He's in the dog house now.

Poor Vern.

He is in the dog house with mom.

It is his own choice.

I hope he gets out soon.

Still love you Vern,
Mom



So what did Vern do this time? Well he is a boy with ADD. He gets sidetracked very easily. Vern can not seem to leave his electronic devices alone. He could play with them a lot more IF he would just follow the rules. What are the rules?  Do your homework and (easy peesy) chores. I had to take drastic measures and take away the devices until his book and book report are finished. Vern is NOT happy with me to say the least. I don't like being the mean mom but I do try to be a good parent and this is one of those things you do as a parent to make better kids. What is even more frustrating with this situation is that he just agreed to work on this and do better 3 days ago. Sometimes, OK a lot of the time, I think he just says yes to get grown-ups to be quiet. I don't know how to fix that except with these extreme measures. Let's hope Vern gets that book report finished soon!!!

Miracles DO happen!

Yes, miracles do happen. You just have to open your eyes and watch. This one was so very much the work of God that it hit me in the face! I am still shocked by it. I hate that you readers have to wait to read this but I will explain that in a minute.

Most people don't realize or care that off-handed hurtful comments are bad for kids and really do bother them.  These self-gratifying individuals do not realize what they are doing nor accept responsibilities for their actions but are very quick to blame everyone else around them.  My children happened to be exposed to such people. With that background we now go on with the story.

Day 1 we will call Monday - both Vern and Ann came home in very sour hateful moods. Superman and I try to be friendly and upbeat despite the poor moods. This was met with extreme resistance and out right hatred.  This hatred had ramifications that rippled throughout entire family.

Here was dinner:

Notice what is missing from our family dinner? Yes, it's just me - my plate- and no family. Makes for a long tough night.

Now lets move onto Day 2-

I came home expecting more of Day 1.  I have a routine where when I get home, I immediately go feed 2 of our cats who think they are starving to death. When I am finished feeding them I came upstairs to make dinner. Much to my surprise, Ann had made the potatoes as I had asked and was not even reminded. Superman came out of our bedroom chattering with both the kids. Vern and Ann both hugged me.  Everyone was friendly with each other. It was like a normal happy family.

I just stood there looking around mouth gaping. I could not believe my praying and I'm sure others praying had done this. It was a H-U-G-E deal! In the span of 24 hours things were completely different than the night before.

After dinner, the kids and I ran to basketball, guitar lesson and a workout. After basketball practice in the car Vern told me  "Mom, I'm sorry I say I hate you and stuff all the time. I really don't mean those things."

"Vern, that is the nicest thing I have heard all day. THANK YOU!"

So many small miracles packed into one evening, I was reminded that God does care about me and when I am feeling my worst, he will show me he loves me.

Why this is published later? Because we were in the middle of a large - expensive court battle over custody of Ann. I did not want to risk anything I said here, although I don't think there is anything negative but rather only positive and loving, to be used against me. Lawyers like to twist things around. The court case is over and I still have my shiny mom badge!

Basketball 2013

Vern has decided he wanted to try basketball. I signed him up for a team at the local YMCA.  He has been practicing for a couple weeks and had his first game today.

It was a very close game and I thought Vern's team was going to lose. At one time they were behind 10 points but in overtime they won by 2! 34/32.

After Vern came home he said, "I think I like basketball better than football."  We shall see how the next couple months progress.

In the meantime enjoy a few photos from the day.

 

The Chicken or the Egg?

It has been a while since we had a good Vern story. Well here is one that has been going on over the last week or so.

Out of the blue a week or so ago Vern says, "You know mom, I was hatched."

I of course jump all over that with "No, I was there when you were born. You were definitely born. I felt every second of it."

To which he replies, "Mom you birthed an egg and then I used my temporary beak to break out."

Me: "Oh for GOSH SAKES where do you get this stuff?"

Vern: "It's real mom I swear. I remember it because I have a photographic memory from back then."

Me: "OK, sure but I know you were born."


Move on to a few days later...

We are driving in the car and I remark to Superman about Vern being hatched from an egg. He laughs and says "Ya, I heard that the other night and had a good laugh."

I say, "You know I don't know how they could have attached that device to his head though a shell and not crack the shell itself?"

From the back of the vehicle, "Well you know the shell DID crack.  I just quit arguing because I know I was hatched and I didn't want to argue with mom any more."

More laughter.  That is our Vern!

 

Frosty the Snowman

It has been a while since we had a video of Vern playing his guitar. It is time. He received a new amp for Christmas so I made him try it out for me. Enjoy.

 

HUG & PRAY

Today I ask you to hug your kids and pray for the families suffering from the HORRIBLE shooting in Connecticut. Innocent children went to heaven today and we have no idea why...

Christmas time

There has been a lot going on in other areas of our life so Vern stories are short. It has been overshadowing almost everything else. This will hopefully be over soon and life can move forward. That aside, we have been preparing for Christmas. The kids were busy and put up two trees this year. We are hosting Christmas and the house will be full! We decided to put up two trees for the occasion. They look great. The kids did a wonderful job. It is not how I would decorate a tree but sometimes you just let things go and appreciate what the kids do for you. I still love it. Here is a picture of one of our trees.

 

Yesterday was package wrapping day. It took hubby and me ALL day to wrap. It was exhausting.  I am sure I could have gotten done an hour or so earlier but I kept having the four-legged children jump onto my lap and refuse to move.  Here is one photo taken by me. She is on my lap with a package partially wrapped on my knees. She would not leave. This went on all day.  The only way I could get her off me was to stand up. Yes, some packages were wrapped standing just to prevent the cling-on cat from depositing herself on me.

 

 

It was a good weekend and soon Santa will visit. I can't wait!!!!! I love Christmas.





Budding Photographer

Sometimes you don't need a lot of words to describe something so fun and heartwarming. This is one such photo.

 



I love you Vern!!!

Game 3 - 2012

We once again had an early Sunday drive. It was at least an hour drive plus we had to be there an hour early for warm-ups. Yawnnnnn.

On a positive note we had beaUtiful weather - again! I just love fall with cool nights and warm days.  Anyway onto the game...

One of the kids was still out with an injury so Vern was able to play guard on offense for quite a bit of the game.  Here in this first shot they are all huddled up ready to get the play. They are SO darn cute. Now I know the boys don't want to be cute but they aren't reading this so I think I am safe in calling them cute. Vern is on far left with hands on hip.

This next shot is a kickoff. It is one of the only times we can get a good shot of #27 as when he is on the line there are no good shots to get. They are all bunched up so tight it is like a litter of puppies all squished up together. I will try to remember and include a shot of them next time.

This is an end of play shot. Vern is looking down at the guys on the ground and adjusting himself. Shaking head...at least his shirt was tucked in.

I have to say the bleachers for the visitors were a bit scary. They creaked and groaned as you climbed upon them. You can kind of see how weathered they are in this next shot. I was taking a picture of the dragonfly. Isn't he cute for a bug?

I like this next shot. It is so full of action. Vern is right in the middle but love all the action going on around him.  They really are starting to "get it" at the age they are now. So much fun to watch the kids learning.

Supervising must have been Vern's job this game. Here is another shot of him looking down at the pile of kids on the ground.

 

Here is the final scoreboard shot. Can you believe no one has even scored on them yet!?!

It is another victory or spelled out in cheerleader speak V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! 3 and 0 here we go!!!

From the excited football mom!

 

 

 

Morning Star Wars Humor

First a little scene setting...
There is a piece of something laying on the floor. I am staring at it from the couch. Superman is standing above it and Vern is sitting beside me.

I say(M): "What is that on the floor?"

Superman (S): "Looks like a piece of Vern's backpack that he had out here earlier."

(M): "Would you please pick it up?"

(S): "That is a long way down. I may blow a gasket trying to pick it up."

Now all 3 of us are staring at this bit of whatever on the floor.

Vern: "Use the force!" As he holds out his arm and wills the piece of whatever to levitate off the floor and into Superman's hand.

Vern made my day and gave me a laugh. He is my hero!

Crushed

So the other week we were sitting in church.

Things were going OK for once. Vern and Ann were on each side of me. No shoes were being tossed. No whining, pinching, poking, prodding, or otherwise goading was occurring. They were awake but slouching. I call that a win for our family in church.

Then I look over to my right...

Vern had begun moaning loudly - holding his crotch.

"What happened?" I whisper.

"Moooom, I moved wrong in my chair and crushed my balls."

More writhing in agony but maintaining his balance on the chair.

"Mom, can I go to the bathroom?"

"No."

"But I maybe bleeding to death. I need to check."

"Church is almost over you can wait until we are finished."

Picture more groaning and writhing and carrying on in his chair.

"Mom, there go your grand kids!" (still holding his crotch and rolling to the floor)

I am trying SO hard to keep a straight face and finish church. I fail - the giggle escapes.

"Go in Peace - Serve the Lord
PEACE BE TO GOD "

Church is officially over. Vern sprints to the restroom to verify the family jewels are indeed not bleeding. Once reassured of that fact, he comes to the realization he will live. Life is once again good in Vern's world.

It has started...

FOOTBALL.

Right now 5 times per week, 2 hours a session.

Makes for one tired kid. But good for him.

Makes for one worn out car, mom and step-dad. But will sacrifice for him.

He is second kid from left in blue.

His best friend showed up last night and is on his team. Boy did that perk Vern up.  First game in about 3 weeks.

DA MOM can't wait!

Serious car crashes

I am a mom and I worry. No big surprise if your a mother. It is like breathing or eating - you just do it. Now, I don't know if this is the norm or not but Vern has been in 2 very serious car crashes in his lifetime and he is only 11!

The first car crash was with me and the family. We were celebrating Ann's 9th birthday and as we were leaving the establishment (very cold February night) we were rear ended by a very drunk driver.  The minivan I was driving was totalled.

About a month ago, Vern was in a second crash. This was a side impact crash at only around 30mph or less yet it was bad enough to send some of the people to the hospital and totalled the car Vern was riding in.
On the positive side he has walked away from both these crashes with only neck/back injuries.  I worry because how many more crashes will he be involved in during his life and will one of them seriously hurt him or even kill him?

I know, I shouldn't worry about things I can't control but I am a mom and you find me a mom that doesn't worry about crazy things like this and I'll bet she is not a very involved or caring mother.

I guess the only thing I can do is pray every day and hope Vern makes good choices in driving and vehicles as he gets older.


The Worry Wort Mom.

Sex questions from an 11 year old

Driving always seems to bring out questions in Vern. The other day was no different.

V - "Mom?"
M - "Yes honey."

V - "Can you have more than one orgasm in a day?"

Luckily I was not driving or I may have driven into something.

M - "Yes, why do you ask?"

V - "Well you get so tired after I was just wondering."

Shocked look given to Superman who is loving that this is happening to me.

M - "What is making you think about all this now Vern?"

V - stammering trying to come up with an answer without telling mom the real reason - "Um, you know we went to health night during school and I was just wondering."

Pause in conversation.
V - "Do women have an orgasm?"

M - "Yes." Giving Superman a painful look who is looking over at me while driving and trying not to laugh.

V - "Well how does the stuff go into the man?"

M - "Ejaculation and orgasm are different between a man and woman. So do you have your stuff packed for camp Vern?"

I couldn't handle any more of those kind of questions!!! He is 11 for goodness sakes. I don't know where he was getting ideas to ask this stuff but I am glad he asked for the facts from me instead of some other kid.

Football Registration

I can't believe it is time to register for football all ready!  Vern wanted to play for the other town where he goes to school this year. I let him make the final decision and that is what he chose to do.

I am kind of sad he won't be in orange this year. It will be either purple, white or gold.  I doubt he will get his same number either so it will be a big change playing for this new town. It is a lot bigger and I am sure he won't get as much playing time.

His old team is going to miss him. I have had two adults inquire if Vern was signing up this year.  It was hard to tell them no. They are great guys and do SO much work with the kids. You can tell they are great dads and really want what is best for the boys to give so much time to them.  I am sure the dads in the new town will be just as caring.

Vern is all registered and the fees are paid. Now we just have to wait to see which team he gets assigned to and when practices begin. 

I must be a crazy football mom..OK I know I am because I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it starting!  I think I love it just as much as Vern does.

Here is to a successful football season. :-)

How long is summer vacation?

Vern: What day is today?

Me: June 9

Vern: When do we go back to school?

Me: I think August 13.

Vern: Now that is after July right?

Me: Yes, June - July - then August.

Vern: Loud Sigh, why does summer go by SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fast?

Me: Yes, it does when you are a kid.  Just enjoy the fun you are having and don't think about August.

I didn't tell him when you are an adult it all flies by faster and faster each year, not just in the summer!!!

Never boring...Mother's Day tribute.

It is never boring at our home with 3 kids.
It is never quiet at our home with 3 kids, 5 cats, and one mental dog.
It is never clean at our home with 3 kids, 5 cats, one mental dog, and a husband!

I absolutely LOVE every minute of it. They are my life. I was born to be a mom and it is way better than my day job even if I get stressed about it sometimes.

This morning is another example. Vern comes walking into our bedroom. No knock, no may I come in. It's just Mom Mom Mom MOMMMMM. He has the dog slung under his arm, his hair standing on end, and his mouth covered with chocolate from the muffin he just finished eating. He is smiling and the entire scene just melts my heart.  You other moms out there know exactly what I mean. I am sure the same sort of scene has played out at your homes a time or two. You are frustrated, half naked, and behind schedule but you take the time to give your son or daughter a huge hug and tell them you love them.  You then attempt to shoo them out of the room so you can get dressed and wipe the mess off your arm, leg or other body part that they have marked you with.

Love you VERN.

Happy Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there. Life is good when you get to be a mom!

Here is to many home made cards to warm your heart as only a child can create.
Here is to a breakfast in bed and a messy kitchen to clean.
Here is to the bouquet of weeds from your back yard.
Here is to you Mom.

WANTED!

WANTED: IPhone 4S

Will someone buy this for me?

Just look how much I need this.

Please? I will be your best friend forever. I promise.

Crossover

In my last post I told you this time of year is big Boy Scout season. Well my blog continues in that vein today.  Vern crossed over from being a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout. This is a big event with a dinner served and awards followed by an official ceremony where the boys cross a bridge and become Boy Scouts.  I have included some photos from the big night.

Poor Vern doesn't look to good. The night before he went to an all nighter with the Boy Scouts. This is where they stay up and play games and do not sleep all night. Vern got home and went to bed but woke up a few hours later sick. He didn't do well partying all night. So in the pictures you can see he looks a little out of it and peeked.  I wouldn't have even sent him but it is such a big deal we went and he made it through like a trooper. We tucked him into bed as soon as we got home. He still wasn't well enough to go to school the next day so he just stayed home and rested.

Pathetic fake smile. Poor guy.

Receiving his awards and pins.

Not feeling well at all.

 Order of the arrow ceremony.  He loves his arrow and has it hanging on his bedroom wall.

 If he wasn't sick I could see thoughts of poking his neighbor...

 Crossing over to become a Boy Scout. PROUD OF YOU VERN!!!!!!!

 With all his gear. Our newest Scout!

As close as we get to the real Vern all night!

Pinewood Derby 2012

It's that time of year again for all people involved in Scouting. Pinewood Derby!!!! This is where the boys (mostly dads) build a model car out of a block of wood. It has to meet specific requirements on size and weight in order to race. It is a fun competition for the boys.  In addition to the scouts cars racing, there is an open class where brothers, sisters, moms and dads can enter cars. It is fun to see the cars that are made. Some folks are VERY creative in the open class.  There are awards for fastest car and most original car in both the boys and open classes.  Here are some photos from the big day.

Here are the judges getting ready for the start of the races.

Here is one of the boys getting the cars ready to race down the track. Vern's is farthest on the left - the black one.  Vern's car ended up placing in middle of the cars. Not the fastest but by far not the slowest.

Here is Vern's dads car in the open class. As you can see it only made it down the hill before stopping. It was supposed to be a "smart" car. HA HA HA  If the weights would have been placed on the top of the car instead of the bottom it would have done much better. Great car. Poor execution. Folks had a good chuckle with this car.

Here we have Vern with his participation trophy and car. Isn't he handsome with his Scout shirt?

Here is Ann and her car from the open class. It was one Vern had a couple years ago. If she would have graphited the wheels she could have won. I think it had been sitting in the box to long.

Fun times for a wintry Saturday afternoon.