Now back to this week, these photos are from the photo shoot I did this morning, for one of those mothers. Being the baby of her family growing up, she wanted to be sure her own baby had the same amount of photos as his big sister. We decided the earlier in the day the shoot was, the better, because having two young nappers, it is hard to coordinate happy moods later in the day. Since my favorite time of day, the late afternoon, was out of the question I was worried, because to get good sunlight in the morning, you have to start really early, and there was no way any of us wanted to think about photos before 7 am, so we decided on 7:30.... which for those of you who know me, that's still very early.

But I managed to get there, with even enough time to look around for a good outdoor spot... which happened to be the dirt bike course near their house. So we played in the shade there for awhile, and then we came home and played downstairs for a bit.... and right before I left I decided, just one more... just one more spot.... and so we all went back to bed.

And as a kid, there is nothing better than cuddling with your parents in their big comfy bed... so it is not surprising that these are a few of my favorite photos of the day.... although it was really hard to choose.

"Um, hello...this is Greyhound Heating and Plumbing." He says in a funny voice.

Although, it's not funny at all. I fear his sense of humor verges on juvenile delinquency. I just don't know what I am going to do with this kid. I love him to pieces, but what the heck???

I know he is seeking attention. I know this for fact, and while I have tried and tried to make him the focus of my attention (when appropriate) I fear he really likes hearing me laugh. This isn't such a bad thing, except when you consider my sense of humor is a bit darker than your typical Mom. Yes, I have a sense of humor...but I don't find the sames things humorous as most of his friend's moms do. It makes for very awkward conversations when picking him up from play dates/ sleepovers, mixed martial arts classes, etc...

                                     Me: Hey, did you see how my son beat up your honor student? Ha ha ha...

                                     Her: What??  

(Seriously, I don't find violence funny. I was just trying to illustrate my point.)

Anyhow, I laughed the first time he prank called me, which was my mistake in the first place! Now that I've opened the door, he wants to continue doing it. It has just become so annoying and I fear this whole new-found ritual of his is going to end very ugly.

Perhaps this is one time where I just need to ignore him.

Saturday, May 3, DH and I went to Broward to meet with friends for a couple of hours before going down to Homestead to play poker. We drank a bit too much and ended up not going to Homestead. Instead, our Broward friends cancelled their dinner reservations and we all played poker at their house until the wee hours of the morning. Spent Sunday recouperating.

May 5: Meeting with Ana Rivas-Logan, School Board Member, who reinforced the fact that democracy works when elected representatives listen and respond to their constituency. If those who are opposed to HHH1 are the only voices the School Board hears, then the school may be defeated. Those of us in favor have to be at least as loud.

May 6: One too many little comments about how late I stay up and how much time I spend on the computer kept me from doing anything on my computer for the next week.

May 9: Class of 2008's Senior Prom at Doral Spa and Resort. What a beautiful place! And all these babies are so grown up! True, at 17, 18 and 19, they aren't babies anymore, but as their teacher, I can't help but think of them as just kids. These young men and women looked like movie stars, absolutely gorgeous and refined. I have pictures but I can't post without permission.

May 10: I was supposed to have a Flybaby meeting, but wasn't able to go because DH wanted to take me and his mother shopping for Mother's Day. His mother was against it - I think she just wanted the cash - but we all went out to it. So while I went in to shop, DH, the in-laws and the kidlets went to hang out at the Food Court. I didn't have much fun knowing that everyone was just waiting for me. So I cut my shopping short after only 3 shirts and pair of shorts. Then we went home and moved the bedroom furniture around.

May 11: Mother's Day and I was sick. My dear son woke me at 8:30 to give me breakfast in bed - at 5, he put together cereal with milk, a cup of milk, a banana and a cereal bar ALL BY HIMSELF. I ate it and then went back to sleep. I woke up a couple hours later and watched some television with my husband. Then I got dressed to go to the drug store for Sudafed. When I returned, we all went to an early dinner. I fell asleep in the car on the way back. Once home, I got into bed and slept until 7:30, when I woke up with chills unable to get warm. I got up to make Great-grandma's Hot Toddy (recipe to follow) and take Tylenol, after taking my temp, which registered at 103.4. I went back to bed and sweat until about 3:30 when I got up to pee then went back to bed.

May 12: Woke with sinus congestion and a full blown cold, but went to work anyway. Homeowner's Association Meeting that evening ran late and I ended up getting home around 11. The good news that came from it was that the Board of Directors passes a resolution in support of State School HHH1.

May 13: DD had to be back at school by 5. I picked her up, leaving the DH to pick up DS, rushed her home and got her showered and changed and back to school where we stayed until 8 pm. When I got home I did one load of laundry and went to bed around midnight.

May 14: DD, again, had to be back at school for performances. Again, I got home late.

May 15: Went home and went to bed early - FINALLY

May 16: Happy hour with work friends assisted my sinuses into giving me a head ache from hell. I was in bed by 9:30.

Today, May 17: I got up this morning by 8:45 - grumpy at being woken up that early on a Saturday - but I got up and made croissants while DH made eggs for breakfast. While the croissants cooked, I cleaned out the fridge. After breakfast, I loaded some old toys up in the car and went to drop them off at DS's school for their fundraiser garage sale. Then I went to get milk. I came home with every intention of taking a nap, but DH was so I stayed up and, have, now, had a chance to update my blog. My plan for this weekend is to clean out my dresser drawers and closet so that I can justify going shopping for the summer.

I really hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

MA 

Next stop, the Final of course. It was played at Ascot Racecourse (ok, next to it). A hot and sunny day saw us take on an amazingly talented team (5 of whom have been snapped up by Reading FC at the age of 11). They are very, very good, and are well within their depth, having beaten everyone in the league by an average of 10 goals. It comes as no surprise to learn that they are to be promoted to Division 1 from our current Division 3.

Anyway, our boys did well, frustrating the opposition to only a couple of chances, one of which they took.

Still, it was only half time and only 1-0 down. What we missed though was an attacker (our proven goalscorer being away that weekend) and it was left to Tom to have our only shot on goal, a good hard one too that their goalie only just saved.

But as time wore on in the second half the boys tired a bit and a couple of mistakes together with an excellent move from the opposition saw us running out 4-0 losers.

No matter - they were cheered off the pitch and given a rousing reception when they went to get their runners up medals.

This team is two seasons old and in the first season they won the league and in the second they lost the Cup Final! Not bad overall!

A big thumbs up to Sandhurst Town Sharks U11s !!!

Brian

We now design both man's and ladies shoes. From sport, casual to executive footwear, zivworld is taking on the challenge to dress the feet of our diverse people's and cultures...

Our footwear are comfortable enough for any pair of feet. Our range of footwear include sandals, snickers, and sleepers as ouur fun side of life addition.

I am home!  And, I didn't even have to spend the night on an army cot in the middle of an airport terminal to get here.

Instead, I arrived home around 9:30 p.m. last night after an uneventful trip.  Upon leaving the airport, I acquired a large Diet Dr. Pepper with plenty of ice and three big hugs from my kids--both things I missed a lot during the last week.

Caffeine and snuggling needs taken care of, I then got to hear all about the happenings while I was away.  Gym Girl went to her gymnastics end of season banquet and faced up to the coach about quitting.  She still feels great about her decision, and I'm feeling good that we allowed her to do it with only a little drama, mostly on my part. 

Dancer Girl also came through in a big way this week.  This year in 8th grade has not been stellar for her academically.  She's very capable but has lacked motivation to study as hard as she would have needed to in order to pull top grades.  We've used a combination of holding her (and her potential weekend plans) accountable and being understanding of the fact that she did draw the short straw in some teacher assignments this year.  It seems to be working, and the grades are coming up.  But, she was thrilled yesterday when I got home and she was able to tell me that her team got the top grade on the semester-long project she's been working on in science.  I'm very proud of her because she planned out what needed to be done, made all the arrangements to get together with her teammates, worked hard throughout the semester, and played a big role in pulling together the final project.  She learned a lot of lessons along the way, and some of them actually had to do with science.  But the much larger lesson involves learning how it feels when you've worked hard and it pays off. 

It's nice to be in a good place heading into the last week of school and all the craziness that comes along with that.  Today, indeed has shaped up to be just about perfect.  It's beautiful outside.  Soccer Boy and I got up around 8:30 so that he could be ready to leave for a bike race he was doing this morning with a friend.  I could have kissed the friend's mother when she said she knew I'd been out of town and that she'd be happy to take Soccer Boy along with them so that I could have a break.

So, I took her up on the offer and then took myself to my favorite Pilates class.  Once class ended, I knew I still had time before either of the girls would be awake or Soccer Boy would be home, so I treated myself to a pedicure.

I now have lovely hot pink toenails which will be perfect for tonight's social event--a cookout in honor of one of my colleagues from All-American High who is getting married.  It's a family affair, so we'll all be going.  Well, almost.  That "all" includes Soccer Boy, who just arrived home having scored first place in the bike race, but not Adventure Guy who just ran the Fargo Marathon!

My remaining plans for the afternoon involve taking a nap and continuing my reading spree.  Like I said, it's pretty close to perfect.

     ...but for today, my kids think I am the coolest, funniest, most permissive mom on the planet.

     Here's the back story:

     We have been working on manners.  My kids are great with the basics-- please, thank you, excuse me, etc.  However, our family mealtimes are much less pleasant, because everyone (but Mom!) talks with their mouths full and uses their shirts as napkins.  Kendra is usually hanging half-off her chair, singing a song, Hannah has turned her utensils into dolls, who see the need to use her plate as their house (and her food as their furniture), and her drink as their car, Anthony's plate teeters over the edge of his high chair tray as he sees just how far he can push it before it fails to keep its balance and falls to the floor, and Alex is lost in a dream world where food is a sensory tactile experience, with actual oral consumption a far, far distant second.  (I am not kidding-- when he eats mac & cheese, he has to lovingly fondle every piece before he spears it with his fork.)  So, yeah, manners.  Dining etiquette.  We're lacking, but we're working. 

     I spend a good share of my meal policing behavior and trying to model correct eating.  I try to make it fun and not nag too much.  We've picked one manner to focus on each meal, we've tried three M & Ms at everyone's plate that they lose when they talk with their mouth full, we've tried having SILENT meals...  and all have been a bust in the real-life-application stage.  I refuse to give up, though, because I know it is necessary, and especially because Kenny grew up in a house where fork-stabbing was the accepted method of behavior modification, and I refuse to let him revert to that method.  ('Cause, if you've seen him eat, you know how well that sunk in...  pun intended)  Seriously, though, when you see him next, you'll have to ask him to show off his fork scars.  He has some on his hands and one really bad one on his arm, when the fork tines actually punctured his muscle, because his dad had told him to get his elbows off the table and Kenny didn't move them fast enough. 

     But I digress...

     Today at lunch we had tuna sandwiches and Cheez-Its.  I served the kids their lunches first, and then brought their drinks over to the table.  They were already a little wound-up because it's a Saturday, it's Spring, and the weather is warm, so by the time I sat down to join them, they were already in full kid-manner mode.  After a few unheeded reminders, I decided that for this one meal, lawlessness would reign.  I told the kids they could use every bad manner they had in their arsenal, with the condition that it was for this ONE meal.  And that Daddy would never hear a word about it. 

     Did you hear us?  All that screaming and laughing and gas (!) was us.  My little family of 5.  It has been a looooong time since I've laughed so hard.  It was so immature, laughing at the bodily noises emitted, but for a half hour, I became ten again.  We had a contest to see who could chew the loudest, who could talk with the most food in their mouths, who could burp the best, and who could break the most etiquette rules at the same time.  (Alex tried to put his feet on the table, but I had to draw the line at that one.  He did well enough by laying his head on the table and eating sideways.)  Someone  *ahem* taught them the "Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit" song, and Alex was laughing so hard by that point, he was pounding his fist on the table, which set me off into a fit of giggles-- again.  It took the kids more than 30 minutes of running around the yard to calm down. 

     What's the fun of being a mom if you can't relate to your kids, right?  The best part was when Alex gave me a hug and said, "I love it when you eat with us.  You make everything funny."  I hope that one day they'll have decent table manners, and when we eat dinner tonight, I'll be back in my "I-don't-want-to-see-what-you're-eating" mode to help that dream become a reality.  I sure hope they remember days like today, though, when their mom let the rules fall to the side and joined them in celebrating (and embracing!) immaturity.

     And when they start singing "Beans, Beans" at school, I'm going to blame it on their dad.

I finished Niyah's Snow White costume. This afternoon, the kids put on a play.

So here it is.....

our version of

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Once Upon a Time, there was a beautiful princess named Snow White.

Her wicked step-mother, the Queen wanted to be the fairest in the land, but every time she consulted her magic mirror, this is what she heard,

        "Famed is thy beauty, Majesty.
       But hold, a lovely maid I see.
           Rags cannot hide her gentle grace.
                Alas, she is more fair than thee.
                 Lips red as the rose.
               Hair black as ebony.
              Skin white as snow.
Snow White!"

This made the queen very angry. She wanted Snow White dead.

When Snow White found out, she ran away and hid in the home of the seven dwarfs.

Sleepy

Doc

Grumpy

Sneezy

Happy

Bashful

AND

Dopey (thanks honey)

When the queen found out where Snow White was hiding, she disguised herself as an old woman and armed with a poisoned apple, went to visit the beautiful girl.

After one bite, Snow White fell into a deep sleep. The dwarfs thought she was dead.

Then the handsome Prince arrived to save the day with a kiss.

And they lived Happily Ever After.

THE END

Cast of characters:

Snow White- Niyah

Wicked Queen- Felicia (Hubby's sister)

Prince, Happy, Sneezy, Doc, Grumpy- Alex

Sleepy- Nater

Dopey, Bashful- Hubby

What are the prequisitions in deciding when a child should be born? Personally, I would only bring a child in this would when I am sure that I am ready to be a parent. There are several indications to signal when I am ready. First, I must be financially independent. I would be able to provide myself with the basic needs and that of the child's. I would have extras for other stuffs as need and do not have to live paycheck by paycheck. Second, I would be emotionally ready to handle the present of a child and the responsibilities of being a parent. Third, I am ready to put the child as first priority. It means that the child will be a big part of my life and I am ready to give my unconditional love and self. I will then devote extra amount time and effort to ensure that the child will be happy and loved.

It seems like a terrible idea to be a trial and error sort of parent. I understand one learns along the way. However, are there room for mistakes? Yes, one can raise the first kid and learn through experiences. By doing so, the second child would be easier to manage since experiences has been acquired through the first child. It might seem reasonable but it is fair to the first child. Being the first child doesn't default him as an experimenting subject. He deserves as much love, devote, and care as the second child. This might end up being the case even if parents aren't intentional make it so. However, I do think parents should not gamble with unnecessary risks for the sake of learning about parenting.

Practical knowledge might not be required for one to be parents but theoretical knowledge should. I strong believe in parental education. I think it is essential for anyone wanting to be parents to enroll in a parental courses. The courses would not teach future parents the nuts and bolts of parenting. They serve as a breeding ground for knowledge and an encouraging point for future parents to seek knowledge and education to be better parents. The theoretical knowledge will no doubt create a more useful and enhance experiences and rationale of practical knowledge.

Calling parenting a job would undermine its important. It is definitely more than a job. I can quit a job and start another one to fulfill my personal and professional satisfaction. I, however, can’t quit my kid and have another one because I am unhappy with the first one. It doesn't work that way. A child is a child. Doesn't matter how he disappoints me, he is still my kid. Even if he turns out to be a serious killer, I would love him regardless. I might not support his actions or agree with his moral judgments. I might even turn him in to the police and yet he is still my child. Also, equating parenting with a job seems to devalue the role of parenting. A kid is a living human being whose well being and future are governed and influenced by the parents. A parent most likely is a child's role model.

I consider parenthood to be the greatest role that I would ever encompass. Kudos to all parents out there who give their best of love and devotion to their kids.

Taking out loans for diapers and formula.

Losing the freedom to go anywhere without a sitter.

Waking up to a complete mess in the kitchen, dining room, living room….well, any room that he’s been in.

Driving around with plastic taped to my car window because of a rock and a tennis racket.

Buying everything at Walmart that’s less than a dollar because….well, it’s less than a dollar.

Being able to see me as I might have been 25 years ago.

Coming home after a hard days work to hear “Dad’s home.”

Yes, I did……

HAVE A SON FOR THIS.

My First Email es un sitio en contrucción, que será un servicio de correo electrónico especialmente para niños. Así como comente hace unas semanas en Sitios Web para bebés?!, los niños de esta nueva generación estan creciendo en un ambiente muy acelerado y ahora miles de niños tienen acceso al internet y a todos sus servicios, como el correo electrónico.

My First Email será finalmente un correo electrónico seguro para el uso de los niños, el cual tendrá un total control para los padres.

-Es cierto, aquí en Guatemala no se ha dado tanto esta revolución llegando al punto que los niños tengan acceso al internet, pero aprovechando la oportunidad que hoy es Día de Internet, podríamos proponernos escoger a una persona que no tenga oportunidad de usar una computadora o el internet y enseñarle un poco de lo que se puede hacer con esta gran herramienta, (podría ser la empleada que trabaja en tu casa, o algún niño de escasos recursos que conozcas(o que vas a conocer) -y te lo puedes llevar a un cafe internet!! :P)

Last night after dinner I told the girl child that I would show her how to do the dishes. She's 9 yrs. old and it's time for her to fulfill her daughterly duties. I filled the sink for her, got everything ready for the demo and showed her the dish washing ropes. No big deal, easy as pie. I stepped away and went into the living room to see if she would complete the task without supervision. Pretty soon I heard moaning and grumbling. And then I heard her whine, "This is soooooo gross I'm going to gag." You would have thought I asked her to drink her own urine, not wash dishes. Sheesh! I asked her what the problem was and this is the conversation that ensued:

E: "This is disgusting, there's all this food and stuff on the dishes".

Me: "Um, yeah, dear, we just ate off of those plates and that is WHY you are washing them. What did you expect would be on them? What's so gross about it?

E: "Well, it's just gross. I don't want to touch your uneaten food."

Me: "Most of the food has already been washed off by the water."

E: "I can still see it floating around in the water and there's sticky stuff on the plates."

Me: "Get used to it. You're up against a lifetime of dirty dishes."

E: "Just because YOU had to do dishes when YOU were young doesn't mean I have to do them."

Me: "Hey sister, we're not talking about me. Who do you think you are? Just because you're named after a queen doesn't make you royalty. You're a mere peasant around here and you are required to help out. Now, get to work and finish those dishes".

Tune in next week when I tell her she has to clean the litter box. Bwahahahaha!

No, I am definitely NOT starting this by comparing my limping old bod to a thoroughbred horse.  But hey!  So I ran early today – 30 minutes, not too long but my long run of the week.  Drove into the park (Grand Canyon) and ran along the rim.  SO beautiful.  I heard robins and it was crisp and cool and clear.  Lots of visitors later on, but that’s the time of year.  It’s a great thing that people care to come visit.   But I ran early so I could rush back and watch coverage of the Preakness.

My hubby and I often go to local races, and pre-baby to the local bar that has off-track betting.  I always, as I tell the hubby, “cheer for a horse to win”.  I don’t know much about horse racing – I just know I enjoy it immensely.  The smell of the track, the crackling electricity in the air at the beginning of the races, the cheering crowds, and yes, the party atmosphere are all things I enjoy as I crack pen a nice cold one and kick back.

I have friends who are very PETA-oriented and hate the thought of horse racing and rodeos.  Other friends (in northern Arizona there is a wide variety of opinions and you can literally know people from all over the spectrum, all good people, but the ability to float between the groups without offending anyone is a learned skill) are rodeo riders, current and retired and one friend even owns a portion of a racehorse.  From them I understand that most of these critters (and admittedly there are horrific exceptions to every rule) are cared for and loved and not in the least abused.

This brings me to the Preakness.  I wasn’t going to watch it.  After the loss of Eight Belles in the Derby several weeks ago, I was so saddened that I thought I’d swear off watching any more this year.  But I can’t do it.  The horses and jockeys who will compete today have worked their lives and careers for this day.  They deserve the same support as they did had Eight Belles not been lost.  But it will still be sad.

I considered briefly in the days following the Derby if there was any correlation between women in the working world and the fate of Eight Belles.  She was one of the only fillies to rise to this type of success.  Was this a parallel for women in corporate America?  In any workplace?  Is the fate of Eight Belles significant to us all?

I pondered it, and possibly there is a link there.  But I had to eventually let it go.  It was just too sad to consider such a beautiful animal lost so tragically.  And I want to share this love of horses and exciting time of year with my daughter.  She already loves horses and mules and ponies.  She has ridden a tiny pony named Sprinkles at the county fair.  She has t-shirts with horses (I’m still working on getting that drawing right for my site, so for now other critters have to suffice).  He plays pony on her stick horse.  I want her to grow up thinking watching the pretty horses is fun, and not tragic.  She has the rest of her life to learn about tragedy.

I just hope I can protect her from it as long as possible.

__________________Art imitates life, and life imitates art.

What I see every day influences what I create, so writing this blog and creating my designs are natural extensions of who I am. 

If you are interested in viewing my designs, primarily for kids but also some cool stuff for adults and also doggies (who we all know are integral parts of all families) check them out at:

http://www.cafepress.com/sugarsprouts

See you around the mountains and canyons of northern AZ!

“If you don’t laugh at life, it sneaks up and bites you in the ass!”

This is not strictly an "education blog", although there is at least one of those out there, written (rather occasionally) by the estimable Brian Micklethwait, (that is a link to his mainblog only, from which you can find the other one) and there may be many more such: I do not know: I have not time to scratch my bum right now, and this post has to be done in five minutes...

But, at this seasonal time, when all the British State Property known as "the kids", which is to say nearly all teenagers, face the first real stress offered to them in their lovely easy modern lives full of nearly-worthless Wireless Tele Vision and other nugatory distractions, I want to point out the sheer vastness of the gulf between real "education" and what they are actually receiving.

Time after time, teaching these poor individuals, I get the enquiry: "do I have to know that?" ... or ... "is that in the syllabus?" ... or worse: "is this an C-grade-question?" (that means "hard", for those who are condemned as being not very smart, and have to do what is erroneously-termed "foundation".) This is in response to my attempt to tell someone something fairly interesting - and also quite instructive and useful for deducing other facts about anything - about some aspect of how the Cosmos operates. I could be referring of course to cosmology or physics or biology (classical-, paleo- or the biophysics sort) or even some aspect of history, or why humans and their societies behave in the ways that they do, or why the Earth has no settled climate, and why therefore it's a lie that "The Science is Settled!" Whatever.

Those who are clearly destined for one of the Two Universities (or perhaps the 8 or 9 others) engage with this direction. Some argue. Some are astounded. Others experience fright or sadness at the ways in which truth can be perverted by governments, or, better, at the realisation that they have been robbed of the opportunity to gain proper knowledge earlier "way down the school". (Most of these are State school pupils.) Some, it is terrible to relate, ask why their school lessons are so boring and inconsequential, and contain material which many of them suspect (at least) is based on spurious or unprovable information.

Those who are not, which is to say they might perhaps go to places like "The University of SouthEast Working-Towards-Shire", or perhaps not, are scandalised at being told stuff which they learn (from me) is outside the remit of what they are told to be allowed to know.

It is a tragedy that, we had and have a State government whose "dear leader" made his priority (apart from "24 hours to save the NHS") "education, education, education". I think he meant it in truth at the time, although if the only tool you have is a hammer, then the only solution to every problem must be a nail. It's also tragic that the notion of "free" education, provided by the State, is so ingrained. The State therefore treats "the people" as a sort of "Human Resource", to be force-fed the stuff that will inculcate the right attitudes to the State, and maximise the likely tax-generation powers for the next Five-Year-Plan.

And to end on a sad note:

Today, I tried a multiple choice GCSE question about testing of thalidomide for use in treating AIDS, on an intelligent 11-year-old who is about to move from a "bog-standard" State primary to a middling private secondary. The first question was "the trials will be conducted by..........?" and the choice of words to insert was "pregnant women: or, volunteers: or, research scientists: or, the government".

The student chose ..... "the government". Libertarians, we have a long and thankless battle ahead of us, in which we will all have to do our more-than-heroic duty, unsung, all functionally anonymous, and it will have to carry on very very long, long after our own deaths. But there is All the Time in the World.

guess what what i'm gonna wear next halloween

:D

MOM: Don't touch NOTHING, okay?
GIRL: (silent, wanders)
MOM: Sweetie? So what are you gonna touch?
GIRL: (dreamily, reaching towards shelf) Anything...
MOM: NOTHING! Don't touch NOTHING!
GIRL: (silent)
MOM: So what are you gonna touch?