Still here

A quick summary...
We sold our house, at an alarming rate.
We moved.
Into an apartment.
Rocco got boarded at a kennel in the country, because he'd lose his mind in apt with no backyard.
I can't believe we're spending that much on a dog.
I miss him in our old house.
I miss cooking dinner while drinking a beer/glass of wine and listening to music while Keith and the boys play in the backyard.
We'll be moving by the end of January, hopefully, if the weather will get its shit together.
I can't wait.
I'm picking colors and furniture in my head...
I can't wait.
I'm thinking about having another baby.
I'm thinking about not having more babies.
I'm thinking about waiting on when to decide on another baby.
I'm thinking about having 3 boys...I like to be queen.
I'm thinking how different having a little girl would be.
I'm thinking about all the clothes and fun girl stuff.
I'm thinking I love to shop...for myself.
But, I'm vowing to not sign up for any more shopping/wine tasting events...ever.
I've started Christmas shopping, now, I just need to finish.
Keith is crazy busy and he uses our jam-packed closet and bathroom as his office.
We celebrated our 8th year wedding anniversary and Keith inscribed my card with "this was given to you at the Gables" (our apts, inside joke)
Our new favorite line from last week's SNL is "you're too pretty for a condom" HAHAHAHAHA
It used to be "you gotta get yuh-self a chandalier. like dis one. or dat one. or dis one."
Kale sings along to 3 by Britney Spears and when he says "4...on the floor" it almost makes me want to change the song.
Because, halllloooo...not appropriate (listen to the words, you'll know what I mean)...but I love the song, so I sing along.
The Empire State of Mind song makes me want to go to New York.
Mack has Buzz Lightyear pajamas and he swings his arms upward and says "Buzz Doo-Doo" cuz he can't say Lightyear.
I went to The Pioneer Woman cookbook signing and it has the best recipes, hands down.
I'll be cooking from that thing from now to eternity.
And, when (or if) the boys marry...I'll just handover a copy to my daughter-in-laws and tell'em this is what they like to eat.
I'm so glad they're little.

Weekend Update

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. We took the kids to Sea World on Saturday, then drove into Austin to visit friends and go for a couple of boat rides. All in all, it was a lot of fun. Kale was a real trooper, only voicing his displeasure sporadically throughout the trip. Wish we could say the same for Mack. Mack seemed content to let us know just how much we were effin' up his life. If only we'd let him eat candy/ice cream/chew gum 24/7, our lives would be so much easier. And, if he just didn't have to wear these fucking diapers all the time. And, if we just could let him wander around the shore of a lake or on a boat without meddling or pressing him to wear a life jacket, we could lay off the Prozac. But, no. Keith and I always find a way to ruin his day. And, to top it all off...turns out he had a canker sore on the bottom of his front gum that was the source of his discomfort all weekend. What loser parents we are.

Most times you can find Mack tearing off layers of clothes to release the 4 droplets of urine he's been saving up for this special moment. God, this kid cannot keep his clothes on! He even sleeps in the nude. If he doesn't sleep with pajamas that button close, he will undress himself, fall asleep cheeks in the air, and then wake at midnight because it sure is chilly in his room. Pick him up from his nap...NAKED. Take him swimming...will be NAKED soon. Take him to backyard...NAKED. Playing inside...NAKED. He will even attempt to eat his breakfast/lunch/dinner NAKED. And, that's just something we don't want at the table with our Lucky Charms.

Kale was certain we were going to spot a shark, or some other evil creature, that would attempt to eat us whole. No such luck.

On Sunday night, we stopped by to see the bats come out from under the Congress bridge.

"You just canceled every other man here..." ROWRRRRR!

We wrapped up the weekend with a bottle of wine in the lobby watching the boys chase each other and wrestle on the floor until we retired to our room.

"New Pu$$y can't cook!" -Chris Rock

Great, great article! Leadership starts at home...exactly!It's laughable as to how middle-aged men fall into this trap so often. We all know how it plays out, yet men believe they've found the golden treasure. And, the strippers really do like them---rrrrrrright. We've heard it all week, but it's true, he'd be alive if he was at home with his wife and 4 boys instead of chasing a waitress at Dave & Buster's. Sad. Sad. Sad.

Don't be so quick to make McNair a hero

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On to us, nobody knows

As of late last week, Keith and I have been dating 14 years. Holy moly. That's a long time my friend, no? We went out to dinner sans kiddos recently, we were both sick with sinus infections and just wanted some peace and quiet. We reminisced about our time early on in our relationship and how we were so young...WEIRD...and how we jumped in feet first. Not a clue what we were doing, really. And, if you think about stuff like that too long you just end up effing things up anyway. Hell, it was college. We wanted to be together and we did whatever it took to make that happen. We moved in with each other after dating for a year, I was 19 and he was 18. I know my family kept it a secret from the extended family. ***sssshhhh, Michelle is living with a boy her first time away from home. Oh dear Lord. Say a prayer***

It didn't sound so good. I'm sure Keith's family was a little freaked out that Keith had a live-in girlfriend ALREADY! I know, I know. But, we knew we were in love and it all fell into place so naturally. We struggled together. We grew up together. And, boy did we fight. Talk about growing pains! Kids crazy in love!

I suppose there were many opportunities along the way to throw in the towel and go our separate ways. But, it was never an option. I couldn't walk away from him. Why would I? Afterall, he's what I wanted and I couldn't even dream up a life without him. I don't think it would've worked b/c had I gone out on dates with other boys I'd want to call him to talk shit about them...like "dude, he's such a tool. he doesn't even listen to good music...he likes Creed for christsakes!...and he wears the ugliest shoes...and don't even get me started on how dumb he is b/c God, is he dumb!" I guess you could say he's my best friend. And, I'm the luckiest girl to have created this world of ours together.

My younger cousins always ask us how we do it. How do we stay together and happy at the same time? How can they find a good guy? I don't really know what to tell them, except I knew when I had found it, and I held on tight. But, I tell them it's hard work. I've learned a lot in this relationship over time. I've learned that it's best to let the man be a man, and a woman be a woman. It may seem simple, but it's quite the opposite. Kings of Leon sang it best "Told me you love me, that'd I'd never die alone...Hand over your heart, let's go home"...and we never looked back. **If that song doesn't make you want to rip your heart out of your chest,well... you're a robot. It's best to jump up and down, pound your chest with your fist and scream NOBODY KNOWS...NOBODY KNOWS....BUT MEEEEEEE!...at least that's what I imagine *know* would feel right.

A Biggun

April kicked my arse up and down the court. I'm so far behind. I think I know why my posting has continued to suck. Ever since my laptop battery went to shit, I've been leaving this sucker plugged in on my desk. Hence, no postage. I suppose I'll need to get off my bum and get a new battery. Maybe in 2010.

I've got lots of pictures, but will probably send most out on a Kodak gallery sorta thing, b/c it's just too many to put on Flickr. Kale and Mack are doing and saying so many crazy things it's hard to keep up. Mack turned 2 and Keith made a video for him, just like he had made Kale. I cry every time. I'm a sucker. Check out the video...

***If you haven't already bought the new Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs album "It's Blitz", run, don't walk and get. it. now. It's awesome.

We celebrated Mack's birthday on April 10. Then celebrated Easter the same weekend. Then it was the joint birthday party on April 18, where it poured and poured. Fortunately, our family really loves us because everyone was there. Kale's class celebrated his birthday on the 21st. They delivered a balloon to him, sang him a song, and I brought in sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles for all the kids to decorate for snack time. Then we finally celebrated his actual birthdate on April 22nd. *PHEW*

(post-bunny photo op)

(kale ready to be sung to in blue. see mack in the orange shirt? creating havoc.)

(mack's bday cupcake commercial audition)

On top of that, Kale participated in a trike-a-thon for St. Jude's Hospital the last week of April. You know, like...laps around cones. On a bike. Kale doesn't know how to ride a bike. Two days before, we're out practicing. I'm totally losing my patience. Uncool, I know. I bring the bike to the school the day of the trike-a-thon anyway. I figured it'd give him a good idea on how to ride it, even if he didn't make it one lap. Everyone gears up and is ready to go. Kale's there playing along. They yell "GO" and all the kids roll out, some on scooters, some on bikes. Kale's left in the dust. Slowly, but surely, there he went. One leg, then the other, then the other. Go Kale! He did the whole thing. Now, if only we can get him to go faster than an ice cream truck.

(he's the one on the right on the green bike)

Kale's also been playing soccer. EARLY soccer Saturday mornings. Last Friday, we went bowling to celebrate Melissa's birthday. I told myself that we'd be home early. It was not going to be a late night...since we had soccer at 8:30 a.m. Around 1:30 a.m., I was learning how to do the "Stanky Leg" with Melissa's friend. FAIL. But, Kale was a rockstar out on the field that day. At first we thought soccer was going to be a waste of time, b/c he would get pissy that the ball wasn't his and when he'd get tripped up, he'd pout and want attention. We didn't know how to handle it. So we ended up ignoring him. Kale only has two more games left, but I feel like he's learned so much about himself and you can tell he's more confident out on the field. Sports, man. I wish I'd played more as a child. Ahem...more? I mean a sport. I was the girl sitting out of any athletic activity in Jr. High. Uh, you want me to what? Softball today?... I've got asthma... where should I sit out?

The best four years of my life

From here to there so fast. Slow down my baby boy.

You make me so proud.

Yesterday you turned 4 and our hearts ached.
We reminisced about bringing you home for the first time.
You made us a family.
I love you Ka-Buns.
Happy Birthday.

24 months

Yes, it true. He's two. He's also...

Tenacious

Smart

Loving

Funny

Stubborn

Brave

Tough

Adorable

and a hitter, tantrum-thrower, scratcher/puller.

And, we love it all. Today and everyday. Happy Birthday Mack...

your smile makes it all worth it. We love you.

Hit me baby, one more time!

In case you didn't already know, I went to see Britney on Monday night, and IT WAS THE SHIZNITZ! Thanks to Melissa for scoring us some badass tickets and to Keith for holding down the fort while Momma went to scream her lungs out like a teeny-bopper! There were all kinds of peeps there, from the old to the young. I've never seen so many men with perfectly shaped eyebrows, gold boots and scarves to match! We saw several people dressed in Ringleader outfits. No. I'm. not. kidding. People that probably shouldn't be wearing such revealing clothes. At one point, Melissa and I were trying to do a covert op for a picture of these works of art, but they wouldn't turn around. Dammit! Quoting Melissa: "I want to get a shot of the gut and all". So, no pictures...you'll just have to take our words for it.

The Pussycat Dolls opened up and they were awesome, too. I was so excited that I used up most of my camera battery on PCD, of course. I could've sworned the damn thing was fully charged. By the time Britney came out, my red battery light was blinking...fuckin' a. True to form, I was rendered useless for the rest of the show. (Check out Melissa's pics) We were so close that when I was taking pictures/video, I almost felt rude, like I should be enjoying the show instead of messing with my electronics. And, there Britney was, performing right in front of us and we're all looking in the live view screens of our cameras. I couldn't help it, none of us could. Whether people like to admit it or not, Britney is an icon. She's a powerful marketing force. Elvis didn't write/read music, nor did he play the guitar, it was a prop. His act was a show and he sold it. Madonna: same shit.

I think people are really pulling for Britney to keep taking her "no crazy" pills. I can imagine it's hard for a healthy person to live captive in their celebrity world, much less someone battling demons. I was just in awe that this was the same head shaving, umbrella wielding, crotch flashing lunatic from all the gossip mags. If she makes it through, I think she'll maintain this wave of success and come out on top. Either way, LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!!!!!!!!!!! Ha! Ha!

The Amazing Weirdo

Kale is so amazing. He's an amazing weirdo, and so witty at the same time. You've heard living with a 3 year old is like living with a crazy person. It's so true! Oh my gosh, is it ever! Kale can tell you the wildest story about his teachers punching the kids in class. Or, how one kid was bleeding and then the teacher pushed him down and another kid hit him again. On Tuesday, I sat in the carpool lane watching him practice his Wii boxing moves on another little boy (just air, no contact). Uh yeah, he's been doing that a lot to us lately. There were 5 teachers standing by, but no one saw it, I almost honked my horn. I was cracking up in the car, but wanted him to stop. When he got in the car, I asked him who he was boxing. He acted like he didn't know what the hell I was talking about. I told him he was grounded from the Wii the rest of the afternoon. He said he was sorry. We then met Keith at Academy. Before we got there, I told Keith what I'd seen. When Keith opened the door, the first thing out of Kale's mouth was I'm sorry. Keith had a talk with him in the parking lot. And, then went into Academy and bought Kale a punching bag and gloves. Here kiddo, punch this...good message. When I picked him up on Thursday, the director was loading him into the car (like always) and Kale proudly announces to me "I DIDN'T PUNCH ANYONE TODAY MOMMY!!!". I smiled politely and said "Well...isn't that wonderful sweet pea!". Ms. Becky smiled back at me and shut the car door. :-)

I'm afraid my little boy is growing up...eek. Not really sure what stage this is called, but I can tell there is another section of Kale's personality blooming. A part of himself that is demanding respect and acknowledgment of just who he is. Fine. Fine. He really has learned so much this year and I'm continually proud of him. The week before Spring Break, I asked his teacher about how he was doing in school in a general way. She said he didn't have any enemies, that he was so sweet and really smart. Finishing up with "well, you've just done a great job with him". Ah. Be still my heart. That made me feel so good! 'Cause this stuff is hard work.

I've learned that it's hard to stay on top of my boys all the time. If you don't like them saying something or acting a certain way, it's got to be unacceptable at all times. Not just right then, but ALL the time. I know I can be hard on them at times and maybe I should lighten up a little. I know they feel hurt when they've disappointed me. I'm a yeller, but I'm trying hard to not be...as much. I know this time will pass me by and I want to be proud of the time they've spent with me. I still know how to have fun and I think my boys know that side of me, too. I'm a 'no-nonsense' kind of Momma, but I can be loving and funny, too. And, I am always in their corner no matter what, but when they're wrong, they're wrong. It's a tough world out there and I'm doing my best to prepare them for it. I am their biggest cheerleader, but also their coach. It's hard to be both, but it's what the job requires.

Testament

We didn't leave the house today and it was everything I'd hoped it to be. Fantabulous! Now with the time change it seems as if summer is right around the corner. The weather being in the 80's doesn't hurt either. I can't imagine it getting much warmer than what's it's been, but I know it does...dreadful.

Mack is really enjoying his tumbling class. He actually crawls on top of a mounting platform, reaches forward to touch the bar, grabs on, swings a few times and then lets go right into the middle of a hula-hoop. It is totally the highlight of his day. I'll have to get that on tape soon. He's also starting to make more sounds and a bigger attempt at talking. We know he's saying stuff, so we're working extra hard to make sense of those "words". Today he said "bath" for the first time, or at least, according to us it was his first time.

I think we've turned a corner with Mack. Now don't get me wrong, he's still lets us know when he's effing miserable, and you know how we know that? B/c we're effing miserable. (I feel like I've said this before...ah yes, I have. Well, this is a different corner...maybe) The Dums-Dums are still in effect, but we're using them less and less. Unfortunately this means we've been letting him roam the stores with us freely, which requires much more effort and attention on our part. But, at this age, it's what he wants...to be a big boy like his brother. It's difficult though, like a constant battle. Somedays I just don't have the energy to struggle with him, but I can't back down, b/c then all the groundwork I've done will have been for nothing. And, neither does he. So, there we are having words with one another in Ross.

Parenting never stops. There are no breaks. There's no just 15 minutes so you can finish your coffee. A quote that comes to mind right now is "It is an up-at-dawn, pride swallowing siege that I will never fully tell you about." (a la Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire). Perfect. It's in your face, balls to the wall, bracing yourself for punches. It is not for the faint of heart. It will make you test your limits. Limits you didn't even know you had! No, I'm not crazy. I'm in love.

Today in pictures

A trip to the bug museum:

Airplane

On my mind

I downloaded a couple of albums so far.

1. Cut Copy, In Ghost Colours, this was recommended tunage on Dooce.com and she never steers me wrong. It's funky 80's music, a lot like Erasure. Keith said it's pretty gay.

2. M.I.A., Arular, which was released in 2005, but is getting a lot of buzz lately because Paper Planes was in Slumdog Millionaire. Turns out she's been popular among the cool folks for awhile, but I just jumped on the bandwagon. A week after I got her album, she performed on the Grammy's, totally pregnant, in a crazy outfit. M.I.A. is the S.H.I.T. Anyway, her Bucky Done Gun song rocks and listening to Kale sing it is effing hilarious.

You can give me a big fat F for all the non-posting I've been doing. Sorry. Bringing that up all the time is essentially the beginning of the end, huh? Well, I'll try and not let it be.

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Kale sent Valentine Transformers with a lollipop and M&M's to all his friends in class. The Valentines weren't to be addressed to anyone in particular just to "My Friend" from their name. Kale got a small heart box of Spiderman chocolates from one little girl. Pump ur brakes lil lady. And, it was addressed to him. Hmmm. Hmmm. This is the same little girl we ran into at Luby's ' a couple of weeks ago after school. Kale urged me to let him go say hi. So, after we finished eating, we headed over. As we got closer, Kale increasingly became glued to the back of my leg and disappeared. I introduced myself and nudged him to say hi to her, to which he did and was very happy. The little girl's grandmother whispered into her ear "Is that your boyfriend?" to which she very enthusiastically said "YES!" to.

Our weekend was spent with Uncle J, Na-na, and Melissa. We took turns babysitting while the other couple went out for the night. We've been spending a lot of time together, us four. It's been great. Last weekend, my Mom stayed home after the boys had gone to bed, we went to dinner and then bowling. We haven't had this much fun in a long time. I jokingly told them that getting pregnant at the same time we did, was the best non-planning they'd ever done. Ha! But, seriously, it's really been such a blessing and I can't think of any other way things should've turned out. We're looking forward to our vacation together this year. They're ready to get their arses handed to them in Scrabble...with love.

***

I'm going to end with news that's been spreading like wildfire where my Mom works. It's just a reminder of how precious life is and how we never know what path it will take. A well known Dr. at Methodist was recently featured in an article in Reader's Digest. Well, he lost his son in a tragic car accident this weekend. His son's obituary is truly remarkable and moving. Any mother and father would be proud of such a wonderful young man he was turning out to be.

I look at Kale and Mack and see their potential and I wonder what they'll be like one day. I can't imagine doing what every parent does...the feeding, the bathing, the hugging and kissing, the teaching, the nurturing and everything else...only to have it taken away from you. It's a pain I pray I never experience. Please pray for this family.

http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=124138021

Texas sledding

It is almost time to pick up Kale and I've been meaning to post these vids of us at the park, for oh, 3 days now. I don't have enough time in the day. If only there were 3 extra hours, or if I didn't need sleep. So, I will leave while the computer uploads them and when I come back, I will attempt to publish, but that may be too ambitious for me. I'll come crawling back to the computer at 11:30 tonight...


Yesterday I took Mack to his new tumbling class at the YMCA, he's so crazy. He only does what the teacher asks 57% of the time. And, if he were my first, I'd be chasing him around the room trying to get him to do a pencil roll for the 5th time. Instead, I get him to try it once and then I let him do whatever activity that interests him, until the next task. Maybe it's the balance beam or the big triangle pad, whatever. I'm paying for it and I don't really expect him to learn anything, so it's about having fun for me. The poor teacher hasn't taught a toddler class before. Ha. She tries her best to keep them focused on her and at the task at hand. She was sweating at the end of our class (3 little boys, 2 and under). My little monkey...

Here we all are kickin' it old school. Yes, that's cardboard. And, yes, it was a lot of fun. The funniest video is on Melissa's blog, it's of me flipping off at the end of the hill. At the beginning you hear Justin giving me a tip on how to go faster and I respond with "No, that's alright." And, right before I put my second leg in, I tell Tatum to move before plunging to bottom and eating grass. Check it out here.

Keith's turn, he got some pretty rad grass stains:

Here's Melissa and I racing:

And, here's one of many of Justin:

For a good time

We were out to dinner the other night and I got a misdirected text message on my phone.

So, I decided to have a little fun with it...I replied

I thought the guy would figure it out and I'd get a pissed off or a funny reply...

Keith and I almost peed ourselves. What's the Meat Whistle? Really?! No clue?! We left it at that because this poor boy was lost and didn't need the help of our twisted minds. But, the next morning when I turned my phone back on, I'd received a text message at midnight that just said...Dude. And, I don't know what's funnier? What's the Meat Whistle or Dude? Dude could mean so many things. For instance, he could be saying Dude, you fucking bailed on me. What's up? or Dude, does Meat Whistle mean what I think it means? or it could mean Dude, you missed the most kick-ass night ever! Either way, I'm leaving it to the universe to help this guy figure out what the hell happened to his friend Aaron on Thursday night.

In other proud moments...

Justin just started his first semester at the Art Institute this month majoring in Web Design and Interactive Media. He's been working really hard on his assignments. He's so excited, because he's getting graded on his artwork. Actual feedback and praise. I can only imagine what the other first year students drawings look like. I'll say a little prayer just for them. This is impressive. You miss a lot of detail on the blog, but you get the idea.

*this is their living room, minus the Monopoly guy.

Name that song

Have you heard the song by Lady GaGa "Just Dance"? Okay, so who the f*ck can say Lady GaGa without feeling like a goddamn idiot? Do it. Say Lady GaGa. Makes you feel like you need a bottle and some Desitin on your bung hole, huh? Well, the chorus is supposedly something like "just dance, gonna be okay, da-da doo doo". Uh huh, whatever. Next time you hear it, put in "just gotta doo doo", cuz that's what I sing, and it sounds just as good.

In other funny (IMO) music related news, I recently caught Keith, with Rocco's head in between his hands, lovingly singing "Could you be...the most stinkiest dog in the world? Could you be? It's plain to see..." you know, the song by Prince The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. He so funny.

Besides these two horrible songs, I'm looking for some new music to make my ears bleed while I workout. Got anything? I need like 4 new albums by tomorrow. I'll let you know what I come up with. It's always fun to share new tunes. If you haven't bought it already, run out and get Santogold (one of our faves from Fall '08). That shit is golden! Listen to it and see if you don't want to slap the shit outta the person next to you on the treadmill and scream I got to be unstoppable. I got to be unstoppable. Ey ey ey ey. You don't lie. Ey ey ey ey. you don't lie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I almost start doing to full out jabs and upper cuts when I listen to this album while working out. Like a scene out of Rambo. Except, I'm not Italian. Or a man. Or have a speech impediment. Nor do I wear headbands. There's always tomorrow.

Here's Santogold's single on You Tube...watch and listen and then bend down and cry "I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!"

Figaro...Figaro...Fiiiiiggaaro!

Tonight, I'm taking my Mom out for her birthday. We are going to the opera! I'm so thrilled. I've been wanting to go to the opera for so very long now. I'm taking her to the opening night of A MidSummer's Night Dream and we are on the 3rd row!!! Shut yo mouth!!! I specifically got orchestra level seats because my Mom used to play the clarinet...really good. So good, that she even sat in a few times with the Houston Symphony during highschool!

We are both giddy with excitement. I know it's going to be magnificient, but we won't know the magnitude until the music starts and the lights dim. Ooooohhhh, I can't wait. Can you tell? So, here we are, getting all dressed up for our big night that we've been waiting for. Afterwards, I'm taking her for sushi. Happy Birthday, Mom...you sweet thaaang!

Cheers!

Very, very merry

Well, things are definitely back to normal around here. Kale started school again and Keith is back from a 5 day long meeting. Yea!! Days and weeks before his meeting we don't really think about it. Then it's the night before and we're all...shit. Then we pray and think good thoughts that he makes it there, and back, safely. 'Cause at this point that is all that matters. We say our goodbyes and then we're off. And, seriously, I can't even stop to think about it. I just jump in and keep swimming and before you know it he's back and everything is back to normal. Phew!

The days Keith was out of town, my Mom and my brother went out of their way to keep me company. It seems they were there every time I turned around offering relief or a good laugh. I feel so blessed to have them so close to me. Really, I don't know what I'd do. We had dinner together every night. My brother traveled with me to pick up my Grandmother for the weekend on Friday, visiting our favorite BBQ place along the way. (Oh, peanut brittle you are so naughty. So, so naughty.) And, whenever my Grandmother is in town, there's sure to be some kind of party. She has an entourage! Everyone wants to come and see her while she's in H-town, she's our living Elvis. But, that's exactly what me and the kids need when KD is out of town. Saturday night, Melissa, Justin and Nathan spent the night and we stayed up late playing Scrabble (which I totally need to practice, but when your brother scores 87 points in on one word on the second round, you might just throw in the towel and hope you can drink your way to victory, too). Before my Grandmother went to bed that night, we needed to discuss sleeping arrangements. So, I asked..."Momo, do you think you could sleep in my bed tonight?" She says "Why? You scared?" Man, she's hardcore! Nathan and Melissa needed to sleep in the guest room is all. Geez.


As the sun came up, 5 measley hours from when I laid my head down, and Mack made it known that someone needed to pick his arse up from his dungeon pronto, my Grandmother rolls over. "You know what?" she says quietly. Sleepily I say "What?". "You snore. And, this comforter is so heavy I don't know how you sleep with it. I can barely move!". Good morning to you, too. Senior citizens are F-U-N. If you know my Grandmother, you know how hilarious she is. This cracks me up everytime I tell it. A special thanks to my family for making my life a richer, more happier place. I couldn't do it without them.

***

So many things have been going on. Just life, really. But, when life is happening there's not much time for anything else, like...blogging. Here's to a new year and to new year resolutions. I don't really make new years resolutions, but I've changed ways we do business 'round these parts and feel the need to share...

Numero Uno: I've cancelled all paper bills and therefore only get my bills delivered online. It is so worth it. Do you know how little mail I get now?!?! GLORIOUS!!!!


Numero Dos: We've joined the YMCA and now, look forward to working out. It is amazing to drop the kids off and then workout for an hour blasting my Ipod. Whoever thought of this concept really knew what they were doing! GENIUS!!!

Numero Tres: I've relocated my laptop to our bedroom. Of course this meant doing a mini makeover to our current "study"/guest bedroom and the master bedroom. Now, Keith and I have our own work spaces, respectively. The reason behind it was I found myself too distracted having my laptop in the kitchen. Sitting there. Calling out to me. Look at me! Look at me! Here I am! Don't you want to see what kind of sale ______ is having? Didn't you need to look up ________ for ________. Don't you want to see what's going on with _______? It just got too easy and too time consuming for me. I didn't have the discipline to not hop on and just fart around for a few minutes. I felt like it was pulling me away from the kids when I should be engaged. So, now that's in my room, hopping on is not so habitual anymore. I go to my room, the kids come with, I do what I need to do (pay bills, answer an email) and I'm done. It's much more refreshing.

What we've been up to:

Despite his clear hatred for a gazillion butterflies fluttering around his cranium (i.e. butterfly exhibit). Kale's favorite thing to do is re-enacting scenes of Bear Grylls, from Man vs. Wild, eating bugs. Notice the red shirt on his head. The shirt represents the piss laden shirt that Bear Grylls placed on his head to help him survive the desert heat. I would've put my foot down had Kale asked to pee on his shirt...maybe.

This picture is so funny to me. It's almost as if it's a split screen and they were at different locations. On left: Justin, Melissa and Nathan are excited to be at the Monster Jam Truck show and on right: Keith and Kale are watching a puppy being tortured.

Kale's world is being taken over by Transformers right now. The main character's car in the movie, called Bumblebee, is like so awesome. We spotted a car like it at the museum. Kale couldn't. stop. touching. it. It's like his "Jesus".




In Mack's world, this is his big to-do for 2009. Some hope to run marathons, finish a project, or give to charity more, not Mack. He just hopes his family is smart enough to have these on hand at the ready. Anyplace, anytime...for this is what makes him happy...anyplace, anytime. I realize how bad this is for his teeth *shudder*. I'm pretty sure he'll outgrow it, though. You got dumped right before you're Jr Prom, oh honey, here's a dum-dum, my sweet boy. All better? Excuse me?! Where'd' you tell me to put that dum-dum? If only it were that easy.

How do I love thee...

Mack loves Rocco. I mean l-o-v-e-s Rocco. I don't even think he likes us as much as the dog. And, I guess it's only right, in the balance of the universe and all, that he tortures the dog mostly. As much as Rocco annoys the hell the out of Tatum, he gets it back ten-fold from the other baby in the household. Mack slaps, punches and pinches him. He walks on him, pulls his ears, pulls his tail. We are constantly pulling Mack off of him and trying to teach him to be gentle. I'm just glad Rocco is accustomed to this man-handling.

If one cannot find Mack, it's highly likely that he is in Rocco's kennel with Rocco with the gate shut. Or, he's squeezed his little body into Tatum's kennel while Tatum and Rocco are playing tug-of-war. Either way, Rocco is Mack's best bud. It started early...

Attack of the mop:

Attack of the Mack: