I've been tagged by my long-time friend (and fellow blogger) to post 7 random things about me ... so here goes!
1. I have green-blue eyes, except for the Schario brown spot in my left eye. My dad has it and Nana had it, too. I sometimes mess with people when they say "did you know you have something in your one eye?" I like to respond with something like "is it my left eye, over here to this side? (pointing to the spot) It's been hurting all day and I don't know what it could be." They usually get pretty stirred up about it, confirming that, indeed, that's where the spot is. They go on describing said spot for a little bit. Then I let them in on the story. I can be such a shit sometimes!
2. I have an HRC (Human Rights Campaign) equality sticker on the back of my van ... the only bumper sticker I've ever had.
3. I wear a size 9 shoe. I don't think my feet are big ... and I don't think they look big--apparently it's unexpected by most people to hear my shoe size. Some are surprised that I wear a 9.
4. Tim and I have been dating for 15 years now. We just had our "dating anniversary" on May 14th. I didn't even realize it until the day after ... and he didn't realize it until I told him. Aaahhhhh! The romance is still a-blazing! :D
5. I would love to be pregnant and deliver another baby or two, but I don't want any more kids. (I realize the conundrum there ...) I have actually looked into being a surrogate mother. I would gladly do that for someone in my family or good friends, but haven't followed through to file paperwork or anything to put me on a list / database for anyone else.
6. I cry easily. I cry at sentimental commercials. I cry during the Olympics--sometimes during touching back-stories, other times when the national anthem is being played. I sometimes cry when I read cheesy, sappy emails--you know, the ones designed to make you reflect on your life and friends and all that. I cry sometimes when I stand at the end of my kids' beds when they're sleeping--feeling blessed for the sweet things they are. I cry--a lot--when watching movies ... every Disney movie, and dramas for sure. I absolutely bawled (heaving chest and inability to regulate my breathing) when I watched Bridges of Madison County and Big Fish. Sometimes that just feels so freeing to let it all out.
7. Although I'm a pretty good cook, I have never actually cooked anything (and I mean that I've never cooked anything) by myself on the grill. I'm kind of afraid to ... it's like venturing into the unknown. Scary. And, besides, Tim's so good at it!! :)
At this point, I should "tag" someone else to post 7 random things on their blog ... but Jen is my only blogging friend, and she tagged me. I'll assume there are no tag backs ...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
in the talent show
There's a new-ish movie out for kids called "Jump In!" It's a Disney movie full of feel-good-about-yourself and do-what-makes-YOU-happy-not-what-other-people-think-you-should-do plot lines. The basic premise is a teenage boy (played by Corbin Bleu ... I would be shrieking and excited at the mere mention of his name if I were about 25 years younger) who is the boxing son of a champion boxer who ends up following his heart to compete with some friends in a double dutch competition. Along the way, of course, he is ridiculed by some people that he likes to jump rope ... but those people come around in the end--in true Disney movie predictability / feel-good fashion. Setting aside the enormous cheese factor, the movie is engaging, even for us grown-up types. So, you can imagine that it's a near obsession for the kid types.
The tricks these kids do while jumping rope are nothing short of amazing. It takes an incredible amount of talent, skill and stamina to perform like the kids in the movie do. My kids (and I) are completely impressed, which is what brought about the following conversation between Austin and me:
"Hey Mom, I want to be in the talent show this year."
"You do? What are you thinking you want to do?"
"Jump rope."
"Really? Are you going to do tricks or just see how long you can jump?"
"Tricks, like in Jump In! ... I want to do stuff like Izzy" (the character's name)
"That sounds cool, Austin. I suppose you better start practicing some of your big moves, huh?"
"Yeah ... I'm gonna do that now. Okay?"
"Have fun!"
And that's where it all began ...
He chose a song from the soundtrack of the movie (it's the remixed version of the song Jump! Jump! Think "Criss Cross will make you Jump! Jump!"). He practiced everyday. He auditioned in front of his class--which made him feel a little nervous, but also "kind of cool" because his classmates clapped really loud and for a long time and told him they thought he was "awesome". He waited anxiously for 2 weeks to see the posting of who made it--and he did. We were very excited .... and he was determined to practice even more.
On Wednesday, we (Tim even took the morning off so he could go watch) took the kids to school and got good seats in the gym. The performers came in and all took their seats to the side of the stage in order--Austin would be third. Then the rest of the school filed in to the gym and sat on the floor. First performer was a joke telling second grader. Lots of participation (during the Knock! Knock! jokes) and good laughs from the audience. Second performer was a guitar playing second grader. He played (and very well) the Star Spangled Banner. Good applause and cheering from the crowd when he finished. Then it was Austin's turn. He was up on the stage with his jump rope. The music started and he was off. He did some one-legged jumping, then switched legs. He did some backwards jumping and then one-legged backward jumping. The crowd started clapping along with the music. Then he did a really long series of speed jumping ... and the crowd started cheering and clapping. He continued varying his skills throughout the song ... the kids loved it. When he finished, the audience clapped and cheered loudly. He was tired, but I could tell he was proud of himself. Tim and I were really proud of him, too.
The talent show continued with about 20 more acts of singers, musicians, dancers and even a contortionist--all kids ranging from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. (The 4th-6th graders performed in the afternoon.) It was a very good show. We were impressed with all the talent. Later that night, Tim and I were talking about the different acts and agreed that the best performance was from a cutie pie 2nd grader doing a dance to a jazzy version of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Her years of dance classes really showed. We also agreed that Austin's performance was in the top five of all of them.
He's already planning what he wants to do for next year's talent show--breakdancing!!
The tricks these kids do while jumping rope are nothing short of amazing. It takes an incredible amount of talent, skill and stamina to perform like the kids in the movie do. My kids (and I) are completely impressed, which is what brought about the following conversation between Austin and me:
"Hey Mom, I want to be in the talent show this year."
"You do? What are you thinking you want to do?"
"Jump rope."
"Really? Are you going to do tricks or just see how long you can jump?"
"Tricks, like in Jump In! ... I want to do stuff like Izzy" (the character's name)
"That sounds cool, Austin. I suppose you better start practicing some of your big moves, huh?"
"Yeah ... I'm gonna do that now. Okay?"
"Have fun!"
And that's where it all began ...
He chose a song from the soundtrack of the movie (it's the remixed version of the song Jump! Jump! Think "Criss Cross will make you Jump! Jump!"). He practiced everyday. He auditioned in front of his class--which made him feel a little nervous, but also "kind of cool" because his classmates clapped really loud and for a long time and told him they thought he was "awesome". He waited anxiously for 2 weeks to see the posting of who made it--and he did. We were very excited .... and he was determined to practice even more.
On Wednesday, we (Tim even took the morning off so he could go watch) took the kids to school and got good seats in the gym. The performers came in and all took their seats to the side of the stage in order--Austin would be third. Then the rest of the school filed in to the gym and sat on the floor. First performer was a joke telling second grader. Lots of participation (during the Knock! Knock! jokes) and good laughs from the audience. Second performer was a guitar playing second grader. He played (and very well) the Star Spangled Banner. Good applause and cheering from the crowd when he finished. Then it was Austin's turn. He was up on the stage with his jump rope. The music started and he was off. He did some one-legged jumping, then switched legs. He did some backwards jumping and then one-legged backward jumping. The crowd started clapping along with the music. Then he did a really long series of speed jumping ... and the crowd started cheering and clapping. He continued varying his skills throughout the song ... the kids loved it. When he finished, the audience clapped and cheered loudly. He was tired, but I could tell he was proud of himself. Tim and I were really proud of him, too.
The talent show continued with about 20 more acts of singers, musicians, dancers and even a contortionist--all kids ranging from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. (The 4th-6th graders performed in the afternoon.) It was a very good show. We were impressed with all the talent. Later that night, Tim and I were talking about the different acts and agreed that the best performance was from a cutie pie 2nd grader doing a dance to a jazzy version of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Her years of dance classes really showed. We also agreed that Austin's performance was in the top five of all of them.
He's already planning what he wants to do for next year's talent show--breakdancing!!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Maya's first sleep-over
What a fun weekend for Maya! She had one of her friends come over to play for the day on Saturday. They spent the afternoon running around together, jumping on the trampoline, playing Barbies and painting rocks ... giggling all the while. They had such a great time.
At one point when I went up to Maya's room to peek in on them, Maya asked if Paige could stay the night. Paige said that she couldn't because she had church the next morning. They were both a little disappointed, but I reassured them that some other time we would definitely be able to have a sleep-over... especially once summer vacation arrives, we'll have lots of opportunities. Both girls were happy with that notion.
Shortly after that conversation, I called to let Paige's parents know how things were going and to confirm with them that she wanted to stay for dinner and when I would return her home. Long story short, they invited Maya to stay over at their house and go to church with them. Maya and Paige nearly fell over themselves and each other with excitement at that idea. It was all giggles and squeals and clapping and jumping up and down for a good five minutes!
I dropped off both girls and went out to the Relay For Life (I'll post about that later). Everything went off without a hitch. Maya had "tons of fun" and was happy to have her first sleep-over ... and she was also excited and happy to come home today and give Mommy and Daddy big hugs. The night was a complete success. :)
It was exciting for all of us ... but a little bittersweet for Tim and me. We're happy for her to be doing fun things like this and enjoying her social connections, but it's hard to believe that our little girl is old enough to be out and away from us--with someone other than family--for an overnight visit. It's only the beginning, I know ...
At one point when I went up to Maya's room to peek in on them, Maya asked if Paige could stay the night. Paige said that she couldn't because she had church the next morning. They were both a little disappointed, but I reassured them that some other time we would definitely be able to have a sleep-over... especially once summer vacation arrives, we'll have lots of opportunities. Both girls were happy with that notion.
Shortly after that conversation, I called to let Paige's parents know how things were going and to confirm with them that she wanted to stay for dinner and when I would return her home. Long story short, they invited Maya to stay over at their house and go to church with them. Maya and Paige nearly fell over themselves and each other with excitement at that idea. It was all giggles and squeals and clapping and jumping up and down for a good five minutes!
I dropped off both girls and went out to the Relay For Life (I'll post about that later). Everything went off without a hitch. Maya had "tons of fun" and was happy to have her first sleep-over ... and she was also excited and happy to come home today and give Mommy and Daddy big hugs. The night was a complete success. :)
It was exciting for all of us ... but a little bittersweet for Tim and me. We're happy for her to be doing fun things like this and enjoying her social connections, but it's hard to believe that our little girl is old enough to be out and away from us--with someone other than family--for an overnight visit. It's only the beginning, I know ...
Monday, May 14, 2007
random thoughts
I have a few little things to post about, so I'll just combine them into one today.
First, our appointment with the pediatric psychologist went well. I like him a lot. He isn't going to tell us what we should do with Austin (regarding behavior management strategies vs. medication)--he believes that's our call. He sees his role as giving Tim and me as much information as possible so that we can make an informed decision and offer his professional opinion to help guide us. I like that approach. And he seems very easy to talk to and was completely straight-forward with answers and replies to our questions and thoughts. We talked about how things are now with Austin, how they have been in the past, what has happened (and hasn't) with this year's teacher to affect the situation and what we'd like to see in the future for Aus. We didn't get through all the questions he has for us, so when we go back in two weeks, we need to finish with his series of questions and then he'll have one on one time with Austin for the rest of that meeting and for the following three. No definitive answers or plan yet, but I really feel that we'll be able to work out a good scenario for Austin. I'll keep posting on this situation.
Next, although I have been making some progress with the running, I just don't enjoy it. I feel good about it as I start out, but around the time I hit 1 mile, I would rather not be running. It's not because my legs hurt or that I'm too out of breath or anything ... I just don't like it. I have to keep talking myself into going further. I hope this is just a little hump. I know a lot of people who really love running, but I'm thinking that I might not be one of them.
Last, I am tired of this weight plateau. When I started this whole regimen to get back into shape and lose weight, I was strictly following Weight Watchers (not going to meetings, but following the plan) and working out five days a week. I lost 20 pounds and lots of inches (nearly six inches just around my waist). I felt great and loved all the progress. Then as summer arrived and the kids were home all day, I wasn't working out quite as much ... and I wasn't as strictly following Weight Watchers--just mostly keeping up with it. I stopped writing down what I ate and kind of kept track of the points in my head. Well, I've already talked about being sick of being stuck in the weight rut, so I started running--in hopes of shocking my body into losing weight. It's not working. So I've come to a realization: I need to be back in full-contact, all-out, no-holds-barred, write-down-everything-I-eat-and-track-every-point Weight Watchers mode to get this moving along again. So, here I go again!
First, our appointment with the pediatric psychologist went well. I like him a lot. He isn't going to tell us what we should do with Austin (regarding behavior management strategies vs. medication)--he believes that's our call. He sees his role as giving Tim and me as much information as possible so that we can make an informed decision and offer his professional opinion to help guide us. I like that approach. And he seems very easy to talk to and was completely straight-forward with answers and replies to our questions and thoughts. We talked about how things are now with Austin, how they have been in the past, what has happened (and hasn't) with this year's teacher to affect the situation and what we'd like to see in the future for Aus. We didn't get through all the questions he has for us, so when we go back in two weeks, we need to finish with his series of questions and then he'll have one on one time with Austin for the rest of that meeting and for the following three. No definitive answers or plan yet, but I really feel that we'll be able to work out a good scenario for Austin. I'll keep posting on this situation.
Next, although I have been making some progress with the running, I just don't enjoy it. I feel good about it as I start out, but around the time I hit 1 mile, I would rather not be running. It's not because my legs hurt or that I'm too out of breath or anything ... I just don't like it. I have to keep talking myself into going further. I hope this is just a little hump. I know a lot of people who really love running, but I'm thinking that I might not be one of them.
Last, I am tired of this weight plateau. When I started this whole regimen to get back into shape and lose weight, I was strictly following Weight Watchers (not going to meetings, but following the plan) and working out five days a week. I lost 20 pounds and lots of inches (nearly six inches just around my waist). I felt great and loved all the progress. Then as summer arrived and the kids were home all day, I wasn't working out quite as much ... and I wasn't as strictly following Weight Watchers--just mostly keeping up with it. I stopped writing down what I ate and kind of kept track of the points in my head. Well, I've already talked about being sick of being stuck in the weight rut, so I started running--in hopes of shocking my body into losing weight. It's not working. So I've come to a realization: I need to be back in full-contact, all-out, no-holds-barred, write-down-everything-I-eat-and-track-every-point Weight Watchers mode to get this moving along again. So, here I go again!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
What will our future hold?
Tonight we have our appointment with the pediatric psychologist. I'm nervous and excited ... hopeful, but afraid to be. We've had some really great days with Aus lately. He's been listening to Tim and me and he's going out of his way to be kind and thoughtful (running up to Maya's room to get something for her, making sure the cats have plenty of water and food, choosing the small gardening gloves because Maya wanted the big ones ... this list could be longer and more significant, but this will do).
Five days of good behavior were about all Austin could muster, though, and some of his pent up behaviors had to be unleashed ...
Austin was not allowed to ride the bus yesterday, because on the way home Tuesday, he punched Maya--in the face (for not scooting over in the seat so he could sit there too .... his reason: it was his "favorite place to sit and she was not sharing"). This was not the first problem he's had on the bus--far from it. The bus driver has had to talk to him many times about being mean to Maya (he isn't mean to anyone else, just Maya), and this was the last straw. So, deservedly so, he had a one day suspension (honestly, I expected at least 3 days, but the bus driver didn't want to inconvenience me too much ... nice of her, but I told her not to worry about that, I'd just be sure to convey that inconvenience to Austin). He is grounded from all electronics (TV, computer, GameCube and his Leapster) for five days and is not allowed to sit in the same seat as Maya on the bus for the rest of the year--even if she's in his "favorite" seat.
After school Tuesday, while I was at a PTA meeting, the kids were with the Latchkey group. It was a gorgeous day, so they were all outside on the playground. After about 45 minutes, the Latchkey coordinator brought Austin to me, saying that he had to be removed from the group because he and two other boys were covering a first-grader in mulch. (This offense is less troublesome to me than him hitting or hurting someone ... but, I still had the pleasure of having someone point out that my son is causing problems.) I thought for sure I would have to leave the meeting early--figuring that Austin wouldn't be able to sit quietly until it was over. But, since the meeting was in the library, I was able to sit him over next to the books. He sat completely quiet--and still--for the rest of the meeting (another 45 minutes) reading. I couldn't believe it. My constantly moving, noisy boy (usually he's making sounds for the imaginative play he's got going on in his head--spaceships flying, cars zooming, things crashing, etc.) was absolutely quiet and engrossed in books. He often sits still and quiet for long periods of time--if he's in front of something electronic ... but not usually that long for reading.
Except for working on writing homework last night, Austin had a really good day yesterday. He cleaned his room--completely. (Usually when I tell him he needs to clean up his room, he spends about 5 minutes and comes back to tell me he's done ... and he's not. I have to go up and give him specific instructions, step by step, for finishing the job.) He spent about 20 minutes putting together the game Mouse Trap--following the directions and doing it all by himself. He was good during dinner (I know that it helped that we had a "picnic" in the family room--he didn't have to stay in his seat and had some freedom to move around) and got ready for bed with no problems at all.
These good days really help keep me sane ... they give me hope and reassure me that we will have bright spots. Hopefully they'll be more and more frequent after our appointment tonight.
Five days of good behavior were about all Austin could muster, though, and some of his pent up behaviors had to be unleashed ...
Austin was not allowed to ride the bus yesterday, because on the way home Tuesday, he punched Maya--in the face (for not scooting over in the seat so he could sit there too .... his reason: it was his "favorite place to sit and she was not sharing"). This was not the first problem he's had on the bus--far from it. The bus driver has had to talk to him many times about being mean to Maya (he isn't mean to anyone else, just Maya), and this was the last straw. So, deservedly so, he had a one day suspension (honestly, I expected at least 3 days, but the bus driver didn't want to inconvenience me too much ... nice of her, but I told her not to worry about that, I'd just be sure to convey that inconvenience to Austin). He is grounded from all electronics (TV, computer, GameCube and his Leapster) for five days and is not allowed to sit in the same seat as Maya on the bus for the rest of the year--even if she's in his "favorite" seat.
After school Tuesday, while I was at a PTA meeting, the kids were with the Latchkey group. It was a gorgeous day, so they were all outside on the playground. After about 45 minutes, the Latchkey coordinator brought Austin to me, saying that he had to be removed from the group because he and two other boys were covering a first-grader in mulch. (This offense is less troublesome to me than him hitting or hurting someone ... but, I still had the pleasure of having someone point out that my son is causing problems.) I thought for sure I would have to leave the meeting early--figuring that Austin wouldn't be able to sit quietly until it was over. But, since the meeting was in the library, I was able to sit him over next to the books. He sat completely quiet--and still--for the rest of the meeting (another 45 minutes) reading. I couldn't believe it. My constantly moving, noisy boy (usually he's making sounds for the imaginative play he's got going on in his head--spaceships flying, cars zooming, things crashing, etc.) was absolutely quiet and engrossed in books. He often sits still and quiet for long periods of time--if he's in front of something electronic ... but not usually that long for reading.
Except for working on writing homework last night, Austin had a really good day yesterday. He cleaned his room--completely. (Usually when I tell him he needs to clean up his room, he spends about 5 minutes and comes back to tell me he's done ... and he's not. I have to go up and give him specific instructions, step by step, for finishing the job.) He spent about 20 minutes putting together the game Mouse Trap--following the directions and doing it all by himself. He was good during dinner (I know that it helped that we had a "picnic" in the family room--he didn't have to stay in his seat and had some freedom to move around) and got ready for bed with no problems at all.
These good days really help keep me sane ... they give me hope and reassure me that we will have bright spots. Hopefully they'll be more and more frequent after our appointment tonight.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Maya playing soccer ...
Big moment in the soccer game this week ... Maya actually kicked the ball once! She mostly skipped around the field again, giving me (and the dad of one of the other players who was sitting next to me) plenty of reasons to smile and giggle.
This photo really captures the essence of my Mina Moo and her mad soccer skills:
She's the "player" in the yellow t-shirt and pink pants facing toward the right side of the photo --away from the ball. You can see that all of the kids are running toward the left ... where the ball is. There was a woman who had a dog sitting over where Maya was looking. I'm guessing she was engrossed in happy dog thoughts and didn't want to be distracted by the pesky soccer game going on around her! :D
That's my sweet, whimsy girl!!
Come and get it!
I've posted once earlier about Austin and his famous PB & J sandwiches. This weekend, he made the scrumptious treat for the entire family. We were all outside--kids playing and Tim and I working away in the landscaping. We were spreading mulch in the front bed when Austin came up to me and the following conversation ensued:
"I'm thinking about lunch, Mom."
"Oh really? What are you thinking about making us?"
"You mean I can really make it?! For real?"
"Sure."
"Cool!! I'll make us all my super-special peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."
"Sounds great!" :D
And off he went, running into the house to prepare a Jif and jelly feast. About 15 minutes later, he came out the front door, completely giddy, barely able to contain himself ... smiling ear to ear. "Lunch is served, everyone!!"
Tim and I took off the gloves and headed in the house for a lunch b
reak. We walked into the kitchen to find a tower of sandwiches, oozing jelly and deliciousness all over the counter. We got out the fine china (read: paper plates) and Austin served each of us.
I am a fan of peanut butter and jelly ... and this particular sandwich was truly delicious. Maybe Austin has a future in the culinary field!
"I'm thinking about lunch, Mom."
"Oh really? What are you thinking about making us?"
"You mean I can really make it?! For real?"
"Sure."
"Cool!! I'll make us all my super-special peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."
"Sounds great!" :D
And off he went, running into the house to prepare a Jif and jelly feast. About 15 minutes later, he came out the front door, completely giddy, barely able to contain himself ... smiling ear to ear. "Lunch is served, everyone!!"
Tim and I took off the gloves and headed in the house for a lunch b
reak. We walked into the kitchen to find a tower of sandwiches, oozing jelly and deliciousness all over the counter. We got out the fine china (read: paper plates) and Austin served each of us.I am a fan of peanut butter and jelly ... and this particular sandwich was truly delicious. Maybe Austin has a future in the culinary field!
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