The Ladies' Man

To preface this post, it should be known that a certain son of mine (who shall remain nameless for privacy sake) has been doing gymnastics for the past couple of years. He is also on the very low end of weight as compared to his height. Those two items have combined to give him what I lovingly refer to as a "baby six pack" as shown here:

As you can imagine, he is pretty proud of this accomplishment, as it clearly professes that he has non-geek qualities to him. I was unaware just how much he enjoys the notoriety of a six pack, until I overheard him talking with his friend (I was driving them in the car, so they were aware I overheard them). Recently, the 6th graders had a reward day of some type at Raging Waters. It was on the way home from this that I was enlightened.

As is want to happen when children reach a certain age, it seems that a certain boy has developed a crush. The object of his crush, who is not a girl we go to church with (should anyone wonder), is oblivious. This young man has been trying to get her attention and let her know he likes her all year long. She either is playing dumb, or is extremely obtuse. He was getting desperate and at Raging Waters, he saw an opportunity to really be remembered. Yes, this is where the six pack comes in.

It seems that although the aforementioned young man has been showing off his six pack in small groups at lunch time, The Girl had not yet seen it. It was decided that while shirtless at Raging Waters for the entire day, The Boy would keep his stomach continually flexed so that The Girl would see his very non-geeky muscles any time she happened to pass near by him. Sadly, there was a flaw to his plan, which didn't occur to him until the morning after.

Aside from the obvious risk that the abs in combination with the flirting would not have the desired results (anyone else think The Girl is officially playing dumb?), a certain boy forgot just how difficult it is to walk, sit, lay, move, or even breathe when every muscle in your stomach feels like it has been hit with a baseball bat from continued flexing for over 9 hours!

Some Light Summer Reading

Now that I am unemployed for the first time in 4 years, I have picked up 3 summer books rather than my typical one. Dauntingly, they are "The Secret Agent" by Conrad, "Of Human Bondage" by Maughan, and "The Brothers Karamazov".

Anyone care to join me?

Pirate Party Pics

It's my Birthday, It's my Birthday, I love cake, It's my birthday. . .

We know at least one child enjoyed himself!

Tyler may be shorter than Nate's friends, but he's handier with the lipstick

All the party goers were made into Pirates, thanks to cool bandannas and some black lipstick

Balloons and Pirates- can cake get any better than that?

A picture is truly worth 1000 words

Tyler and Evan lead some games

Party Leaders: back: Rebi, Jordan, Taylor, Ellie, Evan, Jana front: Nate, Tyler

8 Minutes to Total Brain Death

25 kids ages 5 and 6. I had all of the games planned in 8-minute slots. I knew that 8 minutes was the most I was getting from any one group at any one game. Luckily, I was right on for the time. About every 8 minutes, the leaders for each group would look at me pleadingly and beg to change stations. Over all, the party was a huge success. And the toy haul- truly disgusting. I am going to have to put a bunch of this stuff away to be played with later on in the summer.

Blogger isn't letting me ad pics right now, so try to contain your excitement. . .

A Pleasant Realization

I went to Target a few days ago and in browsing, saw some Thank You cards I really liked. I have a horrible habit of buying Thank You cards and never sending them, but I really really liked them.
So, I bought them.
To my very pleasant surprise, every single child, upon seeing the box of Thank You notes, has written out at least one. Of their own free will.

Unemployed for the summer?!?!

Due to "office" politics far too annoying and ridiculous to go into, I just might find myself without a job for the summer. Wow, would that be nice. I'm dreaming of going days without checking my email, hour upon hour of sitting at the pool, going to the beach, reading.

I could actually teach the girls to sew rather than pretending to pay attention while worrying about a customer or a team member. It's been at least 3 years since I have had a vacation where I didn't have to check email and work while I'm gone from home. Not optimal for relaxation, I will reassure you! :)

The question remaining, is do I quit outright and prevent the next few days of drama, or do I let them battle it out and see if I still have a job next week?

Heroes

OK, again, I am aware that I am REALLY far behind on this, but I am rather annoyed. Why didn't Peter just fly himself away? Did we really need to see Mr "Suddenly Selfless After Having Become Completely Power Hungry" Petrelli fly away with his baby brother in his arms? PUHLEEZ!

And, the Silar soap opera where he slithers into the sewer when no one was looking? Are you freaking kidding me? There are at least 5 people present who are fully aware of the magnitude of his powers- and creepiness. But suddenly every one of them are completely brain dead and don't bother to entertain the idea that he might not be fully dead? AAARGH! Of course, I exclude Parkman from that since he's been an idiot from day one.

Truly, I love this show, but they maybe could have made the finale a bit more intelligent and conveyed the same info. Sigh.

A few birthday photos

"My very own chess set? A chess set, a chess set! I LOVE chess!"

For these two shots, I had to be fast with the camera. This kid does not sit still for long!!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Today, Nate is 6. 6 is a very important age.

This morning, he climbed into bed with me, I said Happy Birthday to him, and he said, "I'm six, I'm six , I'm six!" And then after a very short pause, "I don't feel very much taller!"

Comments like these are why I adore him.