Final installment: train jokes.

Ok, so final installment (at least for a while) on the train track jokes. Here's what 3 1/2 years, countless orthodontic visits, avoidance of food you love, contstant nagging to wear rubber bands and a little work gets ya... and worth it all, without doubt.

Train track retirement...

Coming soon. Tyler's are coming off this week! In memoriam, here are a couple dueling train track photos.... I'm just sayin' that's a lotta silver.

Holland.

In this past year, we've met amazing people on our journey with Jackson. Smart people; people who dedicate their lives to helping kids grow and meet their potential. I've spent the morning thinking of them, as I stuff small bags of goodies for the holiday for each 'special person' who works with Jackson (wow, there are a ton!). I am doing so, thinking it's a very small token of appreciation for the countless hours they're spending with my kiddo and how very thankful we are this holiday season that they are part of our lives.

A few weeks back, someone sent me a link with a story that a mother wrote about her child after learning they had a disability. It keeps popping up in my mind and I am so compelled to post it because it couldn't be more true; and, each of these people are serving as tour guides on the side streets of Holland. In the spirit of the holidays with all the sharing and giving, I share with you: Holland.

............................
"I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this…

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!" you say. "What do you mean, Holland?" I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy.

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to some horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy a new guidebook. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

The pain of that will never, ever, go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland."

Written by Emily Perl Kingsley

'Nuther train comin' through!

A peanut sat on a railroad track,

Waiting for some butter.

Along came the train at 9:15...

WOOT, peanut butter.

Say an extra prayer.

There's a kiddo out there who really needs them today and in the months to come.

A High School hockey team mate of Tyler's was hit illegally from behind during a routine game last night; leaving him to go head first at high speed into the boards. It broke his back.

He is thankfully not paralyzed but will be on a long road to recovery; currently slotted at 6-8 months from today. Still in the hospital today, he awaits a custom cast for his body to be safe to leave the hospital.

Please say a prayer for Christian. He will need hope and uplifting to keep a positive outlook during his healing. And, do include his family; while thankful he is going to be ok, they're going to need as much hope, patience and strength as he.

Use discretion, girl!

Note to self: it's possible your husband may leave his phone at a restaurant with that 'funny' banner you added on it... to the tune of 'My wife kicks @ss'. Even better, you may have to identify that same phone with the restaurant manager to prove it's yours, with your very words. Note taken... leave the phone alone?

Signs romance may be fading... but not dead.

Each December my company throws an awesome get-together for spouses and the gang. With this comes a small pang of (WOOOT!) from me... 'cause if you know me, you know I love sparkly and pretty things. These are, admittedly, things I can't necessarily pull out through the year and LORD KNOWS in a houseful of men I'm often more sweatshirts and jeans than swank and swagger.

So I get out shopping and find a killer shirt with some swingy black pants and (how handy!) I have a silver wrap in the closet. I'm thinking 'this girl's gonna look great to-night!' Finally I'm dressed. I spent extra time on my hair (it rocked), found the perfect nail polish (totally rocked) and I've got my black sequined shirt (100% tasteful black sequins, I might add) and swingy pants on. And? OMG! I have sparkly shoes in the closet, too.

Fast forward: I head downstairs. Jackson's eyes bug out and he says 'Have fun getting married tonight! You look pretty! Then comes Matt's homerun: "Wow, you look like a fishing lure... all sparkly and stuff."

Fading romance? Maybe. But he won it back when he held my hand during the party and whispered I was pretty... and I know he meant it. One hall pass for a Mr. Matt Tuneberg, coming right up!

I blinked, then I had this.

HS hockey boy... we're proud!

Motley Crew.

Thanksgiving was awesome - tons of food and a great gaggle of family. Here's a photo of the Motely Crew.... kinda nice if you're asking me.

Kiddies.

Cold day? Check.
Thanksgiving hockey tournament? Check.
Happy boys? Check, check.



I caught this photo after the tournament... Jackson was trying to console Tyler because he lost 'his own (Woodbury sponsored) tournament' and took second place. Looks like his plan was working just fine.

Communication.

I'll admit it. We're not seasoned teenage parents. We fancy ourselves 'learners in action' not even close to getting it all figured out. That said, we seem to bump our heads repeatedly on the whole 'get out of bed and get to the car in the morning on time' thing. It doesn't seem hard, since we (as adults) have it figured out... but Tyler's another story.

So, I'm sure people in other states heard the laugh I let out when I found this on the table next to Tyler's homework. Matt placed it while he was working the night before as a gentle reminder of the 'or else.' Not bad, all the talking doesn't seem to get us anywhere, so.... maybe paper will?

Thankful.

As Thanksgiving creeps in, I continue to be thinking of what I should be thankful for. Today, I'm thankful for the English paper Tyler recently wrote on the topic of 'write about a hero in your life.' This was an awesome read, so I'll share it with you. As you read this, know that when I read this my heart was overflowing with pride. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
.....................................

My Brother

My hero is my brother Jackson, who teaches me constantly. He is my hero because he is eight and very brave and strong.

He is brave because he works really hard to make the most of every day, which is hard with autism. That does not stop him. He enjoys the same things I do and just can’t wait to grow up and be a “big boy.” He is very funny, comical and enjoyable to be with in many different ways. Like when I babysit him, I cannot say ‘babysit’. Instead, he makes me say I’m ‘watching him’ because it sounds better and there's really no sitting involved. Sometimes this is really funny and he laughs with me.

My hero is strong because he has a lot of opinions (on every topic) and he is very vocal in expressing his opinions, even if it makes him really unpopular. He knows what he stands for, which I can always learn from.

He really wants to be part of my life, so badly. He looks up to me and can’t wait to be a huge part of everything I do. He honestly cares and he shows it more than he says it. I’m lucky to have that with him, such an amazing person. He shows me solid character traits like patience, sensitivity and humor. These make me realize how great he is, he is only eight years old and he is wise well beyond his years.

He is my hero because he makes me want to be the best I can be.

Replay: Congrats!

Tyler had a choice this year, because of his age, in hockey. He could play one more year of Bantams or move up to High School. What he could not do (of course) is play on both teams.

After much debate about what to do and where to go, Tyler tried out for the High School team... and made it. So, our hockey journey switches once again ... go Royals!

5 Days of Thanksgiving

Today I did a bunch of thinking. Thinking that I should give thanks for the things I have, rather than focusing on what I'd like to change in the world. When you stop to think about it, we spend a good deal of time thinking of what we'd like to change. Simple things, like change hair color or shoes. Complex things, like change life's little obstacles and the world to rotate more our way. So, today I'm issuing a challenge. I challenge you to give thanks for the next 5 days. Do it by yourself or out loud. Most of all, use the next 5 days to really examine your life and the little things you should be thankful for... I bet there are surprises in every corner waiting to be seen.

So, I'll start. Today I am thankful for my father's health. After a long battle with a heart that's had a mind of it's own, he is resting at home comfortably with a rhythm that is scarcely sweeter than the sigh of a baby. Thank you St. Jude for the new pacemaker.

Math at it's finest.

Who said the super-spendy calculator required for Algebra, Geometry and Calc was no good? Tyler was recently doing homework and called me over to check a problem. As I see it, it looks like the calculator was worth every penny.

Expectations.

When we had kids we signed up for all sorts of things. We signed up for less sleep, sharing our plate, supporting the sick in the middle of the night and making vegetables dance and sing. This I knew and quickly accepted.

What I didn't know is that our home would at times, be altered to be a dangerous obstacle course with inquiring, curious minds behind the wheel. Exhibit A is the photo listed below. Who knew that our steps could support a mutli-dimensional game of Monopoly? To ready others in the universe preparign for kids, I think I'd add a little special print in the back of the 'What to Expect when You're Expecting' book that reads something like... 'New parental requirements':
- Agility
- Good eyesight
- Ability to navigate stairs without feet
- A good sense of humor.. and doctor. Your obstacle course maker could be hazardous to your health.

Lost and found...

Lost: A boy, around the age of 8 very bummed from a tough day of school.

Found: A boy, around the age of 8 who has completely forgotten the day's previous events, compliments of being buried in the leaves. Life is good.

Yes Day.

Today we have an 8 year old imposing 'Yes Day'.... when asked for a definition, he tips his head to the side and says "That's simple. Everything I ask for today, you say yes. Got it?"

Idioms or Idiots?

We've been spending a fair amount of time recently working out what idioms mean. Most folks use them with regularity and really, without a thought. For those who aren't well-versed, you'll be familiar if I share a few samples:

A dime a dozen, sick as a dog, spitting image, the straw that broke the camel's back, you are what you eat, piece of cake, add fuel to the fire, a chip on your shoulder... well, you get the idea.

Interstingly, Jackson is a pretty literal kid (thank you Asperger's) and, in my humble opinion, he is also the best person to be around when idioms are used - he really makes you think:

- Why do we call something simple a piece of cake? For real? Is that just the 8 1/2 x 11 cake pan cake or a wedding cake? Because a wedding cake is not simple.

- Or why do we say someone is as sick as a dog? Whose dog was that sick that they got the phrase for keeps? And, did the dog get better?

- Slap on the wrist. Whose parents hit them? Don't they know that's not good?

- A fool and his money are soon parted. Didn't their parents know not to give him money, then? He probably needs help with it!


So, huh. We use these words all the time without hesitation because we heard them growing up and inherently came to know them. On the other hand, a good analysis prompts the very reasonable quesion: idioms or idiots?!

How quickly we forget.

We enjoyed a long MEA break in Iowa visiting my Mom, sister and Auntie/Uncle last weekend. It was unusual, in that Tyler had a 3 day break from hockey so we were able to bust free.

We packed our bags, charged iPods and Nintendos and got in the car. The first leg was from here to "out of the cities." It was the next leg I was unprepared for; apparently Matt and Tyler had a plan for Tyler to drive a good distance in the middle of Minnesota and Iowa. When the time came, I found myself grudgingly giving up the wheel wondering if it was a good idea. After all, he's a new(er) driver and all four family members (precious cargo, man!) were in the car. We were also on a freeway with other unpredictable drivers. But, I was ousted and found myself a seat in the middle of the car. Tyler took the helm and Matt took the front seat.

I think it was about 10 minutes into the driving experience that my mind was allowed to wander (I think it was a self preservation mode to avoid a nervous breakdown), wondering what my parents must have felt when I started to drive. Were they as nervous as we are? Did they trust me on the highway? When did they stop having heart palpitations when I was driving around? I'm so glad they gave me the freedom, but seriously, it feels so different to be on the other side of the equation!

I will say Tyler did very well, although there are a few things I quickly realized I'd forgotten in time:
1) New drivers jerk the wheel. As evidenced by the repeated mini-whiplashes (um, I mean lane changes). Fear not, this can be fixed over time!
2) New drivers cannot multi-task. This is a BIG one. No talking, no radio, turn off the cell phone (if it buzzes it demands attention).
3) No loud noise in the car. This cracks me up, actually. We start demanding no noise in the car.. I wish I could still do that today!!
4) No sudden movements in the car. Enough said.
5) Definitely no tailgating the new driver. They hate it and it makes them very agitated.
6) Semi trucks are scary. Enough said.
7) Two semi trucks at the same time are even worse.
8) White knuckles and sweaty palms seem par for the course... but get better with time.

I know in time, I'll look back and laugh. So, can I fast forward to that day yet?!

Tryout #1 Complete.

Bantam tryouts are complete; Tyler made Bantam A. Congrats, kid!

That said, I wish he were done.... he's one of those weird birthday kids who has 'club' eligibility this year AND can try out for the High School team (because he's a Sophomore... I guess more specifically, probably THE youngest Sophomore). One set of tryouts is fine, two is harried. So, today we're relieved for a result... and dealing with one more round to go in about a month.

In the meantime, let the games begin! The calendar is PACKED with practices and games.... :-)

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary (yesterday). We celebrate another year of being together, being the glue for one another and this family, as a whole. It seems funny when anniversaries roll around- they're definitely cause for celebration (thinking of that in this day and age!), but it also seems like such a strange concept because time goes so quickly between them. Especially when you pull out old wedding photos that look like they do. Wow, we were babies.

But, babies no more. Between us, we've faced great situations and heartbreakers. Triumphs, tribulations and everything in between. We laugh, we cry and work on patience. And, we have grown together in a way that we can never be taken apart.
In the middle of it all, we still laugh... and that will be what gets us to our twilight years, strolling hand in hand.

A tribute to hockey Tryouts...

We're half way through the first round of tryouts (Bantam) with just two sessions left to hear about the team. This video seems MOST fitting and let's face it- the kid is freaking cute.

Yeah- I get it. You're 'busy.'

I read something today that got me thinking. It was an article from the paper written from the perspective of a (childless) person who clearly didn't understand life with kids. This person wrote, in detail, of a frustration that people with kids basically use them as an 'excuse' for ignoring phone calls of former friends/co-workers/classmates/travel friends who were once front and center. This person went on to say there's no way people with kids can be THAT busy. Despite my disgust, I read the whole thing. And then I thought one thing: I feel sorry for such a short-sided person.

I have friends who are married with kids. Married without kids. Married/divorced with kids. Married/divorced without kids. Friends who never intend to marry (or have kids) and friends who never married who do have kids. And I think I'm pleased as punch to have a group of people who understand life happens. It just does.

Kids do change the mix with one absolute: you never know what's happening next. And, those of us who have them accept just that - we fly by the seat of our pants because that's all you can do with developing young humans who get sick, get sad, get happy, get grounded, get recognized for great accomplishments and get our attention first because that's our commitment.

SO, short-sided-person who actually got your letter published... I wish you perspective. One day you may wake up (maybe after marrying and having children of your own) and wish you could take back those words. If you have a true friend - they'll be out there waiting for you, whether it's been 5 minutes or 5 years.

Holy smokes.

15 years ago today we held a not-so tiny baby in our arms. He was nearly 10 pounds, rolly polly and so mild tempered. He peed on both of us with in the first day and ate with the vigor of a starving kid. He grew and he grew and he grew - now standing ~6 feet tall, in fact. And, today, on his 15th birthday he started the day at the DMV applying for his Driver's Permit, which was granted with a score over 90%. This is exciting, nerve-wracking and wonderful. To celebrate, I'm buying hair color to cover the new greys that I anticipate will sprout as we learn the ropes together. Happy Birthday Ty!

It's a new school year....

And it feels pretty good! 10th grade and 3rd grade... time flies when we're having fun!

Um, yeah. It's the end of August?

I woke up today and summer is slipping away. The days are slightly shorter, the air is crisp in the evenings. The wind that comes up bears the smell of autumn in the morning. But it seems like it's too soon. It seems like we were just awarded green grass and permission to enjoy prized warm summer evenings.

Other key indicators that change is in the air:
- My birthday week is complete. It was awesome and my boys and family went above and beyond expectation... thank you all!!
- Tyler's birthday is next. And, since he's completed Driver's Ed, that only means a permit is in the making. Sweet Moses....
- It's back to school shopping time. Enough said. It's worse than Christmas shopping to me.
- Nobody's clothes fit. I swear the children grow like vegetables- much faster with sun and water.
- Everyone needs a hair cut. Again, my vegetable theory holds.
- Bikes look smaller... and I know I didn't put THEM through the dryer.
- The hockey clinics schedule is out, indicating tryouts are around the corner again
- We have two school schedules and 'meet the teacher' nights on the calendar
- Last, but not least, the State Fair is in town as of Thursday.

So, my ode to summer is simple: I refuse to let you go. We'll will play more and put off what can wait until tomorrow. And, speaking of playing, check out a few photos from the tubing extravaganza on the river last week (compliments of Auntie Dee!). In short, pretty wicked or 'sick', as Tyler would say. And, for the record 'sick' means good; but seriously, don't even ask....

.

Alternative bathing?

A kid went to jump on a trampoline.... then got some tear free soap.... then jumped and jumped and jumped. When his mama found him, he was soaped to the gills with a great big smile on his face. So he was happy, happy and we (of course) got the video camera.

A picture tells a thousand words!

I've been kind of a bad updater. So, until I can write a proper update, live our life with us in photos! Just a few for today....


Hudson Days.. tilt-a-hurl 6 straight rides!


Jackson w/Autie Dee @ the St. Paul Marina


Hockey camp reunion (what happens when the boys are seperated for a week)


Jackson w/Gramma Penny


Jackson w/Auntie Aim (and behind the camera: me having a heart attack)


Tweedle dee and Tweedle doo


Okposo jersey @ Shattuck... and he carved his name into one of the beds (naughty!)


Happy Jackson



Teenage vacationer

Maybe it's time to go back to school.

A special note from Jackson:

Life is Good!!

I hid out on our recent trip to the lake. It was fabulous.

And he's off.

We spent today dropping Tyler off at his annual hockey camp- Shattuck St. Mary's in Fairbo. This is his third year attending a week that I'd consider off the charts grueling... and something he continually looks forward to. Who knew daily assault on one's body would be attractive? :-)

So, with all the car time I was reflecting on the day and realized that we must be growing up, together. I referred to a post, outlining in grueling detail the first year Tyler attended this camp. Oh the drama. Moving in, dorms, food, stuff.

Today I can describe our events with one word (for real!): simple. As we packed, there were no nerves, just "yes, bring it" or "no thanks, no need" or "yes, I absolutely need icy hot." Calm, collected and willing to prepare for a week of battle with his strength. He knew what he needed and made quick decisions as we packed. Impressive, I thought.

I also thought tonight how amazing it is that we bring these teeny people into the world, *blink* and see them as young adults. I was even texted on the way home tonight "Thanks for coming and helping me today." Good kid, *sigh* I should have stopped there... but true to my thinking, I went further (maybe too much drive time, I don't know!). As I sifted through thoughts of how he's grown, where he's going and what he's doing I quickly realized that while packing for camp has been mastered it's not the end of the road. In three short years, he'll be eligible to be packed up for college. All I can say to that is *WOW*. WOW WOW WOW.

So, reeling me back from thought was a list presented by Jackson(Letterman style) of things he'd like to do while Tyler's away for the week:
5) Jump on Tyler's bed. He can't stop me, no matter what!
4) Go to MOA and play at Lego Land. And without Ty (whoo hoo!) I don't have to go into the dark smelly store, either (Hollister/Abercrombie).
3) Eat in Tyler's room. He does it, so... so can I. But I will bring my dishes downstairs so they don't smell as bad as when Tyler eats in there. (thanks, Jackson!)
2) Sleep in Tyler's bed each night. He can't kick me out. (seeing a theme here...?)
1) Visit Tyler. When can we go see him play hockey again? I think I miss him already.

Speaking of Momma....

Here's mine. I love this recent photo of her!

Drama!

I try to be patient and depending on who you ask, I do an ok job at it. I've learned over time that patience comes in peaks and valleys with the ages of my children. New baby to three, a lot of patience. Three to six, not so much. Six to twelve, some. Twelve on up, a lot of patience. Who knew teenagers could be so happy and frustrated within a 60 second timeframe?

Fast forward to a recent car ride with Tyler. The night isn't going well, he's agitated and I'm (as usual) talking-talking-talking (in retrospect, probably not very helpful). Talking about what's going on, what we need to do. Talking mostly about events he signed up for that (apparently) seem to be taking over his life in an invasive-feeling way. I tried to share my limited wisdom, with ideas like: "You don't have to do this again. You only have to finish what you start" and "It's all going to even out- it's just a really busy week."

And, within a moment I was placed on drama alert. It happened so quickly I almost missed it... while I was finishing one of my pump-ya-up phrases, his head snapped around and he spat "Oh nevermind! My life's a book and this page is already written!" Maybe we should consider a change of venue... center ice for center stage?

The sun, moon, stars and.... target.

I will admit I'm absolutely wiped as I type this due to a massive string of baseball games that started sometime last week. In that time, 7 of those games have been in Lakeville SINCE FRIDAY. So, we had a lot of time in the car.

Tonight we were on our way home; Jackson and I were having a lovely chat. We were admiring the sunset (it was amazing) and I was explaining how the solar system 'kind of works' and how the sun was thanking us for the day. As we looked into the sun, I explained the sun and moon take turns and Jackson asked reasonable questions like "Does the sun get really tired?" and "Why don't they come out at the same time?" and "Why does one have to completely go away before the other can take over?"

As I was searching for answers for some of the harder questions I'm not mentioning here, the silence was broken with "....OH! I get it. The sun and moon are like Target workers; they take shifts!"

Good question.

Due to height limitations being met and basic age progression, we've earned ourselves a new title in the household as of late. None other than the word "chaperone." Now, before you get all 'they-only-show-up-at-dances-to-watch-the-punch' you should know that we're simply trying to use the role to guide young minds. It isn't to spy or pry- it's really to make sure we're keeping the young conscience front and center.

This is why I was very proud of the text exchange I had with an (unmentionable) male head of household today:

Text to me: Hey
Text to him: Hey
Text to me: Does it count as being home if I take a nap?
Text to him: Come onnnnnnnnnnn.
Text to me: Thought not. It was worth a try.

Context: Oldest son has a (girl) friend in the house. Good kid, even better Dad. And sorry, I think our ability to nap is on schedule to return in about 15 more years. By that time, I think we'll have earned a long one!

What you don't know apparently *can* hurt you!

We're still learning over here in Tunetown. Jackson's recent diagnosis has lead us to another mysterious path of testing... this time, relational testing to foods, vitamins and allergies. The good deal? He's doing pretty well! He has the right vitamins and seems to be getting everything he needs to be a strong healthy boy. The not-as-good-deal? He came up with a gluten intolerance (a lot of people refer to it as an allergy, however a TRUE allergy would present much worse symptoms).

So, having been throught he ringer on allergies for a few years running I was questioning the blood test. How can my kid be intolerant/allergic if I don't see hives or usual triggers for allergies? How can he walk around eating bread and countless carbs (and you think I'm kidding... I'm so not) without an allergy symptom? Simple. This blew my hair back... check out how gluten intolerance can present itself... this stuff is wild:

Gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, is an extreme sensitivity to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.

Though the symptoms may appear similar, gluten intolerance is not a food allergy but rather an inherited autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies gluten as harmful. This leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. A food allergy to wheat results instead in an allergic response, with symptoms such as itchiness and rash.

More highlights on how it can present itself:
Weight loss or weight gain
Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
Aching joints
Depression
Eczema
Head aches
Exhaustion
Irritability and behavioural changes
Cramps, tingling and numbness
Slow infant and child growth
Decline in dental health

Research shows that gluten sensitivity in some form, including celiac disease and mild gluten intolerance, affects approximately 15% of the US population.

We were totally surprised us. We see much of this in any typical 7 day period. And, the developmental pediatrician confirmed kids who have this type of thing often crave it, even though the body says otherwise when it lands in the tummy.

So, what now? Not sure. I need to read and make a strategy. In the meantime, I'll reference another one of the mysterious "God gifts" that have and continue to pave the way on our journey. Remember them? I referenced them in the post about our learning of Jackson's diagnosis. Well, here's the God gift on this one: We have a gluten free bakery that opened just a few months ago about 3 blocks from our house. When we drove by, I muttered under my breath... "Not that, too" - as it was an obvious sign something else was coming. What I should be saying is "Thank you for the amazing, nearby great resource."

Proof!

I have always claimed our kids are best friends and worst enemies. Best friends on a great day, when all is well with the world- it's sunny out, they're jumping on the trampoline, playing, eating, hatching plans to overtake the world. Worst enemies when the day is too long, too hot, the car isn't big enough, a room is invaded... you get the idea. Anyhow, I know what I know... which is deep down these fellas are peas in a pod.

♥ ♥ Dear boys, You can say you don't like your brother, but I have proof (!)... ♥ ♥

What's a girl gotta do to get a date 'round here?

Funny you should ask, I have just the story. I've been hankering for some boy-time, to remove Tyler from his cell phone world and get myself properly wedged between Jackson and his Nintendo DS. The sun, stars and moon must have aligned - because tonight was my night! The boys and I hit Transformers 2, which was a crazy good movie. Lots of action (up the boy alley for sure!) and a teeny love story weaved in for me. ;-p

It did come with a couple hitches though:
- Matt's under the weather... but no worries. We left him in the dust (I mean, to sleep and feel better at home). :-p
- We got the time because Tyler has strep throat (a minor issue). He hit the doc yesterday, who initially diagnosed a cold and did a quick strep test for good measure. Result? Immediate negative, overnight positive. So... he couldn't play baseball without touching 86 things and sharing with the other kids so we suddenly had a free night ahead of us (and a bottle of hand sanitizer in our pockets!).
- Jackson lost a tooth 1/2 an hour before we were ready to go. I'm changing and getting the movie purse all fired up... and he comes to me with a tooth and (heaven forbid!) blood. I kept it together long enough to applaud from a distance, get him cleaned up and we were on our way.
- A car fire in the movie theater parking lot. Strange, but true.

All in all, it was a nice night. We talked, we laughed and saw a great summer blockbuster. So, in my book all is good and I decided that I have a couple of very nice boys.

Baseball!

When we signed up for kids, we signed up for all that came with them. This includes a gaggle of summertime baseball, which has been plentiful these past couple months. So, cheer them on while I share I share my dust-dragging, sliding, pig-pen, pitching, catching, sliding fellas with you! And, good news.... Tyler's team has qualified for 2 state tournaments. A nice payoff for all the hours spent on the diamonds!