Would You Like to See My Peacock?

For Hallie's Halloween costume 2 years ago I decided she should be a peacock. Might be the dumbest decision ever. I thought I'd share it because it was the most expAnsive costume I have ever made (and I want to pimp it out on Pinterest). I did buy the tutu dress from some site on etsy (wish I could link it here but can't remember the name!) but thought making the feathers would be the easy part.... um no. I wish I had a progress pictorial to show you how I did it. But I don't. So I'll just tell you and you will have to use your imaginations... (I am still recovering from the glue gun burns.)

First I bought a turquoise fairy wing set. And some black boa feather things. And 5 zillion peacock feathers. Who knew those were going to be SO expensive? Then I alternately glued the feathers long and short on both sides and put the boa feathers at the bottom to hide the stems....

Now, I am trying to erase the mental images of us walking to the pre-trick-or-treat party at my neighbor Pam's house when she said she wasn't going to wear the feathers and I sent the boys on ahead of me so I could, through gritted teeth, tell her oh-yes-she-was-bless-her-heart.

In my opinion, the cutest part of the costume were the chucks on her feet. Now I am stuck with a 3 foot wide set of feathers and no where to store them. And I can't get myself to sell them.

Here is a close up of the back:

And of the front:

And, of Darth Vadar. Note the feathers. Oh right. Sometimes arguing with a toddler is SO not worth it.

Happy Halloween - just a couple months early. ;o)

Am I Turning into My Mother? Part 1. {Nike is Driving Me to the Poor House.}

Let me set the scene.... it was 1985-ish... Michael Jackson was going to be my husband [Billie Jean was NOT his lover], my spiral perm was fresh [my hair is thick.... spiral perm was awesome], my preppy handbook said my name was Tiffy, and I really wanted Guess jeans. I can remember wanting them so bad. I can still picture how they were hung on the rack against the white wall at Marshall Fields that backed up to the escalator. Facing forward. Lit up like heaven had shined upon them.

ME: Mom, I like totally really want this one pair of jeans...

MOM: What jeans?

ME: Guess. They are totally rad.

MOM: Jordache? Sergio Valente?

ME: No. Guess jeans.

MOM: Levis?

ME: Levis? Gag me with a spoon.

This is kind of how it went with my mother. So I took her to Marshall Fields and showed her the jeans. I could pretty much talk my mom into most things over time so I was sure I would go home with those jeans. I had the outfit for school on Monday picked out in my head - I had this super cute purple Forenza sweater I planned to wear with them. I can, to this day, remember how it felt to want those jeans so bad. And I can remember, to this day, how it felt to go home without that $50 pair of jeans.

MOM: $50 for a pair of jeans?

ME: *tears well in eyes*

MOM: No way.

My mom was the mom who bought the IZOD shirts at garage sales and took the alligator off and sewed it on my polo shirts from JC Penneys. You know your mom did that, too. Oh she didn't? Whatever. But I knew, deep in my heart, she was planning on buying those jeans that way and taking the triangle patch off the back and sewing it on my jeans from Kohls or wherever.

I never did get the Guess jeans that year.

So here we are, like 15 (*cough25cough*) years later, and I actually said these words. Out loud. To my totally rad pre-teenager.

"$12.00 for one pair of socks? That you will put a hole in in a month?"

These socks.

There is no way to fake these socks but I'm not going to lie. I did think about it. And I have some pretty strong feelings on this sock look the boys are going for these days.

This is the look I am referring to:

And here are my thoughts:

1. Boys. Socks pulled halfway up to your knees with slides [people over 40: slides are the current day version of the flip flops the soccer players used to wear so they didn't ruin their cleats] or tennis shoes [people from the south: tennis shoes are sneakers] is a look you will regret in 20 years. Your future children will make fun of you the way we make fun of my dad for wearing socks with his sandals.

Sidenote: There are no looks I regret.

*slowly creeps out of room*

2. I am already getting ripped off by Nike when I pay $19 for a 3 pack of black socks. That are the wrong socks. (Refer to above picture for wrong socks)

(2 1/2. I know you are still thinking about my big hair and, well, yeah, that's Bill Rancic and me at a date party. We were married. Watch out Giuliana.)

3. How are socks sick? "These socks are sick, mom." Do they have anything contagious I wonder?

[Here I am going to digress. I like to think of myself as a pretty cool and hip mom. Saying I am a hip mom does not make me cool OR hip. It makes me old. I don't get why things are sick or phat or beast. I mean, I *get* it ..... I just think it's stupid. I got swag, I am phat but not fat, my jeans are sick (now that I pay for them myself) and my personality is beast. Word.]

4. Who decided these socks were cool? The ones you had to have. Did some 12 year old mother f-er walk into Dick's Sporting Goods and find the most expensive pair of socks and say these are the socks that are cool and I will tell the world (probably via Twitter because I don't twitter and wouldn't know if this happened) that they are the only socks that are cool and if you don't wear these specific socks, you are a total douche. (Douche is a cool word for dork. For realz yo.)

5. TRUTH: I am going to buy these socks. And I am going to go broke buying these socks. The younger two will have to forgo braces because I will have spent all that money on socks.

6. These socks better not disappear in the washer/dryer like all the other socks do. Or, for $12 per pair, they better come with some sort of tracking device. Like a find my iSock™ app or something. (I don't think iSock™ is trademarked but if it's not, I'm going to invent it so I put that there to protect me. What?)

All I know is that raising kids in today's age really socks. It's really hard to draw the line (onthebackofthesock) in what they can or cannot have. I guess socks are the least of my problem and I should be thankful ..... he'll probably be asking for a corvette when he turns 16.

Um, no.

I Have the Fever & I Hope it's Not Contagious! {A blog about Motherhood and Justin Bieber}

So let me set the scene. The family, decked out in our Packer gear, is holding our breath as we watch the Packers "play football" against the New York Giants on Sunday night for the chance to advance to the NFC Championship game and eventually the Superbowl. I got a lot of flack for looking past this game with the Giants and onto next week with the 49ers. Truth is .... it is my job to anticipate who we will play, if we win, and wish for one team or another team to win/lose and it is the players responsibility to worry about the current week. Apparently we all were looking ahead. But I digress as this is not a post about how bitter I am that the Packers lost last night. Or depressed. Or just in a funk. It's not about my Pack Fever at all.

It's about my BIEBER FEVER!

*cough* *sneeze* Sorry. Hope you don't catch it.

So last night (*coughafterthePackerschokedandwelostasupercriticalgameagainstthenewyorkgiantscongratseliandteamcough*) we flipped on netflix because really? Who wants to watch the Giants celebrate? In Green Bay? And what better of a way to take our minds off of The Green Bay Packers than a movie entitled Never Say Never - the Justin Bieber Story. (This might not be the real title - but it's the one I'm going with because it's damn close and I'm too lazy to do a google search)

The boys? Not happy. NOOOOO! NOT JUSTIN BIEBER!!!! DAD!!!! MOM!!!!!! Even Hallie (THREE YEARS OLD) was saying "I hate JUSTIN BIEBEH!" Um yeah ... sure you do copycat. So in an effort to get them to watch this movie with us we threw in a card game.

OK, now, being a 40 something woman with 3 kids - none of whom are girls between 7-13 who adore the Biebs - I really did not know much about this kid. I did admit this past Christmas that I think he has a very nice voice - even after he [allegedly] went through puberty. I also think he was blessed with some very good looks..... *swoon* (Kidding ... sort of)

But the story of this kid ..... his talent so young, his relationship with his family and friends .... the way he pursued his dreams and his mom was skeptical. This is a regular old kid whose mom just supported his dream. And let me tell you about the crazies I know.... I know a few people who will go to any lengths to get their kid noticed - modeling, traveling to Disney tryouts, etc etc .... these are also the people who *think* their kids are perfect and brag about them all. the. time. You know who they are.

But the Biebs? This movie - with the videos of him as a toddler - and the backstage stuff - really got to me. At one point Justin is so sick he can't sing and has to cancel one performance and literally looks like he is going to cry. And he tweets about it and a gazillion (it's a number, look it up) girls are all like awwwww ... feel better .... and then he tweets that he is sorry and he doesn't want to let anyone down. And then shoot to him the next week running around a park playing football with his buddies.... I mean really? This is a Good. Kid. Period.

[disclaimer: Now that he is successful and almost an adult, I am sure we may see him shave his head and go crazy like Britney Spears did, but, as a mother, I hope not.]

I'm not going to lie. At one point I was in tears. Literal tears for Justin Bieber.

So it got me to thinking - do I have the fever? Do I have the BIEBER. FEVERRRRR? *cold compress to head*

And if I do, how did I catch it? (the movie is the obvious answer here) And why do I have it? Well, I'll tell you why. Because I am a mom. And Justin Bieber represents every single one of our kids. The ones who sing and dance and the ones who don't. The smart ones who get straight A's and the ones who need ritalin to get through a day. (side note: Justin's 7th grade teacher described him as a kid who had energy all day..... LOL ..... perky in the morning and still perky by last period)

Justin Bieber represents our kids - Justin Bieber represents, to me, that my kid can do what he/she wants if he/she puts his/her mind to it. We all want our kids to succeed .... to find happiness in whatever they do .... and Justin Bieber proves they can, and sometimes, even though you are living your dream and making money and having fun, you still miss your family in Canada and want to go home. No matter who you are or what you do.

So, if you have netflx or are so inclined to rent it, see if you can get through it without catching the fever. Good luck! :)

(And as far as my Pack Fever? I've retired the Rodgers jersey until next year - you know ... when we will still be better than the Bears and that's all that matters.)

Facebooking with Pre-teens

So I'll admit it. I have a few friends on facebook that are friends of Casey. They are pre-teen little girls. And I read their stuff but never comment so they forget about me. It's worked well so far. (Maybe until they read this, of course, but I think they should be blocked....) Well, if you are friends with any middle-school age girls, you have probably noticed they are all posting and reposting this crazy list of how you should treat a girl and what you should do when sort of thing..... *rolling eyes*

[sidenote: It is important for me to step back right now and remind myself how I was in 7th grade .... Seriously boy crazy and obsessed. But here's the truth of the matter. I'm not anymore. And it's silly to have been. So there.]

Anyhow, I have been debating whether I should discuss this list the girls are posting with Casey to let him know my thoughts .... let me know what you think I should do - my thoughts are in brackets and red.

When she stares at your mouth -Kiss her ... ... [Don't kiss her, she might actually be debating if she should tell you you have food stuck in your braces] When she pushes you or hits you like a dummy cause she thinks she's stronger than you -Grab her and don't let go [NEVER grab a girl and don't let go. That's called rape in a court of law.] When she starts cursing at you trying to act all tough -Kiss her and tell her you love her [She's a bitch with a potty mouth, dump her ass] When she's quiet -Ask her whats wrong [Be thankful she isn't talking for a few minutes. There is probably nothing wrong.] When she ignores you -Give her your attention [Enjoy the break and call a friend to go play football] When she pulls away -Pull her back [Again, not a good idea] When you see her at her worst -Tell her she's beautiful [OK, do this one. That's pretty nice.] When you see her start crying -Just hold her and don't say a word [No... ask her "What the f*ck is wrong now?!"] When you see her walking -Sneak up and hug her waist from behind [Really? Gay.] When she's scared -Protect her [Honestly? You'll probably be scared, too.] When she steals your favorite hoodie -Let her keep it and sleep with it for a night [Unless it's Abercrombie or important. Then your mom will kick your ass.] When she teases you -Tease her back and make her laugh [Why is that bitch teasing you?] When she doesn't answer for a long time -Reassure her that everything is okay [Why is something wrong? So confused.] When she looks at you with doubt -Back yourself up [Back yourself up with a few friends who have your back.] When she says that she loves you -she really does more than you can understand [Seriously. Because she has hormones that you do not.] When she grabs at your hands -Hold hers and play with her fingers [Unless they're sticky. Because then ewwwww.] When she bumps into you -Bump into her back and make her laugh [Or just form tackle her and tell her to quit bumping into you.] When she tells you a secret -Keep it safe and untold [Except tell your mom because if someone ever says 'don't tell anyone,' remember you are supposed to tell your mom.] When she looks at you in your eyes -dont look away until she does [What are you, cats?] When she says it's over -she still wants you to be hers [Yeah, because she's a possessive little wench.] When she reposts this bulletin -she wants you to read it [Not your mom, though. But she did.] - Stay on the phone with her even if she's not saying anything [Why?] - When she's mad hug her tight and don't let go [Revert back to first and second comment about this not being a good idea. Holding someone against their will is also kidnapping.] - When she says she's ok don't believe it, talk with her because 10 yrs later she'll remember you [I remember all my boyfriends whether they were nice or mean. Just be you for God's sake.] - Call her at 12:00am on her birthday to tell her you love her [Unless you're asleep, of course.] - Treat her like she's all that matters to you [Um no. Your family should always matter more.] - Stay up all night with her when she's sick [Gross, really? I mean HOWWWWW sick? You don't want to catch it. And shouldn't she be sleeping instead of staying up all night?] - Watch her favorite movie with her or her favorite show even if you think it's stupid [Not a bad idea but your friends will laugh at you.] - Give her the world. [Yeah right. How are you planning to get "the world" with no job?] - Let her wear your clothes [Unless she's bigger than you.] -When she's bored and sad, hang out with her [Pre-teenage girls are ALWAYS bored and sad. You need to have a life outside of this chick. She sounds like a real pain.] -Let her know she's important. [blahblahblah] - Kiss her in the pouring rain [Sure, if you want to catch pneumonia. ~Love, Grandma] - When she runs up to you crying, the first thing you say is: "Whose butt am i kicking,BABY?" [Remember, if you get caught kicking someones butt, it better be for a better reason than this.]

Holy Crap! My Kids Aren't Perfect?!

I know I do a lot of bragging about my kids - most of it to myself and a little bit on here and even a little bit more on Facebook [I hate the changes, too] ... but *faint* .... it turns out .. *gasp* ... that my kids aren't perfect after all. [Help me up...]

But really? Did it all have to happen in 1 week?! Sigh .....

Casey is a rule follower by nature. So when it comes to school work, Casey would rather turn in something done half-ass than not turn it in at all. On a [almost] daily basis I check what we call the "Parent Portal." This little website is designed to give us up to the minute updates on how our kids are doing in their classes. Grades fluctuate almost daily so I try (TRY) and only evaluate this little gem on Friday afternoons. Well, my week starts out and I see Casey has these weird 3 letters on one of lists of grades. NHI. NHI? I think. I wonder what that could mean? National Honor Inductee? I just can't imagine.... turns out this means Not Handed In and the grade he can get on it from here on out is a ZERO. I am shocked. Speechless. I won't bore you with the details on how I have not let this go with him and have literally seen him roll his eyes at me on a few occasions regarding this NHI, but really?

Then there is Hallie. Preschool. She comes home Tuesday and tells me that she had to take a time out in Spanish [HOLA!] because she was arguing with another girl. Now besides Parker biting someone in 3 year old preschool, neither of my boys ever got in trouble at preschool. So I ask what they were fighting about. Whether or not is was raining outside. Really? Seriously? So I ask Hallie which side she was on..... raining. Good girl because it WAS raining and you were right. Well, half right because you really can't be disrupting a Spanish class with your obnoxious need to be right all the time. Not sure where she got THATTTTTT............

Then the clincher. The perfect end to my week. I am going to post the e-mail that topped off my Friday night but I am going to change some names to be fair to the other kid/family..... My comments are in brackets.

Tammy; [Tami but whatever]

As I always do [and you, Tami, never do], today I took my kids to the bus stop and saw Parker was already there waiting for the bus. Right after him my son [insert name] lined up. When Mr. John [bus driver] approached the kids he was making some gestures [not that kind!] to the kids waiting. Then [said kid] said "Look, Mr. John wants to fight with me", to what Parker answered "He is talking to me, you idiot". [the dad wrote that in red, not me]

Probably [removed name for privacy] didn't noticed what Parker said, but unfortunately I did and want to express you that I feel really bad for what I saw (you have kids and I'm sure you wouldn't like to witness happening the same to yours). I understand that kids some time do not get up with a good mood, but I know you shouldn't be calling anyone for no evident "you stupid".

In this case I'm not looking for an apology; what I really want is this not ever happen again.


thanks in advance for the attention to this note;
[Neighbor]

My first reaction was to think oh Lordy ...... I would hate to be the first kid to actually be mean to your kid BUT then I had to remember the grudge I hold against this one kid from when Casey was in 1st grade. This kid I hold the grudge against said something mean to MY FRIEND'S kid and I wasn't even a witness. [sidenote: that kid really is a butt still to this day] So my response was to have Parker march over there and apologize to the DAD and then the kid.

I accidentally just popped open a beer instead of a diet coke. It's noon-ish and I have a football game and 2 baseball games in addition to two birthday parties still to go today .... hopefully your week was better than mine.....

Can't wait 'til Monday???

Why this picture is perfect...

So let me give you some background. The last picture that we took, as a family, with decent clothes on and showered, was 2003 when Parker was 6 months old for a Christmas card. Hallie didn't even exist and that picture is still framed on my bookshelf. We have 1 other picture together with the 5 of us - well, 2 pictures actually. One is at the hospital when Hallie was born and the other is on vacation in sunglasses and swimsuits the following Thanksgiving. She was literally 5 months old. If that.

So Nana is in town and would like a picture of the 5 of us. Oh yeah I think! A perfect opportunity to get one for me as well. I will get us all clean and set the camera up and we will make happy memories. *swoon* I tell the kids listen, it doesn't have to be matchy or perfect but let's look presentable. By tell the kids I mean tell the kids AND HB because let's be honest .....

Casey comes down in a stretched out, dirty Michigan t-shirt. (GO BLUE!) Parker is still in his North All Star shirt - and sporting a hat! HB, after rolling his eyes, changed out of his under armour shorts and t-shirt.

I say please boys, please - I have spent a small fortune at Abercrombie - please can you put on something decent. They go in. They come out - Parker has removed the hat and Casey has not changed. 4 times. 4 more times I beg. I plead. There is door slamming and fit throwing. I am screaming "I don't ask that much of you!!!" I am muttering selfish little brats under my breath. Hallie looks adorable because she doesn't yet realize what is happening. I start sweating. It is 400 degrees. I might be exaggerating, it was probably only 200 degrees. I am setting up the camera. I am trying to explain to my mother-in-law how to take a picture. (A challenge I implore upon you to take on someone over the age of 60)

I finally get the boys outside. They are ticked. HB is missing. He is now back inside ordering cleats for Casey. Important. Hallie wanders off. The boys are picking my just planted flowers. Casey is all but refusing to do what I say taking this moment to become a teenager. Parker is pouting and mad and stomping around. We are a happy little Norman Rockwell family, damnit! I tell HB where to sit. I tell the boys where to sit. No one can understand what I want. People who don't know me pay me money to do this I think to myself. They don't make mad faces at me and say mean things to me. HB is complaining and saying, "Come On!" ..... so down we sit. Casey is not doing what I ask - have asked 300 times. Parker is crossing his eyes to spite me. Sweat is dripping down my face. And back. And ears, no lie. I flip out on Casey - you don't flip out on Casey - he is too sensitive and I can't have him crying he will get all blotchy. I get the boys to cooperate FINALLY and Hallie wants to lay down. I am yelling "snap the pictures faster!" at mother in law. LOL..... Hallie starts arching her back - doesn't want to sit with HB. Walks off. I threaten that she will no longer be part of our family. Then I bribe her with a fictitious Hershey bar. Lies. All lies.

We pretty much all can't stand each other at this very moment. And then *snap* ....

I can work magic, right? Frame! Happy little family.

(***as a special note I would like to really thank my MIL Gail Knodel for helping take these pictures***)

176 school days until Summer Vacation!

***I am adding this disclaimer to this blog post. Today is Thursday. I have been trying to write this damn thing since Monday when the boys went to school - or were supposed to go to school but Parker was home sick - but Hallie has torn apart every puzzle, pee'd in her plastic potty that had no insert in it, wheeled her doll bed into my bathroom and threw every content from the baskets below around my whole room, painted my legs, feet and toenails with black washable paint - only washable if you aren't in need of a pedicure you can't fit in because you don't even have time to breathe, and currently spilled a whole cup of water on the table just because it is fun to watch it drip. Oh and whined incessantly. IN-FREAKIN'-CESSANTLY ... Three more weeks until preschool. I can do this.***

*** oh oh .... and now the cat just puked and she is freaking out because that is wealllllly sickkkkkkk***

SUMMER VACATION!! Funny. I feel like we just got a break from our summer and am ready to relax and "vacation" and BAM! The kids go back to school. Sigh ....

This summer was one like no other. I used to say I wouldn't do swim team because I didn't want to have to be obligated to be anywhere during summer vacation. THAT? Would have been the least of my issues....... This summer I just couldn't have added it to my plate .... my iCal was screaming "STOP! ENOUGH ALREADY! I'M FULL! NO MORE DOTS!" I, honestly, was so busy I didn't have time to work! The one client I fit in I shot DURING our family birthday party at OUR house for all 3 kids (and HB) ....

So, here is a recap of Summer 2011........

Memorial Day, pool, baseball practice, pool, baseball practice, pool, baseball practice, pool, tournament for one child, pool, baseball practice, golf tournament, baseball practice, baseball practice [I am stuck on repeat?], baseball practice, tournament, 14th anniversary, baseball practice, tournament, Father's Day, baseballlllllllll, Casey's birthday, weekend tournament away, HB's birthday, 4th of July, golf, baseball, Grandma's birthday, family party, baseball practice, baseball tournament, baseball, golf, Parker's birthday, week-long tournament in Delaware, kids go to camp, Parker's birthday party, Hallie's birthday, FOOTBALL (YES! FOOTBALL!) practice, fun week .......... AARRGGHHHHH!

Wait .... you know what would be more fun? PICTURES! Yes! Yay! Pictures!

This is actually a picture from the 4th of July. But since the summer started with Memorial Day, I thought I would put it first. It's my blog. I can do that. So there. :D In case you are wondering where on earth I got such adorable shirts that don't say Old Navy or 2011 on them, my friend Liz makes these super adorable shirts ..... we have one for every holiday she has made them for so far! I will pimp her out right here ......

This summer Parker played on the 7U Bulldog All-Star team .... he was one of our catchers and played GREAT! We didn't win anything, but he made great friends and had a great time! OK, truth is it was &!@*% hot. I sweated my fanny off every weekend and am surprised I was able to gain 5 pounds instead of lose them - but that was probably because my kitchen didn't see a home cooked meal in 3 months. Oh well.

My sweet little catcher:

Batting:

In action - my favorite picture because who else can catch a ball with their eyes closed? Yeah, he is THAT good. LOL

(That guy in the corner being an umpire is Eric our mailman ..... gotta love a guy who can deliver your mail properly and get $20 at Christmas because of it and go on to make calls against your team anyhow....)

Casey also played baseball but I'm going to reserve those pictures for when I tell you about our week in Delaware because I know right now you're thinking "OH YAY! Tell me ALL about it! Please! I can't wait another minute!" Patience, my friends.... patience.....

Casey did golf competitively this summer - but not enough to get enough points to compete in the Championship (which was when we were in Delaware anyhow so I guess who cares? Him.) ... but he did really well seeing as we could only fit it in when we weren't playing baseball. (Thatisourstoryandwearestickingwithit.)

Anniversary ... Father's Day .... both taken up by baseball. Casey's 12th birthday - see the blog post about it, if you care, because clearly he is the golden child since he got the only birthday blog post - frankly the only blog post all summer- was a great time. We were lucky enough to have a break from baseball that day/night so we let him have a couple friends over to celebrate.

I know what you are thinking when you see his cake. You are judging me because you might know there used to be a day when I would special order a cake from a bakery that would be perfect ... and this? I wonder if it is less embarrassing to say I bought it at Walmart or made it myself .... you choose.

This is our Happy Birthday sign. You see it a lot during the summers around our house. Lots of birthdays. I make them take a picture with it every year which they hate ..... but I like to look back at them! If you look closely at the bottom of the H, there is a purple sticky spot - that's because I was so lazy last summer that I put the sign away with the balloons attached from Hallie's birthday and they melted. :o) Good job, Mommy!

HB's birthday was uneventful - surrounded by baseball and a home cooked meal. We were all shocked to be sitting around the table together. Riveting info.

Then we hit July.

On July 4th I decided to see what the moon/star button did on my camera. Because I don't use that side of the dial normally. It did this and I thought it was super cool!

And here Sweet Caroline (™Neil Diamond) was almost fast enough to get a whole star!! Don't think I won't have a special surprise for NEXT 4th of July! :o)

Then, being the rednecks we truly are in our hearts, HB drove to South Carolina to get the big dawgs and we had our own firework celebration in our cul-de-sac. [insert apology to our neighbors also in the cul-de-sac who have little kids with strict bedtimes ... especially for those really loud squealy ones but you *did* choose to buy a house in a middle class subdivision in a cul-de-sac sooooooooooo............]

I KNOW!!!!! Right?!?! Pretty cool pics .... errrrr......I mean....... fireworks .....

Parker's 8th birthday was the day we left for Delaware so we decided to change it from the 15th to the 14th. Here he is on his "8th birthday" (*coughonedayearlycough*) ...

I know, he still looks 7 there, right? He was 8. I swear. Really. Work with me.

He is in desperate need of a haircut (and teeth.)

So Delaware. The coach of Casey's team decided we should go do a tournament in Delaware called Sports at the Beach .... kind of like Cooperstown only not as, um, boring? Just kidding. There is a lot to do in Delaware and here is the photo diary of our trip from facebook, if you would like to see it! (You shouldn't have to be "on" facebook to see that album link)

Anyhow, the trip was the best we could make of it - lots of history in Delaware and the beach was awesome and tons of fun with friends and family .... and we threw a little baseball into the mix. My favorite baseball pictures from the trip are this succession of pics below..... if you know anything about baseball, the kid/runner will lead off of the base in an attempt to be ready to steal the next base. In this case, Casey was on third. Then, the pitcher will try to pick them off by throwing the ball to the third (or whatever) baseman instead of throwing a pitch resulting in getting the runner out. So you hear the third base coach yelling BAAAAACKKKKKK almost constantly. (Follow?)

Leading off of third .......

Back! Back! Back!

BACKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hand stepped on, face [mouth, eyes, nose, eyebrows, ears, teeth, expander, you get it, right?] full of dirt, jammed finger ........

OH. MY. GOSH. Thank goodness I had my camera handy! :o)

Anddddddddd jump right back on that horse!

So we get back from Delaware after a week of fun and jump right into the week of camp for the kids and football for Parker..... I think that is what happened - have I lost my mind?! Don't answer that.

Parker loves football. OK, that's not true. What Parker said was that he isn't going to play football next year because it's too sweaty.

Team ..... that is some SERIOUS sweat.

First day of full pad practice .....

Whoooo boy ..... love that sweaty grin!

I am almost done. Are you still awake?

Then along comes the Royal Princess Hallie's birthday. Royal [pain in my butt] Princess. On our way home from Delaware (5 days before her birthday) I decided we should give her a new room for her birthday because she has been obsessed with this "princess bed" since she saw The Game Plan last December. By "we" should give her a princess room, clearly I mean "I" should give her a princess room. Really, we all can agree that HB is not handy and not really into any sort of physical labor. So off to camp she goes and having slept in our room for 10 days in Delaware it was easy to keep her out of her room and in ours for an extra week. So I take down the crib, paint, redecorate, make curtains, make a princess swag, put a bed together and purchase, drive home AND lug upstairs a full size mattress & boxspring! By myself. I *AM* abnormally strong for my size. *flexes muscles* About day 2 I was thinking it was the stupidest thing I had ever EVER EVERRRRRR decided to do but when we surprised her ON her birthday with her princess room, we got this reaction:

I mean, really ..... how can you top that?

Then she said "Take my picture!" So I did .....

THEN, I think her exact words were, "OK, now get out of my room." Oh how I love that little personality. Lovelovelovelove..........................

The before and after pictures of her room are also on facebook and the link should be public, if you care to see the transformation...

I do want to add, about Hallie, that she was a good sport this summer being dragged to baseball games and left behind with sitters..... I did actually spend *some* time with her and she learned to do this:

No. Fear. (Very. Scary.)

The last week before school starts we call "Fun Week" and try to cram something super fun into every day that we didn't get done all summer. On Monday we got haircuts and school supplies. What? That's not fun? On Tuesday the kids begged for a pajama day. Are you saying you don't think it's OK to stay in your pajamas all day? You are no fun. None at all. Wednesday we did something that slips my mind, Thursday we saw a movie and Friday we went to Malibu Grand Prix.

Then school starts. And it ends. :o( And now, finally, I am ready for summer. I guess the only saving grace is that living in Atlanta it will FEEL like summer for another 3 months! Woot woot?