Baseball and a sunny day
and I forgot my damn camera! Yesterday officially kicked off my son Phillip's high school baseball season (well, sort of), it was a scrimmage game, but a game non the less and it was a beautiful, sunny day. We hauled the family an hour and a half north and after arriving at the field I noticed I didn't have my camera. Oh well, it felt good to plop my butt in a chair on a gorgeous day and relax and watch a ball game for two and a half hours - and do NOTHING else. Phillip was happy, he started at first base and then also played some left field. I felt so lazy the rest of the day that I decided to do NOTHING the rest of the day. Baseball season kinda does that to me. Hey, NOTHING wrong with that once in awhile, right?
Well another busy week of work and school for me coming up... Has anyone seen a good movie lately?
Got to run - today's a busy day, unlike yesterday :(
Have a wonderful week,
Paula
Boys and friendship
Where did this week go? Oiy! The hubby turned 47 this past week. He's into tools, always has been. He asked for this huge tool, it's called a Miter Saw. Fun. He also got two books - John Grisham's The Appeal and Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants. Interesting title for a book, huh?
So yesterday my youngest son, J, had his best friend Benny, from where we used to live, over for the day and one of his brother Phillip's friends, Gage, was here too. They wanted to skateboard. So J uncovers his new quarter pipe that his Dad made him for Christmas for the first time this spring so they can do some cool stunts. I was in the house and after a while I hear screaming. Not good. I knew the voice, it was Joseph. I run outside to find him face down on the pavement (without his helmet on!) screaming and crying and the other kids were all leaning over around him. I took one look at him and he was a mess. There was some blood, cuts and a lot of swelling already taking place around his right eye, nose and forehead. I got him inside and we did ice and tylenol and found out what happened. After coming down from the quarter pipe back onto the pavement, his skateboard popped up hard and fast and hit him in the face. Ouch. So, of course, after 20 minutes of ice he was ready to go again. He had plans to go stay for a few days with his friend Benny and nothing was going to wreck that. Of course I called him twice that night to see how he was doing even if he thought I was being annoying - what are moms for other than being annoying and a nag? I haven't grounded him yet for not having his helmet on but even the helmet wouldn't have protected him from that freak accident. Anyway, here's a couple of pics that were taken before the injury...
Joseph and Benny
Joseph in action
Have a great week - my kids are on spring break this week - Oiy!
Paula
A musical weekend
and that it was.
My 16 year old son's school held a talent show this weekend. Phillip and my 13 year old, J and J's friend, Matt were one of the performers playing a song that Phillip wrote last month. This talent show was put together by a senior at my son's school for her Capstone Project. The talent show was to be just that - a talent show. There wasn't any judging or winners, just performers entertaining their peers and a large audience of very supportive friends and family. It was a lot of fun and there was some great talent that evening for sure. Even though my guys have entertained in the past, they were a bit nervous at first, being they were playing for such a large crowd this time around. They loved it and we thank Jordan for putting together this awesome show and for my guys to have the opportunity to play along with many other talented young students :)
My guys are ready for more!
Hope you have a sunny Sunday,
Paula
Mercy and the audition
SO this afternoon was day 3 of auditions for our local talent show at our high school. Phillip, my 16 year old, Joseph, my 13 year old and Joseph's friend, Matt, also 13 had their audition at 4:45 with two songs that Phillip wrote and they said it was COOL. The show is the end of March and from what I hear, there will be some great talent performing here in our community that night. The boys have two more weeks to practice their performance in our basement AND two more weeks to decide on a name for their band (they change band names as much as they change their ring-tones).
I'm now reading Jodi Picoult's novel Mercy. The hubby read it before me and warned me that I probably will not be a big fan of this book. HA! How could that be, I love all of Jodi's books so far. Well, he may be right. So far, there is one major male jerk-off in the story and I am not happy with him. I'm hoping he gets what he deserves in this story - that or drops dead. I bought Jodi's new novel Change of Heart and that is my next read, however, to date, My Sister's Keeper is at the top of my list.
Easter is quickly approaching...we are really looking forward to some R&R in Boston :)
Time for this mom to go to sleep. Nicholas, it was so good to have you home the past three days and have fun in Montreal the rest of the week with your friends - oh, and when you talk to Jen again, tell her we said "HI!" and Tony, have a good time in Florida next week and give Meghan a hug for us :)
~Paula
Lori McKenna and a pierced ear
Last night Tom and I saw Lori McKenna and her band perform in Northampton, Massachusetts at the Iron Horse Music Hall. Mark Erelli opened for her (he is sensational) and Lori and her band put on quite a show. We had a fun night. Here is a picture of Lori (we were up in the balcony) but damnit it, it was dark in there and this turned out dark...but we had a great time! Be sure to check out Lori McKenna in Mom Writers Literary Magazine this summer June 2008! She is a doll. Lori is touring in January so check out her site, she just may be in your hometown.
So my youngest son says to my husband and I the other night at bedtime something about his ear...
ME: "What's that J? What about your ear?"
J: "I pierced my ear today, uh, with Chris."
ME: "You WHAT? Where?"
J: "Right here" (pointing to his ear lobe)
ME: "I know that I mean when and how?!"
J: "At school in the bathroom with Chris. We used a thumb tack..."
I leaned against the door to hold myself up trying to imagine this scene...
ME: "A thumb tack J?!!! What the hell where you thinking?...Was there any blood?"
J: "Nah. It was pretty quick...can I borrow some of your stud earrings Mom?"
ME: "NO. No earrings. A thumb tack J...?"
J: "Yea, it worked good, see."
It was off centered, but there it was just the same - a pierced ear on my 7th grade son.
The joys of parenting :)
Have a super week!
~Paula
Happy, Happy, Happy
Happy Birthday to my Anna Gracie (6), Happy Anniversary to me and my hubby (23), and Happy New Year to all (Welcome 2008)!
Here are some snaps of my Anna Banana girl from the 27th and we're celebrating 23 years tonight out for a nice dinner and The Water Horse flick. Hard to believe 2008 is knockin' on our doors, but it is, and I'm ready. Enjoy the rest of 2007 everyone and bring on the New Year :)
~ Paula
Anna gets the Grinch
Anna with Little Mommy
Yum Yum, Anna loves cake!
Wisdom teeth and Christmas blessings
So this morning my oldest, Tony, had his four wisdom teeth removed. It went well. He only has a little swelling and his lower lip is still totally numb, but he is determined to get through this quickly. He was even up playing ping-pong with one of his brothers tonight. I think it's going to hit him tomorrow morning when the rest of the novacaine wears off and the throbbing kicks in. But we are thinking positive as Tony told me this afternoon :)
Did everyone have a Merry Little Christmas? We did. Here are some of my favorite snapshots from Christmas Eve and Xmas day of my Rugrats, oh, and me and the hubby :)
Take care, Paula
Christmas Eve 2007
Nick with J looking on...
Phillip and Bob Marley
Joseph with new skateboard
Nick with his shuffle
Guitar picks and some much needed socks, Yay!
Anna excited about her new cup from big brother Tony
Anna Banana with Angela and Pita
Tony ready for the gym
Tony and Rage...
Phillip with his new baby
Me with my new baby
J with his new baby :)
(Quarter Pipe)
Oh where oh where has December gone...
Date: December 15, 2007
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Oh where oh where can it be...? Seriously.
We have had sickness in our house since the end of November and by the time we are just getting over one thing, another sickness hits and spreads right through the house again. It's enough to drive a mom batty. Will the coughing ever end? My damn hands are RAW from washing them so much and the lady at Rite Aid must think I own stock in Lysol, Dimetapp and Tylenol.
So through all the illness I managed to get through my three finals for my college classes this past week - YIPPEEEE, I am done until January 22nd!!!! Such a GOOD feeling. My son Nicky Nacky finished up his finals at UCONN this week as well and Tony (at UMASS) will wrap his up by next Thursday (good luck Tone). We are looking forward to having you guys home for the holidays :)
Everyone around me seems to be having a baby. Really. Suddenly, so many women I know are pregnant or having a baby, which is great, don't get me wrong, but I am starting to feel...OLD. And I noticed that most of the bambinos have been - girls. Two of my colleagues recently had little girls (Kate and Annie) and just today we got the news that our neice had her baby 4 weeks early-and wouldn't you know-a baby girl, Carly Jane. Don't you just love these names - Kate, Annie and Carly - so adorable. We need some boys!
Basketball season for my guys is going well. Even through all the illness my butt's been planted in the gym three nights a week. Phillip's JV team is 4-0 and J's team is 3-1. Keep up the good work guys, you're doing great.
I've been listening to my Christmas music for the past couple weeks. I just love Christmas tunes. I think my favorites are Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells and Joy to the World. I know the kids get sick of hearing Sleigh bells ring...are you listening....but it's only one month out of the year, come on. Give up your Rage Against the Machine and Slightly Stoopid for just the month of December will ya. The music helps get me in the holiday spirit, what can I say. My Christmas shopping is done, cards are done, wrapping is almost done, we bought and trimmed our tree today (2 weeks late this year but oh well), and now all that is left is - the BAKING. Next week I hope to spend hours in the kitchen with some of my most treasured holiday recipes - and of course eating the stuff is THE best part (scale, what scale?)
Enjoy the holidays everyone - they pass so quickly. Oh, here is a dark and blurry picture of our Christmas tree that J took tonight - I think we need a new camera Santa.
MWLM winter mags have shipped out with our cover feature on Rock Star Momma Skye Hoppus so watch for those in your mailbox - and online starting Monday, the 17th! Have a super week!
Toodles, Paula
Thanksgiving memories
Happy Blitz Day (or Black Friday)! Has everyone done their shopping today with the Day After Thanksgiving sales? Not I. I don't get anywhere near the mall on this day. I simply don't like crowds and standing in long lines. I find it much easier, and cozier, to sit at my desk and click away at online sales ;) Well, I am almost finished with my holiday shopping so I'm not doing too bad this year...
How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Filling I hope :) We had a terrific turkey day at Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts. The food was divine and the day was perfect - 60 degrees - who would have thought we would have 60's in mid November?
Here are some pics of my gang from Thanksgiving 2007
Food was yummy!
Phil, Nick, Anna, Tony & Joseph
Guess Dad was the only one ready for this shot
Phil, Tony, Joseph, Anna & Nick
Phil, Nick, Anna, Joseph & Tony
Me and the kids hanging at the village bank
Hope you had a wonderful day with your friends and family! I'm off now - back to a busy day of taxiing. Joseph found out he made the middle school A (Red) team and he has a practice, Phillip has bb practice, Tony has a doctor appointment and I've got to get some groceries so we have food in this house again.
Have a super weekend!
Paula
Basketball try-outs and a loose tooth
I'm kicked back at the gym last night during my 7th graders basketball try-outs (as J noticed he forgot his inhaler when I was dropping him off so I run home to get it and come back and decide to stay. There were other parents hanging out so what the heck) and all is going well. I'm noticing the two coaches, noticing the thirty boys who are there trying out for middle school basketball (there will be two teams - A & B) and then I'm noticing my son running off the court, quickly, holding his mouth. I thought maybe he got clobbered in the mouth or nose and was running to me for a kleenex or something and just as he is heading my way I open my mouth to comfort him and he zips right past me - not even looking at me - and still holding his mouth. OK. He disappears out the door and reappears a few minutes later...with an enormous wad of brown paper towels sticking out of his mouth -and he runs back out on the court. WTF? At that point I did what any mom would do, I started yelling at him. "J!" "Joseph!" WHAT WAS HE THINKING? Finally, he runs over to me, mumbling with a mouthful of the paper and hands me a tooth - his tooth. Oh. Then he hands me the wet, dirty paper towel and says "Thanks Mom." And turns and runs back out on the court. That damn tooth has been loose for months and it finally decides to fall out in the middle of basketball try-outs?
I reminded him last night that he would be getting a visit from the tooth fairy (which he insists is a guy - yea right) and he was cool with that.
Here he is with a toothless grin five years ago at age 7
Happy Thanksgiving - Gobble Gobble!
Cheers!
Paula
HAPPY HALLOWEENY!!!!
So, what's new? Ummm, oh, yeah, my son's school had homecoming this past weekend - town parade, bonfire and pizza party on Friday night and then the football game Saturday (in the cold, pouring rain), and then, the homecoming dance. About the dance. My 10th grade son decides, at the last minute, to go to the dance with a group of friends - and his 7th grade brother. We told J (7th grade son) to call us from his cell phone to let us know what he was doing (if he couldn't get in the dance as he is a middle schooler we would come pick him up - we live walking distance from the school). Ends up one of the school's directors is chaperoning the dance, and he says sure J could go in - and he lets him in. So J is the only middle schooler at the homecoming dance, hanging out with his brother and all his brother's friends - and dancing. The dance is a super nice, well chaperoned event and all in all, the kids had a really nice evening.
I'm just going to say two really gross words, OK. FLAT WARTS. There. I said it. I went for my yearly dermatology check the other day, you know, skin/mole check since skin cancer runs in my family, and the doc says all is good except...looks like you have FLAT WARTS on your left hand...Huh? What the hell are flat warts and why are they on my left hand?! So, the nurse goes out and comes back with the LIQUID NITROGEN - ouch, just the name scares the hell out of me. I hold out my hand and zap, zap, zap, the doc burns the suckers. Now I have six lovely scabs just waiting to fall off. FLAT WARTS - ugh.
Happy Halloween to everyone! We had a fun night tonight. The boys handed out candy with Gage (one of Phillip's friends) while we took Anna Banana (aka - the white bunny) out for trick-or-treating and then J (Cartman) went out for candy with his friends while Gage (Grim Reaper) and Phillip(George Bush) continued handing out the goodies until we ran out (7 bags of candy). Here's the gang - and it's so weird to be trick-or-treating in daylight because of daylight savings time - it should be dark and scary for Halloween. The weather was terrific however, 59 degrees in Vermont. Perfect.
Phillip,Gage, Joseph and Anna
Phillip, Anna and Joseph
And here is my UMASS college son Tony - aka Captain Condom ;)
My other college son was a UCONN leaf blower - don't ask! No pictures available yet.
And here is a pic from Halloween of Tony, Joe and Driscoll, a couple of Tony's college pals ;)
Anyhoo, enjoy your week!
Paula
Trick-or-Treat...
smell my feet, give me something good to eat. Yep, soon it will be Halloween. My gang loves trick-or-treating and this year I have quite the bunch. I'll be hanging with George Bush, Cartman and a fluffy white bunny rabbit come October 31st. Should be interesting. Should be fun!
More next week...
GO RED SOX!!!
Cheers, Paula
Hanging with the Governor
Governor Jim Douglas of Vermont that is. It was so cool. My 7th grade son Joseph and his friend Randy were chosen from their school to lead the fall festival parade in our town and hold the sign for Governor Douglas (with the Gov and his wife following them). Check it out - J is the one smiling at the camera behind the big green guy.
Anyhoo, that was fun. And Governor Douglas is a very nice gentleman - after the parade he had his security/bodyguard drive Joseph and Randy back to our house, and of course as a mother, my first question to J was, "Did you say thank you?"
So that was our excitement for the weekend.
Anybody reading a good book lately? Let me know. I love chatting about books and authors.
Time to scoot - I have a haircut today AND it is gorgeous today - 60 and so fall like.....FINALLY!
Cheers,
Paula
My week so far
...and what a crazy busy week it's been! I am EXHAUSTED and need a nap.
So, the kids are all back to school - except the oldest, Tony, who is here with us and leaving tonight to head back to UMASS. Nick started classes Monday at UCONN and of course called to say he needed more money for books and what not, Phillip started on Tuesday and his big news was that he has a new girlfriend and she is a junior (one year ahead of him), Joseph started Wednesday, and again, his news, he has a girlfriend AND two others who want to be his girlfriend - wonderful. And Anna started Kindergarten today and did super :) Her teacher is a doll and I just know she is going to have a great year - which makes mom rest easier. Hope all the moms out there who got there kids off to school recently got off to a great start :) I know one thing for sure - I am sleeping in this weekend! Here's the rugrats this morning all ready to go...
Got to go for now - Tony and I have lots of running around to do today before he leaves for school...
Have a fab Labor Day weekend!
~Paula
School days, school days
How many more days?
For some, school doors have reopened weeks ago. Here in Vermont we are just getting started. My son Nick who goes to UCONN will head to class bright and early Monday morning (have fun Nacky), and I have another (Phil the big 10th grader) starting Tuesday, Joseph my 7th grade rocker starts Wednesday, and my little Anna Banana starts Kindergarten on Thursday (ands she is so excited). The oldest, Tony, he heads back to UMASS Amherst at the end of next week after he comes to visit his good ol' mom and dad for a few days and then it's back to the books. Hard to believe I have a junior in college (my BABY!) about to turn 20!...Let's talk about something else shall we...
So, the magazine is doing great! We have been working on the next issue for fall which launches at the end of September and it is awesome! Please check it out at www.momwriterslitmag.com
I have a question - just curious - what is your favorite season of the year? Spring, summer, fall, winter? I'd love to hear from you - on the lit mag and your favorite time of the year :)
Ugh, I have a b-day coming up in a week and a half. Well, I am looking forward to going out with my girlfriend Deb - we could have a good cry together over getting old (she is one year younger than me, darnit). What am I sulking about - we still look 29 ;)
OK, enough on that. It's the weekend, YAY!! Can't wait to see you tomorrow night, Tony - we've got pizza :)
Cheers!
Paula
Pirates and the Today Show
Well that third and final Pirates movie was quite interesting...and LONG. (However Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are easy on the eyes :)). I took the boys to see the Pirates movie the other day and throughout the entire show I was trying to figure out what the hell was going on - as were the boys. It was confusing as we had heard from many others, however, we were happy that Elizabeth ended up with Will and that Jack Sparrow was alive and well. Overall, we enjoyed it along with the popcorn. Disney has done it again.
Again for those who have asked, here is a link to the Today Show. It was great fun and I have heard from many friends and family on how they enjoyed it - thanks again to the NBC producers and camera crew who were such fun to work with - you're the best!
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=3aada3ce-2355-4ac1-a7cd-04a819e673d0&f=05&fg=rss
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Watch for the launch of Mom Writer's Lit Mag out Monday, June 25th with the one and only Janet Evanovich!
~Paula :)
My magazine proof arrived from the printer...
and it is awesome!!! I am so excited, and proud! Mom Writer's Literary Magazine is IN my hands today in print! You are all going to love it - honestly :) The 6,000 copies will be going out in June so order your subscription today! Janet Evanovich looks lovely on the cover :)
So, my son, Tony, at UMASS has one week left to go (finals week - yikes!). I have been thinking about him the past few days at 2 in the morning when I can't sleep - that is my worry time - 2am, 3am and sometimes even 5am. I don't just worry about Tony. I have 5 kids remember? It is constant, take your pick on what kid I am worrying about on what night. Anyways, good luck Tony with your finals - your mom is thinking about you :)
Well last week I mentioned the middle school spring concert and the Battle of the Bands for Phillip and Joseph right? I am one proud mama. Joseph did awesome in the spring concert (and he was sicker than a dog that night with some tummy thing). He was rockin' the crowd for sure. Then long story on the Battle of the Bands night - let's just say we all know who the real 1st place winners were :) My guys band came in 2nd place and that is only because the 4th grader who was one of the members of the other little kids band had both his parents as judges - GO FIGURE. Here is a pic from Battle of the Bands evening - Rock on boys! They were SO good!
Oh, and this I've just got to show off - here is my son Nick and his friend Jen (she's a doll) :)
Now if I could only get a pic of Tony with someone...:)
Until next week - enjoy!
~Paula
A Chat With The Boys
Hi all you mommies out there. Welcome back to What Did You Do All Day? OK. I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW, it has been ages since I have blog podcasted. Hope you've had an awesome February. Can you even believe the month of February is gone? March is here and spring will soon be here too! I really don't want to think too much about spring because then I start to think about SPRING CLEANING - Yuck! Let's talk about something better :)
Today I'd like to talk about an incredible organization and it's called Reading is Fundamental or RIF. RIF is the nation's largest children's literacy organization and they happen to be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Carol Hampton Rasco is President and CEO of Reading is Fundamental and she can be reached at this Toll Free number: 1 (877) RIF-READ or (202) 536-3400. Their website is www.rif.org. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8 and to motivate them to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. Really awesome so please check them out today!
OK. Also today, I talked with two very special people in my life and they are my two younger boys, Phillip and Joseph. Or better known to their circle of friends as Phil and Joe and to me, their mom, as Phildog and J. My son Phillip who is a 9th grader is on his winter break this week and Joseph, who is in middle school, was on break last week but had a snow day from school today which also happens to be his 12th birthday - Happy Birthday J!! We chatted about their music. I figured since that is one huge love in their lives why not chat with them about it? Phildog plays the bass guitar, the electric guitar and the piano and J plays the drums, the electric guitar, and the piano. So, you would never guess one of the items on J's birthday wish list this year - nope never. A MANDOLIN. Yep. So I asked him the other day who was going to teach him to play the Mandolin and he replied simply, "I am of course." OK. The kid is musical, what can I say?
So please check out the podcast below by clicking on the link to hear my conversation with Phil and Joe and then they even played a song for us - Cool!
Well, that is about all from this mom today. Oh, I just would like to mention that my literary magazine for mom authors spring launch is March 26th at www.momwriterslitmag.com, so please stop by and check us out - and big, exciting news coming soon for MWLM, but that's another show :)
Again, please check out Reading is Fundamental at www.rif.org and have a wonderful week!
~ Paula
Click here to download the show! (mp3)
Happy January!
I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday and a very Happy New Year! Wow, it is 2007! What happened to 2006? Did everyone make a New Year’s Resolution for 2007? I kind of forgot…I did it last year for 2006 – you know, made a list of resolutions, and only like two of them I accomplished out of the six listed. Oh well, I have myself an agent – Yay, I did it!!! That was a huge accomplishment in 2006 for me and I’m proud of myself :)
Oh, I just have to brag about my latest magazine launch. If you have not checked it out yet, go to www.momwriterslitmag.com and you will find awesome profiles with bestselling author Jodi Picoult – Jodi Picoult! Can you believe it?!!! Also, we talked with Dr. Christiane Northrup who is amazing and Stacy Sims, mom author of Swimming Naked – don’t you just love the name of that book? So please, pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and visit Mom Writer’s Literary magazine today and drop me a line and let me know what you think!
So, I have three of my five kids back to school. Yay!!! My two younger ones started back in early January and Phillip, who boards at a high school that is an hour away just started back today. He was SO not ready to get back to the books. He likes to sleep in…what teenager doesn’t?! However, he was VERY ready to get back to seeing his new girlfriend everyday-Ah, young love. She is very sweet and I must say, they do make a cute couple. My two older boys are living it up in Florida. Yep, one of their Christmas gifts this year were round-trip tickets to Florida and back. They are staying with family and are actually working at the Country Club where our parents live for some extra spending money for when they go back to college in a few weeks. God knows they are going to need it! We talked the other day and they have had no shortage of good times – going to the movies and out to dinners, fishing out on the boat and playing golf. Sounds pretty rough, huh?!
Have you ever heard of RAINN? The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Did you know that every 2.5 minutes, another American becomes a victim of sexual assault? The road to healing can be frightening. Please help ensure that no one goes through it alone. Please check out www.rainn.org today.
Well, I guess that about does it for me this week. Thanks so much again for all of your emails and for your friendship :) and….Happy 2007 everyone!!!
~ Paula
Click here to download the show! (mp3)
Soccer Mom and The Fair
So, I just finished a fabulous read the other night, one I'm sure you've heard of - may have even seen the movie some years ago...Bridges of Madison County. Yes, I am turning into a helpless romantic in my older age. You remember the movie - where Meryl Streep plays Francesca, the lonely housewife married to a conservative (boring) farmer in Iowa. Then an out-of-state stranger (photographer) comes to town and she decides to get jiggy with him...yea, that's the story, you remember now. All kidding aside, it is really a beautiful story and so well written. I saw the movie years ago and decided to read the book last week ( I was in a mood). It is a quick read and very well worth the time. My next novel...The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud.
Well, it's soccer season and it shows. I have been away from my home and desk constantly playing the role of soccermom. It's fun. I am starting to enjoy soccer more and more over the years. Only two of my four boys are playing as the older two are in college and are more interested in hoops right now. My younger guys - Phillip 14 and Joseph 11 are the soccer players this year. Joseph's first game is coming up next week - GO J! and Phillip's freshman high school team has played three games so far against other school's JV teams. Phillip is doing well. He has scored in every game so far and runs his butt off out there on the field. He looks good in green. The kids on the team call him Dr. Phil...go figure :)
The Tunbridge World Fair has come to town. Where I live in Vermont, there is a huge world fair every September that plops into a town near mine for four days and nights. My youngest son, Joseph, looks forward to this big event all year long. He could pitch a tent and just sleepover for the weekend and that would be all good with him.
Kids. They really enjoy the simple things in life which is so nice.
Back to School and the Game of Soccer
It's just about time. Today is August 18th and the days are passing by so quickly. There is so much to do and NOT enough time. In exactly 7 days we will be packing up the SUV and heading off to UCONN with our second oldest son, Nick. He was ready to leave 2 months ago. I worry. Who will watch over him? That is my job. And believe me, he needs to be watched over! I am proud of him though. UCONN is an excellent college and he will be in the Honors dorm...and his mother will be calling, IMing and emailing him everyday and night whether he wants her to or not :)
Our oldest, Tony, heads back to UMASS Amherst in 2 1/2 weeks. He also is ready to go. I understand, he misses his college buddies from last year as he has not seen them for the past 3 months. I remember those days well. And he knows very well that he'd better keep that cell phone of his on him at all times because mom likes to hear his voice from time to time...even if it means calling him at 9am on his morning off :)
Phillip and Joseph start back to school on the 29th. I still need to get my butt in gear and take them clothes and school supply shopping - Note to self: Drop everything next week and GO SHOPPING.
With the start of school season brings the wonderful game of soccer for my guys. I love the sport, lots and lots of running and exercise. It will be back to the soccer fields every late afternoon for this sports mom. Fun! Now we just need to get our 4 1/2 year old daughter interested in the game, but for now, she'd rather spend time with her dog, Charlie or with her stuffed kitty and moose...
Little does she know that her brothers have other plans for her...
A Drummer's Camp and Wisdom Teeth
Well, another busy week here - where the hell is summer going?
This past Sunday we took our son, Joseph to a camp that is about 30 minutes away from where we live. Joseph has been waiting 2 months to attend this camp which runs from Sunday through Friday. Do you know why he is so excited about this particular camp? It is a DRUMMER'S camp, that's why. This place is gorgeous - the owners have a beautiful home on 500 acres, a pool, awesome drum sets and musical instruments everywhere - and they own a home in Costa Rica as well. Nice.
Anyways, hopefully Joseph is wearing his ear plugs I sent with him for the week. God only knows I would have one fat, giant headache returning from a camp where everyone was banging on drums 24/7. He loves it though and I am happy for him :)
On the other hand, life has not been so enjoyable for my son Nick this past week - far from it. Nick's impacted wisdom teeth were dug out on Monday and today, Wednesday, Nick looks like one irritated chipmunk. It's amazing how it takes a couple days for the swelling to set in. So it's been pain killers, ice packs and lots of soft foods for Nick.
Fine with me - at least I know where he is at night - safe and sound in his room as he calls to me for more TLC :)
Graduation Days
Well I have had one of those weeks - the "busy as hell last week of school" week and I AM TIRED. I must say I'm most certainly looking forward to the lazy days of summer right about now. Aren't we all?
Earlier in the week we took my second oldest son, Nick, to his college orientation at UCONN for a few days - he enjoyed it and met some other kids with the same interests (kids who also play the electric guitar and are in bands, and kids who will be in the Honors program and Honors dorm as he will be) so that was good news. We really like the college campus (in Storrs) - very pretty campus and we know it is a great school overall. Nick is majoring in Biophysics and his minor is Structural Biology - that should keep him busy...
So then, on Thursday evening (2 nights ago) my son Phillip had his middle school graduation. It was a nice event and Phillip even got to stand up and talk for a bit about what he has learned in middle school ....
Phillip telling all the five things he has learned in middle school...
On Friday evening (last night), well, that was the BIG night. Our son, Nick, was finally going to receive his high school diploma (not to mention all the awards and scholarships that he scored - Yay!). It was also a very special night for him because he was giving the Salutatory address :) And he wrote a song and played it during the event and he and his brothers who have their own band ("Sinking Initiative" - they have changed names) performed some songs at the end of the evening for all...From one mom to another - I was beaming and one proud mama :)
Nothing like jamming on the electric guitar in your cap and gown :)
Ok, it's Saturday night and I think I'm going to kick back, read a good book...and go to bed early - sounds exciting doesn't it?
More Kids' News...
Of course, what else?
I have had a busy day. I left early in the morning with my youngest son, Joseph, to go to his asthma/allergy appointment in BFI - for those of you who do not know what BFI stands for, try to figure it out - not a very nice name. Let's just say we had a hell of a drive there and back! Good news - J does NOT have an allergy to chocolate or nuts-Yay! He is beyond happy as you can imagine. Glad that is over with as the kid has been craving a chocolate bar for over a month now...
My 17 year old, Nick, has two graduations this year - He attended his first year of college (as a senior in high school) at a local college and we just attended his class graduation the other night. (Sob Sob - my second baby is all grown up). His graduation from his high school, where he is Salutatorian, is coming up in 2 weeks and this mom will surely need the Kleenex for that event as well. His band will be performing at the graduation also, so that will be fun for him.
My son, Phillip, will be graduating from middle school soon (ceremony for 8th graders before moving up to - gulp - high school!). He is SO ready to move on to high school, it's just, I'm not ready...
Tony, my oldest guy, is taking his final exams all next week (and cramming his butt off this week) to end his first year of college. OMG. Where did the year go? He will be home soon for the summer which will be nice, interesting, but nice...
And last, but not least, is my Anna Banana gal - I think she is having a growing spurt as I helped her put on her pants this morning and the poor kid looked as though she was waiting for a flood - oh well, that is what they do right, they GROW and do not stay cute and little for long!
Time for this mama to say goodbye as I need to get some dinner going and then I have a business call with PODSHOW :)
Later....
My Daughter is One Tough Cookie...
Ya know why?
I took her to the pediatrician today for a pre-op physical and she was hesitant most of the visit - when the nurse talked to her, she just stared her down - no expression. When the doctor talked to her - same. Then near the end of the visit she slowly loosened up and cracked a smile when the doctor was pressing on her tummy (she's a ticklish little one).
So, the doctor exits and who enters but the nurse with a needle in hand - Yikes! I guess this little one is due for her MMR booster....OKAY.
It was over in about 10 seconds or less - Anna hopped up on my lap, I pulled up her sleeve, she turned her eyes to the nurse who was injecting the needle into her arm - AND WATCHED....The kid never even flinched. No tears, no screaming. The only words she uttered after that was, "Mom, I don't think I want to be here."
One tough gal let me tell you...Now if only I could get my older sons to be that brave.
Burps, Farts and Gas in General...
Why is it that the male gender generates so much GAS? Seriously. You may wonder why I'm asking this icky question. Remember, I live in a houseful of boys (as my book title suggests...) - enough said.
I had the pleasure this morning of taking my 14 year old son, Phillip to the Orthodontist. As we are driving along and chatting I notice a very foul smell - about every 3 minutes! "GOOD GOD PHILLIP, CAN YOU JUST HOLD IT IN FOR 20 MINUTES?!!!" But, NO can do...Great. Note to self: When traveling with Phillip, bring noseplugs.
So then I remember that I need to call my oldest son, Tony, who is away at college. I whip open my trusty cell phone (yeah right) and dial his number....One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy, three ringy dingy -
I then hear, "Hello."
"Hey Tony, mom hear, did I wake you?"
Buuuuuurp - "Nah, I just got out of the shower." Burp.
"Sounds as if you just ate some breakfast, maybe some nice greasy college cafeteria bacon?"
Burp - "Nope, havent' eaten a thing yet this morning mom." Buuuuurp.
"OK, Tony, have a nice day..." Click.
Unbelievable. It will be a pleasant surprise the day I can have a fart-free AND burp-free conversation with my four sons - oh, and let's not forget the hubby.
