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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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.
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