Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish everyone a VERY VERY Happy New Year. I hope 2010 brings you many happy times and very few sad ones.

God's Blessings to each of you.

DaMom

Christmas 2009 Blizzard

Since Vern is on hiatus (aka at his dad's) I thought I would share some photos of the wild blizzard we had. I really don't remember this much snow at one time since I was a teenager! THAT was a long time ago. LOL

Enjoy...

Our back deck

Out our other back door - notice the indentations from the door in the snow. It actually was higher by the time the storm was over.

Me sick of shoveling.

Buried Christmas decorations.

My pond is somewhere under this 4 feet of snow!

The Christmas Blizzard of 2009

WOW is all I can say. It is blizzarding right now. I was supposed to have the kids until 10:30 and then send them off to their dad's but the weather is so bad I had him come get the kids early. I guess it wasn't early enough as they still went in the ditch!!! Their dad has a big 4x4 truck and they didn't make it!

Someone took the kids home and their dad got the truck out. He is home I guess but just glad they are safe.

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to my readers.

Prayer Countdown

In Sunday school they made a prayer chain to count down until Christmas. The kids got to put things to pray for on each chain and then put them all together. Then each night we tear one off and pray for whatever or whomever is on the chain.

Here are some of the chains for Vern:

The Marines
Sick People
Our cats and dogs
His teacher
His brother and ..... sister if he must
Mom and Dad
His cousins

While at he is at his dad's house I am suppose to carry on without him - tearing one off and praying for him. I told him I would as any good mom would! I wonder what tonight's will be???

Vern's sence of humor

So all the kids were "naughty" today. They would not be quiet when asked over and OVER. So when we got about two blocks from home after church we stopped the car. The kids had to exit and walk the remaining distance to think about their naughtiness in the cold and snow.

So the oldest takes off at a jog to try and beat us home. Doesn't even look back.  Ann puts her attitude into her chin as she sticks it out and struts in front of the car daring us to run her over.(HELP when she is a teenager)  Then we have Vern. He gives us his best smile and sticks out his thumb hoping to hitch a ride. He made me burst out laughing when I was trying to have a parenting moment. It didn't work and we kept on going but dang it was funny. That boy can be so flipping hillareous.  Love him to pieces.

Colds N Cookie Dough

Vern had a good week except for the icky cold he caught the last couple days. His nose fills up and he coughs and coughs. WATCH OUT if he decides to sneeze. Let's just say he is one of those that condems others to colds no matter how much you tell him to cover it up!

Today is baking day. We are making cookies and candy. DaMom ate too much cookie dough so she is taking a break and making a blog posting. So far we have made butter/spritz cookies, katydids, and the beginnings for cake balls. The cake balls are a multi step process but are a guarenteed success.  I hope to give most of this away so I don't add to my buns.

We are all excited for Christmas. Vern had his last piano lesson for 2009 so I am sure he is excited for that!  We are having another day where we have to stay close to home because of some stuff we are doing for Vern's medical issue but its ok. Everyone getting along ok so far :-)

Vern was questioning Santa's realness the other night. Guess the kids at school were teasing. Those silly kids not thinking there is a Santa, I bet they will be on the naughty list this year!!!!  Vern and I can't wait for Santa to show up!!!!!!

Puke Boy Strikes again!

It's a bird...
It's a plane...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo
It's Puke Boy.

This time his intended target was his sister. She had been jumping on him and this was to be his sweet revenge.

Unfortunately he just got the kitchen floor and bathroom.

"I'll get you next time you evil sister."

Puke Boy calls his mom as she is driving home...
V -MOM, I threw up.

M- Everything ok? Did you make it to the toilet?

V- Yes.

V - Ann started jumping on me and...

M- Did you make a mess or everything ok?

V- Well, I got some on the kitchen floor.

M- Did you clean it up?

V - I put towels over it.

M - shaking my head at the imagined site of the kitchen floor.  I'll be home soon sweetie.

V - But Annnn

M - IGNORE HER until I get home.

V- Ok bye mom.

All is slow on the homefront

We have been having a quiet time around the house. DaMom is very much enjoying no crisis or huge drama scenes requiring immediate attention. I don't care if it doesn't make for very good blogs, it does help DaMom out :-)

Vern is very excited for Santa and Christmas.  He knows what his dad got him for Christmas all ready - a PSP and can't wait to play that.  In the meantime he is making do with playing his Madden10 game on the Wii.

The kids are all excited for another tradition they do. The kids all wrap up gifts for each other. It's a way to "give" to each other. It only costs a little paper and makes them feel good so I encourage this tradition they have. Kind of a while elephant between siblings!

I always take time off with them during their winter break. I should have some good stories around that time.

Merry Christmas you faithful 3 readers, I thank you for reading!!!!

Technical difficulties

Da Mom was a real "winner" the other night.  John yelled at me to come here mom, look at the TV. So I jumped up tripped on the computer power cord and pulled my laptop off my nightstand.

Ya, It shattered the screen.

So, my blogs may be spotty or over my lunch hour until the computer has been repaired.  I have no idea how long it will take to get sent in/repaired.

I am glad I got the warranty for when the "kids" dropped it. LOLOL.

Snow Days!!!!

Boy Vern is sure liking the Blizzard like conditions we are having here in the Midwest. He is enjoying every moment not attending school, or doing school work but instead playing Wii, watching cartoons, eating Doritos, and fighting with his brother and sister!


He told me, “Mom, I want all week off!” I told him he would just have to make it up in the summer when it’s warm outside. He cocks his head to the side like a dog. “What???”

I could tell it didn’t register. It’s all about the snow, sledding, snow forts, red cheeks and hot cocoa. Well if I think about it that is how it SHOULD be when you are 9!

Enjoy your time off Vern – mommy has to work…

A Great Story

I am giving full credit for this blog to VERN.  He wrote the following Thanksgiving story and I had to share.  What do you think?

There once was two boys going to get a turkey for Thanksgiving. There was a turkey family getting a human for Thanksgiving.

So the two boys wnet to find a turkey and also the turkey did the same thing.  The turkey had a sling shot and a telescope.  The two boys had a shotgun.

The other boy said, "Why do we have to pick out a turkey?"

"Dad said so. I will go down this trail and you go down that one."

So the turkey saw one of the humans and the turkey shot the sling shot, hit him in the head.

Then the turkey took him home and ate him.  The End.

Author: Vern
Age: 9

MOMMMMMMM I'm tired

So Vern has been using his new high tech device. He is stoked about it but it has some draw backs.  The biggest drawback being waking up multiple times at night.

He is very good natured about it all but this morning was funny.

"Geeze Mom I am tired. This waking up at night is hard.  I think I need to go to bed at 7 p.m. just so I can get some sleep!"

What other 9 year old have you heard say they WANT to go to bed let alone at 7 p.m.

Tonight was dad's night so he didn't get home until 8 p.m. and then had to shower. He looked at his clock and it was 8:19.

"OH mom, It's late. I need to get to sleep right away. I will see you later tonight."

Sigh...yes he will but at least he is trying.

Doctor Visit

Vern had a doctor's appointment today. It went really well and we have a plan of attack for his problem. He even received a high tech widgit to begin using. He was pretty excited about it and has made his commitment to work on this issue and do as the doctor says.  We go back in a month or so for an update on how the widget is working and type and amounts of medicine he may need.

While waiting in the room, Vern stares at the phone and it begins... Oh yes you know if you have read my blog for any amout of time what is about to happen...

Have you guessed yet?

Come on you know..... THE QUESTIONS.

Mom, why are there letters on the phone?

Is it for texting?

Why is the number 2 key white?

Can I push the buttons?

How can one little boy come up with so much in his brain????

He even started asking the doctor all sorts of questions which were actually appropriate and I was impressed.  One was: What does xyz medicine do?  How often do I have to take it?

I believe there is hope for him yet!

Thankfulness

So sorry you 3 faithful readers about my lack of typing. You can sympathize (is that a word?) with the holidays and business that ensues.

Vern had a very good Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday was from my vantage point NON-STOP eating for Vern from 5-9p.m. He was like a bottomless pit with 3rds and 4ths of Grandma's fruit salad.

Friday we all went to play putt-putt golf. Vern had a couple whole in one's and loved that.  We put up the tree but Vern could care less. He did decorate his room with some garland and Christmas decorations but the rest he left to others while he played Madden 10.

Sat/Sunday were at his dad's house and tonight back home and oggling under the tree at the newly arrived "presents"!!!

Tomorrow is a doctors appointment. Wish Vern luck with that!

Leatherface

So sometimes Vern's dad doesn't make the smartest choices regarding our son Vern.  One of these "poor" choices is letting him watch "R" rated movies.  One such movie is Texas Chainsaw Massacure.  I didn't like the movie for the graphic violence and horror and gore but go figure he lets Vern see it...

Needless to say because his dad likes it Vern now likes it.  His dad bought him his Halloween mask and it is what Vern HAD to be. 

May I present LeatherFace.

Shots of Questions

So tonight was the night I had designated for all the kids to get their H1N1 shots. I had planned to go to one of the high schools in the area that was having a clinic but found out since it was in a different county I, or should I say the kids, did not qualify. Instead I had to call our county and find out how to get them shots.  Ends up I have to go to a clinic at our local hospital. The kids were COMPLETLY against it. Why mom? (Said over and over in their most whineyyyyyyy voices) So for punishment I decided to give them the flu mist at the same time. (Insert evil mom laughing) Trust me it was no punishment....

That isn't even the worst part. We had waiting and a novel's worth of paperwork to fill out. Then to cope with the other things(aka people if thats what you call them) that kept coming out of the cracks to invade the clinic. One lady marched right up behind me DEMANDING to have blood work done IMMEDIATELY! What kind of place was this anyhow? The nurse kindly asked her who ordered the bloodwork and she said NO ONE but she wanted it done and was not discussing it in the lobby. It just went down from there with others incredulous because they had to wait an hour in a clinic. I think I will stop now. Need to flush those thoughts.

After an hour or so the kids get their shots and mists and did really well and said oh that wasn't so bad and we walk out of the clinic. THAT is when Vern starts...

Mom, did they shoot the Swine Flu in me?

Will I die now?

Why did they put that in me?

Will my arm fall off?

Why did I have to get the shot?

Mom, can I ask a question?

Mom are we going home?

Mom can I pick out a different book?

How long did I read?

Mom will a worm eat you?

Will a worm eat me?

Will a worm eat this cake?

Mom will a worm eat through the wall?

ENOUGH OF THE QUESTIONS ALL READY!!!!! (said the exasparated mother - me)

Mom, can I ask just one more?

NO!

Well Mom I guess you don't love me.

Of course I love you, I am just tired of the interrogation tonight.

HA HA HA Mom, that is the one more question I was going to ask you.

He gets up and runs to his room to be tucked in for the night.

Some things I would rather NOT know...

So for some reason this weekend the kids were going down memory road. Even those kids take that trip once in a while...

The things they were giggling about I wish I had never heard. Now that I heard and laughed I am going to share the misery with you! HA HA HA HA

First was when Ann was about 5 and Vern was around 2. I used to give them baths at the same time to save me some time and then let them play for a while.   I guess during one of these "play" times they decided to discover their anus. As Ann tells the story they were playing in the bathtub when Vern stuck his finger in his bung, pulled it out and said look brown!  So then Ann has to try it. Then they proceed to see how far they can stick their finger in... All I can say is I am glad I knew none of this occured!!!

Then Vern proceeds to tell me one time when he was at day care he had to go poop. So instead of going inside to use the restroom he finds the nearest bush and goes poop in the bush. He said none of the teachers ever found out but some other little boy found it.

Again...I am glad I never knew about these things when they happened.
SHUTTERS!!!!!!!!

Deep discussions

So every night as part of Vern and my good night ritual, we say a prayer. We take turns saying the prayer and sometimes we both end up adding to the other person's prayer. It really is very special.

Sometimes Vern leads the prayer: "Dear God, Please forgive all our sins. Please help me to pass 3rd grade. Please help all the sick people in hospitals. In your name we pray. Amen"

Sometimes I lead the prayer: "Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you so much for my wonderful family, food to eat, and a wonderful home to sleep in. Please forgive our sins and help us to do your will. In your name we pray. Amen"

and Sometimes when we are both stuck we just Pray the Lord's Prayer.

Tonight was one of those times. After the prayer I said "Vern, do you know what hallowed be thy name means?"  He thought really hard and said I think it means not to curse, you know like OH MY GOSH only using God instead.  We had a really nice talk about how hallowed is kind of like holy. (Gee these things are hard to explain to a 9 year old)  After a while he said  "Mom I am sad and tears are coming out." I said are you sure you are sad? He said he didn't know. I said not all tears are sad tears and it just might be the Holy Spirit working inside you and showing you what a good person you really are!  Boy that was deep stuff for him. HECK its deep stuff for me what am I talking about!?!?!?!?

He got to thinking so hard and asking very insightful questions that I couldn't answer.  Then he got to really going and started wondering how God could rip himself into 3 pieces and get inside us and how was the soul made. WOW.

Kids are great teachers.

There I am

ok...I finally was brave enough to post my picture. Please don't stop reading because of it!

I'm just DaMom.

Vern versus da Mom

Ok so I promised Vern I would play his Madden 2010 video game with him tonight IF he had his chores done. Finally around 7pm he was finished and off we went to play.

Well this mom hasn't been into a video game since Ms. Pacman in the 80's so I knew it wouldn't be good. I told him to be gentle with me as I didn't know what I was doing.

He got me a chair to sit on (like I was 90 and needed one - frowns). We would start out with a 5 man easy game.  We each picked our favorite teams and set off playing.

To give him credit Vern DID try to tell me how to throw. It's just that he must have forgotten a tiny step as he sacked me every time! I was pushing buttons and throwing the controller all around my body along with the nunchuck or whatever that damn thing is called... N-O-T-H-I-N-G! Ball  still in the QB's hand and me on the ground or so it felt.

Vern giggled and laughed.  I didn't find it Quite so amusing. Finally, I think the Wii felt sorry for me. I some how got the ball in one of the runners hands and scored!  You should have seen me. You would have thought I was in the Super Bowl with all the jumping around and hooting I was doing.

I soon tired of the beating. Vern even let me get down the field as he was tired of sacking me every play. The short torturous game ended 5-3 for Vern's team. Enough of that crap... I'd rather scrub toilets or fold socks.  Well at least until the next time he bats his long eye lashes at me and says MOM will you play football with me.

HAPPY 9th Birthday Vern!

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu.
Happy Birthday Dear Vern.
Happy Birthday toooooo youuuuuuuuu.

Look at that face. He knows how to woo his mom...or any other victim for that matter.  He had a decent day in school. Had one note that he was goofing off in media center. He had an excuse that I didn't buy and he relented and said "Yes mom I shouldn't be goofing off." I am sure he said it just to shut me up but at least he is aware of what he SHOULD be doing...

I scored on his present. He told me as I was tucking him in... "Mom, you finally got me some cool presents."  I am glad he is happy with them. 

He also got to choose his cake (chocolate on chocolate and the sugar footballs were a surprise that he loved)  and his dinner. We had ham, pork and beans, fresh bread, and celery sticks.

He gets to take his treats to school tomorrow but celebrated most of it today. With the smiles and thank you's I got, I think he was one happy boy.

It's Vern's week!

Today Vern is at his dad's house. He is having his birthday festivities over there and presents will be shared. 

This next week in school Vern is student of the week. He gets pictures on the board and gets to bring his tropheys from cub scouts to display. He is pretty excited about it.  He also has treats to bring to share with his class mates.

Vern had the option to donate a book to the school library or share treats with his classmates. He chose DONUT HOLES.

Hey that is the choice I would have made at 9 years old.  Some choices you have to let them make.  I wonder how exciting 9 will be for Vern???

I bought his present this weekend. I will give it to him tomorrow and let you know how it goes. His actual birthday is tomorrow.

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY VERN!!!!!!!!!!!

Da Mom

Da Mom is under the weather.
She is trying to rest.
Vern and Ann tried really hard to help and snuggle and not fight.
Vern spilled my water all over the night stand.
He ran away saying he is sorry.
I still love him.

Reading wrenches

So Vern goes marching into his reading party last Friday sits down and starts to watch his movie only to be yanked out by the substitution teacher!

Seems there was a misunderstanding among everyone involved.

The sub was caught in the middle not knowing the full story.
The principal was out of the office and just forwarded the email.
Vern's regular teacher was out of town and unable to deal with the situation.
I was only hearing Vern's side of the story.

Luckily after a few phone calls things are staightened out now.
Vern is aware he must read 60 minutes each week.
Teachers are aware I would like to be informed.
The sub is thankful to be done with Vern. :-)

Plus Vern is still excited about reading and has been asking me to read. (whew from the mom)

The next Chippendale

Today was one of those days when I wanted my video recorder and didn't have it.  Seems Mr. Vern was auditioning for the Chippendale dancers after his piano lesson.

He came strolling out of the lesson with his shirt off only wearing his under armor. He had black dress pants and a TIGHT white under armor shirt and was strolling like he was all that and a box of chocolate.

He notices we are watching hm so he slows down even more and continues to swing his shirt around his head.  He LOVES an audience so he starts gyrating his hips and dancing to some music in his head.  He is smiling and dancing and by this time I am laughing out loud and he is eating up the attention he is getting.

Then as his grand finale he takes his shirt and puts it between his legs and pulls it back and forth just like dancers do!!!!!!!  I have tears from laughing so hard.

When he gets to the car I asked Vern where on earth did he learn to dance like that????
His response...

Sponge Bob!!!

Life is tough

Vern had a bad day today.  When John called to say they were home from school. Vern was having a complete meltdown. No one knew what was going on.

When I got home he wouldn't talk nor do his jobs. Instead of saying do your jobs 25 times I implemented a new tactic. I said no dinner until 1/2 your jobs are done. OOOOHHHHH WEEEE did THAT hurt. Hit him where it counts - the dinner plate.  He threw a minor fit but it worked and he ended up doing his jobs.  When I decided he had done enough jobs to have dinner the other kids had all ready eaten. Vern started to throw another fit that the spaghetti noodles were gone. I just told him if his jobs had been done he would have been first for dinner and had noodles.  More tears...

Finally as he was sitting at the table looking at his food and pouting I got out of him what was REALLY going on. Seems that a substitute teacher at school told him he couldn't go to the reading party tomorrow as he hadn't read enough.  It devistated him. I mean Vern had taken initiative to read this week just because of that party and to be told he couldn't go really hurt him.  I got him calmed down and told him I would write an email and see what the problem was with him attending the reading party. I'll let you know the results when I find out how it went.

That seemed to calm him down after I told him I would write the email. I stressed that he had to tell me when something like this is bothering him so he doesn't get in trouble for acting out. Even though its hard to talk about things it is better than getting punishments for being naughty.  I hope he learned somewhat of a lesson.

Vern Ramblings

This is going to be one of those rambling posts that may go no where or somewhere. The mom is just in one of those moods...

I've been worried about his nose/sinus. He is still very full of goo even after the round of antibiotics and medicine. He takes Claritin for allergies anyway so its hard to give him any more medicine. I have been giving him cough and cold medicine and using Vic's at night. It seems to help him sleep if nothing else.

We are trying the list thing. That is going so-so. I still feel like I am saying do the list 50 times. If I don't "nag" he just goes off and dwadles. I plan to do some more tweaking of this to see if I can get better results. I'll keep you posted.

He did take the initiative this week to do his reading!!! He wants to attend the reading party and you must read 1 hour each week to earn your way into this party. Since this is the last week of the month he has almost made it and has actually been asking to read. Small but good steps.

We have been reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. I enjoy sitting through the torturous session of struggling to read  the words just because the book is so entertaining. This poor kid gets into all sorts of predicaments and its just funny.  Example: Greg is the kid and Rodrick is the older brother. Rodrick was going to give Greg $.50 to tie his shoes standing up. Greg bends over and Rodrick shoots him in the rear with a paint gun. Greg goes to tell his dad about it but dad wants to stay out of it and just tells Rodrick to pay Greg the money. Well Rodrick tosses the $.50 on the ground and Greg goes to pick it up and Rodrick shoots him in the rear again!

Told you it was going to be a rambling post. I'll end until next time.  Give your kids a hug!!!

Vern's Monday

Poor Vern had a bad Monday.  He got in trouble in school bad enough to warrant a phone call from the teacher.  Seems like he had multiple offenses levied against him today.

To start off Vern and his little buddy were in a teacher's room squat boxing. I had never heard of this until his teacher explained this is when you squat down as the name implies and start boxing each other. I guess this is allowed outside but not in the classroom obviously. Vern had no good reason when I asked him why he did it. I started my be good lecture but I am sure it went in one ear and right out the other one. :-(

Then later on he was in the bathroom and decides to let out a blood curtiling scream.  I guess this echoed quite a way into classrooms and made quite the disruption. This too is frowned upon in school.

He gets home and does not do his homework, is dallying and fighting and mouthing off. Come to find out he stayed up until after 11pm on Sunday night. WTF!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!!? He still got into trouble for being naughty.

I asked him why and he said no one would put him to bed before then and his brother and sister were all ready in bed. I stressed that he needed to start making better choices even if no one would put him to bed he should go by himself as he is old enough. We made a hand sealed with a kiss promise so we shall see if he remembers this.

You knew we were due for a post like this and I'm sure Vern didn't want to disappoint... (rolling my eyes)  Let's see what the rest of the week brings.

An undefeated season!!!

Vern's flag football team closed out their season with another win!  Undefeated season!!!!!

Great job coach and players.

Vern here playing safety.

Vern here playing quarterback. He did NOT know what to do as it was the only snap he ever had the ball. He freaked and tossed it at the first person he saw. They lost yardage and Vern felt terrible, especially when his dad yelled at him.

They ended up winning 14-0.  The opponents were quite a bit taller and had some good plays to pull on Team East but the kids did great. Our team had a couple great catches for large gains and even one touchdown.

Ann's volleyball team lost in first round of tournament. They should have won the second game but poor scorekeeping prevented them from winning. Maybe next year.

It's Report Card time.

The big day has arrived - first quarter report cards. I had a brief phone conversation with Vern’s teacher just to see how things were going. Here is what was discussed.


It was probably about what I expected, no big surprises as such. His reading has gone up a couple points from the start of the year so this is good but he needs to continue with decoding words. I told the teacher I strongly agree with this as he gives up if he doesn’t know the word. He makes stuff up instead of even trying to figure out the word. Keep doing what we are doing.

He is very respectful to all the teachers – THANK GOD.

He needs improvement with fellow students. He does not take at all to kids cutting in line in front of him and lets them know in no uncertain terms it will not be tolerated. I understand this but he needs to learn not to hurt kids.

We still struggle with responsibility. The teacher says it happens in class also. She stresses that trait is very much needed for 4th grade and I agree. She is trying a list at school to see if that helps. I think I should expand the list for him to include morning and evening at home.

He excels at Science. He even sometimes sits at the edge of his seat and leans forward on that subject. This gives me hope.

I think Vern will see his 9th birthday!!!

An 8year old view of being a police officer.

Vern had scouts tonight. It is always enjoyable to chat with him after these trips away because you never know just what he is going to say.  He was in rare form to start with as I had him shower before leaving for scouts.  While in the bathroom you can hear loud talking, some singing about a grandma (which he calls himself and I still haven't figured out why grand MA), banging on who knows what and various other grunting and little boy noises I am glad I do not have to view. So I knew I was in store for a story on his arrival home.

Vern got to visit the local police station tonight and learn about the various things a police officer does and what it takes to be a police officer. I asked him after, do you still want to be a police officer when you grow up. Yes he shakes his head OR and FBI agent. Why I ask?  Well mom if you want to become a police officer you have to take test and get tazered otherwise you can't be a cop. They have to know how it feels to be tazered and I don't like that or tests. If I go to college mom will I have to take tests to be a police man?

My answer is of course you must go to college. It will make it much easier to be a police officer or FBI agent if you go to college first. "Ok" he says as he buries himself under the covers and I am sure still wondering about the tazer.

Football Saturday

I am sure you anxious to know...

YES! Vern's team won. 14-0 They are still undefeated.  The team they played this week I would call the wickeds. They all had potty mouths. Vern said that one kid dropped the F-Bomb at him and everything.  I find that bad from a YMCA team with 8 year olds on it. Grumble.

Vern also told me he fumbled once because the ball was slippery from all the wet weather we have been having the grass was W-E-T. He brought home some nice and muddy clothes.  I am reporting all this second hand as I was at his sisters volleyball game. Yes her team is finally improving with consistent coaching.

After Vern's game they were off to his first college game. He was very excited. Vern had to tell me about the HUGE hotdogs he got to eat and some chili that was just ok. Hotdogs are one of Vern's favorite things in the world so a giant hotdog was like a bun full of heaven for him.  Unfortunately they lost but Vern still had a great time participating. I only have one picture but will post it anyway.

Vern was exhausted that night and even woke up with some nightmares. Here is hoping for a better night tonight.

"NOT ME" Strikes Again

John the oldest had choir practice after school today so Vern and Ann came home on the bus alone. After school they are allowed a snack. Today I told them they could have cantelope and I would be there right after I picked up John.

So I get home and all seems good until John stumbles upon and upturned box of lunchmeat on the floor.  What happened here he asks? Ann proceeds to tattle that Vern was feeding the cats lunchmeat along with Vern eating this as his afternoon snack.

When I ask Vern what he was doing feeding the cat people food he gives me his most innocent look with big saucer eyes and says not me Mom!  I tell him to stop lying to me as there is chewed lunchmeat in the container from cats gnawing on pieces. I say you are in trouble and swat his behind. He runs off. NOT 2 minutes later (I am sure he is mad at his sister for ratting him out.) he pushes and scratches his sister badly in the laundry room.  So then mom the enforcer must again take action.

I proceed to wash his mouth with soap. You would have thought he was dying from all the drama!!!!!
So yes tonight was not a fun night but lets hope he shapes up for a day or so.

Sigh....

Super Hero!

Vern is like a Super Hero. He swoops in and saves the day when you least expect it. Here is another example.


I got my hair cut this past weekend. I go to work and no one says anything. This is usually a pretty good indication people do not like the haircut. Well I had one person touch it and stick out their lip. I think that also counts as dislike anyway… The kids were at their father’s so they didn’t see me until Monday evening. Vern’s brother and sister see me and IMMEDIATELY make ugly sounds (similar to the sounds made in the vomit post) and proceed to tell me they do not like it. I walk away grumbling.

Later that evening I am tucking Vern in for the night. We are hugging and having our special talk time. He reaches up, touches my hair, gently twirls it around his fingers and says in his sweetest voice. “Mommy, I really do like your haircut.”

I am putty in his hands. He could have asked for that new Nintendo DS and he would have had it! Instead I say that is the nicest thing I have heard about my haircut today. I proceed to cover him with Mommy kisses and tell him he is THE best.

To me at that moment – He was my Super Hero Vern.

Football well you decide...

Today was Saturday and football day for Vern and crew. Let me show you what we were greeted with when we woke up.

As you can see there was no football in THIS weather. Broke all sorts of records on amount of snow and cold. Vern was able to go play in the snow with his proper snow gear I delivered to his dad's house so all was not lost.

Maybe next week we can back to football.

Sick.

Poor Vern...

I had a note in his folder tonight that his ear started hurting at 2pm at school. He cried all the way home on the bus (but he told me very quietly so no one could see him).  By the time he got in the house and his sister called me it was full blown Vern crying. I knew it was coming but I had wished it not to come true.

Vern has had a cold for a couple weeks now. It always turns into a sinus and or ear infection after that long. I was hoping this time he would get over it but no such luck. So I left work a bit early, rushed home, told them to grab their homework and back in the car and on the road again.

I stopped by Urgent Care around 5:20 just to "see" if we could at least put our names in line. No such luck; they were locked completely up lights off until promptly 6:00P.M.

So in the meantime I took them to get a quick bite to eat and got back about 10 minutes early to get in line.  Once you have been to Urgent Care a few times you learn the tricks. Being first in line is the BEST advice I can give anyone needing to visit Urgent Care. By 6:05 there were at least 4-5 patients behind us all in various stages of illness.

I told the nurse exactly what the problem was, doc came in looked in ears, felt lymph nodes, wrote a perscription and we were on our way in under 10 minutes. WORLD RECORD for Urgent Care!

Even the perscription pickup went quickly.  So my unexpected evening turned out ok.
Let's hope his ear recovers quickly and not to much pain tonight to wake him up.

Spiders

Ring Ring


V - Tearful whimpering

M - Hello?

V - Mommmmmmmm there is a GIANT spider in my room.

M - Did you kill it?

V - No, it got away. (more tearful sobs)

M - Go get the fly swatter and take into your room and start picking up and shaking things to see where he is. Hey Vern this is a great opportunity to get your room cleaned.

V - MOM, (totally ignoring what I just said) I can’t sleep in there tonight! It will crawl on me when I am sleeping and eat me. It was a wolf spider. (For those of you that don’t know, these are large brown spiders that JUMP great distances)


M - Good Luck finding him sweetie, I’ve got to get back to work now. I hope you find and get it.


When I get home there is my coupon container sitting in the hallway. I am wondering why my coupons climbed out of the cabinet and walked down the hallway??? I pick it up and there is a spider below the container. I make sure it’s dead by stomping repeatedly on it until some of its legs fly off, replace the container and proceed to find Vern.


M - Vern, did you kill the spider in your room?

V - No mom why?

M - There is a dead one in the hallway. Go look under my coupon container.


V - Nope NOT the spider I saw. The one I saw was this big (he makes one the size of half dollar in his hand).

M - Oh wow Vern that is a big one.

V - MOMMMMMM it REALLLLY was that big.

M - I sure hope he is dead somewhere. (As I am walking off to finish dinner.)

Little does Vern know I am TERRIFIED of spiders no matter what size they are. I think I will stuff socks under my door tonight so that d*mn spider doesn’t sneak into MY room and eat me!

V – Vern
M – Mom

Vomit Boy

We are sitting at dinner the other night, having a lovely grilled steak, veggies, and potatoes meal. Vern is not so happy about the vegetables part and doesn’t want to eat them. He starts his gagging routine. (Yes this is not new for Vern.) I sternly look at him and say “DO NOT THROW UP because you don’t want to eat your vegetables!” I continue, “Take a small drink of water and smaller bites.” Again I have repeated this soooooooo many times I lost count after time 1 million. He continues with the faces and then BLURP out onto his lap begins to erupt dinner. I literally leap out of my chair looking for something to catch his volcanic activity. At the exact same time loud moans and groans and sick sounds begin emitting from the other two children.



“VERN IS GROSS”


“MAKE HIM STOP”


“EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW”

I manage to grab a bowl on the counter and sprint back to the volcano just in time to turn the chair away from the other people at the table, place the bowl under the eruption and catch the remaining surges of chewed up food, water and stomach acid. Such a lovely site and smell. I am sure if you have witnessed such events they are vividly pictured in your mind right now. (yes, please do thank me for that visual.) Vern is finally done and I have to find a place to set the bowl. The floor is not an option as the dog and cats will want to see what that lovely smell is in the bowl and taste the contents. (I am almost making myself sick just typing this…) Then the cleanup must commence. Of course he has a button down shirt on so I have to touch things I’d rather not touch. The pants are completely covered so I peel those off inside out. The chair cushion is also completely covered so it goes directly into the outside trash bin. (remember your trash guys at the holidays) Then the floor needs all wiped up and disposal of eruption. What a dinner…I have no idea how much time has passed but I am no longer hungry and have no desire to finish my once lovely meal.

East ROCKS!!!

Yes that is correct - Vern's team won another one!

This team was the toughest yet. The opponent had enough kids on their team to make like 2 or 3 teams!

The blacks had the ball first but our team held them. This went back and forth for a couple times. Then East had a huge play. We threw a pass and our girl did a fabulous job catching as it was only around 47 degrees and the ball was hard!!! She scored and we went up 7-0.

It stayed that score until halftime.  Then in the second half we scored again and were up 14-0 but a couple of bad calls and soon the blacks had scored making it 14 -7.  Near the end of the game the blacks were driving and near the end zone.

The LAST play of the game they are trying some trick play lining all the people up on the left and hardly any people on the line. They hike and the 5 second rule kicks in... It looks like their team is going to throw when the quarterback runs it! OMG he is going to score  but MY VERN is on the line and saves the game. WOOT WOOT WOOT. He is the last person around and yanks the flag from the quarterback.

WE WIN!!!!!! 3-0 BABY.

2008 Vern - The Tampon Story

So we are in church yesterday, it was the portion of church where you are standing and responding back and forth or the prayers I can't remember for sure. We are near the front as Ann picked the spot. I am trying to pay attention to what I am supposed to be doing and Nolan manages to start "snooping" in my purse. I am thinking all is well with the world (big mistake) and turn around to see Mr. Vern holding one of my tampons WAY up in the air and waving it like mad. He proudly proclaims to all in church with his typical loud voice "HEY MOM LOOK, I found an ear plug in your purse!" I am sure at this point my face says everything that needs to be said as I say GIVE me that and turn around so no one can see my face and I can pretend everything is normal the rest of the service. Ya right.

Blast from the past

Being a mom


I thank God EVERY day I was blessed with children. Yes I know many times I may complain and wonder what the heck I was thinking but deep down they are the reason I get up in the morning and the light of my days.

Vern has been very trying lately and I am frustrated and want to do the right thing with him. He even knows how naughty he has been. He acknowledges this and said he is going to try and shape up. Gotta love it. Well here is todays blip with him that made me glad he is mine....

"mom"
"yes Vern"
"Its so hard being popular" rolling eyes
"Why is that?"
"Because EVERYone always wants to talk to you. Sometimes it gives me a headache!"
"well good thing you can always go to your room for some piece and quiet"
"shaking his head yes, thank goodness I can get away from it all"
THAT is my Vern.

Naming Vern

Ok readers WARNING – IF you do not know Vern’s real name this blog is not going to make a lot of sense to you but for those that do know his real name it will.


Looking back I guess it must have been divine intervention on the naming of Vern. The older siblings were on the way to the hospital to visit their new brother and Vern STILL did not have a name. There was just nothing that sounded right or could be agreed upon. I wanted a 7 letter name because that is how many letters his brother and sister’s names have. Vern’s dad wanted crazy football star names like Eller. It was chaos the entire 10 months! Even after we had decided upon his name I just didn’t know if that should be his name. I was unsure and kept second guessing it. Now all these years later it was the ABSOLUTE right name for him. He is ornery and funny and sensitive and loving and the name is perfect. It is funny how sometimes things just fall into place. This was one of those times.

East is 2-0!

Vern has his second football game and they WON! WOOT WOOT goes the mom again.

It was a really close and good game. The kids are still really into learning the game and listening. I NEVER have seen Vern listen so closely and try so hard. I knew he had it in him.

Ok there is one in the picture that doesn't seem enthralled with what coach is saying...

The opposing team had super fast girl on their team. She was the star player as she knew how to run, knew a lot about the game and was not afraid of those boys!  Coach ran our players the other way when she was on the field. :-)

The boys got to play some different positions. Vern really does need to be in tackle football as when he was running back and got the ball he charged up the middle pushing kids out of the way but forgetting that they could pull the flag off him easy that way.  Maybe soon I'll have to look for a tackle football league although that scares the mom.

Vern also got to play wide receiver. The only time he got the ball thrown to him he dropped it... Here is a shot where he was a decoy.

Vern's team scored on the last play of the game and team East won 14-7.

A couple of side notes, his sisters team had yet ANOTHER coach and they of course lost all games. Their team has even forgotten how to serve. Poor thing.  My college and pro football teams both won so fabulous football weekend!

Conferences

Our school district does mid-term conferences. This means that in between quarters we have to meet with teachers verus at the end of the quarter when the report cards come out.  Tonight was our first conference.

Ann was first and had a student led session. This is where she talks about her grades and the teachers just walk around and you can ask them questions when they wonder by. She is doing well and I am very happy with her progress.

Next it was off to the high school and wait and wait and wait in line to visit with John's teachers. I didn't get to one teacher as it was time for Vern's conference.

The smaller kids are also tackling the student led conference. This was the first time and Vern was AMAZING!  There were 7 people in the room and he spoke really well and did everything he was supposed to do. He had to read an exerpt out of a book and then finish the story. He had to talk about the centers he does. Then Vern read a worksheet he did about things he does well.

The highlight for me was Vern's rendition of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. Vern had to rewrite and change the story so his story was Goldilocks and the 3 Dinosaurs.  I will try to tell Vern's story and I am sure I will not give it justice. I would have typed it here but we were not allowed to keep that one.

Goldilocks got in a boat and rode for an hour before she came to land. Here she saw a house without a roof. In she went and saw a table full of MEAT.  The first plate of meat was too hot. The second plate of meat was too juicy and the third plate of meat was just plain discusting!  After all that meat Goldilocks had to go sit down. The first chair was way to big, the second chair was way to hard and the third chair was just right. Next Goldilocks decided to go up stairs when she got there she saw 3 dinosaurs in bed. She screamed and went running from the house. The baby dinosaur asked if he would ever see the little girl again and he didnt.

Hearing Vern read this story was great, especially the meat part. He had us all laughing.  We all praised Vern and he seemed to just glow with all the attention. KEEP up the good work Vern...

East 28 West 7

Vern had his first “official” football game Saturday. He could hardly wait. We arrived early and he had a chance to eyeball the other team. As we were going back to the car to get his G2 he leans over and says “Mom, we are going to smoke them. I have been watching the other team and they just don’t look that good.” I smiled and thought ok my little story telling Vern you just keep thinking that. We shall see how your team does. (We had just come from Ann’s volleyball game where her team was smoked 2 games to 1.)

Vern’s team had a 10 yard penalty after the second play! This was not going well. Vern’s team was on defense… They are 8-9 year olds how can you give them 10 yard penalties???? Our team had not been told the rules before the start of the game so they really were at a disadvantage as they had no time to practice the 5 second delay when there is a pass play. Anyway Vern’s team finally gets the ball and on our second play the speed demon on his team runs and scores!!! WOOT WOOT

Near the end Team East had another fabulous run but it was called back for holding?!?!?!?!?! WOW. On the bright side they ran the exact same play as the next play and scored again. :-)

I have to say I was very impressed with how well the kids listened and wanted to do well. There is a girl on Vern’s team who is way taller and older than the rest of the boys but was a great wide receiver. She scored on a reverse play I did NOT think they would pull off but did great. Hats off to coach (Vern’s dad). He did a decent job with the kids. I hope he rotates the kids to different positions during the season and treats them as fairly as he can as I heard one kid say “Yes that is the coach’s son.”
In the end Vern was right – they did smoke ‘em. I’m glad that Vern’s team won as all my other football teams (college/pro) lost this weekend.

Steady as he goes!

I have good news to report, Vern made it home safely on Friday.

Chuck pulled the phycho mom's kids off Vern's bus and put them on a new bus.  Plus he had the Sheriff there to be sure no trouble was made. Chuck also assured me that this coming week someone would be around the bus area a couple days to be sure Vern was safe.

I have some pictures from the first game but I will have to post that later.

The Plot Thickens

Poor Vern just can't seem to catch a break but at least now his mother is P*SSED for good reason and I think things will be a bit calmer in the near future on the school bus.

This week a parent (yes you read that right) has been threatening and harassing Vern. Yesterday she yelled at him and I found out tonight swerved and honked the horn at the kids.  Tonight she once again yelled at Vern, threatening to call the Sherrif and put Vern in his place. Poor Vern was crying and scared when he came home.

I called my friend Chuck and he promised to take care of things. If he doesn't this mom may have to pull out all the stops and take care of things myself. What sort of adult threatens and harasses an 8 year old that she doesn't even know!!! I'm P*ssed all over again.

Random topics

EGADS the mom has not posted for a few days. I have good intentions but it isn't always easy with 3 kids, and their activities.

Vern has been doing well on the bus. He has made 7 school days!!!!!! He really likes his "job" of doing counts of kids. He told me the other day if he has another good week he is getting a "CERTIFICATE"  from Chuck. He is engaged. I am SOOO thankful.

He has been trying to do his homework better. I am trying new tactics on his reading. I talked to the reading teacher last night and she gave me some good hints so that he takes ownership for his reading. I hope I can keep it up.

Here is Vern's report on football practice tonight:

I got to be center. That is an important job dad said.
We had to do those running things. BOY that is tough.
I got to be running back once.
I did some blocking and busted through the line once but the girl kept running away from me.

Sounds like he had a productive practice.

We have had a go around with the school. Vern is alergic to milk and milk products. His dad found out even though I signed papers and have told school since he started kindergarden of this allergy and not to give him milk they still were!!!! I was upset at this and talked to the nurse who promised to clear it up. Vern tells me he has not had milk at school. I sure hope not. I was wondering why his arms were all broken out. Now I know why.

I think that pretty much sums up Vern the past few days.

Ribbit

Vern was at his dad this weekend but he came to the door yesterday and rang the bell with a McDonald's cup in his hand.

Look Mom.

He took the lid off and had a toad inside.

He was beeming!

Ah to be 8 years old again.

I love my kids

Rollin Rollin Rollin

Day 2! Who would have thought that is such a big mile stone?

Hey, I will take every one I can get. Vern has made it two complete days on riding the school bus. (woots and cheers from this mom)

He is trying to do his homework and follow directions. It is SOOOOOOOO very difficult for him but I can see he is trying.

He was incessent tonight with questions.  Here are just a few I remember...

Mom, can you help me?
How do I write this number? As thousands? (five hundred thousand and fifteen)
WOW, I wish I was that old.
Is that how old Jesus is?
How old is God?
Is he older than air?
Is he older than the universe?
Mom, did you know air can't make you sick but bacteria do? I saw that on Bill the Science Guy.
Can I have my YMCA card?
Will you watch me play the Wii?
Can I have $.75?
Can I have $.50?
Can I eat this fiber bar?
Can I walk down the street?
Can I go into the YMCA?
Can I throw this wrapper into the trash barrel?
Can I open my comforter?
Will you help me put it on the bed?
Where is the pillow case?
Will you say the prayer tonight?

I kid you not he asked all of these plus a ton more I forgot between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm.

Dear Lord,
Please help me do right by this child and not duct tape his mouth shut.
Love,
Mom

Football has started...

Football practice has started in Vern's world. He is SOOO glad.

There is one bad part - practice is on dad's visitation night so I only hear how practice went from him.

This is what he reported to me.

Football was good mom.

Dad wore us out. He made us run and pass and stuff.

There is a girl on our team!!! She is as big as you mom.

My friend "Joe" is supposed to be on my team but his phone is disconnected so he couldn't come. His mom must not have paid the bill.

Amazing the thought process of an 8 year old.

Guns, Indians, and Forts

Vern and family went to a local fort this weekend. He had a GREAT time. He got to see a fort in action and it was hard for him to choose his favorite activity or site of the day.

He really enjoyed the torture devices used back then. He moaned (as did all the men that entered) about this wooden saw horse looking contraption that was sanded to a rough point and men were made to sit on it. He also liked the whips and solitary confinement.

Vern really enjoyed watching the men fire a small cannon and this other lead ball into the air. His eyes were as big as saucers! To bad the only picture I got was the back of him.

Let's hope this is NOT the case. Sometimes the picture is all that needs to be said.

On a brighter note Vern also got to dig inside one of the buildings and find archeological treasures and mark them down on paper. 

Everyone had a great time and the weather was beautiful. Mom’s favorite part was seeing the Indian wearing only a teeny tiny breechcloth but I’d better not digress on Vern’s blog. (Big Smiles)

Football

“Mommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, when is football practice?”


“7pm at YMCA”

“When do we leave?”

“After dinner.”

“When’s dinner?”

“After I get it made.”

“How long till it’s made?”

“15 minutes.”

“Supper ready yet?”

“DO YOUR CHORES!”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

Fire shot out of my brain and wow guess what dinner was burnt instantaneously.

Fast forward to arriving at YMCA.

Football has been canceled because of the rain. Your packets should be ready later today. Volleyball will still be held.

“MOM, why is there volleyball and not football? Couldn’t they have cancelled volleyball instead? When is practice?”

“Vern, we will find out when I get the packets.”

Approximately 500 more times this same evening…

“Mom, when is football practice?”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

“Mom, when is football practice?”

I finally lose some of my patience and say “VERN, I am NOT hiding anything from YOU! When I know when practice is I promise I will tell you. Now GO TO SLEEP!!!”

Mom, I died.

“Mommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm”


I hear this frequently at my house with 3 kids running amok. This was my little Vern looking for me. He finally finds me and is bursting with news. I ask him what is going on and he proceeds to tell me he just died!

I ask how that happened and he said he was trying to do hand stands and summersaults in the living room when BLAM he hit the bookshelf by the fire place. Here is as close as I remember him telling me.
Vern: “Mom I was doing summersaults and handstands and fell. Can you believe I died for a minute? I mean all the air went out of me! But I did come back to life. I am pretty tough hu?”
Me: “Yes, I am glad you came back to life.” (As I am wondering what is broken and how many more grey hairs I will get out of this…)

I administered a giant hug and off he trotted glad to have died and came back to life. :-)

A good turn.

In cubscouts when you do a good deed and someone notices it is called a good turn.

While playing at the school playground he found his teacher's coat. He picked it up and plans on giving it to her at school tomorrow.

Vern did his good turn of the day. We like these days.

On a side note he also brought home a bracelet with a lot of sentimental value that I had lost while at the school meeting. (Bonus points for Vern!!!))

THE Meeting

We had the big meeting on Vern. In attendence were the principal, bus director, school councelor, myself, and part of the time Vern's father via conference call.

Overall the meeting went well. We discussed Vern and what to do to keep him on the right path. The only thing we could all agree on is that he is craving attention. We are going to try and focus the attention on positive attention versus negative attention. We all went away with some action items.

Principal - to pop into see Vern on a positive basis occasionally when he is caught doing good.
Bus Director - giving Vern a "job" on the bus that is just between those two.
Councelor - will work with Vern to teach him when its ok to say no and sibling rivalry.
Mom and dad - give positive reinforcement, teach him not to use bad words about people.

Vern was very excited about his "book" that Chuck (bus director) gave him and is ready to help out. He was concerned when told he has to first serve his sentance of a 3 day suspension and will start his job next week.

His sister Ann was also given a stern talking to by me and told in no uncertain terms if she contributes to him getting in trouble SHE would be in more trouble than he is. She did not like that very well but accepted she can't taunt him on the bus any more.

Sorry this is not funnier but I thought I'd better toss out a serious blog just to let you all know I am very serious on raising a great child.

I promise to have a funny story next time.

Failure...

After every success comes a failure. Unfortunately Vern’s failure was only one short day after success.



Mid Morning – Ring – Ring

Me: “Hello”

Chuck: “Hi Deb”

Me: groan…..

Chuck: “I personally had to take Vern to school today…..”

Me: my brain shut down. There ws no more capable thinking and reasoning and functioning for quite a while. I was only capable of incoherent muttering and grunting responses…



Seems as though the school police and the bus director (Chuck) were called out – to – the – bus to remove little Vern because he was being disruptive in foggy conditions and the bus driver felt it unsafe to continue. Vern had a personal ride to school. Mom’s stomach is still upset.



I have a meeting today with the principal of the school and Chuck to see how we can resolve this issue. I am thinking I will buy them a roll of duct or shipping tape and they can just tape him to the seat each morning and evening for the ride.

Success!

I would call today a very successful day as my little Vern made it to and from school on the school bus. (Gold Stars)

He also read at his reading level for the teacher (she noticed the fidgeting too).

When I walked in the door (early to surprise them) Vern and his older sister Ann were practicing flash cards.  I about dropped my teeth.

Vern and Ann picked up apples without complaining and only got into a couple minor spats.

So YES, it was a successful day. This mom is glad to have those once in a while.

My eyes are safe

So the other night it was reading time. We had dinner on the deck and after I said "Vern run get a book to read."  He comes back out, sits down beside me and opens the book. He reads one page (containing maybe 2 sentances) and begins his figiting routine. I say "Please buckle down and read." He puts on his beautiful green goggles and begins to read again. After another page he stops reading, looks at me and says, "You know mom if there is a fire out here it won't get into my eyes with these on!" 2 seconds -20 minutes - or is that 200 hours later the book is finally finished. Off he runs with his science glasses smiling all the way and I'm sure he is glad THAT experiment was done.

School - 3rd Grade

School is not Vern's favorite thing in the world. He is much more interested in skateboards, cars, football, girl's breasts...pretty much anything other than school.

This August he started 3rd grade. We talked and talked starting weeks before school began how this year was going to be better than last year. How he was going to buckle down and do better in school and NOT get into trouble on the bus or in school.

He did well for 3 days... Then he had to write a paper about how he can not talk bad and argue with girls in schools and can't wish they were dead. We had a talk that night all about that and how he needed to shape up. His exact words "Yes Mom!"

Day 4 - mid morning and the bus superintendent calls. "Good Morning Mom"
Me "Oh Hi Chuck its only day 4 you can't be calling me all ready."
Him "Sorry but Vern was leaning over the seat and hitting a girl. We have new bus rules I'm sure you saw this year. I will go on the light side and give him a 5 day suspension this time. Vern freely admitted he was in the wrong but nothing I said seemed to phase him."
Me "Thanks. You know Chuck I am trying."
Him "Yes I know if you have any ideas let me know."
Me "I sure will."

Now we will fast forward to yesterday.
Vern "Mom can you pick me up from school today?"
Me "NO, I have to work and this suspension is supposed to be punishment."
Vern "oh...Are Feraris faster than Mustangs?"
I just shake my head.

Think this is going to be a long year?

Introductions

This is my son Vern. He is very much a handful. I should have blogged about him years ago as he always has a story. He is 8 years old and yes that is an assumed name. I have to protect him being the good mom I am
:-)

We live in the midwest and I will be sharing with you stories of his life. Please check back often for the latest stories.

The Mom.