Thriller-er

When I said scariest video ever, I was wrong. The Indian version is much, much scarier, and way more hilarious.

Thriller

Boys, back when me and your Mom were kids, there was this phenomenon that happened. This odd little man made some music, had it mass produced onto these things called "LP's" or "records", and somehow everyone I've ever met around our age had it. Then he had the nerve to make the title song "Thriller" into the scariest and most awesome video ever.

For those of you "in the know" check this video out. This is the coolest thing you can do at a wedding reception. Other than getting "loose" and doing a strange Russian-style dance in front of friends, family, and people you barely know. Good times.

The ol' PTC

We had the second and final "official" conference with Jake's preschool teacher Mrs. D. It's funny how scared I was to let him go. He is doing so well, that I feel embarrassed for even having doubts. His classroom is one of those kind of places you always want your kid to be in. Safe, fun, supportive, challenging. It really is the best return we've ever made on any investment.

Here's the catch. Jake was born a little too late in the year. So, he can't enroll in kindergarten at the beginning of next year. We could get him in a private kindergarten for a little while and then he can enroll at Cindy's school. OR he can go to preschool for another year. Ugh. I. Hate. Decisions.

Mrs. D thinks he'll do fine in kindergarten and won't have to repeat it, but it would also be good to repeat pre-school. See, Jake is like his old man when it comes to socializing in large groups right now. He'll do it when he has to, and put on a game face but, he's much better in small groups or even by himself. He's just not a talker in class. Which is exactly the opposite of the way he is everywhere else. If he's with us or especially with Brady, he's in his element and you can't stop him. Take the B man away and he's kind of out of place. But, Mrs. D said he's getting a lot better about that and getting more and more comfortable. Academically, he is above where he needs to be and that's just awesome. He just needs to come out of his shell a little more.

It's like watching myself all over again. At home I felt like "The Man" but at school...no way. I wanted to be with one or two close friends and kind of just hang in the shadows and do my thing. I made some good friends that way, but I missed out on some stuff I'm sure, just for lack of confidence. I remember how anxious I was all through school and it sucked. I am still like that in a lot of ways. You come into my comfort zone and I'm good to go...take me out of it and I need a little time to adjust.

The other upside to another year in preschool is that he will have Brady in class with him. I don't know what it is exactly, but when they are together it is magic. They just riff off one another and the party keeps rolling. Jake shows B how to do stuff, and B keeps Jake going with his crazy ideas and stories. They finish eachother's sentences, the whole nine yards. So, I know having them together in there would be beneficial for the both of them in different ways.

If there's a chance here to make it a little easier for Jake to blossom in Captain Confidence in and out of the house, maybe we should take it. Understanding though, that he is who he is, and we can only try to help him along in the process. The year isn't over yet and he has time yet to show his stuff before we decide what to do. Either way we go, I have supreme confidence in the teachers he has or will have. I'm not just saying that because they are teachers at Cindy's school. They are just super dedicated to performing at the top level of their profession and I give them all the respect in the world.

So, Jake my man...just do what you do. I'm just so darn proud of you. You make my heart happy and full and I can't tell you enough just how much I love you.

The Sandlot is done...or is it?

The bases are in. The dirt is done. Time to play ball. The boys had a good pickup game yesterday and got in some good practice running the bases. There are a few silly things left to do before Saturday but that won't take much doing. I'm sure though, in the back of my mind, or the front of my mind there will always be something else to add to it, which is both terrifying and exciting. I'm just glad the boys like it or I would really look like a complete tool running around on a tiny field by myself.

Sandlot...again

We're close. We got most of the dirt done this past few days so we're a few days ahead of schedule. Just gotta throw the bases in and fill in a few spots and we're playin ball...

And now...Snoozy B

I caught Jake napping the other day and put it on here so it's only fair to do the same to Brady. He took himself a little nappity on the couch today after helping me in the yard for a few hours. For once, I had more stamina than he did. Barely.

Snow in Arizona

Yeah, snow. We had been telling the boys we were gonna go up to Flagstaff and play in the snow for the first time soon. However, up till now Flag aint got no snow bro. So, we got to thinkin maybe it just wouldn't happen this year. Wouldn't you know it...instead of snow in Flagstaff we get snow in Phoenix. What a crazy crazy State we live in. It only snowed a tiny bit at our house so we hopped in the truck and chased some down. Unreal. The boys had a fun few minutes dancing and playing and catching snow in their mouths. Right up until Brady got a flake in the eyeball. Poor little dude. He quickly recovered though and we hopped in the truck and just enjoyed the snow as the Sun set. No better way to end a day in the snow than to cuddle up by the fireplace. What an unexpectedly cool day.

Sandlot part deux

We got the sod laid today. By "we" I mean O, Poppy, and yours truly. We were all covered head to toe in mud and grass and whatever. I can't thank the two Grandfather's enough for their help. It's pretty special to have them help build the field. You'll never meet two men more passionate about baseball. So again, THANK YOU! Now we just gotta get the infield clay next week and its ready to go. By my birthday it will be a baseball field. Heck of a way to turn 30.

Oh yeah, and I would be a fool if I didn't give my dear sweet wife much of the credit as she gave a huge thumbs up to the idea when I threw it at her. Most of the time my ideas are ridiculous and/or impossible to accomplish given the laws of physics and gravity, so getting one past her is pretty sweet. Thanks babe.

Nappin' on the couch

He looks like me, acts like me, and sleeps like me. Good thing he doesn't snore like me.

Leaving the Dudes

Last weekend Cindy and I took a trip together without the boys for the first time since either of them was born. Separately we have left for little trips here and there but at least one of us has been there to tuck them in at night, every night. So, we kind of got cornered into taking a trip to Vegas for dirt cheap and even though a huge part of us wanted to decline the offer...we went. It was great to be around other adults our age and let down our guard a little bit. We ate outstanding food and actually won way more than we lost. Still though, no matter where we were, or what we were doing, my thoughts always drifted back to the two little guys back in Arizona. What were they doing? What did they have for breakfast? Did they miss us? Did they wonder where we were at bedtime?

The boys stayed with their Ma and Poppy and had a great time. Of course they did. Why wouldn't they? They watched movies, rode their four-wheelers, went to their cousins' birthday party...just had a grand ole time. Well that's just perfect. Like we never left. Great. Super. Why do I feel like a giant turd then? Couldn't they maybe once have cried for us? Refused to eat? Acted out? Something?!? Throw me a bone here guys.

Regardless of my blatant insecurities, I'm glad we went. Maybe one day we can do it again. Not soon though. I don't want them having too much fun without me. Call me crazy but...well, just call me crazy.

Happy Crying

Since we broke ground (literally) on the sandlot the boys and I have been to Home Depot about 607 times this past month. Every time we go they want to ride in the Tony Stewart racecar/shopping cart. Then they beg, plead, and cute it up for an ice cream treat out of the vending machines. I always...I mean sometimes give in and get one for them. They end up covered in sugary goo and I end up smelling like bags of topsoil and manure...niiiice.

Anywho, today after we dropped off Jakers at school, me and B went to get a few more things. Before we got there Brady started in with the beggary.

"Daddy, can we get a treat at Home Depot?"
"Not today buddy."
"But but why Daddy?"
"We have Superman popsicles at home bub."
-Whimpering and fake sobs-
"Brady why are you so sad?"
"I'm not sad I'm happy-crying."
"Why are you happy-crying?"
"Because...because I love you."

Ohhh..he's a good one. He and Jake have just recently picked that up from Mommy. Whenever they see a movie where someone is so happy that they cry, well she has told them that they are happy-crying. So now I guess they will use that as a weapon against me. That's a low down and rotten trick, but I have to respect the effort little dude. Nice try.

Their Sandlot

This...

...is for Them.

Can't tell what "This" is? Well, right now it's about a halfway finished baseball field. A very small field, but still. 20' between bases. 39' to left. 42' to right. 57' to dead-center. 15' from home to the rubber. Ridiculous? Oh yeah. Worth every penny and drop of sweat? Bet your life on it.

Sweet Dreams

I don't have the knack for blogging that my wonderful husband does, but I couldn't let this little story go without sharing it.

The other night, Brady had a nightmare and woke up crying. I went in to comfort him and he told me he had a bad dream about monsters. Daddy came in and reassured Brady that he had nothing to worry about, because all of his bad dreams went right up into his dream catcher. That seemed to satisfy the little guy just fine, but he still wanted Mommy to lay with him. Who could refuse? Just as Brady started to finally fall asleep, my eyes began getting heavy as well, until I heard him say, "Come on Jakey...follow me!" I looked over at him, and he was asleep with a big smile on his face! His talking woke himself up, and he looked over at me with that big grin. I asked him if he was having a dream about Jake, and these were his words: "Yes, I dreamed about me and Jake. My bad monster dream went into my dream catcher, but it can't have my Jakey dream!" And with that, he turned over and went back to sleep. He wasn't the only one who slept with a big smile that night. Thank you, Brady. I love you!

Happy 2nd Birthday Om-Bim!

Well, regretfully it's 10 days late but still, happy day big guy. You have grown to be quite a huge fish in the last two years. Sorry about the cramped quarters but, the dude at Wal-Mart said you'd never outgrow it. I guess his knowledge of aquatics is on par with his salary. Who knew? Anyway, you've more than quadrupled in size as well as appetite. We started out just feeding you the normal flake food and such. You've since moved on to fruits and vegetables. And oatmeal. Houseflies. Meatloaf. Yep you're quite the gourmet.

Here's to your continued existence in 10 gallons of freedom by the sink. Remember though, no back talk my friend. While you're a mere foot from fresh clean water for your tank...you're also a foot from the disposal dude. Just a thought. Happy birthday.