Hubby and I were thrilled a few weeks ago when we received an email from Red Robin (as in, the restaurant chain) telling us that the seasonal Gingerbread Milkshake was back. But we hadn't been in to have one.
Tonight we were heading out to grab some dinner after we got home from PA and unpacked. We were deciding between Logan's, Olive Garden, and Red Robin and we were leaning toward Logan's. All of the sudden Hubby said, "ya know what? *I* want to go to Red Robin." I knew immediately what was going through his mind. :)
So, yeah, the Gingerbread Milkshake is probably not overly Weight Watcher's friendly. However, I DID get the kid's size. Hubby got the big ol' adult size. I didn't even wait for dessert. I got it WITH my meal. Hubby restrained himself and waited to order his for dessert. Of course, that meant I had to watch while he ate his and I had none. Because my crack was gone.
But I'm addicted. I'll go back for at least one more fix before they're gone again. A small one, of course. It's healthier. :-)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
What? No microwave?!
I decided not to go to the store this week since we're leaving Wednesday for Thanksgiving weekend at my parents' house. So, as we were digging around in the fridge tonight scrounging for dinner, we were talking about our days in between hounding Keeper Boy about accidentally recycling the packet he had to complete for homework.
I encouraged J-Mav to tell Hubby what he'd been learning about Thanksgiving in school. (He had informed me over the weekend, so I thought it would be nice for him to impart his knowledge on his dad, too.) So he's talking about this and that, and then I prompted him to tell Hubby about Squanto. I think they must've spent a lot of time talking about how Squanto helped the pilgrims survive their first winter because he came home with a little book he'd put together and colored that was just about Squanto. Anyway, this is kind of how it went:
Well, the pilgrims came all the way over here on these big wooden boats. They didn't even have any microwaves! And...
I'm not sure what else he said for a little while after that because I was laughing too hard. He hadn't told me about the awful lack of microwaves over the weekend!
Eventually he got to the part where Squanto helped the pilgrims plant food, which is how the whole microwave thing tied in in his mind, I guess. What did those pilgrims do without Chicken 'n Stars, Easy Mac, and microwave popcorn!?!
I encouraged J-Mav to tell Hubby what he'd been learning about Thanksgiving in school. (He had informed me over the weekend, so I thought it would be nice for him to impart his knowledge on his dad, too.) So he's talking about this and that, and then I prompted him to tell Hubby about Squanto. I think they must've spent a lot of time talking about how Squanto helped the pilgrims survive their first winter because he came home with a little book he'd put together and colored that was just about Squanto. Anyway, this is kind of how it went:
Well, the pilgrims came all the way over here on these big wooden boats. They didn't even have any microwaves! And...
I'm not sure what else he said for a little while after that because I was laughing too hard. He hadn't told me about the awful lack of microwaves over the weekend!
Eventually he got to the part where Squanto helped the pilgrims plant food, which is how the whole microwave thing tied in in his mind, I guess. What did those pilgrims do without Chicken 'n Stars, Easy Mac, and microwave popcorn!?!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
OK, so I lied...
After the kids and I decorated the "main" Christmas tree today, I did turn it on. It's just too pretty to look at to leave it unlit. But I WILL NOT put the candles on until we get back from Thanksgiving. I'm sticking to that one! The house is so festive... I wish I could just leave it decorated all year.
J-Mav and I read some books from the Christmas basket before bed. My favorite is "Moosletoe"... he said he wants to make sure we read it to his cousin when he's here at Christmas. :-) We have this basket of holiday-themed books. I say that rather than Christmas because there's one in there about Hanakuh and one about Kwanza. When the kids were younger, I made sure there were 25 books in the basket, and I wrapped them all in Christmas wrapping paper. Then every night from December 1st until Christmas, they took turns picking out one book and unwrapping it, and either Hubby or I read it to them. Each year I picked up some more books after Christmas and got rid of a few so they weren't the same books each year. Last year is the first year I didn't wrap the books. I didn't wrap them this year, either. They have their favorites that they just pick out and read over and over. And Keeper Boy likes to read to J-Mav now. That's nice, too. But it's a nice holiday tradition, even if it's evolving as the years go by. I originally got the idea out of Family Fun magazine.
A couple of other items to update:
That about wraps up this weekend. I'm trying to convince myself to get on the treadmill before my shows come on. Probably won't happen...
J-Mav and I read some books from the Christmas basket before bed. My favorite is "Moosletoe"... he said he wants to make sure we read it to his cousin when he's here at Christmas. :-) We have this basket of holiday-themed books. I say that rather than Christmas because there's one in there about Hanakuh and one about Kwanza. When the kids were younger, I made sure there were 25 books in the basket, and I wrapped them all in Christmas wrapping paper. Then every night from December 1st until Christmas, they took turns picking out one book and unwrapping it, and either Hubby or I read it to them. Each year I picked up some more books after Christmas and got rid of a few so they weren't the same books each year. Last year is the first year I didn't wrap the books. I didn't wrap them this year, either. They have their favorites that they just pick out and read over and over. And Keeper Boy likes to read to J-Mav now. That's nice, too. But it's a nice holiday tradition, even if it's evolving as the years go by. I originally got the idea out of Family Fun magazine.
A couple of other items to update:
- Keeper Boy's team won again today... a weekend sweep where, this time, they did the sweeping! They played the same team they played yesterday. Today the final score was 6 - 2, I believe. Keeper Boy was on door patrol. We were able to see most of the game that was being played before ours, and we knew several of the kids from Keeper Boy's team last year, so that was fun.
- Hubby and BFF's Hubby made it home safe and sound from Ohio and reported that a great time was had by all.
- Hubby jumped right back into the family fray and took Keeper Boy to a birthday party tonight... another laser tag party (for one of his hockey teammates).
That about wraps up this weekend. I'm trying to convince myself to get on the treadmill before my shows come on. Probably won't happen...
Close, but no cigar
Keeper Boy was 56 seconds away from a shutout today. But alas, the opposing team connected on what I think was its final shot of the game and got one past him. Our guys responded by taking the puck down to the opposite end of the ice and scoring one more goal. Final: 8-1. Another game tomorrow against the same team; this time on our ice. Keeper Boy will be the door keeper tomorrow. His goaltending partner will be in net.
Hung out with BFF and kids after the game. Good times. Heard from the Hubbys... One of them was happy: Ohio State beat Michigan 42-7 today. BFF's Hubby said he didn't have much fun after the 3rd quarter of the game. I hate to break it to him, but from what I saw, Michigan appeared to be done well before then. They will head back home tomorrow.
On a completely unrelated note, I'm sitting here by the glow of one the five Christmas trees I have in my house. I don't know what disturbs me more -- that I have five Christmas trees in my house, or that four of the five are completely decorated already!
This is early, even for me. But I realized at some point last week that this is the last weekend I'm going to be home until 12/13 and that weekend is pretty busy. So I had Hubby drag all the Christmas crap (as he calls it) out of the attic before he left yesterday morning so I could decorate this weekend. The house is all decorated now, except for the big Christmas tree. The kids and I will do that tomorrow.
J-Mav helped me put the garland on the stairway and hang the stockings by the chimney with care. He decorated the 3-foot tree in his bedroom; Keeper Boy decorated the 3-foot tree in his bedroom. And I decorated the 3-foot "hockey tree" downstairs and my 2-foot "elephant tree" in the dining room. Yes, we have one entire tree dedicated to hockey and another dedicated to elephants. Are you shocked? We put the candles in the windows, too. All that's left is the big tree in the living room. Oh, and stringing the lights on the bushes out in front of the house. I'll hope for a warm day to do that here soon. (Hey, a girl can hope.)
We won't turn on the big tree or the candles in the windows until we get home from Thanksgiving -- that's just ridiculous. But I love when the house is decorated for Christmas and I'll be counting the days until I can boost that electric bill!!
Hung out with BFF and kids after the game. Good times. Heard from the Hubbys... One of them was happy: Ohio State beat Michigan 42-7 today. BFF's Hubby said he didn't have much fun after the 3rd quarter of the game. I hate to break it to him, but from what I saw, Michigan appeared to be done well before then. They will head back home tomorrow.
On a completely unrelated note, I'm sitting here by the glow of one the five Christmas trees I have in my house. I don't know what disturbs me more -- that I have five Christmas trees in my house, or that four of the five are completely decorated already!
This is early, even for me. But I realized at some point last week that this is the last weekend I'm going to be home until 12/13 and that weekend is pretty busy. So I had Hubby drag all the Christmas crap (as he calls it) out of the attic before he left yesterday morning so I could decorate this weekend. The house is all decorated now, except for the big Christmas tree. The kids and I will do that tomorrow.
J-Mav helped me put the garland on the stairway and hang the stockings by the chimney with care. He decorated the 3-foot tree in his bedroom; Keeper Boy decorated the 3-foot tree in his bedroom. And I decorated the 3-foot "hockey tree" downstairs and my 2-foot "elephant tree" in the dining room. Yes, we have one entire tree dedicated to hockey and another dedicated to elephants. Are you shocked? We put the candles in the windows, too. All that's left is the big tree in the living room. Oh, and stringing the lights on the bushes out in front of the house. I'll hope for a warm day to do that here soon. (Hey, a girl can hope.)
We won't turn on the big tree or the candles in the windows until we get home from Thanksgiving -- that's just ridiculous. But I love when the house is decorated for Christmas and I'll be counting the days until I can boost that electric bill!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
I rock!
I'm not generally one to toot my own horn (unless I'm trying to be funny); however, this time I will do so in all my glory. I rock! Yes, I do.
At this very moment, Hubby and BFF's Hubby are on their way to Columbus, OH for the weekend -- the main reason being their attendance at the Ohio State/Michigan game tomorrow -- complements of BFF and I for each of our Hubby's birthdays. I told you I rock! And BFF does, too!
As a little background, Hubby grew up in Ohio and has always followed Buckeye football. BFF's Hubby grew up in Michigan and has always followed Wolverine football. Over the years -- both pre-kiddos and after -- we have often gotten together to watch the annual OSU/Michigan showdown. So, for them, going to the game together is like football Mecca, I think.
I need to give my always amazing mother-in-law credit for helping us get these tickets. She rocks, too! I had asked her last fall if she had any connections she might be able to exploit to help me get some tickets to the game for Hubby. She called out of the blue one day over the summer and said her BFF (who has been an OSU season ticket holder forever) was willing to sell me her tickets to the OSU/Michigan game. I think I screamed. Right in my office. In the middle of the day. Yes, I did.
So BFF and I gave the guys their gifts on my Hubby's birthday in July (there was no way we could all keep it quiet until her Hubby's birthday, which wasn't until earlier this month). They were both shocked, amazed, and speechless. Yes, speechless. Trust me, that doesn't happen very often.
In true guy fashion, they had no plan for when they were leaving or even who was driving until last night. But they got it together and they were supposed to have left at 10am this morning. I assume that happened.
This weekend I am a football widow instead of a hockey widow. A little change of pace, I guess. Same outcome. Still have to wrangle the kids on my own -- no good cop/bad cop routine; I am both until Sunday night; hopefully no need for bad cop. :-) Keeper Boy has two laser tag birthday parties and two hockey games this weekend. I'm trying to set up a play date for J-Mav. So it'll be a busy weekend. But we will have fun and survive. I will prevail -- because I rock!
At this very moment, Hubby and BFF's Hubby are on their way to Columbus, OH for the weekend -- the main reason being their attendance at the Ohio State/Michigan game tomorrow -- complements of BFF and I for each of our Hubby's birthdays. I told you I rock! And BFF does, too!
As a little background, Hubby grew up in Ohio and has always followed Buckeye football. BFF's Hubby grew up in Michigan and has always followed Wolverine football. Over the years -- both pre-kiddos and after -- we have often gotten together to watch the annual OSU/Michigan showdown. So, for them, going to the game together is like football Mecca, I think.
I need to give my always amazing mother-in-law credit for helping us get these tickets. She rocks, too! I had asked her last fall if she had any connections she might be able to exploit to help me get some tickets to the game for Hubby. She called out of the blue one day over the summer and said her BFF (who has been an OSU season ticket holder forever) was willing to sell me her tickets to the OSU/Michigan game. I think I screamed. Right in my office. In the middle of the day. Yes, I did.
So BFF and I gave the guys their gifts on my Hubby's birthday in July (there was no way we could all keep it quiet until her Hubby's birthday, which wasn't until earlier this month). They were both shocked, amazed, and speechless. Yes, speechless. Trust me, that doesn't happen very often.
In true guy fashion, they had no plan for when they were leaving or even who was driving until last night. But they got it together and they were supposed to have left at 10am this morning. I assume that happened.
This weekend I am a football widow instead of a hockey widow. A little change of pace, I guess. Same outcome. Still have to wrangle the kids on my own -- no good cop/bad cop routine; I am both until Sunday night; hopefully no need for bad cop. :-) Keeper Boy has two laser tag birthday parties and two hockey games this weekend. I'm trying to set up a play date for J-Mav. So it'll be a busy weekend. But we will have fun and survive. I will prevail -- because I rock!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Turkey Turkey
Today was the day parents across my kids' school district dread each year: the Thanksgiving luncheon. This year we had another first in our household -- TWO Thanksgiving luncheons! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!
When the invitations came out a few weeks ago, we were grateful to see that both boys' luncheons weren't at the same time (especially since they go to different elementary schools). They were, in fact, an hour apart. J-Mav's was at 12:30 and Keeper Boy's was at 1:30. As my job is a bit more flexible than Hubby's, the decision was made that we would both go to J-Mav's luncheon since it was his first, and I would fly solo for Keeper Boy's. We have both gone to Keeper Boy's every year since he started Kindergarten, and he's old enough now that he's just happy if one of us shows up. (I'm just happy that he still WANTS one of us to show up!)
Funny side note: When Keeper Boy asked if we were coming to the eat with him, he said, "Are you coming to the Thanksgiving Luncheon at my school this year?" The pronunciation on that was "lunch-ie-on" (like when you say you haven't seen someone in eons... that's how he pronounced the "eon" at the end of "luncheon." It was too funny!)
Hubby and I met at J-Mav's school and waited for him outside the cafeteria, along with A LOT of other Kindergarten parents. Pretty soon he paraded by with his class wearing a feather headband. I told him I liked his feather cap and he responded with, "It's a Native American headdress, Mama." Well, excuuuuuse me!
Hubby and I got our gourmet Thanksgiving luncheon (pressed turkey with gravy, a perfectly round scoop of stuffing, an equally round scoop of mashed potatoes, a spoonful of greenbeans that probably came out of a five-gallon can, and frozen pumpkin yogurt. Oh, and there was an optional vat of cranberry sauce by the cash register. Guess it's not a crowd favorite, so it's not automatically placed on the tray. J-Mav was waiting for us at the table when we finished going through the lunch line. He was assembling his oh-so-traditional Thanksgiving pizza (a Lunchable). We had a nice meal with J-Mav and one of his buddies and his family. I ate the turkey, stuffing, and frozen pumpkin yogurt. J-Mav ate my mashed potatoes. The trash can claimed my green beans. I hadn't bothered with the cranberry sauce. After lunch we took J-Mav to the book fair, got him a book, and delivered him back to his classroom. Hubby went back to work, and I departed for Thanksgiving luncheon #2.
Not as many parents show up once the kids are in the upper grades. I think I was one of four parents who showed up for kids in Keeper Boy's class. I went through the line and got another lunch... identical to the first... while Keeper Boy saved me a spot and started eating HIS Lunchable (ham, cheese, and crackers). I think I have the only kids on the planet who HATE buying lunch.
Anyway, this time I ate only the mashed potatoes and the frozen pumpkin yogurt. I know it sounds gross, but it's really good! After Keeper Boy finished his lunch, I also took him to his book fair and got him a book (sports related, of course). J-Mav's book: $3.99. Keeper Boy's book: $24.99. I guess it's true that bigger boys have bigger toys. :-)
I think the boys were both happy to have us attend their luncheons. It was fun to eat with them both. Two in one day might be a bit much though.
Anyone have a Tums?
When the invitations came out a few weeks ago, we were grateful to see that both boys' luncheons weren't at the same time (especially since they go to different elementary schools). They were, in fact, an hour apart. J-Mav's was at 12:30 and Keeper Boy's was at 1:30. As my job is a bit more flexible than Hubby's, the decision was made that we would both go to J-Mav's luncheon since it was his first, and I would fly solo for Keeper Boy's. We have both gone to Keeper Boy's every year since he started Kindergarten, and he's old enough now that he's just happy if one of us shows up. (I'm just happy that he still WANTS one of us to show up!)
Funny side note: When Keeper Boy asked if we were coming to the eat with him, he said, "Are you coming to the Thanksgiving Luncheon at my school this year?" The pronunciation on that was "lunch-ie-on" (like when you say you haven't seen someone in eons... that's how he pronounced the "eon" at the end of "luncheon." It was too funny!)
Hubby and I met at J-Mav's school and waited for him outside the cafeteria, along with A LOT of other Kindergarten parents. Pretty soon he paraded by with his class wearing a feather headband. I told him I liked his feather cap and he responded with, "It's a Native American headdress, Mama." Well, excuuuuuse me!
Hubby and I got our gourmet Thanksgiving luncheon (pressed turkey with gravy, a perfectly round scoop of stuffing, an equally round scoop of mashed potatoes, a spoonful of greenbeans that probably came out of a five-gallon can, and frozen pumpkin yogurt. Oh, and there was an optional vat of cranberry sauce by the cash register. Guess it's not a crowd favorite, so it's not automatically placed on the tray. J-Mav was waiting for us at the table when we finished going through the lunch line. He was assembling his oh-so-traditional Thanksgiving pizza (a Lunchable). We had a nice meal with J-Mav and one of his buddies and his family. I ate the turkey, stuffing, and frozen pumpkin yogurt. J-Mav ate my mashed potatoes. The trash can claimed my green beans. I hadn't bothered with the cranberry sauce. After lunch we took J-Mav to the book fair, got him a book, and delivered him back to his classroom. Hubby went back to work, and I departed for Thanksgiving luncheon #2.
Not as many parents show up once the kids are in the upper grades. I think I was one of four parents who showed up for kids in Keeper Boy's class. I went through the line and got another lunch... identical to the first... while Keeper Boy saved me a spot and started eating HIS Lunchable (ham, cheese, and crackers). I think I have the only kids on the planet who HATE buying lunch.
Anyway, this time I ate only the mashed potatoes and the frozen pumpkin yogurt. I know it sounds gross, but it's really good! After Keeper Boy finished his lunch, I also took him to his book fair and got him a book (sports related, of course). J-Mav's book: $3.99. Keeper Boy's book: $24.99. I guess it's true that bigger boys have bigger toys. :-)
I think the boys were both happy to have us attend their luncheons. It was fun to eat with them both. Two in one day might be a bit much though.
Anyone have a Tums?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"I keel you!"
Hubby and I watched the Jeff Dunham "A Very Special Christmas Special" last night on Comedy Central. If you don't know who Jeff-fuh-fuh Dun-ham (inside joke for those who have seen his act) is, he's a stand-up comedian and a [very talented] ventriloquist.
His five "puppets" are Walter, a curmudgeon in a sweater vest and a bowtie; Peanut, a wild and crazy purple thing with green spikey hair; Bubba J, a stereotypical redneck; Jose Jalepeno (on a stick), a... well, a pepper on a stick; and Achmed, the skeleton of a terrorist.
Each character has its own voice and accent. Jeff Dunham is really amazing that way. In my opinion, Achmed is the funniest of the five, followed closely by Jose and Peanut. Walter is okay. I could do without Bubba J.
Achmed's signature line is, "Silence! I kill you!" (with kill pronounced as keel). It's really more funny to see than to read about. In the Chrismtas special, Achmed also sings his own special version of Jingle Bells, called Jingle Bombs.
OK, so while we were watching and busting a gut laughing last night, I got online to see if Jeff and his posse are touring. Imagine my joy when I discovered he's going to be here (20 minutes from our house) on January 2nd!! I immediately clicked the get tickets link, only to find that there aren't two tickets available anywhere in the arena. Sigh.
For the next month I will be perusing Craigs List and eBay to see if I can get some tickets. I'd "keel" for them. Ha ha.
His five "puppets" are Walter, a curmudgeon in a sweater vest and a bowtie; Peanut, a wild and crazy purple thing with green spikey hair; Bubba J, a stereotypical redneck; Jose Jalepeno (on a stick), a... well, a pepper on a stick; and Achmed, the skeleton of a terrorist.
Each character has its own voice and accent. Jeff Dunham is really amazing that way. In my opinion, Achmed is the funniest of the five, followed closely by Jose and Peanut. Walter is okay. I could do without Bubba J.
Achmed's signature line is, "Silence! I kill you!" (with kill pronounced as keel). It's really more funny to see than to read about. In the Chrismtas special, Achmed also sings his own special version of Jingle Bells, called Jingle Bombs.
OK, so while we were watching and busting a gut laughing last night, I got online to see if Jeff and his posse are touring. Imagine my joy when I discovered he's going to be here (20 minutes from our house) on January 2nd!! I immediately clicked the get tickets link, only to find that there aren't two tickets available anywhere in the arena. Sigh.
For the next month I will be perusing Craigs List and eBay to see if I can get some tickets. I'd "keel" for them. Ha ha.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ssshhhh!
I played hooky from my water exercise class tonight. I left work with a massive headache, picked up the kids (who immediately started complaining after learning we were having pork chops for dinner), and realized when I got out of the car at home that it was sleeting. That seemed like a good cocktail of reasons to put on my PJs instead of my bathing suit after dinner.
My headache went away, the boys ate (mostly) without complaint, and it stopped sleeting; however, by the time all those planets aligned, it was almost 7:00 and I would've missed at least the first 15 minutes--if not more--of the class if I went.
So I didn't go.
My headache went away, the boys ate (mostly) without complaint, and it stopped sleeting; however, by the time all those planets aligned, it was almost 7:00 and I would've missed at least the first 15 minutes--if not more--of the class if I went.
So I didn't go.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Weekend...
Another weekend is coming to an end as I sit here flipping back and forth between Desperate Housewives and the Redskins/Cowboys game. Hubby is at said game with BFF, who has her own season tickets for her beloved Skins. How cool is she? Since the Cowboys are down 7-0 right now, I'm sure Hubby isn't thrilled about the score, but I know they're still having a great time (if they aren't popsicles by now).
The weekend started out with a Family Fun Night at Keeper Boy's school... a showing of Kung Fu Panda in the incredibly uncomfortable and acoustically-challenged cafeteria. The kids had fun and the movie was cute (what I could hear of it). We'll have to rent it again so we can really hear it. :-)
Saturday was all about laundry, homework, and chores. Dinner at a time more suitable to a nursing home so we could get Keeper Boy to the rink an hour before his 6:30 game. Keeper Boy wasn't in net, but we cheered the boys on in a great game against the visiting Jr. Hurricanes. We lost by a goal. :-(
This morning it was back to the rink for a re-match with the 'Canes. Keeper Boy's turn in net. Didn't go any better. Keeper Boy did have a highlight reel-worthy glove save, though! Our kids' first time getting swept in a weekend. :-(
After some lunch, BFF came over with her kids, N and V. After visiting for awhile, BFF and Hubby left (all bundled up like toddlers in their first snowsuits) for the Skins game, while I stayed here with the four kids (12, 10, 6, and 5). I asked them if they wanted to go see Madagascar 2. Duh. It started in 30 minutes, so we jumped in the car, went to the theatre, got the tickets and the popcorn, and were in our seats before the previews even started. The kids were great, as was the movie, and I killed a few hours. Score!
When we got home, I dialed up some pizzas and we chowed down. I even got the kids to mostly clean up the toy storm before BFF's Hubby arrived (fresh from seeing Carmen with his parents and BFF's mom) to pick them up. It was a fun evening for all the kids and they were really good. Seriously. I'm so glad they all get along so well together. :-)
And now I'm sitting here flipping channels in my fat pants. What could be better?
The weekend started out with a Family Fun Night at Keeper Boy's school... a showing of Kung Fu Panda in the incredibly uncomfortable and acoustically-challenged cafeteria. The kids had fun and the movie was cute (what I could hear of it). We'll have to rent it again so we can really hear it. :-)
Saturday was all about laundry, homework, and chores. Dinner at a time more suitable to a nursing home so we could get Keeper Boy to the rink an hour before his 6:30 game. Keeper Boy wasn't in net, but we cheered the boys on in a great game against the visiting Jr. Hurricanes. We lost by a goal. :-(
This morning it was back to the rink for a re-match with the 'Canes. Keeper Boy's turn in net. Didn't go any better. Keeper Boy did have a highlight reel-worthy glove save, though! Our kids' first time getting swept in a weekend. :-(
After some lunch, BFF came over with her kids, N and V. After visiting for awhile, BFF and Hubby left (all bundled up like toddlers in their first snowsuits) for the Skins game, while I stayed here with the four kids (12, 10, 6, and 5). I asked them if they wanted to go see Madagascar 2. Duh. It started in 30 minutes, so we jumped in the car, went to the theatre, got the tickets and the popcorn, and were in our seats before the previews even started. The kids were great, as was the movie, and I killed a few hours. Score!
When we got home, I dialed up some pizzas and we chowed down. I even got the kids to mostly clean up the toy storm before BFF's Hubby arrived (fresh from seeing Carmen with his parents and BFF's mom) to pick them up. It was a fun evening for all the kids and they were really good. Seriously. I'm so glad they all get along so well together. :-)
And now I'm sitting here flipping channels in my fat pants. What could be better?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Heard...
Last night, I took J-Mav with me to the rec center for my swimming class. We went an hour early so J-Mav could swim first. He had a blast. We ended up staying for only half of my class because J-Mav was tired and I could tell we were on the verge of a meltdown.
On the way home, we were chatting about various things and listening to the radio. The guy on the radio said something about Kenny Chesney because last night was the CMA awards show. And J-Mav busts out with this gem:
There's a boy in my class named Kenny Chesney. But without the Chesney. Just Kenny.
On the way home, we were chatting about various things and listening to the radio. The guy on the radio said something about Kenny Chesney because last night was the CMA awards show. And J-Mav busts out with this gem:
There's a boy in my class named Kenny Chesney. But without the Chesney. Just Kenny.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Olie comes home tonight!
Oh how I wish I was going to be at the Verizon Center tonight to witness Olie Kolzig's return. I suspect he will get a rousing welcome when he is introduced as Tampa Bay's starting goalie, or at least when he comes onto the ice for the pre-game skate -- at least I hope so. Any positive reaction given by Caps fan should be loud and long, and will definitely be well-deserved.
I understand that a coach has to ride the "hot hand" and that Cristobal Huet had the hot glove hand down the stretch last season. But it still seems like Olie got the short end of the stick somehow. Here's a man who gave nearly 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears to the only organization he'd ever played for -- as well as its surrounding community. And he was basically benched for the last month of the hockey season. He was a leader both on the ice and in the locker room. And he was loved in the community. In a town that is not known for its love of hockey, his was a face that people actually recognized.
From all reports, Olie left Washington a bitter man. I get that. Could he have handled everything better than what was reported in the papers. Maybe. But, again, 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears. When he thought he'd play his entire career for one team -- a rarity in these days of exorbinate salaries and behavior problems among professional athletes -- I can see how the way it ended would be hugely disappointing and cause a guy to take his puck and go home. Or in this case, to Florida.
So now, tonight, Olie the Goalie returns to Washington. I really don't know how his season in Tampa Bay has been going as I barely have time to pick up a newspaper most days. I hope that time and distance has wiped away some or all of the bitterness and that he has some time to catch up with some of his friends/former teammates. I do know from reading one article in the paper this morning that he is basically the backup in Tampa, that he sold his house here in one day and traded up for a waterfront home in Florida, and that he had dinner with his former Capitals backup netminder, Brent Johnson, and a bunch of other Capitals last night.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to see much of the game as I have class tonight. However, when I do make it home and sit down to watch whatever is left of the game, it is going to be odd to see #37 with a lightning bolt on his jersey instead of the familiar logo of the Washington Capitals. I think, for me, seeing will definitely be believing. Seeing him in another team's jersey will make it real in my mind (though I hold out hope that somehow, someway, he will retire a Washington Capital and his number will hang in the rafters at Verizon Center). I'm sure it will break my heart all over again. So I hope he plays well for his "homecoming."
But not TOO well... ;-P
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tuesday Morning Update: Well, the Caps won last night 4-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightening. From all reports, it was a near-capacity crowd that showed the love to Olie. A tribute was played on the Jumbotron during a stoppage in play toward the beginning of the game, and apparently Olie received a standing ovation. That's awesome. He had a job to do, so he probably didn't react much, and I'm sure he was hoping his return to DC would end differently; however, I'm glad the fans were gracious. Sometime returning players get booed. Apparently the tribute video ended with a screen that just said "Olie Kolzig - #37 - Forever a Capital." Nice words. Actions would've spoken louder, but it is what it is. But hopefully when Olie decides he's done and it's time to hang up his skates, the organization will find a way to bring him home so he can retire a Washington Capital.
I understand that a coach has to ride the "hot hand" and that Cristobal Huet had the hot glove hand down the stretch last season. But it still seems like Olie got the short end of the stick somehow. Here's a man who gave nearly 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears to the only organization he'd ever played for -- as well as its surrounding community. And he was basically benched for the last month of the hockey season. He was a leader both on the ice and in the locker room. And he was loved in the community. In a town that is not known for its love of hockey, his was a face that people actually recognized.
From all reports, Olie left Washington a bitter man. I get that. Could he have handled everything better than what was reported in the papers. Maybe. But, again, 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears. When he thought he'd play his entire career for one team -- a rarity in these days of exorbinate salaries and behavior problems among professional athletes -- I can see how the way it ended would be hugely disappointing and cause a guy to take his puck and go home. Or in this case, to Florida.
So now, tonight, Olie the Goalie returns to Washington. I really don't know how his season in Tampa Bay has been going as I barely have time to pick up a newspaper most days. I hope that time and distance has wiped away some or all of the bitterness and that he has some time to catch up with some of his friends/former teammates. I do know from reading one article in the paper this morning that he is basically the backup in Tampa, that he sold his house here in one day and traded up for a waterfront home in Florida, and that he had dinner with his former Capitals backup netminder, Brent Johnson, and a bunch of other Capitals last night.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to see much of the game as I have class tonight. However, when I do make it home and sit down to watch whatever is left of the game, it is going to be odd to see #37 with a lightning bolt on his jersey instead of the familiar logo of the Washington Capitals. I think, for me, seeing will definitely be believing. Seeing him in another team's jersey will make it real in my mind (though I hold out hope that somehow, someway, he will retire a Washington Capital and his number will hang in the rafters at Verizon Center). I'm sure it will break my heart all over again. So I hope he plays well for his "homecoming."
But not TOO well... ;-P
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tuesday Morning Update: Well, the Caps won last night 4-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightening. From all reports, it was a near-capacity crowd that showed the love to Olie. A tribute was played on the Jumbotron during a stoppage in play toward the beginning of the game, and apparently Olie received a standing ovation. That's awesome. He had a job to do, so he probably didn't react much, and I'm sure he was hoping his return to DC would end differently; however, I'm glad the fans were gracious. Sometime returning players get booed. Apparently the tribute video ended with a screen that just said "Olie Kolzig - #37 - Forever a Capital." Nice words. Actions would've spoken louder, but it is what it is. But hopefully when Olie decides he's done and it's time to hang up his skates, the organization will find a way to bring him home so he can retire a Washington Capital.
Weekend...
Another weekend has come and gone, and with it the end of J-Mav's soccer season. The Blue Dragon Snakes (don't ask) are officially done. Don't know what the team's record was, but I suspect if scores had been kept, we would've been winless. But that's not the point in a U6 soccer league. The point is to have fun and learn some of the fundamentals of soccer. Considering the [volunteer] coach showed up to one game all season, and was officially removed from her post before the second-to-last game, I don't think J-Mav got too far on learning the fundamentals. But at least he had fun. One outta two ain't bad!
After the game, the kids had their post-game snack and then gathered so the replacement coach could distribute the trophies and team pictures. Some of the parents also took a team photo... priceless since the post-game snack was Oreos. Can't wait to see those pictures!
So soccer is done, and we have one less thing to do on Saturdays now... at least until March, when J-Mav will start baseball.
Later on Saturday, we were off to the rink. Keeper Boy was on door patrol for Saturday's game. The kids skated and played well and won 8-0. Sunday the team played the team from Richmond... the only league team to have beaten them so far. Keeper Boy was in net. J-Mav and I weren't at the game as we were attending my Goddaughter's birthday party; however, John's cousin came down from Baltimore, so Keeper Boy still had a small cheering section. The team lost 2-1. Keeper Boy apparently played well, and he didn't seem to be down after the game, which is good.
We ended the weekend with a nice dinner at Caraba's. And now it's back to work and school for another week. Blah.
After the game, the kids had their post-game snack and then gathered so the replacement coach could distribute the trophies and team pictures. Some of the parents also took a team photo... priceless since the post-game snack was Oreos. Can't wait to see those pictures!
So soccer is done, and we have one less thing to do on Saturdays now... at least until March, when J-Mav will start baseball.
Later on Saturday, we were off to the rink. Keeper Boy was on door patrol for Saturday's game. The kids skated and played well and won 8-0. Sunday the team played the team from Richmond... the only league team to have beaten them so far. Keeper Boy was in net. J-Mav and I weren't at the game as we were attending my Goddaughter's birthday party; however, John's cousin came down from Baltimore, so Keeper Boy still had a small cheering section. The team lost 2-1. Keeper Boy apparently played well, and he didn't seem to be down after the game, which is good.
We ended the weekend with a nice dinner at Caraba's. And now it's back to work and school for another week. Blah.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Someone stop me!
It started simply enough. After 9|11 I had an American flag and a yellow ribbon on the back of my car. That's it. Tasteful. Then I got rear-ended sitting in traffic one day on my way home from work. The entire tailgate door of my van had to be replaced, so once I got my van back weeks later, it was a clean slate. That didn't last long, but I'm not sure when it got out of control.
When Keeper Boy started at the elementary school with the GT center, I got a magnetic bumper sticker for the school. Then I got a sticker for the window that is a white outline of flipflops. It's small. After that I added a black magnetic hockey goalie. Two summers ago, I got one of those oval magnets for my favorite beach destination. It, too, is small. This past summer I added another flip flop sticker to the back window... this one is a little different because the flip flops are pink and have the name of my favorite beach destination on it. I also added an oval magnet with the Philadelphia Eagles logo on it. The back of my car was getting a little crowded, so I removed the magnetic bumper sticker for Keeper Boy's elementary school. It was a few years old by then and looking a little icky.
I started making fun of my own "chochki" car. But today probably put it over the top. I added another white outline sticker to the window. This one is the logo for Keeper Boy's hockey team, along with his name and number. I think I've officially gone over the edge.
Hello, my name is... and I'm a "car chochki" junkie...
When Keeper Boy started at the elementary school with the GT center, I got a magnetic bumper sticker for the school. Then I got a sticker for the window that is a white outline of flipflops. It's small. After that I added a black magnetic hockey goalie. Two summers ago, I got one of those oval magnets for my favorite beach destination. It, too, is small. This past summer I added another flip flop sticker to the back window... this one is a little different because the flip flops are pink and have the name of my favorite beach destination on it. I also added an oval magnet with the Philadelphia Eagles logo on it. The back of my car was getting a little crowded, so I removed the magnetic bumper sticker for Keeper Boy's elementary school. It was a few years old by then and looking a little icky.
I started making fun of my own "chochki" car. But today probably put it over the top. I added another white outline sticker to the window. This one is the logo for Keeper Boy's hockey team, along with his name and number. I think I've officially gone over the edge.
Hello, my name is... and I'm a "car chochki" junkie...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Raffle
Keeper Boy's travel hockey organization is having a raffle as one of its fundraisers for the year. Tickets are $5 apiece and proceeds benefit the hockey club as a whole (encompassing nine travel teams of various ages). The raffle will be held on December 13, 2008. You need not be present to win.
There are three top prizes and (I think) a variety of "lesser items" to be raffled off.
So that's that. If you are interested in entering the raffle, post a comment here or send me an email.
There are three top prizes and (I think) a variety of "lesser items" to be raffled off.
- 1st Prize: $1,500 cash
- 2nd Prize: $500 cash
- 3rd Prize: Autographed Alex Ovetchkin hockey stick
So that's that. If you are interested in entering the raffle, post a comment here or send me an email.
The best thing about today...
Know what the best thing about today -- the day after Election Day -- is? I'll give you three. I haven't seen one pop-up ad in my web browser that had to do with a political candidate. I haven't heard one political ad on the radio. I am almost certain I won't have 16 messages on my answering machine when I get home extolling the virtues of one candidate or the other. To me -- no matter if you lean red or lean blue -- that makes today a good day.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Four years, seven books, and tens of thousands of pages later...
Today is a monumentous day! Keeper Boy finished the seventh and final Harry Potter novel. It has taken more than four years, but he has read the entire series. How awesome is that?We started reading the first book when Keeper Boy was in first grade. I (or Hubby) would read a sentence, and Keeper Boy would read a sentence. We would alternate in that manner every night. It was VERY slow going at the beginning, and we had to stop and explain a lot of words (though with these books, our guesses were sometimes just as uninformed as Keeper Boy's).
Through the school years and over the summers, we progressed to alternating paragraphs, and then to pages. About halfway through the sixth book -- toward the end of third grade, I think -- he started reading on his own. This last book he read completely on his own.
It took him a year -- reading in increments as short as five minutes, or as long as 45 minutes... usually only a few times each week -- to finish the last book. Over the summer, an entire week would sometimes go by while the book gathered dust or he was distracted by reading some other book or he was off at some camp or another. But he never forgot about it and he always came back to it to see what Harry was up to.
Tonight he sat down after dinner and started reading. I left for my class and when I came back a little over an hour later, he was very excited to tell me that he'd finished the book after he did his math homework. So cool! I'm very proud of him, and I love that he loves to read. Like mother, like son. :-)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Heard...
I apologize now for the long lead-up, but it's a good story. :-)
Background: J-Mav went to the park with one of his best buds (and our nieghbor... the Red Power Ranger) today. When they came back, his friend stayed and played at our house for a while. A little while before I was going to walk Friend home, I gave the ten-minute warning. The boys and Keeper Boy decided they were going to go play in the front yard for the last few minutes.
When I went outside a few minutes later to walk Friend home, Friend was standing in the middle of the front yard sobbing; J-Mav was standing on the sidewalk on his scooter staring at him; and Keeper Boy was kind of doing his own thing and staying out of it. I asked what was wrong and Friend sobbed, "He's not sharing." J-Mav didn't say anything. At that point Keeper Boy told me that J-Mav hadn't been sharing and Friend had been waiting for his turn on the scooter, which J-Mav kept assuring him was coming. When J-Mav finally told Friend he could have a turn and Friend started to get on the Scooter, J-Mav pulled it away from him. Thus the tears.
So, J-Mav got sent into his room, and Friend got his turn on the scooter and then I walked him home. When I got back home a few minutes later, I started making dinner. When J-Mav's time was up in his room, he came out to the kitchen and said sorry to me. I told him that I think he needed to apologize to his friend, not me. So Hubby took him out to the dining room and dialed the phone. With some prompting to speak up, he very politely asked to speak to Friend. When Friend got on the phone, he said hi and then apologized for not sharing and told Friend he'd see him tomorrow. It was very sweet. J-Mav went downstairs to play, and Hubby was about ready to hyperventilate from trying so hard not to laugh. Obviously I missed something by being in the kitchen and not right next to J-Mav when he was on the phone. I asked Hubby what was up. He said when Friend got on the phone, he heard him say to J-Mav:
"Did you call to tell me you're sorry for not sharing?"
TOO funny!
Background: J-Mav went to the park with one of his best buds (and our nieghbor... the Red Power Ranger) today. When they came back, his friend stayed and played at our house for a while. A little while before I was going to walk Friend home, I gave the ten-minute warning. The boys and Keeper Boy decided they were going to go play in the front yard for the last few minutes.
When I went outside a few minutes later to walk Friend home, Friend was standing in the middle of the front yard sobbing; J-Mav was standing on the sidewalk on his scooter staring at him; and Keeper Boy was kind of doing his own thing and staying out of it. I asked what was wrong and Friend sobbed, "He's not sharing." J-Mav didn't say anything. At that point Keeper Boy told me that J-Mav hadn't been sharing and Friend had been waiting for his turn on the scooter, which J-Mav kept assuring him was coming. When J-Mav finally told Friend he could have a turn and Friend started to get on the Scooter, J-Mav pulled it away from him. Thus the tears.
So, J-Mav got sent into his room, and Friend got his turn on the scooter and then I walked him home. When I got back home a few minutes later, I started making dinner. When J-Mav's time was up in his room, he came out to the kitchen and said sorry to me. I told him that I think he needed to apologize to his friend, not me. So Hubby took him out to the dining room and dialed the phone. With some prompting to speak up, he very politely asked to speak to Friend. When Friend got on the phone, he said hi and then apologized for not sharing and told Friend he'd see him tomorrow. It was very sweet. J-Mav went downstairs to play, and Hubby was about ready to hyperventilate from trying so hard not to laugh. Obviously I missed something by being in the kitchen and not right next to J-Mav when he was on the phone. I asked Hubby what was up. He said when Friend got on the phone, he heard him say to J-Mav:
"Did you call to tell me you're sorry for not sharing?"
TOO funny!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
