Oh - ya just gotta love Jack. He says some of the most profound things. We had baseball at 10 am today. As I've mentioned - the house is up for grabs lately - so finding the mitt and batting gloves was a challenge this morning - so when we get there we're all a little frazzled.
It dawns on Bill that Jack's batting gloves and mitt are with the coach - that at the last game he had told the kids to leave their stuff and go to the concession stand and when Jack and Bill had come back everything was gone and Bill then assumed that the mitt and gloves were with the coach and no biggie - we'll get it next game. Soooooo - Bill asked the coach - nope they don't have anything.
Well, as I may or may not have mentioned previously I am NOT a big fan of this coach. I have really tried to give him the benefit of the doubt - but to be very honest he's gotten worse as the season has gone on. So now Bill is starting to get ticked too.
As with every other game Jack gets to sit out the first time they take the field after batting. It's like a tradition now. And as he's in the dug out - low and behold he finds his batting gloves ---- IN the coaches bag!!!!!! Hmmmmm - interesting - but hey - we'll address things later. Come the 4th inning - Jack is sitting out AGAIN!!!!! Ok - NOW Mom and Dad are pissed. This is still an INSTRUCTIONAL league!!!!!! There are children that have NEVER sat out and guess what - HUGE co-incidence- they're the coaches kids! Hmmmmm
We're in the 5h inning now (we only play 6) and there's a call at 3rd base - Ump calls OUT on our team. Our coach (butt-munch) screams "How so?" Ump says again"Out" and throws up a fist. Our coach (butt-munch) starts screaming again - oh and did I tell you - the ump is ...... a 5th GRADER!!!!! As I said - ours is still an INSTRUCTIONAL league and we have KID umps. Both at plate and outfield. Coach (butt-munch) makes a big huge issue of it and ump now calls safe (almost in tears ) - now here's the real kicker: The ump - well, he's the kid of the coach we're PLAYING and that coach - well, he's on the LLeague board AND was the fall ball coach last year and is VERY good, VERY fair, VERY NON-"my kid is perfect - and that's all I'm here for", and just a all around NICE guy who volunteers a lot with the kids. HE holds his temper - just a couple of sarcastic words that only the adults caught (not coach butt-munch).
After the game there were some words - and coach(butt-munch) would NOT leave it alone! We stayed around because I was almost sure that if Coach Bob didn't hit him his wife was going to. (and personally, I would have helped hold him down).
Bill and I both talked to the ump - who happens to be in Sal's class and, like his parents is a VERY good kid, not a mean bone in the kids' body - seriously - I've always thought the world of him and now I REALLY do.
So, when we get into the car we talk to Jack about how the coach was SOOOO wrong and that's when we were told "yeah, you only argue or correct an umpire in your head, right, mom?" :-) I smiled ALL over myself. He gets it. He really does. I told him again how baseball was a game and that games teach us about life and how we want to live it. We talked about how yes, they won but in a nasty, embarrassing way where feelings were hurt and the victory was lost in all the crap that was done. We also talked about how even adults make mistakes but that the sign of someone really worth their salt is that even if you do loose your temper that you apologize. Which butt-munch, of course, did not.
There is ONE good side to this: Butt-munch is trying to get on the Little League board - well, I don't think that's going to happen now. Like I said - we're not the only ones who like Coach Bob - he's a power player in the league and THIS will NOT sit well with the other members. HoooRAH! Sometimes life IS fair and people DO get what they deserve! :-)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Zoo, Zoo, Zoomy Zoom Zoo
Bill and I chaperoned the last field trip for our 5th graders to the zoo. We had a RIOT! We had the usual: Quin and Sal and then Brian, Cresada and Diana. Diana I knew from her helping with Sal's projects and Cresada I knew from her riding around the neighborhood with Jacob. We had a TON of fun. We let them do the map and direct us to what THEY wanted to see. They did this VERY well - worked great as a team and listened to what each other wanted.
They stayed together very well, I felt more like *I* was on the field trip and they were chaperoning me. AND they were ALL very aware of time and when we needed to be back at our bus. Really confirmed my faith in kids.
We also had Mike and Karen on the bus with us. Bill decided we'd have a GREAT graduating class - as long as no one moves. :-)
Cresada taught us how to catch grapes in our mouth. Diana taught us how funny it is when you miss the grapes. Quin taught us how sometimes he likes to talk just to talk. Brian didn't say much but smiled all over himself. :-)
We had no electricity for most of the morning before we left and when we got to school we saw the Challenge students having to be told about the darkness and that they shouldn't freak out. Bill turns to me and says "the *gifted* kids have to be *told* that it's dark?" I smiled and Mrs Legner laughed. Mr O is SO into the *gifted* word and how much better his kids are so it was kind of funny.
Lon and I traveled the country last night to be with Annette at the Depot. We have SUCH a good time. Annette is doing so well she hardly has time for book work anymore. THATS a good problem to have!!! Lonnie and her are a riot together. She reminds me a lot of my sister.
So today we do the baseball thing and then I told Bill the house needs an enema. It's bad. I have slacked SO much this last week. It's weird how Mike's status makes stress all through the family.
Mike: My brother-in-law is still at Rusk Rehab and isn't doing as well. He's got some kind of bug and has been on intravenous stuff for the last couple of days. They (staff) had a meeting Wed about his prognosis but I don't think my sister got to talk to anyone. She's been working the overtime pretty good. Her factory may be closing soon. It just seems like more and more bad news from that area. I'm thinking maybe next weekend I can go down again. Wish I could wriggle my nose and be there - I'd live with her for a couple of weeks - just to make her life more crazy. :-)
They stayed together very well, I felt more like *I* was on the field trip and they were chaperoning me. AND they were ALL very aware of time and when we needed to be back at our bus. Really confirmed my faith in kids.
We also had Mike and Karen on the bus with us. Bill decided we'd have a GREAT graduating class - as long as no one moves. :-)
Cresada taught us how to catch grapes in our mouth. Diana taught us how funny it is when you miss the grapes. Quin taught us how sometimes he likes to talk just to talk. Brian didn't say much but smiled all over himself. :-)
We had no electricity for most of the morning before we left and when we got to school we saw the Challenge students having to be told about the darkness and that they shouldn't freak out. Bill turns to me and says "the *gifted* kids have to be *told* that it's dark?" I smiled and Mrs Legner laughed. Mr O is SO into the *gifted* word and how much better his kids are so it was kind of funny.
Lon and I traveled the country last night to be with Annette at the Depot. We have SUCH a good time. Annette is doing so well she hardly has time for book work anymore. THATS a good problem to have!!! Lonnie and her are a riot together. She reminds me a lot of my sister.
So today we do the baseball thing and then I told Bill the house needs an enema. It's bad. I have slacked SO much this last week. It's weird how Mike's status makes stress all through the family.
Mike: My brother-in-law is still at Rusk Rehab and isn't doing as well. He's got some kind of bug and has been on intravenous stuff for the last couple of days. They (staff) had a meeting Wed about his prognosis but I don't think my sister got to talk to anyone. She's been working the overtime pretty good. Her factory may be closing soon. It just seems like more and more bad news from that area. I'm thinking maybe next weekend I can go down again. Wish I could wriggle my nose and be there - I'd live with her for a couple of weeks - just to make her life more crazy. :-)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lord, grant me the PATIENCE!!!!
As usual the day started off with children bickering. Jack was especially a grumpus. Nothing was right. But when I picked them up tonight and offered to take him to my office and make a copy of his favorite story out of his reader I was back in his "mother of the year" vote. :-)
So, more about my trip down south. Some history before I tell the tale: My sister (Jill) is 11 years older than I am. When she was 16 she got to take the car (and me - as always) to the movies with explicit instructions to go there and come right home. Well, we didn't. So when we got home I skipped into the house and the folks asked me "how was the movie?"
"Fine, till we hit the ditch" I said.
Soooooooo this last weekend my sister and I were allowed to take my folks' car again - only this time we had to take my Mom. This was my Dad's idea "because of the last time we took the car". :-)
When we set off Jill drove and I got to sit shotgun and be wingman (read the map S) . So, after reading mapquest off to her and driving about 2 1/2 hours she says "oh, this looks familial". Now, this being said - wouldn't you drop your guard and not pay attention to the map anymore? YES, you would - I know you.
So this is what I did. Only after a lot more driving she decides we've gone too far and turns around and then makes a left into what she thinks is Columbia MO. Only it's not. And as we cross the MO river I say "was that the MO river?"
"yes." she says
"I think we're in Jefferson City "
"no, we're not."
"But isn't Jefferson City the capital of Mo? And doesn't that look like a capital building?" I ask seeing a looming domed building on the horizon.
"there are all kinds of buildings like that. Look at Carthage it has a building like that. We're not in Jefferson City."
I then shut up and we make our way to a gas station and when we walk in and my sister begins to get directions she asks "well where are we?"
"you're in Jefferson City ." The two teethed old man replies.
How about that. So then it becomes all my fault because I didn't *say* anything. :-) So I guess my Dad's idea didn't work too well, because my Mom (with her own map in the back seat) didn't say anything either. :-)
We did find Columbia after that and the hospital and settled in for a visit. The trip back to my Mom and Dad's house was non-eventful.
Lord, we have a good time together. It was nice to get out without the hub and the kids too.
My goofy little dog rode on the center console most of the trip south. She likes to see the road and all the goings on. When we came back she slept the whole way. :-)
My nephew(Brad) got a new job. He is now the principal of Carthage High School - only I think they've consolidated with a couple of other schools because they have a name like Western IL or something like that. I didn't get to see him or Mick - I got there too late to go to Gus Macker.
I also forgot to look at my buddy's new Hay Store Building. I'm not exactly sure what they're calling the business - but as we went through Camp Point I forgot all about it. I'm sure I'll get a tour the next time I have some time "back home".
So, more about my trip down south. Some history before I tell the tale: My sister (Jill) is 11 years older than I am. When she was 16 she got to take the car (and me - as always) to the movies with explicit instructions to go there and come right home. Well, we didn't. So when we got home I skipped into the house and the folks asked me "how was the movie?"
"Fine, till we hit the ditch" I said.
Soooooooo this last weekend my sister and I were allowed to take my folks' car again - only this time we had to take my Mom. This was my Dad's idea "because of the last time we took the car". :-)
When we set off Jill drove and I got to sit shotgun and be wingman (read the map S) . So, after reading mapquest off to her and driving about 2 1/2 hours she says "oh, this looks familial". Now, this being said - wouldn't you drop your guard and not pay attention to the map anymore? YES, you would - I know you.
So this is what I did. Only after a lot more driving she decides we've gone too far and turns around and then makes a left into what she thinks is Columbia MO. Only it's not. And as we cross the MO river I say "was that the MO river?"
"yes." she says
"I think we're in Jefferson City "
"no, we're not."
"But isn't Jefferson City the capital of Mo? And doesn't that look like a capital building?" I ask seeing a looming domed building on the horizon.
"there are all kinds of buildings like that. Look at Carthage it has a building like that. We're not in Jefferson City."
I then shut up and we make our way to a gas station and when we walk in and my sister begins to get directions she asks "well where are we?"
"you're in Jefferson City ." The two teethed old man replies.
How about that. So then it becomes all my fault because I didn't *say* anything. :-) So I guess my Dad's idea didn't work too well, because my Mom (with her own map in the back seat) didn't say anything either. :-)
We did find Columbia after that and the hospital and settled in for a visit. The trip back to my Mom and Dad's house was non-eventful.
Lord, we have a good time together. It was nice to get out without the hub and the kids too.
My goofy little dog rode on the center console most of the trip south. She likes to see the road and all the goings on. When we came back she slept the whole way. :-)
My nephew(Brad) got a new job. He is now the principal of Carthage High School - only I think they've consolidated with a couple of other schools because they have a name like Western IL or something like that. I didn't get to see him or Mick - I got there too late to go to Gus Macker.
I also forgot to look at my buddy's new Hay Store Building. I'm not exactly sure what they're calling the business - but as we went through Camp Point I forgot all about it. I'm sure I'll get a tour the next time I have some time "back home".
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Books to Write
I traveled south this weekend and my sister and I went to visit my bro-in-law in rehab in MO. As I was driving home to my house on Monday (4 hours ALL to myself - :-) I got to thinking about all of their stuff and decided maybe I should write a book about it all. "Wheelchairs in the Real World". You know, we've heard from Christopher Reeves - what about the average middle class family and how a accident of this proportion "reforms" your life. I'm going to put some words down and see how it goes.
Our visit - well, he can move his hands better - enough to operate the joystick on a wheelchair but not enough to feed himself. He's getting some feeling back but they are still saying about a 20% chance of walking again. I'm really hoping the next 3 weeks have some miracles in store.
As we were sitting and talking before I went home we both realized we were now BOTH in the world of special needs. She had to learn the OT and PT lingo (occupational therapy and physical therapy) , he had a speech therapist visit, we are both riding the information highway on how best to care for our loved one in the future, we both have to purchase special items to help our loved ones succeed and we both worry a lot about the future.
So, I told her "Welcome to Holland" (a special needs poem ) and we both cried. :-)
Mabel (the subject of several children's books I have in mind) cornered a raccoon this weekend. The problem was that the coon was out in the hot middle of the day and he/she wasn't running away - even when Missy got Mabe into the car. So we kept the dogs in till later and when we went outside we found Mr Coon had climbed up into the tree and he was so sickly he wasn't moving. We called Tim to bring his gun over and he shot him out of the tree.
I think Mabel was quite proud of herself. Her and Tiny went out to the pasture that night and barked at the coyotes so they wouldn't come any closer. My, did we feel protected. :-)
Mabel also helped plant the field next to Missy's house. She ran after the tractor just like a farm dog. :-) She also thought she was big stuff because she got Chunk's bone and hid it. She just pranced around with it in her mouth.
Our visit - well, he can move his hands better - enough to operate the joystick on a wheelchair but not enough to feed himself. He's getting some feeling back but they are still saying about a 20% chance of walking again. I'm really hoping the next 3 weeks have some miracles in store.
As we were sitting and talking before I went home we both realized we were now BOTH in the world of special needs. She had to learn the OT and PT lingo (occupational therapy and physical therapy) , he had a speech therapist visit, we are both riding the information highway on how best to care for our loved one in the future, we both have to purchase special items to help our loved ones succeed and we both worry a lot about the future.
So, I told her "Welcome to Holland" (a special needs poem ) and we both cried. :-)
Mabel (the subject of several children's books I have in mind) cornered a raccoon this weekend. The problem was that the coon was out in the hot middle of the day and he/she wasn't running away - even when Missy got Mabe into the car. So we kept the dogs in till later and when we went outside we found Mr Coon had climbed up into the tree and he was so sickly he wasn't moving. We called Tim to bring his gun over and he shot him out of the tree.
I think Mabel was quite proud of herself. Her and Tiny went out to the pasture that night and barked at the coyotes so they wouldn't come any closer. My, did we feel protected. :-)
Mabel also helped plant the field next to Missy's house. She ran after the tractor just like a farm dog. :-) She also thought she was big stuff because she got Chunk's bone and hid it. She just pranced around with it in her mouth.
Friday, May 22, 2009
She's Really Growing Up!
Sal went to her first Jr High social last night. It was just for the incoming 6th graders. She was a little intimidated at first - she didn't want me to leave - but then she spotted Connie from down the street and globed on to her. She then turned to me and said "Ok, you leave".
Don't ask me why - but as I was walking down the hall I started crying. Lord, I'm a mess. Sal started her school life at the tender age of 3. I put her on a bus knowing she had a 45 minute ride to school - never shed a tear. Kindergarten came and went - still nothing. But at a stupid social I'm bawling like someone has just taken my baby. CRAZY!
So this morning I asked her how it went. I had dropped her off and then went to a Lia Sophia party at my friendly farmer's house. :-) She was in bed by the time I got home. So I asked her how things went and who she hung out with. From what I could get out of her she had a good time and she met a new boy, Ryan, from another school!!!! ;-) So I was happy that she is already making new friends.
Jack got a HIT at baseball last night!!! A double! And guess what - I wasn't watching! I was talking to another Mom! :-/ Ok, unless Bill is with me, I rarely talk to people - not that I'm rude - if they talk - I talk - but I don't seek people out usually like Bill does. But this lady was there from last time and we had talked before and she had her dog with her and I was admiring her dog. So, as I sat back down to watch - I noticed Jack was on 3rd! Did he get a hit? I ask? Another Mom says "yeah, a double"! Holy Cow! Jack has been SO upset lately because he hasn't gotten a hit. So THIS is the secret - I just can't watch! :-)
And for another chapter in the Mabel story: Mabel finds a wasp nest. Up inside of our grill is a very small wasp nest - maybe even bee - I don't know - they don't really bother us but Mabel has found them and puts her nose right in the hole and howls at them. It is funny - as soon as any of them move she pulls her nose out and jumps. It's funny to watch.
I'm planning on going south this weekend to visit my sister and then ride with her to see her hubby - who I hear, is wheeling around in an electric wheel chair. (which is scary - knowing how he drives a vehicle). But I can't decide if I should take Mabel or not. I know she would LOVE to go running in the country again. We'll have to see.
Don't ask me why - but as I was walking down the hall I started crying. Lord, I'm a mess. Sal started her school life at the tender age of 3. I put her on a bus knowing she had a 45 minute ride to school - never shed a tear. Kindergarten came and went - still nothing. But at a stupid social I'm bawling like someone has just taken my baby. CRAZY!
So this morning I asked her how it went. I had dropped her off and then went to a Lia Sophia party at my friendly farmer's house. :-) She was in bed by the time I got home. So I asked her how things went and who she hung out with. From what I could get out of her she had a good time and she met a new boy, Ryan, from another school!!!! ;-) So I was happy that she is already making new friends.
Jack got a HIT at baseball last night!!! A double! And guess what - I wasn't watching! I was talking to another Mom! :-/ Ok, unless Bill is with me, I rarely talk to people - not that I'm rude - if they talk - I talk - but I don't seek people out usually like Bill does. But this lady was there from last time and we had talked before and she had her dog with her and I was admiring her dog. So, as I sat back down to watch - I noticed Jack was on 3rd! Did he get a hit? I ask? Another Mom says "yeah, a double"! Holy Cow! Jack has been SO upset lately because he hasn't gotten a hit. So THIS is the secret - I just can't watch! :-)
And for another chapter in the Mabel story: Mabel finds a wasp nest. Up inside of our grill is a very small wasp nest - maybe even bee - I don't know - they don't really bother us but Mabel has found them and puts her nose right in the hole and howls at them. It is funny - as soon as any of them move she pulls her nose out and jumps. It's funny to watch.
I'm planning on going south this weekend to visit my sister and then ride with her to see her hubby - who I hear, is wheeling around in an electric wheel chair. (which is scary - knowing how he drives a vehicle). But I can't decide if I should take Mabel or not. I know she would LOVE to go running in the country again. We'll have to see.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mabel Mabel Mabel
I swear I have to write a book about Mabel. "Mabel Goes To School" - now you're thinking I'm making that title up - Nope. You're thinking "well, she went over to the school yard and was playing with the kids". Nope. She got IN the grade school (before the kids got there) and was running through the halls. The janitor cornered her and called Animal Control. When I pick Mabel up from Animal Control (and I've done this MANY times) you can tell right away that she's there - there's this one lone howl... ughhh.
Mabel went to a birthday party last weekend. No, she wasn't invited and no, she didn't bring a gift. But she got a piece of pizza anyway.
Mabel visited the neighbor dog this morning (Scooter Pie - I added the pie). Scooter usually likes Mabel - they run back and forth in the back yard with the fence between them - BUT when Mabel squeezed UNDER the fence and was in Scooter Pie's face - well, then he didn't think too much of Mabel. She'll squeeze back under for a piece of bacon.
Mabel jumped over the railing of the deck today. Thought for sure she was going to hang herself - I grabbed the other end of the chain as fast as I could and when I leaned over the railing to see how she was - here she was looking up at me with that "what?" face she does so well.
Mabel likes to take George Monkey off of Sally's bed WHEN she's playing school with him and race to the living room with Sally in the chase SCREAMING at her.
Mabel likes to eat toothpaste and will stretch as high as she can to try and get the tube off the counter or even lick the counter if someone forgets to wipe up drips.
Mabel LOVES coffee and if someone forgets this and absentmindedly leaves their cup on the coffee table it will be gone when you come back.
Mabel loves to lay in the sun and is especially fond of the new deck furniture. She will find the smallest crack of sunlight, drag her cushion over to it and lay all curled up in it.
Mabel likes to wrestle and play "bite girl" with Jack. She plays "pinned" and when you let her up she jumps as high as she can and bites whatever is in the vicinity of her teeth. Usually one of Jack's fingers.
Mabel LOVES to chase birds and is very determined to catch one. She even watches them out the window and then howls till they either fly away or get out of her sight.
Mabel does just enough tricks just enough times to keep Daddy thinking she can stay.
Mabel went to a birthday party last weekend. No, she wasn't invited and no, she didn't bring a gift. But she got a piece of pizza anyway.
Mabel visited the neighbor dog this morning (Scooter Pie - I added the pie). Scooter usually likes Mabel - they run back and forth in the back yard with the fence between them - BUT when Mabel squeezed UNDER the fence and was in Scooter Pie's face - well, then he didn't think too much of Mabel. She'll squeeze back under for a piece of bacon.
Mabel jumped over the railing of the deck today. Thought for sure she was going to hang herself - I grabbed the other end of the chain as fast as I could and when I leaned over the railing to see how she was - here she was looking up at me with that "what?" face she does so well.
Mabel likes to take George Monkey off of Sally's bed WHEN she's playing school with him and race to the living room with Sally in the chase SCREAMING at her.
Mabel likes to eat toothpaste and will stretch as high as she can to try and get the tube off the counter or even lick the counter if someone forgets to wipe up drips.
Mabel LOVES coffee and if someone forgets this and absentmindedly leaves their cup on the coffee table it will be gone when you come back.
Mabel loves to lay in the sun and is especially fond of the new deck furniture. She will find the smallest crack of sunlight, drag her cushion over to it and lay all curled up in it.
Mabel likes to wrestle and play "bite girl" with Jack. She plays "pinned" and when you let her up she jumps as high as she can and bites whatever is in the vicinity of her teeth. Usually one of Jack's fingers.
Mabel LOVES to chase birds and is very determined to catch one. She even watches them out the window and then howls till they either fly away or get out of her sight.
Mabel does just enough tricks just enough times to keep Daddy thinking she can stay.
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