NOT about ME.

Well that was fun..

I got a lot of positive feedback from the last post. I might do some more stuff like that in the future(but probably not just about me) It was fun to write about something other than the kids and parenting for a minute. I'm open to more suggestions! Or if I left anything out of the last post you want to hear about let me know. For now I'm going to stick to what works and what I know best. 

Back to Parenting..

Logan stuffs

Happy boy's 2nd grade picture

For the record, he said his ears are magical because they actually get BIGGER in pictures than in real life. Amazing, huh? 

We made it 2 weeks into school without a sick kid. That has to be a record! Kendal is "Hot and a little spitty" but definitely "NOT SICK" That means that I was home with a puker and missing Logan's first belt test for Karate.  Its was regional thing at UCF and he was really excited. Loopy took a TON of pictures

Practice with D before the test

Good form

Push up test

Blocking

Kicking Stance

With Sensei Michael

Waiting to get his yellow stripe

Southeast Cuong Nhu Crew

Hero Academy Crew

One day blisteringly hot day in September, Logan came home and went straight outside to play in the dirt like a 7yr old boy should. 2 hours later he comes in and says "COME SEE WHAT I MADE!! its a dirt hotel for bugs" ok, pretty cool looking, very elaborate. The only problem is that I think he buried a sprinkler head and he is wearing uniform pants that now have a hole in the knee and they are BLACK from the thigh down. *sigh

Logan is a comedian pretty much everywhere we go. He wowed the staff with is cup song skills at Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios and danced Gangum style all the way to the table. Here he is learning a few days earlier


 Then he taught Dad how to play too.

This house is protected by a ninja in dress pants,clip on tie, and pimp hat. He'll take you down with his amazing fashion sense alone.








My kid did a whole weeks worth of spelling homework thinking it has to be done all in one day. I wasn't about to stop him. That means the rest of my week will be easier! He was not even grumpy about it. Kendal is quietly building board games out of Legos. Easy mellow afternoon for the win. knockin' on wood.

Logan must have gotten into trouble at school because he's being REALLY nice to Kendal and put his backpack away and said he just doesn't remember what he did today. I am enjoying the happy sibling moment too much to go read his binder right now. Hoping that I just got my awesome kid back after a very long and whiny hiatus...

...Nope, he got a star for the day and only has to practice spelling and vocab. AND the construction guy down the street said he was very polite on his way home today and said "Hello sir, have a good day" to everyone. There is still happy laughing coming from the playroom and he read her a story. Is this the twilight zone? I don't even care that the playroom is getting trashed

Went to cracker barrel for breakfast and this incredibly stern looking woman stopped by to tell me our kids are a PLEASURE to sit near at a restaurant because they are respectful, well behaved, and polite. She was a Jr high teacher and said to keep doing whatever we are doing. Am I in the twilight zone or have I hit the "sweet spot" of parenting? Yeah, Logan was dressed as a bandit.





Every night after I read with my kids I ask them if there is anything they want to tell me or talk about. If you don't do this, I highly recommend it. Some of our best kid-isms happen at bedtime. Kendal usually punches me and tells me to get out. Logan always comes up with something. Somehow he just got me to agree to go on a "Goth Themed Date to Paranera" on Friday He's got his outfit picked out and we need black fingernails. Could be fun.






Logan hurt his foot, was looking for sympathy, and donations.







Me: Logan, your turn, go take a shower.
Logan comes back out of the bathroom: Mom, I don't understand the concept of some words and phrases.
Me: That is because you are seven. What don't you understand?
Logan: I don't understaaaaand... Yes and No.
Me: Well then you can look them up in your dictionary after you take a shower so you can get a better understanding. Also look up Procrastination, Stalling, and Avoidance.
Logan: UUuuuugh. Fine. Shower time.

Logan thinks it's funny to walk right passed my car when I pick him up at the bus stop. Guess that means I don't need to waste time effort on that anymore...
1 week later
... So much for Logan's streak of independence walking from the bus stop alone. He asked poor Heather to walk him ALLLL the way home WITH 3 kids in tow. Ugh. I'm so so sorry Heather. I'll to back to picking him up again tomorrow.

Can I just say that watching a group of kids belt test is like watching submissions for The Ministry of Silly Walks? At least it made me giggle when I was watching.. and then later when I looked at the pictures.

Beginning of silly walk test.

REALLY getting into it

These are the more advanced silly walkers

Logan floating gracefully to the back of the line

Anyway, he passed his test with flying colors and got his second yellow stripe. At this rate he'll be moving up in rank pretty quickly. He takes it all very seriously.

Caught Logan sleepwalking upstairs again. He went to pee and walked past the bathroom. Caught him right before he unloaded into the clubhouse. Then had to wrestle him back to his room. Where does this kid pee when I'm sleeping and DON'T catch him? Anyway, disaster averted.

Logan was quickly working though his homework so that he can go to Karate. Except he was screaming and crying the whole time.. For no apparent reason. Just sitting there all by himself having a loud temper tantrum while correctly answering questions and a decent pace. It gets louder when he has to erase something.. maybe erasing is painful.. strange.

Then Susan recommended giving him some salty carbs. I thought it was worth a shot to make the howling stop. Gave him a big bowl of pretzels and he came over laughing.. patting his head and rubbing his belly. What the actual fuck is in those magical little salty sticks?

Kendal stuffs

Orlando adventures with Kendal one afternoon. And I got two spare booster seats for Loopy's car for $30. Bonus.

Kendal Speak: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang = shitty shitty bang bang

The look on Loopy's face when Kendal says "Dad, will you turn on Mr. Noisy (the big amp) play music with me?" Makes my heart melt. They are playing acoustic guitars and singing. So sweet.

Kendal told me that she doesn't care if fruits and veggies will make her big and strong because she wants to stay little just like this forever. I told her she needs them to be healthy and she said "Mom, I"M NOT SICK" and she's right. She is healthy and happy, and smarter than we all give her credit for. I should count my blessings and stop nagging the poor child

Yeah. I'm sitting here watching Dumbo by myself while Kendal is playing games on the computer in the other room. It's the Pink Elephant Parade after Dumbo accidentally drinks moonshine laced with what appears to be acid.

Noise in the kitchen: BANG BANG BANG BANG

Me: Kendal, what are you doing in there?

Kendal: Nuffing. but I really need doritos.

BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG

Me: seriously, stop ramming that chair into the desk.

Kendal: Its helps you to hear me better

Me: I told you to talk so I can hear you, not make loud noises to get my attention. 

BANG BANG BANG

Kendal DORITOOOOOOS

Heard Kendal yelling for help cause she was stuck. She fell in a bucket and couldn't get out

Kendal came out of her room to pee and told me it looks like I'm wearing someone else's head. Guess those nighttime cold meds are kicking in.

I gave in to the boogies and gave her cold meds. 1/2 dose and she still seems a bit tipsy. She's got the hiccups and slurring her way through the alphabet. I took a video but it was pretty awful. 

Me: we should drive to get Logan from the bus stop today because it looks like it is about to rain. 

Kendal grabs her neon pink pumpkin bucket: We should walk. I'm thinking its gonna rain CANDY!! I'll catch it in my pumkin!!

Nope, no candy rain. Sorry kid.

Kendal said the ottoman is her good friend. Then she made him a face. Yay preschool creativity.

Hide and seek with Kendal...She announces where she is and giggles incessantly.

Kendal woke up with a stuffy runny nose. You know why? Cause I'm suppose to go have lunch with Kari and Tater on Thursday. I say we brave the germs. I miss my friend. And so we did.

Kendal picked out her Halloween costume!

She won't take it off.











It is incredibly difficult to put gloves on a florida child who has NEVER worn gloves. She has no concept of one finger in each space but gets mad when they fall off and she can't use her hands.

Family stuffs

Logan is teaching Kendal math. its not going well. She got 3+3 right. but 7+6 does NOT equal Cheetah. ''Mr. Logan the math teacher'' has his hands full.

Logan was pretending to be a Daleck and exterminate Kendal so she kicked him in the balls. I am trying to keep a straight face. Logan is still sobbing and K is in time out.

Kendal: I just wanna get to the Magic Kingdoooom.

Me: We are almost there, promise.

Kendal: I just gotta get there and smell Donald's butt.

Me: what? Why?

Kendal: cause its stiiiinky.

Jeff and Janna, we'll be in line to see Donald if you need us... just to see if we get kicked out

Ok, we didn't find Donald, but we had a great time with the Kelly's and Kendal LOVES Jeff.

As an added bonus, I got to go on rides with Loopy! 

Kendal's teacher told me she is really coming out of her shell at school and they are surprised by how smart she is. (you know since she cried and didn't talk for the first 2 weeks) Then Logan walked home by himself and was happy about it, ate a snack, watched one show, and got up to do his homework WITHOUT nagging. Kendal is playing Nick Jr. quietly WITH headphones. its so quiet I can hear crabs digging. OH, and I slept the whole time the kids were at school. Best. Day. Ever.

Kendal is playing a Little Einsteins game on the computer. Every game has a music/art theme and they talk about the style and artists ect. Anyway. Logan walked in and was like "hey, that artwork is done by Henri Rousseau! Did you know there was a rumor that he painted with his FEET!?" Then he rattled off the name of his famous art and other facts. At least I can say my kids are well rounded.

By the way, I had to google Henri Rousseau.








Kendal found these carecrows at target. The kids are putting on a puppet show. Kendal named hers Scarycrotch. We'll have to rename him later

My awesome geek kids are playing Dr. Who. Kendal made a Lego Dalek.









Inventions of the day: Lego Dojo for a ninja and picture for dad's work by Logan, Lego amusement ride named Bone Crusher by Kendal, A cardboard and sandpaper slinky ramp for the stairs (prototype) by Loopy, and a Lego Dalek by me. We are so creative.

Sometimes there are so many Lego projects in progress that we have to have picnic on the floor. Priorities, people.

Fro-yo for dinner is a bad idea. The kids are literally bouncing off the walls

A couple times a year I am especially bummed to not have our parents in town. This week the kids have grandparents and breakfasts and lunches at school no one to take with them. This morning Kendal is probably borrowing some nice old guy from the church and clinging to his grandpa-ness. We went to have lunch with Logan, he was pretty happy, even though his burger was wrong.

Yup. Loopy loves football, Logan tries to understand, Kendal takes her pants off and dances on furniture and I use it as an excuse to grill things and drink.







So we redid the crabitat with some new stuff. I emptied the whole tank and cleaned it out. Seems that someone definitely ate Mrs. Crabs. OR she just committed suicide because Foxy wouldn't give back the bedazzled shell. I got to watch Mr. Crabs jump shells TWICE and tried to catch Ballsy jumping but he's currently staring down Mr. C for that giant shell. Turbo went RIGHT back under ground to finish hardening. These things really are interesting when they aren't under ground for 2 months. You know, for a couple minutes at a time. Susan said Mrs. Crabs buried herself under ground so no one would see her shame. Only to perish and be eaten by her own.

RIP Mrs. Crabs

Loopy is sitting on his amp watching the 'silent movie' of drama and cannibalism in the crab tank.

Meanwhile Ballsy is burrowing to molt.






Smells like something died in my couch. Guess I'll wash the cushions today and clean the carpets, THEN try some baking soda. Kids are gross.

Me: Hey kids, Something smells terrible right here on the carpet. Any idea what might have spilled? Cause seriously, it smells like death.
Logan completely straight faced: It was the acid. Or the poison. Probably the the poison.
Kendal also straight faced: Yeah. I did that spill it. Sorry about that.
Then they went back to playing like this conversation didn't just happen. I would be humored if they weren't so serious. Rethinking that sleep in/ let the kids fend for themselves on weekend thing..






Went to Winter Springs to check out the new Sun Rail! Then we did some exploring.

Told her it was the Tardis
She was scared to get in

Bowling

You know you live in the south when you almost vacuum up snakes with the crumbs and floor fuzzies. THIS is why I am always telling kids to close the dang door. He's now safely back outside.

    

The kids wanted to keep him, but the Hermit crabs are taking up the tank right now. And I really don't think I could feed a living creature to a snake.. He's better off outside anyway.

Mom Stuffs

So it IS possible!!!

But unlikely. So this is my backup plan.

Public Service Announcement: If you are watching Breaking Bad and leak a spoiler I'll de-friend you immediately and send an angry mob after you and you'll be tarred, feathered, and left on an Indian reservation in a crappy RV until the series is over.

I'd be trashed long before noon. Sometimes it's just over and over for no reason. Sometimes they don't realize they are saying it.. like instead of just being quiet, they say "Mom" to fill the dead air

Kid: MOM!!

Me: What? 

Kid: I didn't say anything. 

Me: yeah, you said MOM

Kid: hmmm, nevermind then.

Oh sweet baby jeebus. REUSE YOUR DAMN CUP

The other day I saw a great article that describes exactly how I feel about being a parent some days. There is so much pressure to have the perfectly organized clean houses, Make time consuming homemade dinners weeks in advance to freeze and RECOOK them later, throw huge birthday parties with f-ing petting zoos, and get overly involved in every damn thing that our kids can possibly be into. 

And in our spare time create adorable bento boxes packed with strictly healthy organic foods arranged in adorable scenes (I'm serious, have you SEEN these things!?  Let me give you an example. Go do a google image search, I'm telling you... 

Seriously, what the hell IS that!? 

If you come to my house it will always ALWAYS be just a little messy. There will be spots on the counter, or dishes in the sink, or underwear on the floor. I won't be wearing a cute dress or blouse. But there WILL always be coffee, a comfy (mostly clean) couch, and good conversation. 

My kids might not have eaten an organic banana for after school snack, their rooms are messy, and so is mine. BUT we are happy, healthy, and well rounded, welcoming, non judgy people. 

Can we PLEASE take it down a notch, people? 

Sometimes I take a mom day. I leave town, by myself to see friends and do stuff that I can't do with kids who are begging to go home or a husband with social anxiety. One day last month I went to Palm Coast to relax. 

Wine slushie with Nissa on the beach? Yes Please.

It was good to see every one. (in no particular order) Davida, Grant, Karry, Melanie, Scott, Luci, Misty, Nissa, Denise, Rachel, Julie, Jessie, Michelle, Nate, Bill, Tehgan, Aj, and anyone else I could possibly have forgotten.

My name is Kara and I am a severe multitasker. I have 3 tabs open with articles I want to read, one tab with a funny video to watch, one started blog, one tab with fb history, notebook is open for blog notes, facebook newsfeed tab, and I am also watching something on tv.. you know, just for added distraction. Only a couple chat windows open though..

Technically, Its only 2:25am, but I am going to call this post finished. So Long September, its been fun! 

Me.

Crap

Ok, So I asked on Facebook what blog readers would like to hear me talk about. I thought maybe I'd get a few replies because as soon as I post a blog (then link to my facebook page) the blog itself gets around 60 hits by noon the next day. SOMEONE is reading along. Or at the very least there are some creepers that scan to make sure I'm not talking shit about them on a public forum. I do that sometimes. But rarely name names. And I also do it out of spite and/or for my own amusement because sometimes passive aggression is fun. I digress.

My friend Sarah had a suggestion, and since she's the first (and so far only) one to respond I'll go with her request. By the way, I've known Sarah since HomeEc in Jr. High. I sort of wish I had a picture of us together back then in all of our awkward Jr. High glory. Her wearing a stunning handmade vest and me with a stuffed dog sewn directly to my middle finger. Seriously, that shit hurt. Anyway, she suggested I write about myself.

I am clearly not good at this particular subject matter. I can make a witty comment or relate to anyone else's story, status, or text. I can write an entire years worth of blogs and stories about my kids, my husband, my family, my friends and their stories.. But me. uh... um..

Ok, lets do this.

What makes us, us?

I believe that every person is who they will be from a very young age. Your heart, your mind, your personality, your character itself is created and becoming defined when you are like 2yrs old. I believe that how you will view life and how you will react to situations is the same when you are in preschool as when you are as an adult. Whether you had a great childhood in a regular middle class family like I was blessed with or a horrific abused childhood. HOW you deal with things remains the same. I'm willing to debate that if you disagree. I like hearing people's opinions. 

That being said.  Here a rough synopsis of how I became "Me." 

[edit: I accidentally wrote my life story, then moved that to the blog in progress section. Maybe I'll put that in a different post. Its way more in depth than I intended.] 
[edit to the edit: My laptop battery died and my life story got deleted. Coulda sworn I hit save. Son of a....]

Me. The shorter than life story version.

I am Kara. 

Pronounced Kar-uh not Care-uh

Photo cred to SG Doomed Photography

I am an extremely compassionate person. My friends and family mean the world to me. If someone is upset I am the first to offer advice or just listen. I enjoy helping people work through problems because I genuinly want the people I care about to be happy, or at the very least content. 

com·pas·sion·ate

kəmˈpaSHənət/

adjective

1. 1.

   feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.

*Disclaimer: I am not a fan of drama. If your issue is self created drama and gossip I probably DON'T want to hear about that and I will only offer the advice of "Knock that shit off." or something similar.

You should probably know that I am very blunt. I am not a fan of beating around the bush. The only problem I have with this trait is that sometimes I come across more harsh than I mean to be. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, I just want to get my point across without arguing or getting off subject. 

blunt

blənt/

adjective

2. 1.

   (of a person or remark) uncompromisingly forthright.

Same thing as being sarcastic. I'd like to call it bluntly witty, but that hasn't caught on yet. Somewhere in the English language the definition of "witty" and "sarcasm" got confused. So lets define these words so you can understand where I'm going with this. 

wit·ty

ˈwitē/

adjective

1. 1.

   showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor

   "a witty remark"

sar·cas·tic

särˈkastik/

adjective

1. 1.

   marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.

   "sarcastic comments on their failures"

   
   

Anyone who knows me is aware of  my "wit" but it is often labeled as "sarcasm" The difference is my intention. I am rarely meaning to "convey contempt at a person's failure". I am merely being bluntly witty about a situation. But often it comes across as sarcastic rather than witty. I don't mean it that way. Calling myself witty sounds more like a compliment to myself than I am comfortable with. Who wouldn't want to have quick inventive humor? I've heard that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, (thanks for that nugget of wisdom, Dr. Phil) but I quite disagree. Sarcasm and wit are completely different and the labels in society are back-ass-wards. According to popular vote, I am sarcastic. Nope, turns out I am indeed witty, you just had the definition wrong.. (See what I did there? I'm not insulting anyone personally.. just making a witty observation)  Moving on

I am a wife and stay at home mom. I've had LOTS of jobs requiring different skills. I've been a technician for AT&T, I've been a Barista, I have been an insurance agent,  I've worked in several days cares, I have been a gas station attendant... I liked all of these jobs for different reasons. 

This is by far my favorite job to date. You all come here and read about my joys and frustration at this particular job. The joys far outweigh the frustration. I make jokes and shake my head and laugh at the antics and misbehaving kids because without a sense of humor I would miss out on the fun of being the mom of two kids that are indeed hilarious. 

Also, I suck at math, so becoming an accountant was RIGHT out.

Before we got married Loopy wasn't so sure he wanted to be a dad. I knew I'd marry this guy in a heartbeat as soon as we started dating but not being a mother was not an option for me. I made that quite clear. Up until I was pregnant with Logan he wasn't sure he wanted to be a dad and I just hoped he'd get used to it because this has always been a part of who I am. It turns out he's a GREAT dad and parenting buddy. I sort of knew he would be. 

I am the calm in the storm. 

I am able to handle stressful situations ridiculously well. I'm not referring to the type of stress that makes mom lose her shit when kids are not listening, the house is trashed, and I'm out of coffee. 

I mean when there is an emergency. If everyone is panicking, a friend is having a breakdown, in the hospital, or bleeding out, I am the level headed voice of reason. If you need some one to talk you down, I'm the guy. If you need a lift to the hospital and are scared or recently diagnosed with something awful, I'll be there.

Along those same lines. I'd like to think I am a good friend. There are very few times when I put myself before someone who needed me. Sometimes its just a coffee talk, sometimes a good amount of drinking or just chatting online. I try to keep contact with people I care about. Maybe not as often as I should, but those that have known me the longest know that I'm reliable enough to be there in a pinch regardless of how much time has passed or how many miles are in the way.

Here is a picture taken last summer of me and Caitlyn. We've been friends for about 25 years. And we've been through some shit together.













This is me and my friend April about 16 years ago. She's one that I would (and have) done almost anything for. Oh the stories I could tell...






I don't have a picture of  just me and my buddy Joe together, but this is from one particularly amazing emergency room visit we had. Joe is my #1 coffee buddy. Not many can hang with us until the sun comes up.. (except April) doesn't matter if its a sunrise over the Atlantic or Lake Michigan..






Oh, here's one of me, Joe, and Brad during bike week. I was pregnant with a kid. I don't remember what year this was from. Brad is pretty awesome too. And he takes me for rides on his bike, which is equally as awesome.

There are too many amazing friends to list and post pictures of everyone.

I sort of panic if I think a friend is drifting away. I find myself clinging to the hope of staying close and I might even lose sleep over wondering what I did wrong. Distance happens and friends come and go. I'm not ok with that. In my ideal world there would be no misunderstandings or stress between friends. I am a very social creature and need interaction. Some people can just be alone and ok with that. Not me. There is always FB messages, text messages, phone calls going on around here. No time is a bad time to make contact with me.

I don't typically care what people think of me. Sure, everyone wants to be liked, everyone wants to be accepted. I am not a judgmental person at all. Being judgey usually leads to drama which is something I don't like or have time for. Therefore if someone doesn't like me or thinks I am too sarcastic or weird, that's fine. They should take more time to get to know me or just move on.

Now if a person I care about has a negative opinion of me I like to know. I am all for constructive criticism and open conversation. I am probably missing the friendship anyway. Communication is essential but it has to go both ways.

I love people. I love learning about people and WHY they are who they are. I like to know about a person's past, how they feel about any given subject and why. People tell me things. Private things, important things, secrets.. I love that. Not because I am nosy and want to spread everyone's business. I love it because it's insight. I love it because people trust me enough to tell me things. Sometimes this comes from friends but I've also had complete strangers sit with me and just start talking about what's going on in their lives, hopes and dreams. I love every moment of it because I love people and the psychology behind them.


I've joked about opening a psychology office for people who don't like doctors. I took psych and sociology classes in college but dropped out before I graduated. Therefore I learned how to talk and listen to people. I can dredge up deep dark secrets but... I don't know how to fix them. But I'll try. I'll listen, I'll give advice. I'll work for coffee and friendship. If there is a problem or subject anyone wants to discuss I've probably heard a similar story and if not I've read about it. I read Psych books in my spare time. I love the subject THAT much. Weird, huh?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when grown ass people refuse to be open minded. There are lots of things in the world to be passionate about. My thing is people. Humanitarian stuff, psych stuff, helping, reaching out, being there. I think that just because someone has a different view than yourself doesn't mean they are wrong. It just means they view it differently. Some people are passionate about politics, or socialized medicine, or being vegan, or a particular parenting style, equality, religion.. the list goes on and on. Just because a person isn't passionate about what you are passionate about does not mean they are apathetic to the situation. It's just not what strikes a cord and gets them fired up. Grown ups should be able to have intelligent conversations rather than bickering matches with a complete refusal to see the other side of the coin. You don't have to back down in your beliefs, just accept that there are others out there. And that's ok.

And that is me in a nutshell. 

I am quite done talking about myself. If there is anything else you want to know, just ask. If there is something you want to say, agree or disagree with what I wrote then lets here it. But for now, I'm sick of hearing about myself and looking at myself! 

Here are some random pictures of me. I don't usually have pictures of JUST me in the blog. So enjoy, it proabably won't happen again! 

professional photo cred goes to Innovative Eyes Photography, SG photography, and Chris Mills Photography

The Other Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

*Hard to top*

11 Years ago today I went on a date with my boyfriend. By the end of the date he was my fiance' by the end of the month he was my husband and we lived in a new state. August is my favorite. Good things always happen in August.

*Sean time*

One of Logan's best buddies from Palm Coast is Sean. He came to stay with us for a few days in July and I forgot to add the pictures and such. My bad.

As soon as he walked in our door... 

Kendal: Well hello there boyfriend. I like it that you are here.. 

Sean: Um.. Hi Kendal.. /eyeroll 

Logan: Kendal, really?

*The Bedtime Incident*

So let me tell you a little story about the time I nearly freaked the frack out. 

A couple days before Sean came over I reminded Logan that his best friend is coming for a few days. He said he doesn't want Sean here. And he also never wants to spend the night at Sean's house. ever. again. I asked why, he said he doesn't want to talk about it. Ok... I let it slide thinking he was just in a mood. 

Whatchu talkin' bout Willis?

The next day I casually inquired about why he was so adamant about this. He said, and I quote, "Because of the bedtime incident. I just don't want to talk about it."




My mom sirens went off and I started to panic. The word 'incident' is more alarming than 'accident' or disagreement' or any other freakin' word in the english language. Particularly preceded by 'bedtime'. I was about to pick up the phone raise holy hell with one of my best friends. Instead I calmly said "ok" and dropped the subject. I could not wrap my brain around ANYTHING requiring such a strong description happening at this friend's house. 

The next night I told him it was really bothering me and I needed to know more about why he won't be friends with Sean anymore. He wasn't interested in having the conversation and I promised that I'll keep his secret and I would take care of whatever the problem was. After about 20mins of prying I got the real story.

Some time ago (could have been weeks or months, who knows) Adriana had taken my kids for the night so me and Loopy could go do grown up things. Since I trust her with my children's lives and there has NEVER been an issue we gave hugs and kisses and went on our merry way. At bedtime Logan and Sean were talking and being silly and Logan said he called Sean a N.E.R.D (he spelled it like that when he told me this story) Now, at our house, Nerd isn't a bad word. Nerds are smart, they typically earn more money than non nerds, they understand complex things, they like to read, ect...  Sean probably answered a math question correctly or something. Anyway, Sean was really upset but pretended to be thirsty and said he needed something to drink. Logan said "don't tell on me, ok?" Sean said "ok" and left the room. He DID tell his mom what Logan said. (according to new and improved bully rules, that is the right thing to do) Adriana went into the room, told Logan that isn't nice and we don't call names in this house yadda yadda yadda. She handled it correctly and the same as I would have. Logan was pretending to be asleep but obviously was not. He was just embarrassed for being in trouble. 

My mouth dropped. I was like wait, Lemme get this strait. You called Sean a name that hurt his feelings, He told his mom, and You are mad that you got in trouble? He said he's mad because Sean lied to him about getting milk and tattled when he said he wouldn't.

That is all the "Bedtime Incident" was about?! I calmly told him Sean did the right thing. Adriana did the right thing and Nerd is often a derogatory word that can hurt someones feelings. He insists he didn't know that. I asked him if next time something like that happens can we please come up with a different name for the disagreement? Then I very vaguely explained things that would qualify as an actual "bedtime incident". 

THEN I contacted Adriana who was just as mortified as I was at the outlandish possibilities, scenarios and feelings that a parent would feel at a terrible alternative to what actually went down. Her recollection of said incident was identical to Logan's. She said I should have talked to her but understood that I wanted to get Logan's story first. 

I did let her know that if I thought for a second there was something more serious going on or that someone had molested or hurt my children in ANY way I would be a raving lunatic on her doorstep. With Weapons. There would be no phone call. She agreed that would be justified.

We both agreed that this will go down in history as 

The Worst Name For a Childhood Argument in the History of EVER.

The End.

*How WE re-purpose things*

Sometimes my laundry basket is used to transport Kendal and all her animals around the house. 

*My bad*

Thought I had a super productive day. Loopy worked from home, I fed kids at recommended times, folded laundry, did dishes, made it to a Dr. Appt on time, brought Kendal's old clothes to Once Upon a Child and did some shopping for me.. I keep feeling like I forgot something. Karate. I forgot to take Logan to Karate. Oops. Maybe next week.

*Poor music stand*

Mic stand had a little accident while I was out getting groceries and need Dr. Kendal to fix it up. Noone will tell me what happened though. I probably don't want to know.

*Bedtime Battles*

Kendal, standing at the top of the stairs: Mom, I dropped my water.
Me: ok, pick it up.
Kendal: I can't, I have to stay in bed.
Me: You came out of your room to tell me that.
Kendal: Yeah, you need to pick it up for me
Me: oook...

*Bedtime Battles 2*

Kendal: Mom, my radio has issues. My Bealtes are broken
(fixed radio)
Me: there, go to sleep.
Logan runs down the hall: I'm not sleepwalking this time, I am awake and I have to pee. Ooh, what is dad drilling in the kitchen? DAD!!! NEED HELP!??
go to bed people, its wine time.

*Bedtime Battles 3*

 Kendal was crying so hard (because she suddenly needed to clean the playroom at 11pm and I wouldn't let her) that she came out of her room saying she needs a towel. She said she cried an ACTUAL river and was all wet.

*Pass the Claritin*

Had an allergy attack while out shopping. Apparently I am allergic to mass quantities of Scentcy burning at the same time. (dang vendors at the consignment store) I sneezed about 50 times then my eye swelled shut. Looks like I got in a fight. Even the People of walmart looked at me funny. At least I got to hang with Chris and Beth at Houligans for a bit and was kid free for a few hours..

*We need a new pet*

I need a dog. Kendal has been eating rice crispies all week and they are EVERYWHERE.

*Real World Win of the Year*

Loopy's new employer Access Mediquip made a top 100 list for Best Companies for working families. Life is different and awesome when family comes first. 'Nothing better out there' my ass. Suck it former employers.

*Disney-isms*

Took the kids to Disney to give Loopy the afternoon off. Went to put sunblock on Kendal ..
Me: Kendal, where is your underwear?
Kendal: Oh, I just left them at home.
Me: Kendal, you are wearing a dress, you can't just leave your undies at home.
Kendal: Maybe next time..
I had extras in my purse

Got on the tram and Logan sat on the outside by the door

Me: Logan, you have to sit in the middle, kids can't sit on the end. 

Logan: Mom, remember, I am SEVEN now. That means that I am fully grown. UGH. 

They didn't ask him to move. 

Sitting in the Disney Jr. Live show
Logan: mom, those are just puppets.
Me: Now that you are fully grown you are going to have to learn to pretend to keep in magical for the younger kids.
Logan: Being grown up isn't all that fun after all.

*Crab Updates* 

So I spent the time and money to get a new crabitat going, got two more crabs, new decor, it takes up our whole couch table. 2 days later they have ALL decided to molt. I haven't seen a crab for almost 4 weeks now. Lame. Pets.

Took out the food and salt water dish to clean up a bit since they are all hiding anyway... Turbo was under the food dish in a nice big cave. I felt like I was intruding like opening an occupied bathroom... So I took a picture.

*The final countdown*

SIX DAYS UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS!!!!!!!!! Kendal is super excited, Logan is trying to talk me out of it. Thursday is meet the teachers day.

*Watch out for that*

Logan just came out of his room crying because he got "ninja-ed by his nook" that means he was reading and dropped it on his face.

*Geek talk*

Logan and Loopy are 1/2 way thought Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. They were discussing it over dinner and I have NO idea what they are on about.

*Progress!*

Last week of summer and now the kids suddenly want to spend every moment at the pool.











The kids played Little Mermaid at the pool. Ariel (Kendal) would find treasures (leaves) at the pirate ship (fence) and have King Triton (Logan) turn her into a human or mermaid and bring it to Scuttle (me) for explanation.. once or twice the Seawitch (also me) would have to torture unfortunate souls so Ariel could fall love with Prince Eric. (Also Logan) here is prince Eric swimming to save Ariel.

*And Build, and build, and build...*

Kendal giving a tutorial of her first official Lego set. It's a tree house that has kept her occupied for DAYS. She is reading a bedtime story to her minifig.

*Take your time*

I recently read an AWESOME article on Huffington Post about taking a deep breath, slowing down, and letting your kids be kids. If you haven't read it, you should. Infact I insist that parents read this HERE. That day it took us an more than 30 min to get home from the pool. Kendal was riding her bike down the sidewalk and was afraid to fall into the grass river. Also stopped to pick up some pretty rocks and found a pencil. Don't hurry if you don't have to, enjoy the scenery and learn patience from your kids. 

*Fun with bath crayons and letters*

*Moose?*

Me: Logan, don't eat that yet. Its too hot.

Logan: I can blow on it mom, DUH!! Do I look like a MOOSE to you? 

Me: Um... no?

*First Impressions*

Logan at the school open house: Mrs. Pace, I am SO good at reading and math that I should really just skip this and be in college already.

Mrs. Pace: Ok, can you help me with my college homework then? 

Logan: Sure, what you got for me? 

Mrs. Pace I have to write a 20 page essay this weekend. 

Logan: Pass, what else?

Mrs. Pace: I think we'll get along just fine this year, Logan. 

Logan: Know why I chose that specific desk in my class? Because there is a Hannah right next to me and that's a really pretty name. I hope I get a whole table of really cute chicks. I just know I'll meet a cute chick this year.

*One last hurrah*

Final weekend getaway of the summer was brought to us by Carol Ann. We love that guy!! 

Kendal fell asleep with her Monkey and a pool noodle that she named Dino Breath.

*That other magical time of year*

Logan is throwing a temper tantrum about taking a shower. School starts tomorrow and I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. I love my kids but OMG, I need a vacation, even if its only for 5 or 6 hours a day.

*Return of the crabs*

Mr Crabs and Foxy are back. Mr C is the one in the tree... he's redecorating.

Playing king of the climbing wall. 

Foxy won. 

*Its the most wonderful tiiiiime of the year*

Logan is off to be second grader! 

Time to wake the Kendal.

Kendal is off to be a pre-schooler! 

Kendal did fine, said she didn't need a hug and went off to play. She was a little nervous but only because one boy was freaking out. She gave him a dinosaur.







I LOVE first day of school pictures. I don't know why. I like to see how much kids grew since last year. I like to see that nervous look that they are trying to hide behind excitement.





My FAVORITE back to school picture of the year is from my friend John. We went to high school together. Then he went on to be in Drum and Bugle core and college. He was the band director at a local high school for a while. This year, he is headed back to school some more. Isn't he freakin' adorable. Love you John M!!



"First day of school, I hope the cool kids don't make fun of me for my brown paper lunch bag."

*first day report*

Kendal had a good first day. Caught a yellow ball on the playground, something about a dead fish, squashed blueberries, glued a heart to paper, and Ms. Amanda opened her yogurt smoothie wrong. Can't win em all. She was nervously chewing her hand when I got there.

Logan's report is that there are a couple cute chicks in his class. His new friend is AJ, he loves his box car (portable classroom), and they are re-sodding the P.E. field


John said he only had applesauce in his lunch and nobody wanted to trade.  Aside from that it was pretty good.  And he helped a blind girl find her class.  Good day overall

*Adapting to the schedule*

Forgot about karate until it was time to be there.. Oops. Guess I'll set an alarm on my phone for that then.

We were working on homework instead of getting ready for karate. Logan had to find 5 of his favorite things and put them in a brown bag. He chose LEGOS, pizza, video games, karate, and his new favorite book, Hitchhiker's guide.

*Spread the love*

Say what you want about hippies, but who else would notice a steal your face sticker on your rusty old car at work, burn an obscure live concert cd and leave a note asking if you want to hang out. Love this town.

*Variations on a theme*

I love Coffee. Coffee flavored ice cream, coffee flavored ecig juice. ANYthing that has caffine is ok, but coffee is my 1st choice. But you should know that this equation is pretty much heaven in my blue solo cup (cause blue was on sale) 

Cappuccino chip ice cream

+chocolate syrup

+International Delight mocha iced coffee

= Best. Homemade Milkshake. Ever. 

My friends Sarah and Jason suggested adding Kahlua or Irish Cream Both amazing ideas that will be utilized in the near future.