Mine Got Talent

OK, we are not signing up anyone for a reality show or Martha Stewart Living. But I slowed down enough recently to be really impressed with the skills in this household.
Of course my skills, I still struggle to ignore ;)

First up is oldest son, otherwise known as The Experimentator. We have a standard Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy. If we do have to go into his bathroom for something, we do it quick. Or else we may see the crusted counter and mirror. You will thank me for not photographing the crusted floor. He does "clean" his own bathroom for allowance. I am proud he has the ingenuity to try new things.

But I am not sure what his Calamine, Benadryl concoction was made for. I don't even see said concoction. It is probably in his sock drawer........Not to self: turn to the manual Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I am slightly worried, however, as it is the start of poison oak season and we may now be low on supplies............

Second up is younger son, the artist. He has good three-dimensional spacial awareness. Even when he eats. It ain't pretty (the eating) but it is interesting. We caught him "after hours drawing". Funny how he chose to draw on his futon, on his homemade Sponge Bob box, next to the recently purchased "Boss Toss." You load up a plastic boss (notice tiny little plastic bosses) in the gun and shoot him/her out. Somehow he lawyered me into getting it because Boss Toss doesn't have bullets, so it is not a toy gun. He doesn't understand that to really enjoy the Boss Toss, you need an actual boss. He still thinks it is fun.

Oh and he has a big desk with a lamp that is perfect for drawing. But I must say his volcano looks pretty good- so who am I to criticize his method? He is also sky jump boy from previous post below. He was doing double back flips. He was 3 stories up! I was too tired and cold to be fretful. No I take that back, I am a cool mom!


And here is dear daughter. AKA Squirrel. More on that later. She is practicing to "be a mommy." She loves to "take care" of her baby. Notice she tattooed her name on babies head, added a few stickers for good measure and then put her in a giant pull up. If I was that baby- I wouldn't be making a peep! She is also helping her dance teacher pick out the recital costumes. At 4 already a fashion consultant.


And I recently discovered my other boys are fabulous broiler pan cleaners. No more soaking in the sink for 2 days. Now I can just put it out on the back porch and it is all clean within 30 minutes. Just a little rinse and I'm done. Thanks guys!


Now, DH is very talented too. He has in the last 12 months: coached 1 soccer team, one football team, head coached 2 basketball teams, taught 4 kids how to ski, took on head football coach for next year's team, played on a men's basketball team, played on a coed volleyball team and worked full-time. And he takes the kids to school every morning. Saint Husband requires prior approval for posted pictures- so I will get back to you on that one.

That is all for now. Everyone have a great weekend!

One big step for woman, one small step for womankind

OK, I am doing a blog. Why? My friend Hayley told me to that is why! People are going to read this? I am still grasping the very concept. I have participated in online discussion boards for several years now. This seemingly one-sided conversation is outside my comfort zone. But I figure it is cheap therapy and maybe a way to let my hair down. That's right- I can't let my hair down, because it has been Kramertized by chemotherapy. More on that later.

Today I almost had to do yoga. It is raining. I usually take the two dogs for an hour hike every day. Built-in upper body workout, as the two dogs weigh close to 200 pounds, and so do I by the way. Need to be more of a "master" as Cesar Milan would say. But I would miss the hour of semi-restraining the two beasts. So we lumber around the neighborhood, not perfect, but perfectly happy in our own way. Anyway, I almost had to break out the yoga mat when the sun broke through after lunch. I may even make it all winter without having to do the dirty deed that is yoga, that everyone seems to like except me.

Tonight my oldest child is in his school talent show. I have seen the auditions and the dress rehearsal and I can honestly say that elementary kids should not be holding talent shows. They just aren't very talented! Boo hiss, bad mommy. I am I am! I find it hard to not suppress a smirk when the group of boys play "We will, we will rock you!" with a few beeps and honks out of tune. I am not even going to mention the girl who spent more time picking up her batons than not. I guess I am sensitive to my own child's "comedy act". The kids were laughing. I guess I need to lighten up.

OK enough bitching! I feel better already. Now I am off to contemplate what "my favorite salad" is so I can make it for the pot luck tonight......................