Blue/Gold Webelo Deux

Today was Ian's Blue/Gold Ceremony Banquet where he earned several pins and padges, but most notably, Ian crossed over to the title of Webelo 2. For those of you familiar with Cub Scouts-you know what I'm talking about (Actually, you most likely know more than what I am talking about b/c I have to admit I fall short when it comes to keeping up with his Cub Scouts stuff). I guess I just feel, as a mother to two boys, that the perk of listening to loud noises and much activity coupled with the sounds and smells of boys (I know you all now what I'm referring to here-so I won't elaborate!) in the home is that I don't have to listen to it in exponential numbers by attending Pack meetings. It's just a little too overstimulating for me, capeche? So, I leave most of the Cub Scouting to "The Daddy-Mac Mick" to do and to enjoy some close male bonding with his sons.

That said, I did attend the aforemention ceremony-because someone needs to take pictures and document the big event, right?

The ever changing Wish List...

So I checked my email today and this was at the top of the incoming mail list. Ian's most recent Birthday Wish List. You would think his bd was next month and not several months away! LOL


Birthday wish list‏
From:
Ian Sent:
Sun 2/24/08 11:39 AM

I know I've been changing it around alot but only for the absolutely awesome stuff
1. Guitar hero guitar for wii
2.Super smash bros. brawl for the wii
3.Lego Indiana Jones Set
4.Lego Star wars set

Latest Addition...

...to our collection of musical instruments (if you will). Stopped by Toys R Us for a Star Wars lego set for the boys (and they couldn't decide on one-go figure-they wondered why we never take them there-this is the second time they've been to Toys R Us since we moved here almost four years ago) so we adults (LOL) decided to get something the whole family could enjoy-with close monitors on what songs they could play and listen to-of course.

Snow Day...AGAIN

Ugh... Snow day again. Actually, more like ice/sleet. I love having both boys home from school-it just stinks that the weather isn't nice for "playing in" IYKWIM. Where I grew up, a snow day was truly a snow day! We could have my dad take us around the neighborhood on the snowmobile or go to the fairgrounds and take off from the "ramp" to tool down the hill and make a crazy attempt to try and propel ourselves far enough along long enough to make it to the ice skating rink where one could further their wild ride. Such great memories I have of snow days like that. Just wish I had some of it captured in pictures. Sigh.
So, today we did some schoolwork (algebra, geography and more) and then Ian asked to make a quilt. What? Well, I said that would be fine-but that perhaps we should start with a small project; like a quilt block. He wasn't too excited that we weren't going to make a full quilt. I then began to explain to him all of the planning and measuring and work that goes into a quilt. I told him about his GGM on my dad's side who was always making a quilt of some type andwho would often get with other ladies for a quilting bee where they would gather at someone's house to work on one quilt together and they sewed it all by hand! (At this point Ian's mouth was on the floor). It is pretty amazing when you think of all of the time invested, effort and detail that went into these works of art, these pieces of comfort and warmth, these articles of history that mark an era that is completely different from today. A slower time. A time where people wouldn't plan weeks in advance to get toegether, but who would stop by for a spell and sip some sweet tea or lemonade on the fronch porch or on the breezeway (depending on where you lived). And yet, as I think of it, things have really changed since my grandmother's days of quilting bees...today many sew quilts by machines, and sew alone and not in a group. but, a new type of "bee" has evolved for my generation. It's called a scrapbooking crop...and I think it quite resembles the quilting bee of old-just a different mix of mediums-some which crossover to sewing and some that don't as well as the community of friends getting together to fellowship and talk about the latest news,, about family, about memories and about creating a bit of art that will be a great gift to one's family for years to come.
So, anyways, Ian and I began to make a 3x3 block with a border and he managed to get several of the squares cut out and sewed together. Should said project actually attain the title of "Completed" I will post a picture of it here! :)

Quote of the Day

Pablo Casals : Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.

That's food for thought.

Life is Busy...

found this on another fellow SB'ers (C.D. Muckosky's)blog this am:

Life is full and life is busy, it just is.
That will not change
I can't imagine that it would all of a sudden slow down just for me.
I think that "slow down" is a choice,
I think it is a part of how we each choose to take it all in ,
how we choose to see our life.
What kind of eyes do you want to see your life through?Rushing by
with eyes too focused on wherever it is that you are going
and a mind full of what is on your list of "to do"?,
or
do you choose to be present NOW, in this very moment right where you are?
seeing clearly the gift of it all;
each breath,
each shared day with little people,
or big people,
or just the peace of sunshine and wonderful fresh air.
Life is full and busy,
it just is
but we always have a choice.

All too familiar territory...

Ice Storm 2008..a rerun of 2007. We've had three "snow days" and should be back to school in time for Valentine's Day celebrations tomorrow. We were without power Sun evening from 10Pm -7AM. Transformer blew nearby. We are making the best of our time together playing games, watching movies, making arts and crafts, reading books and playing the wii. Boys have had a lot of fun adding to their popsicle stick puppet collection. Constantly growing...latest additions: Kirby, Ice Climbers, ZELDA, Link, The Fantastic Four and more. Should be a huge gala of puppeteering taking place soon. looking forward to that.

You tube funny...had to share

this with y'all.
I know every female out there can relate to this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz6DktXFvg4.
Little irony here as I'm the one down with a flu/cold bug! Grrr....

Busy with book fair at E's school and Valentine making. Tax prep. Spring cleaning.
Looking forward to next weekend-an extended weekend for us. Ian and I will play in tennis tourney. Really looking forward to that.

Mick went out with some buddies from college to watch a BBall game tonight. Good for him to get out with the guys once in awhile.

Need to get back to my POTD posts. Haven't found the time to post-process lately.

Ethan was telling me about the ladybug he made at school on Fri. He said he sponge painted on the dots and each wing had 9 dots on it. I said, "So how many dots total did the ladybug have?" To which he replied, "18." And then I asked, "Wow. How did you figure that out so fast?" to which he replied," Well... 9...12...15...18!"
"You counted by threes?" Iasked. "Yep!" was his reply. That boy!

Quote of the Day

Was reading another blog tonight and came across this quote: "When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.

- Henry Nouwen"

I am so grateful to have friends like this in my life and it is my prayer that each one of you do too.

Spiderman 3

Friday Family fun night entailed the viewing of this movie. Lots of action. Some great special effects...but we definitely had to "lalala" through one or two places were there was some inappropriate language. It was good for the boys to see a movie where the good prevails over evil. Earlier today we received the Phantom Tollbooth DVD and we watched that as well since Ian had just completed reading the book earlier this morning. He was all over the movie-citing places where the movie left out situations, places and characters. I told him it was good to notice these things and that he should look for the positive aspects of the movie (like the animation). Secretly, however, I was humming to myself that he "liked the book wayyyy better than the movie! That"ll keep him a readin!

Boo came home with an adorable marshmallow snowman that he made in art class this afternoon. According to Boo, the snowman's hat was made from a "coconut". I informed him that while the snowman's hat did come from a tree, it was actually an "acorn" that made up Mr. Frosty's hat! LOL. Note to self: I need to take a pic of the snowman and post it here later.

Tomorrow AM is Ian's first group Suzuki lesson. I'm nervous and excited for him. Hope he doesn't totally work himself up over playing in front of a bunch of strangers. Afternoon is the weigh in of the Pinewood Derby. So, it looks as though Daddy will be busy tomorrow! Hee-hee. Seriously though, we'll both be doing stuff with the boys all weekend.

The Game of Life...

the BEBZ just finished a game of it after we returned from Ethan's open house for his gifted class. This was a game they had started a few evenings ago. Ethan came into me with his carload of peeps and informed me about his "family." He told me, "This is me and this is Tessa, my wife you know...and these pink ones are my girls...and the BLUE ones are my boys!" (All with a huge smirky smile on his face). I asked him if he had any twins, towhich he replied, "Yes! THE GIRLS!" Cracks me up that boy.

Tonight was also Ethan's open house for his gifted class. He was so excited to be there ( a little too much maybe-energy abounded!). Two of his girlfriends from Pre-K were there-so that was nice to know there would be familiar faces there for him...not that he has any trouble with shyness! Unfortunately, he will not be going there the same day as Big Brother, so he won't be riding the bus with him. That makes me a bit nervous. Not so much with dropping him off to ride the bus in the am, but moreso the afternoon. His teacher will ride the bus home with him the first day-so that lessens my worry a bit.

Ian started Suzuki piano lessons last week and is doing well with it. His first group lesson is Sat. Should be interesting as he will need to get up in front of strange new faces and play his piece of music. Hopefully, it won't stress him out to much! He is not one who really likes to be in the limelight. I think it will be really good for him though. Self confidence...getting up in front of people and performing...preparation...practice...that's all good stuff. How could it not be a good thing, right?

Off topic here:
So, Mick and I were discussing this the other day, and we were pondering EXACTLY when in one's stage of parenthood does one stop referring to his/herself in third person when talking in the company of your kids? Is this just something quirky about us or are there other parents out there that do the same thing? Hmmm....

Sad...Sad Day

The Blue-Eyed Boyz and I am mourning the death of Heath Ledger today. Such a sad thing. So much talent. So much more he could've contributed to this world in addition to what he had already contributed. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his daughter, his parents,his friends.Heath Ledger found dead in NYC apartment - Celebrities- msnbc.com

Big Gma' s Ski Trip 07

Here's some pics from our annual Christmas trip with Big Gma to Colorado. Each year has been so much laughter+learning (the big kids too!). Each year we can see how much the kids have grown + improved. This year was skiing+snowboarding. On Christmas Eve there was a torchlight parade complete with Santa, lights and fireworks. Last year was hard to beat (with the blizzard snowfall) but this year had a lot fun on its own. I personally will never forget the look of excitement and glee when my nephew Casey opened his gifts from us...authentic Florida license plates! He was so pumped. He is collecting different states to make "wallpaper" in his room. Just goes to show you one does NOT have to spend a lot of money on gifts. What a great reminder to us all. Definitely something I don't want to forget.Ever. These aren't the only photos (actually they are the ones Big Gma and my sister (Linda) took. Maybe one day soon I'll post some of mine. (I couldn't quit compel myself to take my 20D out on the slopes this year-so my pics were almost exclusively taken indoors.

POTD 01.17.08

Boo's KGTN Enrichment Night was Thursday. I took this picture while the kids were taking on the parents in a game of "Hot Feet." All of the kids (and some parents) had flushed faces by the time they were done. In the library, Boo got up in front of class and answered a library question so he could feed the "very hungry woman" ( a doll that you could stuff he face with questions). When he was done he was asked to pick another friend to take a turn. His girlfriend, Tessa didn't raise her hand (and Mick and I smirked knowing that was who he wanted to ask). Ethan kept willing her with his eyes to raise her hand and when she didn't and other little hands were waiving spastically in the air, he ignored them. He finally looked at her and said, "Tessa" anyways. She declined and he reluctantly was left to ask another friend from his class. It was hilarious watch -this benign courtship of kindergartners. And the coy look on Ethan's face-well...it was priceless. Mick and I are still chuckling b/c we realize we may have been the only parents who caught on to Ethan's antics. Except, of course for Tessa's mom.

Premiere of American Idol

tonight...we had our Tivoes set! One for AI and one for Biggest Loser. Love that I can get things done and "Speedview" both-bypassing the lengthy commercials. What a great invention!

Happy for technology that helps me waste less time.

Other news: Boo came home with his report card last week-great report-nearly all strong areas and an extra special mark for art! So pleased to see that he was "a leader both socially and academically." I personally love watching the relationships he has developed with his classmates. He is so kind and helpful to all of them. No wonder they run up to him with glee. (He thinks it's all about his hair LOL-WE know it's all about his HEART).We are still waiting to find out when he will start his gifted program. He is so excited to begin. So awesome to see the love of learning evolving in him. So grateful he has a teacher he loves.

Got to thinking today about our daily life-computers + blogs, wii's, cell phones, PDA's (Mick not me-I stick with the old Franklin Planner), text messaging, call waiting and caller ID (big yea for that one!), ipods and Tivo, digital SLR's, microwaves, surfing the net, PSP's. So many ways our boys' lives are more convenient. So many ways their lives are more complicated too. So many ways they are more enriched. So many ways they are overstimulated. Trying to maintain balance. Trying to lay a foundation of good, healthy habits. Trying to lead by our actions and not solely by our words. Trying to live with intention and purpose. Here's to trying! -Nite!

Today's POTD

Friday's POTD

ok..a few days late-but that's ok. This was taken at a dear friend of mine's. We got together to learn digital sbing together and to work with PSE. We had a great Mexican lunch with tacos and chips and guacamole (homemade-my favorite). Ian played with her girls-and they all got along amazingly well. (Good thing I brought a third nunchuck for the Wii -usually three ends up with someone being left out). So nice to have friends whose kids get along with yours. Gotta love that!

Yesterday

was a full day of errands. Went to local mall to exchange out some Christmas gifts-just different sizes and colors. The mall was PACKED!Bebz got some long-desires "Mood' rings as well as some new shirts and pants on deep discount at Old Navy. We rented some movies for the boys and Mick and I caught the last half of Packer Game (yeah..I know...what was I thinking? I was told by my loving hubby the game was on the 13th-so my bad for not double checking. Luckily i caught the best half-way to go BRETT AND DA PACK!)
Still tidying up the house-paring down and thinning out. We are all doing pretty well on the quest to better health this year. Lots of yogurt, nuts, fresh fruit and veggies as well as weight lifting and viewings of Biggest Loser to motivate us! Hey, if those morbidly obese people can do it-we've got no excuse. i am constantly amazed at the transformations that occur throughout the course of the competition.
Looking forward to seeing some positive changes in our physiques in the near future!;)

POTD

So..today was productive. Homeschooling took a turn in the field trip direction with a quick visit to a Suzuki Piano Academy. Looks like E Buddy will be the next pupil. He'll begin next week with his homeschooling buddy. Lunch took us to Subway and afterschool details included a quick visit to the library to help momma shelve books,watching a bit of Batman and a few rounds of Shrek on the computer,dinner as a fam and then workouts and reading. Ian is reading the Phantom Tollbooth for language arts. He is really enjoying it as am I. Kind of like the boys' version of Alice in Wonderland in some ways. Oh, and Ethan is blossoming into quite the little reader too. He is now able to read at Grade Two level, possibly further. (NTS: Need to check with teacher and the librarian to find out his most recent tested reading level).
Bedtime routine took a turn for the unscheduled with an impromptu gymnastic display of cartwheels by the BEBZ in their bedroom. I reluctantly ok'd it AS LONG AS no one ran into the bunk beds (and since they had already done one or two before I entered their room!!). Let's just say it took them ahile to wind down tonight...sigh.

POTD...Look carefully!

Mick and the Boo Bear having a little one-on-one time. Nothing like a caramel rice cake and a good book to wrap up the bedtime routine. All is well in our house again...as long as we see no new creepycrawly critters popping up here and there. I have to say, Boo's handled the whole "Cootie" thing relatively well. Two other kids were sent home with notes today saying they had an "infestation." (Another one of those words that sounds as gross and disgusting as it is!) I still, to date, have not found another critter on him except that one, sole, louse! And I must say, I hope he stays a lonely louse!