I am definately doing something right.

Just picked The Boy up from his friend's house. Driving home, I asked him how tired he was. He started to explain how it was everyone else's fault he didn't get any sleep. I stopped him. (Now, what I said was in jest; he's certainly not in any kind of trouble and I most definately wasn't scolding him, and he knows it. But the point came across anyway.)

But I stopped him and asked, "Now, what is my biggest pet peeve?"

"Don't blame other people for your own mistakes."


What do you know--he listens!

Poor Little Duffer

So, The Boy is ill. Kind of. He's just been exhausted all week. Really exhausted. Falling asleep when he comes home from school, and just really tired. So yesterday evening I brought him to Urgent Care to be checked out. He needed to have blood drawn, which is a Very Big Deal for him. He HATES needles. But he bucked up and made it through. The lab tech was very good and talked him through it very well. I could see that he felt like crying but he didn't. I am so proud of the mature, brave person he is becoming. But before the blood draw, during the exam, the nurse practitioner had him lie down and she palpated his abdomen. Which was met by much squirming and giggling. My little man is becoming so grown up, so mature, but he's still so ticklish that he can't get through a medical exam without laughing. I love that so much.

In any case, the nurse practitioner called me later in the evening. The mono results aren't back yet, but most everything else came back normal. So nothing Really Bad is going on. It is most likely just some virus and he needs to just rest. And since he is on vacation from school and I am on vacation from work until Jan. 2, rest is well within our grasp right now.

This is the kind of Mom I am.

The Boy had some homework to do today. Kind of a lot, and he was feeling the pressure. And there was a piece of paper that he needed, and that he couldn't find. I got him to describe what it was and what it looked like. It was some notes on a film they'd seen in school, from which he had to make a little book about what good study habits are. The book was already partially done. According to him, without these notes, he couldn't remember everything in the film, and would have to do stuff that wasn't in the film, and get a lower grade. He was absolutely sure that he saw these notes in his accordian file this weekend. They were definately in the house but now have mysteriously disappeared. Now, this boy is smart. And he DOES try to be organized and responsible. He just hasn't perfected it yet. (Well, he IS responsible. It's the organization that he hasn't perfected yet. And he has an annoying history of blaming inanimate objects for disappearing or for other misdeeds that of course can only be the fault of a PERSON. He came by this trait honestly: he got it from his father. I hated it when his dad did it, and I hate it when The Boy does it. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELVES, PEOPLE!!! If the paper is gone, YOU LOST IT. IT DIDN'T RUN AWAY ON IT'S OWN.)

But I digress. He hadn't even started in on that angle this time...I was just anticipating it. So, the notes were missing. Did I yell at him for being irresponsible? Did I nag him to be more careful? No. (That's what my mother would have done to me, in order to satisfy her own need to vent.) But it would not help the notes get found, it would do nothing to teach him to be more careful, and would only serve to make him more frantic. What I wanted to teach him was that if he was sure he'd seen it in this house, then it had to be here still. It didn't magically disappear. So I quietly helped him go through his accordian folder, piece by piece, looking for the notes. It wasn't there. I helped him go through the "catch all" bin for his stuff, piece by piece. It wasn't there. Then I went through the trash. Piece by piece. And I found his notes. Covered in damp coffee grounds. "Is this it?" I calmly asked him. Yes it was. I noted, calmly and matter of factly, "I'll bet it was on the coffee table and you threw it away by accident when you cleaned the living room yesterday". I talked to him, nicely and calmly, about working on his organization skills. And how, since he was sure it had been here, then it still had to be here, and so it was. And I even put the notes in a plastic sheet protector, so he could use them without getting all gunky. And he gave me a big hug and went to do his homework.

Dear Boy: Don't say I never gave you anything.

It's recently been discovered that the poor Boy is suffering from myopia and astigmatism. (See how I know how to spell those words?) Wonder where he got that from???

*whistles innocently*

Ok, fine. He got them from me.

Here he is in his new glasses:

Very distinguished, yes? Note the mustache. He's had that since 3rd grade. Also note the look on his face. I'm pretty sure it translates to, "Damnit, woman! It's bad enough you gave me bad eyes and I had to get these stupid glasses, but now you insist on a picture?"

Don't ya think he'd just kill me if he knew I was throwing said picture out all over the interweb? Shhhh. Please don't tell him.

What's my name? *NAME ADDED*!!

My boy is getting a new kitten. (This will be at his Dad's house--I am not getting a new kitten.) She's a ragdoll. She comes home next week:

I've been asked to help think of a name for her. Which means I'm asking all of you to help think of a name for her. Any ideas?


5/25: Alas, the boy has decided on a name all on his own.

It's Gabriel. (Not Gabrielle. Yes, it's a girl.)

But I'd like to thank everyone for playing. It's been fun!

Oh Happy, Happy Day!

As a mother, I've been waiting for this joyous moment with eager anticipation for eleven long years...

Jacob just took the trash out!

The Great Juggle

Today was one of those complicated days. Had to remember to pack a bagged lunch (no lunchbox) for Jake, as he had a field-trip. Remembered to sneak a little 'happy birthday' note in there, too. Traffic to work was tough. I got there on time, but not the half-hour early that I try to do, so I can get that extra half-hour's pay. Brought my VHS copy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, for my boss to borrow. He's never seen it! Work, itself, was not that stressful today. While there, I filled out a form for the after-school care place for the early-release day next week, wrote them a check, too. Left work at 2pm (a half-hour early) to have time to get to the market and get a gooey chocolate cake to suprise Jake for his birthday. Mailed the form and check on the way. Got home at 2:50, checked the mail. Cursed loudly that my bead order still hadn't arrived. Because I had two bracelets that absolutely, positively had to ship today. I promised people. Got the cake ready, got the presents out of their hiding places, went to meet the bus. Welcomed the birthday boy home, at 3:00. Gave him his cake and watched him open his presents. Let Jake stay home by himself as a special treat (he hates to go on errands), and drove off to the local bead store at 3:30 to get the items I needed for the two bracelets. Got home at 4:10. Made the two bracelets (oh, yeah, don't forget the earrings!) while watching a tape of today's General Hospital. Printed out packing slips and shipping labels. Assembled everything, while yelling to Jake to please get his bathing suit on under his pants and put a towel and some underwear in the duffel bag. 5:30 we set off for his swim class. Had to stop and get gas on the way, almost empty. Arrived at the pool at 5:45, just on time! I got to read my book (Gone by Jonathan Kellerman) while he had his class. Class ended at 6:30. Waited for Jake to get changed, left pool at 6:40. Drove to Bickford's for Jake's birthday dinner. Stopped at the post office on the way (it was closed, but I only needed to drop my two packages in the box out front). Arrived at Bickford's at 7:05. Had dinner (chocolate chip pancakes, sausage and chocolate milk for Jake [I am spoiling him quite rotten for his birthday, if you hadn't noticed]; steak tips and scrambled eggs and decaf for me). Finally got the check, got it paid, and left at 7:50. Did I mention that I desperately wanted to get home by 8:00 for Gilmore Girls? Made it home during the opening credits, about 8:05. Watched Gilmore Girls (next week is the series finale! *sobs*) Read my book. Just tucked Jake into bed.

Think I'll go finish my book.

So, how was your day?

Edited to add: Checked my mail. Had an inquiry from a potential customer who wanted a three-name bracelet with silver and gold. Researched gold beads. Responded to customer that I do make three-name bracelets, could easily do silver and gold, and quoted a price. (Just between you and me, three-name bracelets are not my favorite thing to do. They are good money, but the whole lining up of the three names perfectly even always turns into a LOT of work. So far I only do them as a custom order. I think about listing them as a regular item on my site, but then I think about the work involved in making them, and don't. This is why I don't make the big money; I'm afraid of a little work!)


(PS: Can someone please tell me why my answering machine is letting of one little beep every minute? Is it hungry?)

Blogger's Choice Award

I was ever so pleasantly suprised to learn I've been nominated for the Hottest Mommy award at the Blogger's Choice Awards. Imagine that!

And I have, in turn, nominated the lovely Meghan, for Hottest Mommy and Best Photography Blog.

I think The Blogger's Choice Awards is a grand idea. Everyone should go there. Nominate someone. Nominate several someones! Vote now, vote often.

To be the mother of a son...

Me: When's the last time you took a shower?

Boy: Maryland.

Jacob and the Chocolate Factory

Today Jacob took off on a road trip with his Dad. They are headed first to Pennsylvania to see the sights, including the Liberty Bell and Amish country. Then they will head down to tour Washington DC and the Smithsonian. (The thought of those two in a museum, especially the Smithonian, makes me shudder. As much as that boy is like me in a lot of ways, he's like his dad in many ways, too. I just know that they will spend hour upon hour reading every little plaque, studying every minute detail. I may never see them again. I'm happy they have this time together, but I am SO glad I am not with them.)

Anyhoo, today's stop was Hershey, PA. I already got pictures via email.

Well, I kind of wish I was there for THIS part. ;)

My son, the ninja

So, the other day, Jake started to show me how a ninja could use anything as a weapon. He decided to demonstrate with a belt of his, one that has a particularly heavy buckle. He started swinging it over his head, and explaining something that I didn't quite catch, as I was in the middle of washing dishes, and I've told him a million times that I can't hear him when the water is running.

Jake: ...(stuff I can't really hear)

Me (Not liking the swinging of the belt over his head AT ALL.): Be careful with that! Remember, you're not really a ninja!

Jake (After finally getting hit with the buckle, as we all knew was inevitable): The only part of me that's not a ninja is my balls.





...











I'm ever so proud.

Jake...

is feeling much better today. Thank you all for your well wishing. He's still a bit nauseous, but the fever is gone. He was dizzy earlier but I'm sure that's from lack of food. This morning he ate two pieces of dry toast. Then he actually got dressed and we ventured out to the library to return his two books. (They were due yesterday. Oops.) Then we stopped at Shaw's because he wants food now but we don't have much for bland food in the house. We got more jello and some bananas. And he ate a jelly sandwich for lunch. He's not 100% yet, but much better than yesterday.

Oh, yeah. And I should probably mention that the most likely reason I was suddenly overcome with the need to pierce my ears is that I've had earrings on the brain lately, because I've been making them. I'm excited about them. They are so much prettier in person than I can capture in a picture.

The ironic part is that I can't wear any of them, myself. Even now that I actually have pierced ears. As I'd said before, my ears were pierced previously. But they are apparently very sensitive and for years they just got infected again and again, no matter what kind of earring I wore. So I eventually let them close up. BUT, now that I am, again, in a pierced state of being, I've ordered some nickel-free, hypoallergenic findings, and plan on making some smashing earrings for myself. I really hope they work. I can't wait for the findings to arrive so I can get started. And I can't wait for my ears to heal so I can wear them!

My poor sweetie

Jake woke me up at about 8:30 this morning, to say that his stomach felt weird. Within 5 minutes, he was upchucking in the kitchen sink (I know...not my first choice, but it was the closest thing, and sometimes ya just gotta go with the flow.) Yep. Stomach flu. He's spent the day being bored and very nauseous and feverish and just plain ol' icky. We watched a lot of episodes of Titus and then he watched me play Zelda (I beat the Big Bad and finished the game). He took a huge nap from 3-6pm. Woke up with the fever back, so I gave him more Tylenol. He ate a little jello, then was a little afraid it might have been a bad idea. But then he had a little toast. Then a bit later a little more jello, and now more toast. Poor thing's really hungry but neither of us think it's a good idea to load his little belly up with too much food right now. But he does seem to be a little better than earlier. *knock on wood*

Some school vacation this is turning out to be.

Penguinpalooza!

Today Jake and I went to the New England Aquarium in Boston. Did I ever mention that I don't drive in Boston? But dude...they were having a special penguin exhibit. So I mustered up my courage and off we went!



African Penguins. See the kissy-faces?


Kisses!

Like cats, peguins like to assume the 'meatloaf position'.

Jake gets to touch a starfish.

Starfish!

Jellyfish!

More jellies!

Rockhoppers!!

Hey, how'd that Rockhopper get over there with the African penguins?

Little Blue penguins, aka Fairy Penguins!

Again, in the meatloaf position.

All along the way, we stopped to get our penguin passports stamped.

Then we stopped at the IMAX 3-D theater for a movie about lions.

Then off to the giftshop. What did I get? Why, a coffee mug, of course!

And a little friend for the office.

And a fairy penguin.

Jake got a shark's tooth.(Lest you start to think: "No fairsies! The poor kid only got one thing, and mom got a bunch?!"
Let me just tell you that this ONE shark's tooth cost more than all of my stuff combined!)

And I also got this sweet little charm.

And, as is our custom wherever we go, we squashed some pennies.See the Lincoln Memorial across the penguins? Neat.

We had ourselves a very good time, and I even got us home safe and sound. Woo hoo!

From the mouths of babes

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Jake told me today, "You're lucky you divorced Dad when you did."



rotflol

My kid is so cool

.
So, he's sleeping late today. (Not that I have any stones to throw -- I slept all day yesterday. Really.) Anyway, I just went in and ruffled his hair a bit and asked, "Hey, are you going to wake up at all today?" He opened one eye, rubbed his face, and answered, "No, thank you." And closed his eye again.

Hee!

My little cereal killer

No, I didn't spell that wrong.

Here's Jake in his Halloween costume:







Making the blood spatter was very soothing.

It's far too early for this

Here I am, struggling against sleep, waiting for my son to return home from his evening out. My TEN year old son.

His friend's dad took him and his friend and the friend's little sister to the drive-in. For some reason, friend's mom didn't think just having Jake sleep over their house after was a good idea. I don't think she realized how long a double-feature plus the long drive home takes. Rookies.

He might not be home for another hour, or more.

Is this what is to come? Staying up half the night waiting for that boy to come home? Pfft. When he's old enough to go out, I think it's time I start going out again.

Yeah.

This is for all the mothers

.
This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up spit-up laced with hot dogs, birthday cake, and fruit juice saying, "It's OK honey, Mommy's here."

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T because they are busy working to put food on the table.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for all the mothers who froze their buns off on metal bleachers at football or soccer games Friday night instead of watching from cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the World," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet like a tired 2-year old who wants ice cream before dinner.

This is for mothers who have tearfully placed flowers and teddy bears on their children's graves. Whose children have died from illness, accidents and the worst of all and hardest to comprehend, suicides.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year, and then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who taught their sons to cook and sew and their daughters to be brave and strong. (And sink a jump shot.)

This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls " Mom ?" in a crowd, even though they know their own off spring are at home.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

For all the mothers who bite their lips sometimes until they bleed--when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation. And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married Mothers.

Grandmothers whose wisdom and love remains a constant for their grown children and their children's children.

----Author unknown

Today...

.
my baby is TEN years old!



He's very smart, he has a WICKED sense of humor, he's caring and considerate.

He's the best thing since sliced bread.

He rocks the Casbah.

He's the BEST idea I ever had.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE!







**All of you just having babies now...you'll be suprised at how fast time can fly. Never forget to enjoy your baby while he/she's still a baby... and every age, every moment thereafter!