The Boy's Got Some Mad Fingering Skillz

Yesterday was Ian's second electric guitar lesson with Mr. Dave. Mr. Dave is an awesome guitarist (who also happens to be the owner of the lovely, Scamp, from the previous post). The lesson went well, there was lots of bending, lots of picking, lots of laughing, and the continuous presence of  Ian's irresistable dimple-always an indicator of intense pleasure and joy. They played chords, and scales and even began a little bit of Classic Rock love-as in Hotel California and Sweet Home Alabama.

Can I say that this is one Momma that is thoroughly enjoying electric guitar lessons? I mean, not that I didn't enjoy (or don't enjoy) listening to the boys' piano but...come on now...we all know that rockin' it out is wayyyyyyy cooler! Sorry Ms. D! Piano is still an awesome instrument!

I can't wait for next week's lesson, to listen to a little more Classic Rock, to view a few more smiles and dimples...

...and to, of course, love on this little bit of canine smoochiness!

What's That You Say?

Not sure what you're looking at here?

Well, let's tune in the focus a bit more. There we go. That's a bit better.This little lovely guy took up residence (well actually it WAS his residence) on my foot. Made himself at home (as well he should). At first he was a bit shy and wouldn't turn to my camera lens.But, then, with sheer persistence and patience I tell ya...I got... the look. Utter make my heart melt. And then moving downward, look at this specimen of couch potato loveliness. Just enough pudge to love. That's what you get with a puggle. A little bit o pug + a little o bit o beagle. And a whole lot o love! But wait! There's more! Here is the supreme specimen showing off his aloof nature. (Well, putting on an act really). He was waiting for the sign...Wait for it...OH...YEA-UH....That's what I was a waitin' fer!!! A great big serving of affecshun and scratchin.'That's what I'm a talkin' about! A little bit oh' luvin on the Scampster. Oh....I suppose you-uns can a come back fer a visit again next week.

Promised Pics of Ian's 12th BD

The ride down to the lake..always packed to the brim with food and supplies and puppies...very reminiscent of a Griswold family vacation, eh? ;)

Showing off their brotherly love for one another!Water fun and deck dancin' with Lil Ms. RS!Needless to say, we are all definitely Lake Lovers!

One Dozen He is...

years, that is. I think it fitting that I post twelve things about Ian at this time in his life:

1. Very motivated to become a black belt in Taekwon do. (Currently, he is a High Green belt)
2. Working towards purchasing a phone
3. Totally into his new electric guitar
4. Loves wakeboarding
5. Into tennis and being a ball kid
6. Facebook fan
7. American Idol and The Biggest Loser are his favorite TV shows
8. Favorite food (that he can eat with braces??) Twix
9. Has braces (top teeth only)
10. Wears size 5.5 youth tennis shoes, weighs 82 pounds and is about 4ft. 10 inches tall
11. Likes his freckles and is pretty comfortable in his own skin
12. Favorite band: Skillet

Gifts Received:

• electric guitar and amp, clothes; Mom and Dad 
• Puma hat and blues "Scattin" Hat from Meems and Papa
• $10 cash from Lil Brother, Boo (sweet, generous little dude he is that Boo Bear!)
• monster HUGE Nerf Gun from Aunt Angie and Uncle Bill and Da Cousins
• check coming via Snail Mail from Big Gma and Gpa
• weekend at the lake with family and friends
• breakfast of sausage biscuits and graavy, thanks to a loving dad

A morning round of James Bond on the Game CubeA little throwing of the baseballGrilling of burgers and Johnsonville beer brats

Fun with friendsAnd Momma's semi-homemade icy cold lemon pound cake to round it all off!

(Note: More wakeboarding and lake pics to follow but they are on Ian's P&S camera-left in the boat! I will have to post more later).

Happy Mail

A few new goodies came via the UPS man today (and last week too). One of them being this lovely:

And then there's this little number to add to my growing collection. I was so stoked when my MIL decided she no longer needed/nor wanted it!

Doesn't it look just lovely perched atop my shelf?

And a few of these for birthday gifts for a few loved ones from a galaxy not so far away:





So, what kind o' happy mail have you received of late?