Brady will wear his Batman mask for hours at a time if you let him. He loves it. He turns into a different little dude when he puts it on. A short, fast, masked avenger...that's our B.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Batman
Brady will wear his Batman mask for hours at a time if you let him. He loves it. He turns into a different little dude when he puts it on. A short, fast, masked avenger...that's our B.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
"44"
I was given this book a while back by my buddy, GW's, Mom. She said it reminded her of me and my boys. I didn't know at that time what a huge compliment that was. After reading it, her words really touched me and I am forever grateful that she presented this book to me. I liked it so much, I wanted my Daddy to read it, and he did. He liked it as much as I did, maybe more. Quite possibly more, because as fate would have it, we are now in the process of getting this book turned into a movie.
Uhh..What?!?
Yeah, I said a movie. It's something I never thought I would be doing in my wildest dreams. I like movies. Watched my fair share. I've even had a desire to write a screenplay for a long time. But NEVER did I think I'd be sitting here talking about actually making a movie. Life has taken another turn for the surreal. But a really, really good turn...don't get me wrong.
Right now, I can't say too much about it because we're just getting started so...really there's not much to say. I'm talking to a few screenwriters, and a few other people who actually know how to get a movie made. Which helps. If that's what you're in to. Making movies and all. Which apparently I am.
If you want to read the book, by all means pick yourself up a copy at amazon. Or you can go here for more background and ordering information. Or...I might let you borrow it. The point is, read it. It'll do your heart good.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Give it up dude
On a typical day, the dudes will fight over a toy 2 or 3 times. Which often brings tears, anger, and frustrated screaming from them. We do a lot of time/toy management. That has shown to be the most effective way of dealing with these volatile situations. There is almost never a clearly defined "had it first" person. So, whomever has it at the present time, keeps it for 2 minutes and then has to give it up, nicely.
Now, "most effective" only works when we pay attention to them. Sadly once in a while we just don't give the precious little snowflakes 100% of our eyes and ears. Amazingly, there are more pressing matters to attend to than supervising a session of wholesale lunacy. When that happens, we often get what we had tonight;
The boys were playing picnic on the kitchen floor. Had the whole thing set up. Dishes out, food going, condiments...condimenting. Dessert. The works. After about 15 minutes, the food must've run out because they got fully bent at each other. Jake apparently had the pepper, Brady wanted it. Jake wasn't giving it up, so Brady snatched it. Jake swiped it back. Brady screamed, said, "SMACK", then hit Jake in the head and took off running for his room. Jake ran after him screaming that Brady was a bad boy and was trying to hit him back when we intervened. Oh, brother.
So.....yeah, they had to be separated for a while. Ten minutes of alone time in their rooms bought us the rest of the night with no fighting. What a wonder ten feet and two closed doors can do for a relationship.
Now, "most effective" only works when we pay attention to them. Sadly once in a while we just don't give the precious little snowflakes 100% of our eyes and ears. Amazingly, there are more pressing matters to attend to than supervising a session of wholesale lunacy. When that happens, we often get what we had tonight;
The boys were playing picnic on the kitchen floor. Had the whole thing set up. Dishes out, food going, condiments...condimenting. Dessert. The works. After about 15 minutes, the food must've run out because they got fully bent at each other. Jake apparently had the pepper, Brady wanted it. Jake wasn't giving it up, so Brady snatched it. Jake swiped it back. Brady screamed, said, "SMACK", then hit Jake in the head and took off running for his room. Jake ran after him screaming that Brady was a bad boy and was trying to hit him back when we intervened. Oh, brother.
So.....yeah, they had to be separated for a while. Ten minutes of alone time in their rooms bought us the rest of the night with no fighting. What a wonder ten feet and two closed doors can do for a relationship.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Mr. Mockery and The Aquaholic
Jake's newest trick is mockery. Well, it's not that new I guess...but it's becoming a problem very quickly. I don't think he intentionally does it most of the time, but he does it nonetheless. Sometimes (read; always) he gets a laugh from Brady so he keeps going. Which is only slightly annoying unless we are in public.
Most of the time he'll just repeat what we say to him right back to us. Bad but not embarrassing. If we are out and he hears someone, especially a teenager say something weird or slightly funny, he immediately turns to Brady, busts up laughing and repeats what they said, or says,"The Guy!"
He's a character that one.
Oh and Brady is officially addicted to water. He cannot be trusted to contain himself around even the smallest amount of the stuff. Puddle on the ground? Both feet. Both hands. Parents not looking for one second? Sneak to the bathroom and pour water on his head. And on the counter, sink, toilet, floor, brother.
Maybe he will be an Olympic swimmer one day. Or, maybe he'll be a Crystal water dude. Who knows? He may even discover a cure for prune hands. One can only hope.
He's a soggy character, that one.
Most of the time he'll just repeat what we say to him right back to us. Bad but not embarrassing. If we are out and he hears someone, especially a teenager say something weird or slightly funny, he immediately turns to Brady, busts up laughing and repeats what they said, or says,"The Guy!"
He's a character that one.
Oh and Brady is officially addicted to water. He cannot be trusted to contain himself around even the smallest amount of the stuff. Puddle on the ground? Both feet. Both hands. Parents not looking for one second? Sneak to the bathroom and pour water on his head. And on the counter, sink, toilet, floor, brother.
Maybe he will be an Olympic swimmer one day. Or, maybe he'll be a Crystal water dude. Who knows? He may even discover a cure for prune hands. One can only hope.
He's a soggy character, that one.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Phew...
My brain is mushy. This past month has been so nutty I haven't had time to stop and take it all in. I wish I had a pause button I could hit. I'd hit it. Then I'd stop and reflect on each moment that has flown by.
I feel like I need to be taking more notice of everything. Especially the small things. I want to document every little moment I share with the boys. That's entirely ludicrous, but I still want to. I have a fear that I won't remember something that turns out to be important to one of them. I'm retarded like that.
I play the "what if" game way too much. My mind is prone to thoughts of extreme situations and circumstances. Tonight, I read where next year it will cost over 30K to send a kid to Harvard for one year. Sweet fancy Moses. Now, I don't expect the dudes to go to Harvard but again...What if? At this point, all things are possible, and that scares the living hell out of me. I thought I had things all laid out. That's what I get for making assumptions.
Boy's, it is my greatest wish that life be a little more simple for you when you grow up. I'm not saying I want everything laid out for you. Far from it. However, I would like it if you just had to concentrate on a few basic things;
I feel like I need to be taking more notice of everything. Especially the small things. I want to document every little moment I share with the boys. That's entirely ludicrous, but I still want to. I have a fear that I won't remember something that turns out to be important to one of them. I'm retarded like that.
I play the "what if" game way too much. My mind is prone to thoughts of extreme situations and circumstances. Tonight, I read where next year it will cost over 30K to send a kid to Harvard for one year. Sweet fancy Moses. Now, I don't expect the dudes to go to Harvard but again...What if? At this point, all things are possible, and that scares the living hell out of me. I thought I had things all laid out. That's what I get for making assumptions.
Boy's, it is my greatest wish that life be a little more simple for you when you grow up. I'm not saying I want everything laid out for you. Far from it. However, I would like it if you just had to concentrate on a few basic things;
- Providing for your family.
- Educating yourself to the world around you.
- Helping people.
- Having as much fun as possible.
That's it. That's all you gotta do. Heck that's all I have to do. I just manage to complicate things until they seem impossible. Don't do that. Take the road less traveled and enjoy the scenery. Don't get caught up in your pride because that is the most foolish thing you can do. Trust me, I've been there and got the t-shirt to prove it.
Most of all though boys, heed this advice; don't do everything I tell you to do and don't take all my advice. I expect you to make mistakes. Huge mistakes. Mistakes you don't want to tell me about. That's the only way you're ever really going to learn, and I'm cool with that. Well, not all the way but I can deal with it.
Oh, and never try and put together rational thoughts when you are sleep deprived. That's a big one.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The wise man
11:40PM - Lunch with Mommy in her classroom
11:55PM - March on down to pre-school with Daddy
12:00PM - Kiss Daddy. Say, " See you later". Freedom at last. My own man. No Daddy. No Mommy. No Brady. Woo HOO!
2:30PM - Daddy, Mommy, and Brady come to pick me up. Kisses, hugs, smiles.
3:00PM - Rack out for some much needed sleep. All this knowledge makes me tired.
That's at least how I think his head works. He's a stud. No tears. No whining. He loves it.
Brady and I caught up on some drawing and tickle time. This turned out to be a very, very good day after all.
11:55PM - March on down to pre-school with Daddy
12:00PM - Kiss Daddy. Say, " See you later". Freedom at last. My own man. No Daddy. No Mommy. No Brady. Woo HOO!
2:30PM - Daddy, Mommy, and Brady come to pick me up. Kisses, hugs, smiles.
3:00PM - Rack out for some much needed sleep. All this knowledge makes me tired.
That's at least how I think his head works. He's a stud. No tears. No whining. He loves it.
Brady and I caught up on some drawing and tickle time. This turned out to be a very, very good day after all.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Dadgummit
That wasn't so bad. Not at all. I kept moving. Tried to look busy. All in a vain attempt to keep my mind from understanding what it was seeing. Jake was fine. Of course he was. He always is.
I am not fine. Today was only a preview, an hour of meet and greet. Tomorrow he's there for two and a half hours. Without me. With some cool ladies and kids no doubt, but without me.
It's not the first time we've left him somewhere. That's not it. I guess parents can understand my insanity here. If not, I would imagine I truly have lost my marbles. I don't want to hold him back but I don't want to let him go just yet either. Such is responsibility. Responsibility is such crap.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Ugh...
Jake won't take a nap today. Probably because he's excited for his first day of preschool tomorrow. I can't take a nap today because I am dreading his first day of preschool. He's excited, even if he doesn't fully get it. But he will, we both will and I think I might fall right the hell apart when we do.
He is not this old yet right? He used to take naps on my belly. I could fly him in the air without a back brace. He'd used to jump on my belly and it would tickle. Now he breaks ribs. He used to roll everywhere before he could walk. Now, he flies and makes swooshing sounds.
Time is getting away from me at an alarming rate. Jake, if I happen to lose my composure tomorrow and run away screaming, crying, and cursing the universe...tough. It's hard watching you grow up. I love you and it's these little milestones that don't seem so little anymore. They are big giant mountains and I have neither the equipment or the training to be attempting such climbs.
Good luck little man. Good luck to us both.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The end is nigh...
The end of summer that is. Today the realization hit me that I haven't updated in quite some time. This summer has been our best on record and I have been busy enjoying it. All of it. So let me give you the hightlights of Summer '06.
Disneyland. It was all we thought it would be times a million.
-Awesomely-short flight over. Jake and Brady ate it up.
-Supercalifragilsticexpialidocious hotel. Location, location, location.
-The dudes had bunk beds. Fun for all. Nerve-racking dangerous fun.
-Way too much food. Somehow though we kept right on eating.
-Way too many things to do. Our legs were sore for a week.
-Rode the cool stuff mutliple times. P.S. the Buzz Light year ride... superb
-Breakfast/Dinner with the characters. Worth the outrageous price. Almost.
-Pictures pictures pictures. Memories fade. Digital pictures don't. Or do they? Hmm.
We haven't gone on anymore trips but in a few months that will change. Besides that, we have mostly been chillin to the max Jack. Eating out. Going to the mall. Watching movies. Swimming in the trusty inflato-pool. The usual stuff.
I don't want this to end but in 24 hours or so...it's done. Well, at least we made the most of it. Next year...Super Bowl or no, I'm going back to Disneyland.
So now a few pictures from our Summer of Summer's. Enjoy.
Disneyland. It was all we thought it would be times a million.
-Awesomely-short flight over. Jake and Brady ate it up.
-Supercalifragilsticexpialidocious hotel. Location, location, location.
-The dudes had bunk beds. Fun for all. Nerve-racking dangerous fun.
-Way too much food. Somehow though we kept right on eating.
-Way too many things to do. Our legs were sore for a week.
-Rode the cool stuff mutliple times. P.S. the Buzz Light year ride... superb
-Breakfast/Dinner with the characters. Worth the outrageous price. Almost.
-Pictures pictures pictures. Memories fade. Digital pictures don't. Or do they? Hmm.
We haven't gone on anymore trips but in a few months that will change. Besides that, we have mostly been chillin to the max Jack. Eating out. Going to the mall. Watching movies. Swimming in the trusty inflato-pool. The usual stuff.
I don't want this to end but in 24 hours or so...it's done. Well, at least we made the most of it. Next year...Super Bowl or no, I'm going back to Disneyland.
So now a few pictures from our Summer of Summer's. Enjoy.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Endless Summer
At times, the summer creeps by around here. Too hot. Too tired. Too bored. At other times it flies by way too quickly. However, the last ten days or so have been zoomin'.
A lucky turn of events has occurred and kind of thrown us into a whirlwind. No, we didn't win the Powerball or anything but...for now we can stop worrying so much, about so much. If you have walked in our shoes, or even own the same brand(ahem...Wal-Mart) you understand.
With any luck, we can spin this into college for the dudes. Savings for my Presidential campaign. Maybe an ice-cream cone here and there. Who knows? Maybe, dare I say it...a vacation?!? Yep I said it. Yep, we're going. Disneyland. Boo-YA!
Now let me put this into perspective folks. Cindy and I haven't been on vacation since our honeymoon. That was seven years, four cars, four jobs, three houses and two kids ago. Our time has finally come. Sweetness.
It will be Jake and Brady's first trip on an airplane. First trip to CA. First trip, anywhere for that matter. Brady's not too jazzed about getting on the big silver bird, but I think he'll do fine once we climb aboard. Jake is just completely taken with the whole idea. Start to finish he's all in. It's a real short flight so they'll get a little taste of what the flight back to Louisiana will be like.
Disneyland is going to be more than I can handle. I've been only one time, one day and it wasn't long enough. I loved it. One of my top 20 experiences easily. My boys, I'm sorry if I embarrass you during the trip, but fair warning...it will happen. I am a giant four-year old. Ask your Mom, she's wise to me.
We are flippin lucky.
Lucky.
Lucky.
Lucky.
Thanks to "O" who provided the luck, this summer just got a whole lot cooler. You're the man. Seriously. Thank you.
A lucky turn of events has occurred and kind of thrown us into a whirlwind. No, we didn't win the Powerball or anything but...for now we can stop worrying so much, about so much. If you have walked in our shoes, or even own the same brand(ahem...Wal-Mart) you understand.
With any luck, we can spin this into college for the dudes. Savings for my Presidential campaign. Maybe an ice-cream cone here and there. Who knows? Maybe, dare I say it...a vacation?!? Yep I said it. Yep, we're going. Disneyland. Boo-YA!
Now let me put this into perspective folks. Cindy and I haven't been on vacation since our honeymoon. That was seven years, four cars, four jobs, three houses and two kids ago. Our time has finally come. Sweetness.
It will be Jake and Brady's first trip on an airplane. First trip to CA. First trip, anywhere for that matter. Brady's not too jazzed about getting on the big silver bird, but I think he'll do fine once we climb aboard. Jake is just completely taken with the whole idea. Start to finish he's all in. It's a real short flight so they'll get a little taste of what the flight back to Louisiana will be like.
Disneyland is going to be more than I can handle. I've been only one time, one day and it wasn't long enough. I loved it. One of my top 20 experiences easily. My boys, I'm sorry if I embarrass you during the trip, but fair warning...it will happen. I am a giant four-year old. Ask your Mom, she's wise to me.
We are flippin lucky.
Lucky.
Lucky.
Lucky.
Thanks to "O" who provided the luck, this summer just got a whole lot cooler. You're the man. Seriously. Thank you.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Gratuitous Zoo Pictures
It was WAYY too hot to be at the zoo that day, but for about 5 minutes we had some fun on the tractor. The rest of the time, we just sweated. We finally came to the conclusion that June through August is just a seriously poor time to take the Dudes outdoors and expect to have fun. Oh well. At least it looks like we are having a good time. Sorry boys. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy forget how close Arizona is to the surface of the sun.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I'm a Pepper, He's a Pepper...
I likes me some Diet Dr. Pepper. Cindy thinks it borders on obesession. I think she's right. I want to bathe in the stuff.
Anyhoo...a few weeks back we got a killer deal on some Caffeine Free Diet DP and we stocked up. OK I stocked up. Two or three cases, but who's counting. We are now down to our last 18 cans or so. Scary stuff.
I've been consuming most of them with the exception of two or three by Jake and Brady. We don't give them caffeinated/sugary soft-drinks, so all they usually score is a Diet Rite. When I found the CFDDP...I had to let them share in the goodness.
Turns out they like it. Not like I do, which is a good thing. They call it "Regular Dr. Pepper" because they can't have the Diet Cherry Vanilla flavor, which we also stock. Not because I horde the stuff...it's the caffeine content, honestly.
Long story longer, Jake is funny. Tonight we put the boys in bed and I headed off to feed my addiction. I cracked a can open.
*PookCHik*
"Daddy, what was that noise?"
"Sorry buddy. I opened a can of Dr. Pepper."
"Regular?"
"Yeah buddy, Regular."
"OK, goodnight."
"Goodnight Jake."
That's my boy. Just stay away from my last precious cans dude.
Anyhoo...a few weeks back we got a killer deal on some Caffeine Free Diet DP and we stocked up. OK I stocked up. Two or three cases, but who's counting. We are now down to our last 18 cans or so. Scary stuff.
I've been consuming most of them with the exception of two or three by Jake and Brady. We don't give them caffeinated/sugary soft-drinks, so all they usually score is a Diet Rite. When I found the CFDDP...I had to let them share in the goodness.
Turns out they like it. Not like I do, which is a good thing. They call it "Regular Dr. Pepper" because they can't have the Diet Cherry Vanilla flavor, which we also stock. Not because I horde the stuff...it's the caffeine content, honestly.
Long story longer, Jake is funny. Tonight we put the boys in bed and I headed off to feed my addiction. I cracked a can open.
*PookCHik*
"Daddy, what was that noise?"
"Sorry buddy. I opened a can of Dr. Pepper."
"Regular?"
"Yeah buddy, Regular."
"OK, goodnight."
"Goodnight Jake."
That's my boy. Just stay away from my last precious cans dude.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
6 Things to NEVER do...
Ok boys, here are a few things you are NEVER allowed to do. And, if you do them, expect swift and severe punishment. There will be more of the "rules" to follow as I think of them.
1) NEVER...Hang out in front of the mall and smoke. Do not be THAT kid. I will end you. Smoking is bad enough and I will throttle you unmercifully for it. However, if you try and be cool and advertise to the world that you are somehow cooler for smoking in front of the mall...I will end you.
2) NEVER...Play the stare-down game with someone in another car, just because you are with your buddies and you think you are tough. You might be, but there are always tougher dudes out there looking for a reason to prove it. They may call your bluff and it might not be with just their fists.
3) NEVER...Fail to open a door for a female who is within 20 feet of you. Especially after making eye contact. This applies to people with small children and basically anyone who looks to be in need of common courtesy. A little nice goes a long way.
4) NEVER...Start a fight for no good reason. Walk away if you can. If you can't, then finish it the other way. Respectfully put the other person on the ground. Hard. Then offer them a hand up.
5) NEVER...Lie. Even if it rips your guts out, tell the truth. If you don't, and I catch you lying...I will rip your guts out.
6) NEVER...Forget that no matter what you do, or what anyone does to you...I will always love you.
1) NEVER...Hang out in front of the mall and smoke. Do not be THAT kid. I will end you. Smoking is bad enough and I will throttle you unmercifully for it. However, if you try and be cool and advertise to the world that you are somehow cooler for smoking in front of the mall...I will end you.
2) NEVER...Play the stare-down game with someone in another car, just because you are with your buddies and you think you are tough. You might be, but there are always tougher dudes out there looking for a reason to prove it. They may call your bluff and it might not be with just their fists.
3) NEVER...Fail to open a door for a female who is within 20 feet of you. Especially after making eye contact. This applies to people with small children and basically anyone who looks to be in need of common courtesy. A little nice goes a long way.
4) NEVER...Start a fight for no good reason. Walk away if you can. If you can't, then finish it the other way. Respectfully put the other person on the ground. Hard. Then offer them a hand up.
5) NEVER...Lie. Even if it rips your guts out, tell the truth. If you don't, and I catch you lying...I will rip your guts out.
6) NEVER...Forget that no matter what you do, or what anyone does to you...I will always love you.
