First and Ten... Do It Again! First Football Clinic

I can't remember the last time I stood on that field.  I am sure it was around 8th grade, cheering for our football team.  Yet, here I am sending my son to that same field. Time passed approximately 24 years. WOW.

Connor had his first ever real exposure to football.  He absolutely LOVED it. The groups were kids kindy to second grade.  So, lots of kids were bigger and had more experience than Connor.  But, he was a little speedy guy, and super eager to learn.  When bigger kids were goofing off, Connor was cutting in line to take another turn.  He was excited.  Tackling, running a play, being a quarter back, or a receiver, he did it all with a huge smile.  I have never seen him as focused as he was last night. 

I can easily see me becoming one of them... you know that over zealous football Mom.  I loved it. 

Things I need to remember for Connor about yesterday....
1. He had no idea how to do a three point stance
2. He threw a reception to a second grader
3. He was one of the fastest runners

While I know he still has a lot to learn, he showed a lot of heart.  After his hour and a half practice in the 90 degree heat he said, "Wow, that was a lot of work." I asked if he wanted to come back, he responded with a huge smile and a "YES!"

Here are a few photo highlights...

Working on his three point stance

Preparing to tackle something other than CC

Taking it DOWN

Future Line Man?

Running Route

Found the hole

CC watched the whole practice

 

 

She can't decide if she wants to PLAY next year, or Cheer. I vote PLAY!!!!

Finally, a bunch of the older kids kept rubbing Connor's head.  Even his little Mohawk was a hit!

I never thought I'd cut his hair like this....

Next up, tomorrow we have another football clinic and Connor turns 5!!!!!

Holy Heat Wave- Playing with Ice Blocks

From the Ohio Valley to Maine, it's freaking HOT.

Looking at Connor, dressed in full Spiderman ensemble, you would not know that.
In an attempt to stay cool,  I took an idea I have seen from all over the web.  It's FREE and I thought it might be fun.  Let's say it was a HIT.

Here goes....

Get a container, fill it with small kid toys, add water and freeze. Depending on the size of the container, you can end up with a massive ice block that needs to be thawed.  I had the kids look at it scientifically, asking, "How can we get everything out?"

Leave it to an almost 5 year old, he stomped on it then picked it up the smash it.  It broke into three pieces.  Then I let them use a hammer -- seriously, what kid doesn't want to smash things with a hammer?!

I showed them how we could use the hose to melt the small sections, and such.  After about 20 minutes ( I was hoping for a longer activity), all toys were freed!  Then, I was surprised, they then spent a while just playing with this little toys, that would otherwise be sitting in a bin somewhere.

I ended up making a giant ice block using a 9x13 Rubbermaid like container.  The container did not break at all, it was easy to "free" the ice block after letting it sit on our counter for a couple minutes.

After nap, I still have two small blocks for them to break.

The only thing is, this does require a large amount of freeze time, so you'd need to make this a night before.

I asked the kids if they had fun, they both agreed!  Then, I asked, what would you like to see frozen next?  Connor's response, "MY SHOES!"  Only that kid... LOL! 

But, enjoy our pictures of how to beat this heat!!!!

Connor wondering, "How shall I destroy this?"

The big container I used

Mini-Containers - Connor's is basically super heroes, CC's is penguins

STOMP!

Hammer!

Here, CC, let me try...

SMASH!

Ariel is almost free! Strawberry Shortcake is free!

Then they played...and played

and played....

Happy CC

Happy Connor!!!

Do The Right Thing

Dang. I thought I had it all figured out.

We have been on an adoption wait list for two months, waiting for our perfect Doberdog to find us.  Then, I got impatient.  I have spent weeks searching Petfinder. Last week, someone new was on there.  A sweet little red dobie mix.  He was in a shelter a couple hours away.  Found stray, pedigree unknown.  Maybe a Doberman and Hound mix.  What a cutie.

I called the shelter, filled out their adoption form and waited.  Then we found out we were accepted. Instead of elation, my gut response was, "Are we really ready?"

I told Jeff we were accepted, instead of the reaction he had when Magnum and Higgins found us, he gave me the "let me think about it."  Right then, a red flag raised.

I showed this little picture to family and friends of our possible new addition.  In my head I kept thinking of reasons WHY this was not a good idea.  Not thinking of where should he sleep, what food will he like, what puppy training classes do we want to attend.  Nothing. 

Almost 2 years after Mag's passing, I thought I was ready.  Maybe I am, but my gut knew that little guy wasn't for us.  I do at least give myself kudos for putting my toe in the water of dog adoption.  It made me really think about why I am doing this.

I feel I need to do something.  I wonder if it's because my baby boy is going off to all day kindergarten, and my little lady will be going next year.  Or is it my furry baby will be 10 this year.  I fear the day I come home and there is no tall furry four legger there to greet me.

In my mind, a puppy right now would be good for Higgins and it would ease my mind of a gap. You know, the no dog gap. I have had a dog for my whole life.  Each of them found me somehow.  Yet, I kept trying to force this. 

My initial childhood dog, Dirty Face, was a white poodle.  I was young, we did not get alone real well.  But, I am sure my Mom loved him.  Then one day, he went on a ride and never came back.  Soon after, Missy, a peek-a-poo, found Mom and I.  Missy lived until I was in college.  Mom and I were there the day she passed; it was so very sad.  I loved that little cow of a dog.

Right before we got married, Magnum found us, via wedding gift.  Three years later, Higgins was added to our family.  For both of those guys, we just had word of mouth that we were looking for a Doberman.  They found us.  I did not really search for them.

So, the point of all this rambling?  It's more for me to work though calling a shelter asking them to pull our adoption application.  I felt horrible.  But, I'd rather be sensible and pull my adoption, then force something my family was not ready for. I know the pup will find a home, he seems awful sweet.

Jeff and I should not be "making a deal" to agree for another dog.  Either we both are on the same page, or we need time until the pup finds us.   I know that is the right thing to do, but it's just tough. 

10:23pm

So, what the heck. 10:23pm and that child is still up.  A gazillion potty breaks later, I'm just as perplexed as ever. And I want that child to go to sleep. Her sleeping issues are really driving me a little batty. I know, it's a phase, but it can end at any time.

Today, was not the kind of parenting day I signed up for. Today, was one of those days, while walking alone in my garage, about to enter my house full of screaming, angry little people, I thought, "What the hell was I thinking? Was I supposed to be a Mom?" 

Immediately, the thought was there and gone. Luckily, that infertile girl who still lives in my head, immediately kicked the MOTHER thinking these thoughts. They were truly fleeting, thankfully. I then thanked my lucky stars and felt 100% grateful for my beloved children.

Then I entered the house, the angelic children were little demons.  The only thing missing was someones head spinning around spewing pea soup.   Crying, screaming, flailing, and a limp child lay on the floor in the midst of a tantrum (different than last weeks tantrum brought on by her brother declining her offer to SMELL HIS TEETH!!!!).

But, really, What.the.hell.

I have no idea what happened today, but it was like the three of us woke up, not just on the wrong side of the bed, but the wrong side of the world. As soon as our respective feet, hit our floors, it was like our crappy game faces were on. We were set to drive each other a little crazy.

It began with a little girl, drawing on my wall with lip liner; then a little boy chucking a sippy cup (and making contact) with the face my little Picasso.  I pretty well stood there, yelling like a lunatic, wondering what the heck was going on.  This was all before 8:00am. 

Thinking clearly, I put Curious George on pause, and marched each of us back to our rooms.  One by one, I went to each room with a smile and a new good morning.  A fresh start number 2. You know, something a great Mom does.

I'd love to say it changed our whole moods and actions towards each other. But, I'd be a liar.

All, day all three of us were simply off. Not in sync at all.  I knew I did not sleep enough last night, I was on the edge of tired and crabby all day. A crabby Mom is not a happy Mom.

But, the kids? Good Lord, those kids. If Hallmark made a movie like our day was today; I doubt new or potential Mom's would think, "Wow, that looks great!"

Today, was a little slice of hell. Was it the worst day ever? Heck no.  And trust me I TRIED and TRIED to get perspective.  It was like we all three were just stuck in a rut of a poopy day. Blah.

By the end of my work day, I asked the kids, honestly, do we just need a day together?

The answer was overwhelmingly, yes. A yes with a smile and a hug.  God, I love their little hugs.

All day, I felt these little hints.  A voice in the back of my head kept whispering, they just need YOU.   Not a sitter taking them somewhere, but a day with Mom. A day with a relaxed Mom focusing 100% on them; and everyone having fun.  So, I made it happen.  Tomorrow, I will not work, I will not clean.  We will eat breakfast then go on an adventure.  It seems we all three need this break.

Here is hoping tomorrow is a better day.