Just two good old boys...

We had a tough time naming The Babe. I had a girl name picked out but since we decided not to find out the sex of the baby we had to find an alternate name just in case. I scoured name books and websites and found names like Taylor and Avery. These were good names just not what I had in mind. I walked the liquor aisle at the grocery store and found names like Miller and Cooper. I flipped through The Bible but couldn't find anything that wasn't too conservative. I called my genealogically inclined aunt and asked for family name ideas. Daddy and I could not come to terms with a name. He had an idea in his head about one particular name. I was completely against this name because The Babe had a new cousin with a complimentary name. I was concerned folks might think we planned it, liked the show, or were just Hoosiers (no offense to my Indy fans). One day in the wee hours of the morning Daddy woke me to tell me he had the name, and he was right. He added my grandmother's maiden name as a middle name and we had a winner.

We now joke about the reference to the show and how each of the boys looks like their character. My concern now is that we have created a self fulfilling prohpecy. You know, like when Cain's mom named him. Today at Nana's they decided it would be fun to take the five pound bag of dry cat food and have a party. The Babe was the tosser and cousin from the Bible was the dancer. They were both in time out when Daddy called to check in. Nana has made the comment many times that the two of them get into more mischief than all the other cousins combined.

I laughed when I heard the story today. I know it won't be the last time the two get into something together. I hope that their relationship only grows as they do.
















...never meanin' no harm
Beats all you never saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born.
Straightenin' the curves, flattenin' the hills
Someday the mountain might get 'em but the law never will.
Makin' their way, the only way they know how
That's just a little bit more than the law will allow.
Just two good ol' boys, wouldn't change if they could,
Fightin' the system like two modern-day Robin Hoods...

*By the way, we spell it with four letters, not two.

Just two good old boys...

We had a tough time naming The Babe. I had a girl name picked out but since we decided not to find out the sex of the baby we had to find an alternate name just in case. I scoured name books and websites and found names like Taylor and Avery. These were good names just not what I had in mind. I walked the liquor aisle at the grocery store and found names like Miller and Cooper. I flipped through The Bible but couldn't find anything that wasn't too conservative. I called my genealogically inclined aunt and asked for family name ideas. Daddy and I could not come to terms with a name. He had an idea in his head about one particular name. I was completely against this name because The Babe had a new cousin with a complimentary name. I was concerned folks might think we planned it, liked the show, or were just Hoosiers (no offense to my Indy fans). One day in the wee hours of the morning Daddy woke me to tell me he had the name, and he was right. He added my grandmother's maiden name as a middle name and we had a winner.

We now joke about the reference to the show and how each of the boys looks like their character. My concern now is that we have created a self fulfilling prohpecy. You know, like when Cain's mom named him. Today at Nana's they decided it would be fun to take the five pound bag of dry cat food and have a party. The Babe was the tosser and cousin from the Bible was the dancer. They were both in time out when Daddy called to check in. Nana has made the comment many times that the two of them get into more mischief than all the other cousins combined.

I laughed when I heard the story today. I know it won't be the last time the two get into something together. I hope that their relationship only grows as they do.
















...never meanin' no harm
Beats all you never saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born.
Straightenin' the curves, flattenin' the hills
Someday the mountain might get 'em but the law never will.
Makin' their way, the only way they know how
That's just a little bit more than the law will allow.
Just two good ol' boys, wouldn't change if they could,
Fightin' the system like two modern-day Robin Hoods...

*By the way, we spell it with four letters, not two.

I Give Up

OK. You guys win. Your first moment of brilliance, was of course, reading my blog. Then you top yourselves and provide some great titles for yesterday's post. I love everyone's ideas but my top three picks are as follows:

Taint Misbehavin' from Momo Fali
Mommy Only Poops from Joeprah
Update Meme, With a Crappy Ending from Piper

So I give up. I am obviously not in a position to even manage my own blog. Thank you all for stepping in while I was otherwise occupied.

The three of you win a load of crap...haha. No really. You win my gratitude and continued readership. Lucky you.

This last week of recovering for Little Man has been a week of resolution for me. I have struggled with my need to control everything for a long time. Without my little white pill each day I think I may just drive myself and my children crazy. As a grow as a parent I learn to pick my battles with my children but have yet to learn to pick them with myself. I have resolved to give up this futile fight and hand it over. Or give up. When I say up I am giving it WAY up.

• I am giving up the "sport" of parenting. You know what I mean; "Johnny, can you show so-and-so how you stand on your head and gargle peanut butter". My boys do things others don't (and should be able to at times) and vice versa, whoopee.
  
• I am giving up my ridiculous housekeeping expectations. Like Nana Eileen used to say. "My home is clean enough to be healthy" and my favorite, as if a little throw at my mother, "You know, more people see your kids than your home".
  
• I am giving up my guilt. OK this is a stretch. I will make an effort to give up my guilt. You know mothers; we feel guilty about feeling guilty. How does our guilt affect our children. ARG. Enough already. I will not feel guilty for an hour away from the boys by myself. Even if it is to grocery shop. We all need some personal time, and couple time.
  
• I am giving up the idea that I will finish my MBA by the end of this year. Who am I trying to impress and what am I trying to prove? I am self employed; am I giving myself a raise? I only have nine classes left. It. Will. Get. Done. When it works for my life. Without pressure or adverse side effects on my family.
  
• I am giving up an resentment towards my fabulous husband. I know he would love to be a stay at home dad but lets me do it. Although I feel like he is the lucky one at times I know that me and the boys are the lucky ones to have him.
  
• I am giving up the need to try to control my children. Wait. Wait. No matter what you think, none of us really control our children. (I used to think differently until we had our two hour medicine show down) I think we just manipulate them. Kind of like when we make our husbands think something is their idea. It is all about presentation. I am merely a guide or tutor for my boys. They will soon learn how wise I am. I really don't want robots anyway; I want my boys to be able to think independently and be self sufficient. They are, after all, like their mommy...no wonder they don't like to be controlled.

Evidence of my recent Give It Up effort:



While attempting to get Little Man to take meds I turned away from The Babe and pudding. Oh well.

Busted.

Mug Shots of the accused.

Seed 1/AKA Little Man. Wanted for disturbing the peace, causing sleepless nights, breaking curfew, waking brother early from nap, perjury, contempt of court, making his mom cry with laughter, and melting her heart with his cuddles. Potentially grounded for life if Mom does not get a mini vacation.

Seed 2/AKA The Babe. Wanted for conspiracy, aiding and abetting, harboring a fugitive, and giving the best kisses ever. Innocent until proven guilty.

If the two would simply give themselves up now they would save everyone involved a lot of time and effort attempting to control them.

* Disclaimer: No one was harmed in the making of these images. If you or someone you know is named Johnny or So-and-So I apologize if I offended you.

*Manipulation Tip: Little Man is not a big fan of washing his hair. He likes to take a bath or shower, he just had a bad experience with some shampoo at Nana's once so he is a little apprehensive now. Well buddy, you paint your hair, you wash your hair. Glad you see things my way.

*Medicine effort update: Little Man really enjoyed his Tylenol with Codeine shake tonight!

I Give Up

OK. You guys win. Your first moment of brilliance, was of course, reading my blog. Then you top yourselves and provide some great titles for yesterday's post. I love everyone's ideas but my top three picks are as follows:

Taint Misbehavin' from Momo Fali
Mommy Only Poops from Joeprah
Update Meme, With a Crappy Ending from Piper

So I give up. I am obviously not in a position to even manage my own blog. Thank you all for stepping in while I was otherwise occupied.

The three of you win a load of crap...haha. No really. You win my gratitude and continued readership. Lucky you.

This last week of recovering for Little Man has been a week of resolution for me. I have struggled with my need to control everything for a long time. Without my little white pill each day I think I may just drive myself and my children crazy. As a grow as a parent I learn to pick my battles with my children but have yet to learn to pick them with myself. I have resolved to give up this futile fight and hand it over. Or give up. When I say up I am giving it WAY up.

• I am giving up the "sport" of parenting. You know what I mean; "Johnny, can you show so-and-so how you stand on your head and gargle peanut butter". My boys do things others don't (and should be able to at times) and vice versa, whoopee.
  
• I am giving up my ridiculous housekeeping expectations. Like Nana Eileen used to say. "My home is clean enough to be healthy" and my favorite, as if a little throw at my mother, "You know, more people see your kids than your home".
  
• I am giving up my guilt. OK this is a stretch. I will make an effort to give up my guilt. You know mothers; we feel guilty about feeling guilty. How does our guilt affect our children. ARG. Enough already. I will not feel guilty for an hour away from the boys by myself. Even if it is to grocery shop. We all need some personal time, and couple time.
  
• I am giving up the idea that I will finish my MBA by the end of this year. Who am I trying to impress and what am I trying to prove? I am self employed; am I giving myself a raise? I only have nine classes left. It. Will. Get. Done. When it works for my life. Without pressure or adverse side effects on my family.
  
• I am giving up an resentment towards my fabulous husband. I know he would love to be a stay at home dad but lets me do it. Although I feel like he is the lucky one at times I know that me and the boys are the lucky ones to have him.
  
• I am giving up the need to try to control my children. Wait. Wait. No matter what you think, none of us really control our children. (I used to think differently until we had our two hour medicine show down) I think we just manipulate them. Kind of like when we make our husbands think something is their idea. It is all about presentation. I am merely a guide or tutor for my boys. They will soon learn how wise I am. I really don't want robots anyway; I want my boys to be able to think independently and be self sufficient. They are, after all, like their mommy...no wonder they don't like to be controlled.

Evidence of my recent Give It Up effort:



While attempting to get Little Man to take meds I turned away from The Babe and pudding. Oh well.

Busted.

Mug Shots of the accused.

Seed 1/AKA Little Man. Wanted for disturbing the peace, causing sleepless nights, breaking curfew, waking brother early from nap, perjury, contempt of court, making his mom cry with laughter, and melting her heart with his cuddles. Potentially grounded for life if Mom does not get a mini vacation.

Seed 2/AKA The Babe. Wanted for conspiracy, aiding and abetting, harboring a fugitive, and giving the best kisses ever. Innocent until proven guilty.

If the two would simply give themselves up now they would save everyone involved a lot of time and effort attempting to control them.

* Disclaimer: No one was harmed in the making of these images. If you or someone you know is named Johnny or So-and-So I apologize if I offended you.

*Manipulation Tip: Little Man is not a big fan of washing his hair. He likes to take a bath or shower, he just had a bad experience with some shampoo at Nana's once so he is a little apprehensive now. Well buddy, you paint your hair, you wash your hair. Glad you see things my way.

*Medicine effort update: Little Man really enjoyed his Tylenol with Codeine shake tonight!

Taint Misbehavin'

Little Man Update:
Thanks to everyone that sent well wishes to Little Man. The doctor told us that his adenoids were slightly enlarged and his tonsils had pockets in them that were probably holding infection. Of course, he made have just said all that to make me feel better about doing the whole thing in the first place. Thursday was a pretty good day after the procedure. We hung out at home and he slept a lot. He would fluctuate between the highest of highs and lowest of lows as days passed. We had a bit of a rough weekend. He spiked a 104 fever on Saturday and after a couple of calls to the doctor they seemed to think he caught a virus at their office. We decided to do our own investigation and it seemed to be related to the Tylenol with Codeine; as soon as we went to regular Tylenol all was fine in the world again.

I never thought I would say it but you can tell he is getting tired of his diet of ice cream, popsicles and geriatric food. He is also getting tired of taking his medicine. Last night we had a little showdown. He wanted to show Mommy just how much he was like her; stubborn. We spent two hours trying to get him to take it. By the time we went to bed we had taken all his toys out of his room and told him no movies or TV (what were we thinking?). This morning he still wouldn’t take it so he was sequestered to his room until he would do so. Finally a play date arrived for brother and Little Man was suddenly ready to take it. I should have called them over last night!
I am beginning to lose my patience with him. I realize he is sick but the whining and fits must stop. I hate to sound resentful but Daddy gets to go to work every day…and he wonders why I needed a beer last night.

House Update:
During one of Little Man’s Codeine induced naps we worked on the house a bit this weekend. We mulched the flower beds and I power washed the pool deck. I never thought that a “break” for me would include a power washer. I will take what I can get. Speaking of the pool; Daddy drained the pool cover and pool and then scooped out all the leaves and frogs. While doing so he watched one of our squatter lay some eggs. Due to our frog infestation Daddy decided to take matters into his own hands. I will leave that to your imagination; there might be some frog lovers among us. I may not have mentioned this above, but the doctors told us Little Man’s breath might be a little off after the operation due to medicine, burnt flesh and the like. That was an understatement. The only time I have smelled anything like that boy’s breath is when I smelled what came out of the bottom of our pool. No. Joke.

All the rain we have had lately has turned our Frank Lloyd Wright “falling water” inspired home into “retaining water”. Many homes in the area that never had water issues do now and we are one of them. Even on a slab we have moisture. We are working with the previous owner on repairing the roof, windows and carpets. Some of the items were already in our contract to work on but the rain has expedited this concern. I think I might be ready to move to Arizona.

Tadpole Update:
We have legs!

Work Update:
Beggars can’t be choosers. Murphy’s Law. When it rains it pours. What other clichés can I use? As many know, Daddy and I are a Jack and Jill of all trades. So while we need to be playing nurse, Daddy has to show multiple properties, finish two design projects and attend multiple meetings. I have a client ready to make an offer on a house, but not until after he looks at the house for the sixth time, and I have two editing projects that need to be completed. Now. (By the way, this blog is no indication of how fabulous an editor I am. No one pays me to blog…yet) Thank God for Nana. I am happy for the work but feel like I am only able to everything half-ass right now. Part of the problem is my inability to ease up and lower my expectations. I am a perfectionist and think I should be able to do it all. Perfectly. What happens is I get frustrated when I don’t then later refuse to try in an attempt to avoid failure. That is it for my arm chair psych today. Let me know if you need evaluation; my office hours are 12-3 on nap days.

I updated Our Crooked Tree and our logo...what do you think?

Chemo-Chronicles:
Mom is on a break this week. She has treatment for three Fridays then is off a week. Last week she had a reaction to the treatment. I guess they started her at full speed rather than a gradual progression like before. She described it as a burning in her stomach that went to her head, then her throat closed up and she couldn’t talk. Five minutes later she was fine and back at low speed. Mom’s spirits are good and she tells me my sister will be visiting in a few weeks. The docs will run a test around week nine of treatment to make sure the tumors have shrunk by at least 20%, if not they will need to look at other options like radiation and or surgery. Thanks again for all your well wishes.

The Babe:
Poor guy. So neglected through all the chaos. One of Brother’s fits woke him early from nap today so I am currently ignoring him so I can complain to my adorning fans. You must adore me to sit through this.

Child Development Update (really the only thing worth reading here):
Little Man is in the body exploration phase. And naked phase. Last night after bath he wanted to watch Scooby naked. OK. After getting brother ready for bed I walked in the living room to find him exploring himself. He asked me “what is this”. He knows what his penis is so I was curious. Little Man was referring to what Daddy likes to call the “taint”…it taint your bum and it taint your…
Like most moms, I know it as the “perineum”. So that is what I called it. I figure if he talks about it in public know one will understand; awkward moment avoided. Then Little Man proceeds to tell me that only he, Daddy, and brother have penises. Mommy only poops.


I had to save the best for last to make sure you stuck around ☺

Taint Misbehavin'

Little Man Update:
Thanks to everyone that sent well wishes to Little Man. The doctor told us that his adenoids were slightly enlarged and his tonsils had pockets in them that were probably holding infection. Of course, he made have just said all that to make me feel better about doing the whole thing in the first place. Thursday was a pretty good day after the procedure. We hung out at home and he slept a lot. He would fluctuate between the highest of highs and lowest of lows as days passed. We had a bit of a rough weekend. He spiked a 104 fever on Saturday and after a couple of calls to the doctor they seemed to think he caught a virus at their office. We decided to do our own investigation and it seemed to be related to the Tylenol with Codeine; as soon as we went to regular Tylenol all was fine in the world again.

I never thought I would say it but you can tell he is getting tired of his diet of ice cream, popsicles and geriatric food. He is also getting tired of taking his medicine. Last night we had a little showdown. He wanted to show Mommy just how much he was like her; stubborn. We spent two hours trying to get him to take it. By the time we went to bed we had taken all his toys out of his room and told him no movies or TV (what were we thinking?). This morning he still wouldn’t take it so he was sequestered to his room until he would do so. Finally a play date arrived for brother and Little Man was suddenly ready to take it. I should have called them over last night!
I am beginning to lose my patience with him. I realize he is sick but the whining and fits must stop. I hate to sound resentful but Daddy gets to go to work every day…and he wonders why I needed a beer last night.

House Update:
During one of Little Man’s Codeine induced naps we worked on the house a bit this weekend. We mulched the flower beds and I power washed the pool deck. I never thought that a “break” for me would include a power washer. I will take what I can get. Speaking of the pool; Daddy drained the pool cover and pool and then scooped out all the leaves and frogs. While doing so he watched one of our squatter lay some eggs. Due to our frog infestation Daddy decided to take matters into his own hands. I will leave that to your imagination; there might be some frog lovers among us. I may not have mentioned this above, but the doctors told us Little Man’s breath might be a little off after the operation due to medicine, burnt flesh and the like. That was an understatement. The only time I have smelled anything like that boy’s breath is when I smelled what came out of the bottom of our pool. No. Joke.

All the rain we have had lately has turned our Frank Lloyd Wright “falling water” inspired home into “retaining water”. Many homes in the area that never had water issues do now and we are one of them. Even on a slab we have moisture. We are working with the previous owner on repairing the roof, windows and carpets. Some of the items were already in our contract to work on but the rain has expedited this concern. I think I might be ready to move to Arizona.

Tadpole Update:
We have legs!

Work Update:
Beggars can’t be choosers. Murphy’s Law. When it rains it pours. What other clichés can I use? As many know, Daddy and I are a Jack and Jill of all trades. So while we need to be playing nurse, Daddy has to show multiple properties, finish two design projects and attend multiple meetings. I have a client ready to make an offer on a house, but not until after he looks at the house for the sixth time, and I have two editing projects that need to be completed. Now. (By the way, this blog is no indication of how fabulous an editor I am. No one pays me to blog…yet) Thank God for Nana. I am happy for the work but feel like I am only able to everything half-ass right now. Part of the problem is my inability to ease up and lower my expectations. I am a perfectionist and think I should be able to do it all. Perfectly. What happens is I get frustrated when I don’t then later refuse to try in an attempt to avoid failure. That is it for my arm chair psych today. Let me know if you need evaluation; my office hours are 12-3 on nap days.

I updated Our Crooked Tree and our logo...what do you think?

Chemo-Chronicles:
Mom is on a break this week. She has treatment for three Fridays then is off a week. Last week she had a reaction to the treatment. I guess they started her at full speed rather than a gradual progression like before. She described it as a burning in her stomach that went to her head, then her throat closed up and she couldn’t talk. Five minutes later she was fine and back at low speed. Mom’s spirits are good and she tells me my sister will be visiting in a few weeks. The docs will run a test around week nine of treatment to make sure the tumors have shrunk by at least 20%, if not they will need to look at other options like radiation and or surgery. Thanks again for all your well wishes.

The Babe:
Poor guy. So neglected through all the chaos. One of Brother’s fits woke him early from nap today so I am currently ignoring him so I can complain to my adorning fans. You must adore me to sit through this.

Child Development Update (really the only thing worth reading here):
Little Man is in the body exploration phase. And naked phase. Last night after bath he wanted to watch Scooby naked. OK. After getting brother ready for bed I walked in the living room to find him exploring himself. He asked me “what is this”. He knows what his penis is so I was curious. Little Man was referring to what Daddy likes to call the “taint”…it taint your bum and it taint your…
Like most moms, I know it as the “perineum”. So that is what I called it. I figure if he talks about it in public know one will understand; awkward moment avoided. Then Little Man proceeds to tell me that only he, Daddy, and brother have penises. Mommy only poops.


I had to save the best for last to make sure you stuck around ☺

The family that donates organs together...

I guess there is a reason the surgery center does not allow cameras in the operating rooms (other than that whole liability thing); seeing your child sleep with his eyes open is creepy in person and maybe even more so after the fact. We have a friend at the hospital so we negotiated our way to the OR. Daddy and Rob took Little Man back and helped him settle in for his nap. Although he fought it at first, after three deep breaths he was out. The only footage I have is of these two clowns:




We arrived at the center yesterday around 8:30 for Little Man's procedure. I had prepped him the night before; I told him he could not eat breakfast and that the doctor was going to give him ear tubes. His response to this was "again?". I know honey, I already asked for a money back or two for one deal for you. I told him the doctor was going to look in his nose and mouth. His response to this was "with a hammer?" Well, yes, you could put it that way.


I explained his throat would be a little "scratchy" for a while. Oh, you have a better way to put it? I didn't want to terrify him. "Honey, I know it doesn't sound like a great way to spend a morning, but after I don't feed you, the doctor is going to place tubes in your ears, take something useless out of your nose and then he is going to take a laser and burn off some of your flesh. Look at it this way, once we get home you will be so drugged you won't care that your throat feels like it is on fire. The bright side is you are on a strict diet of ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, jello, and The Babe's left overs after he has smashed them with his tiny man fists."



Who says I am the world's only living heart donor? I do care.

The family that donates organs together...

I guess there is a reason the surgery center does not allow cameras in the operating rooms (other than that whole liability thing); seeing your child sleep with his eyes open is creepy in person and maybe even more so after the fact. We have a friend at the hospital so we negotiated our way to the OR. Daddy and Rob took Little Man back and helped him settle in for his nap. Although he fought it at first, after three deep breaths he was out. The only footage I have is of these two clowns:


We arrived at the center yesterday around 8:30 for Little Man's procedure. I had prepped him the night before; I told him he could not eat breakfast and that the doctor was going to give him ear tubes. His response to this was "again?". I know honey, I already asked for a money back or two for one deal for you. I told him the doctor was going to look in his nose and mouth. His response to this was "with a hammer?" Well, yes, you could put it that way.


I explained his throat would be a little "scratchy" for a while. Oh, you have a better way to put it? I didn't want to terrify him. "Honey, I know it doesn't sound like a great way to spend a morning, but after I don't feed you, the doctor is going to place tubes in your ears, take something useless out of your nose and then he is going to take a laser and burn off some of your flesh. Look at it this way, once we get home you will be so drugged you won't care that your throat feels like it is on fire. The bright side is you are on a strict diet of ice cream, popsicles, yogurt, jello, and The Babe's left overs after he has smashed them with his tiny man fists."



Who says I am the world's only living heart donor? I do care.

What's New Scooby Doo?

Apparently, a lot. First I have to say, as if you won't figure it out, we do not like the new Scooby in this house. While visiting MeMe's one day we put in a new Scooby Doo video for Little Man. As soon as the new grudge inspired theme started he said "I don't like this one". How are earth does he know? I didn't even know there was a "new" one until that very moment.

Little Man is a huge SD fan; he watches it every night while having his "flintstone and a drink" before bed while sitting in Daddy's big leather recliner. With that said, we are SD experts and know almost all of the episodes. So with Little Man's claim that this movie was no good, I hopped in my mystery machine to investigate. OK, I walked over the video cabinet to see what was up.

Looks like SD had an overhaul a few years back after taking a little hiatus while Scrappy took over the family business. Like many family businesses, Scooby quickly learned that the biz what just not as successful without him and came back on board.

The new SD had a few changes made that I think you will agree, have a direct relationship with the decline of our youth. For instance:

Did Fred dip into some of MLB steroids? His chest is very pronounced since the old days. I am not saying I don;t like his new look, I like my men a little meaty; I don;t want to think I might hurt them. Fred also lost his ascot. What's up with that? All the cool kids are wearing them (see Michal Johns on American Idol).

Speaking of which, looks like Scooby may have had a few too many Scooby snacks...put a little on in the face.

Looks like Velma purchased some new glasses with thinner frames; maybe that is why she always seemed to have a hard time seeing things.

Everyone has new footwear. The irony of this is that now their old styles are back in fashion.

Hey, Daphne lost her scarf too...and some of her naivete. I noticed that what was once "assumed" now it is obvious that she and Fred are an item. Come on, we all knew that they were couples but poor Daphne is practically throwing herself at Fred. Maybe she lost the scarf to show a little more skin.

Shaggy is a little more shaggy than before. I think there is a reason Fred does the driving; Shaggy is too impaired...and always hungry...hmmm.

Don't get me started on the music. What happened to old fashioned Scooby songs like "I'm in love with an Ostrich"? Those were classics.

What's New Scooby Doo?

Apparently, a lot. First I have to say, as if you won't figure it out, we do not like the new Scooby in this house. While visiting MeMe's one day we put in a new Scooby Doo video for Little Man. As soon as the new grudge inspired theme started he said "I don't like this one". How are earth does he know? I didn't even know there was a "new" one until that very moment.

Little Man is a huge SD fan; he watches it every night while having his "flintstone and a drink" before bed while sitting in Daddy's big leather recliner. With that said, we are SD experts and know almost all of the episodes. So with Little Man's claim that this movie was no good, I hopped in my mystery machine to investigate. OK, I walked over the video cabinet to see what was up.

Looks like SD had an overhaul a few years back after taking a little hiatus while Scrappy took over the family business. Like many family businesses, Scooby quickly learned that the biz what just not as successful without him and came back on board.

The new SD had a few changes made that I think you will agree, have a direct relationship with the decline of our youth. For instance:

Did Fred dip into some of MLB steroids? His chest is very pronounced since the old days. I am not saying I don;t like his new look, I like my men a little meaty; I don;t want to think I might hurt them. Fred also lost his ascot. What's up with that? All the cool kids are wearing them (see Michal Johns on American Idol).

Speaking of which, looks like Scooby may have had a few too many Scooby snacks...put a little on in the face.

Looks like Velma purchased some new glasses with thinner frames; maybe that is why she always seemed to have a hard time seeing things.

Everyone has new footwear. The irony of this is that now their old styles are back in fashion.

Hey, Daphne lost her scarf too...and some of her naivete. I noticed that what was once "assumed" now it is obvious that she and Fred are an item. Come on, we all knew that they were couples but poor Daphne is practically throwing herself at Fred. Maybe she lost the scarf to show a little more skin.

Shaggy is a little more shaggy than before. I think there is a reason Fred does the driving; Shaggy is too impaired...and always hungry...hmmm.

Don't get me started on the music. What happened to old fashioned Scooby songs like "I'm in love with an Ostrich"? Those were classics.

Wordless Wednesday

There is no denying...Who's your daddy

Wordless Wednesday

There is no denying...Who's your daddy

People Would Talk

We just missed a call to DFS last night. Daddy was with the boys in Little Man's room getting Little Man dressed for bed while The Babe played. The Babe was crawling around on a little toddler chair and rolled over and bumped his forehead on the to shelf next to the chair. Although Daddy said he was fine; I ran in when I heard the cry. It didn't look like much at first glance but upon further investigation he was this side of breaking the skin. The photo is not great and it was taken the day after the fact but it is still a good gooseegg. Brother Little Man did the same thing at day care when he was about The Babe's age; he tripped on a toy and busted his forehead on a table. After four stitches he had a cool Harry Potter scar just in time for Halloween. The Babe hit his forehead in the same spot. I swear if he had broken the skin and needed stitches the neighbors would have certainly hot lined us. I am sure there is a House episode about something like this.

People Would Talk

We just missed a call to DFS last night. Daddy was with the boys in Little Man's room getting Little Man dressed for bed while The Babe played. The Babe was crawling around on a little toddler chair and rolled over and bumped his forehead on the to shelf next to the chair. Although Daddy said he was fine; I ran in when I heard the cry. It didn't look like much at first glance but upon further investigation he was this side of breaking the skin. The photo is not great and it was taken the day after the fact but it is still a good gooseegg. Brother Little Man did the same thing at day care when he was about The Babe's age; he tripped on a toy and busted his forehead on a table. After four stitches he had a cool Harry Potter scar just in time for Halloween. The Babe hit his forehead in the same spot. I swear if he had broken the skin and needed stitches the neighbors would have certainly hot lined us. I am sure there is a House episode about something like this.

Good Friend Sunday

Two things I typically try to stay away from on my blog and in life: politics and religion. I suppose it is because it has become uncool to be conservative. Discussions on these two topics can bring out emotions that can dive a wedge between friends and family. I welcome healthy dialogue on the subject but can typically tell from the first few words if it is going downhill. Today's sermon at church had me thinking it may be time to post about this topic and see what kind of trouble I can get myself in.

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. I did not know this until I went to church. You see, I was raised Baptist. I went to church occasionally growing up and enjoyed the friends I met there. My church had a great choir and orchestra too. I did not attend Sunday school, I have not read the Bible and I can only tell you a few names of folks that hung out with Jesus (and I have two tattoos! eek!). When I moved from my hometown to go to college I did not continue my church going ways. Not until I met my Episcopalian husband, that is. My husband and I lived in KC when we met and we would attend church with his family on visits to SWMO. I remember my first visit to St James very well. It was Christmas Eve. Hubs and I, along with his dad and grandparents were in the pew together. The lights dimmed and Daddy's grandpa leaned over to me and said "this is when they bring in the snakes". You could tell he got a kick out of my reaction, his infectious laugh roared until I figured out he was kidding. The same man that had fun on my behalf was memorialized at church today. The church purchased a new flagon with some of their memorial funds and dedicated it in Pa's name. For those of you that do not know, a flagon is the large vessel of wine used for communion.

Speaking of communion, after almost ten years with my husband, I am still getting used to my new religion. Flagons and acolytes, wardrobe changes and lunges during the service. When do I stand, when do I kneel, when do I call back to the priest? Why is all the music so sad?

The first time I saw my church home I told Daddy it looked like a dungeon, small and dark. Now I feel that adds to it's charm. We have a small congregation compared to those of my baptist roots. I don't know everyone but they seem to know me, and my boys. Our Rector is fabulous; he has a fatherly or grandfatherly presence about him. I love to hear his sermons. Not always for the content, but because I like to hear his voice, it is very soothing. Father Ross will be retiring soon and I am not sure how that will affect our relationship with this church. He really has been the glue that has kept that church going. He married us, baptised my boys, and buried our loved ones. He is our family guide and our friend.

Today we talked about friendship, well not directly, in a round about way. The words shepherd and friend have the same Latin root. I found this to be an interesting coincidence. Just like a good friend, Jesus is there when we need him and we often take advantage of his kindness; after all we typically hurt the ones we love the most. I thought about being a parent and a child. How I neglect myself, my friendships, and relationships but those that I love and love me are there when I need them and vice versa.

John 10:1-10 states “. . . and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

A shepherd in those days didn’t walk behind the flock beating them with a stick to keep them moving. He walked in front of them, seeking out a safe path to food and water and shelter. The sheep followed him, because they recognized his voice, and they trusted him. Jesus tells us that’s the kind of Good Shepherd he is. He leads, and we follow.

This got me thinking a few things:

Maybe the reason some do not follow Him is because they do not recognize his voice. Maybe some recognize the voice of other religions.

Much like infants that can not see well, sheep can only see 45 feet in front of them, but they have great hearing. Infants and "sheep" know the voice of their "shepherd" or parent and will find it in the dark. When we are in our darkest moments and are truly listening we can hear Him. I know this from experience. When my children need me they find me, when I need my parents I find them. Even a simple phone call to my mom and dad, being able to hear their voice, can make all the difference.

You have to listen to hear though. Maybe this is why some say they have no proof of a God; they are not listening.

Lately is seems that the media and the like think it is ok to bash those that believe in God; but support those that have other beliefs. Even my own brother, who is not a believer, thinks that I have been brain washed. My brother does not understand how I can Christen my boys when they do not have a choice to do so. I tried to explain to him that I merely provide the opportunity and information and in the end they will decide, just like he has, on what they believe. I do not run around waving a flag and trying to push my views on people but welcome respectful dialogue that opens minds and strengthens relationships.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I pray that everyone has a Shepherd to lead them. Whatever form it comes in, I hope that everyone has something to believe in, wether it be on pure blind faith or becasue they have someone to support them.

A very wise man once said to me "If I spend my life believing in the Lord and it turns out he doesn't exist, I have lost nothing. If I don't have faith and it turns out I am wrong..." (We miss you Pa)

I can hear all the delete buttons now...I have been removed from all three blogrolls I was on!

Good Friend Sunday

Two things I typically try to stay away from on my blog and in life: politics and religion. I suppose it is because it has become uncool to be conservative. Discussions on these two topics can bring out emotions that can dive a wedge between friends and family. I welcome healthy dialogue on the subject but can typically tell from the first few words if it is going downhill. Today's sermon at church had me thinking it may be time to post about this topic and see what kind of trouble I can get myself in.

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. I did not know this until I went to church. You see, I was raised Baptist. I went to church occasionally growing up and enjoyed the friends I met there. My church had a great choir and orchestra too. I did not attend Sunday school, I have not read the Bible and I can only tell you a few names of folks that hung out with Jesus (and I have two tattoos! eek!). When I moved from my hometown to go to college I did not continue my church going ways. Not until I met my Episcopalian husband, that is. My husband and I lived in KC when we met and we would attend church with his family on visits to SWMO. I remember my first visit to St James very well. It was Christmas Eve. Hubs and I, along with his dad and grandparents were in the pew together. The lights dimmed and Daddy's grandpa leaned over to me and said "this is when they bring in the snakes". You could tell he got a kick out of my reaction, his infectious laugh roared until I figured out he was kidding. The same man that had fun on my behalf was memorialized at church today. The church purchased a new flagon with some of their memorial funds and dedicated it in Pa's name. For those of you that do not know, a flagon is the large vessel of wine used for communion.

Speaking of communion, after almost ten years with my husband, I am still getting used to my new religion. Flagons and acolytes, wardrobe changes and lunges during the service. When do I stand, when do I kneel, when do I call back to the priest? Why is all the music so sad?

The first time I saw my church home I told Daddy it looked like a dungeon, small and dark. Now I feel that adds to it's charm. We have a small congregation compared to those of my baptist roots. I don't know everyone but they seem to know me, and my boys. Our Rector is fabulous; he has a fatherly or grandfatherly presence about him. I love to hear his sermons. Not always for the content, but because I like to hear his voice, it is very soothing. Father Ross will be retiring soon and I am not sure how that will affect our relationship with this church. He really has been the glue that has kept that church going. He married us, baptised my boys, and buried our loved ones. He is our family guide and our friend.

Today we talked about friendship, well not directly, in a round about way. The words shepherd and friend have the same Latin root. I found this to be an interesting coincidence. Just like a good friend, Jesus is there when we need him and we often take advantage of his kindness; after all we typically hurt the ones we love the most. I thought about being a parent and a child. How I neglect myself, my friendships, and relationships but those that I love and love me are there when I need them and vice versa.

John 10:1-10 states “. . . and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

A shepherd in those days didn’t walk behind the flock beating them with a stick to keep them moving. He walked in front of them, seeking out a safe path to food and water and shelter. The sheep followed him, because they recognized his voice, and they trusted him. Jesus tells us that’s the kind of Good Shepherd he is. He leads, and we follow.

This got me thinking a few things:

Maybe the reason some do not follow Him is because they do not recognize his voice. Maybe some recognize the voice of other religions.

Much like infants that can not see well, sheep can only see 45 feet in front of them, but they have great hearing. Infants and "sheep" know the voice of their "shepherd" or parent and will find it in the dark. When we are in our darkest moments and are truly listening we can hear Him. I know this from experience. When my children need me they find me, when I need my parents I find them. Even a simple phone call to my mom and dad, being able to hear their voice, can make all the difference.

You have to listen to hear though. Maybe this is why some say they have no proof of a God; they are not listening.

Lately is seems that the media and the like think it is ok to bash those that believe in God; but support those that have other beliefs. Even my own brother, who is not a believer, thinks that I have been brain washed. My brother does not understand how I can Christen my boys when they do not have a choice to do so. I tried to explain to him that I merely provide the opportunity and information and in the end they will decide, just like he has, on what they believe. I do not run around waving a flag and trying to push my views on people but welcome respectful dialogue that opens minds and strengthens relationships.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, I pray that everyone has a Shepherd to lead them. Whatever form it comes in, I hope that everyone has something to believe in, wether it be on pure blind faith or becasue they have someone to support them.

A very wise man once said to me "If I spend my life believing in the Lord and it turns out he doesn't exist, I have lost nothing. If I don't have faith and it turns out I am wrong..." (We miss you Pa)

I can hear all the delete buttons now...I have been removed from all three blogrolls I was on!

Almost Speechless

I normally don't feel strongly enough about something to post an editorial. After all, I have been accused of being the only living heart donor, so what could possibly get me so fired up? You guessed it. American Idol. Although I am a fan of the show, I am not a fanatic. There has been some good and not so good talent come and go and America usually votes pretty accurately; the way that I would.

America must have been out to dinner last night. What is the world were you all thinking, or not thinking? Not only can Michael Johns sing, he is hot, and Australian to boot. When I heard him sing It's All Wrong, I turned to Daddy and said "I would throw my underwear at that man". I know I am not the only one, I saw Paula squirming a little in her chair too.

Almost Speechless

I normally don't feel strongly enough about something to post an editorial. After all, I have been accused of being the only living heart donor, so what could possibly get me so fired up? You guessed it. American Idol. Although I am a fan of the show, I am not a fanatic. There has been some good and not so good talent come and go and America usually votes pretty accurately; the way that I would.

America must have been out to dinner last night. What is the world were you all thinking, or not thinking? Not only can Michael Johns sing, he is hot, and Australian to boot. When I heard him sing It's All Wrong, I turned to Daddy and said "I would throw my underwear at that man". I know I am not the only one, I saw Paula squirming a little in her chair too.

Pay it Forward Contest Results

Today is the day! I had three entries which is good for those involved because the odds were in their favor! You will be happy to know we did some shopping in DC this weekend and added some cute new stuff to the pot for size 24 months.

Here are the three names in the drawing:

Marie Bingham
The Mom Babe
Solomon Girls





After watching the video Little Man wanted to know "who is that? who is in there?" I guess I don't sound like myself on video!

Pay it Forward Contest Results

Today is the day! I had three entries which is good for those involved because the odds were in their favor! You will be happy to know we did some shopping in DC this weekend and added some cute new stuff to the pot for size 24 months.

Here are the three names in the drawing:

Marie Bingham
The Mom Babe
Solomon Girls



After watching the video Little Man wanted to know "who is that? who is in there?" I guess I don't sound like myself on video!

Ramblings from the Road

· The Elmo toy that Daddy’s says is too annoying to take on the plane certainly isn’t as annoying as The Babe screaming ELMO! ELMO! on said plane.

· You never poop alone. Little man had to poop so daddy took him to the bathroom. When he finished daddy instructed him to wait so daddy could go. Upon completion Little Man says to Daddy in the hollows of the men’s room “I like your poop Daddy”. I heard the roar of laughter in the boarding area. I guess the men’s room was full.

· Not everyone on the plane is going to Papa Johnson’s house Little man. Just to be sure though, we should ask everyone as they depart the plane.

· The five Ps. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. When going to downtown DC from Leesburg, it is probably a good idea to leave more than two hours before nap time. It might take Daddy that long to find a parking space.

· After arriving to your destination, remember to get your driver’s license back from your traveling partner. You will need it when you get pulled over doing 42 in a 25 at dinner time with two screaming children in the back seat. Good thing I showered that day, clean hair goes a long way when talking your way out of a ticket.

· Borrow a suitcase from your hosts for your return flight to avoid the ridiculous 80.00 fee for having a bag that is ‘slightly” over the weight limit. WTH? The idea is to limit the mount of bags we have not add more; we already had the car seats and the computer bag….I guess one more bag to carry won’t kill Daddy.

· I love going to Grandparent’s homes…the never run out of food; which is good for my youngest that seems to be asking for more from the minute he wakes until he goes down. I know he is asking for more because he not only says “more” but uses the sign to make sure I get it.

· Benedryl does not work for all children; it makes some more awake than ever!

· I realize The Babe is irresistible fellow passengers, but please, try to refrain from flirting or playing with him while I am obviously trying to get him to sleep! (I am so guilty of this so I am being paid back I am sure)

· Officer, is it really necessary to stop us during our three hour drive home from the airport at 1:00 in the morning? I realize we have a taillight out, but your flashing lights have woken my children that finally went to sleep. I guess you felt pity for us, knowing we would have to drive with the screaming, so you overlooked our expired out of state plates. Thanks for nothing.

Ramblings from the Road

· The Elmo toy that Daddy’s says is too annoying to take on the plane certainly isn’t as annoying as The Babe screaming ELMO! ELMO! on said plane.

· You never poop alone. Little man had to poop so daddy took him to the bathroom. When he finished daddy instructed him to wait so daddy could go. Upon completion Little Man says to Daddy in the hollows of the men’s room “I like your poop Daddy”. I heard the roar of laughter in the boarding area. I guess the men’s room was full.

· Not everyone on the plane is going to Papa Johnson’s house Little man. Just to be sure though, we should ask everyone as they depart the plane.

· The five Ps. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. When going to downtown DC from Leesburg, it is probably a good idea to leave more than two hours before nap time. It might take Daddy that long to find a parking space.

· After arriving to your destination, remember to get your driver’s license back from your traveling partner. You will need it when you get pulled over doing 42 in a 25 at dinner time with two screaming children in the back seat. Good thing I showered that day, clean hair goes a long way when talking your way out of a ticket.

· Borrow a suitcase from your hosts for your return flight to avoid the ridiculous 80.00 fee for having a bag that is ‘slightly” over the weight limit. WTH? The idea is to limit the mount of bags we have not add more; we already had the car seats and the computer bag….I guess one more bag to carry won’t kill Daddy.

· I love going to Grandparent’s homes…the never run out of food; which is good for my youngest that seems to be asking for more from the minute he wakes until he goes down. I know he is asking for more because he not only says “more” but uses the sign to make sure I get it.

· Benedryl does not work for all children; it makes some more awake than ever!

· I realize The Babe is irresistible fellow passengers, but please, try to refrain from flirting or playing with him while I am obviously trying to get him to sleep! (I am so guilty of this so I am being paid back I am sure)

· Officer, is it really necessary to stop us during our three hour drive home from the airport at 1:00 in the morning? I realize we have a taillight out, but your flashing lights have woken my children that finally went to sleep. I guess you felt pity for us, knowing we would have to drive with the screaming, so you overlooked our expired out of state plates. Thanks for nothing.