Brady: "What are clouds made of, Mommy?"
Mommy: "Water."
Brady: "No they're not!"
Mommy: "What are they made of, Brady?"
Brady: "Mashed Potatoes!"
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I've got a fever. The only cure...more T-Ball.
I don't get up early for anything short of opening day of dove season, french toast, or baseball. Dove season doesn't open until September. I can't have french toast. So baseball it is, or was...as it were.
Now, I got up at 7-ish, but Jake, he was so excited he got up at 6:45 to pee and read books. That's how he rolls baby. Big guy just couldn't wait to get goin'. There is nothing more contagious than enthusiasm, and his had everybody fired up for some t-ball.
When we got there, Jake strolled on into the dugout and found a spot on the bench and made himself at home. He was just an old pro. The crafty vet'ern, at home on any ball field. That's Jake. At the start of the game he even had the "prestigious" honor of playing pitcher first. He promptly made the first two or three plays of the game before being unceremoniously yanked to give someone else a shot at the ball. Being a firm believer in the old adage, "There's no "I" in team", Jake took the demotion with ease.
When he had his turns at bat it was same ol' Jake. Same big uppercut swing every time. Too cool. He ran the bases like his new cleats were on fire. He was rewarded for all his effort with a Gatorade, a bag of cookies, and breakfast with "O" after the game.
Jake, my big beautiful boy, I am so proud of you. You make my heart smile buddy.
P.S. The t-shirts and hats arrived after the first inning, you aren't seeing things.
Now, I got up at 7-ish, but Jake, he was so excited he got up at 6:45 to pee and read books. That's how he rolls baby. Big guy just couldn't wait to get goin'. There is nothing more contagious than enthusiasm, and his had everybody fired up for some t-ball.
When we got there, Jake strolled on into the dugout and found a spot on the bench and made himself at home. He was just an old pro. The crafty vet'ern, at home on any ball field. That's Jake. At the start of the game he even had the "prestigious" honor of playing pitcher first. He promptly made the first two or three plays of the game before being unceremoniously yanked to give someone else a shot at the ball. Being a firm believer in the old adage, "There's no "I" in team", Jake took the demotion with ease.
When he had his turns at bat it was same ol' Jake. Same big uppercut swing every time. Too cool. He ran the bases like his new cleats were on fire. He was rewarded for all his effort with a Gatorade, a bag of cookies, and breakfast with "O" after the game.
Jake, my big beautiful boy, I am so proud of you. You make my heart smile buddy.
P.S. The t-shirts and hats arrived after the first inning, you aren't seeing things.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Play Ball! Season 2. Meet the Dodgers.
Jake had his first practice of the season today. Same coach, a few of the same players, but not the same Jake. He was so much different this year than last. Good grief his confidence level is through the roof. He knew what to do, when to do it, and just went with the flow. Such a cool guy. The only problem is that he has grown so much since last season and so have his hands. I'll be taking the big fella to the store in the morning to pick out a new glove. I know he'll be all over that.
Anyway..enough gushing over my boy. Well, almost...here are some pictures of his big day.
Loosen up the ol' cannons.
Do what your Coach says, even if it makes him look foolish.
Brady has perfected the classic third base coach's stance.
"Here you go dude!"
(He really said that)
Gooooooooo...DODGERS!
Anyway..enough gushing over my boy. Well, almost...here are some pictures of his big day.
Loosen up the ol' cannons.
Do what your Coach says, even if it makes him look foolish.
Brady has perfected the classic third base coach's stance.
"Here you go dude!"(He really said that)
Gooooooooo...DODGERS!Wednesday, March 26, 2008
First field guide.
Ok dudes, here is a handy dandy field guide I made up to file away for future reference in case I don't get around to teaching you this myself. Since starting my new job, I have noticed some very odd/disturbing bathroom habits from some of my male co-workers. Habits I never want you guys to pick up. So....
Today's Lesson;
Men's Room Etiquette
1) Never use urinals. I have yet to see one designed that is splatter-proof. Ladies...you may think we have a more convenient set-up...but take a squirt gun and spray it against a wall from 12-18 inches away...see if any water splashes back on you or your shoes. Yeah, gross.
2) If you must use a urinal, always use one that has an empty one beside it preferably one that has a wall on one side. Bad enough to friendly fire against yourself, you don't need someone else's ricochets and they don't want yours.
3) Never use the middle urinal, even if you are the only dude in there. You may feel like the king of the castle but, this almost guarantees someone will come stand beside you, thereby breaking rule #2.
4) If using a stall that has a gap between the door and frame, take a long piece of toilet paper, ball up one end of it and stick it in the top of the door/frame gap leaving the length of fall down along the gap thereby creating a semi-private place to relax and do your business.
5) Never announce what "business" you are doing by letting out loud grunts, squeals, saying, "Phew...that was a doozy!", or anything verbal whatsoever. Everybody knows what everyone else is doing, but it's nice to leave some illusion.
6) If you're using a stall for stand up business, not sit down business, use some toilet paper to lift the lid...failing that use your shoe. Never, never your bare hands.
7) Same applies to flushing. If you are at some old-school place that doesn't have autoflushers...either use some TP or kick that sucker with your foot.
8) When finished...always wash with soap and water. Always. Even if you think you touched nothing. Something may have touched you.
9) Never touch the door handle on your way out. Use the paper you dried your hands with to grab the door handle. If they don't have a trash can placed by the door, throw it down next to the door. They'll get the hint.
10) There is a time and a place for conversation, but the men's room is not it. Be a quiet professional. In. Out. Unseen. Unheard. Unsmelled.
Today's Lesson;
Men's Room Etiquette
1) Never use urinals. I have yet to see one designed that is splatter-proof. Ladies...you may think we have a more convenient set-up...but take a squirt gun and spray it against a wall from 12-18 inches away...see if any water splashes back on you or your shoes. Yeah, gross.
2) If you must use a urinal, always use one that has an empty one beside it preferably one that has a wall on one side. Bad enough to friendly fire against yourself, you don't need someone else's ricochets and they don't want yours.
3) Never use the middle urinal, even if you are the only dude in there. You may feel like the king of the castle but, this almost guarantees someone will come stand beside you, thereby breaking rule #2.
4) If using a stall that has a gap between the door and frame, take a long piece of toilet paper, ball up one end of it and stick it in the top of the door/frame gap leaving the length of fall down along the gap thereby creating a semi-private place to relax and do your business.
5) Never announce what "business" you are doing by letting out loud grunts, squeals, saying, "Phew...that was a doozy!", or anything verbal whatsoever. Everybody knows what everyone else is doing, but it's nice to leave some illusion.
6) If you're using a stall for stand up business, not sit down business, use some toilet paper to lift the lid...failing that use your shoe. Never, never your bare hands.
7) Same applies to flushing. If you are at some old-school place that doesn't have autoflushers...either use some TP or kick that sucker with your foot.
8) When finished...always wash with soap and water. Always. Even if you think you touched nothing. Something may have touched you.
9) Never touch the door handle on your way out. Use the paper you dried your hands with to grab the door handle. If they don't have a trash can placed by the door, throw it down next to the door. They'll get the hint.
10) There is a time and a place for conversation, but the men's room is not it. Be a quiet professional. In. Out. Unseen. Unheard. Unsmelled.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tongue Poppin' Fun!
The Easter Bunny brought some Pop Rocks yesterday. I don't think you could have as much fun with any other candy!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Eastuh
Highlights:
1. The boys were super excited for Easter this year.
2. They got all into making presents for their grandmothers and godmothers.
3. No fights occurred before, during, or after the Easter egg hunts.
4. They ate candy and other assorted treats in moderation...without complaint.
5. They both played nicely with their cousins and nobody had any freakouts.
6. They gave everyone big hugs and smooches when it was time to go.
Lowlights:
1. Brady got up at 7 trying to get Easter started in a hurry. Enthusiasm is key, but not that early.
2. I mistakenly OD'd on what I thought was non-drowsy Sudafed. Turns out it wasn....zzzzzz.
3. I have about 2lbs of sausage and 3 lbs of meatballs sitting heavy in my gut. Sweet pain.
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2. I mistakenly OD'd on what I thought was non-drowsy Sudafed. Turns out it wasn....zzzzzz.
3. I have about 2lbs of sausage and 3 lbs of meatballs sitting heavy in my gut. Sweet pain.
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Thursday, March 13, 2008
9 Years
Happy Anniversary babe. It seems like I've been saying that to you for over half my life. Oh wait, that's because I have. Between dating and marriage we have been together almost 16 years. That sounds too absurd to be true.
Thanks for hanging in there with me all these years while I have half-asserdly (is that a word? Well it is now.) attempted to be a good husband. I have my shortcomings to say the least, but you love me anyway. I want so badly to be what you always dreamed of. Hopefully, you always dreamed of an overweight dude with ridiculous facial hair and poor kitchen cleaning abilities who likes to watch football and put down your love of all things dance related. Chances are you had something else in mind, but thanks for settling.
What I am trying to say is...
You are exactly what I always had in mind. Head to toe, inside and out you are all that I ever wanted. What's even better is, I am constantly learning something new about you. We can still talk to each other without getting bored in a matter of minutes. I value your opinion over anyone else's...even mine. Most importantly though, you have never once made me question my trust in you. You are simply the most amazing person I have ever met. Thank you for letting me hold your hand and walk beside you during all these crazy years. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Thanks for hanging in there with me all these years while I have half-asserdly (is that a word? Well it is now.) attempted to be a good husband. I have my shortcomings to say the least, but you love me anyway. I want so badly to be what you always dreamed of. Hopefully, you always dreamed of an overweight dude with ridiculous facial hair and poor kitchen cleaning abilities who likes to watch football and put down your love of all things dance related. Chances are you had something else in mind, but thanks for settling.
What I am trying to say is...
You are exactly what I always had in mind. Head to toe, inside and out you are all that I ever wanted. What's even better is, I am constantly learning something new about you. We can still talk to each other without getting bored in a matter of minutes. I value your opinion over anyone else's...even mine. Most importantly though, you have never once made me question my trust in you. You are simply the most amazing person I have ever met. Thank you for letting me hold your hand and walk beside you during all these crazy years. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Our Weekend
Saturday morning we went to cousin Adam's last basketball game for this season. Adam played an incredible game and his team won! After the game, my wonderful husband took me and the boys to try a new restaurant for a delicious lunch. When we came home, we took a "family nap" in our bed. This is becoming quite a habit on the weekends, and I am loving it! You'd love it too, if you could wake up to these sweet faces surrounding you! Sunday the boys gave me some time to go do a little shopping with "Ma" and then I met up with them later for a little more shopping and some supper. We truly do live for the weekends, and enjoy every moment together!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Hullabaloo
Boys, tonight after supper we played a few rounds of one of our favorite games to play as a family...Hullabaloo. We had the best time dancing, giggling, tiptoeing, and slithering like snakes. I would have taken pictures, but I didn't want to stop to get the camera. Listening to you laugh with each other and invite each other over to your "Cranium pad" so everyone can win, really made your Mommy happy tonight. There is nothing better than seeing the two of you share a spot in the game and hug each other tightly in anticipation for your next move. Thank you for such great quality time together tonight, Jake and Brady. You are my everything.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Maroon & Gold
Ma and Poppy got their Sport Court refinished this past weekend. We went by to see it last night and we all think it looks great. The boys got busy breaking it in right away. Great choice of colors Ma and Poppy! In this family...what did you expect? GO DEVILS!!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Ahh...Behold the power of pig.
This has got to be one of the top five things ever. Yeah, EVER. I mean what wouldn't you eat served in a cup, or bowl, made of bacon? I am ashamed I never thought of this myself, but I will be giving it a try sometime soon. Fan-fat-stic.
Earlier today err..yesterday...whatever.
Sure it's flowers from weeds that are in desperate need of attention, but B gave them to me and that makes them better than any flowers on the market.
The boys made a new (temporary) friend they called "Junior".
Farewell Junior, we hardly knew ye.Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thanks Dude!
God and I have always had a very informal (and sometimes shaky) relationship. For a while it was on again, off again. Then just off. Then we finally started seeing eye to eye. Nowadays we fully accept each other for who we are and who we are not. I stopped expecting Him to answer my prayers on my schedule and on my terms, and He in turn kept doing His job, same as ever. So really, it's been my shortcomings that held our relationship back all those years. Through it all though, I never felt the need to only speak to God in a place of worship, or in whispered prayer, or like He might strike me down for saying the wrong thing. We shoot the sh**...what can I say?
So with that in mind I want to give you your due props big guy. Many months ago, I said a prayer not for what I wanted, but for exactly what I needed and you came through. Exactly as I prayed, you delivered. I asked for you to put a job in my path that would let me spend time with the boys, have weekends off, and provide for my family, and you put it right there in front of me. Everything I asked for has been provided for me and you know what...I actually love the job you lined up. You're a pretty clever old guy. I never thought I'd be doing what I'm doing and liking it, but you apparently did. Nice goin'.
Oh and thanks for everything else. You know; my family, our health, the warm sunshine, water, food, college football...all that stuff. I don't know how you do it, but one day when I'm good and old, I hope you invite me over to your house and sit me down and explain it to me. You know how I like to learn about all things big and small. Since you're responsible for creating all things big and small, I figure you're THE guy to talk to.
So in conclusion, you are awesome. Thank you for sharing your awesomeness with me.
So with that in mind I want to give you your due props big guy. Many months ago, I said a prayer not for what I wanted, but for exactly what I needed and you came through. Exactly as I prayed, you delivered. I asked for you to put a job in my path that would let me spend time with the boys, have weekends off, and provide for my family, and you put it right there in front of me. Everything I asked for has been provided for me and you know what...I actually love the job you lined up. You're a pretty clever old guy. I never thought I'd be doing what I'm doing and liking it, but you apparently did. Nice goin'.
Oh and thanks for everything else. You know; my family, our health, the warm sunshine, water, food, college football...all that stuff. I don't know how you do it, but one day when I'm good and old, I hope you invite me over to your house and sit me down and explain it to me. You know how I like to learn about all things big and small. Since you're responsible for creating all things big and small, I figure you're THE guy to talk to.
So in conclusion, you are awesome. Thank you for sharing your awesomeness with me.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Happy Birthday Great-Grandpa!
Today is Great-Grandpa Voeller's 94th birthday! We celebrated Sunday over at Ma and Poppy's house. We hope Great-Grandpa's day was as special as he is (and we should all hope to look that good at 94)!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Been a while
There's been plenty of stuff going on around here. Plenty of stuff, but not plenty of time to sit down in front of the trusty ol' laptop. So now a little recap.
I'll start with my personal favorite of the past week...
I usually get home well after everyone else in the house is deeply involved in R.E.M. sleep. Not the band, the rapid eye movement...slobber on the pillow thing. Which sucks, but that wasn't the worst thing about coming home to a sleeping house on Monday night. Oh no. I made it home in record time, in a pretty good mood, after a pretty good day in corporate America. However, when I pulled in the driveway I saw a stream of water pouring out from under the garage door, all the way to the street, down the street into the drainage. MOTHER-BLEEP! I knew what it was, but I didn't want to know what it was. Part of me wanted to just go upstairs and go to bed. Then the adult part of me kicked in and the insanity began. Just as I thought, when I got inside the garage, the water heater was spewing water like some kind of over-sized maniacal lawn sprinkler. The garage floor was filled with an inch or so of water. Awesome. Good thing we left so much stuff in cardboard boxes right in the flood plain! (That's sarcasm folks).The good news is, I was smart enough in my teens and early twenties to bag and board all my thousands and thousands of comic books...so they are safe. Yearbooks, some honeymoon pictures, assorted knicknackery....not so much. The best news is that the water heater was under warranty so all we had to pay for was for the install. Phew. So there's that story.
What's next? Oh yeah the boys had their Valentine's Day party at school on Friday. The day before, we went to Wally World and they picked out their cards. Jake chose a Marvel Comics theme, and Brady went with Power Rangers. Perfect. Nothing says, "I love you...but not in that way", quite like a superhero valentine. The party was quite a hit as usual. The boys made the most hideous bowls of ice cream I have ever seen. Seriously the first time in my life I have seen so many delicious things combine to make something I would never eat. But of course they loved it. After the sugar high kicked in, they made some wacky picture frames, distributed their valentines, sang songs, and played like madmen. Being able to spend the whole day at school with them is where working second shift really pays off. Just awesome.
So much love and KAPOWW!'s to share.
Once again, the only reason I get out of bed in the morning.
Jake's picture frame. Awww...
Brady's picture frame. Uhhh. I mean awww.
Brady's bowl. BLECCHH!
Jake's bowl. Double BLECCHH!!
...and one faw you, and one faw you...
Tonight, the boys got to cash in (literally) on their valentine's present from Poppy and Ma. We went to Build-a-Bear, and Jake made a monkey he named "Bobo" and Brady made a Dinosaur he named "Rhino". Rhino the Dino...the kid cracks me up.
Bobo and Rhino
So now the boys are fast asleep with their new buddies tucked in right next to them. I am about to go tuck in next to my rockin' wife, and watch some cheesy Lifetime movie she's fully enveloped in. Its 47 degrees outside. The house smells like chili. The garage is dry. There is a pitcher of Kool-Aid with splenda calling my name in the fridge. I know it's not a perfect life...but it's perfect enough for me.
I'll start with my personal favorite of the past week...
I usually get home well after everyone else in the house is deeply involved in R.E.M. sleep. Not the band, the rapid eye movement...slobber on the pillow thing. Which sucks, but that wasn't the worst thing about coming home to a sleeping house on Monday night. Oh no. I made it home in record time, in a pretty good mood, after a pretty good day in corporate America. However, when I pulled in the driveway I saw a stream of water pouring out from under the garage door, all the way to the street, down the street into the drainage. MOTHER-BLEEP! I knew what it was, but I didn't want to know what it was. Part of me wanted to just go upstairs and go to bed. Then the adult part of me kicked in and the insanity began. Just as I thought, when I got inside the garage, the water heater was spewing water like some kind of over-sized maniacal lawn sprinkler. The garage floor was filled with an inch or so of water. Awesome. Good thing we left so much stuff in cardboard boxes right in the flood plain! (That's sarcasm folks).
What's next? Oh yeah the boys had their Valentine's Day party at school on Friday. The day before, we went to Wally World and they picked out their cards. Jake chose a Marvel Comics theme, and Brady went with Power Rangers. Perfect. Nothing says, "I love you...but not in that way", quite like a superhero valentine. The party was quite a hit as usual. The boys made the most hideous bowls of ice cream I have ever seen. Seriously the first time in my life I have seen so many delicious things combine to make something I would never eat. But of course they loved it. After the sugar high kicked in, they made some wacky picture frames, distributed their valentines, sang songs, and played like madmen. Being able to spend the whole day at school with them is where working second shift really pays off. Just awesome.
So much love and KAPOWW!'s to share.
Once again, the only reason I get out of bed in the morning.
Jake's picture frame. Awww...
Brady's picture frame. Uhhh. I mean awww.
Brady's bowl. BLECCHH!
Jake's bowl. Double BLECCHH!!
...and one faw you, and one faw you...
Tonight, the boys got to cash in (literally) on their valentine's present from Poppy and Ma. We went to Build-a-Bear, and Jake made a monkey he named "Bobo" and Brady made a Dinosaur he named "Rhino". Rhino the Dino...the kid cracks me up.
Bobo and Rhino
So now the boys are fast asleep with their new buddies tucked in right next to them. I am about to go tuck in next to my rockin' wife, and watch some cheesy Lifetime movie she's fully enveloped in. Its 47 degrees outside. The house smells like chili. The garage is dry. There is a pitcher of Kool-Aid with splenda calling my name in the fridge. I know it's not a perfect life...but it's perfect enough for me.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Artistic Freedom
The boys took "paint day" at school to the next level yesterday. Why paint paper when you can paint on your own face? They said they were going for a Spiderman look. Just awesome.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Happy Birthday Daddy!
My wonderful husband turned 31 today. Since our new motto is "live for the weekends," this weekend was definitely no exception. The boys drew a bunch of pictures earlier in the week and hung them all over the kitchen for Daddy to see when he woke up. After opening a couple of new Wii games from the boys (could there be a hidden agenda there?), we had a wonderful day playing some miniature golf and video games and then coming home to watch the Super Bowl. It is hard to believe that I have been celebrating birthdays with this man for almost 16 years. He has brought so much happiness to my life. He knows me better than anyone, and he loves me anyway! I have enjoyed every part of our journey through life together and it keeps getting better and better. A fun, relaxing day like today, spent celebrating, just reminds me of how very lucky we are. We are a very blessed family, and I am so lucky to be married to such a terrific husband and father. He has a wonderful heart and is always looking out for me and the boys. We couldn't ask for more. Happy birthday, Mauri. I love you more everyday.
