebrate the independent young man he's become.

Sweet fear of PJs.

Tyler has a sweetie. He would probably rather die than know I've published anything remotely related to his super-covert-private existence, but since he won't read this I can say whatever I like. A few weeks of magical texting and seeing each other at church.... so, not a total shocker when he asked to hang with her on Friday night at her house. But, new territory for us. We've allowed the group stuff - like movies, hanging at bonfires. So, we plodded to her house- met her Mom, checked the supervision situation, met sisters and Tyler settled in for the evening. The deal was an 11 PM pick up. Following are the texts from the pick up:

(H) 10:55 PM: Heya, I'm in the driveway. See you in a few.
(H) 11:04 PM: Elllllllo?
(H) 11:10 PM: Hey, kid, I'm in the driveway. C'mon out.
(H) 11:18 PM: Hey buddy. It will be reeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaalllllly embarassing if I come to the door in my jammies. But, I'm not afraid to- see you at the door?
11:19 PM Tyler jogs to the car.

Things I've learned from this: Tyler has a good, healthy fear of my PJs and I'm pretty sure I've seen a glimpse into the future.

We are, in fact, alive.

We're just making our way back into life after the most amazing week together at the lake. *sigh*

The most peaceful place on earth.

Let the mindfulness begin.

Happy Independence Day!

Wow, what a weekend. We managed to eventually make it to the water and had a SERIOUS blast with Auntie Dee & Uncle Frank, Auntie Mae and our pals, the Sampson's. We ate, watched fireworks, played on the water endlessly and it's safe to say everyone's officially wiped after the weekend. As we enjoyed ourselves, my thoughts turned to those who made our country what it is today and continue to defend in these hard times. Husbands, Fathers, Mothers and Daughters. Members of our family, yours and others we all know. How appreciative are we for your hard work, sacrifice and dedication; we celebrate you!

I'm also grateful for a safe weekend and that of our family. There was an unfortunate accident not too far away- on the water. The police vigil and activity on the water haunts me... especially thinking a family headed to the river to enjoy a holiday on the water will now mourn the loss of a mother, who was found after a day long search this morning.

So, I say this: celebrate those who protect us from afar and your family who is near, each and every day. And, please do pray for a family who will need extra strength in the coming weeks.

From the top of the world.

I see this a couple times a week from my office and realized the other day that I should try a picture.... Jackson's always wondering what it looks like from 'up there.' Then I think: just wait until the Foshay is done with it's transformation to the new fancy-pantsy W hotel. I totally wonder why people will pay for a hotel room with peeps like us having a view down and in. Swanky? Yeah. Private? No way!

Survivor? Prolly not.

Looks like a guy from survivor, talks like a guy who may have seen a 3 second clip at sometime in his life of survior and walks like a guy.... well, who needs water shoes. And, if you look close- it's really fruit by the foot wrapped around his head. Good times, good times.

Seven... and hostaged by a Storm Trooper.

In celebrating Jackson's birthday last week, we took a surprise field trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota- who is featuring the traveling Star Wars exhibit. Needless to say, Jackson's been eyeing this opportunity up for close to 4 months and initially hearing about it. So, we started out early with Auntie Dee and Jackson's pal, Parker in hand. BOY, did we see a LOT of Star Wars. A LOT. Between the iMax, the exhibits on robots, real artifacts from Star Wars and pod racers the boys went bananas - literally. We closed the day down after many many hours.... then went home to recover! Some photos of our adventure:

Our baby is 7!

Wow, where does the time go? Just seven short years ago we added our baby to the family. In so many ways it seems like just yesterday- and in others it seems like he's always been here with us. Either way, Happy Birthday to Jackson. Our shooting star, gremlin in the cookie jar, curious, courageous, patient, spritely boy. Our lives would be so, so dull without you. You help us see the world in ways we'd never have thought otherwise- and that includes form under tables, the tops of bleachers and everywhere in between. Happy birthday, baby!

And, we're off!

In anticipation of the day ahead, this photo says it all. Summer is here, squarely plopped into our laps - now if only the weather will hold. Today's festivities include:
(1) Karate
(3) Baseball games (tournament time, baby!)
(2) Lacrosse games

I look forward to recapping the day. Who knows if we'll still be upright!

What really happens at baseball.

Matt coaches:


















Tyler catches:

















Jackson celebrates:












Bring on summertime!

The charmed life of a little brother.

What else do you do at a baseball tournament?

Houston... we have graduates!

Wow, where do you start a post like this? All I can say is that time goes way, way too fast. I am proud of my niece and nephew today- they're graduates! OMGosh! It seems like just yesterday they were running around in diapers (and yes wow.. you know you're getting OLD WHEN...). Anyway, these are two great young adults with their lives stretched out in front of them; most definitely bright shining stars. Determined, driven, smart, contagious and amazing. Congrats on making it through high school and we can't wait to see you begin your next chapter in College this fall!!

When the helper becomes helpless...

I have nothing more to say than this:

When the helper continually runs off with tools, a father will solve the situation in any way possible. Oh, and be especially careful if your Dad is building shelves.

Prayers for Oliver and his Mommy, Ellen today.

Our friend Ellen delivered baby Oliver today, a bit premature. His story can be found on their blog, The Beaudry Beat. Ellen had a tough time with this little fella and he's here... but a little early. It sounds like he needs a few days to get underway on his own. In the meantime, it sure wouldn't hurt to send good thoughts and prayers his way.

We're thinking of you Ellen, Terry & Boys!!

Marriage and babies.

Crazy topic for a Thursday dinner at the local pizza joint. Jackson was on a roll, all started by a photo on the wall of the ORIGINAL Pino's Pizza Italian family. It looks like Grandma/Grandpa WAYYYYY back when in Italy, in a beautiful gown and suit.

Jackson announces: I'm never getting married.
Tyler asks: Why not?
Jackson: Because I don't want to have babies.
Tyler: Boys don't have babies.
Jackson: Mom- is that true? Only moms have babies?
Me: Yes.
Jackson: Why?
Me: Let's get back to getting married (wicked glance at Tyler to shut down the pending where-do-babies-come-from conversation)- you don't have to get married and have kids now.... but why not in the future?
Tyler: Yeah, you don't have to have kids when you're married.
Jackson: There's no way I'm changing diapers, for one. And, I'd have to spend all my money getting them toys and stuff - which would leave me no money for my own toys. It totally wouldn't work.

So we went back to eating pizza in silence wondering how a 6 year old thought that far ahead in life. Man, we're in trouble...

Warning: Locker Cleaning hazardous to your health.

Spring time: check.
Almost end of year: check.
Time to spring clean the school: check.
Time for an Emergency room injury related to cleaning your locker: check.

????

Yeah, today was visit the local ER after incuring an injury while cleaning his locker. Somehow Tyler had a run in with a dumpster (ok, there was a kid pushing on the other end) that has him in mega pain, in an immobilizing splint and on heavy ice/pain medicine tonight. No baseball here! Good news is: he'll live.

But... a warning to all of you who are about to embark on cleaning:
Stay clear of lockers and dumpsters. They can be hazardous to your health. ;-P

Grampy goes to baseball

Grampy made it out to a baseball game last night, even in spite of the windy weather. Tyler's game was in North Branch (yeah- no kidding) so we jingled Grampy and said HIT THE ROAD! :-) It was hard to get a smile out of Tyler, who lost the game by just one run... but nonetheless it was great to get out, visit with Grandpa and take in some spring air.

Garage Salers Gone Wild

Every year our community has a massive city-wide garage sale event. It is the event to eclipse all others- with bargain hunters bussed in from Wisconsin and all over the state. This year, there were over 700 'listed' sales in the directory (yes, they actually publish a directory that is available the night before for the hard core gotta-find-this-perfect-thing salers). If you think Bingo night is tough - that pales in comparison to the thrift-level in this town on a single day. Cute little old ladies will knock you over and eat you for lunch.... unless, (we found this year) you're with my Dad. They love him!!

In the midst of this, we have tradition. This is my annual date with my Dad. A day not for the faint of heart- but for the lion (and lioness) of salers- thrifty as all get out and snapping up deals. The day starts at Caribou or Starbucks for a Dad coffee, then we get underway... saling until we make our traditional stop at Hot Dog house #1 (they have a massive tent and grill dogs for sale- perfect idea!). Denise joined in the craze this year and we found a ton of things we didn't know we needed when we woke up that morning, including: barstools, hunting gear, cedar planters for the deck (Matt wasn't thrilled but hey, he didn't have to build them!), endless toys that multiply at night when left alone, and more. The big deal? Dad made us promise NOT TO LET HIM BUY ANY MORE FISHING POLES. From the photo you can see how well that went over.... :-)

The value of a dollar....

Just ain't what it used to be. Jackson recently took the liberty to draw us a schematic of tasks he'd like to perform, in exchange for money. Allowance type of stuff - only it's apparently been updated for the new generation of workers. I think his detailed depiction says it all- we're in trouble!!

Mind candy.

Some favorite quotes:

“There's no half-singing in the shower, you're either a rock star or an opera diva.”

"You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.”

"Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you may lose."

"Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude."

"Take care to not be so busy watching out what's just ahead that you don't take time to enjoy where you are."

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write and every conversation you speak."

"Life's disappointments are harder to take when you don't know any swear words."

HT

Houston- we have a white belt!

Jackson is new at Karate, but loving it. As a result he hit a milestone tonight- he got his first belt, a white belt. If you're as clueless as we are, I can only say it's a big deal and he was really serious about it as you'll see in the video where they 'tested him out.'

I am still getting used to the idea of a warm indoor climate activity for any of my kids but I do really appreciate what they're teaching. Discipline and respect.... and an outlet for kids who really want to whack something (what kid doesn't?). I mostly appreciate their motto, which is "Might for Right." It means, use your might only at the most appropriate times (in the studio). Although they really preach this, I'm going to go now....to remove the new bullseye on Tyler. I sense paybacks are coming.

Evidence. Plain and simple.

The discovery happened early this morning as Matt was hunting for deodorant. Anyone who has a teenage boy in the house right about now knows that where you put something it absolutely does not stay. Seriously.

Matt has a spot in our bathroom cabinet all carved out for his personal items, including deodorant. Unfortunately his was just *missing.* So, on goes the hunt - into the boys' bathroom. Imagine the surprise when Matt opened the linen cabinet to find an unusual trifecta of offerings: a bottle of shampoo (check), a stick of deodorant (check), and a fork nestled neatly on a stack of clean wash cloths(whah?). Yeah, a fork.

When the perpetrator was questioned, he initially denied all knowledge of the tool in question. Upon further pressing ('I can always take the cell phone'....) he simply had this to say "Sometimes I get hungry when I take a bath."

I never cease to be amazed around this joint.

Boys and their grammy.

The weather finally broke and we saw some sunshine... without snow and we collected Grandma for a visit. While here, she was on the run- to a hockey game, out to dinner, to a tea house visit, to a movie, out to dinner again, shopping and more. We ran, ran, ran and Grandma loved every bit of it. Tyler gave Grandma one of his jerseys and she promptly requested he sign it. He did, and then told her to hang on to it, because it'll be worth money someday. :-) Anyhow, these pictures were too cute not to post this morning- they tell it all!

Things that make a day better.

There are certain things in life that just make a day better. I dedicate today's message to my top 10:

10. Funny, yet meaningful email messages from my family and friends.
9. Finding my kids snuggling in bed *together* in the morning.
8. Finding money in the pocket of anything.
8. Taking difficult photos that actually turn out.
6. A great hair day. And I do mean GREAT.
5. Voice messages from my husband.
4. An unloaded/reloaded dishwasher.
3. Flowers. Anytime, anywhere. Flowers.
2. Pet rocks (yes, I'm a mother of boys).
1. Randomly listening to a voicemail I saved of Tyler.... before his voice changed and miscellaneous messages Jackson has left over time. My favorite? "Mommy, it's me. your son, Jackson. I really like your pink shirt. Loveyoubye!"

Anyway, in tribute of things tha tmake me happy, I'll post something that my sister in law recently dug out of the archives... it MADE MY DAY! It's so hard to believe it's almost 6 full years ago!

Hiiiii-yah!

Jackson has a budding interest in none other than K-A-R-A-T-E! Hiiiii-yah! He took his first class last night and fell immediately in love. Brace yourself for more obnoxious mommy photos of a kid in a uniform- it's seriously so cute!! er.... handsome, I mean. Boy mommies can't say cute, according to my kids.

Wanted: a good mommy with a memory.

Booyah. What a day.

At our house we have jobs. Matt's jobs include cars, insurance (house/stuff), house fixes, etc. On the flip side, my jobs include insurance (medical/dental), the right dishwasher soap, clothes that fit the kids- well, you get the idea. One of my most important (and often most challenging) jobs is keeping track of what happens around this joint. It's sometimes really hard to keep up with - especially when Tyler was in hockey season and Jackson had events... it was a lot of flying around by the seat of our pants.

So, imagine my shame, surprise and flabbergasted self today. I'm in a meeting at work at 9 AM and it's Matt's day to drop at school. I see my phone ring 2, then 3 times. Then my cell phone starts to buzz... and I look to see it's Matt calling. I answer, worried something's wrong.. and am greeted with:

"Hey babe. The next time Jackson has a day off, can you let me know before I take him to school?"

Bad mommy. I hope when I lay to rest this evening my brain wanders back my way- into my head. I really need it!

Cardiac. Point Blank.

I found this while surfing online tonight. Cardiac material, seriously.
..........................................

LOS ANGELES (TICKER) —Brett Favre could be having second thoughts about retirement.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, the former Green Bay Packers quarterback, who announced his retirement last month, is contemplating a comeback with another team.

Citing NFL sources, the Times reported Thursday that Favre has been quietly talking with teams about their interest in trading for the three-time NFL Most Valuable Player.

On March 4, Favre, who played with the Packers for 16 seasons, announced his retirement during an emotional press conference at Lambeau Field.

However, Favre, 38, has yet to give written notice of his retirement to the league or players’ union.

Favre’s agent, James “Bus” Cook, told the Times he was not aware of his client’s possible interest in resuming his career.

“That’s news to me,” Cook said. “I don’t think it has anything to do with anything. He’s retired, period, point blank.”

During his press conference, Favre denied he retired because the Packers did not make a more aggressive attempt to sign wide receiver Randy Moss.

However, Favre’s decision came one day after the New England Patriots re-signed Moss to a three-year contract worth $27 million.

Spring break's affect

Tyler is on spring break this week. This means chill, relaxation and limited motivation in the mornings- which we're fine with. Every kid should be able to relax when the opportunity arises.

Yesterday, however, was the pinnacle of Tyler reaching a new platform of chill. Here's the deal: he calls Matt and this is literally the conversation:

[Important note: it's 1:30 PM]

Phone rings.
Matt: Hello?
Tyler: Hey.
Matt: Did you just wake up?
Tyler: Yeah. Can you bring home some food?
Matt: Umm... I won't be home for another hour or hour and a half. Why don't you make something?
Tyler: We don't have anything I can make in less than 1/2 an hour.
Matt: *perplexed- we have lots of groceries* I think we've got a lot of food around.
Tyler: Yeah, but I don't want to make it.
Matt: Ok- but what's the real deal?
Tyler: I don't want to get out of bed.

Amazing, simply amazing. And, like I said- a whole new level of chill. When does school get back in session again?