I'm leaving to go see Ellyphant and Emmykins and I'm not sure i'll get much sleep tonight.
So I will leave you with this:
Enough Said...it speaks to me.
XOXO
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Lent, Rugby, Babies Oh My...
Where has the time gone? I'm sorry I've left you all for so long. It has been a crazy few months, but who am i kidding, that's my life now!
Rugby has taken over our household. Austin is thriving in it and has really absorbed the sport. I've learned to toughen up so I dont get squeamish at the sight of blood, bruises, swelling, sprains, concussion or broken ribs. Not, not all on Austin, but most of those. We've been to Urgent Care twice already for Austin. And we've had about 4 broken limbs, 2 concussions, 1 set of broken ribs, dislocated shoulders, 2 surgeries, ripped open knees with blood pouring down legs, tore open sides from being cleated by players on field, and that's just a few on the JV and Varsity teams. But each one of the kids are grinning, and asking to be put back in. Several of the boys wont tell their coaches they are hurt, so they can keep playing. I dont know what it is about this sport that has them loving it so much, but they play with all heart.
And did I mention that I'm the Team Mom for the JV? Yep, so for every home game, I get to cook dinner for 50 people and bring it to the games. Main meal, side and cold drinks. Thank goodness for my mama who comes and helps me every friday prepare and wrap all the food. But I am the most favorite person to all these boys when i roll up with all my loot of food. They are so polite and appreciative, i dont mind at all doing it for them. We feed the opposing team, our team, all coaches, and the Refs. And when we are at away games, that home team cooks for our boys. Pretty neat idea. And they work so hard for it in the games.
Did I mention that my BFF, Kaci over at Ellyphant had her sweet baby girl??? She's a lil over 2 weeks old now, and I'm so excited that I get to "leave on a jet plane" this week to see her!!! I get to stay for a week and spoil both those adorable girls of hers and see Kaci! It's been 3 years since I've seen her last...way too long. I'm super duper excited. Definately gonna be GIRL time! :)
Ok, so being Catholic...it's Lent season right now. And during Lent, you have to give up something that you "couldn't live without" to resemble what Jesus and the Disciples went thru during the 40 days. Now most people give up Candy, or swearing, or something like eating fast food. And then some people (dodo head here) decide to give up FACEBOOK!!! For 40 days!!! Now let me remind you that I am a SAHM, whose only connection to real life is thru FB, and what do i do? I decide to cut my own right arm off by giving up FB!
I recieved a lot of grief when i announced on FB that i was doing this. People begged, pleaded, and cried for me not too. And i recieved emails, texts and calls asking if I was sick or something. But i decided to go ahead with it, and see if it really makes a difference.
A few weeks before I had this big revelation, I had busted my teenage son on the phone past his curfew and sneaking it in the dark under his covers. So as I was having the conversation with him about how grounded he was and that he didnt HAVE to make himself available to the whole world ALL of the time, that it's ok to not be on his cell phone, computer, Ipod, Skype or Xbox LIVE chatting, i realized that was exactly what i was doing myself. And it wasn't until a few days later when my son pointed out that every time he tried to tell me something i was distracted with the Ipod and FB.
So when it came time to pick something for Lent, i decided i needed to do this "detox" to prove to myself I could live without, show my son that I could "unplug" and hopefully gain some more free time to spend with the kids.
The day before the official unplug day, I paniced. I mean, anxiety galore. What if i missed important information being posted? What if someone had an emergency? What if, what if, what if??? And then, the next morning, I woke up, went to the computer, and turned my FB page off completely. Turned the computer off, and went on with my day. Now, I know that habit is hard to break, which is why i turned my page off, vs just leaving it there. I knew i'd grab the Ipod without thinking and tap that icon, and i did about 6 times the first day. I also knew the first 24 hours would be rough, so i planned a lot of errands that day to keep me out of the house and not thinking about it. And honestly, each day got easier. It's been 1-1/2 weeks, and i honestly rarely think about it now. Mostly i just wonder how certain friends are doing and what they are posting. But i have several other friends who constantly text me to keep me in the loop of stuff and check up on me. I still get a lot of grief from family and friends. I have been the butt of a lot of jokes. But you know what, it's been the best thing! My mood has been better, I feel more energized and have gotten several projects around the house done.
And my son? Well, let's just say he's the worst teaser of them all to me. But i did catch a glimmer of pride in his eye when my sister was over teasing me again and I took it all, knowing exacly why I was doing this. My kids are my world, not the people on FB. And somehow I was giving their lives more importance then my own children. Not anymore.
I haven't decided if I will come back to FB when Lent is over. I probably will, but my time will be much more limited on it. But there is definitely something very freeing about not having it.
What can you give up for 40 days???
XOXO
Rugby has taken over our household. Austin is thriving in it and has really absorbed the sport. I've learned to toughen up so I dont get squeamish at the sight of blood, bruises, swelling, sprains, concussion or broken ribs. Not, not all on Austin, but most of those. We've been to Urgent Care twice already for Austin. And we've had about 4 broken limbs, 2 concussions, 1 set of broken ribs, dislocated shoulders, 2 surgeries, ripped open knees with blood pouring down legs, tore open sides from being cleated by players on field, and that's just a few on the JV and Varsity teams. But each one of the kids are grinning, and asking to be put back in. Several of the boys wont tell their coaches they are hurt, so they can keep playing. I dont know what it is about this sport that has them loving it so much, but they play with all heart.
And did I mention that I'm the Team Mom for the JV? Yep, so for every home game, I get to cook dinner for 50 people and bring it to the games. Main meal, side and cold drinks. Thank goodness for my mama who comes and helps me every friday prepare and wrap all the food. But I am the most favorite person to all these boys when i roll up with all my loot of food. They are so polite and appreciative, i dont mind at all doing it for them. We feed the opposing team, our team, all coaches, and the Refs. And when we are at away games, that home team cooks for our boys. Pretty neat idea. And they work so hard for it in the games.
Did I mention that my BFF, Kaci over at Ellyphant had her sweet baby girl??? She's a lil over 2 weeks old now, and I'm so excited that I get to "leave on a jet plane" this week to see her!!! I get to stay for a week and spoil both those adorable girls of hers and see Kaci! It's been 3 years since I've seen her last...way too long. I'm super duper excited. Definately gonna be GIRL time! :)
Ok, so being Catholic...it's Lent season right now. And during Lent, you have to give up something that you "couldn't live without" to resemble what Jesus and the Disciples went thru during the 40 days. Now most people give up Candy, or swearing, or something like eating fast food. And then some people (dodo head here) decide to give up FACEBOOK!!! For 40 days!!! Now let me remind you that I am a SAHM, whose only connection to real life is thru FB, and what do i do? I decide to cut my own right arm off by giving up FB!
I recieved a lot of grief when i announced on FB that i was doing this. People begged, pleaded, and cried for me not too. And i recieved emails, texts and calls asking if I was sick or something. But i decided to go ahead with it, and see if it really makes a difference.
A few weeks before I had this big revelation, I had busted my teenage son on the phone past his curfew and sneaking it in the dark under his covers. So as I was having the conversation with him about how grounded he was and that he didnt HAVE to make himself available to the whole world ALL of the time, that it's ok to not be on his cell phone, computer, Ipod, Skype or Xbox LIVE chatting, i realized that was exactly what i was doing myself. And it wasn't until a few days later when my son pointed out that every time he tried to tell me something i was distracted with the Ipod and FB.
So when it came time to pick something for Lent, i decided i needed to do this "detox" to prove to myself I could live without, show my son that I could "unplug" and hopefully gain some more free time to spend with the kids.
The day before the official unplug day, I paniced. I mean, anxiety galore. What if i missed important information being posted? What if someone had an emergency? What if, what if, what if??? And then, the next morning, I woke up, went to the computer, and turned my FB page off completely. Turned the computer off, and went on with my day. Now, I know that habit is hard to break, which is why i turned my page off, vs just leaving it there. I knew i'd grab the Ipod without thinking and tap that icon, and i did about 6 times the first day. I also knew the first 24 hours would be rough, so i planned a lot of errands that day to keep me out of the house and not thinking about it. And honestly, each day got easier. It's been 1-1/2 weeks, and i honestly rarely think about it now. Mostly i just wonder how certain friends are doing and what they are posting. But i have several other friends who constantly text me to keep me in the loop of stuff and check up on me. I still get a lot of grief from family and friends. I have been the butt of a lot of jokes. But you know what, it's been the best thing! My mood has been better, I feel more energized and have gotten several projects around the house done.
And my son? Well, let's just say he's the worst teaser of them all to me. But i did catch a glimmer of pride in his eye when my sister was over teasing me again and I took it all, knowing exacly why I was doing this. My kids are my world, not the people on FB. And somehow I was giving their lives more importance then my own children. Not anymore.
I haven't decided if I will come back to FB when Lent is over. I probably will, but my time will be much more limited on it. But there is definitely something very freeing about not having it.
What can you give up for 40 days???
XOXO
Friday, February 10, 2012
Christmas and Sammy...
They go hand in hand in our house. It's getting harder and harder to surprise hubby anymore. So I had to think long and hard and try and come up with something that he would like for Christmas that was significant, and that he would appreciate. Guys in general are hard to shop for, and then throw into the mix one who does not like to receive presents and one who has picky tastes.
So this year, a fellow redhead (Sammy fan) owns an art studio has fallen on hard times and needed to liquidate some drawings he did. And I happen to fall upon his posting and grabbed it!
I managed to get this Charcoal drawing #1 of a series of 2 for my honey:
There is only one other like it, and it is hanging in Sammy Hagar's house. :)
He was very surprised and loved it!
He was very surprised and loved it!
Now we just have to save up to get it framed, and find a wall spot to hang it among the other paintings of Sammy. I'm loving our collection! It's a collection of many stories, covering 20+ years of being a fan, traveling all over to see him, meeting him, making new friends for life and having a ball through it all. Each item we have comes with a story.
Without my hubs, there wouldn't be a story. ♥
XOXO
Thursday, February 9, 2012
B O W L I N G...
I'm sure there isn't a soul on this earth who hasn't heard of Groupon, and if you haven't, well, then I'm sorry your missing out on affordable heaven on earth. Email me and I'll hook you up. With my not working, our household budget has been very tight this past year, and being able to afford luxuries like eating out, entertainment or treats has had to come to a stand still. But as most of you know, you can only hibernate in your home for so long, before either the kids or you go batty and you need a break. So these last few months I've been squirreling away and grabbing the Groupon deals when they pop up for our area. It's a great way to be able to afford a few hours out with the family for 50-75% off the regular price.
So I had purchased a Groupon a few months back for a Family deal for Bowling, and seeing how none of us had been bowling in a few years, I thought it would be fun to get the Fam Bam out on Saturday and enjoy a few hours.
It was a great deal that included Bowling for 6 people, 2 hours on a lane, shoe rentals, A large Pizza and a pitcher of Soda. Now, the kids complained LOUDLY that Bowling was boring, no fun, and totally NOT cool according to my teenage son. But I insisted and DH and I loaded everyone up and off we went.
We bowled with the rails up since my lil girl had never bowled, and since it had been about 4-5 years since my son had so he had forgotten how. And of course with my family, it's not fun unless you make a challenge out of it. So we all ganged up on my poor DH and our goal the whole day was to beat his score.
And let me tell you parents of kids who complain loudly and insist that it's "boring" and "uncool" to try something new and out of their comfort zone, these kids had a BLAST!
They were cheering, grinning, laughing, trying stunts with the ball, and overall enjoying themselves. But it was one little girl in particular that caught our eye and had us grinning and laughing.
Emily.
She had us cracking up. Each time she would grab her ball and walk up to the line, and throw it down the lane with a chunky THUD, and then stand there with her arms straight up in a touchdown pose with her one leg bent in the air behind her waiting the whole time until her ball knocked down the pins. Then she would jump in the air and cheer, clapping loudly for all to see and run to grab her ball again. It was hilarious. I wish I had remembered my camera.
She kept us on our toes, calling out whose turn it was and patting us on the back if we did poorly. Austin started the cheering chants several times to get us rallied to play, and the food disappeared quickly.
We had a great time. And for two hours that day, we all forgot about doctors appointments, homework, jobs and stress. We spent quality time as a family and made lasting memories.
So don't fear parents, stand firm with your kids, because you just never know if they try something new, whether they'll like it or not, but chances are, it just might be "cool" enough for them.
I think we did alright, when leaving the building my lil girl asks when we can come back and do that again. :)
Oh and that same lil girl, beat us all on the last game! She kept rolling strikes! Go figure! I'm signing her up for a team. :)
XOXO
So I had purchased a Groupon a few months back for a Family deal for Bowling, and seeing how none of us had been bowling in a few years, I thought it would be fun to get the Fam Bam out on Saturday and enjoy a few hours.
It was a great deal that included Bowling for 6 people, 2 hours on a lane, shoe rentals, A large Pizza and a pitcher of Soda. Now, the kids complained LOUDLY that Bowling was boring, no fun, and totally NOT cool according to my teenage son. But I insisted and DH and I loaded everyone up and off we went.
We bowled with the rails up since my lil girl had never bowled, and since it had been about 4-5 years since my son had so he had forgotten how. And of course with my family, it's not fun unless you make a challenge out of it. So we all ganged up on my poor DH and our goal the whole day was to beat his score.
And let me tell you parents of kids who complain loudly and insist that it's "boring" and "uncool" to try something new and out of their comfort zone, these kids had a BLAST!
They were cheering, grinning, laughing, trying stunts with the ball, and overall enjoying themselves. But it was one little girl in particular that caught our eye and had us grinning and laughing.
Emily.
She had us cracking up. Each time she would grab her ball and walk up to the line, and throw it down the lane with a chunky THUD, and then stand there with her arms straight up in a touchdown pose with her one leg bent in the air behind her waiting the whole time until her ball knocked down the pins. Then she would jump in the air and cheer, clapping loudly for all to see and run to grab her ball again. It was hilarious. I wish I had remembered my camera.
She kept us on our toes, calling out whose turn it was and patting us on the back if we did poorly. Austin started the cheering chants several times to get us rallied to play, and the food disappeared quickly.
We had a great time. And for two hours that day, we all forgot about doctors appointments, homework, jobs and stress. We spent quality time as a family and made lasting memories.
So don't fear parents, stand firm with your kids, because you just never know if they try something new, whether they'll like it or not, but chances are, it just might be "cool" enough for them.
I think we did alright, when leaving the building my lil girl asks when we can come back and do that again. :)
Oh and that same lil girl, beat us all on the last game! She kept rolling strikes! Go figure! I'm signing her up for a team. :)
XOXO
Friday, February 3, 2012
Rugby...
Has anyone heard of Rugby? Or watched a game on TV or caught a local one?
Do you know Rugby is a cross between Football and Soccer and is played on a Football field, with cleats, but with NO helmets or pads? 
Did you know that Rugby is by far one of the most roughest sports in High School for injuries?
Did you know...my son...Austin...is playing Rugby?
Ten years! Ten year of Soccer. Ten years of Baseball. Gone. Out the window.
This year, he decided, without our knowledge, to sign up for Rugby and tried out for the team and made it. This year, he decided to not play Soccer and Baseball. He had no knowledge of what Rugby was, how to play or the rules. But a friend told him it was fun, so he signed up.
Austin is wearing a scrum cap - they get their ears smashed bad and get the "Cauliflower" ear, so this protects them.
And this shy, humble kid, who takes criticism to heart, gets his feelings hurt easily, loves hard and plays harder...LOVES it!!!
He literally LOVES Rugby! He can't stop grinning, or stop talking about it. He even got his TWO cousins to join with him. And THEY love it!
That's Austin on the bottom tackling and taking the opponent down.
I don't get it. It must be a boy thing. Because at our first tournament, I was cringing and biting my nails, even weeping behind my hand watching them get kicked in the head with cleats, stepped on with cleats, broken fingers and legs, broken noses and bloody gashes coming off the field. Asthma attacks, Paramedics, bags of ice, our tent area looked like a triage scene from a battlefield. And yet...they were all SMILING.
This group of boys are the nicest group I've ever met. They treat each other with respect, support each others games, lift up spirits, cheer each team on, share food or supplies with the ones without, protect and care about each one.
My heart swarmed.
My boy...has found his calling. Has found what has made him happy. Is having the time of his life. And he's doing it with the greatest group of kids who i know will have his back.
So although we have been to the Urgent Care twice already for cleat injuries to his hands, arms, legs and fingers...I will just make sure my health insurance is paid in full, and sit in the stands cheering my boy on. Because there isn't anything I would give to see that smile on his face.
XOXO
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