I've tried really hard to not let my kids get wrapped up in all things material. When I was growing up, it wasn't always about the gifts we received, it was about the memories. My birthday is in the middle of the summer, so I remember pool parties and splash days and tons of friends. Back in the day, you could have a ton of kids at your birthday party because, let's face it...expectations weren't that high.
Now, it's all about what kind of stuff the kids get in their goodie bags, and where the party is held. It's all about the expensive gifts and the quantity of gifts...not about the time and thought that was put into it. And it makes me sad. It's one of the reasons I tend to steer clear of birthday parties where we invite the class or tons of friends. I don't want my kids to come to expect a ton of stuff.
As it is, they've been spoiled. B's dad is constantly buying him something, rewarding him for a job well done, or simply just because he wants to. It sends the wrong message, in my opinion. I'm all for earning rewards, but why should I go buy him something for making his bed and picking up his clothes for a week? He's almost 7...my sister was doing her own laundry at the age of 5. This is the world we live in, people. It's frightening.
I made a deal with both of the boys: If they can get along, exhibit respectful behavior to each other, their parents, and others, and be responsible for their chores for 7 days, I'll give them a prize. They have to do it together; it's all or nothing. If they go 14 days, they get a bigger prize, 21 days will score them an even bigger prize, and if they can go an entire month? I'll buy them an XBox 360. It's a win for everyone...and so far, they haven't made it past two or three days.
I don't think it's impossible, but it's a lot more work than they're willing to take on right now, and that's their choice. I truly hope they make it at some point; the offer will stand for as long as they're willing to try. There are a couple of limitations for each prize level: a monetary limit and also an appropriate factor, but other than that, it's totally up to them.
Back to the birthday list. I've been asking B for the past couple of weeks what he would like for his birthday. Today, he called me from his dad's car to tell me what he wanted. I'm not sure if this is HIS list or his dad's...because I could hear his dad offering input in the background. I don't know about you, but I kind of like it when my kids tell me what they actually want, not what other people tell them they want...but I digress.
1. A skateboard. (Nevermind the fact that he's only turning 7 and has all the grace of a rhino.)
2. A mini iPad. (Because he's responsible enough; nevermind that he's thrown his iPod touch in the washer at least 3 times in the last month or two...a mini iPad won't fit in his pocket.)
3. Legos: any kind. (Apparently he wants to make sure I have tons of material to fill more lamps.)
4. Birthday money. (After some obvious discussion in the background, he amended that to $30.)
5. Guitar/Drum. (I have nothing witty to say about this, aside from when hell freezes over.)
6. Baseball stuff. (THIS? This I'm good with. It promotes exercise, plus he has a mean swing.)
7. Games/Puzzles (This kid loves Yahtzee. It's a little bizarre. Nana's his favorite game partner.)
He never mentioned video games, Nerf guns, or toys of any kind. This is how I know the list is not entirely accurate. I know my kid a little better than that...however, if any of y'all want to fulfill anything on his list, you're more than welcome. Just be forewarned. If drums or a guitar show up at my house, I will hunt you down and break them over your head...after politely thanking you, of course.
Aubs
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Obligatory Election Post
If you know me, even a little, you know that I am not a huge fan of politics. I'm very interested in what happens in our country and what kind of impact it will have on my little bubble of a life, but I get extremely annoyed by all of the political propaganda posts and endless factoid posts on Facebook.
Not only that, but allow me to climb upon my soapbox for just a moment.
I am SO tired of all of the racial bigotry. Over the past several weeks, I have heard/read/seen some version of this sentence, "People are just voting for Romney because they don't want a black president." Really? Nine times out of ten, this comment is coming from a black person. So, it poses the question: Are people voting for Obama because they believe in what he stands for, or is it simply because of the color of his skin. It's not up to me to judge anyone for voting the way they do...at least they're getting out there and voting. I have nothing against Obama for his ethnicity. I would never vote for or against a candidate because of the color of his/her skin. I know some people do, and that's their choice.
And really? That line of bs can only take you so far...especially since we've had a black president for the last 4 years. People, whether they're knowledgeable and educated about the issues or not, are ridiculous. They will use any and every "attention getter" to do just that. Get attention. It's not about race or religion. It's about who will ultimately do the best job getting our country (back) on track. Who will push us forward and help with the national deficit.
Either way, no matter who wins, a large portion of the nation is going to be disappointed. That happens. Disappointment is a part of life. I used to think it was the spice of life, but then I realized that variety was the spice of life. I don't have a lot of experience in variety. I stick with what works. Maybe THAT'S part of my problem.
Huh, who would've thought I'd have an epiphany while blogging about the election?
In other news, the baseball party was a wild success tonight. The boys were so excited about their bags of goodies, and we were so pleased to be able to give our coach a pretty decent gift certificate to Dick's Sporting Goods. The boys (and their parents) have really meshed well together; it's just such a shame that we're all so friendly now that the season has come to an end.
I fully intend to hang out with some of the parents even though it's over, and there's always a chance that we'll end up on the same team next season...but with N being a little older than most of the boys on his team, we'll more than likely be in a different group.
On that note, I'm going to finish my homework, and watch this election coverage because I've been sucked in. Let's just say my kids' school held a mock election today, and B came home crying because his "team" lost. I wonder what news I'll have to give them in the morning...
Aubs
Not only that, but allow me to climb upon my soapbox for just a moment.
I am SO tired of all of the racial bigotry. Over the past several weeks, I have heard/read/seen some version of this sentence, "People are just voting for Romney because they don't want a black president." Really? Nine times out of ten, this comment is coming from a black person. So, it poses the question: Are people voting for Obama because they believe in what he stands for, or is it simply because of the color of his skin. It's not up to me to judge anyone for voting the way they do...at least they're getting out there and voting. I have nothing against Obama for his ethnicity. I would never vote for or against a candidate because of the color of his/her skin. I know some people do, and that's their choice.
And really? That line of bs can only take you so far...especially since we've had a black president for the last 4 years. People, whether they're knowledgeable and educated about the issues or not, are ridiculous. They will use any and every "attention getter" to do just that. Get attention. It's not about race or religion. It's about who will ultimately do the best job getting our country (back) on track. Who will push us forward and help with the national deficit.
Either way, no matter who wins, a large portion of the nation is going to be disappointed. That happens. Disappointment is a part of life. I used to think it was the spice of life, but then I realized that variety was the spice of life. I don't have a lot of experience in variety. I stick with what works. Maybe THAT'S part of my problem.
Huh, who would've thought I'd have an epiphany while blogging about the election?
In other news, the baseball party was a wild success tonight. The boys were so excited about their bags of goodies, and we were so pleased to be able to give our coach a pretty decent gift certificate to Dick's Sporting Goods. The boys (and their parents) have really meshed well together; it's just such a shame that we're all so friendly now that the season has come to an end.
I fully intend to hang out with some of the parents even though it's over, and there's always a chance that we'll end up on the same team next season...but with N being a little older than most of the boys on his team, we'll more than likely be in a different group.
On that note, I'm going to finish my homework, and watch this election coverage because I've been sucked in. Let's just say my kids' school held a mock election today, and B came home crying because his "team" lost. I wonder what news I'll have to give them in the morning...
Aubs
Monday, November 5, 2012
Newsflash: I'm an over-achiever
Shocking, right? I tend to go slightly overboard when I do things, anything really, in life. The motto "Go big or go home" definitely applies to me...only maybe "Go big" is more appropriate. I tend to take on more than reality says I should be able to handle because I'm so determined. THEN, I inevitably stress out about how I'm not going to get it all done, grumble about how I don't have any help (usually after I've refused countless offers), or a myriad of other things. It's "normal" in Aubrey's world.
Saturday, I started throwing around the idea of putting together little bags of goodies for the boys on the baseball team. I know I've said it a hundred times, but they really are some of the greatest boys. I'm so thankful that N ended up with such a nice, welcoming, entertaining group of boys. Every single one of them have really been so kind to N, who was totally apprehensive about being "the new kid" in baseball as well as in school. Anyway, goodie bags. My first thought? Big League Chew. What 9-10 year old boy doesn't love that stuff? I wanted to do a little more than that though, so I hit Party City. I went for a baseball theme, 'cause...well, duh! I can't wait to take pictures of the finished product, but since I adore 90% of the moms on the team, I kept it relatively low in sugar and limited noisy goodies to one. See? I can be nice and not diabolical sometimes.
I came home from picking up the stuff, and picked up the boys. As I started putting the stuff into piles (I debated waiting and surprising N too, but he wanted to "pick" his stuff), the squeals from both boys got louder and louder. When I revealed the Big League Chew, I got "Wow, Mom...you really ARE the best mom ever." Aaaaaaand, my job here is done. I haven't finished making the bags for them yet, but once I do, I'll add a picture. I'm a little proud of myself, but I did send one of the other moms an email today saying "Um, I think I might have overdone it a little..."
The boys and I spent a relatively quiet evening playing Super Nintendo (Porky Pig's Haunted Holiday, if you really want to know) and Wii (Mario Baseball). I have a hard fast rule about throwing things in the house. Every now and then, someone forgets, but I think they remember...they're just testing the waters. See? Nothing gets by this one... Sometime in the last week or so, they've decided it's okay to throw money at each other. Not dollar bills; they totally aren't strippers, but coins. Um, money hurts. A lot.
B has this huge silver coin that his dad gave him forever ago. I'd confiscated it shortly after he received it, and forgot about it. It sat in my car, in the little flippy-uppy thingy, for well over 2 years before B found it when he was being a nosy butt. Picture this, if you will: I've already tucked both boys in, kissed them goodnight, read them the riot act, and threatened "If I hear one more peep out of this room...." I collect the items I need for MY homework: laptop, kindle, phone, water, etc. and head to my room. As soon as I dump these items (excluding the water, that would be messy) on my bed, I hear the most traumatic scream I've heard in a long time. Literally, it sounded like a dying animal in a trap...not that I would know what that sounds like, but I have a great imagination.
I run back into their room, and discover that it's N screaming like he's dying. B starts crying because he's trying to defend himself and his actions before I even know what's going on. I'm trying to make heads or tails of the situation (wait for it...) so I flip on the light and see a huge knot on the side of N's head. Why? Because. In the EFFIN' DARK, B threw that huge silver coin at N's head and whacked the ever lovin' crap out of his head. I swear, sometimes I really think alcoholics have the right idea.
An icepack, Advil liqui-gel, and a meddling mom conversation later, he still has a huge knot on his head...but I'm letting him go to sleep. Why? Because he could tell me what 6x7 was, he could see how many fingers I was holding up IN THE DARK (3), and because I really don't think he has a concussion even though he still has a huge lump on his head. I can't find the stupid silver coin, but when I do...It's out of here. The last hour or so was one of those hours where I was chanting, "I love my kids. I love being a mom. I'm glad they're so creative" because, in reality I'm really thinking "WHY are they so much like me?" Those poor, poor children...
Aubs
Saturday, I started throwing around the idea of putting together little bags of goodies for the boys on the baseball team. I know I've said it a hundred times, but they really are some of the greatest boys. I'm so thankful that N ended up with such a nice, welcoming, entertaining group of boys. Every single one of them have really been so kind to N, who was totally apprehensive about being "the new kid" in baseball as well as in school. Anyway, goodie bags. My first thought? Big League Chew. What 9-10 year old boy doesn't love that stuff? I wanted to do a little more than that though, so I hit Party City. I went for a baseball theme, 'cause...well, duh! I can't wait to take pictures of the finished product, but since I adore 90% of the moms on the team, I kept it relatively low in sugar and limited noisy goodies to one. See? I can be nice and not diabolical sometimes.
I came home from picking up the stuff, and picked up the boys. As I started putting the stuff into piles (I debated waiting and surprising N too, but he wanted to "pick" his stuff), the squeals from both boys got louder and louder. When I revealed the Big League Chew, I got "Wow, Mom...you really ARE the best mom ever." Aaaaaaand, my job here is done. I haven't finished making the bags for them yet, but once I do, I'll add a picture. I'm a little proud of myself, but I did send one of the other moms an email today saying "Um, I think I might have overdone it a little..."
The boys and I spent a relatively quiet evening playing Super Nintendo (Porky Pig's Haunted Holiday, if you really want to know) and Wii (Mario Baseball). I have a hard fast rule about throwing things in the house. Every now and then, someone forgets, but I think they remember...they're just testing the waters. See? Nothing gets by this one... Sometime in the last week or so, they've decided it's okay to throw money at each other. Not dollar bills; they totally aren't strippers, but coins. Um, money hurts. A lot.
B has this huge silver coin that his dad gave him forever ago. I'd confiscated it shortly after he received it, and forgot about it. It sat in my car, in the little flippy-uppy thingy, for well over 2 years before B found it when he was being a nosy butt. Picture this, if you will: I've already tucked both boys in, kissed them goodnight, read them the riot act, and threatened "If I hear one more peep out of this room...." I collect the items I need for MY homework: laptop, kindle, phone, water, etc. and head to my room. As soon as I dump these items (excluding the water, that would be messy) on my bed, I hear the most traumatic scream I've heard in a long time. Literally, it sounded like a dying animal in a trap...not that I would know what that sounds like, but I have a great imagination.
I run back into their room, and discover that it's N screaming like he's dying. B starts crying because he's trying to defend himself and his actions before I even know what's going on. I'm trying to make heads or tails of the situation (wait for it...) so I flip on the light and see a huge knot on the side of N's head. Why? Because. In the EFFIN' DARK, B threw that huge silver coin at N's head and whacked the ever lovin' crap out of his head. I swear, sometimes I really think alcoholics have the right idea.
An icepack, Advil liqui-gel, and a meddling mom conversation later, he still has a huge knot on his head...but I'm letting him go to sleep. Why? Because he could tell me what 6x7 was, he could see how many fingers I was holding up IN THE DARK (3), and because I really don't think he has a concussion even though he still has a huge lump on his head. I can't find the stupid silver coin, but when I do...It's out of here. The last hour or so was one of those hours where I was chanting, "I love my kids. I love being a mom. I'm glad they're so creative" because, in reality I'm really thinking "WHY are they so much like me?" Those poor, poor children...
Aubs
Sunday, November 4, 2012
I'm glad it's not just me...
So, I've been looking forward to "falling back" and getting an extra hour of sleep since school started. For my boys, if it's dark when they're supposed to go to bed, they put up less of a fight. And by less, I mean marginally, and even then...not really. Anyway, I was so pumped about sleeping in this morning. That was stupid. At 7:30, the sunlight was streaming in my window and both boys were jumping on my bed. I growled for an hour, then gave in and got up.
Because I was exhausted and the victim of a rude awakening by my darling children, I was a total grouch. As we were walking through the parking lot, towards children's church to drop B off, and we had stopped for the fifth time so someone could tie their shoe, I growled, "Thank God we're going to church this morning, 'cause I sure do need God today." They both looked at me, knowingly, then (in a not so quiet stage whisper) I hear, "I think Mom needs God everyday." Awesome. I'm glad we're all on the same page.
I'm an emotional-ish person. Yeah, newsflash... I love how there are always video montages of new baptisms and people sharing their new found faith with others. It never fails to make me tear up a little bit, and today it was even more touching. There was a whole family who, one right after the other, were baptised, and came up out of the water just grinning with happiness. You could literally see the joy oozing out of their pores. Usually, I try to nonchalantly wipe my eye, but today I couldn't. It was almost full-fledged tears...and I wasn't the only one. The lady in front of me was bawling, and her husband had wet cheeks too. It was such an amazing video. It will stay with me for a long time.
After what seemed like 6 hours of N blogging for HIS homework (it was closer to two hours), I dragged them out of the house and to Kid Kountry again. Remember my whole vow to exercise every single day for the month of October and November? Um, yeah...that didn't go so well. It started off solid, but I kind of fell apart. SO, I decided to restart it. Today. While they ran around and caused a commotion, I mean played football. On the playground. Correction, the PACKED playground. They played, and I walked around the little path surrounding the park for 30 minutes. THEN, we hit the open fields for some real football throwing and I hit the path around the pond for another 20 minutes. It was a slower pace than what I used to do regularly, but I still did 3 miles and it felt good to get back into the swing of things.
While I have some free time, I intend to use it wisely and start a workout regimen again. Are there any particular things that work best for you? Motivators, quick workouts, etc? I've thought about hitting the gym after the boys get on the bus, but maybe Pilates would be a better "wake-up" of sorts. I'm not sure, but I know that I don't like how things are right now.
Oh! I'm also counting down the days until I get to go hang out with my dad for the weekend. This trip will be solo, followed by a trip with the boys the next weekend for Thanksgiving. This is, hands down, my favorite time of year. I can't believe it's here already!!! Have a great week, y'all!
Aubs
Because I was exhausted and the victim of a rude awakening by my darling children, I was a total grouch. As we were walking through the parking lot, towards children's church to drop B off, and we had stopped for the fifth time so someone could tie their shoe, I growled, "Thank God we're going to church this morning, 'cause I sure do need God today." They both looked at me, knowingly, then (in a not so quiet stage whisper) I hear, "I think Mom needs God everyday." Awesome. I'm glad we're all on the same page.
I'm an emotional-ish person. Yeah, newsflash... I love how there are always video montages of new baptisms and people sharing their new found faith with others. It never fails to make me tear up a little bit, and today it was even more touching. There was a whole family who, one right after the other, were baptised, and came up out of the water just grinning with happiness. You could literally see the joy oozing out of their pores. Usually, I try to nonchalantly wipe my eye, but today I couldn't. It was almost full-fledged tears...and I wasn't the only one. The lady in front of me was bawling, and her husband had wet cheeks too. It was such an amazing video. It will stay with me for a long time.
After what seemed like 6 hours of N blogging for HIS homework (it was closer to two hours), I dragged them out of the house and to Kid Kountry again. Remember my whole vow to exercise every single day for the month of October and November? Um, yeah...that didn't go so well. It started off solid, but I kind of fell apart. SO, I decided to restart it. Today. While they ran around and caused a commotion, I mean played football. On the playground. Correction, the PACKED playground. They played, and I walked around the little path surrounding the park for 30 minutes. THEN, we hit the open fields for some real football throwing and I hit the path around the pond for another 20 minutes. It was a slower pace than what I used to do regularly, but I still did 3 miles and it felt good to get back into the swing of things.
While I have some free time, I intend to use it wisely and start a workout regimen again. Are there any particular things that work best for you? Motivators, quick workouts, etc? I've thought about hitting the gym after the boys get on the bus, but maybe Pilates would be a better "wake-up" of sorts. I'm not sure, but I know that I don't like how things are right now.
Oh! I'm also counting down the days until I get to go hang out with my dad for the weekend. This trip will be solo, followed by a trip with the boys the next weekend for Thanksgiving. This is, hands down, my favorite time of year. I can't believe it's here already!!! Have a great week, y'all!
Aubs
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Baseball Wrap-Up
Holy cow, y'all... Today was the last game of the season, a make-up game from the rain-out in September. The match-up? Rangers vs. Marlins. Right off the bat, it was intense. See what I did there? My wit astounds me.
N started off the game catching, and his best buddy was pitching. I must say, without any bias whatsoever, they are quite the duo. N has really stepped up to the plate (man, I'm on a roll) and embraced the role of catcher. He loves it, and he's pretty dang good at it. Although he had some issues when he first tried it out with hustling, he's adapted really well. That boy can rip his helmet off and go for the ball with the best of them! Napoli, watch out!
Although the other team scored a couple of runs, our boys held them to two and then came back and scored four in the bottom of the first inning. All of our boys were making some pretty awesome plays today. BOTH of N's best buddies hit homers in the game! He was so excited for both of them, and all of us parents were screaming like crazy!
N played first base, pitched for 1 1/2 innings, played second, and then caught again to close out the game. Our guys had a few listening issues, which allowed the Rangers to score 5 runs in one inning and take control of the game. Coach had warned us at the beginning of the season that he rarely gets mad, but when he does, he goes big. When our boys (and I'm pretty sure it was unintentional; they were just really wound up) ignored his command and allowed 5 runs in one inning, he (literally, not metaphorically) kicked the bucket he had been sitting on, and called for a huddle. The parents kind of laughed nervously, but once again quickly realized how blessed we are to have this man as our coach. He didn't yell, but instead called them all over and explained that he was the coach for a reason, and that the boys needed to listen to him...even if he ended up being wrong.
The boys answered with a 5 run inning of their own, and it was intense. The whole game was one of those "on the edge of your seat" ballgames, with lots of screaming and cheering from the parents and a ton of excellent plays by our boys. They really stepped it up for the last game, and man! What a way to end the season: Rangers 8 - Marlins 9. Overall, they went 5-3, which was pretty good, considering we only had 9 players when we were a full team, and had several games where we were down a player or two.
As soon as the game was over, N came up to me and said "How was my report card? Which piece of gear do I get first?" His dad and I made him a deal: good report cards = catcher's gear, piece by piece. If he's serious about playing catcher, and wants to make that commitment, I'm all for it. I think he'll be a really good one; he's already really alert when he's behind the plate, and he's done really well at all of the positions he's played. Yeah, I know...spoken like a true mom.
It figures, on the last game of the season, I got caught up in the fact that I KNEW N was getting mad at himself for how he was pitching... After he'd walked 2 players, I said (before I even realized it) "It's okay, Honey...um, I mean...boy?" Whoops! He heard it too, and I got a nice glare from the pitcher's mound, but it turns out he was more irritated with B talking to him while he was getting ready to warm up behind the plate, than with my little mistake.
I'm really sad the season is over; we've made some pretty great friends and I hope we'll still hang out. I'm still crossing my fingers that we end up on the same basketball team this winter, but the chances of us being on the same team in the spring is pretty slim. N's the oldest of the group; he's already 10, so I'm guessing he'll get bumped up to the next age group. I'm also concerned (mom mode) that we got ridiculously spoiled with our coach this season. Most of the other coaches seem to be pretty vocal, and with N's tendency to be hard on himself, I worry. I know, I know. I'll stop now.
All the boys will be together again on Tuesday for our team party. I'm trying to come up with a cute idea for the boys...Any ideas?
Aubs
Check him out, with his leg out to the side...I asked him why he did it, and he said, "To stop any balls that hit next to the plate so I could keep them from scoring." That boy always thinks ahead!
N started off the game catching, and his best buddy was pitching. I must say, without any bias whatsoever, they are quite the duo. N has really stepped up to the plate (man, I'm on a roll) and embraced the role of catcher. He loves it, and he's pretty dang good at it. Although he had some issues when he first tried it out with hustling, he's adapted really well. That boy can rip his helmet off and go for the ball with the best of them! Napoli, watch out!
Although the other team scored a couple of runs, our boys held them to two and then came back and scored four in the bottom of the first inning. All of our boys were making some pretty awesome plays today. BOTH of N's best buddies hit homers in the game! He was so excited for both of them, and all of us parents were screaming like crazy!
N played first base, pitched for 1 1/2 innings, played second, and then caught again to close out the game. Our guys had a few listening issues, which allowed the Rangers to score 5 runs in one inning and take control of the game. Coach had warned us at the beginning of the season that he rarely gets mad, but when he does, he goes big. When our boys (and I'm pretty sure it was unintentional; they were just really wound up) ignored his command and allowed 5 runs in one inning, he (literally, not metaphorically) kicked the bucket he had been sitting on, and called for a huddle. The parents kind of laughed nervously, but once again quickly realized how blessed we are to have this man as our coach. He didn't yell, but instead called them all over and explained that he was the coach for a reason, and that the boys needed to listen to him...even if he ended up being wrong.
The boys answered with a 5 run inning of their own, and it was intense. The whole game was one of those "on the edge of your seat" ballgames, with lots of screaming and cheering from the parents and a ton of excellent plays by our boys. They really stepped it up for the last game, and man! What a way to end the season: Rangers 8 - Marlins 9. Overall, they went 5-3, which was pretty good, considering we only had 9 players when we were a full team, and had several games where we were down a player or two.
As soon as the game was over, N came up to me and said "How was my report card? Which piece of gear do I get first?" His dad and I made him a deal: good report cards = catcher's gear, piece by piece. If he's serious about playing catcher, and wants to make that commitment, I'm all for it. I think he'll be a really good one; he's already really alert when he's behind the plate, and he's done really well at all of the positions he's played. Yeah, I know...spoken like a true mom.
It figures, on the last game of the season, I got caught up in the fact that I KNEW N was getting mad at himself for how he was pitching... After he'd walked 2 players, I said (before I even realized it) "It's okay, Honey...um, I mean...boy?" Whoops! He heard it too, and I got a nice glare from the pitcher's mound, but it turns out he was more irritated with B talking to him while he was getting ready to warm up behind the plate, than with my little mistake.
I'm really sad the season is over; we've made some pretty great friends and I hope we'll still hang out. I'm still crossing my fingers that we end up on the same basketball team this winter, but the chances of us being on the same team in the spring is pretty slim. N's the oldest of the group; he's already 10, so I'm guessing he'll get bumped up to the next age group. I'm also concerned (mom mode) that we got ridiculously spoiled with our coach this season. Most of the other coaches seem to be pretty vocal, and with N's tendency to be hard on himself, I worry. I know, I know. I'll stop now.
All the boys will be together again on Tuesday for our team party. I'm trying to come up with a cute idea for the boys...Any ideas?
Aubs
Friday, November 2, 2012
Kid Kountry
I might've mentioned it before, but I live in a pretty great community. It's home to a pretty awesome school system, and the football team (the one that just recently lost a member as well as a member of the male spirit squad) is currently undefeated. Everyone's supportive of schools and sports and community activities. It's just a super-huge family; a family that never fails to come together when people need it the most.
Our community is home to one of the greatest playgrounds around. When I moved here as a teenager in high school, this park had been around for a while. I was already past "playground" status, but I took kids I babysat there, and they always had a blast. Named Kid Kountry, it totally felt like you were entering into a castle when you ducked under the sign. It's a pretty good size as far as playgrounds go, and there's never a shortage of things to do.
Over the years, I've taken my boys there from time to time, sometimes meeting friends who still live in the area, sometimes just to blow off some steam. There are basketball goals and wide open spaces, perfect for playing catch. It used to be the meeting spot for exchanging N when he was coming home from/going to his dad's house. They've added some ball fields, and the biggest deal aside from Kid Kountry (which still draws a huge crowd) is the Aquatic Center with its indoor and outdoor pools.
Well...as most things do, Kid Kountry needed an update. The community banded together, and with donations and tons of volunteers, they completely revamped Kid Kountry. Today was our first time to go since the renovations, and we were totally impressed. Some of the original structures are there, but there is so much more space! There's tons of room to add on in the future, and I hope they do. They really created a spot for "littles" under the age of 5, complete with fake grass and a huge mosaic hippo. It's precious!
Tonight, I met a friend from high school that I haven't seen in 6 years or so. She brought her kiddos, a boy who's in between N and B, and a "little" girl who is tiny and precious and knows no fear. We introduced the boys, and they were gone. We didn't see them for a long time, so we were able to take "little" into the little area, where she was unsure about the sand for a minute. It didn't take long! As we were catching up, I looked to my right and saw a guy I went to high school with, hanging with his wife and kids in another area of the little section.
Seeing people I went to high school with back in the town (assuming they ever left) is not uncommon. In fact, I'm surprised if I don't see someone I know when I go anywhere in this town. Case in point, we went to Chipotle after Kid Kountry, and a girl who graduated the year after me was walking out as we were walking in. I don't really remember much about her at all because we weren't friends, but recognition dawned on both of us at the same time...and I'm usually hard to place because my hair is a completely different color these days.
It was so much fun hanging out with my friend Natalie, watching our kids play, and catching up on the past few years. It's so crazy to think of both of us as moms, when it seems like we were just crazy teenagers yesterday. Tons of good memories though, and I can't wait for us to hang out again soon. It seems like our boys have become fast friends, they're already planning when we're going to hang out again!
Tomorrow is N's last ballgame of the season, and I'm kind of sad about it. He's had such a great time, and met some really great boys. I hope they'll stay in touch and hang out, even once the season is over. I know some of them are signed up to play winter basketball just like N, so maybe we'll get lucky play with/against some of them. While it'll be nice to have a little breather from practice during the week, I'm excited for him to get started with basketball again.
Can you believe it's already November?! AND, tomorrow's daylight savings time!!! I'm all about getting an extra hour of sleep. Yeah right, like that'll happen. This next week will fly by and then I'll be in Houston, helping my dad make sure his house is Thanksgiving ready. Then, a week later, the boys and I will be back, ready for some family time and a little R&R Pampaw style! We'll end the week with birthdays, and then it's practically December! Where has this year gone?!
Aubs
Our community is home to one of the greatest playgrounds around. When I moved here as a teenager in high school, this park had been around for a while. I was already past "playground" status, but I took kids I babysat there, and they always had a blast. Named Kid Kountry, it totally felt like you were entering into a castle when you ducked under the sign. It's a pretty good size as far as playgrounds go, and there's never a shortage of things to do.
Over the years, I've taken my boys there from time to time, sometimes meeting friends who still live in the area, sometimes just to blow off some steam. There are basketball goals and wide open spaces, perfect for playing catch. It used to be the meeting spot for exchanging N when he was coming home from/going to his dad's house. They've added some ball fields, and the biggest deal aside from Kid Kountry (which still draws a huge crowd) is the Aquatic Center with its indoor and outdoor pools.
Well...as most things do, Kid Kountry needed an update. The community banded together, and with donations and tons of volunteers, they completely revamped Kid Kountry. Today was our first time to go since the renovations, and we were totally impressed. Some of the original structures are there, but there is so much more space! There's tons of room to add on in the future, and I hope they do. They really created a spot for "littles" under the age of 5, complete with fake grass and a huge mosaic hippo. It's precious!
Tonight, I met a friend from high school that I haven't seen in 6 years or so. She brought her kiddos, a boy who's in between N and B, and a "little" girl who is tiny and precious and knows no fear. We introduced the boys, and they were gone. We didn't see them for a long time, so we were able to take "little" into the little area, where she was unsure about the sand for a minute. It didn't take long! As we were catching up, I looked to my right and saw a guy I went to high school with, hanging with his wife and kids in another area of the little section.
Seeing people I went to high school with back in the town (assuming they ever left) is not uncommon. In fact, I'm surprised if I don't see someone I know when I go anywhere in this town. Case in point, we went to Chipotle after Kid Kountry, and a girl who graduated the year after me was walking out as we were walking in. I don't really remember much about her at all because we weren't friends, but recognition dawned on both of us at the same time...and I'm usually hard to place because my hair is a completely different color these days.
It was so much fun hanging out with my friend Natalie, watching our kids play, and catching up on the past few years. It's so crazy to think of both of us as moms, when it seems like we were just crazy teenagers yesterday. Tons of good memories though, and I can't wait for us to hang out again soon. It seems like our boys have become fast friends, they're already planning when we're going to hang out again!
Tomorrow is N's last ballgame of the season, and I'm kind of sad about it. He's had such a great time, and met some really great boys. I hope they'll stay in touch and hang out, even once the season is over. I know some of them are signed up to play winter basketball just like N, so maybe we'll get lucky play with/against some of them. While it'll be nice to have a little breather from practice during the week, I'm excited for him to get started with basketball again.
Can you believe it's already November?! AND, tomorrow's daylight savings time!!! I'm all about getting an extra hour of sleep. Yeah right, like that'll happen. This next week will fly by and then I'll be in Houston, helping my dad make sure his house is Thanksgiving ready. Then, a week later, the boys and I will be back, ready for some family time and a little R&R Pampaw style! We'll end the week with birthdays, and then it's practically December! Where has this year gone?!
Aubs
Thursday, November 1, 2012
When life happens and you suddenly realize...
that people aren't always who they appear to be. Sure, everybody puts their best foot forward when they meet someone for the first time, or for a while until they get comfortable around someone, but when the newness wears off, who are you really left with? This is a lesson I've learned multiple times in my life, but it never seemed to stick. Until now. And now I realize just how much I had been holding on to the "newness" and not the reality. 'Cause, y'all? The reality isn't always pretty...and the reality is, it's not for me.
that it could always be worse. When things really suck in life, and you're unhappy with your job or your relationships with ex spouses or even other members in your family, just remember... You could be completely alone. There could be nobody in your corner, nobody there to help you out, and wouldn't you rather have somebody there than nobody at all? It's worth choosing your battles, and accepting that the apology you know you deserve will never come.
that you just have to laugh at yourself sometimes, and when I say "yourself" I also mean your children. I'm suffering from a killer headache tonight and my boys aren't listening worth a flip, which is why they were in bed 30 minutes earlier than normal tonight. I told them I didn't want to hear a sound...or else. Now, as I sit in the living room, purposely ignoring the giggles and thumps coming from their room, I have to laugh at myself. Why? Because they're boys. They didn't ask to have a mom who has a headache or who is going insane over this cleaning spree she threw herself into earlier today. Plus, said mom gave them ice cream for dessert after dinner. Again, sometimes you just have to laugh.
that you are enough. You don't need a significant other, the potential drama of a relationship, or the hassle of blending with another family when yours is chaotic enough on its own. You are fully capable of being your own best friend...because you know you're always going to be on the same page. You're fully capable of being both mom and dad, even if it's hard sometimes. Someday, (ideally) they'll appreciate it. You may miss the companionship of simply having someone there, but do you miss it enough to do something about it?
that you're ready to take a chance. Some people claim that there will never be another person for them if their spouse dies, cheats, divorces, etc. The hurt and the anger harden hearts and close people off from what could possibly be the greatest "find" of their lives. It could come in the form of an old friend you've known forever and never thought of "in that way" or a chance encounter with a complete stranger. If you never try, then you'll never know...but first you have to want to try. For some, online dating, blind dates, or even speed dating are the way to go. Call me old fashioned, but if I can't meet someone on my own, then they aren't the right someone for me.
that you always have God on your side, even when you don't realize it. He's always looking out for you, even when you're angry and resentful. He has a plan for each and every single one of us...we just have to let Him take control. His plans were made long before we even existed, and putting our trust solely in Him is a huge leap of faith. It's also the greatest reward we'll ever receive. This is something I struggle with remembering sometimes, and it takes a huge upheaval or a meltdown to remind me. It shouldn't be that way...
that sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. There are going to be days that suck, and there are going to be days that are beyond your wildest dreams. There are going to be days where everyone drives you insane, and days where you're elated to spend time with those closest to you. Days when your "to do" list seems to be infinite, and days where it seems like nothing to tackle any problem you may be facing. I've had a ton of days where everything just goes wrong, and I've had a ton of days where I know I have truly been blessed. Life is what you make it, and while everyone has a bad day every now and then, it all comes down to how you embrace it. You either roll with the punches or you get knocked out. Which do you choose?
Aubs
that it could always be worse. When things really suck in life, and you're unhappy with your job or your relationships with ex spouses or even other members in your family, just remember... You could be completely alone. There could be nobody in your corner, nobody there to help you out, and wouldn't you rather have somebody there than nobody at all? It's worth choosing your battles, and accepting that the apology you know you deserve will never come.
that you just have to laugh at yourself sometimes, and when I say "yourself" I also mean your children. I'm suffering from a killer headache tonight and my boys aren't listening worth a flip, which is why they were in bed 30 minutes earlier than normal tonight. I told them I didn't want to hear a sound...or else. Now, as I sit in the living room, purposely ignoring the giggles and thumps coming from their room, I have to laugh at myself. Why? Because they're boys. They didn't ask to have a mom who has a headache or who is going insane over this cleaning spree she threw herself into earlier today. Plus, said mom gave them ice cream for dessert after dinner. Again, sometimes you just have to laugh.
that you are enough. You don't need a significant other, the potential drama of a relationship, or the hassle of blending with another family when yours is chaotic enough on its own. You are fully capable of being your own best friend...because you know you're always going to be on the same page. You're fully capable of being both mom and dad, even if it's hard sometimes. Someday, (ideally) they'll appreciate it. You may miss the companionship of simply having someone there, but do you miss it enough to do something about it?
that you're ready to take a chance. Some people claim that there will never be another person for them if their spouse dies, cheats, divorces, etc. The hurt and the anger harden hearts and close people off from what could possibly be the greatest "find" of their lives. It could come in the form of an old friend you've known forever and never thought of "in that way" or a chance encounter with a complete stranger. If you never try, then you'll never know...but first you have to want to try. For some, online dating, blind dates, or even speed dating are the way to go. Call me old fashioned, but if I can't meet someone on my own, then they aren't the right someone for me.
that you always have God on your side, even when you don't realize it. He's always looking out for you, even when you're angry and resentful. He has a plan for each and every single one of us...we just have to let Him take control. His plans were made long before we even existed, and putting our trust solely in Him is a huge leap of faith. It's also the greatest reward we'll ever receive. This is something I struggle with remembering sometimes, and it takes a huge upheaval or a meltdown to remind me. It shouldn't be that way...
that sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. There are going to be days that suck, and there are going to be days that are beyond your wildest dreams. There are going to be days where everyone drives you insane, and days where you're elated to spend time with those closest to you. Days when your "to do" list seems to be infinite, and days where it seems like nothing to tackle any problem you may be facing. I've had a ton of days where everything just goes wrong, and I've had a ton of days where I know I have truly been blessed. Life is what you make it, and while everyone has a bad day every now and then, it all comes down to how you embrace it. You either roll with the punches or you get knocked out. Which do you choose?
Aubs
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