Armpits, Covered Dishes and Pop Bottles

This is a picture of Spencer and IV playing with a friend who is a little older. If you look closely, you can see that he is teaching our boys a very important right of passage: The underarm farting sound. Ah, Yes! What little boy doesn't think this skill is the life of the party?

Speaking of parties, have you ever noticed how CDO we women get at covered dish suppers? (CDO is OCD but with the letters in alphabetical order.....)
We all whisper to each other "What did you bring?" "Who's potato salad is this one?" "Is that Betty's deviled eggs?" It is like we all become super paranoid about germs and only eating food from someone we know. If I know her then she MUST have a clean kitchen and wash her hands, right?
The men are totally different. It is a personal challenge to sample each dish. Their chinette plates are so full they need sideboards.

Spencer has been going to enrichment camp for the past two weeks. He came home Friday and asked me how to play spin the bottle. WHAT???!!!He is only 7? I explained the game to him, which he thought was a gross cootie-fest. Then he told me which little brat, I mean little girl, asked him to play spin the bottle. Isn't it weird how so much has changed in the past 20 years but stupid spin the bottle has been around forever?

And as a final note- have you seen the trailer for Half Blood Prince? Oh wow!

Easy Going Weekend

This past weekend was nice! I slept in on Saturday. Then took Spencer to his little friend's birthday party, where he made tye-died shirts and had a blast. Kim came up that afternoon. She brought the boys cool dino t-shirts and pencils. While Kim and I went off for the afternoon, Spencer spent some time with Nana and Boppa and then played video games and spent the night with IV. Kim and I spent the rest of the day shopping, had dinner at Bravo, then shopped some more-- then went to the late showing of The Dark Night. Man! Heath Ledger was awesome as the Joker. I thought he was getting the sympathy nod with the recent nominations, but he really stole the show. I really wanted to see Stepbrothers but I just couldn't talk her into going with me..she is such a comedy lightweight!

You did what with horse hair?

My friend and Mobile Meals partner, Nancy, gave me a very unique gift from her trip out west: Horsehair pottery. I had never seen it before, but I think it is a really interesting piece!

Here's a description I copied from a couple of websites:
Horsehair pottery is made from a white clay that has been bisque fired to a lower than usual temperature. This leaves the fired clay body quite porous, enabling it to absorb the carbon from burning horse hair. Later, the bisque is warmed up in the kiln to about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is removed, individual strands of horsehair, preferably from the tail, are laid against the hot surface. If the temperature on the surface of the piece is just right, the hair will attach to the pot, shrivel up, and begin to burn. As the ash forms, a small deposit of carbon and smoke is absorbed into the clay surface, leaving a permanent trace of the horsehair. As the temperature falls below 900 degrees Fahrenheit, the pot will no longer accept the hair, and the process is over. When the ashes are washed away and the piece is completely dry, it is usually polished with a paste wax or sprayed with an aerosol furniture polish to give it a soft satin finish and lasting luster.

Because horsehair pottery must be porous in order to achieve the effect, it is not to be used as a water vessel for fresh flowers. Its use is solely as a piece of art to enhance the décor of your favorite room or to make a statement about your appreciation of your horse. It makes a nice conversation started if you take it to work. If you like I can carve the name of your horse on the bottom of the vessel. If you don't have a horse I often have pieces for sale in the gallery.

Momma Me-ugh.

Meh. It was lame. Live theater is fine if it is sappy and over the top-- but movies, ugh-- not my thing. Everyone else loved it. I'm SO not a "chick flick" kind of girl. As fine as Pierce Brosnan is to look at, his singing was the musical equivalent of a colonoscopy. And come on, Meryl Streep is almost 60 years old--playing a character in her early 40s. She looks good for her age, but not that good. Plus, I'm not exactly an ABBA fan, so that didn't help either. Okay, enough griping. I'll shut up now.

okay maybe one more thing... who the hell has a goat house????

Inez's new thingy

I went to CVS tonight and they had some pretty neat pet beds for $5.99. Spencer picked out one for Inez. She is so goofy, I wasn't sure she would like it. I came home and tossed it on the floor. I got the scissors, leaned down, cut the tags off and turned to put the scissors in the drawer--when I turned back around she was ALREADY in the kitty bed purring loudly and doing the "kneading dough" thing with her paws. I had to laugh at her. For years, this cat was shy and would hide all the time and now she is a total diva. Spencer and I decided that for only $5.99, we should go back and get another one for the bedroom!

Speaking of Spencer, we were playing cards tonight and he was goofing off and Spencer said: "I'm gonna lay down the log!"
me: "Uhmmmmm. It's LAW not LOG. You lay down the law."
Spencer: "Well that doesn't make sense at all. You lay down logs."

This is the same kid that ARGUED with me that it was SPEED LEMON instead of SPEED LIMIT. Yeah, cause that totally makes sense. When he learned to read, he finally agreed that it was "limit" and not "lemon" - but I think a small part of him thinks there was a nationwide conspiracy to change all of the regulatory signs just to mess with him....

Oh--and the poor kid inherited my gift for butchering lyrics. I knew he was in trouble when at age 3 he sang "Here comes your buddy" instead of "It's a Wiggly Party"-- not even close. But, at least he is entertaining.

Talking Turkey and Migraines

Guess what was in my yard this evening? A momma turkey and 3 turkettes! Or would that be a hen and 3 poults or chicks? I have no idea-and Spencer is asleep, little Mr. Discovery channel would know. Spencer was gone when they came for a visit, he has missed everything this past week!

This afternoon was rough. I had a nasty nasty migraine. I am actually working on an enjoyable project at work, and I had to totally flake out this afternoon to repair my stoopid head. Imitrex, pain pills, and nausea meds later-- I was better but hung over. So, as a "get over being sick" tradition in my family, I fixed hot tea and toast. Spencer said he was a little hungry so I fixed an extra cup of tea and a couple more slices of toast. I put our tea and toast on the table and the phone rang--- a few minutes later, I went back to the table and my son had eaten all 4 pieces of the toast. He is not normally a big eater so this shocked me. Seriously little dude-- you only saved me the crust?

Speaking of little pricks....

Spencer had his first blood draw today. Well he had it done as an infant--but this was his first time as a kid. They put a layer of lidocaine on his arms so that the skin is numb. Then we had a normal allergy/asthma appointment during which Spencer obsessed with the see-through lidocaine bandaids.

Mr. Spencer talked a big game and promised not to be scared for the blood test but when it came time, anxiety hit. He kept holding his chest and wiggling his feet back and forth--a couple of big tear drops fell--but he asked the nurse to just get it over with. When the needle went in, he said, "Is that it? That didn't hurt!" They took two vials and then put a bandaid on-which he has worn all evening like a medal of honor.

Morning visitor

Check out this little guy. He was by my steps this morning-full of mud, looking like a 90 year old curmudgeon. Can you see the red piss ant right below his face?

I hated Spencer wasn't home to see this little guy!

A stray named Merry

We are still feeding the cat up at the abandoned farm house. She will let you pet her and is quite loving now. I haven't tried to pick her up yet. Spencer named her "Merry" because he wants her to have a home by Christmas. Christmas is a big deal in our house--lots of traditions and family events--so I guess Spencer wants the kitty to have family and love by Christmas. I like that he thinks that way.

But...we need to find someone to take this cat before December! I am pretty sure it is a girl cat. I am not a feline testicular expert, but it looks like girl parts to me.

Click on the collage to see bigger photos so you can see her long fur and pretty eyes!
My local readers-- please call or email if you know someone that can give her a home!

He really (past tense verb) it!

I introduced Spencer to MadLibs today. He doesn't know the parts of speech yet (adjective, noun, verb, etc.) so MadLibs is a GREAT way of teaching him. We did a couple of fun stories-- you know my kid had toilet humor in there. He cracked himself up! He was laying over, holding his ribs, laughing as I read the story back to him with all of his silly contributions. He can't wait to do more! I know how I will be spending my (expletive) Barnes & Nobles gift card now.

From Cruise to Crüe

I just downloaded Mötley Crüe's new album Saints of Los Angeles. As a long time fan, and part of the "aged out" audience, I still like this album enough that I bought the entire thing and not just a track or two.

I watched their interview on Larry King Live a few weeks ago (and yes I was a goober and submitted a question...and no, they didn't use my question...darn!) I have to admit that Sixx still blows my skirt up, Vince looks much healthier, Tommy is still just awesome and poor Mick Mars looks like a Weekend at Bernie's joke taken way too far. I know he has a degenerative arthritic condition, but the poor guy looks like he is 147 years old and in so much pain he can barely move. He needs to retire and give his body a break. The Rolling Stone review of the new album ended with "Fun fact: As of press time, all four members of Mötley Crüe are still alive."

Happy 4th of July

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Happy 4th--from a party on the 5th-- as my blog is updated on the 6th.....
Typical big cookout/pool party. We laughed the entire time and ate much more than we should! We started the evening trying out the new teeter-totter and swing set Boppa built for the kids and ended the evening sampling different wines and mellowing out. Pretty good day, huh?

Feeding Strays

Have I ever told you about the stray I feed? I have been feeding a wild cat for 10 years that I have never even petted. I call her Angel-- only because she is mean as hell. What are the chances that a feral cat would survive for over 10 years outside? I can't get any where near her and when I try, she hisses. But she is more than happy to accept food from me--as long as I am not near the food.

About a mile from us, there is a beautiful cat at an abandoned farm house. Spencer and I stop each day to make sure it has food and water. At least this one will let me pet it. Stupid Angel has seen me leave food for her for over 10 years and is still terrified of me!

And now a family of slugs have moved in. Big, fat slimy slugs come up on the porch every night and eat cat food. There are 5 of them-- yuck. But I guess they need food, too. I had no idea they liked cat food so much!

Disney Cruise!

We are back--and coated in pixie dust! We had a wonderful time; if it had been a little cooler, I would say that we were in paradise. But it was about 20 degrees hotter than paradise--haha! The ship was FANTASTIC and Spencer had a blast.
Some notes about our trip:

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* Spencer enjoyed flying! My little goofy kid was ALL NORTH CAROLINA when we hit a small pocket of turbulence; he decided the pilot hit an air possum. UGH! He maneuvered through airports like a champ and was an angel during each flight. I do need to mention that he cried and hugged so tightly when it was time to say bye to Boppa.

* Getting on the ship was a breeze--no lines, totally organized, etc. As soon as we embarked, we went for lunch....and here is where we hit our first glitch. When we got to the restaurant, Spencer said he didn't feel good. We were up at 4am for an early flight so I thought he was just tired. He couldn't eat. He had the chills. We left Nana eating lunch and I took him to the stateroom to rest. After a few hours of rest, he was better and we went to the (mandatory) muster drill, then I took him to the pools/big Mickey slide. We got ready for that evening's show (The Golden Mickeys) and were in the theater all of 5 minutes when he got sick again. Back to the stateroom-- we ended up missing the show and our big dinner at Animator's Palette. Spencer had meds and rested-- Mom and I ordered room service and relaxed. A little after midnight, Spencer vomited. For someone who had not eaten all day, I sure had a ton of crud to clean up off the bed, the pillows, my hair, my arms, my gown (I was holding him when it happened)--what a mess! We got all cleaned up and I was going to take him to the ship infirmary and he swore that he felt better and just wanted to rest. I told him if he was still sick in the morning, he would have to go.

* The next morning, he felt better. He wasn't 100% but he was well enough that he wanted to go to the beach. So we grabbed breakfast and the beach bag and got off the ship to enjoy Castaway Cay. I am telling you-- when they say all inclusive, they mean it. The food was fantastic, unlimited towels, chairs, umbrellas, fruit, soda--everything was included. The only thing I had to pay for was alcohol, shopping and if we wanted to rent anything that day. We rented floats for the lagoon. It would have been perfect, but it was 95 degrees and 90% humidity--- too hot. We rented a FunCat--which is a battery powered lounger-- a high class paddle boat. We also went on our stingray adventure. Not so great actually. When we first got into the ocean to start feeding them, two rays got into a fight and pinched the arm of a woman in our group. Once the blood came, Spencer and Nana ripped off their snorkel gear and stomped out of the water. I could not bribe my kid to get back in the water. I fed the rays (cautiously!) but I did not snorkel-- we went on back early. We rested a bit, got cleaned up and went to Pirate Night! Lots of fun, hi jinks, special dinner, huge deck party and fireworks off the ship. Spencer LOVED it!

* The next day, we disembarked in Nassau, Bahamas. I took Spencer through the market on the way to the Ferry and I think he was a little intimidated by the people, noise, and excessive heat. It got to 103 that day! Spencer asked me as we exited the market, "Mom, why did all those women keep asking to braid your hair?" hahah! We rode a large catamaran over to Blue Lagoon Island. It was about a 30 minute transfer. The cool breeze coming off of the water and the beautiful scenery of the Bahamas made it bearable. We got to Blue Lagoon and checked in, then we were directed to walk to the Sea Lion habitat. On our way over, two dolphins swam over to meet us and exploded out of the water in a beautiful hello--dolphin style. The look on Spencer's face right then was worth the $ for the cruise....seriously. He was WOWed. I wish we could have gotten a dolphin reservation but they were booked solid before we even decided on the cruise. We lucked up and got the Sea Lion time slot. The Sea Lion habitat was buzzing-- the evening before, they had their first ever sea pup born there. The trainers were so happy, they were nearly in tears. All the sea lions in the program are aquarium rescues from Hurricane Katrina and the funds from the excursion help support ongoing rescue programs. Our encounter was with the sweetest sea lion named PJ, she was cuddly, gave the softest fish-breath kisses and she was adorable! Spencer and I LOVED getting to meet her and learn all about her. During our training class, Spencer sat in the front row and I don't think he blinked. He clung to every word the marine specialist said. The only problem we had was when it was time to get in the lagoon with PJ, Spencer freaked at what ELSE was in the lagoon. The Caribbean water is crystal clear blue so you can see EVERYTHING. Spencer saw all the big fish in the water and he was scared that the fish would bite his toes. They wouldn't let us wear water shoes in the lagoon (or sunglasses) so I held Spencer the first few minutes and then he relaxed. After the encounter with PJ, Spencer played in the touch and learn tanks and got to feels little rays, starfish, and about 10 other things I can't remember. The marine folks there are very good with the kids! After we showered and dressed and spent the customary obscene amount on pictures, videos and souvenirs, we took the ferry back to Nassau. Spencer fell asleep on the way back. He didn't feel like shopping or anything in Nassau so went went back to the ship. He was excited to show Nana his pictures with PJ! That night was dressy night for dinner. Spencer looked very handsome in his little suit. He strutted around with Goofy and we watched the new show/musical "Toy Story."


* The next day we went back to Castaway Cay. It was another 95 day scorcher so we came back to the ship by 2:00. We spent the morning lounging under palm trees then Spencer got this genius idea to rent an Aqua Trike. Oh. Good. Lord. That was 30 minutes of cycling torture. Paddling against the wind and current in the hot sun was something more suited for Guantanamo Bay--not my vacation. Never again! Back at the ship, Spencer went to Oceaneer's Club and played all afternoon. They made Flubber! I asked him how he made it and he said, "Here's the thing Mom. Grown ups can't know the recipe." Hmmpf! While Spencer was playing at the Kids club, Nana and I enjoyed a wonderful French dinner at Triton's.

* The last day was a blur. We had an early flight so we had to skip the departure breakfast. We had a smooth transfer back to the airport. All of our flights were on time and all of a sudden we were home. Well all but one suitcase made it home and Delta delivered it to the house the next day. Spencer had a great time telling Boppa all about his trip!


And a few other notes:

* if you order a glass of wine, and the entire ship is out of your selection (what are the chances?) and you let the sommelier recommend something for you.... it is going to be $20 for a half glass. No kidding.

* I got a pretty new watch-- duty free shopping rocks. Even though Spencer giggles every time he hears the words Duty-Free. Who am I kidding-- I laugh, too!

* SPF clothing ROCKS. As sensitive as my skin is, I managed to NOT GET BURNED this entire trip.

* When the room steward leaves a towel monkey hanging from the curtain rod, a little boy will fall off the bed reaching for it--and it will make his eye red and purple.

* The corndogs on the ship were better than my prime rib. The prime rib was wonderful-- there was just something special about the corndogs!

* I spent all afternoon yesterday working on my album from the cruise. (I went digital for this one!)

* The characters left surprises in the room for Spencer every day. Tinkerbell left surprises under his pillow every morning-- he was spoiled rotten on this trip!

Remember my birthday (but forget my age)

If you *have* to get older, this was a pretty cool way to do it. I slept in, lallygagged a little, then met some friends for lunch. And by lunch I mean appetizers and drinks. I'm sure it was 5:00 somewhere....
After lunch, we went to the new coffee house in Archdale, The Wet Whistle. It is right at the south end of High Point--if you haven't been yet, it is awesome. But make sure you fix your hair and makeup before you go because you will see every dadburn person you know if you stop there. Ask me how I know this...
Laura was doing a chocolate tasting there today. Okay so maybe we were doing more of a caramel and toffee tasting, but there was definitely chocolate present. As I sit here updating my blog, I am "sampling" Laura's famous English toffee. That stuff is smack mammy good.

I received some great cards in the past couple of days! My farthest came from Paula in Australia! I received a handmade card from Ashley in Arkansas, Dee's card played music, most every one's card made me laugh, -- I love all of my cards! And wow, I was spoiled this year with gifts! Mom and Dad gave me a BEAUTIFUL jewelry set (pendant, bracelet, earrings -- diamonds and white gold) I can't wait to get dressed up just to wear it! Spencer gave me a lovely blue topaz and diamond pendant--his birthstone. He was so excited for me to open it. He kept saying, "That's a REAL gemstone Mommy!" I assured him that I did NOT think it came from the gumball machine at the fish house. It is beautiful! My friends showered me with lots of $$$ for my upcoming cruise, books, scrapbooking supplies, and giftcards to my favorite stores.

Even though a couple of my friends blew me off for really lame things like their daughter's dance recital (ahem, Lesley), stomach flu (ahem, Deb) or their vacations (ahem, Kim and Pam), we still managed to have a table full of silliness and laughed the entire time. A good part of the time was dedicated to our favorite "drunk Julie" stories... ah... good times indeed!
Jen drove all the way in from Charlotte just to have lunch with me. I had not seen her in over a year! That was probably my biggest surprise today!
I love how well all my friends merge together. I guess that means that I make friends with about the same type of people (nut jobs). My work friends, my neighbor friends, my scrapbook friends, friends of the family, my old high school friends-- all of them laugh and carry on as if they have known each other for years. I love it!

I missed him!

Valerie sent me a WONDERFUL birthday package today. She sent me an Instant Message that said "Has the Hot Fed Ex guy come to your house today?" What???? Is the hot Fed Ex guy coming??? Yes! She said she sent me a package-- yikes--just as I started to run for a hairbrush, I saw the back end of the Fed ex truck going up the driveway. I missed him. darn it all.
She IM's me at the exact time he made the drop! That Valerie must be psychic. And a pretty awesome gift shopper. Thanks Val-- I love it all!

Hey local friends

Although I will not be able to make it, I hope some of my local friends will be able to attend. If you go, make sure you run up the bid on the Mama Laura's Chocolates at the silent auction! Laura's goodies are FABULOUS and it is for a great cause! For more information, go to www.keribstill.com

Seriously

Last night I wanted to run to the mall but I decided not to go--I would wait until I needed to go out for other errands. I just realized that I made a decision NOT to shop based on gas being too high. I'm pissed now. So I bought new shoes online. God bless Zappos.

First Birthday Gift of 2008

I received a birthday present today! True to her style, Kim went over and beyond- I received a BEAUTIFUL bag full of handpicked goodies. Kim always finds me the most beautiful pins for my collection. Today she gave me a gold and amber flourish that is so pretty! She also gave me a beautiful hardbound journal, a piece of inspiration art that I have read about 100 times since she gave it to me a few hours ago, a killer picture frame for a cruise photo, and the elusive lanyards I am always needing.
Kim and I spent the afternoon shopping. She needed a "particular" brown skirt. We looked in a few stores--she found the perfect one--but not in her size so they called around to other malls and found one at a Dillard's-- back in Charlotte, where she started looking!! How about that??
I found Spencer a few short sets at Gymboree. Belks was having a decent sale so I ended up buying a new dress for myself. Supposedly, I went to this mall looking for jeans for my Canadian friend- they didn't have her jeans, but I ended up buying myself new stuff. Funny how that seems to always happen...

Father's Day Morning

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We had an early start! I set up "Danishes for Dad" at church this morning for all the wonderful Dads. It was fun! We had mini ham biscuits, sausage biscuits, assorted danishes, muffins, buns, fruits, juices, pastries, etc. The kids really enjoyed it. For table decor, I used golf balls, tees, ties and a ball and glove--inexpensive and adorable! In one of the pictures, I am standing with Kelley--our Children's Minister. She is an absolute treasure and the children think she is divine. Well-- all of us adults think she is pretty darn awesome as well!

Spencer and I enjoyed breakfast at church with Boppa then Boppa enjoyed unwrapping his Father's Day presents from us. Notice the redneck Richard Petty wrapping paper? Sigh..... He loves it. We gave Dad a new shirt, a Johnny Cash CD, golf balls and a Richard Petty collectible. Dad is a big kid at heart. He still gets "toys" every chance he gets.

Whew! It's Hot!

It has been HOT and humid the last few days. Yuck. Why does the heat and humidity have to ruin an otherwise perfectly beautiful day?
Check out this picture of Spencer--what is more perfect than a little boy sitting on the porch on a hot day with an ice cold chunk of watermelon?

So what else is going on other than sweating??
I just found out that Johnny Depp is teaming with Warner Bros. on a movie version of the classic (late 60's - early 70's)supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows. Depp will play lead vampire Barnabas Collins. This soap was one of my mom's favorites! Did you know she got my name from the character off of Dark Shadows?

I still can't believe it is already June. I still have Easter candy- how can it be summer? Oh well- at least we have vacation coming up!

Oh what a difference one little letter can make

Today is Spencer's last day of 1st grade. All of his writing journals, artwork, etc. were sent home yesterday. My poor kid... he spells phonetically, which is okay, but sometimes he misses a letter.

If you are familiar with SpongeBob Squarepants, you will recognize this picture as Plankton going to the Chum Bucket. But Bucket is spelled wrong...oh, and he left the very important "H" out of Chum......sigh.....

What's worse is that the next page was about a flag. But he forgot the "L"....I really hope his teachers have a sense of humor; if not, they were probably shocked and offended on a regular basis.

Note to self: work on spelling with Spencer over the summer !!!!

Yet another baseball post

Spencer and IV's baseball team went to the HiToms game last night. The HiToms team is made up of College baseball players home on summer break. The boys got to run out on to the field with an assigned player and have their name announced, then they stayed for the National Anthem before leaving the field. They had a little hot dog dinner, ice cream and then met the team mascot. They had a great time despite the heat!

Is it just me, or does their mascot look like Lou Diamond Phillips????

Little Men

IV graduated from Kindergarten today. He was his usual charismatic self -- full of silliness and affection ready for anyone who could withstand the energetic pounce of one of his bear hugs.

As a little graduation gift, Spencer and I gave him art paper, Lego's and his favorite candy. The art paper is like giant (11x16) post it notes. The center has open space for him to draw, then the border looks like it is a frame. Once his artwork is complete, you tear it off (like a post-it) and it has (wall-safe)adhesive so you can smack his artwork right up on the wall and it will look like a framed print. I have a feeling that ALL of us will get a masterpiece by Mr. IV!

Spencer's class does not have a First Grade Graduation- but they did a class party and a water fun day. On my way to an appointment, I stopped by the school and was able to see a few minutes of his fun day. Since I couldn't volunteer to help with the party, I let Spencer buy his class ice cream in the school cafeteria during lunch. I sent a note and the $ ahead of time, so the teacher had it all worked out--each kid was able to select their favorite ice cream treat from the cafeteria freezer. Boy that was INCREDIBLY easy! We are not allowed to send home-made treats to school because everything has to be labeled for allergy and sanitation reasons.

Spencer LOVED water day. They had slip-n-slides, sprinklers and water balls/toys for the kids to just go wild. We sent a change of clothes and a towel - so the kids were free to get soaked. Jimmy had my camera at IV's graduation, but I managed to get a couple of cute pictures of Spencer using Jimmy's waterproof camera.

Jurassic Reward

Last year, Spencer found a replica dino head in an aquarium shop. It was nearly $50.00 and breakable. Since he LOVES dinosaurs and I didn't have the heart to say no-- well not exactly no-- I told him he could earn the dino head by scoring his first soccer goal. I had that "smug mommy feeling" being that he felt motivated and I felt like I wouldn't have to shell out fifty bucks since....and here's the- pun intended- kicker: I knew he played goalie!
Well, this past spring season, he came out of goal for two games and played offense. He scored a goal. We celebrated his goal--and I had that "smug mommy feeling" again because I was certain he had forgotten about that hideous skull.
Well Sunday, Spencer was hemming and hawing about getting ready for church. He asked why we go to church and I told him that our church is about people who try to do good things in our community and our world and that having friends and a church like that is one of our rewards. That smart-aleck kid of mine grunted and said, "Like my reward for my soccer goal??"
Uhmmmm... Huh?
Then he asked, "Am I ever going to get my Dino skull?"
Okay, so if you are telling your kid to be a good person and do good things-- you TOTALLY have to keep your promise when he hits you up during that converstaion. My boy has some mad timing skills.
Sigh. We bought the skull Sunday after church.

Green Stuff and Giggles

Well, the garden finally has broccoli. Spencer was thrilled. Most kids don't care for it, but my little vegetable eater barely took time to wash the dirt off of it before chowing down.

Speaking of chowing down, we went to Carraba's tonight. I ate too much and now I feel miserable. We stopped by Mom and Dad's house on the way home and our garlic breath about knocked them out. Typical of my family, we spent the rest of the evening joking around and I laughed until I literally had tears streaming down my face.
It started with Dad telling us a story about Spencer having to use a Port-a-potty at the rodeo, and like me, my son is quite particular about cleanliness. My Dad attempted to use the phrase "he was anal" but he said "he was anus" and oh... it just went down hill from there. Then the next hour or so was dedicated to picking on my brother. My poor Mom laughed herself into an asthma attack. Spencer and IV were in the living room playing and on the way home Spencer asked, "What was so funny tonight?" I replied with, "EVERYTHING!"

Girl's Night Out

Last night was girl's night out--- in a big way. Not just for me, but for the entire city. I hung out with my friend Lesley after the movie for a few minutes and we reflected on the evening and decided a few things:

First, the other groups of "girlfriends" got dressed up for the movie. They all had on funky shoes and were drinking cosmos at the bar next to the theater. We had on comfy capris, basic sandals, and indulged in appletinis and draft beer. We are younger than the Sex and the City girls so it's not like we have aged out of the demographic. I think we are just more cynical and sarcastic. But it was really fun playing Joan Rivers and making fun of everyone's outfits.

Second- for most, it was an event and the girls got to the theater early, because it was a "to be seen" social happening. It was a sea of shoe debutantes at the equivalent of a sorority rush with giant sized sodas and tubs o' popcorn. We, on the other hand, got to yapping and eating, lost track of time, ran into the theater just in the nick of time to get the last available seats in the front row. There's nothing like seeing Big up close and well... even bigger. Thank goodness Lesley got our tickets earlier in the day or we never would have gotten in!

Next, that theater couldn't have had more estrogen in it even if someone dropped an Premarin bomb. There were hundred of girls there--all huddled in little groups of friends. And a few gay guys. It was fabulous.

Wouldn't it be funny if the guys would go out in little groups wearing their best little sports jerseys and meet up for big events and drink their favorite beverages in groups and get really excited about getting together? Oh yeah... that sounded really funny, until you think, well hell that sounds just like Superbowl or the playoffs, or the world series or the big race or whatever. Well I guess Sex and The City was the Superbowl of cinema fashion and girls night out.

Cherry Picker

Finally! Our cherry trees have fruit! But, just a few...and the stupid birds think we planted the trees for them. Spencer picked us a big handful of cherries-- they were sweet and tangy- absolutely perfect!

Excursions

Spencer and I have been pouring over websites looking at all of our choices for cruise excursions this summer.

We had agreed on a Dolphin Swim and I made my online reservation, only to be "bumped" the next day due to over booking.
So, we found something else fun to do: A Sea Lion Adventure! It will be fun, different and a great learning opportunity for Spencer. The place we chose uses adoption/rescue animals and the funds from the encounters go back to help the Sea Lion preservation society.

We also signed up to play with Stingrays. We have already been warned that stingrays really really really like to be petted. And fed. Castaway Ray's Stingray Encounter has 42 stingrays, 41 of them female ... the male's name is Lucky Boy. Gee... I wonder why. From my understanding, their barbed stings are cut like fingernails, so they are safe. Rays don't have teeth, just plates for crunching shellfish or whatever they give us to feed them. Supposedly they hug you tight and it feels like a vacuum. Spencer is going to have a blast!

That is just the "wildlife" portion....we have so much more to decide on. Sometimes, I think anticipation is one of the best parts of a vacation.

Athletes of the Week

Ashley and Kristin made the Channel 12 Athletes of the week: Check it out!
(Yes, I know they spelled the last name wrong-- hopefully, they will correct it soon!)
All of us are so proud of the girls!

Little Step is a Big Step

I keep a box by the basement door and anytime I come across something that I don't need, use, want or doesn't fit either of us- it goes into the box. When the box gets full, I take it to Goodwill. Last night, I looked at the box and two big step stools filled the box. I asked Spencer about them and He said, "Mom. I'm a big boy now and I can reach the bathroom sink just fine!" So.. I guess I'm donating step stools since my big boy doesn't need them any longer. Part of me is happy since I won't be stubbing my toe on the dadburn thing all the time and the other part of me is sad that he is getting so big!

Patti Tagged me!

Doesn't everyone have a Crazy Canadian friend? Well mine is Patti... and she tagged me on her blog:

Here are the rules:

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 4 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 4 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

FACT #1
I rarely watch any movie other than a comedy.
FACT #2
If you picked up my Ipod, you would think you were in an 80's time warp.
FACT #3
I hate to drive.
FACT #4
My top two celebrity crushes are: John Stamos and Nikki Stixx

See-- not all that exciting, huh?

Okay I am going to tag:

Kim because she always has something funny to say.
Oscar because she is always game for a fun tag.
Georgina because she always has such great projects on her blog.
Kristin because I don't think I have ever tagged her!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

click on collage to enlarge

Tonight was Mom's big birthday party! People started arriving after lunch--and we were poolside, snacking and having drinks all afternoon. I made a ton of appetizers and treats, so we had plenty to last us until 5:00 when we fired up the grill. All day, we relaxed, socialized and enjoyed the company and beautiful weather.
After a chorus of HAPPY BIRTHDAY and cake, the kids roasted marshmallows in the fire pit. Strike that. The kids burned marshmallows and acted like goofballs. But, even the most burnt, ashiest, crustiest, charred marshmallow did not go to waste-- it seems that the kids like to burn 'em and the adults like to eat 'em. That works.
Once the mosquitoes ran us inside, Mom opened her gifts and we oohed and ahhed--and laughed at all her old age cards. Then some of us retreated to the living room and had quite a rowdy Wii session. For the record, the drunker Julie is, the better she can bowl. Now, she has no idea when it is her turn...but she can throw strikes.
I think it was a great party-- I am exhausted, I ate too much, and my sides hurt from laughing--so yeah, we had fun!