The Sideline Mom

Ch ch ch ch changes.

Turn and face the strain right?

Well it seems to be what I'm doing most these days. Witnessing changes. In myself and in others. Lots of changes going on. For me, for all of us. There are some internal some external. Some I want to talk about. Others I do not. It's all very much normal and part of real life I know. And we are all well aware that we as human beings dont really like change and therefore at large become creatures of habit naturally resisting change at first glimpse of it. At the very same time I know that the only thing that ever stays the same in this great big beautiful world is change itself. It's constant. It's reality. We cannot argue with reality. Well.. you can of course argue but you will lose. This I have learned. Lose big time. But only every single time.

So the changes come.

I'll start with the kids. They change everyday. Every single solitary day. Do I resist this? You betcha. Like the plague. But I am learning to lean into the discomfort. Really I am.

Here's what I'm talking about.

This guy.

External: just had his braces removed and is now sporting a million dollar smile and has grown nearly a foot since last spring.

His average everyday attire has changed to clothing as loud and as colorful as he can possible discover and afford. Lime greens the purple-est of purples. Loud!  He can be found most days with ipod ear buds firmly implanted into the side of his head. It's a sight I never really thought I would experience way back in the day when I would gaze down into his two year old chubby angelic face and think it will be, he will always be this way. Forever.

Big changes. Indeed. I mourn and celebrate all in the same breath.

Internal: Becoming his own man so to speak. Rarley needs his mothers help if at all anymore. Argumentative of any suggestions I may give him about.. well... anything and there was a time when he really liked my ideas. Honest he did.

He was always helpful before but is now somewhat defiant. But still tries to be helpful. Most days.  I can see a bit of neediness in the way of affection. He wants to hug his mother all the time.  I love it. Is that normal for a teenage boy? Just curious. He's also gone from being not real sure about what he wants to be doing at any given time to now having really big dreams. Real big.

Man I love this kid!

 

Now for this one.

Oh my! Where to begin,  I really dont know. Wait.. yes I do!

External: He's always been athletic but recently he's has become physically the most athletic little dude I've ever really known personally.

 

His cute little teeth with the adorable gaps and spaces now don a set of braces that make him look as if he's at the least three years older than he actually is. (bummer)

 

Has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever. That is not a change. (sorry I just cant resist them)

 

He's gone from having a good number of scraps and bruises on any given week to having far to many of the nastiest bumps and abrasions over the entirety of his body. Again far, far to many to possibly to keep track of. Of this I worry. I worry much. Help!

 

He once greatly enjoyed getting his hair "just right" before we left the house where now he never even tries to drag a comb across his locks. Luckily most days he has a skate helmet strapped to his head so it's really not much of a problem.

 

  His old way of running and darting quickly everywhere he would go is gone. Now... he struts. Has his very own personal cantor. And it's one hundred percent original.

Internal: He's is determined. Wait he's been that way since six months of age. The word defines him completely. But heres a change, as tough as he has always been mentally I can see so much tenderness developing in him. This is good I do believe.

 

Here's a bad change (for me).. he use to be my personal cuddle bug. Not so much anymore. My kisses annoy and irritate. Total bummer. Also his usual jovial self has become somewhat troubled and a bit angry. This hurts my heart but I'm hoping it will soon switch to something more positive.

 

He wants things for himself far more mature than for a child his age. Where he use to play without awareness of time or trouble he now worries and fears. He's also determined his future life plans. Like for his whole life. Is this good or bad? Not sure about that at this point but I'll let you know.

 

That leaves me.

Changes in myself.. do I really want to go there. It could be very amusing. Comical at best.  Externally:  lets just say that after a girl turns a certain age things change. They change in many, many ways. There's a shift. The battle starts. We start to fight reality. The changes. Unpleasant changes. Our skin. The permanent jiggle. Forgetting things at the grocery. The greys that just a few short months ago could only be counted as maybe six or seven total have now made their way to the "way to too many to count" catagory and with that comes the overwhelming thought that things will never be the same. Ever. You can't go back.  I'm there. All my girl peeps are there also and strugglin. And so it goes... we take better care of ourselves. We exercise. We eat the right things.  We battle.  This is all good and fine but, I'm realizing more than ever that again this change is something we gotta accept or the said battle could go on forever. And ever and ever. Yuck. Who wants that? Not me. I'm laying my weapons down. Well.. most of them anyway.

Internal: to many changes here that I just don't want to talk about but I will say that they run along the lines of signficant self realizations, major relationship changes and epic epiphanie's that have been life altering to say the least.

  Here's a lightening bolt quote that I'm clinging too these days.

"She couldn't go back and make the details pretty, she could only go forward and make the whole beautiful" -Terri St. Cloud.

I can't waste anymore time trying to figure out the why's and what-ifs of the past. I've got to go forward. Alone. Confident and knowing that I can indeed make the "whole" beautiful.  

It is in fact the only way to live.

 Things change.

Here's to facing the strain. I wish you peace, love and hope that all us girls find a really good moisturizer.  

The SLM

 

   

 

 

 

Great expectations

We have been back from our trip to the skate contest in Minnesota for two weeks now.

We survived the cold. We did. But not before ten inches of snow dropped itself upon us in the last day we were there and they had to close the airport and cancel all the flights.  

It was unexpected I guess you could say. Or maybe not.

It was a long trip to say the least. But not just because of the white stuff.

We went with much excitement in terms of the competition. With a lot of  hope. With great expectations I would have to say.  We went prepared to do well and win. Of course. It's what Mo always expects to do. Win. But this trip was more of a learning experience. Or as I like to call it a great big eye opener.

Wake up! Yep thats what I think I  heard myself say when we got there and saw the competition!!

Lots of groms. Lots of talent. Lots of survival of the fittest mentality.

These kids are all trying to drop into this nine foot bowl before the others. There is no courtesy rule when it comes to the King of the Groms Championship. We quickly found out.

But all was good. Mo got "in" the bowl and had a few good runs.

He got a good bit above the coping and did his personal best even if his confidence was a bit challenged. 

In the beginners category he was amongst forty two other groms all vying for the top spots and in this finals contest there were no kids being bumped to higher catagories if the skill level was above beginner.

What I'm saying is if a kid chose to compete in the beginners catagory for the finals he or she stayed in there . Unlike in qualifiers earlier in the year the kids that had skills to enter the intermediate or expert level were usually bumped up.

Not so here. We then had to put our game face on and face the music. 

 

He shredded.

And kickflipped.

 

Grinded

And in the end he landed

18th place in Mini-ramp (only missed top ten by one and half points)

19th in Street course

20th in Bowl.

He made top twenty for all three catagories.

I was pleased.

With it being his first time at nationals I have to say I way to go Mo!

The friends we made were probably the best part of all.

He met lot of new buddies which we hope to meet up with for years to come.

Like totally dude.

Despite the cold temps and near foot of snow we got the last day it was a really awesome weekend.

But with it being in Minneapolis and all what kind of people would we be if we didnt brave the wicked weather and head out the the Mall of America.

 

Cause it was like the right thing to do. And I'm all about doing the right thing. Sorta.

We rode rides. And more rides and even more rides. But mostly stood in line for rides.

It was screaming good time. The place is crazy awesome! True story.

Good memories

We wont forget the fun and will be better prepared for the competition next time.

Overall a great experience. With great expectations.

We are grateful. In a lot of ways.

More from the skateboard front later.

Until then.

Over and Out.

The thinking Minnesota may not be such a bad place after all Sideline Mom

It's gonna be cold.

This very day we are heading into the great unknown.

The far off distance.

To infinity and beyond.

Just jokin a little. We are actually just heading to Minnesota for a skate competition.  Which in truth could be all of the said above.

So this guy can do his thing.

 

And also this guy here. Morgan's buddy and team mate Jacob.

They are on a skate team together. They skate. They skate much.

 

So this is a first for us.. We have never flown off to another place for a skate competion but I have a funny sort of feeling that this is just the beginning of many, many more of these extreme missions.

It's just how we roll.

Here's a preview of what this one will be doing.

And this one.

It's just plain awesome!

And together I think they will make Tennessee proud as punch.

I have a real hunch that they will.

So until we return.

Over and out.

The packed tons of warm clothing  Sideline Mom

 

A little love goes a long way.

It's Valentines day! Yeah!

It's really the first holiday I participate in after the big overwhelming event that Christmas and New Year's can be. Well actually its the only holiday between Christmas and now but whos checking.

Anyway, I usually do not try to take on any projects from December 26 on because I really just cannot.  I'm just to exhausted. Honest.

But Valentines Day.. well just a little bit of effort goes a long way.

My boys like one thing for Valentines Day. Strawberries. Chocolate strawberries to be exact.

I've been making them for my little dudes for years now. They love them.

It's also super easy to do.

Two ingredients. Strawberries and Chocolate. What could be more simple? Nothing really.

Get the good Chocolate. It's better. I promise.

Give it a good chop.

Then into a double boiler. Yum. Lots of chocolate! It's good for you. I promise.

Over medium low heat and then you can just melt away. I like to melt. Melting is good.

Continue to stir.  It takes a minute or two but you will get there. I promise. I make a lot of promises dont I?

 

Lovely chocolate all melted down. Now you are ready to take a dip.

It's helps to purchase the strawberries with the long stems. Easier to hang onto. I promise.

Then go for it.

Make sure to cover a good bit of the berry. It tastes and looks better. Promise.

And there you have it.

So simple. But keep going. I'm a huge advocate of the no berry left behind program so go ahead and cover every last one of them. It's a must. You wont regret it. I promise.

 

Then let them do this.

 

And this.  It's what life is all about really. Sorta.

 

And just for good measure throw in something like this.

Cause every skater dude needs a little skateboard love on V day.

Especially when it has anything to do with one of their favorite skaters.

 

See how happy it makes them.

Oh how I love my skater punks. They are so super sweet.

So it's true. Just a little love goes a long way.

 Happy Valentines Day to all my peeps. I really do love you.

Over and out

The totally lovable Sideline Mom

"The best love is the the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more. That plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds and thats what you've given me."  - The Notebook

 

Ready for spring. Even though we still have a good way to go.

Who isnt ready for spring? I mean fridgid temps, grey skies, snow, ice, and perpetual runny noses. Its enough to make you want to pack up and move to the beach forever. I'm giving that some serious thought. True story.

But I also love spring for a slew of other reasons. Not just the warmer air and opportunity to wear t-shirts.

This is one. Flowers. Those of you who really know me already get this. It's an full blown obsession that I just can't deny.

In the spring the flowers are a much needed and welcome splash of color. And I can always find my favorite. Peonies. And yes I am still wholeheartedly conviced they were put on this earth just for me.

I will one day when life slows down a bit plant the largest and loveliest flower garden that I possible pull off and spend every bit of my time there. Sure will.

Another reason to love spring.

Baseball. It's like a great big sigh of relief. Everyone can relax now that the cold has left the building. The tension  in our shoulders receeds and once again we can all relax.

Just found out that they have started a thirteen year old division at our local league where Austin has played for years. This is new. Perhaps he will want to go back and pitch again. One of my favorite things to watch on planet earth.  But most likely not. His interests have changed significantly. I digress. Oops.

This is also something I am looking forward to.

 Outdoor skate sessions. Wide open spaces, big air and lots of concrete. It's another obsession of mine. Also a hefty obsession for the boys also.

And Easter. Of course Easter. And the Tony Hawk Treasure Hunt! What's more fun than that. Nothing. It's just plain fun. Fun tradition indeed.

 

Then there is a million and one other things.

Packing away the coats.

Shelving the school books for a good three months.

New flip flops.

Time to sit and daydream.

And fun. Lots and lots of fun to be had.

Who doesn't love all of that?

Yeah spring time is around the corner. The Google clock says only 39 days. But whos counting.

I am more than ready.

How bout you?

Over and out.

The (struggling with the virtue of patience)  SLM

 

Basketball season.

It's here. And once again I am faced with the challenge of getting decent action shots in the really, really, really bad gym lighting. This always makes me crazy. I like outdoor lighting. Who doesn't right? I really want to get some great shots. But I feel that's it's

never

gonna

happen.

I'm sure of it.

But this guy does not mind much. He just likes to play, loves to do well, wants to win and loves his teammates. He's played with many of them for years now in both this sport and baseball and its always fun.

Currently we are undefeated and are doing really well together as a team.

My little Mo man still currently one of the smallest players as usual but it never stops him. He is fast and aggressive and it always makes up for his lack of height. Just like my Dad was growing up I guess. I love that.

Mo is also sporting the number four this season. 

He chose this number due to the fact that his big brother also has this number this season. Austin is indeed playing I just have yet to make it to his game because of conflicts in schedule with Morgan's  games. Nice huh?

 

It still warms my heart and makes me smile to know that he wants to be like his big brother in so many ways. The brother bond is a strong one I guess.

So until I get to a one of Austin's games I will continue to post pics of just Mo. It's just the way it goes with two sporting boys both so busy at the same time.

Also there is only approximately two more weeks before we fly away to that far off frozen land of Minnesota for a skate competiton.

Hey why don't those skate contest people ever decide to hold the events in Jamaica? That's what I wanna know. Please send answers via e-mail. Thank you for your participation in this matter.

Over and out for now.

The permanently shivering Sideline mom

First time for everything.

This guy.

He loves to skate. It's no mystery. But there was a time. 

  

A time not to very long ago when he did not skate. I remember him asking "Hey mom can I have a skateboard?"

He was six.

"You dont really want a skateboard do you sweetie. Are you absolutely certain you want a skateboard?" I answered. 

"Yes! P l e a s e  I really, really, r e a l l y  want one!"

Great. All I can remember thinking was this really can't be a good thing. It's dangerous. It's probably just not a good idea at all but there is little I refuse my children when they desire something as badly as he wanted this particular item and so it goes...  off to the .. wait where exactly does one purchase a skateboard? I honestly had no idea.

I headed to Toys R Us like any insane good mother would do and low and behold found several nice and shiney new boards. Shiney but scary new contraptions that could mame or worse yet kill my child. But I did it anyway. I certainly did. I forked out the 39.99 and a little more for the much needed helmet and protective pads that were to save my childs life and all of a sudden.. we were here.

Good Lord help us all. Look at that face will ya.

And so it began.

He started in the street right in front of the house and well.. I took pictures. It's all I could do right.

It took him all of about thirty minutes before he exclaimed "These wheels are too hard."

Huh?!! Too hard?? What do you mean they're too hard?

"They're too hard I don't like them." he said.

Great!  Do they even make a softer wheel? I had no idea.

Back to the store we went and found that they do indeed make better or softer wheels for my very "Princess and the Pea" skateboarder dude.

With softer wheels aquired we were set.

Fast forward about one month where we ventured down to the local YMCA to try out a real skatepark.

First time ever. Ever, ever, ever!

He was gone!

Moving so fast all I could do was take pictures best I could. 

He immediately showed a lot of style and good riding stance as I like to call it. He also immediately started do try things that the bigger boys were doing.

 

I wasn't exactly sure if I should cheer him on or make his sit down. I chose the former and this is what he did next.

He climbed a big ramp. He stood atop of the piece of wood with wheels as I stood freaking out like a chipanzee on crack and... I watched him fly down the said ramp.

Like it was nothing.

Like he had done it all his life.

With no wobbles. No shakes.

With complete calm ease.

Then he did another.

Then he went and did this. What I would at a much later time find out to be called a kick-turn.

And I knew something right then and there.

That I would myself never see life outside of this skatepark again. Good bye world. Is what I said. I think.

I kid, I kid. What I actually knew at that moment was that he had found the thing he loved more than all other things that he possibly could love. Even though there are many. Then what I knew was I was just really, really happy for the little dude.

How often do you find something that is your hearts passion? The thing you live for. Not always very often.

But he has.

It was scary at first (for me at least) And it may not have seemed like the very best thing for him to be involved in. But as it has turned out it is his thing.

Why else would I be flying all the way to Minnesota in mid February for a Skateboard Championship so he can participate and compete.

What us mothers do for our kids. Crazy and amazing all at the same time.

There is a first time for everything indeed. You just never know where it may lead.

Over and out.

The sitting at skateparks for the majority of her life SLM

"Beginnings are usually scary. Endings are usually sad. But it's what's in the middle that counts the most. You have to remeber this when you find yourself at the beginning." -Birdee Pruitt - Hope Floats

 

The King of contests

So primarily my blog consist's of stories about the boys.  More specifically stories about the boys skateboarding. This time is no different. 

So here I go. Again.

My little Morgan aka Mo, Mo-man, Mo-Mo, Mo-betta or whatever we feel like calling him on any given day.

This guy.

He has done really well in many skate contests here locally in our area. He loves this sport like nothing else I have ever witnessed him to enjoy and he truly wants to get better at it.

  He challenges himself daily and was just recently sponsored by our local skate shop. So his mother that of course would be me decided to start looking for more contest-like skate activites beyond our little neck of the woods for him to get involved in. 

I feel these type of experiences, the contest's that is,  challenge him and help him to meet many a friend who share his same strong desire to skate and improve.

So when I happened upon this info here I was beyond excited.

We quickly started to plan our trip to Atlanta to participate in the whole she-bang.

Fast forward several months and we found ourselves here this past weekend.

The King of the Groms Contest.

We went with several others local buddies.

But we soon met up with many other fellow Groms we had never had the priveledge of meeting before.

Lots of them. Awesome!

But... there was indeed a contest to participate in so we got right on that with the qualifier to get to the finals.

Mo rode well and qualified in a good spot for mini and bowl contests. He also placed well enough in the street division to get invivted to compete in the championship at a later date. More on that in a minute.

He then worked hard and skated his little heart out as I like to say.

Aunt Jenni was there to cheer him on big time. The Worlds Best Aunt. Hands down! They broke the mold on her. She sat for endless hours cheering and encouraging. You are the best! You know that right?! Yep she know that.

Also a few good friends stopped by to watch. You don't get friend's any better than that either. No way. No how. Thanks guys!

Then he skated well and when it was all said and done...

He placed second in the mini ramp.

Third in the bowl.

And this run here was enough to land him a golden ticket.

Golden ticket again meaning he did not final in street in Atlanta but that he can compete in the championship next month for the street. 

But above all this is what was so much fun. The new found buddies.

Oh and the skating of course.

Also these guys. The 3rd Lair guys. The are the ones who put it on and make it so great for the kids. Thanks guys!

Of course the goodies and prizes are not bad either. In fact they are awesome. 

But all in all this boy likes to skate. And skate he must. So The King of the Groms Contest is one place we will be doing it.

We are grateful for that.

Grateful for this sport.

Just plain grateful really.

More stores to come.

 I know your excited. I know I am.

Over and out.

The very grateful SLM.

Skate on peeps!

The Big Air Birthday Bash.

Lets cut the preamble.

I made this cake okay.

And... I am darn proud of it. Just sayin.

When one make's a cake one never really knows how it exactly it will turn out so to speak. Well I should say when I make a cake. I'm no professional.

But anyway I had to get this particular cake together because I decided to have a Birthday bash for Mr. 13 year old.

This guy. You know him right?

Loud dresser.

Loves to read.

Rarely ever seen without his skateboard. Yeah him.

He needed a 13th birthday celebration. I was sure of it.

So as I ever so slightly recuperated from my holiday exhaustion I started rolling in the direction of making and creating a fun night for him and his buddies. 

We started with the said cake above.

 I rolled out fondant. Cut out shapes and assembled it the best that I could.

Polka dots were in order. Dont ask me why okay?

I then put this guy together. He is the character from his favorite skate company.

His.

Favorite.

Character.

Like totally.  So he had to go on the cake.

Before I knew it I had this.

And my guy was doing this. Which made my whole month. Totally!

Then we needed a few birthday favors for the guests. So we quickly whipped out our handy dandy Yudu  .

And made these. I thought they turned out pretty cool but as a mom I always worry about being too cheesy. But I think they were enjoyed.

Next up was the wax. Cause every boarder needs wax right. I think so.

Skateboard wax. Bought a big block.

Melted it down. Added color.

Poured it into molds.

Before we knew it we also had wax. MAC wax to be exact.

Then it was time to Par-tay!!

We all gathered.

We got some big Air. Well big for us at this time in our lives.

We got tricky.

We got tricky again.

We got funny.

We got to show off our shirts.

We got sugared up.

Got some of the best gifts a guy could ask for. And then got grateful.

Really grateful.

Then we got together for a group pic. Cause I'm that kind of Mom. I know. Cheesy.

Then we skated the rest of the night away and a fun time was had by all.

We also had a sleepover with all the dudes. But that's another story for another time.

But I will tell you this. I barely survived. But survive I did. And big fun was had. So it was well worth it.

The 13th Birthday Bash. A success I believe. 

Grateful for good friends, fun times and the chance to put them all together.

Over and out.

The SLM

Sibling revelry.

My sister came to my home this Christmas. One of the highlights of this year's holiday for me. It's not that we have not spent Christmas together since we have ventured into adulthood because we have. A few times. It's just that those visits have been far and few and just not nearly the amount I would like to state for the record books. We all get busy.

You see I like her. I like her a lot actually. I have even before I knew what her pretty little head would look like.

I can remember when my mother was pregnant with her.  I was huge bucketload of excitement. I asked questions till I was blue in the face. What will she look like? Will she cry alot?  Can I hold her? Can I feed her? Can I change her? And the big one.. can I name her? I wanted to name that little chick like it was my mission in life. I wanted to name her Jennifer. 

I was in kindergarten at the time and my teacher was pregnant as well. She was going to name her baby Jennifer and when I heard the name I thought it was the most beautiful name I had ever heard. The most beautiful in all the earth. Seriously. So there is no doubt as to why I wanted to name my soon to be beautiful new baby sister that as well. It just had to be. So I begged. A lot.

And so it was. Jennifer was her name. But how that came to be is another story for another time. I think to this day she would like to shoot me because of that one. Not that she does not like her name it's just that knowing your sister actually named you is kinda well... a little off. Or maybe not. But my mother was a little off so it all made total sense. Wonderfully spectacular Mother but still a little off. 

I digress as always.

Anyway, Christmas before Jenni came along was not all that great. I mean I probably didn't really know anything different at the time but from the looks of myself in the picture here below I can clearly see that I was indeed pretty dang bored at Christmas all by my lonesome. Probably bored most of the time. Something was missing indeed.

Once she arrived on the scene it was all sunshine and roses. Most of the time. Well for me it was. I not only had an adorable new baby sister but also a guinea pig I could test things out on.

Some of the things I tested on her are just plain frightening. Everything from pouring scalding hot water on her just to gauge her reaction to her being my personal Salon Barbie Head so I could test out all of those neat new hair cuts and do's. She was victim to all of it. Poor child. Kinda. I'm sure there were times she made me a little nutty also. In truth there was. I mean, I never actually wanted to drive her out in the middle of no where and leave her for dead or anything like that. Okay maybe one time. But again those are all stories for another day. Or maybe never.

 But the most wonderful thing of all was that I had a sister. Someone to play with. Someone to fight with. Someone to share with. Someone to celebrate with.

Someone to dislike at times. But really someone to love.

So the fact that she came to visit this Christmas was awesome. Spectacular. Totally tubuler. Can I still say that? 

It meant the absolute world to me is what it meant.

We had fun. Much fun. Revelry is what it was. Sibling revelry.

Thank God for that right.

So grateful for her and us and the sister love that cannot be replaced by any single other thing. 

Amen to that.

Over and out.

The SLM

Cinnamon rolls and the (almost) Christmas Cat-tastrophe

Cinnamon rolls. Just the mere word can bring such joy, such comfort, such love, such salivation.

So I started the tradition of making the rolls a few years ago when The Pioneer Woman posted a recipe on her site and suggested others try it themselves. I like suggestions. I liked her rolls. So I went for it. And I have been making them ever since.

Family, friends, neighbors, noblemen and children of all ages love them. They are just so darn wonderful.

This bring me to a little story about the said cinnamon rolls.

This year I layed out my pans started my dough on the stove and got the remainder of the ingredients prepared to make the delicious mounds of bliss.

They call for butter people. Lots and lots of glorious butter.

 

I rolled out lots of dough and began the baking process.

After I finished several gooey pans (I only made 23 pans this year) I set out to deliver them to all the lovely people in my life.

One of those said people being my neighbor Olivia. She has two daughters. One is a senior. One is off at college at the moment and I noticed that her car was in the driveway and that she had made it home from school for the holidays. I thought the girls would love some rolls.

  

Upon seeing her leaving for work the next morning I dashed (yes dashed) over to hand her a pan of rolls. She was overjoyed to recieve them. In her rush to get to work she ran in a left the rolls on the kitchen counter.

After she returned home that evening she walked in the house to find the pan completely empty and totally clean.

She immediately called to tell me and said she could not decide whether or not to be angry that the rolls were all gone and she never got to enjoy one herself or laugh at the fact that the pan was honestly clean enough to be used again. She also said she called because she thought I would enjoy hearing how much her girls enjoyed the rolls.

I totally enjoyed hearing how much they enjoyed them and after a few more minutes of normal happy phone chatter we said goodbye and hung up.

I thought to myself I will have to send over another pan and instruct her to have one before the girls devoured them again.

Approximately and hour and fifteen minutes later my phone rings and again it is Olivia.

Here is how our second phone conversation of the evening went.

Me answering the phone: Hey Olivia! What's going on?

Olivia: Well you are not going to believe this. ( in somewhat of a distressed tone)

Me: Oh my goodness what?

Olivia: Well right after I hung up with you I went into my bedroom and found Coco (her cat whom I take care of while shes away at times) lifeless on the bedroom floor.

Me: Oh no! Oh my gosh Olivia!! What happened?!!

Olivia: Well she had used the bathroom all over the bedroom and had white stuff all over her mouth and was not moving. I called the girls who were not home at the time and told them to get home immediately.

Me: (listening intently and totally shocked)

Olivia: We managed to determine that Coco must have eaten something. Upon asking the girls how many cinnamon rolls they had eaten between them we figured it was five rolls. How many are in a pan?

Me: Oh my! There are eight in each pan. 

Olivia: Okay I am here at the emergency vet and he wants to know what's in them. You don't put any aspartame or sweet and low in them?

Me: Nothing artifical. And some ingredients are organic. It's simply flour, butter (lots of butter) milk, yeast, vegtable oil, sugar, cinnamon and a small amout of baking powder and soda and vanilla.

Olivia: Good! That's what we are worried about. Nothing in it that should hurt her. If she turns out alright this will be really funny.   

Me: Yes, but please keep me posted! I am so sorry!

Olivia: Oh no it's not you, it's my girls and them leaving the pan of rolls out. I'll let you know what happens.

Me: Okay please do. Bye.

 

I have never in my life heard of a cat eating people food other than tuna or milk until now. But apparently it's really common.

Coco is indeed alright and I am as well as my lovely neighbors are relieved.

I'm not sure I could have enjoyed Christmas knowing that I had something to do with a friend losing a dear family pet.

But we now know that with Coco we can't leave them out on the counter.

Thank goodness she was alright.

Thankful that they found her in time.

Kinda even glad to know that she loves those cinnamon rolls as much as we do. But only kinda.

But most thankful that it didn't end in a cat-tastrophe. Not a fun holiday memory for children of any age.

I still encourage you to make these delicious rolls for your family and loved ones just  please keep them away from your furry family members.

Over and out.

The SLM

 

Entering into unknown territory

This guy is having a birthday today. A monumental birthday. He's turning thirteen. We are entering into unknown everything here. I really don't know what I'm doing. What is it we are suppose to do with a teenager? Anybody, anyone... Bueller?

I'm sure it's not much different than when I first brought him home. I didn't know what I was doing then either.

All I did know was that suddenly or somewhat suddenly I had this little precious ball of human and all I knew to do was sit and stare at him all day.

I couldn't help it. I mean look at him. How could I not stare at him all day. I also fed him and changed him and all the other good stuff that a sweet new baby needs and you know what we were all just fine.

The he got a little bigger and I wasn't quite sure what to do so I dressed him up and and took him all over the place to show him off.

 

I couldn't help it. I was kind of excited about him.

 

I took him to visit friends.

  

I took him on vacations.

And to the beach.

I took him out and about town.

Took him lunch when he could just barely see over the table. Now he can no longer eat from the twelve and under menu. Not that he has in a while now anyway.

All while toting him around in this. Man would I ever get an arm work out.

Then he really started to want to move around. I was not sure what to do with him. So we found him this. And he was just fine.

 

Then he started to walk and move even more.

So I would dress him in really cute outfits so he could walk around in them.

It's all I knew to do. That and keep him out of the toilet.

Then he started doing stuff like this. And the only thing I could do was laugh. 

 

Then he went through this time when he wanted me to pick him up all the time. So I did.

 

Then he got a even bigger and at that point I really didn't know what to do with him so I put him in preschool.

And then I would go and watch him in a preschool show. This would be where he would wave to his public and peeps while making his way onstage. There was no just walking strait to your spot for him.

No. He made an entrance. And this is when I found out he had a performers heart.

I really didn't know what to do then either. So I just enjoyed it immensley is what I did. We were all really fine then too. For sure.

He continued to entertain me.

How could this face ever not just make you crack out in a smile?

Then he was going to have a baby brother come and live with him soon.

And I really, really didn't know what I would do.

But soon he arrived and he just hung out with is new bro. And all was fine.

Well mostly fine. I mean there were times when I would lay his new baby brother in one spot only to come back and find him somewhere else.

I seriously didn't know what to do. So I watched much more carefully. And we were all just fine. Really we were.

It was not long and he was teaching his little brother to do things like this.

And this.

 
And I didn't know really what to do about it. So I just kept taking pictures. And we were fine. Really.

 

Then there was this phase that I like to call his "I'm tough and can do whatever I want" . I was really wondering during that time if I knew what I was doing.

But that phase dissipated and we were all just fine. Kinda. That was rough one on his Mama .

Then one more somewhat chivalrous span of  time where he was saving his mother from the unexpected evils of the world.

All the time. Every hour. Everyday. But at least I felt safe. So all was fine.

 Shortly there after we moved into the I'm thinking I'm really cool area.

I won't even go into this one.

More cool area. Leaving that one go again

 

Not long after that it was the guitar time. He had to have it. Had to play it. He was starting a band and they were gonna be called the FBI. I didn't ask I just took pictures.

And we were all fine. Minus my ears. And my nerves.

Then the sweetest of times. The time when he really loved his mom for all of her brillant idea and wonderful suggestions. Not sure why but I had no problem knowing what to do during his time, I just soaked it all up.

 

Then he started to love books. I mean really love them. I knew what to do. I bought as many as he wanted. We were fine. Fine we were. Really fine! Hooray, he loves books like his mother!

So that brought us all the way to here. The skating phase. I don't really know what to do about the injuries. Or the constant purchasing of skate gear that he needs every month. But I know that we will be fine.

 

Not sure as we enter into this new territory of teenage-dom if the not knowing what to do will take me over or if I will be just fine like the many times before. But I have a hunch it will be well... fine.

With this guy around how can it not be?

He makes everything more than fine.

So grateful for that.

So grateful for him.

Happy Birthday Kiddo!

The teenage years. Here we go.

Over and out

The (I'll keep you posted cause its gonna be interesting) Sideline Mom.

The countdown to Christmas.

The advent calender. Awaiting the coming of Christmas Day with little gifts and fun stuff. It is one of our favorite things to do during this season.

About four years ago I spied a beautiful advent calendar in a kids catalog.  It had really large pockets to hold the gifts. I thought this was an answer to my problem. My problem being that I like to include gifts on a larger scale in the calender each year. If I cannot fit them in the teeny tiny pockets of say a more traditional calendar it just won't work in my ballgame.

Why even have the calender if the items dont fit right?  So I made one like the catalog with really big pockets. Even now I still at times have items that do not fit and have to be placed on the mantle. I have issues. But that's another story for another time. I regress. As always.

The boys love our Advent calender. Really, really love this. Here they are watching me fill it on November 30. They couldn't wait to start the new month. I also plan to do this until the boys are off and married one day.

Wait. Off and married one day?? I mean umm.. I dont now what I mean cause they are never actually getting married right. No never.

I can only imagine what I will find to put in the calender when they are ages sixteen, eighteen or even twenty. Things for their cars perhaps. A gas giftcard. Movie tickets for them and their friends. Or maybe stuff for them to give to their girlfriends.

But for now they love the little boy things I give. Boy do I love that too.

They truly enjoy a new surprise each morning. With out fail the first words out of Morgan's mouth each day are "Can we do the advent calender"?

He likes the toys and candy best but as the years have passed I have learned to include educational items as well as special outings that they enjoy.

One item this year is a grow your own Spruce Tree kit. These tiny seeds may well be our Christmas tree next year. You just never know. Think big people. Think real big!

 

The boys also recieved this.

We already own the game and we are usually in hysterics halfway through a round of You Gotta Be Kidding!

The books contains oodles of "Would you Rather" questions that once asked are sometimes nearly impossible to decide.

One of the things the boys do regularily is remove the cards from the original boardgame just so we can sit around and read the questions to each other. The cards are always laying all over the house in disarray so when I spotted this book I thought it a perfect advent gift. All the crazy questions conveniently bound together in one compact mini book. Genius!

Now we can sit around all day and ask each other nutty questions like this.

Thought provoking right?

Or there is this one.

Tough decision I think.

Or how about this.

Like grody to the max! Who sits around and thinks these things up?

You would be amazed at what your family members choose. Really you would. And their reasons for choosing the way they do. We all get really freaked out and stuff.

I always think I know what everyone else would choose but I am always surprised. Really you have no idea what someone will choose. Seriously.

After an explanation is given we are usually shouting to one another  "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING"!   Go figure.

Then Austin called me out and asked this one.

And I laughed.

I laughed, and laughed and laughed.

I laughed like a hyena on crack. Because quite honestly if I seriously would have had a choice in this matter I would have made it a loooooong time ago.   

Then I laughed one more time.

Everyone needs a good laugh. And one of these books is just the thing to do it. They would make a great stocking stuffer.

Christmas is almost here folks. Go have some giggles with your loved ones.

Love you all.

The Sideline ( I would have chosen the dishes) mom

Troubles and woes.

I lost a folder of pics from day 8.

My printer is giving me major problems.

And my tooth is still hurting.

How's that for a merry little post for this holiday season? I know, I know not much in the way of Christmas spirit in that first sentence, but be it the holidays or not there are still troubles to be had.

But here is what I've got so far.

Days 8 and 9.

Hello there little day eight pictures that are missing. I will seach my recycle bin and find you soon.

Day nine. I love it in every way.

Mostly because of the content. It's all about the felt ormanents  by www.aliciapaulson.com I decided to make this year.

I am loving the stitching so much that I decided to stitch the number for this days page.

 I had really forgotten how much I love to sew before these cuties arrived in the mail. 

Here are two I've completed (of the three) in the kit. Check out more here at ww.rosylittlethings.typepad.com

More of day nine's page.

Used a transparency from Hambly.

Revealing a trio of images from the sewing process.

And day 10 awaits a little work.

As well as pages 11-13 due to a printer problem I'm having.

Ahh the joys of scrapbooking. Not without it bumps and bends in the road.

More to come. But as of right now I have two boys who want to go and hop on a board somewhere.

If only there were two of me.

Over and out

The (wanting to throw my printer out the window but realize that would be a very festive attitude to have this season) Sideline Mom.

He thinks I'm a good cooker.

This child. The one who is a stong will and a free spirit all rolled into one. The one who can bring me a truck load full of joy and a nevous breakdown in one solitary afternoon. Yep that one. Well he thinks I can cook.  Pretty funny huh?

While sitting in my dentist office yesterday for the second time this week I grabbed a local periodical and browsed through as I awaited another lounge in the chair. I came across this lady at ezrapoundcake.com and upon arriving home I quickly looked her up. 

That's when I found these.

I decided immediately that I would whip up a batch for our Christmas tree decorating adventure later that evening. 

Super simple recipe.

 

The dough was simple and once they are baked you are instructed to simply dip them.

Dip them into this ridiculously yummy chocolate.

You are then you are instructed to roll them in finely chopped walnuts. Which is just fine with me.

What you end up with is complete and utter beauty. Really the prettiest little Walnut Acorn cookies ever.

Then this guy finally (after asking when they would be done only 214 dozen times) gets to sink his teeth into one.

 

His response: "Mom how in the world are you such a cooker?!"

Then he said " Can I have two more, they are little ya know"!

Could you say no to that? I could not. So. Who knows how many he ate.

As long as he thinks I'm a good cooker he can eat the whole batch as far as I'm concerned. 

Try this recipe. It really is an easy one.

Change up hint: I would use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet if you have a sweeter sweet tooth.

Over and out.

The Side Line Cookie Momster

December Daily Days 4-6

I had to have a few very, very, very old (yes thats three verys)   fillings replaced on Monday and I have not been the same since. Blood, sweat and tears I tell ya. Okay, so honestly it really wasn't all that bad but the whole process has made it somewhat difficult to keep up my daily tasks for the past couple of days including creating this album. Went back to the dentist this morning for more adjusting and I am feeling better. I hope to have a smoother go of it over the rest of the week.

Onward people.

Day 4

A Christmas parade. Everyone loves a parade right?!!

Opposite page - Day 4

 

Day 5.    Had a some big fluffy flakes.

Day 6

I did not really photograph much so I decided to write a Christmas letter to the boys. I did this last year and they loved it. 

Instead of using this Creative Imaginations Library envelope as is I personalized it.

First I used my Cutter bug scissors to carefully take apart the envelope. That way it can easily be adhered back together again to use for something else.

Now I have a template to trace out different paper. Lovely!

Then traced out of different paper.

Cut out and then score along the same lines as the original envelope.

I then chose to stamp the envelopes. Making two. One for each child.

Then using a  index size card for the letter.

Then I attached both envelopes to the page for day 6.

 

And now that my teeth are not aching I should be back in the swing of things for days 7-9.

I am also planning some thirteen year olds birthday party also. Hmmmm wonder who that could be.

Over and out.

 

Daily December 2010 (pages 1-3)

I have to say I am enjoying the process of making up my pages as I go instead of trying to make my pictures fit a foundation I have already created. Gives me a lot of room to change my mind. Which I like. 

Since I have been making the DD albums I have always started with a "letter C" page and a letter about what I am excited about what I am looking forward to this particular season.

The letter C starts many wonderful words, if I do say so myself.

 

The letter and Day 1

Bad photos this morning. Sorry. (very gloomy and dark outside)

First page is all about our love of getting out the Christmas CD's

It's is such a large part of our Christmas season so much so that I have decided to try and incorporate  a line from a favorite carol on each page. Either as the title or as part of the journaling. 

Day 2

Glitter Christmas tree found at (can you believe) Walgreens. A stack of 10 for $2. Great find.

 

Day 3

I think I need to tie a bit of ribon around the bottom of that number three. I'll get right to that as soon as I can. It's all about the details ya know.

 I am ready for more pages.

Along with documenting our holiday season I also raked and bagged ten 40 gallon bags of leaves yesterday.

I am sore and tired and feel like I want to crawl into a incredibly cozy spot and hibernate until mid April but we have a Christmas parade to participate in today so I must get on my walking shoes and jingle bells.

Christmas waits for no one.

More December Daily pages to come.

Grateful for this beautiful season and all it brings

Over and out

The Sidelinemom

A book a day for Christmas.

I always love to get the Christmas books out each year. Along with the pulling out all of the the Christmas music it is one of my favorite parts of the season. I seriously am one of Border's biggest customers. You think I'm kidding.

Each year as the boys get older I find it a bit harder to get them to grab a book and settle in for a quick read in the evernings. With the exception of Mo. I believe he will snuggle with his mother until he's twenty. But don't tell his skateboard buddies.

This year I decided to make it a little more interesting by wrapping each book. Most of the books are the old favorite's we have read for many years but with this little twist and the idea of not knowing what book you'll be reading until you unwrap it is so much fun. Even for me.

I did purchase a few new books for an added surprise but the majority are old and worn. Even so, the boys are really loving this idea.

Morgan pulled the first one today. Excitement all around for who knew what book it would be.

 

Today's selection a short but a fun favorite.

The last book to be read on Christmas Eve will be The Night Before Christmas. That particular book is wrapped in different paper to indicate not to choose it until that night.

Looking forward to snuggling in our favorite chair all season. Reading all our favorites. (and yes as of this year all three of us can fit in it together-no joking)

There is still time to do this little holiday project. All you need is some wrapping paper a basket and of course your favorite books.

Super fun!

Merry Christmas!

The Sidelinemom

A dog and his boy.

This dog loves his boy.

He waits patiently for him to come out and play. Everyday.

You see his boy here is his quarterback.

With a great arm I might add.

Going long. And fast.

Best reciever in the league.

Then the boy switches from quarterback to left tackle but the dog.. well... his skills are far too advanced for the boy.

A few quick juke's and it's Touchdown for the dog!

There can only be one winner.

But they never let that come between them.

This boy means far to much.

To this dog.

A dog and his boy. 

It's a beautiful thing.

 

(I've got two hundred and forty three thousand things on my to-do list today so my post was incredibly short)

Hope you enjoyed it despite it's simplicity.

I love you all.

The SLM

A little of this. A little of that.

Yesterday I spent the better part of my day removing years of grit and grime from the carpets of my SUV. Today I am paying for it. The elbow grease that it takes to remove the type of dirt left behind by two sporting boys is a little more than my body can handle. So I have discovered.

Something a little more my speed.

Baking. Pies to be exact.

Apple will be the first. The second is a Pumpkin Creme Pie.

Imagine that.

Pumpkin.

Cream.

Pie.

Yummity yum yum!

Also working on the inside pages of my  December Daily 2010

This is such a fun project. This will be the title page below. C is for Christmas and also Chandler and Celebrate and Cheer and... I could go on and on.

This being the third year I have chosen to create and document this I have found it to be one of the most enjoyable things I do all season.

The concept is to prepare the album ahead of time so that you can simply record each day as it comes. That is such a great idea but I always have a hard time with this for some reason. I slightly prepare my pages. They are all very tentative if that makes any sense.

I basically lay out my supplies for the month and create as I go. I found that this is what works best for me.

I really enjoy having my holiday supplies out all season long. Plus they are fun to look at.

In between all this fun baking and creating there is a to-do list the length of the English channel I must tend to. (I never exaggerate much)

How are you planning on documenting your memories this season? I would love to know. There are many ways to do it.

A journal.

A premade photo album.

Even Facebook and Twitter are great ways to jot out things you don't want to forget. 

Think about it. 

Over and out.

The SLM

His first sponsor.

In September I called our local skateshop to inquire about a particular skate item one of my boys needed at the time. Calling the skateshop is something I do almost weekly due to the fact that my littlest guy is shredding through a deck about every three weeks. I am not kidding. Every three weeks he has torn/shredded his skateboard deck (the wood part of a skateboard) and needs a new one.

Check the one below here in this picture. Oh my.

 

Purchasing new decks every month can get pricey.

It can also wear a mama out. Like totally.

Anyway I was calling the skateshop for a particular skate item (most likey a new deck or new kneepads) and the owner who is an ex-pro skateboarder himself and a great encourager and teacher to the kids who skate on our area answered the phone.

I asked about the said item and before we could hang up he asked if Morgan would be interested in being on a a twelve and under skate team through his shop.  

No one could have imagined my excitement. And I had not even told Morgan yet.

Would he ever! I said.  

I was completely and totally excited about the entire thing.

He then went on to tell me of the details. It was a great day!

 Immediately after hanging up the phone I went to tell Morgan.

But not before I paused a moment to consider how to tell him the great news while also considering his brother's (a great skateboarder himself and 4 years his senior) feelings as well.

It's a tough dynamic in our home.

Morgan's face your fear and plow through attitude gets him to new levels so much faster than Austin's cautious thought out considerations.

But upon telling them both the good news Austin could not have been happier for his little pip-squeak brother.

We went to celebrate.

Taco's at our favorite place. Yummo.

And lots loud celebrating. (but not too loud)

And lots of laughs.

Guess this means I'll be sitting at skateparks and snapping pictures and taking video even more now.

That's just fine with me. There is not much I wouldn't do for my guys.

We are really thankful for to Donny and the Franklin Skateshop and for their support and encouragement. It means so much to my kids and to so many others as well.

Looking forward to watching my guys get better and better at this sport they love so much. They work so very hard at it.

Really they do.

Over and out.

The Sideline Mom

 

Daily December Album. Hurray!

Went very, very simple this year. Very unlike me in terms of scrapbooking design. I like abundance in the way of embellishments and design but for some unknown reason I wanted clean and simple this time around.

I decided on the Parisian Anthology Portfolio Album by Pink Paislee.

I love this album for so many reasons. For one it's a canvas album. That means I can paint on it. For those of you who know me you already know how much I love to paint.

Last year's 2009 album was the Donny Downey canvas album and I did indeed paint it. I sketched one of my favorite artist's lettering and Santa upon it.

And the boys loved it once it was finished! (reminder to self-need to paint 2009 on the spine soon)

This year I thought I would paint again. I thought maybe the painted album was going to become a tradition. But when I recieved the album I thought the canvas album was so beautiful in and of itself I decided not to mess with it very much.

I also love this album because it was a full 8 1/2 by 11 in size. I wanted my stuff to all fit inside this year. I don't usually mind my pages extending beyond the album itself but last years contents were getting a tad bit crumpled as you can see here..

Even my 2008 album contents are getting a little shabby around the edges. And I really don't mind this I just wanted this year's album to enclose and protect everything for a nice little change.

So to keep it simple I did this. First I removed this cute little locket sort of thing ont he front. It just snaps right off. And now I can re-use it on another project.

Next I grabbed this ribbon that has been calling my name for years now.

Found it at Michaels a few years back and I love the berries. It has a burlap sort of texture of it. Somewhat of a vintage look. The red stitching on the edges is very pretty. 

I simply (there's that word again) glued it to the front of the album.

Then I layered an additional coordinating ribbon on top for texture.

For a little embellishment I stacked two the the Parisian Anthology Flair Variety Pack "florets" so to speak.

I also added a brad to the top. (this one I believe is an old Making Memories brad)

Very simple and clean. I will add a green felt 2010 under the ribbon and embellishment later.

To cover the ends of the ribbon I covered the inside with festive paper.

And for now added just one small embellishment to the inside.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas wouldn't you say?

Next up will be a few of the pages. The page protector's for this album are wonderful. And another reason why I chose this album.

Those up next.

I promise.

That's all for now.

I have no idea.

I was organizing and cleaning yesterday. It was our first real cold fall day here in middle Tennessee and I just didn't want to go outside. I wanted to stay inside and clean. And organize. And prepare for winter. Go figure.

So I started thinking. This can sometimes be an alarming situation. Just ask Keith. But indeed I was thinking. That thinking was along the lines of household order and function. Or is it function and order?

Whatever it may be I happen to like order and proper function. I also knew that it had been a good span of time since I had last purged the deep dark crevices of my home. I like to throw things out is what I like to do. It always seems to make way for better things to come. Kinda.

About six and a half hours later I had made some really great progress.

I managed to part with several large garbage bags full of unnecessary stuff.

Hallelujah!

Also during the process I  found this.

A large ziploc bag of over a dozen rolls of undeveloped film and toss away cameras.

Seriously?!

What in the world?

What could be on these said rolls of film?

I have no idea.

None.

Long lost Christmas shots?

Baby photo's of the boys? Since I did not purchase my digital camera until 2005 when the boys were well past their toddler years. 

Pictures of me when I was um.. er.. less pudgy? Those might be nice. Then again maybe not. 

I have no idea.

I'm going to find out.

Should be interesting.

Over and out.

The (plagued by mystery film rolls) Sideline Mom

 

 

 

What a kid really wants.

Yesterday we made yet another trip to the Insanity Skate park in Alabama. With it being Veteran's day the park opened its gates early and invited us all to come shred awhile. We decided to take them up on it.

Along with being abundantly thankful for the enormous sacrifice so many have made to ensure the safety of our country's people I was also thankful for this.

Time with my boys. So very thankful.

The boy's had expressed a strong desire to go back to this particular park because of the vert ramp. They like this ramp. Its quickly becoming a favorite for them. I was sitting beside the ramp watching each of my boys fly and after a good number of runs on the said ramp this guy plopped down beside me for a little convo.

Morgan: "Hey mom, what cha doin?"

Me: "Just watching you and taking picture's of you kiddo. You are skating really well."

Morgan:  "Thanks, this is really fun" Thanks for bringing us".

Me: "You are welcome. What do you think about this ramp now that you have already braved the first drop in?"

Morgan: "I like it and it's not even scary anymore. How much vert do think is actually on it?" (meaning the strait or flat surface right a the top)

Me: "Looking at it from right here I would say it's about a foot and a half to maybe two feet of strait vert"

Morgan: "Yeah, I think you're right. (he won't always think this way I'm sure) It looks like about a foot and quarter."

Me: "Yes, and you are skating it really well. You look very comfortable up there now. "

Morgan: "Yeah, it's SO fun. I could ride it all day."

ME: "Well that is exactly why I brought you so you could ride it till your heart is content, or your legs give out" 

Morgan: "Yeah. I'm gonna try to get up to the coping with my backside air will you watch?"

Me: "Absolutely! Go for it!"

And off he went to challenge himself once again.

And I watched. Oh and snapped pictures of course.

It's my favorite thing to do.

A little small talk. A little outdoor activity on a beautiful November day. Its all a kid really wants.And his mother too.

Over and out.

The SLM

My weekend in pictures.

We attended a skate event at a local church on saturday. It was chilly but he sun was out in full spectrum. The boys let there light so shine. A great time was had by all.

Morgan did a lot of this.

And this. I took a lot of pictures of both.

Austin skating well.

He even scored a new deck. Very excited about that one.

Blurry picture of skateboards purchased at the nifty low price of five dollars a piece at our local sporting goods store. We purchased five boards. There are many a time when are at a skatepark and we meet a kid who does not have one. Thought these might work.

Even if they do have goofy graphics.

Went to conquer a 12 foot vert ramp in Alabama. I know it's hard to understand but ... It's a skate of mind. Sorry.

It took some time but the task was completed.

This was a big accomplishment for such a little dude. We were really happy for him.

Several good buddies came along for support and to skate for the day. Also to conquer the ramp themselves.

My Epiphanie camera bag/purse arrived this weekend.

News flash! If you are a photographer and take pictures by the hundreds everyday of your life you need one of these beauties. I am just trying to help a sister out here. I have been waiting for this for a long time.

No longer will my camera roll around unsafe at the bottom of my purse. This bag is the answer. Ya hoo!

   

It was a good weekend. A full out skateboarding weekend.

Happy I was with my boys every moment. 

They are growing up so fast.

Every moment matters.

Every second counts.

Oh how I love them!

 

Over and out

The SLM

 

Five reasons why I was glad to see October 2010 go.

 

I absolutely love the Fall and under normal circumstances I would have been celebrating the many joys this colorful season has to offer and would have been taking in every bit of it's pleasures and delights with the utmost enthusiam. But it was not to be. I really could not enjoy this month because somewhere about a week and a half into this very month things started to happen.  Weird things. Freaky things.  So saying goodbye to last month was as they say just fine by me.

Here's why.

 

Reason 1.     My sister was out of the country.

Her company sent her off again to a place far, far away. Way to far. Like to India far. For three weeks. This would be the second time she has been to India for a three week time span and it always makes me uncomfortable. Not like I have to be comfortable or anything it's just I like life so much better when she's in our country. I just do. You can call me weird, but if you've ever been to India you'll understand my distress. She'll be back this friday. Thank goodness.

Reason 2.    Morgan whacked his head.

He was skateboarding like he does mostly everyday of his life. Was fully padded helmet and all (I know, I was there)  and he hit what I can only imagine was a slippery spot of concrete and he slammed his head with what I can only imagine was a great amout of force. An enormous goose egg appeared. Despite having the helmet on.

A goose egg! Like of epic porportions.

Then he said "Mom my eyes hurt".  Awesome!  

"How does that happen?" I asked the ER nurse no less than fifteen and a half times. Then I asked "Does the helmet not help at all?"  She said "That is just and indication of how hard he fell and how important helmets really are." 

He checked out all well and fine. His mother is who I am worried about.   

Reason 3.  Morgan had a mysterious spider bite.

He said "Mom, I've got a spider bite." I checked it out and instructed him to leave it alone so that it would get better. It did not improve and in fact while walking into a restaurant to have dinner with family the very next evening he kicked the affected site with his opposite leg by accident and was reduced to tears. Not his style. Crying he believes is not a cool hobby. Back to the Dr. to discover a small but very painful staph infection from his skateboard kneepad.

He got a hefty dose of anti-biotics. His mother got enough cleaning supplies to cover the state of Texas and went home and cloroxed her entire house and car til near midnight. I'm a germ-a-phobe like that.  

Reason 4.  While volunteering at the YMCA skatepark Morgan fell and cut his knee.

The Y was building a new skatepark. We were all there to help. While I helped stain the fence posts the boys swept up saw dust and picked up loose screws left behind by the construction crew.  We were getting ready for opening day.

After much of the clean up was finished Morgan decided to roll around on his skateboard a bit. His mother seeing this said "If you are going to roll around go and put on your helmet and kneepads!" He happily complied and while in route to the car to retrieve his pads he hit one of those said screws which sent him flying into a pile of scrap wood which then sliced his knee open. What are the odds people!! Seriously, what are the odds?!

He got five stitches. His mother got a lovely bottle of wine on the way home to have all for herself.

Reason 5.  Morgan stumbled fell and hit the concrete the day after he got stitches and  busted the said stitches out. (no I am not dramatizing things for effect here people)

He had a birthday party to attend. I told him with the stitches currently in his knee that he could not participate in the party festivities but that we could drop off our gift and say Happy Birthday and leave. He hobbled off to talk to buddies. As I spoke to the Birthday boys parents to explain why we could not attend he decided to go off and running with friends. While running he tripped, fell and snapped those lovely stitches we had just recieved less than 24 hours prior. Back to the ER where I was sure I was going to be questioned by child protective services or something of that manner.

He then got the knee restitched. And his mother got busy checking out one way flight's to Tahiti.   

 

Bonus:    And as if those five reasons were not enough for me to bid October 2010 a harty farewell, Keith also found out that his position as Financial Advisor for the past seven years at the Tennessee Credit Union would soon be outsourced.

Don't you just love life challenges?

All that said I am very grateful that we all are fine and well and that these things are in the past. But for the record I would perfer not to ever repeat the past thirty one days.

Hello November! I don't think I have ever been this happy to see you.

I'll let you know what happens on the job front. I think something bigger and better is on the horizon.

Until next time.

The SLM

 

 

 

A very punky Halloween.

Every year I try to dress my kids the way I would like them dressed. I try to steer them clear of the chaos, influence their choices for costumes and generally keep them on the strait and narrow. It's what moms do right? 

Well apparently there comes a certain time in a every moms life where the exhaustion takes over and you're just plain tired and you give up the fight. At least that what I think I did this year. I'll let you decide.

When that happens this is what you get. 

Purple hair.

Purple hair and nose rings.

Purple hair, nose rings and skull jewelry.

And if that wasn't enough I also got a zombie skate punk.

Complete with sliced up face and body. And a blue mohawk. (as if he does not cause his own self enough bodily injury on a daily basis - lets make it look even worse shall we.)

Where have I gone wrong? Anyone? Bueller?

There is only one place to take guys dressed like this. A place where cute toddlers in Dinosaur costumes and Fairy princess gowns won't be scared to death and have nightmares for weeks after seeing my guys dressed this way.

That place would be here.

A place where other fellow freaky people hang out.

Freaky.

Very freaky.

Extremely freaky.

And all that freakiness was skatingboarding. Can you believe it?

This guy actually wasn't freaky. He just wanted a little peace is all. (yes that is his real hair just for the record - ultimate coolness )

Besides not wanting to scare the little ones we really just wanted to hang with buds.

Our skater buds to be exact.

And we wanted to do this. This would be the Halloween balloon bowl.

And in reality it's actually a Halloween balloon mini-ramp. The old location of this skate park had a bowl that they filled with balloons for the skaters to roll through. Since they have moved to the new location they now have a mini-ramp. They decided to fill it this year also.

The boys were pumped. Morgan was about to drop in.

He made his run.

He flowed through the balloons in all of his freakyness.

But since there were so many wanting to the skate the ramp all at once it got a little dangerous out there. Austin never even made an attempt. And Mo nearly got flattened by someone who did not see him.

So we decided it was late enough to hit the streets and get some candy without frightening anyone too terribly bad.

It was a fun watching my freaky skate dudes skateboard door to door to get their treats.

We could hardly keep up.

And they made a great haul.

I should know I went through it all and tested much of it myself.

I'm a punk like that.

Happy halloween ya'll!

Hope it was a freaky fun one!

The Sidelinemom. 

To decorate or not? That is the question.

Actually there is no option. The boys make me do it.

This year I managed to get the Halloween decorations out sooner than usual. This is good for me.  There have even been years where I am pulling out decor the actual day of. True story. But this year not so. I got them all out last Monday. Hooray! That is almost a full two weeks prior to the spooky goblin fest. It's a miracle. You think I'm kidding.

For the record my seasonal wreath always makes it out on the door by October first.  This I enjoy. I love the thing and have been working on it for several years. 

It's a simple grape vine wreath I picked up at Michael's and as the fall folage goes on sale at the craft stores each season I buy a few pieces to add to it or to replace old or faded items. Sometimes I add a fresh ribbon or a few new berries.

I indeed love it. It's...it's ...ummm... voluptuous! That's the word. I may try that word as a kind way of referring to myself from now on. I'm not pudgy I'm just voluptuous.  It could fly. Then again maybe not.

 

I continued with the decorating I chose to partake in and as I put mums in planters and shifted around gourds...

out of nowwhere this guy appeared! Creepy! He scared me a little.
Wouldn't he scare you? Thought so.

I even have signs to express my exasperation. It helps.

As for the rest of our festive junk items that needed arranging, he wanted to help. So I let him deck out my quickly fading ferns with more Halloween garb.

As he decorated I took a few shots of my lovely "fairy tale" pumpkins that I got my grubby little hands on this year.

Last year they were gone in zero time here in my town and I did not have one to grace my front porch.

It was disheartening. Horrific even. I vowed right then and there that I would never allow that to happen to me again. So about two weeks ago I wrestled a lady in the Whole foods parking lot for this one. I kid. Sorta. 

When the boys were much smaller I had decorative Halloween item that were cute and more toddler friendly but as boys have matured they start to ask for things like this collection.

They said something about wanting to create freaky magical potions and turn their Dad into a blob or a frog or something. Who am I to interfere with their creativity. I may even join in this year.

The skeletons here below I thought were just plain cute. Had to purchase the bony creatures. Hear no evil, See no evil. Speak no evil. It's what I'm all about. A little. Somedays.

  One fell off the mantle last year and I spent a week gluing him back together before I put him out again this year. Oh the things we do for our skeletons.

Finally the remainder of the Halloween garb was out out of the storage box and  .

 

And we decided to relax with a nice glass of toad stool punch. It's how we roll this time of year.

Cheers! Here's to you!

We hope you have a spooktacular Halloween this year and be safe out there.

Over and out.

The (never gonna like putting out Halloween decorations cause I'm a Grinch) Side Line Mom

This was for you Aunt Jenni since you far away in India and missing Fall this year. Love you!

 

Insanity Skatepark Contest.

About two weeks ago my friend Phillip who's nephew is a good buddy and skate's regularly with the boys told us that there was an upcoming skate contest in Alabama. It was a park located just past the Tennessee/Alabama line and was rougly an hour and half away from our cozy little homestead.

He also said that he thought the park itself was a pretty cool park.  He also told me they would not be able to attend. This is usually a deal breaker for me in that most of the time I alone am the one who is driving and hanging out at skateparks and skate contests with the boys and unless we have friends traveling along for extra companionship and support we usually don't make the trip. It's just how I roll.

Skateparks can make me a little skeerd sometimes is all I'm saying. Actually I get skeerd at skateparks regularly. Do you ever get skeerd at skateparks? If so you feel my pain. Skateparks can just make you skeerd, skeerd skeerd! Something about boys doing crazy stunts at mega speed over and over again. I need support and someone to tell me they will be okay out there.  But for some strange reason this particular weekend I decided that we might as well go despite the lack of traveling companions and myself being totally skeerd. Sorry.

For the entire drive down I kept telling the boys that since we really didn't know the area and since we were alone and since we also did not really know what to expect and above all since our S.Carolina Gamecocks just ended Alabama's ninteen game and three year winning streak that we should just be our friendly selves, skate our best and keep our big mouths shut as much as possible. If you know us you know how utterly impossible it is for us to do just that. But we were gonna try.

Once there we discovered that the park was indeed lovely. Lovely?

It was in a nice area, the park had a great layout and the people were warm and friendly and the large majority of them were wearing Alabama shirts, jerseys or ball caps. True story.

Once this startling observation was made I again leaned in close to the boys and whispered  "hey guys, I say lets just not mention that Daddy is USC alum and that we beat the snookers out of Bama last weekend okay?"

They agreed and hit the course to warm up. Mo went strait to the mini-ramp. His favorite place on earth.

Austin checked out the bowl.

 Once registered we waited for the judges to tell us when to roll.

In each of the catagory's that the boys competed in they gave it their absolute best. I know for sure. I watched. Like totally.

The judges watched, scored and tallied up the numbers as the day went along.

 

The boys watched and waited while being quiet and polite. I hoped.

They finished the mini-ramp and street course runs.

Then they hit the bowl for the last of the contest.

Both Morgan and Austin skated very well but again it was the little dude who came away with the wins.

A first place prize for the mini-ramp.

 

 

Another first place for the bowl.

And a second place for the street.

Most of the contestants were in good spirits and happy with the outcome.

We made many a new friend that day. Nary a word was mentioned about football. (thankfully) Which I am sure added to the success of our visit to Insanity skatepark in Alabama this sunny Saturday.  

I was happy for both of the boys and their efforts and attitudes.

Austin is still working on improving and each week and I am working on how to comfort an older child who watches his brother come home with a win nearly every time he competes. I am learing quickly how difficult this is to do.

Overall a fun time was had and we we will return to the Insanity skate park in Alabama soon. It's areally great place to skate. They also have a great pro shop. 

And last but indeed not least they have a vert ramp someone needs to conquer. We will indeed go back.

I'll let you know how that one goes.

Over and out.

The SLM

 

 

A lot like her.

Today. October 24th. My Mom's birthday. Still a source of joy for me. And so today I am reminiscing.

At my mothers funeral shortly after the service ended my boys played and froliced about the hallways of the church and for them life continued. For me I felt lifeless. Numb.

One of my friends stood with me observing and watching the boys play and after a small space of silence she said "Your mother was an incredibly wonderful person Sonja and she lives on in you and in your boys. Austin has her beauty and Morgan has her spirit. You can see her in them as you watch them play. They are a lot like her"

"  I have hung onto those words for a long time. And she was right. There is hardly a day that passes that I don't think in some way that Austin's sweetness and good-deed nature does not make me think of my mom and the way in which she always tried to do what was right. And when I watch Morgan soar whether it be him flying over a skate ramp or the way in which new friends and old flock to him to hang by his side I think of my mom's likabality and non judgemental personality. People loved to be around her and felt comfortable in her presence. That was just the way she was and it is indeed the way Morgan is today.

Over the past few years I have had many a comment made that something I have done or said has reminded someone of my Mom. And they would say "You are like your mom" or That is something she would have done." 

The truth is she does live on in my boys and in myself and in so many others who knew her. In so many big and small ways. 

  All of our loved ones who have passed do live on in us. I think the things we recognize the most in those and others are the very things that are most present in our own selves. Be it good or bad.

 

For my mom and all the good she brought to the world I am grateful. I truly  embrace and enjoy every time someone tells me I am a lot like her. I wouldn't want it to be any other way.

The SLM