Conversations with a Little Boy

Tonight at dinner we were discussing stopping at Starbucks for dessert on the way home. Maria and I were talking about their giant Rice Krispie treats.

Maria: They're so big!

Lisa: Almost as big as your whole face.

Sam: And then if you eat the whole thing, you might choke and throw up everywhere like a monster!


Then later, driving home from Starbucks, we were discussing power, mainly that the grown-ups have some and the kids don't. Sam kept saying "I do have a power." I believe he was thinking of superheroes and how they each have a unique superpower.

Maria: Oh yeah? What is your power?

Sam: Inflatable poop.

And of course we all started laughing so then he said it many more times. Life with a 5 year old boy is not for the squeamish, that's for sure.

Costume Mess

So today was supposed to be the big circus at Kinder Paws. And I guess they did have a big circus, but Sam said he didn't wear either of his costumes. The lion was a 50/50 shot, but he was very excited about the strong man swimmies. When I asked him after school about it, he just said that "Ms Janice didn't ask me," over and over, and I'm still not sure what happened. Then he started to cry and get really upset about it so I left it alone. But I am really frustrated and wish I knew what happened. I mean his backpack was bulging with these costumes - how could the teachers have missed them?

The Kinder Paws program is great, and we really like both of the teachers. But since they are aides instead of teachers, they have no e-mail account, no phone extension, and it is impossible to talk to them during school hours. And I hate to bother them at home to let them know that Sam has costumes in his book bag, in case they were wondering. Its very tough to work where your children go to school - I don't want to be known as the pain-in-the-ass parent. I went down that road with Maria's 2nd grade teacher and really wish I could take it all back.

Ben is going to the elementary for Dad's Day tomorrow - he's going to see what he can find out about the situation. If he remembers. Which he most likely won't since he is very distracted this time of year. (OK, pretty much all of the time he's forgetful. But we love him anyway.)

Expanding Vocabulary

Tonight for dinner we had spaghetti and French bread, a meal we have almost every week since its one of the only things everyone in the house will eat.  For some reason tonight, the bread came out of the oven smaller than normal.  It tasted fine, and cooked as long as usual, but the slices were all smaller in diameter than usual.  So during dinner we were discussing why this may have happened. Sam's answer?  "Maybe they just need to hibernate."

Good news?  His vocabulary is expanding.  Bad news?  He may still be a little confused.

Costumes...Done!

I went to Wal-Mart this afternoon to look for something with which I could make a lion head out of for Sam's circus on Thursday. I spent some time and came home with some fake fur, brown felt, foam visors, and a plan. And I thought it would work.

I was so proud of my creativity (I know it was a little premature since I hadn't actually made the costume yet), that I had to go show Ben and Lisa next door what I bought. They were outside with the kids who were soaked and muddy and having a blast playing with the hose, except Lindsey, who was almost asleep in her swing. Anyway, after I showed them my great idea Lisa tells us that Mason was a lion for Halloween when he was two and she still had the costume. Ben and I had thought of this last week, but figured the costume would be way too small for Sam now. But Lisa went and got the costume and said we could do whatever we wanted with it to it to make it work.

And it is going to work. It will work as a hood and shirt for Sam - its sleeveless and was open at the bottom for a toddler, so it works perfect as a hood, shirt, and tail for Sam. I was thrilled this was so easy. I tried it on Sam a few minutes ago, and he said, "It looks like a baby costume." I tried to convince him that it looks way more like a lion than anything I could come up with. We finally struck a deal: I would cut off the little green bow from the collar, and then he will wear it.

I know he may not actually wear it on Thursday, but at least I know that I have provided him with a costume - if he chooses not to wear it, not my problem. At least I didn't put in hours of work on it. Besides, I'm betting that Ms. Janice can talk him into it much more easily than I can!

And the strong man costume - blown up swimmies under a big shirt. No, not even my idea, someone at work gave it to me. But it will be so easy!

Sam's First T-Ball Game

This morning was Sam's first T-ball game of the season. It was cloudy and supposed to rain, but so far the rain as missed us all day. And the breeze prevents it from getting to hot - it actually made it into the 80's today.

Anyway, Sam did a great job this morning. He hit the ball in both innings, without needing the tee. And he didn't play in the sand once. He did get bored, but resisted the urge. And we were so happy that Ben made it back from the parade in time to see almost the entire game, thanks to a late game start and a Korean vet who only spoke 5 minutes at the ceremony.

After the game Ben's parents came back with us to the house and we had a cookout and were even able to play corn hole outside. A nice start to summer, which we deserve since the weather has been so cold until today!

The picture is Sam celebrating on first base after getting a hit on the second pitch.

No Nap for You

This morning Ben and I both had to attend graduation. And I didn't have to be there nearly as long as Ben, or work as hard, since I was just there as a faculty member and Ben had two performing groups to deal with. But it was still going to work on Saturday. And since we didn't have any graduation parties to attend this afternoon, we both wanted to take a nap.

We decided we would try napping at the same time, and if it didn't work we would take turns. The kids were going between playing outside for a while, then coming in and playing with their Pokeman cards. And they were really quiet. So we both assumed our favorite napping positions - Ben on the chair and ottoman in the front room and me on the couch in the same room. About 2:15 I put my book down and fell asleep. At 2:43 I hear Sam say, "Psst, Mommy, are you awake?"

Me: Mhmm...
Sam: Can you get my Pokemon cards out of the van?
Me: You can get them.
Sam: But I want you to do it.
Me: Too bad. If you want them, you can get them yourself.

So he goes to get them on his own, only the van is locked, so I have to get up and unlock it for him anyway. I decide to move to the bedroom with the door open, thinking next time Sam needs something he can get Ben - he won't bother me if I'm in the bedroom. Wrong. At 3:03 I hear "Psst, Mommy, are you awake?"

Me: Mhmm...
Sam: I need you to get my gloves.
Me: Its 70 degrees out. If you're cold, put on a coat.
Sam: But my HANDS are cold.
Me: Go get Daddy.
Sam: But I want YOU to get them.

So I get up to get in the closet and dig out gloves that are put away because its THE FIRST WEEKEND OF SUMMER! But I realize that arguing with him will just prolong the time I'm awake, so I try to get rid of him as soon as possible. He puts on the gloves and goes back outside. I go back to bed, after throwing a mean look to Ben, who is happily snoring away on his chair. Not that he saw it.

3:30
Sam: Psst, Mommy are you awake YET?
Me: No - I just got to sleep.
Sam: Its time to get up. I'm so boring. (He means "bored," but he always says "boring" instead.)
Me: Go get Daddy - he'll play.
Sam: No, I want you to play. I'm so boring!

As I ignore him he decides to crawl up from the foot of the bed to surprise me. I hear and feel him every step of the way, but he is so certain that he is sneaking up on me he is giggling with anticipation. And its so cute that I decide to give in and get up. After all, how long until he doesn't want me to ever play with him?

So I got up. And Sam spent a half hour quietly playing with his Pokemon cards and ignoring me.

What's Grosser than Gross?

Sam's bedtime revelation:

"I think I have belly-button wax."

"Costumes Allowed But Not Expected"

When Sam got up this morning he got into his backpack and handed me a paper - never a good sign if I missed something from the night before. It was a note from Kinderpaws, and it said that on Thursday they are having a big end-of-the-year Circus themed party. I already knew that. But each child has been selected for a particular act, and "costumes are allowed but not expected." Of course that means that some kids will have costumes and Sam will be upset if he doesn't, so I'm going to have to work in making costumes this weekend.

And his acts? Strong man and Lion. So I have to come up with something lion-like soon! And I thought this weekend might be a little bit relaxing!

Maria's 9th Birthday

Maria turned nine years old today. The big celebration was on Saturday, so today after school (where she took brownies to share with her classmates), we went to Journeys Kidz at the mall and got her Heelies, which she has wanted for while. We knew she was going to have to try them on to get the right fit, and we just have not had a chance to get to the mall the last few weeks. So she picked a pair that are white and red, and is practicing in the garage right now.

After the mall we ate at Red Lobster - her choice. We haven't been there in ages, but watching the Food Network all the time sparked her interest in seafood. She tried snow crab legs and liked them. (Sam had - big surprise - macaroni and cheese.) Then dessert at Graeter's.

As usual, I am a little sad as another birthday passes, and I watch my adorable little girl change into an almost pre-teen. She is still a great kid, just older, and while I am proud of the girl she is growing into, I still miss the cute little kid she used to be. But there are fun things about every age, and I try to remember to live in the moment because it all goes by so quickly.

Pomp and Circumstance

Ah, the sound of the very end of the year! I'm sitting at my desk working (I LOVE last period plan and have it again next year!) and down the hall Ben and his band are rehearsing Pomp and Circumstance. And for some reason, this more than anything else, makes it feel like the end of the school year.

I love this song!

Ben's Preschool Visit

Today was Ben's turn at "Share Your Job" month at preschool. He and Sam had fun while Ben showed the kids how to play a flute, trumpet, and bells. Then he let the kids play the bells too, and all but one took his direction and was gentle with the instrument.

Last Day of Preschool

Tomorrow is Sam's last day of preschool. Today we received his last progress report, and this is the comment from Ms. Jan. It's been a very successful year for him, and he has changed so much. We're really glad that he had this extra year before kindergarten - with his September birthday, we had the choice to put him in kindergarten this year or wait another year, but we decided to wait and do another year of preschool instead. And I really feel like it was the right choice.

For their last day tomorrow, they are having a Beach party, complete with swimsuits and sunglasses. They may get wet. It's supposed to be in the low 40's tomorrow morning - could be a very chilly beach party. But the kids will probably still have a blast!

Caught!

Every night when Sam is in the tub, he gets angry because his buckets that are filled with the action heroes he plays with while in the bath are filled with cold water. He yells "Old water!" and I have to run in there and dump the water into the sink so it doesn't make his tub water cold. Sam's never asked where the water comes from, and since at this time Maria is supposed to be doing her homework, I don't want to interrupt her to let her know that I know what she's up to. She's fills the buckets with cold water at the end of her baths, which is after Sam's bath. The water sits there until his next bath, usually two days later. I always plan to talk to her about it later, and I always forget. And its really not a big deal.

But tonight she happened to be in the hallway when Sam yelled "Old water," and I told them both that I knew she was behind the mysterious bucket filling. It was so funny because she thought she had been getting away with it this whole time, when it really was so minor it wasn't worth my time to make a big deal out of it.

The best part, though, was when Maria, who hardly ever gets in trouble, peeked back into the bathroom and asked "Am I going to get in trouble for this?"

Sick Day and Dance Dance

Ben stayed home from school sick today. He has a sinus infection - we thought he's had one for about a week but he was just too busy to stop and go to the Dr. But his concert last night took enough energy that he felt really awful bu the time he got home, so he stayed home today, went to the Dr., and got an antibiotic. He should be able to return to work tomorrow.

This yucky weather means that the new Wii games that we got for Maria's birthday are getting quite a workout. My favorite is still Dance Dance Revolution. We all takes turns and are improving (we even added arm motions), but Maria is improving faster than the rest of us. I am hearing Hot Stuff in my sleep, and Maria asked to listen to Disco Inferno in the car yesterday (I'm going to have to get that for my ipod!). But it's worth it.

No More Monday Blues

This past weekend was one of those that was so busy you almost couldn't wait for Monday so that things would slow down. Ever have one of those? Well, we did and I have to say today has been almost relaxing.

The craziness started Friday, when I took a personal day to go with Maria's class on her field trip. Then both sets of grandparents came over after school and the male half went to Sam's preschool program (after some min-golf and go-cart driving), and the female half went to Maria's recital (during which I had to keep running backstage to help Maria with costume changes). Saturday we had Sam's soccer game, Maria's birthday party at the Chiller, and Maria's family dinner/party that evening. Sunday we got the house put back together from the birthday party and then had another recital for Maria Sunday afternoon.

So going to work today was almost a relief. Even with having extra paperwork due to my absence on Friday. I'm pretty sure only having nine more days of school may be helping my mood as well. Today was the last regular Monday of the school year!

Ben doesn't feel relieved at all. He has a big concert tonight, and several performances this coming weekend. So I didn't mention how relieved I felt today. And by the time he reads this, his concert tonight will be over and hopefully he will be able to relax a little.

"Baby Word"

Sam just informed us that "potty" is a baby word and he would like us to start calling it a "restroom," the big kid name. I asked him if we promised to call it a restroom, would he try to get up and use it in the middle of the night? He said he would.

If it were only that easy!

Maria's 9th Birthday Party!

Maria's birthday party was Saturday afternoon. It was at The Chiller, the ice skating rink. There were 12 kids total, and some could skate well while others had never skated before. I think everyone had fun, and even though the kids were exhausted after an hour of skating, they all improved by the time it was over.

After the party at the Chiller, the grandparents and the Smith's came over for a birthday dinner and opening family gifts. Favorite gifts include all the Wii games (Mario Kart, Cooking Mama, and my favovite Dance Dance Revolution), Swingball, and the summer outfits that Maria was able to wear after several outfit changes throughout the party.

It was a great time, but things have been so hectic here I am glad that it's over and I can begin to get my house put back together. The nice thing about being so busy is I haven't had time to think about the fact that Maria is 9 (or will be Thursday) and will soon be a pre-teen. I just can't believe how fast time goes by!

Sam's Last Soccer Game

Saturday morning was Sam's last soccer game for the spring season. It was been a weird season weather-wise, and a few of the games had to be made up in the evenings. At the beginning of the season, our team had a long way to go. But by yesterday, they were passing the ball and hopping into the goal when it was time to play defense. I've never seen such improvement in one season in the two years that Sam has been playing. And as an added bonus, Sam scored two goals yesterday!

He was more excited about their trophies that featured a revolving soccer ball. Very cool - better than the medals the kids usually get at the end of the season. I hate to sound like a bad mother, but I am glad soccer's over and I don't have to rush around on Saturday mornings anymore. Now we can focus on T-ball - first game in Memorial Day.

Sam's Preschool Program

Sam had his end of year preschool program Friday night. Unfortunately, it was also the same night and time as Maria's dance recital. So Ben, Grandpa K., and Grandpa L. went to see Sam sing, and myself and the grandmas went to watch Maria. But Ben was able to take video of Sam's program so we got to see it when we got home.

I was curious about this program since Ms. Jan has told me on numerous occasions that Sam does not like to sing. But Sam is just ornery, and sometimes doesn't like to do what he's supposed to do. At the program on Friday, he was one of the most animated kids there. Sang his songs, did all of his hand motions, and was very entertaining. We're so proud of him!

Maria's 3rd Grade Field Trip

Friday I went with the third grade on a walking tour of Marysville. I try to go with each child to one field trip per year, and save my personal days for that. I am approaching the day where Maria will not want me to go, and when she gets to middle school I probably won't want to go anyway. I thought this trip was the best I've been to so far, but I think it was because we went to places I'd never been before.

We toured the library (O.K., I've been there about a million times), the fire department, and the Marysville Historical Society. It was interesting and we learned a lot of history. Then we had lunch at Fiesta Grande and recess at the park. The weather finally warmed up by the afternoon so the time at the park was enjoyable, even though the morning was so cold.

All in all, a fun day and great start to our very busy weekend.

Maria's Ballet - Part II

Hard Library Questions (by Maria)

Today was our last visit to the library (no check-outs).  So our librarian gave us some questions that were pretty hard for a third-grader.  Here are some of them:

Two men played five games of checkers.  They each won the same amount of times, but there were no ties.  How many games did each man win?

You have one match.  You go into a room with one wood-burning stove, a lantern, and an oil burner.  Which one do you light first?

Some months have 31 days.  How many have 28?

Leave a comment if you think you have the right answers.

Preschool "Share Your Job" Visit

Yesterday I visited Sam's preschool class for "Share Your Job" month. I had to do some creative scheduling so that I could get over there for the morning class, since my lunch and plan period are both in the afternoon. But Ben covered my study hall and even though we ended up having a two hour fog delay, it all worked out. My principal is good about allowing me to get over to the elementary for things like this.

Anyway, first Sam introduced me. "This is my Mom." I didn't know he would be put on the spot so we hadn't prepared, but it was so cute.

Then I talked about safety during experiments, and I brought goggles for each of them to wear. Sam was so excited about the goggles beforehand, and I let him pass them out.


I did two experiments - one was simple baking soda and vinegar, but I added an indicator so it changed color too. They loved it - especially when it bubbled over the top of the flask. They are so easy to entertain!

I also did the flame tests which were a big hit when I went to Maria's classroom earlier this year. They think I am magic and can change fire. The problem with five year olds is that I really can't come up with much of an explanation that they would understand, so I didn't really try.

All in all, a fun visit for me and them (I think). Ben goes next week, so we should have pictures from that as well. A big thanks to Ms. Jan for taking the pictures!

Magic Answer

We bought a new wireless router for our computer, and Ben has spent most of the evening trying to get it set up. And it has not been going well.

When we came inside for baths and homework, Maria and I just tried to leave Ben alone since we could tell the mood he was in. But Sam went right up and sat down next to Ben on the couch as he was chatting with Time Warner. Sam apparently didn't notice the nonverbal cues that said "Stay away from me." But he is male, so maybe he just doesn't have that ability at all. Anyway, here was his advice:

Sam: "So Daddy, how's it going?"

Ben: "Not well. I still can't get this thing to work."

Sam: "Maybe you need a credit card."

Found Video - Maria's First Bike Ride

I just found the video of Maria's first time without training wheels and I wanted to put it up on the blog to keep. Look how little she is and how little Sam sounds!

Cold Medicine Addict

Last week we gave Sam cold medicine before bed on several nights - he was very stuffed up and we thought he'd sleep better if he could breathe through his nose. But over the weekend, he seemed to feel better, but was still repeatedly asking for medicine at bedtime. So we had to distract him to forget about it since we didn't really feel he needed the medicine.

Tonight he got the hiccups and told me he thought he'd better take his medicine. I told him the medicine was for a stuffed up nose and coughing, not hiccups. He proceeded to cough a few times, each time saying, "That's real, that's not fake."

I don't get it. Maria has to be completely miserable to take any kind of medicine, and Sam wants to take it when he's not even sick!

Mother's Day

The kids and Ben made it another wonderful Mother's Day today.

First, the gifts. The kids had spent a very long time in the basement last night - I thought maybe they were cleaning. But they were wrapping the presents and making cards. And they used the wrong side of the wrapping paper and drew pictures of things I like (ice cream sundaes, books, polka dots, flowers) on the paper instead. That's why we took a picture of the wrapped presents. Anyway, they gave me my own Nintendo DS and the game Brain Age. On top of all the cards and gifts they've been making me at school this week - I have a coupon for a relaxing evening from Maria and Sam painted a pot and planted a flower in it, which looks very nice on the table on the deck.

Then they took me out to lunch at Boston's and dessert at Dairy Queen. When we got home I was able to take a nice long nap. A very relaxing day indeed!

Now if they would just clean the basement. But it is called Mother's Day, not "Miracle Day!"

Saturday Fun

This afternoon Sam and I went to his friend Sean's birthday party. Sean lives in Powell, which is 40 minutes away (his Mom teaches 2nd grade at Fairbanks, so that's why he goes to school there). Anyway, since it was such a long drive I just stayed there with him. It was an Olympics themed party - right up Sam's alley. The pictures are of wheel barrow race and the egg race. Everyone got a gold medal at the end.

Maria was supposed to help Ben mulch while we were gone. But when picking up the mulch at Scheiderer's, Lily asked Maria if she would like to stay and fish with her, Nora, Charlie, and their Grandma. So Maria got to have a fun day with her friends too. She told me she caught three fish.

This morning we got flowers planted, and Ben got all the mulch done this afternoon, so we are good to go. Can't say Ben and I have had much relaxation today, but maybe that's what Mother's Day is for tomorrow.

No Soccer Today

Sam's soccer game for this morning was canceled. It's rained for almost two days straight, so the field would have been muddy. But apparently some teenagers (I assume) did dough-nuts on the field and so now they are a wreck. The league had to cancel all their games for today. Unfortunately, we are so busy this week I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it to the make-up game, whenever it might be scheduled. Plus its supposed to rain a lot this week as well. And Sam really wanted to play this morning - since he scored a goal last week he's much more excited about soccer - and I want to be there to see him score next time! Next Saturday is the last game.

In a little while we are going to Scheiderer's to buy flowers to plant. (We have to take advantage of the only non-rainy day!) Then Sam has a birthday party from 2-4, but its in Powell (40 minutes away), so I'm just going to stay there with him. It's not worth the gas to come home and go back! While we're gone, we're hoping that Ben and Maria can get the mulching done, but it may be too wet to get the trailer out to go buy mulch. And Ben needs to get the lawn mowed sometime today, if it dries out enough.

Maria's Dress Rehearsal, Part II

Tonight was Maria's dress rehearsal for her Friday night recital. We were there for FOUR HOURS! Thank goodness Ben and Sam brought us a pizza for dinner!

Anyway, the video shows Maria's part in the ballet opener, and her Gymnastics class performance. Keep in mind its a dress rehearsal so there may be directions being yelled over the music or people walking into the scene.

Fun'd Walk

Today was supposed to be the PTO Fun'd Walk. It's a fundraiser (hence the name) where students get donations to walk around the track for an hour. Only it was rained for the past two days and the track was a muddy mess. So its been postponed until the last day of school. But the kids still wanted to wear their shirts, and they still did the Dunk Tank for Mr. Lotycz. Sam and Maria each got to throw one ball (Sam was the first thrower in the whole school), but neither one dunked Mr. Lotycz. But he still got dunked plenty of times.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Each year our district tries to do some nice things for us for Teacher Appreciation week. And this is only the second district I've taught in, but our community seems to go out of their way to do nice things for us. It's thoughtful, and shows us that at least the parents appreciate our efforts. This year, the district bought every staff member an insulated lunch bag. It's about average as far as our yearly gift goes. A nice cash bonus would be better, but that is not ever going to happen.

In addition, the parent groups provided home cooked lunches on two days this week. Very yummy, although not so good for my efforts with Weight Watchers. But worth every bite.

The difference this year was on the part of the students. They're the ones you see each day, the reason why you are there, and the reason that I enjoy my job, on most days anyway. And this year's student council went above and beyond. They provided breakfast for us on Thursday, and gave each teacher a $10 gift card somewhere (mine Barnes and Noble, Ben's was Starbucks.) Also, each member wrote a nice letter to a teacher of their choice. My letter came from a student I had two years ago as a freshman, and was meaningful to me since I haven't had him in two years yet he still remembers my class fondly. And this morning they brought us each a T-shirt like the one pictured above. They silk screened them with the help of the art teacher. And while I'm not sure I plan to wear it anywhere else, it was a really nice gesture, and did make us feel "loved."

So I guess I'm trying to say that I appreciate being appreciated.

And now I'd like summer vacation to start as soon as possible!

Sick Day

Maria and I are home sick today. We tried to go to school, but Maria was coughing so badly that she got sick once in the car, then once in my room before it was time to get on the bus. So I ended up leaving and took her to the Dr. We knew her cold was getting much worse, but we loaded her up on cold medicine and tried to get through the day. I intended to take her to open hours at the Dr. after school today, but we didn't make it.

She has a slight sinus infection. We thought it was probably coming - she can't seem to ever just get a cold and then get better without it turning into something else. The Dr. put her on Zithromax, so she should be feeling better soon and be able to go back to school tomorrow.

The bummer about missing today is that it is Teacher Appreciation Day. The PTO had an Italian lunch for us - I was really looking forward to that - I love potluck meals. I won't miss the sarcastic teenagers saying things like "I appreciate you sooooo much." But I did get a nice letter from a former student. Even though each member of student council has to write one, it still made me feel good.

But I'm a Mom first, and so home is where I need to be.

P.S. Sam scored a goal at his make up game last night - his first of the season. And we beat the Mean Green team, who killed us the first game of the season. Except we don't keep score so everyone won! Of course as soon as I walked in the door from Book Club, Sam told me his team got 4 goals and the green team only got two. So this whole not keeping score thing is not actually working - the kids know exactly who wins.

Yes, I missed it. I had Book Club - a special Cinco de Mayo celebration in a Mexican restaurant - and rescheduling that is a nightmare with three working Moms. So I thought it would be no big deal if I missed one game, and it just happens to be when he scores. Oh well, there's still two more games left. Ben has pictures and will blog about the game later since he was actually there.

Update - OK, so Ben already posted when I wasn't looking - see below.

Sam's Soccer Success

Well, it finally happened. Sam scored his first goal of the season at last night's makeup game from Saturday. It's kind of a gift in many ways since Sam wasn't even going to be at Saturday's game, but it was cancelled due to torrential downpours this weekend. So the game was rescheduled for our regular practice time on Monday night. The kids are soooooo different in the evening than in the morning. At morning games the red team is very subdued and doesn't really go after the ball. We get scored on frequently. In the evening, however, they are a bunch of soccer animals...in a good way! Everybody goes for the ball and wants to put it in. To boot, we went up against the big bad green team last night. If you haven't heard about these monsters, they push and shove, and they're fast, and their fans are very agressive as well (shouting things like "don't be a sissy" to their kids. Wow.

Anywho, we beat them 4-2 (not that we're supposed to keep score) and were up 4-0 at the half. They were not happy. One kid on the green team was so upset that they were losing (not that we're supposed to keep score) that he was crying uncontrollably on the field and had to be taken out of the game, never to return. Sam scored a goal on a pass, dribbled a couple times and kicked it in. He was so happy and I'm so proud of him, especially since he's normally a very passive soccer player. It's like the meanies brought out the best in him last night. Although it was another player on the team, who is a good four inches shorter than Sam that was picking fights with the biggest kid on the green team. He has two older brothers and I'm sure he was just convinced he could take this kid.

So I took some still shots since I was kind of coaching last night. No video. There's more pictures on the photocast.

Watching Too Many Cartoons?

Sam cannot figure out why, no matter how fast he goes on his scooter, he can't get flames to shoot out from under the wheels.

Weekend Update

Yesterday we went to Wendy and Mike's for Mitchell's first communion. The drive down was rough - it poured most of the way. And we got drenched on the walk into the church, but at least we had raincoats. (We couldn't find any umbrellas before we left home - Ben took two to Chicago, but I know we have more somewhere here!) Anyway, even though there were 240 first communicants, the service was only a little over an hour.

Afterward, we went to Wendy and Mike's and spent the rest of the day there. The kids were having such a great time playing and kept asking to stay later, and we didn't really have anything else to do here, so we didn't leave until after 6:30. It's fun to watch the kids all big enough to play on their own. They were even able to go outside later in the day, and played a baseball game with Brandon and Sam against Maria and Mitchell. Of course it ended when there was a rule discrepancy that Grandpa had to sort out!

We all slept in to 8:00 this morning and had an ichat with Ben (in Chicago with the band and not having a very great time) before his day started. He'll be home late tonight. He was able to spend a couple of hours with Todd Nahigian yesterday which was the highlight of the trip.

And we have an exciting day planned! Laundry, house cleaning, a trip to Wal-Mart, and then Maria's 4-H meeting where she and a friend are doing their demonstration on the parts of a sewing machine. She and Lydia have spent a long time on these note cards - I'm anxious to see how it goes!

The picture was taken last night when the kids were relaxing in Maria's room after our long day. I forgot to take my camera to the first communion, but needed to post a picture to show off that I successfully downloaded a picture from the camera without Ben here. (I know, it pathetically easy, but since he always does it I never bothered to learn.)

Sam's New Word

Boobies.

And yes, he knows what they are.

And he chose today, when Ben is gone for three days, to start using this word. He did quit when I threatened a time out.

Again, amazed at how little boys are different than little girls - Maria never brought home these kinds of words from school.

THE Talk

Maria came home from school today with a letter informing parents that the third grade girls were going to be getting THE talk in a couple of weeks. Apparently, for the last 15 years the gave the talk to both 4th grade boys and girls. But a handful of 4th grade girls were getting periods, and were unprepared, so last year the school decide that the girls should be taught about their periods in the third grade.

The letter said they would be covering menstruation, and products they would need to use, and other information about how a girl develops but they would not be discussing boy anatomy or conception. They will, however, answer all questions. So what if they have questions about conception? Oh well, not really my problem.

I told Maria that if she had any questions that she could ask me and I would not share with anyone or blog about it. She's a detail girl, so I think once it sinks in she may come up with some questions. Then again, if she takes after me, it could still be years until she has to worry about this - she may forget it by then!

Maria said they were setting it up like a Girls Tea Party. They will be serving little sandwiches, cookies, and punch. And the boys, they don't get their talk until the 4th grade still.

I'm reminded once again how fast Maria is growing up. In the last month, we went shopping for pre-teen clothes with a built in bra, she has a new room without the butterflies and flowers that I lovingly picked out when she was two, this evening she got a phone call from a friend so they could plan their demonstration at Sunday's 4-H meeting. And now THE talk. Time goes by too fast!

Sam and his ways

Today Sam made a sock animal named Socky. So when we got home, Sam starts to do this: He bounces his toy on his lap and says this: "Bunga Bunga Bunga Bleh." On the "Bleh," he takes his toy, puts it up to the window, and pretends like its throwing up.

Crazy, right?

By the way, this is by Maria.

Book Swap Update

We've been so busy around here I forgot about the Book deal Maria and I made last week.

She finished the book I picked out for her on Sunday. Said she really liked it. Then I read "Wings and Rockets," which was a story about women in flight. And surprisingly, I did like it. I know that Maria had read it a couple of times, and now I see why. Informative and interesting. Maybe I should take some of my own advice and try books I wouldn't normally read more often.

Maria wanted to go to the library Monday to pick out something new, but we just couldn't fit it in until Tuesday. When we went, she wanted to look for more books by the same author, Meg Cabot, as her previous book. But Meg Cabot writes mostly teen and adult books, so all the books we found I wouldn't let her read. She wasn't thrilled about that - like any kid she didn't like being told she was too young for something - but she got over it. She ended up picking out two books on her own and neither was the fantasy type she had always picked out before and then never finished. And she seems to like the first one - she's been reading it in her loft this afternoon. She spends a lot of time up there in the last 24 hours.

I'm supposed to read another one of her picks after my current book - probably sometime this weekend. I can't believe this plan actually worked, at least for now.

Sam's Bed Tent

Sam's bed tent came today so he only had to wait one extra day for it. He seems excited but would rather play computer games then sit in his bed when he doesn't have to! We'll see if he likes sleeping there tonight or not.

Last night went well. Neither kid had trouble falling asleep in their rooms. There is usually some trouble falling asleep the first night after we change their rooms around, and with Maria in a loft now I didn't know what to think. But it was very peaceful.