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?

Our little entrepreneur

Matt cleaned the garage this afternoon; hallelujah! During the 'cleaning' time, Jackson was spot on- helping with the broom, playing with toys Matt already categorized into a basket and helping put away hammers (but still hammering things along the way). By the time I arrived home, he had a specific, schemed plan. He found a few things he wants to sell. At the top of the list is his tricycle, which he has outgrown. His theory is that he plans to sell the tricycle for $109- which is the cost of a lego city set he has been eyeing up at target (don't even get me started on how the heck they can sell a lego set for $109!).

To help him think through this, we started asking questions and should have known what we were in for:

Us: How much will you sell it for?
Him: $109.
Us: It's not worth that much, you know.
Him: It's worth more than $109, that's a deal.
Us: Do you know how much it's really worth?
Him: How much?
Us: It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
Him: So, for sure $109.
Us: Where will you sell it?
Him: Target or Ebay or a garage sale, for $109.
Us: Target doesn't do trades and maybe not Ebay. Then there's shipping.
Him: So it would be more than $109.
Us: How about something like Craig's list?
Him: Who is Craig?

Horton hears a mother's scream!

We also had the *absolute* pleasure this past week of going to see the new movie, Horton Hears a Who. I recommend it to everyone- it's a Suess classic and well done by our pals Jim Carey, Steve Carrell and Mary Tyler Hart. Fast forward to this mroning- and imagine Jackson's delight when we went out for breakfast after his skate-fest this morning.... iHop got in on the action with a whole series of Horton foods and drinks. The kid ordered Whocakes and a Beezlenut splash. Translation: SUGAR to the 10th power. Pancakes covered in pink and blue goo (with sprinkles, of course) and a drink that starts with an innocent skiff of sprite... only to be invaded with full sugar red and blue Jello cubes. Simply put: if you see a kid rocket across the sky howling with laughter and bouncing like the best rubber ball you ever owned, wave to Jackson.

SK8R Boi

If you've been following our blog for a while, you know that Jackson's had skateboarding on his brain since early last summer. He set up ramps in the back yard and spent hours on them... and then progressed to skateboarding off the deck and doing stage dives into the grass. He skateboards on the wood floors in the house. So, with the obnoxious snow still falling here, we decided to get crazazayyy and head to a local skate park- Third Lair. Needless to say, he was livin' it up. We went back this morning where he got an actual 'lesson' to learn how to do it up right! I am now working on decoding words like 'deck,' 'truck,' and 'ollie.' Awww heck. Just when I had 'off-sides,' 'hat trick' and 'shelfed' figured out! A mother's work is NEVER done.

Consolation Champs!

**WARNING: SUPER HAPPY HOCKEY MOM TALK**
After a long weekend of hockey, Woodbury emerged as State Pee Wee A Consolation Champs! Heck Yeah! More pictures and info to come!

Respite from the cold...

Enjoy this lovely photo- we certainly enjoyed the moments around it! It showcases the lovely Space Coast of Florida- specifically, Melbourne Beach. Matt and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a weekend preceding a conference I'm still in Florida attending. I won't tell you how nice it is here (*ahem* 75 and sunny).

While away, I've gathered a top 5 list of things I heard from our kids while away:
5. "Everything's fine, Mom." - From Tyler... and then a shriek in the background from Jackson.
4. "I really love you. Can I go now?" - Tyler
3. "My phone is broken but I totally didn't do it. Auntie Dee will tell you 'cause i gotta go." - Tyler, in an effort to report on his broken cell phone, and worse yet he got is AUNT to do the talking!!
2. "Where are you and is Dad with you?" - Jackson, every day we called home to talk to him.
1. It's time for you to come home. You've been gone over a week. - Jackson (on day 2 of our whopping 3 day weekend).

On to State!

What a weekend! Tyler's team made it to state by winnng the Regional Championship game vs. Eagan. Way to go - they're now in the top 8 teams in the state!!

Recipe for a perfect night's sleep.

Jackson's checklist:

- Fluffy white blanket. Check.
- Pokemon/Pikachu pillow. Check.
- Crackers in original wrapper (with some mashed into Mom and Dad's carpet to make it feel the most 'homey'). Check.
- LAUNDRY BASKET. Check.
- Request for help getting out of the basket when legs fall asleep. Check.

Parental note: apparently the investment in super-soft and comfy mattresses in this house are over-rated. We needed a $6.99 basket from Target, a little snack and he was off to dreamland. Every kid's dream...

Congrats- District Champs!

< - - Warning: **Hockey Mom Talk** - - >

Tyler's team has really had a rockin' year; 2 Losses all year and they sniped the district championship from Eagan last night with a 3-0 final. What's next? Regions next weekend. 5 games total.... and the top two contenders from the weekend move on to state! Go Royals!

Remember Mikey?

You know, the kid who'd eat anything?

Well, we have one of those here, too. It needs no guessing to confirm it's Tyler; and he'll eat anything within range he can lay hands on. He is, after all, a growing boy. The challenge with him is that often times someone will plan to revisit their leftovers or expect something for lunch.... only to visit the fridge and it has completely gone AWOL. The worst is when you head off to bed and it's there...... and it's gone by morning. His reaction is simple: the furnace needs fuel at night, too!

So, I came up with my own strategy to protect my lunch. You can laugh all you want.. but hey, it works!

Top Ten things I wished for when I was sick.

I spent a lot of time in my bed this week. I'll complain lightly because I'm actually starting to spend time upright and my voice is returning after close to a week. With everything, however, there is a silver lining... and I spent a lot of time coming up with the lining components this week. So, here's the top 10 things I wished for when I was sick:

10. Anything but orange juice. That stuff's awful with a rough-feeling throat.
9. Better TV programming. I know every baby-mama from Maury, court case ruling from Judge Judy and psyched out guest of Dr. Phil. Enough! Where did TLC's a Baby Story go??
8. A nice warm beach with sand. This seems to be a consistent thought for me. Hmmm...
7. A hearing aid for my Dad. It doesn't work when I don't have a voice and he's hard of hearing!
6. Stepford children who say things like "Yes, Dad" and "I can't wait to clean the table for you, Dad."
5. A softer pillow for my bed. I intend to remedy this as soon as I'm Target-ready!!
4. More bedside serenades from my kids. Jackson got a guitar for Christmas and came to sing to me a few times. That really cheered me up! Greedily I wished for more.
3. A maid and nanny for my husband. He is an absolute rock star when it came to manning the fort with me dead to the world. That said, he does look a bit run down and awfully twitchy near second story windows after a week. :-)
2. Appreciating health. Why is it when you're sick you suddenly realize what it's like to be well? And why is it when you're well you never simply enjoy being *WELL*?
1. My Mom and a bell. I know I shouldn't admit this, but when I was small my Mom armed a sick kid in our house with a bell. If you had any needs at all, she'd come running to take care of you. Bells counted for crackers, soup, aspirin and most importantly, hugs. I sure missed her this week.

What do we have in common?

VICODIN!

Yeah, another round of strep in the house and I have a bad case of pain to the nines. Apparently my strep was taking too long to heal.. and with many sleepless nights I finally caved and re-visited the doctor. After a few comments of 'it's not quite big enough to cause an obstruction but it certainly is a bad scene' the doc took pity on me. Enter left stage: Vicodin. It helps for now, but I really want to open the windows wide and have a fresh breeze clear out the joint! Until then, I'll crack bad, inappropriate jokes about my favorite cheese head and our weirdo similarity for now.