April: 12 on the 12th...

0730: Easter services....beat the rush, go to the first service of the day.

Looks like my daffodils survived our Spring snow. The tulips ended up getting crushed in the last snow storm.

Time to feed the family....lunch will be hearty but later than usual.

Table is just about set...waiting for the hot stuff to come out of the oven and the contributions from our guests to arrive. Note to self: Edible Arrangements are DELICIOUS but very plentiful. A small would have been plenty.

My photo shy helper. The dude loves to clean toilets. Not a lot of career potential but it'll make his future wife happy!

Time to Party: we'd invited some friends over...and before I knew it, we were hosting lunch for 17. Thing Two really enjoyed the food. The kid is going through a MAJOR growth spurt.

Some our guests....it's so fun to watch our friends children grow up...we've known these girls for 11 yrs now! All were our babysitters at one point or another.

The guys gather in the green room...sharing war stories I'm sure...

Thing One....was not too into the part scene today...he hung out with his story journal and Moosey

Auntie Terri manages to find the best stuff for Easter Baskets....she's even more generous than even the Easter Bunny!

Oh look...he did come around when we announced Auntie Terri had arrived bearing gifts...

Should I be concerned?

OMG: how did this happen? A photo of me and my hubby? It must be a mistake...

I've just got a couple dishes left to wash, and I'm pouring myself a cold one and calling it a day. The weather could have been better...but the company and time spent with friends was perfect! Indeed, our best friends are those in whose presence we can be our best selves.

Bracing ourselves....

This week both Things had routine dentist visits.

Last time the dentist suggested we start to think about a visit to the orthodontist.

THIS time, the dentist said "So, which orthodontist shall we send these xrays to?"

  

What's wrong with this picture?

My friend, JG*, had outpatient surgery yesterday and I got the flowers?  

Something isn't right...but I'm not complaining...the flowers are beautiful and a welcome sign of Spring given the weather we are having of late.  Cold, windy and occasionally wet of the white variety.  Springtime in the Rockies?  BAH HUMBUG!

*yes, she and her hubby gave me flowers because I had their son over the night before and the day of the procedure and wanted to tell me thanks!  And to them, I say you are welcome!  The flowers?  Totally not necessary...but I'll take 'em just the same!  

Thinking of You Thursday:

Today is Autism Awareness Day...and while I share with you a photo of my quirky Thing from 2002, I'm really thinking of all the families that are just starting out on this journey.    It seems hard to believe that this summer, it'll be 10 yrs since we first heard whispers about what might be  the reason for Thing One's speech issues.  

He has  come so far...and yes, he still has tasks to master...but I have hope and believe  that someday....all of this will be a distant memory...not just for me and my family, but for the countless other families out there that are raising a quirky kid.

Santa's Watching...

Time for a confession on my part:  I like to "fuss" (ok, cuss) at other cars when I'm driving.  My kids have heard many colorful words all while riding with me in the Mystery Van.

Yesterday was no different than other adventures but apparently I said something that had left Thing Two concerned.

"Mom, you know, I hesitate to bring this sort of stuff up"

"Yes, son, what's on your mind?"

"Well, you know how you yell at the other drivers?"

"Uh huh..."

"Well, I just wanted to remind you that well...Santa's watching!"

It does get better...

I remember when my boys were little, another mom remarked in a rather negative manner that well "It doesn't ever get better, it just gets different".  

OK, I can buy that to a certain degree.  Each stage a kid goes through has a unique set of challenges and rewards.  But for a lot of things, it does get better.  I mean really:  sleeping through the night and potty training?  HELLO.  

Last night was a great example of things getting better for us.  We decided to visit a favorite German Restaurant (locals:  Helga's).  We've not gone there in years...mostly because the location isn't convenient but also Thing One isn't a big fan of trying new things.  We sort of forgot about it.

But last night, I was itching to go out and suggested this place.  Sure enough, on the way, Thing One said "Why not we just go to Chili's or KFC?"  Hubby was uber patient and said "just give it a try son".

And sure enough...it worked.  Not only did he manage to find something he liked (chicken schnitzel without the sauce?  Tastes...wait for it...just like chicken!  Imagine that!), but when the music started, instead of diving under the table as he's done in the past, he started clapping along and showing signs of having a good time.

So, yes...it does get better!  And for that...I'm ever so grateful and blessed

And she wonders why...

the kids all enjoy spending time at Camp Chang?

Lets see...before lunch I've let the one visiting kid have some jelly beans (with the only caveat of "when they are gone, they're gone") and has served all 4 boys popcorn and soda because "well, you just can't play movie theatre without snacks!".  

After lunch (breakfast for lunch, naturally), we're off to the sledding hill.  

Yeah...it's no wonder these visiting friends enjoy coming here vs. school-based day care.  At this rate, the kids will  never move out...and their friends?  Will likely run away to my house...

Thinking of you Thursday

This photo taken at the start of the day:  a first for our school district.  They called a snow day based on the forecast for worsening conditions throughout the day.  That's the way those Southerners do it, eh?  

I'm thinking of the weather folks.  They got it right (mostly).  We did get snow, cold and wind and thus  technically it met the defintion of a blizzard.    

But, since I managed to take the Things over to the big sledding hill** (which involved driving), it didn't meet the "Martha" definition of a blizzard.  You see, I stay home and don't drive when the weather is bad.  It wasn't "that bad".

*those photos?  Still on the camera.  Too lazy to take upload them.  Blame Dodi (yeah, I'm up to Episode 5.  It's a great season of Big Love!)

Birthday shout out

Me in my stylin' jumpsuit just couldn't pass up this opportunity to tell my big sis HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Hope your day is wonderful....and well, right about now, I'm hoping you don't start a blog or join facebook, because I suspect, payback would be a comin' my way....

Q & A

Thing Two asks me this morning "Why did you marry Dad?"  (this immediately following our silly routine of goodbye punches with I believe the dad winning this particular round...don't ask)

My response was "Well, I knew I'd have BEAUTIFUL babies if I married him"

Thing Two:  "That didn't work did it?"

I sense that there is just a tad bit of Grandpa Norman running through that boy (his paternal great grandfather, known for his sense of humor).  

St. Patrick's Day

Our Happy Irish Baby, Circa 1998

This morning, Thing One was most distressed.  You see, TODAY is his day.  Yeah Yeah, we're not Irish, but when your real name is part of a major celebration that occurs today, you sort of have to play along.  And that means:  you gotta wear something green.

But, Thing One had nothing green to wear!

Granted, we could have gone with the green underwear excuse but knowing him, he might just decide to prove it to  everyone he met today.  We needed a better option.  

Thing Two offered up one of his countless o.d. green shirts.  Thanks kid!

And so this evening, we'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in typical fashion...having a traditional Irish meal.  Assuming by traditional you mean burgers and fries.  But, I do think we've got a Smithwick's or two to be enjoyed with said burgers so we shall raise our glasses and wish all of you  a Very Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Law Abiding Scout

So today, the little scout in the family had his first chance to sell stuff for scouts.  It's time for the Spring Scout fundraiser and they are selling discount coupon cards.  He did pretty well at his booth, given how shy he is about approaching strangers.  

On the way home, he asked if he could go door to door.  So I figured, what the heck, we'd "return the favor" to those who sell us cookies each year.  First stop:  Ms. Colleen-O:  the car was home but nobody answered.  Next stop, Dodi's house.  There was a car was in the driveway, but well...we don't know if they were even home....

You see, he got to the door of Home M. and noticed their sign.  No soliciting.

So, he marched back over to me shaking his head. 

 I thought that was odd...because I mean really, Dodi's family is as nice in real life as she appears to be online.  

But he firmly told me "Mom, I didn't even ring their bell"

I tried to tell him "Oh sweetie, go ahead, and try, it's ok....they know you"

"NO MOM, the sign said NO SOLICITING and well...that means ME"

And well, how do you argue with logic like that?  

So, if you want a scout show card, call us...because apparently, we won't be calling on you...  :)

12 on the 13th

Um, yeah...I sort of blew it yesterday.  Oh well, last month I did 10 on the 12th, this month, why not 12 on the 13th?

This is how Thing One gets his day started.  A little time on the laptop.  Amazing how he can go from this to ready for school in about 3 minutes (nagging/hollering mom required but we've yet to have a tardy slip)

Thing Two was ready to go...he was most excited because he had earned/won a 'free drink' pass that  he planned to use at school today.  With such a pass, he gets to bring in the drink of his choice (a can of root beer) and keep it at his desk to sip on all day long.  

Home from the school run, a quick check of the email

I can take it no more...the basement is a mess.  And how stupid do you think I am?  No, I didn't take a picture of the mess.  But, I did take a picture of my favorite candle that I like to light to help motivate me when I decide to pick up the basement.  

Time for errands.  First stop our library.  Yes, it is as nice inside as it looks outside.

Next stop, the post office.  The accountant finished our taxes.  I mailed him his payment.  Ah...CPAs, saving marriages one 1040 at a time!  

Next up a quick stop at the bank to deposit some checks...Regis faculty get paid on the 15th.  

Our Friday tradition:  Special Lunch.  It started as a motivator years ago, and has become a family tradition.  If my schedule permits, I bring fast food to Thing One on Friday if he has had a good week.  I'd learn later on in the day, not only had he had a good week, he has had an AWESOME semester.  Report cards came home:  he got his first A EVER!!!!  GO THING ONE!  

Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard is bare...off to the big box she goes

I swear all that was really on my list was sudafed and cough drops (get well soon, Hubby!)

Hey, don't blame me for the recession.  I"m doing my part to stimulate the economy!  

Hey, look who's home before the kids?  Well...since he worked something like 16 hrs yesterday (which doesn't even include the time he spent commuting to San Francisco for the day) he took off work a bit early for some time with Brigitta.

And well, would you look at the time?  It is now time to go get the kids.  So much for a quiet day of staying home, eating bon bons and reading trashy novels.  Maybe in my next life....

Thinking of you Thursday

This evening I'm thinking about the county sheriff and his deputies and wondering what they must be thinking right about now.

You see, Thing Two had his scout meeting and the sheriff came to talk to the boys.

Thing Two loves being a scout and has his mom's tendency to "over share".

You can see where this is going, right?

Apparently, my little guy raised his hand and proudly announced that his dad had been arrested twice in Miami.

Good thing  his buddy, PK, is quite the little fact checker and quickly pointed out that Thing Two meant robbed not arrested.  

And for the record, it was only once...

Wordless Wednesday: Whatcha reading?

  And it must be good when the reluctant reader pleads "just one more chapter, please!"

Home Sweet Home...

As some of you know, I took off for an impromptu weekend away to visit family.  SO not my style to make such a quick decision and take a last minute adventure.....but you know, sometimes you just have to act on those impulsive ideas and seize the moment to make time for family.

The Things and Hubby survived without me...though Thing One said this afternoon "Mom, I missed you"  

"Son, I missed you too". 

 "No Mom, I missed you MORE...and I missed your cooking.  Dad, well, he needs a little work in that department."

  "Really, what did he fix?"  

"Fast Food...but when you get it is much better!"

So there you have it...while they can survive with me being gone, sounds like I've still got some amount of job security left.

Thinking of you, Thursday

And honey...it ain't sweet things I"m thinking!

While we all can agree, you are a few fries short of a Happy Meal...I'm still stuck thinking about you and what you were/weren't thinking when you went off on this quest to become America's Freakiest Mom!

As a mom trying hard to raise two boys (one quirky with some special needs no less, though these days, he's more typical than quirky, thank heavens!), my days are long and full. 

 

And so is my heart...so when you say you wanted "just one more"...that should have been your first sign of crazy.  What was wrong with the 6 you already had?  What gap could possibly still exist that you felt the need for just "one" more?  

Yes, I do have other more important things to think about today:  taxes, travel, family health and well being.  But today, it just seems easier to rant about some clueless stranger than face my own worries.  

A Day Late...

But the Things and I wanted to wish a very happy birthday to our pal, Dr. Seuss! 

photo:  circa 2003, Thing 1: 6, Thing 2:  4

The Law of the pack in action

Yesterday was the Things' Blue and Gold Banquet.  For those not up on the world of scouting, this is the considered to be the  high holy day in the scouting season.  Rank is awarded, entertainment and food is enjoyed (yummy Maggianos no less!) as the group celebrates the birthday of the Boy Scout organization.  And as I watched one young man receive his wolf badge, I was moved to tears.  It didn't help that his momma (a friend of mine) was also softly sobbing.  You see, her son is quirky.  Or as the experts call it "on the spectrum".  

But yesterday, the only label that mattered was he is now a cub scout, with the rank of wolf!  

And as I look at the photos I took  yesterday, I'm reminded of the third line in the Law of the Pack:  The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.  There is no disputing the fact that S. has had some incredible growth this past year and I can't help but think some of that has come from his friends in the pack...standing by his side, encouraging him to try new things and at the same time, accepting him quirks and all in a community where all anyone is asked is to "do your best".  

A tale of two artists

I think it is pretty safe to assume that "pottery artist" can be removed from Thing One's career possibilities.

I give you, Exhibit A:

But as for Thing Two, the jury is still out on his artistic potential.  He calls this "When animals collide" and tells me it is what he imagines happening if you combine a bear, a hawk, a platypus, kangaroo and porcupine (or as he wrote "porkypine).  He did several similar creations but this is the only one I was able to sneak away from him.  Apparently, I embarrass him when I share his art work!  See, he's even got the whole emotional angst going to make it as an artist. 

P.S.:  I'm not sure what's up with the Abe Lincoln hat but this past month, everything has had a "president's hat" attached to it.  I guess that is his trademark feature.

PPS:  Now take that Ms. Colleen...two blog entries in two days!  That'll teach you to give me grief.  At least my friend Fran is more discrete in her "hey, update your blog" nags...she sent me an email asking if I was ok since I hadn't blogged in over a week.   The message might be the same, but it's all in the delivery....you can tell Fran works for in human resources!  Hee Hee...  Come on Fran, out of lurkdom, comment on the blog!  

PPPS:  enough with all this nonsence...I'm due at the school...today is Spirit Day and I'm working the school store.  Come on now, get your pencils, erasers, over priced ball caps!  We got you covered!  

Thinking of You Thursday

Today, I'm thinking of my dad.  He'll never see this...he doesn't understand face book, message boards and certainly not blogging.  But, at 75, I guess that's ok.  He does understand email and the benefits of high speed Internet access so I'll call it good in terms of his familiarity with the technology driven world we live in

According to the email I got a few weeks ago,today  Dad is on his way to Costa del Sol today.  Yes, he's in Spain.  For a man who grew up on a farm in rural WI,  he sure has managed to explore many parts of the world.  

I'm thinking about him: hoping he's having a good time, wearing proper sun gear (he had a skin lesion removed earlier this winter).   I'm hoping he's getting enough rest and not getting grouchy tired and taking it out on his traveling companion.  

I'm thinking that I hope I am never faced with some of the challenges he faced in his adult life.  He lost his job with one daughter in college and another daughter about to start college.  A year later, his wife would be diagnosed with breast cancer that would end up taking her life.

But if I do get thrown such life altering difficulties, I hope I can face these challenges with the determination he has shown.  He stood by my mom for the four plus years she battled breast cancer, when lesser men might decide to take an easier way out.  He continued to work and plan for a carefree retirement.  And since retiring, he's made the most of these "golden years".  He has honored my mother's memory by taking these adventures that he'd hoped to share with her.  

By the way, my dad did not work in corporate America, with multi-million $ bonuses.  Nope, he was a hard working teacher/educator. He manages  all this retirement fun  on a teacher's pension!  

These two water colors that I've included?  Done by Dad at his recent "elder hostel" paint class that he took earlier this month in Palm Beach, CA (or maybe it was Palm Desert, I admit, I don't pay close attention to everything he does).  

Yeah...I think about Dad...but I certainly don't worry that he's withering away during his retirement ...the proof is in his passport!  That man knows how to retire on a budget and in style!

And that is something I hope Hubby and I can also manage to do...  

Thinking of you Thursday

While not as fun as my friend Dodi's "SMA Friday's", I think I'll try a Thinking of You Thursday. On Thursdays, when the mood strikes me and I'm remembering to do so, I'll  give a shout out to someone who has been in my thoughts a lot lately.

Today, it's my sister and her family.  They live in Detroit.  My BIL works in the auto industry.  You get the idea:  their lives are rather stressful these days.  But, they are doing the best they can...one day at a time, one rumor at a time and  even finding time for some laughter now and then.  She sent this cartoon to me today and I thought I'd share it on my blog.  Hang in there, L.  This too shall pass...and well, I've got my fingers crossed about those DOE opportunities here in CO!  :)

Wordless Wednesday: Watch out...I'm going in..

Send chocolate if I don't emerge soon....

Floral Delight

He's a good man...he came home from his motorcycle ride with these.  I'd picked up the bottle earlier in the week.

While we don't usually celebrate this holiday, I must admit the kitchen smells delightful and it makes me happy to see fresh flowers in the kitchen.

Hubby, you are a keeper...

The reviews are in...

and it isn't good.

Seems Mr. "store bought valentines are so predictable" is also the resident critic.  (yeah, now I really wonder where he gets THAT from).

"Nobody put in any effort on their valentines.  Did you see this one?  She didn't even bother to punch out the heart and attach the pixie sticks.  Lame...very lame!"

Mother hangs her head  in shame...because she knows he's learned this from somewhere and  it isn't his father....

12 on the 12th: Feb. Edition

06-something...the moon is shining brightly.  That must explain the two grouchy Things that woke up soon after I took this photo.
0800:  What's on the daily chore list?  I've recently started to use the calendar from Motivated Moms.  Much like FlyLady only with a nicer tone.  Helps me stay, well, motivated...
1000:  checking out the grocery ads and making my list.  
1030:  ACK:  Thing One hasn't finished his valentines.  Mom to the rescue (they are book marks with a note on the back saying "practice random acts of reading").  Thought it was appropriate since the boy always has his nose in a book.  
1330:  Managed to make some cards for their teacher (a male teacher:  that was a challenge to come up with the right design.  Thing One approved and wrote inside "Good Luck Ice Fishing.  Don't fall in or you will get cold and wet!"  Yeah, he's a real sentimental one, isn't he?    The popcorn treats are for the monthly luncheon tomorrow at the school.  This month's theme:  snacks.  It should be themed OVER KILL (yeah, my rant...why have a teacher appreciation luncheon on the same day as all the Valentine's Day parties?  I'm so not a PTO type...I just bring what they need and keep my comments to myself...usually...)
2:45:  Thing One...sporting the look that greats me most days.  Poor kid, he works so hard to keep it together at school that when he sees me, he often just melts.  
2:55:  finally Thing Two approaches.  He takes his own time...he visits with friends and gets to chatting.  Time slips away.  Hmmm...wonder where he gets this trait from?  
4:30:  Tutor Time.  It's helping...they are both getting faster and more accurate on their basic math facts.  Our school curriculum just doesn't spend much time doing the basics.  
5:15:  Dinner time.  Hubby is out of town and Thing Two has scouts in 45 minutes.  Have I mentioned I hate Thursdays?  The pace is rather crazy...
6:00  Time for scouts.  They are taking a behind the scenes tour of the library.  

9:00:  I realize I have only 10 photos and I'm too tired to go take two more.  Instead, let's see what I can find online...Ah forget it...I've got a cold one poured and the TiVo is ready to roll.  Maybe next month...I'm done!  

He stole my mojo

As I watched Thing Two make his very unpredictable Valentines, I was struck by how easily he just "created".  He didn't over think anything:  he just stamped, asked for some of those "do-dads" (translation:  brads) and within the course of a couple hours, cranked out all 24 valentines.

Then I tried to do the same.  I putzed, and puttered as I tried to find just the right stuff. I swear the kid stole my mojo....

But then I thought to myself I needed to take his approach, so I just grabbed my paper and some stickers and went work.  

Yep, sometimes they learn from us...and sometimes we learn from them...

Happy Valentine's Day to you...a bit early.  Yeah...just because some cards have been made, doesn't mean they will get mailed out on time...  

That's my boy...

Thing Two announced "Mom, we need to get working on the valentines".  

Mom:  "OK, do you want to go and pick something at the store?." 

Thing Two:   "NO Mom, don't you know that store bought valentines are so...well, predictable!"

That's the good news...the bad new is that well....there are 24 kids in his class....

And this year, mom is backing off on creative control.  We'll see where we end up after all is said and done...