I get pretty emotional about certain things...patriotism is one of them. I remember going to the gas station to await the special edition newspapers when the Twin Towers were hit. I remember waiting for hours, the television in the gas station (behind the counter) turned around so all of the patrons could watch the footage in absolute horror.
And while I was watching the reports and recollections and as I was reading the articles, I was struck by just how much technology has changed since then. I know, it's a weird thing to get stuck on when there are much bigger things to remember. I read Ari Fleischer's tweets of what he was doing on 9/11/01, and how things are so much different now, and I hadn't even thought about how iPhone hadn't even been invented yet.
Whoa.
It doesn't matter if it's the anniversary of 9/11 or another random day in the year...but the brave men, women and children who lost their lives that day pop into my head all the time, and I have to swallow hard past the large lump that forms in my throat. When I re-read the stories of loved ones lost in the towers or the Pentagon or that random field in Pennsylvania, tears fill my eyes. Even now, as I mull over what I want to express, I find it hard...and we all know that coming up with words is NEVER an issue for me.
There were 10 pregnant women who died that day, and 10+ babies who never got to experience life in the real world. I never realized there were that many...and that made me so sad. 10 men didn't just lose their wives/significant others that day. They lost their unborn children, as well. It's a pretty sobering thought. Even though my knuckleheads drive me crazy sometimes, I couldn't imagine never having the opportunity to meet them here on this Earth.
So, we spent our Thursday loving each other a little more and spending a little more time together and while that may not seem like a whole lot, it was something. We talked about what today commemorates. We talked about the heroes and pride and patriotism. When the boys left for school, I watched the moments of silence and prayed for the families of those who lost their loved ones. And then I realized that it's been 13 years. Some of these children never knew their fathers, never got to feel what it was like to get a hug or give a high-five...and that made me want to vomit.
I hate there are people who lost their lives thanks to some cowardly terrorists. My Facebook post says pretty much all I need to say:
"We will never forget. Cowards took countless lives that day, and
changed not only the American people, but the scope of our entire
country. Families were ripped apart as people lost their mothers,
fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, children, aunts, uncles,
cousins in the Twin Towers and the resulting aftermath. People watched
in shock, outrage, and fear as our worst nightmare unfolded right before
our very eyes. Families shared last phone calls with their loved ones
before they crashed into the Pentagon. And a group of true American
heroes on a plane in Pennsylvania figured out what was going on and made
the conscious, collective decision to not go down without a fight.
They struggled and they fought against the evil on board their flight,
and they succeeded in thwarting the terrorists' plans. Two years ago, I
stood at a wall filled with names of heroes, erected in the exact place
where the plane made impact in that Pennsylvania field and began to
slide. As I stared at the names on that wall, tears streaming down my
face, I felt nothing but immense pride and gratitude for these true
American heroes. They knew they were going to die that day, and yet,
they chose to die fighting for our country...average American people.
They didn't sign up for this, nor did their families, but they are
heroic and brave and always deserving of our recognition. To all of
those who lost someone they love on that fateful day, 13 years ago, we
salute you. We will never forget, and their memories will always live
on. God Bless the United States of America."
Aubs
Thursday, September 11, 2014
What a day...
It has been a day, friends.
N fell asleep at 6:45 last night and slept until I woke him up this morning, and even then it was reluctantly.
As he took For.Ev.Er. showering, I had a discussion with B about being my "joy" boy, and how much I loved his optimism. He often speaks negatively about himself, calling himself dumb or stupid or annoying, and it breaks my heart. Yes, he has his moments, but those moments where he's cackling with glee or the happiness is literally radiating from his pores more than make up for the not-so-good moments.
I spent the majority of the morning working on homework for a class I would have to miss that afternoon. In fact, when I realized I was going to miss class, I spoke with my professor to see if she wouldn't mind going over the lecture portion with me prior to the class beginning since I needed to head out right around when class began. She was thrilled that I asked to make it up instead of just letting it go, further cementing the fact that I am her favorite student.
We spent a good 45 minutes discussing the lesson and life in general and then I scurried off to my meeting. I sat for an hour, waiting for my name to be called, then another 30 minutes in the office waiting for the other party to show. They didn't. So now, there's more waiting. Super! I'm the most patient person on the planet, so that should be easy peasy.
Oh, right.
I rushed back out to my "bubble" to pick B up from the Y (I swore I'd only leave him in after-school care for the shortest amount of time humanly possible...and he was impressed that it was only 15 minutes), after making a quick trip to the grocery store because we needed eggs. I know this because I made a scrambled egg for breakfast this morning and ate one bite before I threw it in the trash. Oh, hello expiration date of August 2. How YOU doin?
The boys were at odds on what to have for dinner tonight: B wanted bean & cheese tostadas (we're very fancy) and N preferred some breaded cod. I told them they had to agree because I wasn't "a short order cook" and B looks at me glumly and says, "I'll be your joy boy...and we can have cod, but will you make mac and cheese?" I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart overflowed with love for that precious boy at that exact moment.
Our night was mostly uneventful: the boys played Xbox, I did homework, and I totally missed the Presidential Address. I fully intended to watch, but sometimes killing zombies is just more important. I marveled over the sheer number of people who are considering keeping their children home tomorrow because it's the 13th anniversary of 9/11. And I have some thoughts.
ISIS has probably had cells in America for forever. The cowardly executions of journalists is only bringing our attention to the fact that we've been co-existing for years without knowing.
Trouble is brewing. It always will be when you're the greatest nation in the world. The "bad" guys will always want to try to knock you down or bring you to your knees.
Terrorists don't want to ride the coattails of another terrorist group. The likelihood of ISIS attempting an attack on the United States on 9/11 is pretty dang small. If they did, they'd always be known as "those guys who copied al-Qaeda."
Then I read on kera.org that Dallas has been voted the number 1 skyline in the world, and I though, "Oh, bleep!" I was just declaring (via Facebook, of course) how Dallas was but a teency blip on the terrorist radar, and then that. Womp womp!
We are a nation of strength and determination. We do not cower. We may not always get it right, but we are a nation, under God. So perhaps if we just trusted in Him and put it in His hands, the world would be a much better place.
I will not live in fear of terrorists, or anything else for that matter...except maybe ankle-slitters. I will trust in God because He brought me into this world and He knows when I will make my exit. He holds the cards as well as my trust.
Aubs
N fell asleep at 6:45 last night and slept until I woke him up this morning, and even then it was reluctantly.
As he took For.Ev.Er. showering, I had a discussion with B about being my "joy" boy, and how much I loved his optimism. He often speaks negatively about himself, calling himself dumb or stupid or annoying, and it breaks my heart. Yes, he has his moments, but those moments where he's cackling with glee or the happiness is literally radiating from his pores more than make up for the not-so-good moments.
I spent the majority of the morning working on homework for a class I would have to miss that afternoon. In fact, when I realized I was going to miss class, I spoke with my professor to see if she wouldn't mind going over the lecture portion with me prior to the class beginning since I needed to head out right around when class began. She was thrilled that I asked to make it up instead of just letting it go, further cementing the fact that I am her favorite student.
We spent a good 45 minutes discussing the lesson and life in general and then I scurried off to my meeting. I sat for an hour, waiting for my name to be called, then another 30 minutes in the office waiting for the other party to show. They didn't. So now, there's more waiting. Super! I'm the most patient person on the planet, so that should be easy peasy.
Oh, right.
I rushed back out to my "bubble" to pick B up from the Y (I swore I'd only leave him in after-school care for the shortest amount of time humanly possible...and he was impressed that it was only 15 minutes), after making a quick trip to the grocery store because we needed eggs. I know this because I made a scrambled egg for breakfast this morning and ate one bite before I threw it in the trash. Oh, hello expiration date of August 2. How YOU doin?
The boys were at odds on what to have for dinner tonight: B wanted bean & cheese tostadas (we're very fancy) and N preferred some breaded cod. I told them they had to agree because I wasn't "a short order cook" and B looks at me glumly and says, "I'll be your joy boy...and we can have cod, but will you make mac and cheese?" I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart overflowed with love for that precious boy at that exact moment.
Our night was mostly uneventful: the boys played Xbox, I did homework, and I totally missed the Presidential Address. I fully intended to watch, but sometimes killing zombies is just more important. I marveled over the sheer number of people who are considering keeping their children home tomorrow because it's the 13th anniversary of 9/11. And I have some thoughts.
ISIS has probably had cells in America for forever. The cowardly executions of journalists is only bringing our attention to the fact that we've been co-existing for years without knowing.
Trouble is brewing. It always will be when you're the greatest nation in the world. The "bad" guys will always want to try to knock you down or bring you to your knees.
Terrorists don't want to ride the coattails of another terrorist group. The likelihood of ISIS attempting an attack on the United States on 9/11 is pretty dang small. If they did, they'd always be known as "those guys who copied al-Qaeda."
Then I read on kera.org that Dallas has been voted the number 1 skyline in the world, and I though, "Oh, bleep!" I was just declaring (via Facebook, of course) how Dallas was but a teency blip on the terrorist radar, and then that. Womp womp!
We are a nation of strength and determination. We do not cower. We may not always get it right, but we are a nation, under God. So perhaps if we just trusted in Him and put it in His hands, the world would be a much better place.
I will not live in fear of terrorists, or anything else for that matter...except maybe ankle-slitters. I will trust in God because He brought me into this world and He knows when I will make my exit. He holds the cards as well as my trust.
Aubs
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
What is wrong with me?!
Okay, so that's a loaded question, if I've ever written one...but seriously. I am so "off" these days, and it's really starting to irritate me.
I either sleep really well or I don't sleep at all (or so it seems). I have that kind of sleep where you keep thinking you're on the verge of falling asleep, but maybe you're really just dreaming it because enough time has passed to where you've obviously been asleep. Does that make sense? Well, it does to me.
I slept like a rock last night, but by the time I'd dropped B off at school and made my way back home to work on homework, I could barely keep my eyes open. A short snooze would surely get me back on track, right? Just like last week...five hours later, I woke up in a panic, realizing I'd wasted the entire "child-free" part of my day, and rushed to make up for it. I read until it was time to pick B up from school and then came home from that, exhausted once again.
It's not just me, either, which is oddly comforting. N was in a Mood with a capital "M" today, and flat out refused to eat the dinner I made. Turkey tacos are usually a big hit, and I only made those because I didn't have any ground beef that wasn't frozen solid. Tonight, though, he refused, so I told him to take it or leave it. He left it, but with such an attitude that I sent him to his room at 6:30. He almost immediately fell asleep, and I can pretty much guarantee that I won't hear another peep from him until tomorrow. 7th grade is kicking his butt...or maybe it's the growing/hormones/puberty. Or maybe a combination of all of the above. All I know is my 12 year-old has a mustache...and it's not on purpose. It creeps me out, y'all.
I almost fell asleep on the couch earlier, and I doubt I'll make it to 10:00 tonight. I have absolutely zero energy, and I've already been trying to think of all of the reasons I might be so lethargic without resorting to WEBMD with a list of my symptoms, because I just know it will tell me I have a tumor.
All symptoms always lead to tumors on WEBMD.
B is the only one, bless him, that is being as sweet as can be. I realized that he really is my "joy" boy, the boy that is always quick to find the good and bounce back from the not-so-good with immeasurable optimism. He is just joyful. His giggles and his smile and his love for all people and things is just such a privilege to see...even when he's a crankpot sometimes! We all have our days.
I'm going to force myself to get a little more reading in, and then I'm crashing AGAIN for what I hope is a super-restful night because I'm totally going to need it tomorrow.
Aubs
I either sleep really well or I don't sleep at all (or so it seems). I have that kind of sleep where you keep thinking you're on the verge of falling asleep, but maybe you're really just dreaming it because enough time has passed to where you've obviously been asleep. Does that make sense? Well, it does to me.
I slept like a rock last night, but by the time I'd dropped B off at school and made my way back home to work on homework, I could barely keep my eyes open. A short snooze would surely get me back on track, right? Just like last week...five hours later, I woke up in a panic, realizing I'd wasted the entire "child-free" part of my day, and rushed to make up for it. I read until it was time to pick B up from school and then came home from that, exhausted once again.
It's not just me, either, which is oddly comforting. N was in a Mood with a capital "M" today, and flat out refused to eat the dinner I made. Turkey tacos are usually a big hit, and I only made those because I didn't have any ground beef that wasn't frozen solid. Tonight, though, he refused, so I told him to take it or leave it. He left it, but with such an attitude that I sent him to his room at 6:30. He almost immediately fell asleep, and I can pretty much guarantee that I won't hear another peep from him until tomorrow. 7th grade is kicking his butt...or maybe it's the growing/hormones/puberty. Or maybe a combination of all of the above. All I know is my 12 year-old has a mustache...and it's not on purpose. It creeps me out, y'all.
I almost fell asleep on the couch earlier, and I doubt I'll make it to 10:00 tonight. I have absolutely zero energy, and I've already been trying to think of all of the reasons I might be so lethargic without resorting to WEBMD with a list of my symptoms, because I just know it will tell me I have a tumor.
All symptoms always lead to tumors on WEBMD.
B is the only one, bless him, that is being as sweet as can be. I realized that he really is my "joy" boy, the boy that is always quick to find the good and bounce back from the not-so-good with immeasurable optimism. He is just joyful. His giggles and his smile and his love for all people and things is just such a privilege to see...even when he's a crankpot sometimes! We all have our days.
I'm going to force myself to get a little more reading in, and then I'm crashing AGAIN for what I hope is a super-restful night because I'm totally going to need it tomorrow.
Aubs
Ooey Gooey Love Stuff
I love a good rom-com as much as the next girl, but when you've been single for as long as I have, they seem to start losing their appeal. I mean, none of that stuff happens in real life, and if it does, then the other person is probably over-compensating for something.
Years and years ago, a friend of mine had found what seemed like the "ideal" partner. He watched all of the girly movies she wanted to watch, performed over-the-top romantic gestures, and totally put her on a pedestal. They married and began their happily ever after, only something was off. It started to go downhill, gradually then landslide-ish...and then she found out he was addicted to porn.
Yeah, porn. Sadly, she's not the only friend I've had who has lost a spouse/boyfriend/partner to an addiction they had no desire to control. And, yes...for the record, I totally see porn as an addiction. My own ex (one of them, anyway...maybe two) was addicted to it, too. He joked around about it all the time, but I started to see that, although he was joking, there were still tons of porn sites popping up in our browser history. He wasn't so good at hiding it...or anything for that matter, but that's an entirely different story.
I watch movies like "The Holiday" and a tiny part of me thinks, "Wouldn't that be great? Wouldn't it be so nice to fall in love in a Hollywood-esque fashion?" But the much bigger part of me knows that's not even remotely accurate. Love is messy and complicated and ugly at times. It's raw and real and sacrificial. It's selfish and selfless all the same time WHILE it's emotionally fulfilling and aggravating. Oh, and maybe a tad on the confusing side, just for funsies.
I make it sound like I've been in love multiple times in my life, but honestly? It's just been once. Once upon a time, I was in love. Oddly enough, this man was never anyone I had a relationship with (although I did consider it from time to time), and I am absolutely one who has chosen to settle. Twice. Three times if you want to be TOTALLY technical, but I choose not to be...it's not worth it.
I know life and love aren't like a Hollywood movie script, or overly sweet like one of those dang Hallmark movies that get me...every.single.time. I know they aren't, but sometimes I just wish they could be, just for a minute or two, but not during the beginning stages. Everybody puts their best [romantic] foot forward at the beginning. I'm talking about in the middle of it; smack dab in the middle of the "no make-up, same sweats for days, cold and flu season, can't move off the couch nor do I want to" stage. The "you've seen me at my worst...just kidding, here's some more so see if you can handle THIS" stage.
'Cause love during those stages? That's what really counts.
Aubs
Years and years ago, a friend of mine had found what seemed like the "ideal" partner. He watched all of the girly movies she wanted to watch, performed over-the-top romantic gestures, and totally put her on a pedestal. They married and began their happily ever after, only something was off. It started to go downhill, gradually then landslide-ish...and then she found out he was addicted to porn.
Yeah, porn. Sadly, she's not the only friend I've had who has lost a spouse/boyfriend/partner to an addiction they had no desire to control. And, yes...for the record, I totally see porn as an addiction. My own ex (one of them, anyway...maybe two) was addicted to it, too. He joked around about it all the time, but I started to see that, although he was joking, there were still tons of porn sites popping up in our browser history. He wasn't so good at hiding it...or anything for that matter, but that's an entirely different story.
I watch movies like "The Holiday" and a tiny part of me thinks, "Wouldn't that be great? Wouldn't it be so nice to fall in love in a Hollywood-esque fashion?" But the much bigger part of me knows that's not even remotely accurate. Love is messy and complicated and ugly at times. It's raw and real and sacrificial. It's selfish and selfless all the same time WHILE it's emotionally fulfilling and aggravating. Oh, and maybe a tad on the confusing side, just for funsies.
I make it sound like I've been in love multiple times in my life, but honestly? It's just been once. Once upon a time, I was in love. Oddly enough, this man was never anyone I had a relationship with (although I did consider it from time to time), and I am absolutely one who has chosen to settle. Twice. Three times if you want to be TOTALLY technical, but I choose not to be...it's not worth it.
I know life and love aren't like a Hollywood movie script, or overly sweet like one of those dang Hallmark movies that get me...every.single.time. I know they aren't, but sometimes I just wish they could be, just for a minute or two, but not during the beginning stages. Everybody puts their best [romantic] foot forward at the beginning. I'm talking about in the middle of it; smack dab in the middle of the "no make-up, same sweats for days, cold and flu season, can't move off the couch nor do I want to" stage. The "you've seen me at my worst...just kidding, here's some more so see if you can handle THIS" stage.
'Cause love during those stages? That's what really counts.
Aubs
Monday, September 8, 2014
Knock down, drag out
N and I were at war today. I won't even go into it because it was a drain on my life.
Long story short, he has a very skewed idea of what family is and who cares about him, and when I tried to point out the people who do, he shut down anyone whose last name wasn't the same as his.
Including me. 'Cause my last name is different.
In other news, I didn't need eye makeup remover tonight because I cried it all off.
I think he and I are finally to where we can agree to disagree.
And when he left with the "real" family, I was able to get a lot of homework done. Not enough, but it's a start.
And now I think I will curl up in my bed with "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law because it's one of those that makes me laugh and cry...and all the while wistful even though I'm pretty dang sure I don't have time/need/want that.
Or maybe I do.
Stupid emotional day.
Aubs
Long story short, he has a very skewed idea of what family is and who cares about him, and when I tried to point out the people who do, he shut down anyone whose last name wasn't the same as his.
Including me. 'Cause my last name is different.
In other news, I didn't need eye makeup remover tonight because I cried it all off.
I think he and I are finally to where we can agree to disagree.
And when he left with the "real" family, I was able to get a lot of homework done. Not enough, but it's a start.
And now I think I will curl up in my bed with "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law because it's one of those that makes me laugh and cry...and all the while wistful even though I'm pretty dang sure I don't have time/need/want that.
Or maybe I do.
Stupid emotional day.
Aubs
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Rainout minus the rain
So after we got home from the ballgame last night and N was sufficiently clean, he came and crawled onto my bed for a back scratch and some Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I'm pretty sure our arrangement was a back scratch and then he'd head to his own bed for sleepytime, but he didn't even last 5 minutes before he was sawing logs.
And then he slept until 11:30, totally blowing the plans I'd made for the day, but that's okay because he obviously needed his sleep. And I needed that time to think about reading the assignment that I knew I wasn't going to read until it was due on Sunday.
So we hung out and relaxed for the majority of the day, and then I told him to get dressed for baseball. Hello, attitude! He's still adamantly opposed to this team, despite the opportunity for him to be a leader and an example. And he hates the Dodgers. And Dodger blue. And white baseball pants. And the hat. Lord help us on the hat...
My guilt trip about the pictures from last night worked because as he walked out onto the porch and noticed the overcast skies, he said (rather grumpily) "I hope it rains every single weekend." Then he looked at me and I know for a fact my eyes were dancing because he said, "NOOOOOOOOOO!" with a huge grin on his face because he knew what I was thinking.
Selfie!
I apologize for the horrid selfie. It was so dark we tried to use the flash and then that was worse and then N tried to impose a 3 strikes you're out limit on selfie taking. He doesn't know who he's messing with, apparently. So I tried to lighten it up with all the tools on my picture taker software stuff on my phone.
Bottom line? I am not a photographer.
I am not a fair-weather fan. I love the Rangers (and I'm devastated about Ron Washington, although I have a sneaking suspicion I might become an Astros fan in the near future...which still counts as loyal because, hello?! Texas!), but I also love to embarrass my child by wearing the same team he's wearing each season. I tell my baseball mom girlfriends that they're welcome to shop in my closet if they need a Marlins (old school), Giants, Rangers (times a lot), Iron Birds, Cardinals, Red Sox, Astros, or Dodgers shirt to represent. I may or may not have one for each team (major and minor) by the time this is over.
I might be exaggerating. Anyway, we got to the fields and everyone was milling around instead of playing because the games before us had been called due to lightning. The umps said, "We're out" and then the lightning alert thingy signaled an all clear so we could resume play, but the umps refused and left speedy-quick because they just don't get paid enough to want to stay, and I don't want to listen to a cranky ump although they can be hilarious.
So N and I went home and changed out of our *ew* Dodgers gear and celebrated the first rainout (even though it never rained or thundered or lightninged after that) with a trip to TGIFriday's because I had a gift card. That I couldn't find when it was time to pay.
Because I'm awesome.
Aubs
And then he slept until 11:30, totally blowing the plans I'd made for the day, but that's okay because he obviously needed his sleep. And I needed that time to think about reading the assignment that I knew I wasn't going to read until it was due on Sunday.
So we hung out and relaxed for the majority of the day, and then I told him to get dressed for baseball. Hello, attitude! He's still adamantly opposed to this team, despite the opportunity for him to be a leader and an example. And he hates the Dodgers. And Dodger blue. And white baseball pants. And the hat. Lord help us on the hat...
My guilt trip about the pictures from last night worked because as he walked out onto the porch and noticed the overcast skies, he said (rather grumpily) "I hope it rains every single weekend." Then he looked at me and I know for a fact my eyes were dancing because he said, "NOOOOOOOOOO!" with a huge grin on his face because he knew what I was thinking.
Selfie!
I apologize for the horrid selfie. It was so dark we tried to use the flash and then that was worse and then N tried to impose a 3 strikes you're out limit on selfie taking. He doesn't know who he's messing with, apparently. So I tried to lighten it up with all the tools on my picture taker software stuff on my phone.
Bottom line? I am not a photographer.
I might be exaggerating. Anyway, we got to the fields and everyone was milling around instead of playing because the games before us had been called due to lightning. The umps said, "We're out" and then the lightning alert thingy signaled an all clear so we could resume play, but the umps refused and left speedy-quick because they just don't get paid enough to want to stay, and I don't want to listen to a cranky ump although they can be hilarious.
So N and I went home and changed out of our *ew* Dodgers gear and celebrated the first rainout (even though it never rained or thundered or lightninged after that) with a trip to TGIFriday's because I had a gift card. That I couldn't find when it was time to pay.
Because I'm awesome.
Aubs
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Discussion boards and emails and quizzes...oh my!
I hit the ground running this morning, friends. I woke N up late, as originally planned, but we ran out of time for his homework, so he swore up down and sideways that he'd finish it before 7th period.
As I was working on homework this morning, I received a series of text messages from N at the end of 1st period (Athletics): "Mom, I talked to Coach. He said if I want to play [football], he'll get me a helmet, but I need cleats and a jock strap or something whatever that is and I need to be there before 6:00 am on Monday so I told him we were in. I hope that's okay. Okay bye!"
If you felt the Earth move around 8:32 this morning, that was me...slamming my head into the coffee table. I emailed the coach for clarification of what was needed, and I'm waiting with bated breath for his reply. So far, it hasn't happened yet...
After that excitement, I finished a quiz, yelled at myself for only getting 80/100, and threw the ingredients for French bread into the bread machine. My mom has been feeling kinda crummy after this cycle of her clinical trial (She has Multiple Myeloma and is doing great...except a little less great when she's on the "off" week of her trial), so I figured some freshly baked bread would be a great pick-me-up. I started the machine and retook the test (curse you 80/100 AGAIN!), and ran to Sports Authority. The SA near our house is going out of business next week so everything is a zillion percent off. Unfortunately, nothing I was looking at was a zillion percent off, so that was a worthless venture.
I checked my watch and had just enough time to stop by Sonic for a cherry sprite and pick up the freshly baked bread from my apartment before it was time for B's lunch. He's been with his dad for a couple of days and I miss the stinker, so I surprised him with a lunch visit. This means nothing to him except he was able to sucker me into a popsicle. This means little to me except that he eats so dang slow that I ended up with half of a popsicle. And it was delicious. Haha!
On my way to deliver the bread, I text N's stepmom to remind her about our baseball team builder tonight at the Rangers game, and found myself volunteering to babysit E so she could work this afternoon. He came over and fought a nap forEVER until his "No wah! Pweeeeeeease!" became more and more faint...and then he was out. N was so surprised when he walked in the door, which was (thankfully) much quieter than yesterday when he walked in singing "Oh Susanna!" at the top of his lungs.
7th graders are weird.
When we got to the game, N refused to take a picture to document our arrival. He also refused to take one in the car, so E and I took one without him. I didn't let E see his face, so a smile was a lot more difficult than originally anticipated.
E, N, and I had a good time at the game, all things considering. N may be a year or two older than some of his teammates, but his maturity level is easily 80 times higher. They were all annoyed that he didn't want to go running around at the top of the ballpark, screeching with delight. As soon as it was socially acceptable, we moved down to right behind the bullpen and enjoyed the game much more, even without the breeze.
Then we ran into a couple of B's friends, which always seems to happen when he's not with us. He's going to be so bummed that he missed them!
The whole way home, I shamelessly guilt tripped N into taking more pictures with me. I get that he hates taking pictures, but someday he'll want the memories. We laughed and cracked jokes the whole way home. I gave him relentless grief about Robinson Cano. When he was announced, N was like, "What's the big deal about him? So there's a book...so what?" I stared for a minute while the wheels were turning and said, "You mean Robinson Crusoe? Not the same person." He saw me holding back a life and said, "Whatever, you knew what I meant."
I love nights like that with my biggest boy...It makes my heart happy.
Aubs
As I was working on homework this morning, I received a series of text messages from N at the end of 1st period (Athletics): "Mom, I talked to Coach. He said if I want to play [football], he'll get me a helmet, but I need cleats and a jock strap or something whatever that is and I need to be there before 6:00 am on Monday so I told him we were in. I hope that's okay. Okay bye!"
If you felt the Earth move around 8:32 this morning, that was me...slamming my head into the coffee table. I emailed the coach for clarification of what was needed, and I'm waiting with bated breath for his reply. So far, it hasn't happened yet...
After that excitement, I finished a quiz, yelled at myself for only getting 80/100, and threw the ingredients for French bread into the bread machine. My mom has been feeling kinda crummy after this cycle of her clinical trial (She has Multiple Myeloma and is doing great...except a little less great when she's on the "off" week of her trial), so I figured some freshly baked bread would be a great pick-me-up. I started the machine and retook the test (curse you 80/100 AGAIN!), and ran to Sports Authority. The SA near our house is going out of business next week so everything is a zillion percent off. Unfortunately, nothing I was looking at was a zillion percent off, so that was a worthless venture.
I checked my watch and had just enough time to stop by Sonic for a cherry sprite and pick up the freshly baked bread from my apartment before it was time for B's lunch. He's been with his dad for a couple of days and I miss the stinker, so I surprised him with a lunch visit. This means nothing to him except he was able to sucker me into a popsicle. This means little to me except that he eats so dang slow that I ended up with half of a popsicle. And it was delicious. Haha!
On my way to deliver the bread, I text N's stepmom to remind her about our baseball team builder tonight at the Rangers game, and found myself volunteering to babysit E so she could work this afternoon. He came over and fought a nap forEVER until his "No wah! Pweeeeeeease!" became more and more faint...and then he was out. N was so surprised when he walked in the door, which was (thankfully) much quieter than yesterday when he walked in singing "Oh Susanna!" at the top of his lungs.
7th graders are weird.
When we got to the game, N refused to take a picture to document our arrival. He also refused to take one in the car, so E and I took one without him. I didn't let E see his face, so a smile was a lot more difficult than originally anticipated.
E, N, and I had a good time at the game, all things considering. N may be a year or two older than some of his teammates, but his maturity level is easily 80 times higher. They were all annoyed that he didn't want to go running around at the top of the ballpark, screeching with delight. As soon as it was socially acceptable, we moved down to right behind the bullpen and enjoyed the game much more, even without the breeze.
 |
| We ended up right behind Michael Choice and next to the bullpen! |
Then we ran into a couple of B's friends, which always seems to happen when he's not with us. He's going to be so bummed that he missed them!
The whole way home, I shamelessly guilt tripped N into taking more pictures with me. I get that he hates taking pictures, but someday he'll want the memories. We laughed and cracked jokes the whole way home. I gave him relentless grief about Robinson Cano. When he was announced, N was like, "What's the big deal about him? So there's a book...so what?" I stared for a minute while the wheels were turning and said, "You mean Robinson Crusoe? Not the same person." He saw me holding back a life and said, "Whatever, you knew what I meant."
I love nights like that with my biggest boy...It makes my heart happy.
Aubs
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