Panther Pride!

I need to be a proud mommy for a minute...or longer.

Drewby turned 7 in November. He joined an indoor flag football league at that time.

His league is for 7-13 year olds. (Yes - I must be crazy as he is small for his age anyway!)

His games began just after the new year, and up until this weekend, there was not much excitement to blog about.

He would go and wear his jersey, sit with the "big" boys, get his fair share of plays, run the ball a time or two, and be quite happy when his team won.

The "big" boys are really great with Drewby, explaining to him where to go and what to do (this flag football is much different rule-wise than the flag football he played outdoors in the fall).

And whether Drewby made a good run, or not-so-good run, there were high fives and pats on the back.

This weekend, Drewby had two games to play.

Saturdays game started well, and his team (Pitt Panthers) took an early lead.

As is typically the case, Drewby then got to go in on offense. He took a hand-off. And ran.

AND SCORED A TOUCHDOWN!!!!!

I was standing up in the bistro area which overlooks the field, and I was jumping up and down hooting and hollering like a crazy person!!

(The parents and kids there for the ice hockey game looked at me strangely)

He took the hand-off and it was like magic. He ran one way, saw a player, cut back the other way, and just always kept his feet moving.

I truly think his smaller size made it very hard for the "bigger" boys on the opposing team to run, bend over, and take his flag.

A little later in the game, his team tried to run Drewby again. This time, the other team had their smaller boy in (who was still several inches taller than Drewby).

The boy not only caught up with Drewby, but in grabbing for Drewby's flag they got tied up and an accidental tackle occurred.

Drewby got up, looked like he was ready to cry. But the "big" boys on his team were there asking if he was alright, and the other team's player helped him up and apologized and asked if he was okay.

Drewby walked off the field without tears.

I was so proud of him.

And he still wanted to go today and play his game.

Todays game was tough, against the #1 ranked team in their division. Drewby only got some defensive playing time. And left a touchdown score by missing coverage on his player.

He said it was because I did not let him wear his "lucky" red shorts from yesterday's game.

Although, he slept in them last night because he was still so excited about the touchdown.

I seriously hope we're not starting these sports superstitions already!!


Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Snow Day Fun

The weathermen actually got it right this time - well, sort of. We did get some snow - about 2-3". Not the 4-8" they were calling for.

But enough to cancel school for the day.

Miss M and Drewby were thrilled! After breakfast, the kids begged hubby to run to the local dollar store and get 2-3 spray bottles. As hubby had just gotten home from work, the truck was cleaned off already and warm - he obliged the kiddos.

We filled the bottles with cold water and added food coloring to make "snow paint".

The kiddos grabbed a variety of containers, bundled up and out they went.

They made some very unique "snow castles" which they painted a variety of colors.

After about an hour, they were cold and wet. So in they came for "snowman soup" AKA hot chocolate with marshmallows.

All in all, it was a good day.

Miss M completed enough activities to earn her Frosty Fun girl scout badge.

Drewby was just happy to have snow to play in.

And I can walk again! (see yesterday's post for details!)

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Anticipation

Our house is sitting on pins and needles. (No - not pine needles, although our tree really needs to come down tomorrow!)


The kids and I are waiting - not so patiently - for the first accumulating snowfall in our area. It's totally NOT that I love snow, or enjoy being out in it, but I DO enjoy watching my kids play together in the snow, and taking pictures of them, then watching them light up seeing me bring out a steaming hot pot of homemade hot cocoa.


And this winter we have had several occassions we were teased with the possibility of snow. Instead it either skirted around us - or changed to an ice or rain event.


So the weathermen (yes, plural as I have watched 3 separate stations predictions for this event) are all telling me our area should recieve 3-6 inches of snow overnight and into tomorrow.


Now I know for some of you that is no big deal.


But for my kids - that will be good enough to run around, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, and possibly - just possibly get out the sled and visit "the hill".


"The hill" is this very steep hill by the local school where all the neighborhood kids go to sled. The last time it snowed here enough to sled was, I think, two-three years ago. I remember because Drewby wasn't big enough to make it all the way to the top. I don't think Miss M could climb all the way either. So they climbed to the halfway point, hopped on their sled, and down they came.


So we have fingers and toes crossed that for this once, the weathermen are right, and we will have some snow on the ground tomorow.


Til next time, I'll still be...


Being Brenda

Tree Competition

Healthy competition is a good thing, right?

The school hosted a Holiday Breakfast with Santa over the weekend, and it raised almost $3,000 for the school. YEAH!

One of the decorations was that each grade had a Christmas tree to decorate as it chose. Drewby is in 1st Grade and Miss M is in 5th Grade. All in all there were 10 trees decorated by kids in grade Pre-School through 8th Grade.

All of the trees were absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

And each patron to the breakfast received a ticket to vote for their favorite tree.

Well, Drewby's class decided - with some help from some moms - to do a "Visions of Sugar Plums" tree. It was all decked out in CANDY. Real Candy Canes, candy canes the kids made from licorice and mini-marshmallows, gumdrop balls, applesauce-cinnamon cut-outs, glass ornaments filled with Skittles, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, and a hand-made gingerbread man as a topper! Then each 1st grader made two ornaments from a sugar, water, and glitter mixture, which once hardened - one was hung on the tree and the other will be a gift for the nuns at the Villa.

Miss M's 5th Grade class decided on a Natural Tree. They dried orange and apple slices, covered pine cones with peanut butter and birdseed, strung popcorn and cranberries, and filled in with poinsettias and berry sprays. Their tree SMELLED wonderful and looked professionally done. (I am SO glad the teacher steered them toward this idea because one of the other ideas were a Video Game tree)

Well, the votes were counted, and the results are in. Drewby's grade won with 120 votes. The prize, a Pizza Party in class!

Miss M's class came in 2nd place with 93 votes.

I am VERY happy I was a volunteer working at this breakfast and not an attendee - I would have only had one vote and not been able to choose between the two!

My kids are not yet aware of the results. I know my kids love each other - but they are both certain that their tree was the best. And, as siblings often do, they have a competitive streak between them.

SO - I am hoping the school waits until AFTER Thanksgiving break to tell the students the results.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

How Quickly Time Flies

Hello again!

I cannot believe I've been away from BloggyLand for SOOOO Long!

We've had quite an interesting 6 weeks or so.

I'd love to write about it all, but there is just no way - so I will highlight for you:

Halloween was uneventful - my Darth Vader and Rennaissance Princess trekked around the neighborhood with DH and I stayed put to hand out candy.

We found out Miss M not only needs braces - but needs this strange contraption called a Herbst Device placed in her mouth. More on that in a separate post.

Hubby started a new position with his current employer. He is now working a "normal" shift - permanent 3rd shift: Sunday - Thursday nights 10:45pm - 6:45am. This is a good thing - but has taken some adjusting to.

I have successfully made it through yet another HUGE school fundraiser - we served over 600 breakfasts this morning.

And finally - back full circle from where I last left off - Drewby is sick again. I can hear the doctor now...Back to the ENT specialist for another set of tubes in the ears! (I really hope not)

Anyway - I am hoping to be back on-line and posting and checking in with all of you on a more regular basis now.

Til next time, I'll still be....

Being Brenda

Weekend Recap in 90 Seconds or Less

Friday night was movie night as Drewby was sick.

Saturday was football and more football as Drewby's team played in the morning (yes, even sick he went and played - he had no fever) and Miss M had to cheer for her team that evening.

Saturday afternoon - we went to Mass, as we were going away all day Sunday.

Drewby had a rough time at the evening game - the cool air hurt his ear.

Dinner with friends and their kids after the game - Table for 9 please!

Sunday was spent at the Renaissance Faire with Lizzie and Kiki.

The kids had a great time hanging out with (mom and dad) Nana and Kiki.

Here's some fun highlights from the day - Drewby and Miss M were properly trained by a squire and wench as to how to greet the Queen, Drewby was knighted by the Queen, Miss M learned Peasant Dances, and we all cheered "God Save The Queen"- in our best British accents - way too many times!

We also all ate (drank) way too much food (beer/wine)! (More on this day in another post)

Monday was a day off school - and a lazy day to rest from Sunday's walking, walking, and more walking.

Other than that - it was a pretty normal weekend!

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

This Was My Day

Let me tell you about my last few mornings.

Hubby has been working nights, so he has come home and gone right to bed in the morning.

This has meant I am getting both kids up, dressed, ready, fed and out the door for school - all by 7:40am.

Not typically a big deal. I've done this many, many times before.

(Now would be a good time to mention that during ALL of last school year, Miss M had perfect attendance and Drewby missed only two days with a stomach bug.)

So, Wednesday morning I go in to wake Drewby at the typical 6:30am.

He was so not in a good morning mood (which he typically is - he's my morning child)

There was fussing, and crying, and pulling the covers up over his head.

There was foot stomping, and more crying.

I. Was. Not. Happy. (nor was I the model mommy that morning - there was some yelling)

Finally - at 7:25am I had him ready for school.

Didn't leave me too much time to get him a good breakfast though.

Luckily, Miss M had stepped up and managed to get herself ready, hair brushed and pulled back, and ate something for breakfast - toaster strudel I think.

Wednsday night - bedtime was moved up to 8:00pm from 8:30 to try and compensate for his hard morning and hope it didn't happen again.

I should also mention - he was a little sniffly the last few days.

No fever. No whining. No complaining.

Just some nose-blowing, and maybe a cough, cough here or there.

So this morning I go in to wake Drewby around 6:30am.

Once again, he is uncooperative. Covers over head.

Crying. Lying on the floor.

I finally get him into the bathroom.

His eyes are red and puffy underneath. And not from crying.

And the nose-blowing continues.

But still no fever.

Another not so great morning.

But he goes to school today. I call the doctor's office and "he should be seen" is what they tell me.

So I pick Drewby and Miss M up from school early and head to the doctor's office.

Well, no wonder he has been Mr. Miserable in the morning!

He has a sinus infection and a full-blown ear infection. So much so, that the doctor invites me to look through the little scope thing-y to see the infected ear drum.

I. Am. A. Terrible. Mom.

He had none of those classic symptoms like when he was a baby and had ear infections.

No fever. No crying. No screams when lying down.

He never even said anything hurt.

I guess I am a little out of practice on the sick child front.

Then, to make my day even better, the doctor's office has this new (at least to me - remember no sick kids for the last 15 months - at least) electronic way to send prescriptions to the pharmacy.

The doc tells me that his 4 - yes, 4 - prescriptions are sent and will be waiting for me to pick up.

So, I bring the kids home to start homework.

And me, being me, decides to call the pharmacy and check on the 'scrips.

After pushing many buttons, I finally get a live person (although I didn't get her name - this will be important later).

Yes, the 'scrips are there and will be ready around 6pm.

Now, Miss M had cheerleading practice tonight, and as hubby is working - Drewby had to tag along. (Drewby also had football practice, and participated in some things but not all)

After practice - 7:30pm - we head to the pharmacy to pick up the 'scrips.

I hit the drive thru - you know, because it is me and two, tired kids.

Here's the conversation with the pharmacy tech:

PT: "Name"

Me:"Drewby"

After a bit of time looking
PT:"When did you drop it off?"

Me:"It was sent electronically around 3:30pm"

PT"We don't have any 'scrips for that name here"

Me:"I called to find out a time for pick up and was told yes the 'scrips were here and they would be ready by 6pm"

PT: (clearly annoyed) "Who did you talk to?"

Me: "I didn't get a name - it was a woman"

PT:"Please wait."

After a good 3-4 minutes the pharmacist comes to the window.

Yes she remembers seeing the 'scrips come in, someone asking when they would be ready by and telling them 90 minutes.

But they are nowhere now - would I mind waiting for about 10-15 minutes for the 'scrips to be reprocessed and prepared?

Would I mind - yes!

Did I have a choice - No!

So the kids and I park, go inside and wait. And wait.

We finally got home around 8:15pm.

And now, Drewby has a fever. Low grade, but still a fever.

Drewby took his medicine and went straight to bed. After blowing his nose for like 10 minutes straight.

I guess Drewby will not be getting perfect attendance this year either.

There is still hope for Miss M and another perfect attandance award...the doctor gave them both their flu shots today while we were there!

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

And the Votes Are In!

So yesterday was Election Day at the kid's school.

All children heard speeches on Monday from the upper class mates running for Student Government President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

In their own classrooms, each candidate had to give a short speech about why they would make the best classroom rep to Student Government.

Miss M and Drewby both gave their campaigns their best effort.

Votes were cast on Tuesday and results were announced this morning.

At pick up this afternoon...the looks on their faces said it all.

Drewby and Miss M were both defeated by other students.

Miss M took the loss in stride...this was (after all) her 5th attempt at a Representative spot.

Drewby took the loss a little bit harder.

But he was pleased with the little girl who won for his classroom.

I was also very proud of Miss M.

She clapped for the winner of her class and made it a point to personally go over and congratulate her after the announcement.

Miss M actually seemed a bit shocked the other losing candidates did not do this.

Miss M is really growing into quite a young woman.

She has her moments when she shows us through her actions and words, that for the last 10 1/2 years she has been listening, and paying attention to know what is the right thing to do in situations.

It does appear that next year, Miss M will not be running for office again.

After 5 years, she is (finally) abandoning her political aspirations.

Drewby on the other hand, made it a point in the van to talk about how he will change his campaign for next year.

And how he hopes a certain little girl is NOT in his class next year!

At least we have a year to prepare....not that I am that organized!

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Playing Favorites

I am in a very awkward situation.

When hubby and I got married, nearly 13 years ago, I knew I was not favored by my future in-laws.

I came from a single parent household, was a well-educated, and a self-sufficient young woman.

I had a career.

My husband openly admitted to me he was the first-born (of 5 kids) in his family, but so not the favorite.

My in-laws did not welcome me openly into their family.

Matter of fact, the picture of hubby and I on our wedding day with his family places he and I in the back row. You cannot even see my whole face!

Basically you see my eyes and veil.

Yes, this picture still hangs in their living room.

It has, to say the least, made for some awkward family gatherings.

Fast forward to the present day.

Miss M is the oldest of my in-laws grandchildren, and is the only grand-daughter.

Drewby is the third born grandchild.

There are currently 6 grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Here is my predicament.

Drewby plays flag football every Saturday morning at 9:30am.

Emily cheers every Sunday at 2pm. Field hockey games are only played at two tournaments all fall, one was last weekend, one is the end of October.

Now, hubby's next youngest brother, has 3 boys. Two, M and J play soccer. Every Saturday and Sunday.

My in-laws also watch these boys and their younger brother, three days a week - and always have.

So here was my conversation with Drewby today.

D: "Mommy, are grandma and grandpa coming to my game today?"

Me: "Oh, I don't know sweety"

Hubby: "I don't know. I haven't heard from or talked to my parents all week."

(Let me digress here for a moment. I think this says TONS about hubby's relationship with his parents. I cannot imagine going a whole week without talking to my mom at least once. My dad is a different story altogether, for another time.)

D: "But why don't they come see my games. They go to M and J's games every weekend."

Here is where I, as well as hubby, were stumped.

We didn't realize Drewby, in his nearly 7 years of life, would be so aware of this fact.

My in-laws play favorites.

And my kids aren't it.

Miss M has made the same observation.

To date, my in-laws have come to one of Miss M's games to see her cheer (arrived late and left right after half-time), one of Drewby's football games, and one of her field hockey games.

Some weekends, they go to up to two or three soccer games for the nephews.

I am trying to be a bigger person and find a way to explain the in-laws behavior to my kids.

However, I am really getting tired of not only having the in-laws treat me poorly, but now my kids.

Hubby claims that his parents are not "football" people.

Really?

It's their grandkids. I don't think it should matter what they are playing.

So I figure I have a few options here:

1) Continue status quo and just tell my kids that grandma and grandpa had other plans and couldn't make it even though they do ( cough, cough) try.

2) Tell the kids as it is. Grandma and grandpa prefer to go see M and J because they (like them better) play soccer, and that it a sport they like to watch.

3) Have Miss M and Drewby ask grandma and grandpa this question themselves. And see what is said.

or 4) Call my in-laws and give them a piece of my mind!

Numbers 2 and 4 would probably start an argument with hubby, so not the way I want to go.

Number 1 is what I have been doing and am really tired of it.

So, I am left thinking Number 3 it is.

Actually, I would like to just make a point of NOT involving my in-laws is any way in our lives, but I don't think that is an option.

Hubby stays pretty low key over this, as he is used to having favorites played.

He firmly believes in just accepting his parents, and the way they treat our kids, and having our kids do the same.

What do you think?

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Campaign Central

So it is that time of the year again - Election time!

For Student Government, that is.

Both of my kids have decided to run for their respective classroom Representative positions.

For Miss M, this will be the fifth year she will be running (yes, she has run each year since 1st grade - unsuccessfully - but remains determined)

For Drewby, this is the first year he is able to run.

Tonight was campaign poster making night. Drewby came up with the idea for his poster...and I helped a little on the computer and with the big cutter.

"Score a Touchdown...Vote for Drewby" is his slogan. He put his face on a flying football...very cute.

He is one of 12 kids in his class (of 23) running for class representative.

Miss M was in total control of hers. It is filled with a picture of her, her slogan "Your choice for a New voice", and traits she possesses which would make her a good rep.

Oh and we cannot forget the pink hearts, yellow stars, and green clovers...just kidding (about the green clovers).

She is one of 9 kids, out of 22 running for class rep.

Tomorrow night will be sticker making night (since we don't have the button making gadget we do round stickers).

And there is a strict policy of no candy hand-outs. (that was Drewby's first choice!)

Which is a good thing as one of the girls in Miss M's grade is our State Reps daughter. The one year she ran, there were helium balloons with her name on them as a hand-out.

I don't even try to compete with that!

Then, they will both have speeches to write and the weekend to work on presenting them.

Next Monday is Rally Day, when they will each give their speech to their classes.

And next Tuesday, is Election Day.

It is a busy week for a 6 and 10 year old - on top of homework and sports.

Of course, I am way more into this campaign than the actual political campaign going on. (On that front I am still undecided.)

As for our homefront campaign - I know who my choices would definitely be.

Oh that's right - only the students get to vote!

So I will wait (impatiently) for the results of this election to come in next Wednesday.



Til next time, I'll still be...



Being Brenda

Are You Ready for Some Football?!

We were definitely thinking Tropical Storm Hanna's arrival here in the Northeast would have cancelled Drewby's first flag football game this morning.

Boy were we wrong!! This picture is from the beginning of the game - hubby walking him over to the field.

And this was the back of Drewby by the second half....totally drenched!

(Just in case the picture is not clear - there are raindrops dripping from his one ear, and running down his hair!)

Although the moms weren't too happy about standing, um I mean, the boys playing in the rain...the boys had a BLAST!

And TS Hanna is still wreaking havoc outside - so it's movies and video games this afternoon.

Sometimes, I love days like this (although I could have done without standing in the rain for 1 1/2 hours)....just hanging out at home with the kids having fun.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Goodbye My Friend...

It will be a bittersweet ending to a wonderful relationship.

A relationship that started slowly, a visit once a week, maybe twice, then built to an almost daily routine.

I could always count on the presence of this friend...everyday, without fail.

My dear, sweet, Starbucks.

I have come to learn, that like so many others, my local Starbucks will be closing its doors. Forever.

Oh sure, there are other Starbucks nearby, but none so convenient (as in right around the corner from my children's school)

The Starbucks where I would share coffee, lattes, or frappaccinos with other moms after drop off in the morning; where we moms would go after volunteering for lunchroom duty; and where I would take Drewby for a special treat while we waited for Miss M's French Club to be over (no I did not allow Drewby to have any coffee - although he has tasted the Frappaccinos and loves them)

Many will claim others (DD) have coffee as wonderful as Starbucks. For me, that is not so.

And while I could travel across town to the Starbucks which will remain open, I don't think I will.

Traditions are funny like that. Once something changes, the tradition itself is no longer the same. Irreplaceable.

So I will make sure to enjoy every last visit I make to my Starbucks before they close.

I will also be sure, in these most hectic of days, to enjoy every tradition our family has in place, no matter how simple, each and every time they occur. For we do not know what life holds, and it could change in an instant.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend has been a whirlwind of activities.

Saturday we took the kids to the Real Pirates! exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philly.

Drewby is really into pirates and knights right now.

The Real Pirates exhibit is about a pirate ship, the Whydah Gally, which was located off Cape Cod. There were actual cannons, guns, and pirate treasure on display.

Drewby was fascinated with the artifacts, and the fact the youngest pirate was 8 or 9 years old.

He definitely sees this as an alternative to playing football or going to school. He now has the pirate bandana, eye patch and telescope. He's all set.

Miss M liked the exhibit, but was more into the other exhibits at the Franklin, including the Sports Challenge, where her softball pitch was timed at 22 MPH. (And that wasn't even a good pitch.)

We trekked all over the Franklin, and even hit a show at the Fehls Planetarium. However, after the show, we found out the Franklin closes at 5pm.

I suppose I should have known what time the Franklin closed, but - I didn't.

And I had promised Drewby we could see the train exhibit after the planetarium show.

Did I mention the one other thing Drewby really likes is TRAINS?!?!

Needless to say, the entire drive home, as well as all evening, I had to hear how we missed seeing the trains.

Not that the kids were ungrateful for the day, or had a bad time. They just both chose to focus on what we didn't see - instead of what we did see. (I know, they take after me - as I also tend to look toward the negative and need to try harder to focus on the positive)

(Okay, I started this post Saturday night, then fell asleep - so here's the rest of the weekend's events!)

Sunday, we were once again helping my brother-in-law and his wife, by watching their 21-month old son. He only works weekends, and she is on bed rest, pregnant with twins.

So I made a big pan of lasagna and we spent the afternoon and evening at their house playing with our nephew. Once he was safely in bed around 8:30pm, our shift was over, as my brother-in-law gets home around 11:30pm.

It was a good day, and I know they truely appreciate our help.

The Monday we travelled from one end of the county to the other end, and back home.

We started at home, and just had to stop at Chik-Fil-A for the free chicken strips to anyone wearing a football logo. Miss M and Drewby each wore one of Drewby's football jerseys, and my hubby wore his Cardinals football t-shirt. I was the odd one (but I only really wanted a sweet tea anyway)

From there, we went to hubby's other brother's house for thier youngest sons 3rd birthday.

Hanging with the out-laws, um I mean in-laws, is never one of my favorite things to do. (But that is for an entirely different post)

So, we did the hubby's family for lunch, cake, and presents. (3hours and 17 minutes - start to finish)

Then we left and headed for my mom's house - Lizzie's. She had invited us over for each day of the weekend, and we had other things going, so Monday I was determined to get to see her. (Both for me and the kids)

When we pulled up - Kiki was there too, along with her girlfriend Kaleah. The kids and I were so excited!

I can't tell you the last time the kids saw Kiki, and I hadn't seen her since Neil Diamond.

So we all hung out, and ate a great meal - thanks Mom! - and just relaxed.

I love getting together with my family. And hubby doesn't mind to much either. He has pretty great in-laws (not out-laws, like I have)

Having Kiki back home from California (she lived there for 3 1/2 years) has been great. While she does live 2 hours away - it is so much better than having her across the country. We've gotten to go to the beach with her, and just hang out at mom's. Plus she will get to see the kids action in their various sports.

So that was our weekend - the kids didn't want to leave mom's house, but school was back in session today, and they needed showers and to get to bed.

We did make plans for all of us to go to the PA Renaissance Faire in October.

I figure, Drewby's gotten to see all about pirates - why not let him go see knights! And the Ren Faire to such a cool place - and Drewby has never been there. In fact, Emily hasn't been there in 6 or 7 years.

That's all for our weekend....

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

My Little Man

Today, Miss M and Drewby went back to school.

It is hard to believe Miss M is starting 5th grade and Drewby is in 1st grade.

Drewby has the same teacher Miss M had for 1st grade.

I walked Drewby to his classroom as he was a little apprehensive.

The teacher welcomed him warmly. She showed him where to place his bookbag and bag of tissues and paper towels.

He saw several friends from last year.

Then he was fine.

So fine, he walked into the classroom without giving me a hug or kiss.

I was a little (okay, more than a little) shocked.

Is this the same little boy who held my hand walking down the hall?

Who needs to sit right next to me (or on my lap) whenever he can?

Who needs to be tucked into bed several times by me to be able to sleep?

Who would give me a hug and a kiss every hour of every day if he could?

Yes, it is the same little boy, although he is not so little anymore.

He is growing up quickly, learning something new everyday.

At the end of the school day, Drewby came running right out to me and gave me that big hug I didn't get this morning.

Then he and Miss M took turns telling me all the great things that happened today.

And we all went for an ice cream cone to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, and for me to remember my kids will only be little once.

Although, Miss M will always be my baby girl and ...

Drewby will always be my little man.


Til next time, I'll still be.....

Being Brenda

How much is that puppy in the window?

Drewby has always been in love with dogs.

Big dogs, small dogs.

Quiet dogs, yippee dogs.

Even stuffed dogs (he has four stuffed dogs - one is as old as he is. He got it when he was born and it is still his favorite)

He has been asking for a puppy dog for half of his life...no lie. He's six - so it's been 3 years.

At first we told him no because the dogs he wanted we too large for our small house.

Plus Miss M has a fear of most all dogs - she was bitten - twice- when she was 2.

Lately, his requests have been for smaller dogs.

King Charles Spaniel...smaller, but expensive.

Boston Terrier...smaller, but needs lots of yard to run around.

Well, the other night at Miss M's cheerleading practice, one of the families brought one of their pug puppies.

I had never actually seen a pug in person before.

This puppy was too cute. Small, laid back, doesn't require a lot of excercise (great for a small yard).

Even Miss M liked the pug pup.

The pug pup let Drewby pet him, Drewby let the pug lick him.

Drewby was in heaven. (I was, as usual, a little grossed out. I don't like dogs licking my face)

He then, very causually, looks at the mom and asks,

"How much did the puppy cost?"

After explaining to Drewby this was not an appropriate question, I did talk with the mom about the benfits and concerns with pugs.

I am convinced this would be the perfect dog for Drewby.

At 6 years old, he is starting to spread his wings and want some independence and responsibility. He does small chores and likes to help out whenever he can.

I look at this as a wonderful opportunity to provide him with a lifelong pal, but also a way for him to show his maturity.

There is One. Small. Problem.

My hubby. He wants no animals while we live in this small house, with a very small yard.

He is convinced he will be the one walking the dog, feeding the dog, and cleaning up after the dog.

I am not so sure.

Drewby has asked every single night since he first saw the pug, if he can please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please get a puppy.

He has told me he will take it for walks, and feed it, and play with it. And it can even sleep with him.

I think, no, I know Drewby will rise to the occasion if he were to get a dog.

He has waited half his life for us to say yes - he can have a dog.

It would make him so proud to know that he is responsible for the dog.

And, even though that means my baby boy is growing up, I think that is a good thing.

So, I have undertaken the huge job of convincing my dear hubby that we should, either for his birthday or Christmas, go ahead and get Drewby a pug puppy.

I will let you know how I make out.



Til next time, I'll still be.....



Being Brenda

Home Again

Well, we are home from our mini-cation.

A three-day trip actually became a two day trip. Let me explain.

I know my husband is never on time. Well, let me clarify: he is on time for work, and was on time for our wedding (13 years ago this October).

So why did I think we would leave our house by 9 am on Friday? Oh, I know...I live in Fantasy Land. And it is a great place, everything always goes as I plan - with no surprises, and everything is within my control. This is a great place - as long as I don't have to leave.

Well, 9 am Friday came and went. We did not leave our house until 10:40 am. Now I know, that does not sound like a big difference. But to me, it was. I had planned (in Fantasy Land) that leaving by 9 am put us at the beach house by 12 noon. Plenty of time to actually get to the beach by 1 pm and spend a day playing in the surf and sand. Leaving at 10:40 am did not.

We hit afternoon traffic through Philly, and more traffic in Jersey than I anticipated.

So we did not get to the beach house until 1:45 pm. Not in time to see the surf or sand that day.

We did get to see some amazing nature at work that evening. Inside our gazebo we had this huge caterpillar start to make a cocoon. He crawled all the way to the top of one side, and began spinning his silk. It was amazing. By the end of the night, word got around the campground and about 10 kids had stopped by to see the caterpillar at work.

So Saturday would be a beach day, right?

No. Such. Luck.

We had probably the most severe thunder storm I have ever experienced while at our beach house. Within the first 5 minutes, we lost power. (This is the first time any of us have been at our beach house in a power outage - hubby was not happy)

Double whammy. I am prepared for rainy days at the beach house. We have two video game systems for the kids to play.

News Flash! They don't work without power.

Once the rain stopped, and the rivers, I mean streets, dries up, the kids were able to ride their bikes.

Oh, and did you know the pool in our campground cannot be opened if there is no electric? I didn't - until Saturday.

( You are probably thinking - why didn't you take the kids and go DO something? Right? I have learned the hard way - Do. Not. Go. Anywhere. at the beach on a Saturday. The weekly vacationers are arriving and traffic is HORRIBLE)


Electric was restored around 1:30 pm. The pool opened around 4pm. Enough time for Miss M to go hang out with her friends (she passed her pool exam this year and can go without a parent). Drewby had daddy take him to the pool for swim time. At six, he has four more year until he can take his swim test. (We hear how unfair that is on a regular basis.)

Saturday night was fun. Our beach house neighbors were down and had a birthday party for their son, and invited my kids over. They had a great time with a pinata and cake.

Miss M delighted in informing my that "Daddy is outside - talking to a girl!" At the age of 10, this must seem like a big deal: telling mommy that daddy is outside talking to a pretty girl. (It was the neighbor's sister-in-law) I did have to tease my husband about what Miss M said for, oh, at least 1/2 hour.

Later, the adults all sat around listening to music, talking, and having some cocktails.

Sunday was a great day. We did finally get to hit the beach. Surf, sand, and sun. And LOTS of people. (I typically do not like LOTS of people - more on that in a future post)

True to form, Miss M did not go in the water. (See "Cosmetic Enhancements" Fact of the Day for why) Although she did dig a hole in the sand deep enough to hit water.

Drewby, on the other hand, had a blast. Daddy took him out deep (to Drewby's chest), in the freezing cold water, and taught him how to boogie board. He had a blast. (I will post a pic as soon as I figure out how)

The drive home was uneventful. And the 3-day mini-cation served it's purpose. Family relaxation and fun.

I think we may head back for one last beach fling before school starts. Because, one day of preparing is so worth the time at the beach.


Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda