So, the boys are looKing at having their first snowday or early dismisal. The fact that it is a Friday and just before Christmas maKes it more exciting. To maKe it even more exciting or Big Son is that he has a big race in NC this weeKend called King of the Concrete. It is an indoor race, and the first of its Kind that he will be in. The tracK is way smaller than what he is use to and the surface is not anything that he has raced on. It will be a good experience for him because he is racing in Atlantic City in an indoor race in January that is billed as a "Show" and is the **** for champ Kart racers. Big Son was also offered a "ride" in an open Kart for the race this weeKend which will be an experience for him because he never drove an open Kart.
Little Son and I will be busy decorating the house for Christmas. He also is having friends over tomorrow and then they are all going to a party Saturday afternoon. Sunday him and I are going to be Christmas Shopping.
Tomorrow night, I'll post some pictures. A variety of pictures: What 12 boys shows looK liKe in a pile, pictures of parties, etc.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today
So, today is my birthday. For the first time in 4 years, I was not the one to wake the family for the day. Big and Little Son came down at 5:45 to wake me and say they were awake. Told me to go back to sleep. I did. At around 6:45 Husband re-woke me to say that the boys were ready for school. It sounds like a small thing, but for me to sleep past 6:00 on weekdays is only happening during vacations. Big Son called me during his lunch period to see how my birthday was. Little Son came in the house after school sing happy birthday. To me, I couldn't ask for more. To top it off (feeding my ego) Big Son went to a Dermatologist today for the first time. The Dr. walked into the room and asked me if I was able to get in contact with Big Son's mother. Big Son laughed and said I was his mother. What more could you ask for on your 39th birthday? To top it off, we all went to my favorite restaurant. It was so much fun.
So what have I learned in 39 years? Not much. I do know that my children are my life. I do know that I am misunderstood alot. I know that it is better to have compassion and to think of others' feelings before making you opinion appear more important. I also have learned that it is necessary to have somebody in your life you you can tell anything to. I also know that it is important to listen to others and to be able to "read"' between the lines. People who appear happy on the outside are not always happy. It is always important to ask questions. Without asking questions, you will never learn anything new. Also, try new things. And most important, make sure that you have a friend who you can call at any time of the day and will know that she needs to listen and give advise. That keeps the sanity.
So what have I learned in 39 years? Not much. I do know that my children are my life. I do know that I am misunderstood alot. I know that it is better to have compassion and to think of others' feelings before making you opinion appear more important. I also have learned that it is necessary to have somebody in your life you you can tell anything to. I also know that it is important to listen to others and to be able to "read"' between the lines. People who appear happy on the outside are not always happy. It is always important to ask questions. Without asking questions, you will never learn anything new. Also, try new things. And most important, make sure that you have a friend who you can call at any time of the day and will know that she needs to listen and give advise. That keeps the sanity.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Little Son has friends sleeping over tonight. It is so funny because last time his friends slept over, the big thing was to stay outside late and to stay up late. Tonight, totally different story. They went to the movies, came home by 9 p.m., and fell asleep by 10:30. Big Son stayed with Husband and I and we watched movies. He was asleep on the couch with Husband by 10:00. I wish my camera had batteries for pictures. They all look so adorable.
So, signing out. All is well in this house. The babies and big baby are asleep. Tomorrow is a big day so I should be going to sleep myself. Little Son is going to his first barmitzma. We are getting our X-Mas trees and finishing our outside decorations.
So, signing out. All is well in this house. The babies and big baby are asleep. Tomorrow is a big day so I should be going to sleep myself. Little Son is going to his first barmitzma. We are getting our X-Mas trees and finishing our outside decorations.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Long Time
Once again, it has been awhile since I posted. I didn't even realize it until Big Son ask me if I'm still doing it. In all honesty, I just haven't been in the mood to write anything. Losing Grandma was very hard and I needed to deal with that in my own way. The day she died was horrible because I couldn't be there with her or my family. I was in NC with the boys for race related things. Also, there were tornados in the area so picking up and leaving was hard. I think there was about 3 inches of rain within 24 hours. When I found out that Grandma had died, we were actually at a friends and it was hard to no lose it in front of everyone. Husband saw my face and walked me to another room. The boys came to see what was wrong, but they were already trying not to cry. They knew. Husband then took me back to our hotel so I could deal in my own way.
There are so many things to say about Grandma. I so glad that the boys are old enough that they will remember her. They have their own stories. I will always miss her and am so grateful for all she did for me. There will always be the times when I will want to call her and hear her voice to comfort me, or to tell her a story that will amuse her. But, she will always be in my heart and that to me is a comfort.
So, as I said, I'm dealing with it in my own way. But, knowing Grandma, she would not want any of us to be sad, or depressed, or dwell on her passing for to long. She would want us to hold our memories close and build on them with our own families. That is what I'm trying to do.
There are so many things to say about Grandma. I so glad that the boys are old enough that they will remember her. They have their own stories. I will always miss her and am so grateful for all she did for me. There will always be the times when I will want to call her and hear her voice to comfort me, or to tell her a story that will amuse her. But, she will always be in my heart and that to me is a comfort.
So, as I said, I'm dealing with it in my own way. But, knowing Grandma, she would not want any of us to be sad, or depressed, or dwell on her passing for to long. She would want us to hold our memories close and build on them with our own families. That is what I'm trying to do.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I just got home from spending yesterday afternoon and this morning with Grandma. Even though I just saw her Sunday, the difference in strength was very apparent. She still "looked" good. Her spirits were ok. She was tired from not having slept the night before, so I was hoping the weakness was due to tiredness. Not to be so. She was prescribed Morphine to help her sleep at night and for pain. Thankfully maybe she will be more "comfortable", but that also means the pain is there and hurting more than she lets on. This morning she was to weak to get out of the chair or couch without help. She had to put her arm around my neck and slowly I would stand up. She also didn't think she could walk to the bathroom. She used her wheelchair. At one point this morning she looked at me while holding her stomach and said she couldn't stand it anymore. In my head I'm screaming NO. My heart is screaming NO. What I say is I wish I could do more for her. She just shook her head.
The amount of sadness I'm feeling can not be explained. Grandma has always been my 2nd mom. There have been many times, up until 2 weeks ago, I would call her for advise. Call her and just tell her I needed to hear her voice. What I admire the most is that she never gave her advise to make me feel better. She always told the truth about what she thought I should do or say whether it was what I wanted to hear or not. She has definitely made me a stronger person. Always telling me to say what I feel instead of holding it in. Always giving me a comforting hug. I'll be up with her next week and any other time that is needed. I know that she is being taking care of, but I just need to see her as much as possible and maybe give her a little back.
The amount of sadness I'm feeling can not be explained. Grandma has always been my 2nd mom. There have been many times, up until 2 weeks ago, I would call her for advise. Call her and just tell her I needed to hear her voice. What I admire the most is that she never gave her advise to make me feel better. She always told the truth about what she thought I should do or say whether it was what I wanted to hear or not. She has definitely made me a stronger person. Always telling me to say what I feel instead of holding it in. Always giving me a comforting hug. I'll be up with her next week and any other time that is needed. I know that she is being taking care of, but I just need to see her as much as possible and maybe give her a little back.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Grandpa
Today, at 9:20 am I received the call from my uncle that Grandpa was going to be raised soon. I met my uncle, along with cousin's "friend" at the cemetery. It was a very strange feeling. 17 years ago, I cried my heart out at that same spot for him. I could not believe that my Grandfather was gone. Today, I was watching him being brought home to my Grandmother. To be with her. To comfort her. To give her peace. To the place he loved to be. I was scared watching his vault being lifted. Scared it would be dropped. Scared to be raising the dead. The scariest, looking into his empty grave and seeing the coffins of my great-grandparents. It was not an easy job lifting that vault out of its grave. There were many starts and stops. Grunts of the machine. Pulling on the bars, and wires by the workers. I know see it, and feel comforted, after looking in the grave, as his parents giving him a final hug. They are still with him. Hardest of all, they I saw it as them comforting Grandpa for Grandma.
Life definitely gives you a different perspective when you are faced with a very loved one facing death. I cant imagine a life without my Grandmother. She has always been my rock. The only person I could talk to and know I wasn't being judged. Her arms and heart are always open. Husband told me tonight that he doesn't think that I'm dealing to well with Grandma's situation. I'm probably not. I don't want her to go. I need her too much, still at my age. She's guided me through my babies and still to this day gives me advise.
I still often think of my Grandfather. 17 years later I still wonder if he is proud of his family. I think he is. I sometimes see my boys doing things and am so reminded of Grandpa. I personally think that he would absolutely be loving all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I have so many memories of my Grandpa. I remember when my uncle and his friends would "abuse" me and I would threaten to tell Grandpa. They would push the issue and finally I would. Lets just say now I feel bad for making a big deal out of nothing. I remember my Grandfather telling me he'd give me $10 to wash his car. The only problem, he would sit outside and watch. He'd also tell me every spot missed or forgot to vacuum. Sometimes I washed his car 5 times for the $10. When I really got on his nerves, he'd tell me he had a project for me to put together in the basement. It took me to be about 15 before I realized that he took some of the pieces out of the bird houses that I was suppose to be building. Most of all, I remember just wanting to be with Grandma and Grandpa. Their house was always open. Their arms were always open. I still miss my Grandpa to this day.
Life definitely gives you a different perspective when you are faced with a very loved one facing death. I cant imagine a life without my Grandmother. She has always been my rock. The only person I could talk to and know I wasn't being judged. Her arms and heart are always open. Husband told me tonight that he doesn't think that I'm dealing to well with Grandma's situation. I'm probably not. I don't want her to go. I need her too much, still at my age. She's guided me through my babies and still to this day gives me advise.
I still often think of my Grandfather. 17 years later I still wonder if he is proud of his family. I think he is. I sometimes see my boys doing things and am so reminded of Grandpa. I personally think that he would absolutely be loving all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I have so many memories of my Grandpa. I remember when my uncle and his friends would "abuse" me and I would threaten to tell Grandpa. They would push the issue and finally I would. Lets just say now I feel bad for making a big deal out of nothing. I remember my Grandfather telling me he'd give me $10 to wash his car. The only problem, he would sit outside and watch. He'd also tell me every spot missed or forgot to vacuum. Sometimes I washed his car 5 times for the $10. When I really got on his nerves, he'd tell me he had a project for me to put together in the basement. It took me to be about 15 before I realized that he took some of the pieces out of the bird houses that I was suppose to be building. Most of all, I remember just wanting to be with Grandma and Grandpa. Their house was always open. Their arms were always open. I still miss my Grandpa to this day.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friends
The family and I went to a very close friend's house tonight. We had so much fun. Husband and I truly enjoy spending time with this couple. They just happen to have young children, 7 and 4 who just adore our boys. I don't think a minute went by with the little kids hanging on by boys. The added bonus is that even though the "Dad" is my husband's friend, he spends a lot of time talking to my boys about their football, racing, school, etc. He is like a big brother, uncle, friend wrapped into one. And his wife is my boys dream. When Big Son was little, he told me he didn't know how to talk to the wife because she was so pretty. Now, being 15, he can't do enough to please her.
This couples' children are so sweet. They love being with my children and my boys indulge (and so do husband and I) there every wish. It is funny to hear the "little" kids talk to my boys. My boys laugh and indulge them. It makes me realize that Husband and I have done a "good job" raising our boys. They both had plans to sleep at friends houses tonight but when we told them that Husband and I would be at this couple's home, both boys canceled their plans to come with us. That to me is being a family.
This couples' children are so sweet. They love being with my children and my boys indulge (and so do husband and I) there every wish. It is funny to hear the "little" kids talk to my boys. My boys laugh and indulge them. It makes me realize that Husband and I have done a "good job" raising our boys. They both had plans to sleep at friends houses tonight but when we told them that Husband and I would be at this couple's home, both boys canceled their plans to come with us. That to me is being a family.
Friday, October 31, 2008
halloween
Well, Halloween is not the same when you have teenagers. There is no more carving pumpkins (THE FIRST YEAR!!!), no more excitement over getting dressed up and getting candy. No, this year was a little sedate. The boys did have their friends over, and then they all went to friends houses in town. One of Little Son's friends mother came over and hung out and then drove that group. I drove Big Son and his friends. As we were driving to his friends house, he said, "Mom, look at these little kids and their costumes. (Little Son) and I always had better costumes." It's true. My Grandmother and I (mostly her) made the costumes. It could have been a clown, or a teletubbie, they were all great.
Both boys and friends were home by 9:30, and Big Son and his friends went downstairs. Little Son and his friends went upstairs. at 10:00 I went downstairs to put wash in, and all the 15 year olds were so asleep they were snoring. Little Son and his friends were on their way outside to play manhunt. Now, at 12:15 they are finally coming inside and going upstairs to hopefully sleep.
Although it was a little crazy today/tonight, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the fact that the boys have their friends over and that their friends feel comfortable with Husband and I. Sometimes it does get a little overwhelming, but my feeling is that if they have their friends here, I can get to know them and know who to trust and who not to. The hardest part of being a parent of teenagers is that I'm not ready for it, but then again, who is? Your children are totally different in kindergarten then when they are in Jr. High and High School. The big difference is HORMONES!!! It makes you understand what your parents went through and what you acted like. That is why, to me, it is important to know your child's friends. It will give you a very good perspective on who your children are and what their personalities are.
Tomorrow is another big day. Little Son has a party to go to and Big Son and I have our "monthly date". There is one day a month I take each boy, on their own, and do whatever they want. It can be a movie, lunch, walk through Mt. kisco, walk around the mall, or whatever. The only requirement is that we have to spend the time together and talk and it is a minimum of 2 hours. I started doing this 2 years ago and it is great because sometimes, on those days, they will be more willing to talk because whatever they say isn't a "family" discussion. I made a deal with them if they talk or ask advise on something that otherwise they wouldn't, I would tell them something about growing up that I wouldn't usually tell them. Yes, I also explain how I learned from a mistake, but when this conversation comes up, for the most part, they want to know what it was like when I grew up and what I did.
Both boys and friends were home by 9:30, and Big Son and his friends went downstairs. Little Son and his friends went upstairs. at 10:00 I went downstairs to put wash in, and all the 15 year olds were so asleep they were snoring. Little Son and his friends were on their way outside to play manhunt. Now, at 12:15 they are finally coming inside and going upstairs to hopefully sleep.
Although it was a little crazy today/tonight, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the fact that the boys have their friends over and that their friends feel comfortable with Husband and I. Sometimes it does get a little overwhelming, but my feeling is that if they have their friends here, I can get to know them and know who to trust and who not to. The hardest part of being a parent of teenagers is that I'm not ready for it, but then again, who is? Your children are totally different in kindergarten then when they are in Jr. High and High School. The big difference is HORMONES!!! It makes you understand what your parents went through and what you acted like. That is why, to me, it is important to know your child's friends. It will give you a very good perspective on who your children are and what their personalities are.
Tomorrow is another big day. Little Son has a party to go to and Big Son and I have our "monthly date". There is one day a month I take each boy, on their own, and do whatever they want. It can be a movie, lunch, walk through Mt. kisco, walk around the mall, or whatever. The only requirement is that we have to spend the time together and talk and it is a minimum of 2 hours. I started doing this 2 years ago and it is great because sometimes, on those days, they will be more willing to talk because whatever they say isn't a "family" discussion. I made a deal with them if they talk or ask advise on something that otherwise they wouldn't, I would tell them something about growing up that I wouldn't usually tell them. Yes, I also explain how I learned from a mistake, but when this conversation comes up, for the most part, they want to know what it was like when I grew up and what I did.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Both boys had football games this week. Thankfully they weren't on the same day like last week. It was freezing though. Big Son played in the rain. Little Son in the wind. Big Son's team won and he was able to play different positions than what he usually does. Little Son's practice ended early and since it was a "home" game, he was able to watch Big Son and his friends. The next day, Little Son got to play full back, a position he was hoping to play all year. He gained a total of 57 yards in the first half. Then the 2nd string went in and the team lost. Big Son was able to come to his game, along with his whole team. The coach ended practice early and they all came in pads to watch the game. They took a knee on the side lines and cheered the 7th grade on. Of course, when Little Son ran for 15 yards they all stood up and cheered. I could feel Little Sons smile through his helmet when he heard them.
Tomorrow is going to be so busy. Both boys are having their friends over after school (NO PRACTICE!!) to get ready for that night. Thankfully a parent is coming over to help me drive them all into town to "trick or treat". Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. But the town closes the roads and has cops all over for the kids. The houses on the back side of town go all out in decorating and so do the stores. Also, the parents tend to get together and walk around "observing". There will probably be about 100 or more people around. Then all the boys are coming back to my house to sleep over. So I will be having about 13 kids at my house tomorrow night. Wish me luck
Tomorrow is going to be so busy. Both boys are having their friends over after school (NO PRACTICE!!) to get ready for that night. Thankfully a parent is coming over to help me drive them all into town to "trick or treat". Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. But the town closes the roads and has cops all over for the kids. The houses on the back side of town go all out in decorating and so do the stores. Also, the parents tend to get together and walk around "observing". There will probably be about 100 or more people around. Then all the boys are coming back to my house to sleep over. So I will be having about 13 kids at my house tomorrow night. Wish me luck
Monday, October 27, 2008
Well, I've been sitting and staring at this screen wondering what to write. I know that I will not be writing what I really am feeling. I like to think that I have too much compassion for other people and their feelings to write or say something that will hurt them. I will probably at some point explain the hurt and anger that I'm feeling, but right now it is to fresh and I will not be a bitter and mean person.
So, another good weekend seeing my family. The boys got to see their cousins again with some more added in. It is amazing how good they all get along especially when you factor in the age differences and the amount of times a year they all actually get together. It was to bad that it was not great weather and ended up raining in the afternoon, but they all kept busy. So, what do you do when you are beginning to get bored and you have a 15 year old cousin around? They all got their jabs and choke holds in. Some got piggy back rides. They seemed to be having fun.
I was finally able to get Big Son to the mall to try on jeans. I bought him 2 pairs before school started, but only one still fits. Little Son only had one pair left because one pair got taken out of his gym locker. Plus, since they have gym outside until Thanksgiving, sometimes first period, they needed sweatpants. So, even though it wasn't the time of year I wanted to go cloths shopping, it was Necessary so the boys had cloths that fit.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Grandma's Weekend
Over the weekend I took the boys upstate. Yes, it has been a LONG time since we were there. The summer past quickly and we never made it up. The older the boys get, the harder it is to get away. Between racing, football, and friend's parties, it has gotten very hard to get away. This doesn't account for the work that is needed to be done around the house. To many excuses made in very few sentences to be away from your family. Grandma looked great. Big Son told me that he will never say good-bye to Grandma again because he is afraid that if he does it will really mean Good-bye. He will only say see-ya, see you next weekend, I love you.
It was so nice on Saturday to be with so many of my cousins (wish they were all there) and aunts and uncles. I miss them all. It was so great to see all the "little" kids be together. Especially my cousins' baby. Seeing the babies of the family always give hope. Especially when the baby of the family is given center stage. It is called hope. Also continuation and the sense of seeing family grow.
As my oldest said this weekend, dont say good-bye. Say "see-ya". Always have hope. Even when hope and your wishes seem far fetched. Never give up
It was so nice on Saturday to be with so many of my cousins (wish they were all there) and aunts and uncles. I miss them all. It was so great to see all the "little" kids be together. Especially my cousins' baby. Seeing the babies of the family always give hope. Especially when the baby of the family is given center stage. It is called hope. Also continuation and the sense of seeing family grow.
As my oldest said this weekend, dont say good-bye. Say "see-ya". Always have hope. Even when hope and your wishes seem far fetched. Never give up
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Grandma!!!!!!
My GOD! Where are the words for this post. She is ill. She has been for awhile, but kept quiet (we can only guess). This woman, my grandmother, is the staple of our family. The love her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have for this LADY is off the charts. This is a woman who gave her life for her children. Make no mistake, my Grandmother feels that her natural children, her Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren are all her babies. We all feel the same. She is our Mother Earth. This woman has been rock solid. She will give an opinion. My Grandmother "has been there" for each of her grandchildren, and that is how I can base my opinions.
My Grandmother has given her life to her children. She does not feel the difference between her "born" children and her grandchildren or great grandchildren. What this amazing Woman has done is made sure that she has had a special with all, sorry lost count over 20, of her children, grandchildren, and great-children. If you ask any of my cousins, they will all have something that they have done with Grandma that none of the other cousins have. Each great-grandchild has a near and dear time with Grandma. THAT is what a Grandma does. She has supported ALL of the "older" grandchildren through proms, graduation, marriage, and children. She has always has wanted to be a part of EVERY new birth into Her family. My cousin, 2nd down just had a baby. Grandma is so looking forward to seeing that baby. I know she is itching to hold it in her arms.
This woman, my Grandmother, has been the glue. She has taught so many lessons to all of us. Her family is so important to her. Now there comes a time when she is sick. Extremely so. I feel that she is leaving us. I am not ready for her not to be around for me. I need my Grandma so much that it hurts that Maybe in 2 months I wont hear her voice. Tonight, when she came into the room after having her stint but in, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed with her like I did when I was little. I wanted her to be next to me.
I can't wrap my head around the fact that she will be gone soon. I am blocking it from my head. I don't want her to leave. I need her so much. Her advise is always right. Her love is always there.
I told my boys the truth tonight. As soon as a walked in the door, the wanted to know what was happening with Grandma. I told them the truth. It was the hardest thing I did. Especially after my Mom and Robby called me. The just held me. They don't understand there is nothing to do. They asked if they could not go to school next week to be with Her. THAT is the woman she is. I told them that we were going up this weekend to be with family and celebrate Grandma. Next weekend, maybe, they would have to help her more. The boys don't want to leave Sunday. They are angry there is no cure. They are, a little, angry at her for not getting help sooner. My Big Son sat on my lap tonight and cried. They are scared. So am I. I'm angry. I still need my Grandma. I'm scared. I'm sad. I'm devestated.
My Grandmother has given her life to her children. She does not feel the difference between her "born" children and her grandchildren or great grandchildren. What this amazing Woman has done is made sure that she has had a special with all, sorry lost count over 20, of her children, grandchildren, and great-children. If you ask any of my cousins, they will all have something that they have done with Grandma that none of the other cousins have. Each great-grandchild has a near and dear time with Grandma. THAT is what a Grandma does. She has supported ALL of the "older" grandchildren through proms, graduation, marriage, and children. She has always has wanted to be a part of EVERY new birth into Her family. My cousin, 2nd down just had a baby. Grandma is so looking forward to seeing that baby. I know she is itching to hold it in her arms.
This woman, my Grandmother, has been the glue. She has taught so many lessons to all of us. Her family is so important to her. Now there comes a time when she is sick. Extremely so. I feel that she is leaving us. I am not ready for her not to be around for me. I need my Grandma so much that it hurts that Maybe in 2 months I wont hear her voice. Tonight, when she came into the room after having her stint but in, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed with her like I did when I was little. I wanted her to be next to me.
I can't wrap my head around the fact that she will be gone soon. I am blocking it from my head. I don't want her to leave. I need her so much. Her advise is always right. Her love is always there.
I told my boys the truth tonight. As soon as a walked in the door, the wanted to know what was happening with Grandma. I told them the truth. It was the hardest thing I did. Especially after my Mom and Robby called me. The just held me. They don't understand there is nothing to do. They asked if they could not go to school next week to be with Her. THAT is the woman she is. I told them that we were going up this weekend to be with family and celebrate Grandma. Next weekend, maybe, they would have to help her more. The boys don't want to leave Sunday. They are angry there is no cure. They are, a little, angry at her for not getting help sooner. My Big Son sat on my lap tonight and cried. They are scared. So am I. I'm angry. I still need my Grandma. I'm scared. I'm sad. I'm devestated.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Crazy Mom
The boys had no school today. They also have no school tomorrow. All due to Jewish Holidays. Could they make it easier for us and give a us Thursday and Friday off so their is a long weekend? kind of like a Thanksgiving weekend. Or the Christmas week. Really, it would make things a lot easier.
So this is how mom lost it. Last night little son had friends come over after football practice. No big deal. In all honesty, he really doesn't invite friends over to much. I think it is because he likes being with big son's friends. Big Son and his friends always include him in everything and look out for him. Anyway, little son and his friends wanted to go to a lcoal fitness club to play basketball and then tennis. Fine. I worked out for about 45 minutes and then told them I would be back in an hour. I was going to go home and get dinner ready for them. Drove back, picked them up. They ate and then Husband and I and Big Son went outside with them (8:00 pm) and played Man Hunt with them.
Fast forward to this morning. By 1:00 the friends were gone and then the onslaught from my boys started. They wanted hair cuts (sorry sis), they wanted to go to the gym, they wanted to go on a hike. We did it all. Then disaster. I told the boys they had to clean their rooms, and also little son had to clean the basement. ( The rule is, when the boys have friends sleep over, they have to clean the area up). Temper tantrums. Yes, Teenagers do have temper tantrums. The difference from when they are 2 or 3 is that they can talk better and know more words. I gave my own temper tantrum back. Asked them how they thought I felt having other people's children at my house or the last 4 days. Cooking for those kids non stop. Cleaning non stop. Doing 15 loads of laundry in 3 days!! Yes, 15 loads. Plus, on top of all that, cleaning, packing and organizing the motorhome and trailer for their race this weekend. I lost it.
I feel so bad when I yell at the boys. Usually, it is my own fraustration. I don't think that mothers who work realize that there is the same amount of stress for us mothers how chose to be with our children. For me, if I worked, would loose so much of what being a mother means to me. In the am, I would be getting ready or work, and also getting the boys to the bus. If I worked, I would not be able to go to their football games or races. I wouldn't know their friends as well as I do. I wouldn't know what they were doing ater school or practice. Instead of talking to the boys when they get home from practice, if I worked, I would be cooking, doing laudry, etc. I try very hard to make the boys realize that I will do ANYTHING for them as long as they do the basic "chores" that I ask from them. Usually the understand and have no problem.
Today the problem was that it was their first "break" from school with no practice, no homework. I took my overwhelmed schedule out on them and yelled because I felt they weren't doing enough to help me. When I finally calmed down and talked to them, they told me they were upset because they said it seemed like I didn't want to do anything with them except have them to chores. Big Son said to me "mom, I go to practice come home at 6:00, do homework every day. Today was a free day and you wanted more." It made me feel bad. Although I do alot with them, when they have a free day off during the week, I need to concentrate more on them. Let them make a mess. Let them watch movies and play games. As long as they are doing the set chores of the week, I shouldn't blow up.
Sorry boys. I yelled to much today and expected to much from you.
So this is how mom lost it. Last night little son had friends come over after football practice. No big deal. In all honesty, he really doesn't invite friends over to much. I think it is because he likes being with big son's friends. Big Son and his friends always include him in everything and look out for him. Anyway, little son and his friends wanted to go to a lcoal fitness club to play basketball and then tennis. Fine. I worked out for about 45 minutes and then told them I would be back in an hour. I was going to go home and get dinner ready for them. Drove back, picked them up. They ate and then Husband and I and Big Son went outside with them (8:00 pm) and played Man Hunt with them.
Fast forward to this morning. By 1:00 the friends were gone and then the onslaught from my boys started. They wanted hair cuts (sorry sis), they wanted to go to the gym, they wanted to go on a hike. We did it all. Then disaster. I told the boys they had to clean their rooms, and also little son had to clean the basement. ( The rule is, when the boys have friends sleep over, they have to clean the area up). Temper tantrums. Yes, Teenagers do have temper tantrums. The difference from when they are 2 or 3 is that they can talk better and know more words. I gave my own temper tantrum back. Asked them how they thought I felt having other people's children at my house or the last 4 days. Cooking for those kids non stop. Cleaning non stop. Doing 15 loads of laundry in 3 days!! Yes, 15 loads. Plus, on top of all that, cleaning, packing and organizing the motorhome and trailer for their race this weekend. I lost it.
I feel so bad when I yell at the boys. Usually, it is my own fraustration. I don't think that mothers who work realize that there is the same amount of stress for us mothers how chose to be with our children. For me, if I worked, would loose so much of what being a mother means to me. In the am, I would be getting ready or work, and also getting the boys to the bus. If I worked, I would not be able to go to their football games or races. I wouldn't know their friends as well as I do. I wouldn't know what they were doing ater school or practice. Instead of talking to the boys when they get home from practice, if I worked, I would be cooking, doing laudry, etc. I try very hard to make the boys realize that I will do ANYTHING for them as long as they do the basic "chores" that I ask from them. Usually the understand and have no problem.
Today the problem was that it was their first "break" from school with no practice, no homework. I took my overwhelmed schedule out on them and yelled because I felt they weren't doing enough to help me. When I finally calmed down and talked to them, they told me they were upset because they said it seemed like I didn't want to do anything with them except have them to chores. Big Son said to me "mom, I go to practice come home at 6:00, do homework every day. Today was a free day and you wanted more." It made me feel bad. Although I do alot with them, when they have a free day off during the week, I need to concentrate more on them. Let them make a mess. Let them watch movies and play games. As long as they are doing the set chores of the week, I shouldn't blow up.
Sorry boys. I yelled to much today and expected to much from you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mom's Birthday Weekend
Happy Birthday Mom!! Since it is the weekend, my mom is upstate so I didn't get a chance to see her on her birthday. It is beginning to get lonely without any family close by. I do have my uncle, but he is SO busy with his kids on weekends that we are lucky to talk once a week. The boys and I actually met him this morning at a local deli for breakfast before school. I am so happy that my parents are able to go away each weekend, to a place of their own and relax. They deserve it after all the years of hard work they did while my sister and I were growing up. I will miss them when they retire. Although because of the boys schedule and them going away on weekends it is hard to see them, it is nice to know they are close and will help me if I need it.
Both boys had football games this week. Big son was first. What a Joke!! The kids have been playing on the same team together since 7th grade and they looked like they had no idea what to do. It was only a scrimmage, but they got blown away. Big Son had a good game, and so did some of the other boys. The major problem this team will have is there are only 24 boys on the team. If 2 boys get hurt there could be a problem. The day after the game the coach told the boys that he found a lot of areas they needed to work on, and 3/4 of it was the coaches job and then pulled 5 kids to the side. Big Son is now learning the plays for 3 more positions, and one boy is learning Big son's position, and the other three are learning alternate positions. Big Son feels a little overwhelmed, but is happy that he will get his hands on the ball to run.
Little Son had his first game today. HE DID AMAZING. He tried out for 2 positions this year. One on offense, and one on defense. He never played either position before. He is starting on his defense position, and not on the offense position. He talked to his coach and he told little son that since there are 53 kids on the team he has to give as many boys a starting position as possible, but that he will get some plays in on offense. Little son had a sack, 4 tackles plus I don't know how many assists. Also, he is a team captain and calls the defensive plays in the huddle. This game was a scrimmage also and the team lost. Little Son was so happy and I think tried very hard in this game because of his brother. Little Son's game didn't start until 4:45 and was at the high school field. Big Son had practice until 5:00. Big Son came to the game with 4 friends to watch Little Son play. Big Son went with his friends on the sidelines, gave Little Son a slap on the shoulder pads, shook hands with the coach (they had the same coach as little son) and came in the stands and cheered their heart out for Little Son and his friends. After the game, Little Son and his friends went right up to Big Son and his friends and shook hands with them and walked back to the locker room with them. Barely said hello to husband and I. Little Son even thanked Big Son for comming to his game. It is sooo nice when your children get along and act like siblings.
This debate is driving me CRAZY!! I can not stand Obama. I wish that the election would just happen so all this junk could be over!!
Tomorrow is going to be crazy. It is homecomming weekend. Big son has practice in the am, little son has friends comming over, the boys and friends are having a tennis tournament in the afternoon and after that I am having five 15 year olds and five 12 year olds over to eat and then go to the Varsity Game. They are ALL Sleeping over. The boys have already asked for me to make (with their friends telling me tonight what they wanted). It is going to be hot wings, cheeseburgers, homemade fries, and a HUGE casesar salad.
Both boys had football games this week. Big son was first. What a Joke!! The kids have been playing on the same team together since 7th grade and they looked like they had no idea what to do. It was only a scrimmage, but they got blown away. Big Son had a good game, and so did some of the other boys. The major problem this team will have is there are only 24 boys on the team. If 2 boys get hurt there could be a problem. The day after the game the coach told the boys that he found a lot of areas they needed to work on, and 3/4 of it was the coaches job and then pulled 5 kids to the side. Big Son is now learning the plays for 3 more positions, and one boy is learning Big son's position, and the other three are learning alternate positions. Big Son feels a little overwhelmed, but is happy that he will get his hands on the ball to run.
Little Son had his first game today. HE DID AMAZING. He tried out for 2 positions this year. One on offense, and one on defense. He never played either position before. He is starting on his defense position, and not on the offense position. He talked to his coach and he told little son that since there are 53 kids on the team he has to give as many boys a starting position as possible, but that he will get some plays in on offense. Little son had a sack, 4 tackles plus I don't know how many assists. Also, he is a team captain and calls the defensive plays in the huddle. This game was a scrimmage also and the team lost. Little Son was so happy and I think tried very hard in this game because of his brother. Little Son's game didn't start until 4:45 and was at the high school field. Big Son had practice until 5:00. Big Son came to the game with 4 friends to watch Little Son play. Big Son went with his friends on the sidelines, gave Little Son a slap on the shoulder pads, shook hands with the coach (they had the same coach as little son) and came in the stands and cheered their heart out for Little Son and his friends. After the game, Little Son and his friends went right up to Big Son and his friends and shook hands with them and walked back to the locker room with them. Barely said hello to husband and I. Little Son even thanked Big Son for comming to his game. It is sooo nice when your children get along and act like siblings.
This debate is driving me CRAZY!! I can not stand Obama. I wish that the election would just happen so all this junk could be over!!
Tomorrow is going to be crazy. It is homecomming weekend. Big son has practice in the am, little son has friends comming over, the boys and friends are having a tennis tournament in the afternoon and after that I am having five 15 year olds and five 12 year olds over to eat and then go to the Varsity Game. They are ALL Sleeping over. The boys have already asked for me to make (with their friends telling me tonight what they wanted). It is going to be hot wings, cheeseburgers, homemade fries, and a HUGE casesar salad.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The boys had a race 9/20 in North Carolina. What a trip. They also both had football practice ater school on Friday. What to do?? If they didn't go to practice, they could possibly not start in the first game. But if they went to practice, it meant driving all night. They boys went to practice and thankfully they only had practice until 4:15. By the time we got home, they took showers and we got in the truck, it was about 5:00. The worse possible time to leave since we had to go over the Tap and through Jersey. We trucked on and pulled off the ramp in NC at about 3:00. Now what? The gates are of course locked and not to open until 7:00. A hotel would have cost $100 for 3 hours. We pulled outside the gate, cracked the windows in the truck, and slept. By the time Husband and I relaxed, it was probably about 4:00. The track owner and workers pulled up to the gate at 6:30. In we went. Of course the boys were not tired at all since they were awake for about only 3 hours since they stepped into the truck. Thankfully the track has a bathroom with running water (usually there are only porta potties) so I was able to brush my teeth and wash a little and change cloths.
The boys both won each of their races. Since it was the last race for that series, it was a bonus race. Each boy won $800. Little Son's race was a nail bitter. In the first race he was in 2nd and passing for first. The car he was passing bumped into him a little and got a little sideways. Then, the boy passed little son back. On the last lap, at the white flag, little son passed him back. Coming out of the 4th turn for the checker, the 2nd place car tried to pass little son back and got stuck on his bumper. I thought they were going to crash. But no, little son crossed the line in first. His second race he was in 2nd for the entire race and made an amazing pass on the outside (the 1st place car was blocking) and won the race. After the race he had to bring his kart into tech and so did the 2nd place driver. The boys father was hysterical laughing. He told me that his son said "Dad!! (little son) Shake n Baked me in BOTH races!! I feel like Ricky Bobby's friend!! I couldn't help it, I started to laugh.
Big Son was amazing. He raced with the Senior drivers and beat them like crazy. He lead every lap of the race with nobody able to keep up to him.
One more major race for the year. Of course, it isn't really the end. Big son is racing one weekend in Long Island. The winner gets $2,500.00 plus prizes and 2nd-10 also win money and prizes. That will be fun. The race is Saturday, but we are going down on Friday and going to a party at a friends house, and then Saturday night there is a big BBQ at the track. We know people that live in that area and we haven't really seen them that much this year so it will be fun. Then in January there is another race for big son in Atlantic City. That will be a tough race. Usually about 60karts show up to race, but only 30 get to race.
The boys both won each of their races. Since it was the last race for that series, it was a bonus race. Each boy won $800. Little Son's race was a nail bitter. In the first race he was in 2nd and passing for first. The car he was passing bumped into him a little and got a little sideways. Then, the boy passed little son back. On the last lap, at the white flag, little son passed him back. Coming out of the 4th turn for the checker, the 2nd place car tried to pass little son back and got stuck on his bumper. I thought they were going to crash. But no, little son crossed the line in first. His second race he was in 2nd for the entire race and made an amazing pass on the outside (the 1st place car was blocking) and won the race. After the race he had to bring his kart into tech and so did the 2nd place driver. The boys father was hysterical laughing. He told me that his son said "Dad!! (little son) Shake n Baked me in BOTH races!! I feel like Ricky Bobby's friend!! I couldn't help it, I started to laugh.
Big Son was amazing. He raced with the Senior drivers and beat them like crazy. He lead every lap of the race with nobody able to keep up to him.
One more major race for the year. Of course, it isn't really the end. Big son is racing one weekend in Long Island. The winner gets $2,500.00 plus prizes and 2nd-10 also win money and prizes. That will be fun. The race is Saturday, but we are going down on Friday and going to a party at a friends house, and then Saturday night there is a big BBQ at the track. We know people that live in that area and we haven't really seen them that much this year so it will be fun. Then in January there is another race for big son in Atlantic City. That will be a tough race. Usually about 60karts show up to race, but only 30 get to race.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Presidential Race
This Presidential Race is very different in many ways. There is Omaba on one side and Palin on the other. However, in my house, this is the first year my children have become involved. They have taken a great interest in both candidates and what they stand for. They are watching news programs, looking information up on the Internet and having discussions. They both watched both the Democrat and republican conventions.
While in the beginning I was not crazy about either of the two candidates, I leaned towards McCain because the last thing I want is higher taxes and some of Obama's proposed policies scare me. When McCain announced Palin, and she was "introduced", and also her speech at the convention, I began pushing for him more. Big Son said, "Mom, how crazy do you think it is making people that she is a hunter." Obviously pretty angry. The tricks that have been played on this woman is incredible. She is labeled a bad mother because her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. This could have happened whether her mother was Governor or not. Her email account is "hacked" into, made public and private pictures from emails of her children are released. Her husband is put under a microscope. Their family is put under a microscope because of hunting, snowmobiling, living in a rural area, and not being in Washington. I say YOU GO GIRL!! Shake up those old men in Washington and finally give "real" people a voice.
The boys are starting to realize that politics can be nasty and you need to be informed to have a intelligent conversation. Almost every night we talk about the Presidential Race and Big Son has begun to bring his friends into his debates. Yes, he talks politics with his friends. He has come to realize that unfortunately you are judged on the way you live. One of his friends over the weekend made the mistake of saying Palin isn't qualified to be a VP since her family hunts for their food. Big Son asked his friend if he liked Husband. His friend said of course, I like hanging out with your dad, he does a lot with us. Big Son said, my dad hunts. We have eaten what he shot. Does that make my dad less of a person? His friend got embarrassed. Big Son said, a lot of my family hunts. My great grandfather and great great grandfather hunted raccoon. My great grandmother cooked them. Are we bad people? His friends looked at big son like he was crazy. Then big son continued saying that when he and little son were in elementary school a lot of their friends weren't allowed to come over because they had dirt bikes and raced go-karts. All true. He finished with saying that you should never judge somebody by what they do, only on how they act. FINALLY!!!
That conversation made me so proud. It has been what I have been trying to teach him or years.
While in the beginning I was not crazy about either of the two candidates, I leaned towards McCain because the last thing I want is higher taxes and some of Obama's proposed policies scare me. When McCain announced Palin, and she was "introduced", and also her speech at the convention, I began pushing for him more. Big Son said, "Mom, how crazy do you think it is making people that she is a hunter." Obviously pretty angry. The tricks that have been played on this woman is incredible. She is labeled a bad mother because her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. This could have happened whether her mother was Governor or not. Her email account is "hacked" into, made public and private pictures from emails of her children are released. Her husband is put under a microscope. Their family is put under a microscope because of hunting, snowmobiling, living in a rural area, and not being in Washington. I say YOU GO GIRL!! Shake up those old men in Washington and finally give "real" people a voice.
The boys are starting to realize that politics can be nasty and you need to be informed to have a intelligent conversation. Almost every night we talk about the Presidential Race and Big Son has begun to bring his friends into his debates. Yes, he talks politics with his friends. He has come to realize that unfortunately you are judged on the way you live. One of his friends over the weekend made the mistake of saying Palin isn't qualified to be a VP since her family hunts for their food. Big Son asked his friend if he liked Husband. His friend said of course, I like hanging out with your dad, he does a lot with us. Big Son said, my dad hunts. We have eaten what he shot. Does that make my dad less of a person? His friend got embarrassed. Big Son said, a lot of my family hunts. My great grandfather and great great grandfather hunted raccoon. My great grandmother cooked them. Are we bad people? His friends looked at big son like he was crazy. Then big son continued saying that when he and little son were in elementary school a lot of their friends weren't allowed to come over because they had dirt bikes and raced go-karts. All true. He finished with saying that you should never judge somebody by what they do, only on how they act. FINALLY!!!
That conversation made me so proud. It has been what I have been trying to teach him or years.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
"Sameness"
I swear, I have not seen my sister in a month. I haven't really talked to her. I HAVE THE ALMOST EXACT HAIR CUT!!! I was at the Mall and couldn't stand my hair anymore. I walked into a Mall Shop. My boys were trying to hold me back, saying "no Mom!! you will regret it." My hair was so bad, I explained, nothing could be worse. I know, I know, the worst place to go for a haircut. Especially since the only person who can cut my hair and my boys' and have it look amazing is my sister. I just got to a point. Sorry Sis. I will be needing a clean up when I see you. The boys were right. It wasn't the best cut, but it is better than what I had.
School or the boys seems to be going well. Big Son has so far survived being a freshman. Little Son is enjoying not being the youngest. His only complaint is that the teachers and aids are telling him how much he looks like his brother and asks about his brother. It is kind of strange this year because both boys are playing football for the school and so their practice's are right after school until 5:15. Under much protest, I am making them take the bus home afterwards at least 3 nights a week. They don't get off the bus until 6:00. The reason for me doing this is because I don't want them to always be driven and expect to be picked up from school and driven to school just because I'm home. My taxes are high enough that I am taking advantage of the bus. This year we spent $200 in school supplies and a $50 deposit I had to give for Big Son's calculator. I rented the calculator from the school because to buy it is $95. Outrageous.
School or the boys seems to be going well. Big Son has so far survived being a freshman. Little Son is enjoying not being the youngest. His only complaint is that the teachers and aids are telling him how much he looks like his brother and asks about his brother. It is kind of strange this year because both boys are playing football for the school and so their practice's are right after school until 5:15. Under much protest, I am making them take the bus home afterwards at least 3 nights a week. They don't get off the bus until 6:00. The reason for me doing this is because I don't want them to always be driven and expect to be picked up from school and driven to school just because I'm home. My taxes are high enough that I am taking advantage of the bus. This year we spent $200 in school supplies and a $50 deposit I had to give for Big Son's calculator. I rented the calculator from the school because to buy it is $95. Outrageous.
Monday, September 15, 2008
i'm back
Yes, it has been awhile. Yes, once again I have neglected something I really tried to stick to. But, I AM BACk.!!! I finally caught up with my sister's blogs. The main issue with me not posting has been Internet problems, new computer, and basically postponement. I do agree with my sister on one point. For some reason, I make my "resolutions" at the beginning of the school year. To me, that is the real time for change. Your children start school, you HAVE to start them out as being organized. It is a time for change, they are either going to a new school or starting a new grade. Change is in the air, so why not do it for yourself? I have cleaned closets, cleaned air vents and radiators. Sometimes my husband comes home and says I'm turning into my mother. I have even been known to (god forbid) vacuum after diner. The one thing I have learned this year, it is easier to spend 1/2 hour each night while the boys are doing homework or showering and "picking up". It is a lot nicer to wake up in the morning to clean counter tops.
Speaking of the boys, they are doing great!!. Big Son started high school this year. He was a little nervous, understandably, about starting high school. He was a little disappointed the first couple of days that he did not have friends in his classes. For lunch period, he has 4 of his "close" friends, but is mostly with Jr.'s and Sr.'s. He said it doesn't bother him because he knows a lot of the older boys from either football or from meeting them from his friend's older brothers.
Little Son was more nervous this year than any other. I'm assuming it is because Big Son and his friends aren't in the same school. I never realized how much Little Son relies on Big Son. Little Son told me that him and Big Son sit on the bus in the am and after practice and talk. As a side note, even though the boys go to school 15 minutes from our house, I don't pick them up after practice. I feel that they need to be independent and not count on me. The funny thing about them taking the bus is that out of 5 days of practice, I find an excuse to pick them up at least 3 days. Back to Little Son. He misses his brother at school. He misses his brother's friends. He is doing well, as always, and is making his own path. He also doesn't have to many of his friends in his classes. Plus, he is starting to go through "it". Little Son, at the last varsity game, with his friends, was hanging out with girls. Not only that, but he was, with his friends, "entertaining" the girls' younger brothers and sisters. Wonder why? Good impression? Little cousins come in handy.
I can feel myself starting to ramble so I am going to sign off. 'Till tomorrow.
Speaking of the boys, they are doing great!!. Big Son started high school this year. He was a little nervous, understandably, about starting high school. He was a little disappointed the first couple of days that he did not have friends in his classes. For lunch period, he has 4 of his "close" friends, but is mostly with Jr.'s and Sr.'s. He said it doesn't bother him because he knows a lot of the older boys from either football or from meeting them from his friend's older brothers.
Little Son was more nervous this year than any other. I'm assuming it is because Big Son and his friends aren't in the same school. I never realized how much Little Son relies on Big Son. Little Son told me that him and Big Son sit on the bus in the am and after practice and talk. As a side note, even though the boys go to school 15 minutes from our house, I don't pick them up after practice. I feel that they need to be independent and not count on me. The funny thing about them taking the bus is that out of 5 days of practice, I find an excuse to pick them up at least 3 days. Back to Little Son. He misses his brother at school. He misses his brother's friends. He is doing well, as always, and is making his own path. He also doesn't have to many of his friends in his classes. Plus, he is starting to go through "it". Little Son, at the last varsity game, with his friends, was hanging out with girls. Not only that, but he was, with his friends, "entertaining" the girls' younger brothers and sisters. Wonder why? Good impression? Little cousins come in handy.
I can feel myself starting to ramble so I am going to sign off. 'Till tomorrow.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Today is the last day of football camp. The boys are a little upset over it. This is the first year they went and they really enjoyed it. Little son liked learning new plays, trying a new position, and seeing his friends who, up until this week were away at summer camp. Little Son had camp from 9 am to 12 pm. I don't know how he did it. The camp is at the High School's field and in complete sun. Also it is a turf field and it has black pellets under it for drainage. The pellets attract the sun like crazy. I swear it is 5 degrees hotter on the field than the track. Needless to say he was soaked with sweat afterwards. Big Son liked going because he got to play with the JV team and Varsity team. Last night the coach started yelling at the Varsity team and told them they needed to go back to basics. He made them scrimmage the Freshman team. Big Son said him and is friends were just staring at these Big Guys (he was amazed that some of them had beards). He said all he could think of was he was glad he remembered his cup. Big Son has camp from 6 pm to 9 pm. At least for him it is cooler.
Big Son has his friends over today before camp. A little while ago, he came inside with his friends and said "Mom, tell them what you would do if you were at Grandma's house or your house and you wanted to go to Mt. Kisco to the mall or walk around." I told them that I had to walk or take the bus. They all looked at me like I had 15 heads.
Why didn't you get a ride from your parents?
My parents wouldn't drive me and usually it was during the day.
Where'd your grandmother live?
About 1 mile from Target.
You walked that FAR!!! And then also into Mt. Kisco??
Yes.
What did you do in Mt. Kisco?
Walk around with friends, hang out at the old mall?
But what did you DO?
Nothing. Just hung out with friends, talked, the usual.
That's crazy. I wouldn't walk that far.
It isn't far, it wasn't crazy. It was fun. I was with my friends.
Mom, didn't you use to cross the train tracks? Didn't Uncle Eric use to walk from Mt. Kisco to Bedford Hills along the tracks?
Yes
You guys are all crazy. You can't walk along the tracks or cross them. You'd die.
No, when I did it there was no third rail. (not said: besides you could step over it)
I bet your parents would have killed you if they knew
No, my parents knew.
They started walking away, more confused than ever. How times change.
Big Son has his friends over today before camp. A little while ago, he came inside with his friends and said "Mom, tell them what you would do if you were at Grandma's house or your house and you wanted to go to Mt. Kisco to the mall or walk around." I told them that I had to walk or take the bus. They all looked at me like I had 15 heads.
Why didn't you get a ride from your parents?
My parents wouldn't drive me and usually it was during the day.
Where'd your grandmother live?
About 1 mile from Target.
You walked that FAR!!! And then also into Mt. Kisco??
Yes.
What did you do in Mt. Kisco?
Walk around with friends, hang out at the old mall?
But what did you DO?
Nothing. Just hung out with friends, talked, the usual.
That's crazy. I wouldn't walk that far.
It isn't far, it wasn't crazy. It was fun. I was with my friends.
Mom, didn't you use to cross the train tracks? Didn't Uncle Eric use to walk from Mt. Kisco to Bedford Hills along the tracks?
Yes
You guys are all crazy. You can't walk along the tracks or cross them. You'd die.
No, when I did it there was no third rail. (not said: besides you could step over it)
I bet your parents would have killed you if they knew
No, my parents knew.
They started walking away, more confused than ever. How times change.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Shopping
Today I took the boys to get some of the things they will need for football this year. HOLY SHOPPING!!!!! Don't ever let anyone tell you that boys do not like to shop. We were at Sports Authority for 1 1/2 hours!!! I though my head would explode. Little Son wanted to get his cleats now and not wait. Of course, he only wanted a certain kind and he couldn't get them because they had screw in tips and they aren't allowed at the boys school. Big Son and I told him to get another pair. This kid walked so slowly down the row barely looking at any pair and kept stopping in front of the pair he couldn't get and picking them up and playing with them. Like they were going to change. Finally I told him to sit down and brought him 9 pairs of cleats in his size, made him try them on and pick his favorite. Next little son needed a new pair of sneakers since his are falling apart. Another problem. Husband and I said we wouldn't spend a lot of money since he would be needing a new pair for school. The first 6 pair he picked out cost $115 - $165. Like he would get those at any time. Then the mopping starts. Finally he picked out a pair of ugly Pumas. They had the same pair in white that were much better so I suggested those. TEMPER TANTRUM. He kicks the box of the ugly shoes and says he doesn't want them. After 10 minutes he tries the ugly shoes on and gets them. I barely kept it together.
Next, football section. Both boys needed gloves for football. It took 20 minutes for them each to pick out a pair. Next, they needed cup holders. Another 10 minutes for them to pick out those. Next came picking out a pair of gym shorts each and socks. ANOTHER 15 minutes. I finally had to put a stop to it and said we'd get the rest of the stuff another time. Maybe my boys are strange but put them in a mall or another store they like, they will take FOREVER looking around.
Next, football section. Both boys needed gloves for football. It took 20 minutes for them each to pick out a pair. Next, they needed cup holders. Another 10 minutes for them to pick out those. Next came picking out a pair of gym shorts each and socks. ANOTHER 15 minutes. I finally had to put a stop to it and said we'd get the rest of the stuff another time. Maybe my boys are strange but put them in a mall or another store they like, they will take FOREVER looking around.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Good (?) News
Yesterday, Husband FINALLY got some good news.
He started building a home for someone in Mt. Kisco in 12/06. Everything was going fine, the house was beautiful, no complaints except the usual you would run into on a 3.5 million dollar home. That's right, Husband's bid to build a house, guest house, garage was 3.5 million dollars. Then, in January of '07 I was going through the homeowners bills and added them up. He had an outstanding balance of $450,000.00 You might ask HOW DID YOU MISS THAT!! I didn't. The homeowner would pay a partial payment on an invoice, or pay the whole invoice, or not pay at all. Also, I was sending him probably 7-10 invoices a week. I told Husband, he met with the homeowner and was told that he was waiting for the bank to come through with another loan. Please give him another month. Fine. Then in 2/08, I added everything up again and there was an outstanding balance of $650,000.00. Not okay because all the suppliers were paid to date and also the subs. That meant the business was out that money. Husband tried to meet with the homeowner again about the balance but got the run around.
Then Husband got wind of the Homeowner going behind his back and negotiating with the subs for a lower price, and even trying to bring in his own people that he hired instead of using us. By this time, the houses were framed, roof was on, siding almost done, copper work almost done, stone walls done, driveway done, etc. It was just about time for Husband to go in and do all the detail work that makes a house. Fortunately, Husband had been taking pictures every week of the progress so there really couldn't be an argument on the amount of work completed.
Homeowner never paid, Husband sent a letter that if he didn't get payment within 7 days, he was pulling the permit and taking legal action. No payment. He put a lien on the property, pulled the permit, contacted his lawyer and we started pulling together all the paperwork. Piles of it. Since March, Husband and I would spend at least one day a week with the lawyer getting everything organized and preparing for the suits that the Homeowner started filing against Husband because of the Lien. Since the Lien is on the property, the homeowner can't get ANY loan (the man is a person who buys property and houses, fixes them and sells them for twice what he paid and put into them). Since summer started Husband has been at the lawyer 2 times a week for the whole day.
Yesterday, the homeowners lawyer called Husband's lawyer and started sniffing around about making a deal. Our lawyer thinks it is because the lawyer and homeowner filed false documents with the court and got caught. Also because the amount of paperwork he received yesterday in response to his files, is 3 feet high. Anyway, our lawyer said to take it as a good sign because the lawyer also said that he agreed that Husband was owed some money. He continued to say that if the Lien was dropped then he could have a check by the end of next week for $150,000.00 and we'd all be even. Our lawyer told him that wasn't going to be happening. We were going for the whole lien amount.
The thing that really sucks about this deal is that for Husband to stay in business, we had to pay all the subs and suppliers in full. If we didn't, they would be able to take action against us, close our accounts, and no longer work with us. So it has been a rough couple of months being out all that money. Of course the business had a majority of the money to pay for it, but some of it had to come from our personal accounts. Thankfully that was set up as loan with interest. Now we are just waiting and waiting to get some money. Even then some of it will be going to the lawyer. How much? We have no idea since he hasn't told us what his percentage will be.
But, like I said, at least the Homeowners lawyer was looking to make some sort of deal so that must mean that something is not to great in the Homeowners paperwork or money issues. The only thing that could be a problem for us is that if we do win and are awarded the money, when will we get it? I'm sure the banks will soon, if not already, want their money. What if he has to wait until he sells the house? The market is not good now and their is still a Lien.
He started building a home for someone in Mt. Kisco in 12/06. Everything was going fine, the house was beautiful, no complaints except the usual you would run into on a 3.5 million dollar home. That's right, Husband's bid to build a house, guest house, garage was 3.5 million dollars. Then, in January of '07 I was going through the homeowners bills and added them up. He had an outstanding balance of $450,000.00 You might ask HOW DID YOU MISS THAT!! I didn't. The homeowner would pay a partial payment on an invoice, or pay the whole invoice, or not pay at all. Also, I was sending him probably 7-10 invoices a week. I told Husband, he met with the homeowner and was told that he was waiting for the bank to come through with another loan. Please give him another month. Fine. Then in 2/08, I added everything up again and there was an outstanding balance of $650,000.00. Not okay because all the suppliers were paid to date and also the subs. That meant the business was out that money. Husband tried to meet with the homeowner again about the balance but got the run around.
Then Husband got wind of the Homeowner going behind his back and negotiating with the subs for a lower price, and even trying to bring in his own people that he hired instead of using us. By this time, the houses were framed, roof was on, siding almost done, copper work almost done, stone walls done, driveway done, etc. It was just about time for Husband to go in and do all the detail work that makes a house. Fortunately, Husband had been taking pictures every week of the progress so there really couldn't be an argument on the amount of work completed.
Homeowner never paid, Husband sent a letter that if he didn't get payment within 7 days, he was pulling the permit and taking legal action. No payment. He put a lien on the property, pulled the permit, contacted his lawyer and we started pulling together all the paperwork. Piles of it. Since March, Husband and I would spend at least one day a week with the lawyer getting everything organized and preparing for the suits that the Homeowner started filing against Husband because of the Lien. Since the Lien is on the property, the homeowner can't get ANY loan (the man is a person who buys property and houses, fixes them and sells them for twice what he paid and put into them). Since summer started Husband has been at the lawyer 2 times a week for the whole day.
Yesterday, the homeowners lawyer called Husband's lawyer and started sniffing around about making a deal. Our lawyer thinks it is because the lawyer and homeowner filed false documents with the court and got caught. Also because the amount of paperwork he received yesterday in response to his files, is 3 feet high. Anyway, our lawyer said to take it as a good sign because the lawyer also said that he agreed that Husband was owed some money. He continued to say that if the Lien was dropped then he could have a check by the end of next week for $150,000.00 and we'd all be even. Our lawyer told him that wasn't going to be happening. We were going for the whole lien amount.
The thing that really sucks about this deal is that for Husband to stay in business, we had to pay all the subs and suppliers in full. If we didn't, they would be able to take action against us, close our accounts, and no longer work with us. So it has been a rough couple of months being out all that money. Of course the business had a majority of the money to pay for it, but some of it had to come from our personal accounts. Thankfully that was set up as loan with interest. Now we are just waiting and waiting to get some money. Even then some of it will be going to the lawyer. How much? We have no idea since he hasn't told us what his percentage will be.
But, like I said, at least the Homeowners lawyer was looking to make some sort of deal so that must mean that something is not to great in the Homeowners paperwork or money issues. The only thing that could be a problem for us is that if we do win and are awarded the money, when will we get it? I'm sure the banks will soon, if not already, want their money. What if he has to wait until he sells the house? The market is not good now and their is still a Lien.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Nothing New
NOTHING NEW HAS BEEN GOING ON!!!! This week has been pretty boring. Except for Monday night. I went and watched Big Son race at a track that I haven't been to before. He has gone with Husband and races against 17-40 year old's. He is the youngest in the class by 1 1/2 years and KILLS. I was so proud of him. Usually when we go to a race, I have to pitch in and help either change stuff on the go-karts or help the boys get ready. Getting ready entails lifting a go kart (anywhere from 190 lbs to 225 lbs.) getting them buckled with helmets and starting the engine. Or changing the setup (gears, tires, etc.). Monday, it was purely for my pleasure. After the first hour of helping getting ready, the rest of the night I got to be a MOM and watch. I was SO PROUD OF MY SON!!! He started his heat race 14th and 2 laps into it he was winning. In the feature he started 4th and ended up finishing 2nd. He was racing against people older, and who have raced not only at this track every week, but on a whole longer. My 14 year old had 25 year old's coming up to him and asking advise on how to set up the kart or how to drive the track. After the feature, it took me awhile to reach him because other drivers in his class and spectators were congratulating him. HE made ME proud because of his maturity and his ability to keep his success to a minimum. GO BIG SON!!
Besides that, we have been home. Little Son and I have started playing the game Risk. To anyone who wants something to do at night for an hour or two instead of watching TV, get this game. Little Son and I have played over the course of 3 days about 6 hours and are no way close to being done. It is fun. A strategy game that you need to walk away from, but keep set up so you can pick up where you left off. Great game.
Tomorrow Little Son and I are hitting a water park, Big Son is going to his friend's "ESTATE" I'm going to sneak pictures because nobody will believe me when I try to explain this kid's house. From the main road to the actual house has to be 2 miles. The property has 6 houses and is in 2 states. Their family is the biggest land owner in Westchester County. The family leaves Sunday for a safari in Africa and won't be home for 2 months. Big Son said the indoor pool has buttons to push to make the roof collapse and also 3 walls. There is also a button for a slide to come out of the wall. There is also a "private" beach on the property. Saturday the 4 of us our going to Jones Beach. We may even make a weekend of it and stay over.
Besides that, we have been home. Little Son and I have started playing the game Risk. To anyone who wants something to do at night for an hour or two instead of watching TV, get this game. Little Son and I have played over the course of 3 days about 6 hours and are no way close to being done. It is fun. A strategy game that you need to walk away from, but keep set up so you can pick up where you left off. Great game.
Tomorrow Little Son and I are hitting a water park, Big Son is going to his friend's "ESTATE" I'm going to sneak pictures because nobody will believe me when I try to explain this kid's house. From the main road to the actual house has to be 2 miles. The property has 6 houses and is in 2 states. Their family is the biggest land owner in Westchester County. The family leaves Sunday for a safari in Africa and won't be home for 2 months. Big Son said the indoor pool has buttons to push to make the roof collapse and also 3 walls. There is also a button for a slide to come out of the wall. There is also a "private" beach on the property. Saturday the 4 of us our going to Jones Beach. We may even make a weekend of it and stay over.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Family
Little Son went with my parents this weekend upstate. He came home happy, tired, and with a Mohawk. Yes, my sister, master at the scissors, gave Little Son a hair cut and left him with a Mohawk. It looks good on him. It is not an extreme Mohawk, only sticking up about 2 inches. But, like my sister said in her post, he is the type of person that can carry it off. He has done odd things to his head in the past. One time, before a big race, he had his hair cut short and had his kart #'s shaved into his head. Another time he had his hair cut except for his kart #'s. He won't do this anymore because other kids are copying him. We are trying to come up with another idea.
I read my sister's post about my Little Son's weekend and it made me so proud of him. It is so important to me that my boys not only know their cousins, but look out for them, play with them, and teach them.
My grandmother has told me many times that she is so proud of her kids and grandchildren. Not for the usual reasons: successful, wealthy, etc. No, she is proud that her children have taught her grandchildren values and respect. She tells me that she brags at her senior meetings whenever the family has been together about the grandchildren (this includes great grandchildren). She tells them how great everyone got along, the kids didn't argue and how happy she was to see them all together. She says that she may not always agree with the decisions that we make, but she is satisfied that we will all look after each other. And we do.
This has always been true ever since I can remember. I never remember fighting with my cousins ( one reason is because I'm SO much older than them) but I remember looking after my younger cousins. I see this continuing and so does my grandmother. When our family gets together, there is no complaining because so and so comes and lets their kids go and doesn't control or watch them. No, in my family, when we have a "family" event (which is whenever any of us are together) we all watch each other's kids. If my boys ever came to my husband or I and complained because one of their uncles/aunts/cousins/grandparents corrected them, I would say "oh well, you have to listen to them, they're the adult." But very rarely does a kid complain. If they do, it is because an older cousin is paying more attention to another cousing than them. Or, more likely, that an older cousin isn't playing with them enough. Usually it is the kids looking after the kids, with the older kids having the authority. This may seem odd or even as if we are passing the "buck" so that the adults can have a good time. But that is not true. The "cousins" all seem to gravitate towards one another, with the Older Cousins (20 and above) talking, catching up, and laughing at the younger ones and reminiscing.
My grandmother has done an amazing job of raising her children and grandchildren. Yes, that's right her grandchildren. We have ALL spend time with her, slept at her house, and are very protective of her. The older she gets, it is more important. Ask any of her 11 grandchildren and 5 great grand-children and all will have a different, but very personal experience with her. My experience with her is totally different than my 7 year old cousins. My 14 year old son's experience with his great grandmother has been totally different than his 4 year old cousins. But this is what makes a "great" grandmother.
So even though I went WAY off track, I got a tear in my eye reading my sister's post. If nothing else, I know that I've raised a boy who is compassionate and caring.
While Little Son was with my parents, Sat. night Husband and I took Big Son to Middletown to watch dirt racing. There was also a County Fair at the race track. The first hour all Big Son did was complain: This Fair is weird, the animal smell, I don't want to watch a race if I'm no racing too, I don't like dirt racing, etc. Husband and I counteracted all this with stories of his grandfather's racing stories. By the time 4:30 came around, Big Son wanted to go in the stands and see the track (husband and I were going to take him into the pits and see the cars and all but for $40 each, NOT worth it).
The last time I was at that track and watched, I was pregnant with Big Son, about 8 months, and my dad had a huge crash. He flipped in the air, hit a light post, flipped back the other way and landed upside down on top of another car. He knocked the lights out in the pits and back field viewing area, and the stands shut down the lights because they thought he was dead. Husband jumped across the "stream" and fought with the officials to get to my dad. My mom was screaming and my dad's friend was holding her back from following husband. I had my dad's friend following me with his hands under my stomach and holding my back as I threw up. My dad has told me that he didn't remember anything for the next 2 days. Of course my dad refused medical help. He had to be the big man and walk not only off the track, but with the tow trucks bringing his car in. It was the last time he race.
By the time warm-ups started Big Son was enjoying it. Plus he knew some of the names from listening to my dad's stories and also from going to Atlantic City and watching. By the end of the night, he was talking to the men around us about racing, telling stories about my dad like he was there, and wanting to race at Middletown for the "experience". In 358 Modified, which probably costs $50,000 a year. No. I feel like taking him there and telling stories and experiences from my dad, I gave him a piece of history. Now he wants his grandpa to take him their.
After the racing and walking back through the fair to get to the car, Big Son enjoyed the fair (except for the animals). I talked him into going to the "freak"shows with me and he was grossed out. He was more amazed by the people. "Mom, I never knew what white trash was before but I guess when you see people with no teeth and who speak weird and dirty, that must be white trash. We are only an hour from home. People upstate and down south aren't like this. And why are these people so happy to get a stuffed animal from a game? The people at the race track weren't like this. I feel sorry for the people at the fair that they waisted their money on games instead of watching racing." To get to the race track you had to walk through the fair and to my son, racing was the only reason to be at Middletown that weekend (after he watched racing).
I read my sister's post about my Little Son's weekend and it made me so proud of him. It is so important to me that my boys not only know their cousins, but look out for them, play with them, and teach them.
My grandmother has told me many times that she is so proud of her kids and grandchildren. Not for the usual reasons: successful, wealthy, etc. No, she is proud that her children have taught her grandchildren values and respect. She tells me that she brags at her senior meetings whenever the family has been together about the grandchildren (this includes great grandchildren). She tells them how great everyone got along, the kids didn't argue and how happy she was to see them all together. She says that she may not always agree with the decisions that we make, but she is satisfied that we will all look after each other. And we do.
This has always been true ever since I can remember. I never remember fighting with my cousins ( one reason is because I'm SO much older than them) but I remember looking after my younger cousins. I see this continuing and so does my grandmother. When our family gets together, there is no complaining because so and so comes and lets their kids go and doesn't control or watch them. No, in my family, when we have a "family" event (which is whenever any of us are together) we all watch each other's kids. If my boys ever came to my husband or I and complained because one of their uncles/aunts/cousins/grandparents corrected them, I would say "oh well, you have to listen to them, they're the adult." But very rarely does a kid complain. If they do, it is because an older cousin is paying more attention to another cousing than them. Or, more likely, that an older cousin isn't playing with them enough. Usually it is the kids looking after the kids, with the older kids having the authority. This may seem odd or even as if we are passing the "buck" so that the adults can have a good time. But that is not true. The "cousins" all seem to gravitate towards one another, with the Older Cousins (20 and above) talking, catching up, and laughing at the younger ones and reminiscing.
My grandmother has done an amazing job of raising her children and grandchildren. Yes, that's right her grandchildren. We have ALL spend time with her, slept at her house, and are very protective of her. The older she gets, it is more important. Ask any of her 11 grandchildren and 5 great grand-children and all will have a different, but very personal experience with her. My experience with her is totally different than my 7 year old cousins. My 14 year old son's experience with his great grandmother has been totally different than his 4 year old cousins. But this is what makes a "great" grandmother.
So even though I went WAY off track, I got a tear in my eye reading my sister's post. If nothing else, I know that I've raised a boy who is compassionate and caring.
While Little Son was with my parents, Sat. night Husband and I took Big Son to Middletown to watch dirt racing. There was also a County Fair at the race track. The first hour all Big Son did was complain: This Fair is weird, the animal smell, I don't want to watch a race if I'm no racing too, I don't like dirt racing, etc. Husband and I counteracted all this with stories of his grandfather's racing stories. By the time 4:30 came around, Big Son wanted to go in the stands and see the track (husband and I were going to take him into the pits and see the cars and all but for $40 each, NOT worth it).
The last time I was at that track and watched, I was pregnant with Big Son, about 8 months, and my dad had a huge crash. He flipped in the air, hit a light post, flipped back the other way and landed upside down on top of another car. He knocked the lights out in the pits and back field viewing area, and the stands shut down the lights because they thought he was dead. Husband jumped across the "stream" and fought with the officials to get to my dad. My mom was screaming and my dad's friend was holding her back from following husband. I had my dad's friend following me with his hands under my stomach and holding my back as I threw up. My dad has told me that he didn't remember anything for the next 2 days. Of course my dad refused medical help. He had to be the big man and walk not only off the track, but with the tow trucks bringing his car in. It was the last time he race.
By the time warm-ups started Big Son was enjoying it. Plus he knew some of the names from listening to my dad's stories and also from going to Atlantic City and watching. By the end of the night, he was talking to the men around us about racing, telling stories about my dad like he was there, and wanting to race at Middletown for the "experience". In 358 Modified, which probably costs $50,000 a year. No. I feel like taking him there and telling stories and experiences from my dad, I gave him a piece of history. Now he wants his grandpa to take him their.
After the racing and walking back through the fair to get to the car, Big Son enjoyed the fair (except for the animals). I talked him into going to the "freak"shows with me and he was grossed out. He was more amazed by the people. "Mom, I never knew what white trash was before but I guess when you see people with no teeth and who speak weird and dirty, that must be white trash. We are only an hour from home. People upstate and down south aren't like this. And why are these people so happy to get a stuffed animal from a game? The people at the race track weren't like this. I feel sorry for the people at the fair that they waisted their money on games instead of watching racing." To get to the race track you had to walk through the fair and to my son, racing was the only reason to be at Middletown that weekend (after he watched racing).
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The pool
The pool at the hotel was great. It was perfect for winding down at the end of the day, or to cool off after being at the parks all day. There were many activities for the kids to do. Every 1/2 hour a new game started. There was an 8' beach ball that went into the pool, pool volleyball, pool basketball, musical chairs, bingo, dancing, music trivia, scavenger hunts, etc. One day while we were all sitting at the pool my father said that the pool was his favorite part of vacation. Most days, we all were at the pool together. My father said it made him happy to see everyone enjoying themselves and if that was all he saw throughout the week he would have been satisfied. The odd thing about the week was that we all agreed, except for going to Magic Kingdom together, we would all split up and do our own thing. But what happened was we all wanted to go to the same places and see the same thing. So really, only Thursday and Friday we split up and did our own thing. We would go to the parks together, do a little together, and then go on our way. My parents were great. I really didn't think that they would spend so much time at the parks or at the pool ( and in the pool ) as they did. They must have been exhausted. But, they both always had smiles on their faces and ready to go. My kids, husband and myself could not stop saying thank you to them.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Florida
Okay. I know I said I would post vacation pictures a week ago. I'm getting to it tonight. We realized when we came home from vacation that we would be leaving on Thursday to go to a race. That meant I had four days to unpack from vacation and pack the motor home to go away. Plus help husband pack the trailer. I never ends in this house.
Okay. Vacation. Day One. Getting to the airport was fine. The van had more than enough room and the first two pictures is unloading the luggage
Yes the below is a stack of luggage for 11 people (minus carry-ons) for a weeks vacation. Again, all went smooth. A porter loaded everything and brought us to the top of the line for check in. Of course, I stuffed everything into 3 suitcases instead of using four and was slammed with an overweight charge of $240.00.
Below: All of us waiting to load the plane.
Tomorrow: Pool pictures. The pool at the hotel was a saving grace. I would definitely recommend the All Star Music to anyone going to Disney. The pool had new activities every 1/2 hour. Most for kids, some for adults.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Start
I was sitting tonight and trying to decide on how to begin my post about vacation, and realized that I CAN'T start at vacation. My vacation started on the Tuesday before we left, when I watched Big Son graduate Middle School. My gosh, I can't believe in two months I will have a high schooler. I STILL REMEMBER HIGH SCHOOL. I also remember holding him in my arms the first time and thinking how beautiful, perfect and SMALL he was. No more. He is still beautiful, and to me very close to perfect, but not small. My 6lb. 9 oz baby at 14 (15 in one month) is now 158 lbs. and 5'11". At times difficult, but for all those difficult times, he still crawls into my lap at gives me a hug.
Below, Big Son getting his diploma. I remember the day of Kindergarten orientation. He was ready!! The extra year helped. He made friends, he started talking (after alot of fighting for speech therapy and countless testing) and was happy. He always had a smile on his face. The day of his orientation ( bus ride and meeting his teacher) he was all kinds of excited. He got up, dressed himself, and was ready for breakfast. I couldn't get going. I kept hugging him and holding his face. Time to meet the bus and all of us ( Big Son, Little Son and I) all trecked down the driveway to wait for the bus. Big Son was so proud of himself, nametag and all. The bus came, and he ran right to the door and got on. The bus driver looked at me and said "Don't worry, go inside, he'll be fine." What did I do? That's right, let little son play in the yard and I sat on the stone wall waiting for the bus to come back. I sat for about an hour and my neighbor came over. She had 3 kids who did the same thing. She sat with me and understood what I felt. Big son came home soon after full of smiles and stories.
Good Luck baby!! I Love You!
Below, my baby waiting to get his diploma. I remember when I dropped him off for his first day at pre-school. He wouldn't let go. He held me around the neck and looked me in the eye and said "no mommy". Broke my heart. I told him he'd have fun and I would be back at lunch. I went to my car and cried. It broke my heart to leave him. When it was time for pick up time, he saw me through the windows of his classroom. I was there 45 minutes early. He had a huge smile on his face. Little did I know, until the 2nd year of pre-school that he wouldn't talk to anyone. Not teachers or kids. He played either alone or with kids without talking. I kept he out of kindergarten for a year so he could make friends.
Below, Big Son getting his diploma. I remember the day of Kindergarten orientation. He was ready!! The extra year helped. He made friends, he started talking (after alot of fighting for speech therapy and countless testing) and was happy. He always had a smile on his face. The day of his orientation ( bus ride and meeting his teacher) he was all kinds of excited. He got up, dressed himself, and was ready for breakfast. I couldn't get going. I kept hugging him and holding his face. Time to meet the bus and all of us ( Big Son, Little Son and I) all trecked down the driveway to wait for the bus. Big Son was so proud of himself, nametag and all. The bus came, and he ran right to the door and got on. The bus driver looked at me and said "Don't worry, go inside, he'll be fine." What did I do? That's right, let little son play in the yard and I sat on the stone wall waiting for the bus to come back. I sat for about an hour and my neighbor came over. She had 3 kids who did the same thing. She sat with me and understood what I felt. Big son came home soon after full of smiles and stories.
Good Luck baby!! I Love You!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Home
We made it home today at around 3:00 pm. The trip was AMAZING!!! This household is exhausted. I don't even know how to write about the week because there was just so much going on. Everyone seemed to have a good time and all the kids always had smiles on their faces. Goodnight, I just finished unpacking and need sleep.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Little Things
Last week we had a couple of hours of hard rain and at times high wind with thunder and lighting. You would think that we would have been inside, keeping dry and hoping the power wouldn't go out. No, that is to normal. We opened the garage doors and pulled out chairs and watched the storm. When there was a rain and wind, but no thunder and lighting, the boys stood up by the doors and said "Ready Mom" I got up and stood with them. On three we ran across our driveway to the shed and back laughing. Husband stayed in the garage and gave us a crazy look when we returned. I was almost crying. I asked the boys why they did that. Big Son looked at me and said, we always watched storms and ran in the rain when it was summer. Don't you remember Mom. I did remember. It had been awhile since we did that, but I felt my heart clench that my two boys remembered and enjoyed doing that.
There are little things that parents do with their children that make more of a lasting impression than what we think. Who would have thought that running through the rain brought happiness? Tomorrow afternoon we are digging a fire hole in our pull off driveway (this is where we park the trailer and motor home). On Thursday, when the boys come home from school we will put their school papers from the year, notebooks (not journals that they keep in school) and workbooks in the fire hole and burn it. This is something we have done since Big Son was in 3rd grade. It is a way to end the school year and look towards the future. We talk about what they did during the past school year and what they are looking forward to for the next. After we do that, we go out to lunch and then a movie.
There are little things that parents do with their children that make more of a lasting impression than what we think. Who would have thought that running through the rain brought happiness? Tomorrow afternoon we are digging a fire hole in our pull off driveway (this is where we park the trailer and motor home). On Thursday, when the boys come home from school we will put their school papers from the year, notebooks (not journals that they keep in school) and workbooks in the fire hole and burn it. This is something we have done since Big Son was in 3rd grade. It is a way to end the school year and look towards the future. We talk about what they did during the past school year and what they are looking forward to for the next. After we do that, we go out to lunch and then a movie.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Draw Back to FL
My mother-in-law called tonight to wish Husband a happy birthday (his birthday was 6/1). Shows what she's thinking and how she is. Husband let it slip that we were going to be in FL for a week. Now she is all crazy about "us driving to see her" (she lives 3 hours away). Husband told her we couldn't do it since we weren't going to have a car, and that we really just wanted to stay at the park. Does this stop her? No, she wants us to give her a day to meet for dinner. Husband is trying to explain that it is a "family" vacation and we will be pretty busy. She comes back with she is family and after 5 YEARS, isn't about time Husband met her husband and let her husband meet the boys. Husband tells her that if it was that important for her to see him and the boys, that when she was in NY she could have called to come over. She wants to know where we are staying, Husband says he doesn't know, but we are in the park. She says thats fine, her husband knows the area. GREAT!!!
She has not seen my kids for about 8 years, and Husband isn't crazy about seeing his mom again. Why? Because she is CRAZY!!! She calls him exactly 4 times a year. Hopefully he will hold off his mom for when we are down.
She has not seen my kids for about 8 years, and Husband isn't crazy about seeing his mom again. Why? Because she is CRAZY!!! She calls him exactly 4 times a year. Hopefully he will hold off his mom for when we are down.
Friday, June 13, 2008
FRIDAY
The boys have been home for 20 minutes and the frantic activity at our house is almost funny. Both boys made plans to go to a friend's house to swim. Both boys want to go to Sports Authority first. Both boys have to finish packing the trailer before they go. It is amazing when they want something how willing they are to work together and not fight. Tomorrow we have a race. below is what our little family looks like at the track and our home on wheels. For most of the summer it seems like we live in our motorhome more than our house. This weekend the boys will be racing against eachother again. Thankfully that will be the last time until August. In July all their races are seperate. It really does a number on your nerves when they race against eachother and hoping both do well.
I better go down to the trailer and make sure they are not just throwing the tools and karts in the trailer. They are suppose to be putting everying in the right spot and tying down the karts. With the rush that they are in, it will probably look worse than it did before they started.
I better go down to the trailer and make sure they are not just throwing the tools and karts in the trailer. They are suppose to be putting everying in the right spot and tying down the karts. With the rush that they are in, it will probably look worse than it did before they started.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
BUSY!!!
This is both the worst and best time of the school year. The best for the following reasons:
1. Soon (only 8 more days) I will not HAVE to wake up at 5:45 am.
2. The boys will be home for 2 months.
3. It is finally nice weather.
4. Vacation will soon be here!!
5. We are outside all the time.
The Worst reasons:
1. The boys will be home for 2 months.
2. TO MANY parties for each boy.
3. Studing for finals.
4. Lots of plans to keep organized and remembered.
1. Soon (only 8 more days) I will not HAVE to wake up at 5:45 am.
2. The boys will be home for 2 months.
3. It is finally nice weather.
4. Vacation will soon be here!!
5. We are outside all the time.
The Worst reasons:
1. The boys will be home for 2 months.
2. TO MANY parties for each boy.
3. Studing for finals.
4. Lots of plans to keep organized and remembered.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Girls, Girls, Bad News
Today was a jammed packed day at the household. Little Son was going to his first "girl" party. Big Son was having 2 friends over after school. I drove Little Son to is party... side note, it was surprising to see so many "little" girls in bikinis at the pool party and so many boys in bathing suits and t-shirts looking amazed. Upon pulling up to my driveway I notice 2 girls hanging out at the bottom. Our dog goes nuts when I pull up and as I'm getting out of the car I can hear the girls calling the dog... Come here puppy , etc. I go in the house and Big Son and his friends want to know what the noice is outside. Oh, I say, two girls are at the bottom of the driveway calling the dog. I walk into my room and boys go outside. Next thing I know, I walk out of my room and the girls are in my house. I tryVERY hard to act like it is no big deal that there are girls in my house. IT IS A BIG DEAL!!! Here I am dropping my little baby off at his first "girl" party and come home and there are girls in my house. It hit me that my boys are growing up. Another step into becomming men.
The girls ended up staying for about an hour. They all went out into the trampoline and hung out. The funny thing to me is that after 15 minutes of the girls being at my house, phone calls were made somehow and 4 more boys showed up. The girls left and the boys went into Big Son's room for a huddle. All of a sudden, the girls came back. By this time husband was home and was very amused about the girls. He asked me if the girls parent's knew that they were over. Who knows? All I know that if I had 14 year old girls, I would be knowing what boys they were with. Husband and I ended up driving the boys to MK so they could eat, and then back to the Carnival. Husband and I also went to the carnival to see old friends. I ended up seeing my Big Son walking with his arm around one of girls who was at our house. Makes Sense now. Husband is telling me now that girls were over once, get ready for the onslaught of them being over all the time.
All the time we spent with the boys tonight was fun. It still hit me a little hard in the heart to see my "big" baby with a girl. I know, I know, he is suppose to be with girls. Have his crush. Have girls have a crush on him. But...he is my baby. In my eyes I see him as a 5 year old getting on the bus for kindergarten. How do I deal with him having a girlfriend? I called my sister tonight to tell her what was happening. Like she said, in FL, I can have my boys back. It is hard to see your kids grow up. To know what they are going to go through. Husband thinks that I'm over sensitive about the girl issue. When I asked him how he will feel about his niece's walking to a boy's house to hang out, he said it wouldn't happen. They wouldn't be aloud to a boys house unless their father, him our their cousins go with them. The girls, he says, are to good for any boy that they would want to be with. On the flip side, Husband says that any girl can hang out with his boys... Our boys are to good for them.
I realized tonight... it is easier to be a teenager than to have teenagers.
The girls ended up staying for about an hour. They all went out into the trampoline and hung out. The funny thing to me is that after 15 minutes of the girls being at my house, phone calls were made somehow and 4 more boys showed up. The girls left and the boys went into Big Son's room for a huddle. All of a sudden, the girls came back. By this time husband was home and was very amused about the girls. He asked me if the girls parent's knew that they were over. Who knows? All I know that if I had 14 year old girls, I would be knowing what boys they were with. Husband and I ended up driving the boys to MK so they could eat, and then back to the Carnival. Husband and I also went to the carnival to see old friends. I ended up seeing my Big Son walking with his arm around one of girls who was at our house. Makes Sense now. Husband is telling me now that girls were over once, get ready for the onslaught of them being over all the time.
All the time we spent with the boys tonight was fun. It still hit me a little hard in the heart to see my "big" baby with a girl. I know, I know, he is suppose to be with girls. Have his crush. Have girls have a crush on him. But...he is my baby. In my eyes I see him as a 5 year old getting on the bus for kindergarten. How do I deal with him having a girlfriend? I called my sister tonight to tell her what was happening. Like she said, in FL, I can have my boys back. It is hard to see your kids grow up. To know what they are going to go through. Husband thinks that I'm over sensitive about the girl issue. When I asked him how he will feel about his niece's walking to a boy's house to hang out, he said it wouldn't happen. They wouldn't be aloud to a boys house unless their father, him our their cousins go with them. The girls, he says, are to good for any boy that they would want to be with. On the flip side, Husband says that any girl can hang out with his boys... Our boys are to good for them.
I realized tonight... it is easier to be a teenager than to have teenagers.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Town Gone Wild
Last night was the annual Fireman's Parade in our town. Also, the annual Carnival comes. Needless to say, it is a free for all regarding the kids. We had plans to meet our friends at their house for dinner and then walk down to the parade. The friend's house we were going to is Husband's best friend for years. So of course our kids feel that their house is our house. Big Son and Little Son both told their friends to meet them at Husband's friends house. Husband's friend is someome who races with us and also has kids who are 7 and 4. Basically it is like having extended nieces and nephews. My kid's friend's showed up at Husband's friend's house and his kids LOVED IT. It was like any kids dream. They love Big and Little Son and BOUNS, friends show up. Pizza was eaten and then the walk down into town. Big Son and Little Son, along with their friends, hung out with Husband's friends kids. Cute because the older kids held hands with the little kids. Promises were made to go on rides at the carnival during the weekend. Husband's friend's kids felt important....until we got to town. My boys gave their goodbyes to the group we meet up with and then.... gone with friends.
I just left them off at the Carnival for the night. Big Son told me that he promised his twin cousins to go on two rides with them and play one game with them. Little Son said that the twins could come with him and his friends to walk around. Cool. Isn't that what family is about? Here are 14 and 12 year old telling their little cousins that they will be with them and take care of them. Makes me proud as a mother.
I just left them off at the Carnival for the night. Big Son told me that he promised his twin cousins to go on two rides with them and play one game with them. Little Son said that the twins could come with him and his friends to walk around. Cool. Isn't that what family is about? Here are 14 and 12 year old telling their little cousins that they will be with them and take care of them. Makes me proud as a mother.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Disney
The time for the big family trip is comming up. For us, the time will go fast. Party invitation for the boys are comming in the mail at an average of 2 a day, racing, and graduation for Big Son will leave me rushed at the last minute to get everything done. I really need to start making lists. One for what I need to buy, one for what I don't want to forget, etc. Packing isn't really an issue since it feels like I need to do that every week.
I'm really looking forward to getting away with everyone. I think it will be a great time and it will be cute to see how excited my nieces are about their days. It will be such a contrast from what I do during the day from what my sister does. The boys are not going to be interested in the characters walking around, but more in the rides and sights. Big Son and Husband don't really like to many rides and Little Son and I like just about every ride. I haven't made any plans for the week, figuring that it will be better to take each day as it comes, and whatever the boys feel like doing, we will. I've been spending my nights wrapping change and I am pretty sure that all our spending money will come out of spare change (I've been saving it for about 8 years). Each year I usually change in quarters, so as of right now there is about $600 just in quarters. It will be nice to not have to spend "real" money.
I'm really looking forward to getting away with everyone. I think it will be a great time and it will be cute to see how excited my nieces are about their days. It will be such a contrast from what I do during the day from what my sister does. The boys are not going to be interested in the characters walking around, but more in the rides and sights. Big Son and Husband don't really like to many rides and Little Son and I like just about every ride. I haven't made any plans for the week, figuring that it will be better to take each day as it comes, and whatever the boys feel like doing, we will. I've been spending my nights wrapping change and I am pretty sure that all our spending money will come out of spare change (I've been saving it for about 8 years). Each year I usually change in quarters, so as of right now there is about $600 just in quarters. It will be nice to not have to spend "real" money.
Monday, June 2, 2008
38
Yesterday was my husband's birthday. It was also my sister's anniversary. I didn't call and wish her a happy anniversary. Sorry. I was busy getting ready for husband's party. This shouldn't have been hard since I was only having 14 people over. However, Friday afternoon we left to go to a race. It was 6 hours away from our house; about 2 hours north of Elmira, NY. Saturday was race day and fortunately since the weather forcast wasn't great they pushed the race through and we were done by 2:00 pm. We got home at 8:00, went for a quick dinner and at dinner the boys and I told husband we were having a party for him the next day. The look of confusion that crossed his face was priceless. The boys just started laughing. Needless to say, Sunday morning was spent doing a mad dash to pick up the house and get all the food ready. We also had to make sure the yard was cleaned up. Husband was not happy about his friends coming over. He almost through a temper tantrum even though the boys and I did all the work while we made him stay inside and relax. Of course once the first car pulled up he was happy and totally relaxed and it ended up being a lot of fun.
Tonight Husband is with big son racing again. It is at a track about 1 1/2 hours from our house, but the minimum age to race is 14 and there is no age limit. Big Son has never race there before and I got a call 20 minutes ago from him telling me that he won his heat race (after starting 25th in 10 laps) and is starting on the pole. He is racing against a lot of guys older than him and if he finishes 10th in the feature he can come home with $500.00. If he wins, since there are 50 cars racing, he can come home with $4,000.00. Not to bad for a night. Good luck baby!!
Tonight Husband is with big son racing again. It is at a track about 1 1/2 hours from our house, but the minimum age to race is 14 and there is no age limit. Big Son has never race there before and I got a call 20 minutes ago from him telling me that he won his heat race (after starting 25th in 10 laps) and is starting on the pole. He is racing against a lot of guys older than him and if he finishes 10th in the feature he can come home with $500.00. If he wins, since there are 50 cars racing, he can come home with $4,000.00. Not to bad for a night. Good luck baby!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Memorial Day
Food Prep starts first thing in the morning.
You MUST fortify yourself (especially the kids) with breakfast on party day
Because, there is food
More food
Food Again
The best food of all.
Even the injured show up for the party, because...
There are enough drinks to share
And for yourself.
And if one kind runs out, there is always more.
There is conversation of one kind...
Niece and Uncles catching up...
Cousins catching up
Brother's wrestle while cousins cheer on
Uncle's trying stunts they are to old for....
And paying the price.
More Playing...
The Start and The Finishes of the racing. Of course, these races went on for about 20 minutes
Winding down. Fire and Marshmellows (yes, the kids still had room in their bellies to eat more).
Dirty Feet show the result of a good day.
Bath time for baby, and dirty water and legs for Middle.Can't Wait For Next Year!!
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