Hello! I hope your week is off to a great start. My husband and I got to spend time with this little cutie this past weekend. I'm amazed at how well she is already swimming. She is definitely not afraid to jump in the pool, even at the "deep end." She can swim underwater for a pretty good ways.
She will have a brother or sister at the beginning of October. I wish I knew if it was a boy or girl, but, alas, they want to be surprised.
New topic... On this day, August 2, 1923, President Warren G. Harding, who was said to be one of the most popular Presidents (how do they even measure that?), died and was succeeded by Calvin Coolidge.
August 2 is also Butch Patrick's birthday. He is 69 years old today. Do you remember him? From the Munsters? I think I watched that show every day when I was growing up.
And just so you know, there are 151 days left of 2022.
Moving right along...
I wonder if he appears in the new Top Gun movie. I haven't seen it.
The lives of our children and youth are so different now than they were 30-40 years ago. I didn't have an Xbox or even a handheld game device, much less the Internet, but I think I had a really good imagination as did my peers. We had to! Without an imagination, we would have been bored out of our minds. I was bored my fair share of the time... car rides for example. That was a rite of passage in our era: No movies to watch, radio on your parents' favorite music, sitting in the back seat - or the back of the station wagon!
I was pretty much a girlie-girl growing up. My favorite thing to do was to play "house." I loved my baby dolls! My favorite one was a doll I named Chrissy (I think it was spelled Crissy, but she was my baby). She had an auburn ponytail they called "growing hair." I loved that doll! I played "house" with her for hours on end. I got her when I was in first grade, I think.
The last doll I got was a Baby Alive. I think I was the only fifth grade girl who wanted a doll for Christmas that year. I loved feeding her, changing her, dressing her, and being her mommy.
My second favorite thing to do was play with Barbies. My favorite one was a Barbie with dark brown hair that flipped up on the ends.
I had suitcases full of clothes and shoes. I had an old Barbie house, not one of the "Dream" houses they came out with when I had almost outgrown them. I also loved Skipper, expecially the one with ringlet pigtails and my "Dawn" dolls which were even smaller than Skipper. They had beautiful ball gowns!
I also loved playing with paper dolls. I wonder how long kids today would be entertained with those?
And I enjoyed playing "school" with all of my dolls. Maybe that's why I became a teacher, but the class I ran back in those days was so much better behaved than the ones I have now! It's so much fun taking a trip down memory lane.
I had so much fun watching YouTube videos with my kids last night! That's something I rarely do. Just don't make time for it. But with my teenagers, who really know their way around the site, it was fun, especially this video about cats set to the music of Van Halen's Jump. But...
Have you seen the video of the girl who burns her hair off using a curling wand? . If you've seen it, do you believe it's real? I think the girl totally under-reacted. If I had burned off that much of my hair, I would be frantic! And I sure wouldn't let someone put it on YouTube! Besides, the wand wasn't even steaming when she wound her hair in it. I just don't know. A friend of mine said that happened to her daughter using the same type of curling wand, but, skeptic that I am, I just have a hard time believing that video wasn't set up. Check it out and let me know what you think. I can't bring myself to post it here, but you can do a search and you'll find it.
This morning when my alarm went off, I reverted back to my college days, except worse! I was cussing and grumbling, that stupid *7^@! alarm clock went off, I'm too d&*^! tired to get up, grumble, grumble, cuss, cuss. I was so tired and didn't want to get up and go to work. It seemed like I had just fallen asleep. In college, I think SH*+ was the first word out of my mouth every morning! I was really glad my kids weren't around to hear me! Although... I know they've heard far worse.
In fact, yesterday, I heard my twins cuss in front of me for the first time ever. (They are 16.) My daughter was frustrated because I was rushing her to get to practice, and she said sh*+. Then she just about cried realizing she'd said it in front of me! She apologized profusely. Later, my son told her to quit slamming the d*mn door. He didn't apologize!
I guess those words are pretty tame compared to what I hear from some teenagers. At least my daughter was mortified that she said it in front of me. Of course, when I was their age, I'm sure I said those two words and many more, just not in front of my parents, especially my dad. Oh, I hate to think what would have happened if I said that in front of my dad. In fact, I remember saying "We're gonna beat their butts" in front of my dad when I was in fifth grade. I was talking about our football team beating our opponent. He came unglued over the word "butt" from a fifth graders. Needless to say, even into adulthood, I was careful with my language in front of him.
Well... Almost Wordless. Do you participate in Wordless Wednesday? Come link up!
I guess I caught my daughter off guard. Oh, well! She's still cute to me, and so is my son. We're not ready to say goodbye to Kuzco, but we knew it was coming.
I love it when people ask me what I've been doing lately, and among the normal responses like shopping, working, etc., I get to say, "Taking care of the goat." They usually do a double-take! Last week, my boss's response was, "Wait, did you just say 'goat'?" I had to giggle!
Yes, I help my son take care of a goat, which he named Kuzco. The goat is an FFA project, and it's a lot of work! We are city people. I did live in a smallish town growing up, which has grown considerably since, but we never had livestock. We had a dog. At one time we had two cats. And my sister had a pet rabbit... for a while. But livestock? I know nothing about livestock! But I'm learning.
I'm finding that it's actually quite interesting. It's both fun and hard work. Our poor Kuzco got sick and lost ten pounds. He would hardly eat anything for several weeks. While the other goats were gaining, he just kept losing. He finally got treated for an upper respiratory infection (yes, even goats get them), and we've had to give him everything from ensure, to electrolytes,to pro-biotics, and vitamin B. He's FINALLY got his appetite back and starting to gain a little weight now. He's got some catching up to do! Can you imagine a goat not wanting to eat? They eat everything! If a goat isn't eating, something's wrong.
Anyway, so while we are working to get him to gain weight and fill out, we also have to train him. He has to run to develop strong muscles in his back legs. The goats always eat with their front feet propped on the fence so their back legs get stronger, but he needs more. He also walks. He gets dewormed twice a month, and he's taking supplements along with his food (developed for livestock, not human supplements). He gets a bath about twice a month. And my son had to train him to walk correctly in the ring and how to set him up for the judge, and how to present himself to the judge - the showmanship aspect of it. Who knew so much went into this? I guess I always thought you just feed them and they're ready to go. Not so.
Our livestock show is at the end of January, so we don't have much time now. I hope we can get Kuzco caught up enough to look good next to the other goats instead of scrawny like he was when he was sick. If he doesn't do well at the show, my heart will break, but it's going to break anyway when we have to see him go. I kinda like that goat!
This week's Heads or Tails topic is HEADS - "pack." Click on the HoT link for more fun!
Do your kids carry backPACKs? All of mine do, and I am consistently surprised at the weight of the PACK when I pick it up to move it. There is no way I would want to carry that heavy backPACK with me every single day! In elementary school, the rolling backPACKs were great, but when they get a little older, it's just not cool (and possibly not allowed) to have those PACKs with wheels. Many kids in middle school and high school carry around the contents of their entire locker in their backPACKs. There are various reasons for this such as not having time to go to their locker before classes, needing to take the books home for homework, or simply that it's convenient to have everything with them at all times.
BUT... as parents, we need to be concerned about the weight of their backPACKs. A child or young adult should not be carrying in excess of 10-15 % of their body weight in their PACK. It may cause shoulder, neck, and back pain. Obviously, it can lead to poor posture. In addition, if the child doesn't carry the PACK properly over both shoulders, the child may start leaning to one side to compensate. Be aware of the fit of your child's backPACK as well so that straps aren't digging into his/her shoulders.
We want our children to be safe and healthy. Parents can work with school officials to find a solution to heavy backPACKs. You can find out if it is necessary for the student to take everything home every night and work out a system accordingly. Some teachers allow students to leave binders or spirals in class The school may also provide textbooks to stay home while a set stays at school eliminating the need for the student to bring textbooks home on a regular basis. (This is what my district does.) Let's keep our Kids Healthy!
My twins, age 12, who will always be my babies, got braces on Tuesday. They are far less obtrusive than the braces I remember from my youth - not that I had braces. I wasn't so fortunate. Oh, no! My older sister had them, but I guess they ran out of money before they got to me because all I had was a crummy retainer which didn't help. It's something I look back on with a bit of regret, not having braces in my youth.
I would get them now, if only I could afford them, and if only my teeth hadn't become so thin and weak. I'm glad I'm able to give my kids an attractive, healthy smile. Braces are also far more common now than they were when I was a teenager, and the kids are getting them at younger ages.
Oh, they complain about the pain right now, but that will fade. Most of their friends have them, so they are not alone like poor Marcia (except for that one boy). I think their braces look great!
Hello humiliation, my dear friend. I can't remember when you weren't around. You're a faithful companion.
You were there when I was a little girl and their was no one to play with. I went down to my friend's house, J.A.M., and she and T were playing in her attic. I climbed up and began playing, too. I don't remember the game, but we were having such carefree fun. Until her father came along. He snuck up the attic stairs just as I was laughing at something funny, and he mimicked my laugh making me feel about three inches tall. He told me to leave, that I wasn't supposed to be up there, only you and T were allowed up there. So, I went home and cried, and you were there with me, my old friend.
Humiliation, you know you were there for me with all the incidents involving my mom. The dance studio, meeting friends' parents, pageants, school events. Those were the most significant childhood events where I remember your presence.
And do you remember the time in high school - I know there were many - but the time when I tried out for drill team officer for the second year in a row and didn't make it? You were there. You must remember consoling me in the upstairs bathroom at the townhouse.
Humi, you were there during my sorority days, too. I try to forget some of those times when I really tried hard to fit in. Immaturity and bad choices contributed, but you were the main man.
Much later, there was the time when I was sitting at the breakfast room table talking to my husband, and he told me he didn't love me anymore. Out of the blue! No warning! I know you can't forget that! I thought we had a loving marriage. You held my hand when I went back to work to deal with the heart-breaking news. And you wrapped yourself around me when I had to tell my family and co-workers that the man I was so in love with was no longer in love with me, and when I had to face the fact that the twins would have divorced parents. Sadness was there, too, but Humiliation, you didn't leave my side.
You continue to follow me throughout my days, obviously waiting for the next time that I will need you. And although you are a trusted, old friend, I pray that I can live without you because I know that someday you will leave me. Loneliness and fear of rejection have been my old friends, too, but I think I am ready to make some new friends. I'm afraid you've been my friend so long that you will not want to leave. But when you're ready to go, know that I will always remember you.
This was written for the Sunday Scribblings prompt "My Oldest Friend." Click here to see what other Sunday Scribblers are writing about.
Writing this prompt has reminded me of this song by Simon and Garfunkel.
Does you heart ache when your kids' plans don't work out or when a friend of theirs hurts their feelings?
Today, my kids came home from school. Both of them had made concert band while most of their friends made honor band. One of their friends even made symphonic band, which is the best players, mostly 8th graders, and this girl is only going to be a 7th grader next year. She also never practices. She must have natural talent.
My son doesn't practice as much as he should. He was disappointed he didn't make honor band, but probably not all that surprised. He was sad, but he got over it - or appeared to get over it.
My sensitive daughter, on the other hand, cried and cried. It makes my heart hurt. There isn't anything I can do to ease her sadness. She even sent me an email telling me she was so depressed. And she told me face-to-face amidst sniffles and tears that she felt like the band directors were basically telling her she's terrible. And she's not. She puts her whole heart into it (her words). And she practices. And her "dream" of being a clarinet teacher is gone. And another girl told her she didn't want [my daughter] to make honor band, and that was just plain mean.
When I was in high school, I tried out for drill team officer and didn't make it - twice. I remember how hopeless and useless I felt. She is going through that right now, and my heart just aches for her.
My twins will be twelve in a few weeks, and we have run through every birthday party idea for tweens that we can think of. Here are 13 of them.
1. Skating Rink Party. Most of them will reserve tables and time for opening presents and eating cake. The one near us also gives all the guests pizza, a drink, and a coupon for free skate time. The birthday boy or girl gets to choose a favorite song and gets extra treats.
2. An Event Complex such asMain Event. They have bowling, glow golf, laser tag, ride machines, and games galore. There is a party room that can be reserved, or you can just wing it. I think this is what my son is going to do this year.
3. Putt-Putt Fun House. This place has miniature golf, laser tag, games, and bumper boats. Very similar but not as “cool” as Main Event.
4. Hawaiian Luau Party. All you need is a swimming pool (in your back yard or in your neighborhood), some Hawaiian music, a limbo stick, a piñata, and some fun prizes. We did this last year, and the kids loved it.
5. 50’s Party – Have a sock hop. You can do a bubble-gum blowing contest, hula hoop contest, and a twist contest. You can also have an ice cream sundae making contest and “cool” prizes for the contest winners.
6. Shop Till You Drop Party – Especially for girls. A trip to the mall with a set amount of money to spend. Lunch at the food court.
7. Putting on the Glitz – Especially for girls. Girls can make jewelry, eat snacks, have cake and ice cream, and make more jewelry. You can buy a variety of jewelry-making kits atMichaels or Hobby Lobby.
8. Lights, Camera, Action – Guests can write scripts and film movies to watch and share with their families. You could even vote on the best one and give it the Academy Award for home film-making.
9. Someone’s in the Kitchen – Especially for girls. Guests spend most of their time in the kitchen making and eating fun recipes such as personal size pizzas, cookies, smoothies, and so on. There are lots of kid-friendly recipeshere.
10. Movie Party – Take the guests to see a new movie, then go back home for pizza, cake, and ice cream.
11. Beach Party – If you’re near the coast, have your guests hop in the car for a trip to the beach. Sunning, swimming, giggling about boys or girls, Frisbee, volleyball, or whatever you are up for.
12. Paintball Party – Especially for boys. Pile the boys in the car and take them out for some sweaty fun at the paintball park. Then, treat them to CiCi’s pizza or a food court meal and birthday cake.
13. Girlie-Girl Sleepover – Yes, this one’s especially for girls. The guests come over for pizza and cake, presents and goodie bags, and while they’re there, they do “girlie-girl” stuff like painting fingernails, fixing each other’s hair, gossiping about boys, watch a DVD, make ice cream sundaes, color fuzzy posters, and made beaded bracelets. All of these could be contests in which they win play money and get to go “shopping” for their prizes. You get to set up the “store” and decide what to put in it and the prices. And, of course, this is a sleepover/slumber party. I think this is what my daughter is going to do this year.
They're not as cute as the extremely popular webkinz, but they are interactive! Have you heard of UB Funkeys? My daughter has a set that she got from my mom for Christmas. The "base" Funkey plugs in to the computer via a USB cable, and she can change which Funkeys she's playing with from the base.
On their home page, you can take quizzes, respond to polls, play games, and visit Funkini Island or FunkeysTown with your own collectible Funkeys. There are tabs where you can click on "Who are the Funkeys," "The Funkey Community, and "Funkey Facts."
The official description of Funkeys states: U.B. Funkeys™ - the collectible figures that unlock a virtual world filled with games and items. Each Funkey that you collect unlocks new zones. Play the games in the zones you unlock to earn coins to buy items you can customize your “crib” with. Post your virtual world crib online for all of your friends to see!
My daughter likes these, and it's a nice break from ClubPenguin, WebKinz, and Runescape, which are three other online places I allow the kids to go. Check it out!
And exhausted! But I can't wait another minute to share a couple of my favorites from the trip.
What does a pirate pay to have his ears pierced?
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About a "buck an ear" (get it? Buccaneer!) Lame and corny, I know, but it was from the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and I just had to share it.
My Favorite Ride
Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom
"Train ride" roller coaster that's as smooth as silk, yet thrilling with its twists and turns and high altitude. Not only that, but you get to go backwards! There's also a heart-stopping plunge off the top of the peak. In a word, Awesome!
My Favorite Parade
Disney Dreams Come True in Magic Kingdom
Daytime parade with fabulous floats, costumes, singing, and dancing and all of your favorite Disney characters. You can't help but feel happy during this parade! In a word, Magical!
My Favorite Show
The Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom
The sets are magnificent, and they use animatronics on floats with Pumba, Simba, a giraffe, and an elephant, all bigger than life. There is singing, dancing, acrobatics, and these are some talented performers. You'll be tapping your toes whether you want to or not! In a word, Fabulous!
More of my favorites to come in the near future. Consider this an appetizer. I noticed many of you are planning Disney trips in the near future, so if you've got any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
David, my son, number 50 for the Bay Area Texans, about to kick off the game
(left side of the screen).
I never realized I actually LIKE the game of football... until my son started playing. It doesn't hurt that they're actually a pretty good team. He played in 3rd grade, and his team won one game all season. He took a year off in 4th grade because we moved. Last year, 5th grade, they were our north division champions and lost a close game in the "Superbowl." This year, 6th grade, their record is 6 and 1. They'll definitely be in the playoffs, but there is one other team threatening to take the title of north division champs away.
I look forward to the Saturday games all week! I love sitting in the stands watching my son play. Last year, I was the cheer coach, so I missed a lot of the game, but this year, I get to see every play, and I can actually talk to my son about what happened in the game. I love when he asks me, "Mom, did you see (...)?" I can actually say, "Yes! I saw that!" I've learned so much about the game, too. You'd think I'd know all about it since I had to sit through every high school and college game when I was on dance team, but back then, who cared what happened on the field? I didn't, to say the least. I even like watching the pros play sometimes, although their games don't move with the same speed and intensity. Some of our games are real nail-biters. The boys are so equal in ability. It makes for a pretty awesome game!
So, this is how I spent my Saturday. How about you?
UPDATE - They are now 7 and 1 with the same team threatening their record. My boy recovered a fumble during the last game. He was so proud and excited! Me, too!
Do your kids carry back
