Woller Wink

Last night the boys' school had a skate party at the local rink.  They have never skated before, and I hadn't gone in over 20 years. But I pressed on and rented skates for each of us. 

It was comical, really.  People around us were chuckling as they saw me trying to control squirmy Jojo and Gaby who kept falling on their popos as I tried to keep from falling on mine.  Jojo's feet had a mind of their own; it was as if he was trying to to walk instead of uncontrollably rolling. Christian made it to the wall of the rink and hung on for dear life. 

Gaby, Jojo, and I finally made it safely to the wall of the rink.  I had forgotten how to balance on my skates nor did I have much control over myself, much less two boys, and thought of Wile E. Coyote on his ACME skates.

It took me one trip around the rink to wise up and take off those rolling shoes of terror.  I was able to walk the boys around.  After about an hour, Gaby and Jojo had more control over their skates.  Gaby and Christian went by themselves around the rink while holding on to the wall, and Jojo and I went around the rink by ourselves.  No broken bones, only torn jean knees for Gaby.

It really was fun!  We were all sweating and tired after a couple hours, but we hope to go again.  I wish I'd had my camera, though. The image of Jojo's feet and legs scrambling beneath him in the tiny pair of skates is something I'll never forget.

A Mouse in the House

Yesterday, Christian came bearing a gift for me as I worked furiously on the computer.  He and his brothers and friend were outside and found a disgusting, dead mouse that his friend's cat had already found.  It may have been slightly alive, but I'm not sure. Stuart Little it was not. 

Christian: "Look what we found, Mom!" And the critter was curled up in his hand.

I realize now that the boys like to see my reaction. I still do not touch bugs or gross critters (like toads or caterpillars), but I am not as afraid of them as I used to be.  Earlier I had found a loose cricket that Christian failed to put into the froggy cage and I trapped it under a cup. I'll do things like that: save bugs under a cup for Mike or Christian to dispose of outside.  But bring a nasty thing like a mouse into the house? Well, that just about did it for me. 

I jumped out of my skin and screamed.  They thought my reaction was soooo funny and ran away laughing.  I was fuming.  I made them place the thing into a plastic bag, then I placed it into the garbage, which was then thrown outside into the can.  And then they each had to make a trip to the bathroom and scrub their hands with soap and water.  One of my worst nightmares is finding a surprise in the washer, dryer, or toilet. Or finding a mouse or raccoon in the house.  Or head lice on one of the kids. My skin is starting to crawl.

Cub Scouts Popcorn for Sale Until November!

I've been asked how to make sure that Christian receives credit for the order.  Please go to this link and then in the green area it may say "You are supporting no one. Change"  Click on Change and then type in (or copy/paste) Christian's Scout ID number:  16051753.  Click 'continue'.

Once you do this, make sure that at the top right this appears: Supporting Scout Christian C.  You are now ready to place your order for Christian's Cub Scouts den! You can click on any of the items on the red toolbar:  All Products, Signature Snacks, Microwave Popcorn, Other Treats, or Military Donation.  If you do not wish to order any of the items for yourself, you can have an order shipped to the military so the Cub Scouts den will still receive credit for your order. 

We'll receive immediate confirmation of your order, and you will then receive a 'thank you' from Christian so you'll know that the order was placed correctly.  This is the only way I know who placed an order in Christian's name; there is no other way to track orders otherwise.

Thank you!

Nana Came to Town

Nana came to celebrate Jojo's birthday.  The boys went to the Halloween store and found this year's costumes: Transformers.  Christian, who is scared of the scary masks, did not go inside so he had no choice but to dress as a Transformer this year. 

We walked to the car show down the street.  I imagined riding in this car and waving my hand like Mrs. Bucket (That's "Mrs. Bouquet" to the commoners). 

Gabriel

Jojo

Christian wanted to do "something fun", which means anything outdoors.  Mike and Brenda took them to the park and to the creek.  They were worn out afterwards.

We went to the German Festival and had our fill of frankfurters.  There was a park for the kids to jump around in blow up trampolines, go on manual train/airplane rides, and face painting!  The live music was the best -- if you've never heard a polka-ized version of 'La Bamba', you don't know what you're missing!  The costumes, the food, the craft booths were so much fun. 

Nana and I also took Christian to the ER on Sunday night, but other than that, we had a good time with Nana! 

Anything involving Christian is usually a long dramatic tale.  I only add this so I'd remember:  right side pain could be the appendix, pain on the left side is probably gas.  Never take Christian to the ER when he has pain on the left side.  Never take him when Nana is in town the night before school when he's the only one who has school the next day.  Remember that his hip could hurt due to growing pains, though, just like Uncle Jimmy, somewhere around puberty.  Remember to look at all surrounding circumstances before taking him to the ER (Is Nana in town?  Is Monday the next day? Make sure Christian sleeps in his own bed the night before school when Nana is in town.)

Fall is in the air.

Happy 4th Birthday, Joseph Sebastian!

Chaca-la-ding-dong!
He turned four on Saturday
Our baby Jo-gee

He blew his candles
As I prayed my wish for him:
More candles to blow

Continue to march
To the beat of your own drum
Off the beaten path

Where nature and friends
May or may not be -- always
Finding happiness,

Contentment, and peace
Wherever you may be -- in
This world of wonders

Mrs. Toilet Lid Head

What Gabriel and Christian, the masters of mischief, do on a boring, rainy morning.

Pssst, Wanna Order Some Popcorn?

Please support Christian's Cub Scout pack and order yummy popcorn online.  Your order will be delivered directly to your address.  Lots 'o yummy flavors:  sweet & savory, cheese lover's, white chocolately pretzels, kettle corn, butter & butter light, chocolate triple delight, caramel, and butter toffee!  You may also make a military donation, too.

Update:  Go to this link to place your order.  Please make sure that at the top right this appears: Supporting Scout Christian C.  If not, please enter Christian's scout number: 16051753.  This will help Christian's den to earn some profits and also give him credit for the order.

Thank you so much.  This is our only major fundraiser this year (thank goodness)!