Tiny

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I am so proud of myself! I did it! After looking at Wendi's post from yesterday, I had to give it a try. Since I was stuck on what to do for "tiny," I thought I would create a "scrapbook" of my boys when they were tiny. I don't have any pictures of Alex scanned from his infancy, that's why he's in there as a big kid. This was so much fun. I may be addicted now!

Splish Splash I was takin' a bath...

You didn't really think it would be me in the tub, now, did you? Anyway, here are my two baby chicks taking their bath together. Now that Alex and Andy are independent shower takers (after I hound them repeatedly), I generally stick these two together to make my job of bathing them easier. Plus, they seem to enjoy tub time with a friend. Who wouldn't?

I had an experience today that lent itself perfectly to the "splish splash" theme of the day, by I missed the opportunity to photograph it. The boys and I were swimming this afternoon (which also would have lent itself to splish splash had I taken my camera outside) and I was washing clothes at the same time. (I am very good at multi-tasking). Anyway, we came inside for a brief moment when I heard a lovely waterfall sound. However, when that sound is coming from your laundry room, it can't be good. A wash cloth had fallen into the laundry tub and clogged it up. Needless to say, the laundry tub runneth over. Not good. It took every beach towel I have in the house, plus moving a large wardrobe full of clothes and cleaning supplies, moving the washer and dryer, to get the mess cleaned up. Later in the evening, I banished the boys to the basement and they came running up to tell me there were puddles on the floor. So, my hulk-like efforts of moving everything and cleaning up quickly did not happen fast enough. I think at this point, every thing is dry. I'll probably find something tomorrow that I missed.

Yet another fun "splish splash" photo opportunity missed, when, on my way to karate this evening I saw there was a watermain break right down the road. The road was flooded and as of 10 PM we still have no water.

Alaska Update:

Alex left for Alaska at 8:30 AM Sunday. He had a four hour scheduled layover in Newark, NJ which turned into 6 1/2 hours because of a weather delay, then off to Seattle, Washington. They had a short layover then a 4 hour flight to Anchorage. They got into Anchorage at 2 AM our time. Needless to say, Alex was more than a little tired when he called to tell us good night.

Yesterday they went to a Native American Village where they learned native dances, made a craft and shopped for souvenirs. Today they were scheduled to go to a sled dog kennel to see puppies that will become future sled dogs. CTP and I are more than a little bit jealous, but we'll live vicariously through our child.

My mixed up priorities...

When I woke up this morning (other than being extremely jubilant that it was my last morning of watching the kids from you know where), these piles of laundry were my top priority. There were a few items that Alex needed washed prior to his departure on Sunday (you can see his suitcase sitting off to the side). Upon further reflection upon this topic I realized how stupid a priority that was. Did it need done? Yes. Did I need to get those clothes cleaned before Sunday? Yes. Did it need done immediately and at the cost of doing something engaging with my children? Absolutely not. Now, it's not that I ignored my children. They had a ton of friends to play with today and they spent the entire day outside running around and having a great time. However, it did cause me to think that sometimes (probably more often than I would care to admit) I let the mundane, essentially unimportant things take up more of my time than I should. During the course of a day I get so caught up in what "needs" done that I don't take time to "smell the roses" or enjoy the kids. I know how quickly they grow up. When I look at Alex and realize that he's 11, and leaving for a two week trip, alone, I'm stunned by how time flies. It's when I'm laying in bed at night or early in the morning that I lament the lost time that I could have spent doing something with the boys. But then when daylight comes I get sidetracked again. Okay, enough self recrimination for this evening. Tomorrow I'll try harder...

Movement

Look real hard and you'll see my cutie pie Aidan playing soccer (orange shirt).

What better picture to showcase movement than a bunch of three and four year olds running around learning to play soccer? He had a rough first day and participated very little, but yesterday was great. He had a fun time and participated almost the whole time. Today was a little rough because he missed his nap due to a doctor's appointment where he received three shots. Tomorrow will be better...

It's only a one week soccer camp but they have done a really nice job with the kids. The guy working with Aidan's age group has some kind of accent (I can't quite decipher what country) and he sounds cool giving directions to the kids. Maybe the next time he goes to karate he won't be so scared now that he has done this activity. Probably not.

Moody

I was going to take a picture of myself for this post, but CTP beat me to it. I fully recognize that I have the tendency to be moody, but in my defense, let anyone spend all day, every day with seven boys between the ages of 10 months and 11 years, and moodiness becomes a way of life. I don't think that sentence makes complete sense, but I'm too tired to fix it. Speaking of moody, one of the weird little sh*ts, I mean brats, oops, kids, that I babysit was sitting in my family room watching TV today. Out of the blue, he says, "I smell dust." Really? REALLY! #@&*! So I calmly said, "Would you like to help me clean?" This is after yesterday when he said, "I have the best parents in the world. They never yell." Seriously? SERIOUSLY! Are you all surprise I wasn't arrested for hurling a child out the window? I am.

Okay, so I'm off task but sometimes one just needs to vent. For today, I chose a picture of my most moody child, Andy. He can be a sweetie when he wants to, but most days he's downright mean. But his moods switch off and on like a switch (not sure if it's an up switch or down switch Princess :) - kidding). He could be so mad at me that he runs away (walks around the yard then back inside) and in two minutes he's asking me to play a game. His behavior confuses and confounds me.

I'm going to have a glass of wine. NOW!

Wendi's questions

1. Do you like blue cheese? no.
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No.
3. Do you own a gun? Do plastic water guns count?
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? never been to a sonic
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? nope.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I try not to think about what they are made of.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Santa Clause
8. What do you prefer to ????? I think this question is missing......
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My engagement ring
11. Favorite hobby? taekwondo and softball
12. Do you have A.D.D.? CTP says I do
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I can never seem to sit and relax...
14. Middle name? Anne
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: can I go to bed yet? What's the girl on House Hunters wearing? (doesn't she know she's on TV?), Will Aidan participate in soccer tomorrow?
16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday...a picture, chairs, m&m's
17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? iced tea, vitamin water, water
18. Current worry? Will Andy ever be nice?
19. Current hate right now? ironing
20. Favorite place to be? karate
21. How did you bring in the New Year? I hate New Year's Eve with a passion!
22. Where would you like to go? on a cruise
23. Name three people who will complete this? Princess, LL, maybe CTP
24. Do you own slippers? yes, multiple pairs
26. What year would you go back in time to? I'd love to be pioneer during Westward Expansion (I actually tell CTP this all the time - he laughs at me)
27. Can you whistle? yes
28. Favorite color? red
29. Would you be a pirate? Absolutely!
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? ???
31. Favorite girl's name? I had a bunch picked out - never needed them :(
32. Favorite boy's name? Alexander
33. What's in your pocket right now? I'm in my jammies - no pockets.
34. Last thing that made you laugh? reading the answers to some of SB questions
36. Worst injury you've ever had? Broke my thumb playing softball my junior year of highschool
37. Do you love where you live? No-Western PA sucks
38. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4
39. Who is your loudest friend? I plead the 5th
40. How many dogs do you have? Two - a Beagle, Molly, and a Samoyed, Tundra
41. Does someone have a crush on you? Too many to list them all here.
42. What is your favorite book(s) Anything by Patricia Cornwell, JD Robb (Nora Roberts)
43. What is your favorite candy? M&Ms
44. Favorite Sports Team? The Steelers and Penguins.
45. Your favorite meal? Snow Crab legs
46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping
47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? How many kids will be in the 5:30 TKD class tonight (there were A LOT!)
48. Do you have any odd habits? CTP assures me I have none.

Metalic

This is a picture of my two metalic jahng bongs. The one on the right is my original competition weapon and the blue one on the left is my new one that CTP bought for me at Worlds - isn't it pretty? My plan was to have someone take a picture of me showcasing my wicked skills with each of these jahng bongs, however the weather did not cooperate with my plans. What makes these competition jahng bongs as opposed to the regular ones we use in class, you ask? (Even if you didn't, I'm going to tell you anyway!) The one on the right is actually the same length as the one I use in class (about 5'6") but is a fraction of the weight. I believe it weighs about 5 ounces, compared to 14 oz. My new one is only 5' and weighs about 3 oz. In a tournament, you are allowed to use a jahng bong that is between 6" shorter or taller than you. The shorter ones just make some of the "tricks" easier.

Juicy

Here is a picture of me receiving a piece of juicy information on my cell phone. It's actually a reinactment because CTP was still sleeping during the actual phone call so he missed the call in real time. Anyway, good news - Mr. D (unofficially) passed his testing and is soon to be a 4th degree black belt. Gigi called at 8:30 this morning to share the news. She said she tried to call all of us at some point last evening, but none of us had our phones on or with us so we missed all of her calls. She even tried the Bartholomew's home phone but we must not have heard it ring. Who would be calling any of us, because we were all there... I think the Chief shared the news with them last night at dinner which is why it's still unofficial. But Gigi asked if she could tell us and was told yes. So I told her I would share the exciting news with everyone and it just worked out that I could work it into the word of the day!

Historic

I was really too tired to post this tonight but the thought of doing two tomorrow was just so overwhelming I decided to go ahead and get it done tonight (that could be taken out of context - but don't!) Above is an historic event in this house. Alex and Andy brushing their teeth without having been told three trillion times to do it. I'm sure it was only to delay the inevitable event of going to bed, but I really don't care what the reason was. I don't know about you guys but I'm sooooooooooooooooo tired of telling my boys to brush their teeth that I'm ready to cry. I actually do cry most nights which eventually lead them to trudge up the steps and pretend to brush their teeth.

This was another choice for the word of the day - CTP in partial uniform with shield and shades. Of course he seems to be missing the cape, sword and most importantly the tight pants, but I guess he's saving those for the first ATA fit class.

We had a great time tonight. Once ES gets back from his wanderings we'll take a turn hosting an event. We'll try to pick a day as nice as today so the kiddos can swim.

Half and Half

Today was Aidan's first day of Taekwondo. He is the little one in the middle of the picture Half in and Half out of class. I take absolutely no credit for this clever play on words however. Lady Leslie was manning her station at the front desk during the debacle that was Aidan's first class. We were giggling together as he started crying at the beginning for no apparent reason. She said, "Look, he's half in and half out or class. There's your picture for the day!" So, needless to say, I ran in and snapped the picture. Alex was assisting with class and tried really hard to get Aidan to join in, but to no avail. In the picture you can also see Andy trying to encourage him to participate. Mr. D was extremely patient and allowed him to observe and participate somewhat sparadically.



Prior to taking Aidan to class I expressed my dismay at "Half and Half" to Alex. He obviously gets his creativity gene from someone other than me (and I'm not quite ready to give full credit to CTP) and said why don't you use the half black and half white karate symbol - otherwise known as yin and yang. So, we found the symbol on the internet, pasted it into word, printed it out and took a picture of it. I was going to give you all a brief history of the symbol, but I was feeling much more inspired earlier in the day and now I'm too tired. I'm sure you're upset.



I've included this picture just because Aidan is so darn cute putting his black belt on the shelf to join mine, CTPs and Andy's (obviously Alex's isn't there any more.) I don't know if he'll last now because he is so young. But, if not, he'll eventually get it!

Too amusing to ingnore...

Even though I lost the sparring match against CTP last night, I can at least say that he didn't go away unscathed. The marks on his chin are thanks to a nice round kick that got me two points. I didn't know that he was "injured" until this morning when he was moaning about his boo-boo. But atleast he was a good sport and let me take a picture knowing full well that I would have to make fun of him (just a little). When he showed Alex his chin this morning, Alex said, "Boy that sparring club is dangerous." I don't know about CTP but I wear my bruises with pride!

Game On

Tonight's posting will probably look awfully familiar to Princess' because great minds think alike and we both brought our cameras to sparring club tonight. The above picture shows me getting my behind kicked by Painter Jeff (as always). What's missing is me getting beat by CTP in my second match. Luckily, there are no pictures of that! Although in my defense Burgermeister was center judge and more than a little clueless. But in the art of good sportsmanship, I'll concede defeat gracefully (NEVER!!!) The sad thing is that I have yet to beat Jeff, and he has yet to spar full force (of this I am sure.) Oh well, one of these days. I will have a bruise on my left shoulder tomorrow that I will be able to name "Jeff."

This picture shows me in the process of falling flat on my back. CTP wanted to penalize me for overdramatization but it was pure and simple clumsiness. ES tried to teach us how to avoid this earlier in the class, but alas I am a slow learner. Princess did not capture me sprawled on the mat, for this I am thankful. No sparring club next week because of Mr. Ds vacation, so I should be bruise free by the end of July.

Fun in the Sun

Today's word was easier than most. Of course it didn't hurt that it is an absolutely beautiful day with lots of brilliant sunshine. I'm fairly certain it would have been a challenge if it was a rainy day. These pictures show my (and several neighbor) children having a blast playing outside. The top picture Princess will appreciate because it resembles her boys from a few days ago. Andy spent time gathering a 'squadron' of soldiers together and placing them in strategic locations so that Alex could attack them. Yes, that's Alex in the Darth Vader helmet. Cool helmet even makes Vader noises. So then they chased each other around the yard (or battlefield). The little ones enjoyed swimming in Aidan's Dino pool. This is the second such pool in as few as three days. The first one got blown up Monday morning and by the afternoon it had a hole. We returned it yesterday and as of 2 pm this one is still inflated. Aaron is being driven around the driveway by the token female of the group. We had 10 boys and 1 girl in the group today.

Being that the day is not yet over, perhaps I'll have more pictures to add this evening.

This is hilarious!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/1191/time_for_some_campaignin#/teaser/1191

Framed (I guess)

I have to say that this challenge of taking a picture each day is proving to be a little above and beyond my creative genius (or lack there of). I truly struggle to think of something or become inspired by something every day. My creative side is definitely lacking. Perhaps I need a special IEP or modified list for the creatively deficient. A good list for me may be: 1. something red, 2. animal, 3. something square, etc. And, if necessary, I'll ride the short bus.

So anyway, again I ramble on and on and on. We have about a million pictures framed in our house. Most from different trips that we have taken and of the boys. These are the pictures that change with each passing year. I get the boys' pictures taken by themselves one time each year. Alex and Andy have pictures taken at school and I take the little guys to Target. Perhaps you notice that Alex's school picture is not hanging here. That is because the school photographer this year was appartently a little tipsy and unsteady on his feet when photographing Alex's class. Alex's school picture was almost diagonal he was so crooked. I had it hanging for a few months until Alex finally said, "please change that, I look weird." So, we replaced his school picture with one of his black belt pictures. When he got his black belt last August I took him to Target for pictures to comemorate the big event and they did a great job! The picture hanging here has him standing with all of his color belts draped around his neck. It's really cool.

Perhaps tomorrow will be a little bit easier. One can only hope.

Flat

Okay, this is a lame one I admit, but nonetheless...Here is a picture of my flat screen TV that I am going to watch tonight, alone, by myself, lonely and depressed. Oh, sorry, I'm rambling. CTP is in Boston "on business" so I'm stuck here with nothing to do but watch a made for the Disney channel movie, "Picture This" with Ashlee Tisdale from High School Musical. Yes, I'm a nerd and I like (okay love) High School Musical (1 and 2). I know you've all read my detailed profile so you already know that I love all musicals. I could sing some (or all) of HSM (1 and 2) for you any time you'd like. Call me now and I'll break into song. I also take requests (for a small fee.) Am I out of control with the parentheses tonight or what? I used to tell my family that I could save the musical industry a ton of money because I could perform "Miss Saigon" all by myself. They wouldn't need to hire any other performers. I could sing all of the songs and portray every character by myself. One time at band camp, I mean, when traveling with my family, they told me I was only allowed to sing the songs sung by one character. I was crushed and unable to contain myself. I actually think I missed my calling...

Effort

This one was an easy one for me. In the picture are most of my trophies and medals from the 2007-2008 tournament year. I am proud of my accomplishmens, but reaching my goal of becoming State Champ did take a great deal of effort. I practiced every day and was constantly looking for ways to improve. My supportive husband was my chauffer and critic during this year where atleast two weekends a month found us traveling to states far and near. Capt'n TP was never shy about telling me when I stunk up the joint (which luckily wasn't too often) and humored me on the car rides home by going over and over the results of each tournament. Although at some point during the year he decided my main competition (you know, the one who asked me to quit trying for all three) was kinda cute. Kinda suspicious...

Anyway, at some point I am going to convince Ninja Princess and Southern Belle to join me at tournaments. They are a great deal of fun. Trust me, it's much more fun to beat up someone you don't know than someone you take class with all the time. Plus, you are both fantastic and would do extremely well. I mean at one point Mr. D said to me, "I bet you're glad Tami didn't decide to compete this year" and "I bet Wendi could help you add some things to your XMA weapon form." So, obviously he thinks you'd both be successful. How about Slippery Rock on Sept. 27???? Okay, I'll stop bugging : )

Did you see THAT?

Look at those two wonderful boys helping mom with the dishes! How often do you see that? Me neither. The picture was staged because I was at a complete loss. I asked my family if they had any special talents that I could take a picture of and Capt'n Tightpants made Chewbacca noises (which I couldn't capture on film), Andy decided to shove blueberries up his nose, and Alex touched his foot to his nose. Since the youngest two are already in bed, I didn't get to inquire about their possible photo ready talents. Aidan's would probably be hitting one of his brothers while Aaron's would be making stinky diapers.

So, rather than risk a possible ER visit because of fruit stuck in places where it shouldn't be (don't let your mind wander any farther than blueberries and noses) I thought I'd take a picture of something truly mind-boggling - the boys helping around the house!

Color my world

This is the picture I originally thought of when I read the word for the day. However, Lady Leslie informed me over ice cream, that the rules state the picture must have been taken on the same day as the word and this one was not. However, I love this picture and decided to post it anyway. My boys do color my world a rainbow of colors. From bright, shiny yellow to dreary, dull gray. Luckily many more happy, sunny colors than dreary ones. :)

Since I can't officially use the picture of the boys, I'll be more cliche and use this one (which was taken today). I love my flowers. These impatiens are my favorite, especially when they haven't been gnawed on by the bunnies. Planting and maintaining flowers is one of my favorite spring and summer activities. This is the time of the summer when they are finally taking root and beginning to grow like crazy. All the rain hasn't hurt either! So, my flowers color my world.

Joining in the word game

In our house this is a big issue. Yes, even in July. As the big boys get older, they begin to question everything. Believing in Santa Claus is a big cause of consternation in this house. My most common response to the question, "Is there a Santa Claus?," focuses on believing in the magic of Christmas. So, even though it is the middle of summer, when I think of "Believe" this is the image that comes to mind.

First One

Okay, so when I told my hubby (we'll call him Guy Smiley) I was going to join the girls in their blogging, he asked what could I possibly have to 'blog' about? "Not much" was my reply. However, I won't let that stop me. I have been greatly amused and entertained by many of the postings over the last few days and thought I'd give it a shot. Who wouldn't be entertained by the delightful ramblings of a somewhat unstable mother of four boys who is currently also babysitting three boys ages 1, 2, and 5 and on the verge of becoming unhinged. Throw into the mix the constant shuttling of four of us (the fifth to join in August) to and from karate, softball, baseball, piano lessons, soccer, plus the mundane chores of everyday life (washing, cooking, cleaning) and you see where the lame title of this blog came from.

Tonight is my favorite night of the week - hour long karate class followed by sparring 'club.' When I made it my quest to become State Champ in karate last year, my focus was primarily on weapons. After attending Worlds in 2007, where I placed third in sparring but fourth in weapons, Guy Smiley suggested I should shoot for sparring champ instead of weapons. He said being successful in sparring more suited my personality and disposition better anyway - nice guy! Thus began an intriguing year of tournaments that led me to look forward to sparring at every opportunity. I would be on my way home from a tournament, already looking ahead to the next one. I think we attended 15 - 20 tournaments last year. This year will be much slower since I'll become a black belt midway through the tournament season. I am going to shoot for XMA weapon top ten this year, before I make it my goal to become top ten in sparring for the 2009-2010 season. Anyway, kind of off point.

I think that's enough for now. Maybe tomorrow I'll join in the word of the day postings.