The Sideline Mom

The kid likes to jam.

 

For his birthday he recieved what he had been dreaming of, longing for and requesting for months. A Les Paul 100. That was it. That's was the only thing he asked for. The only thing. Cause the kid likes to jam.

 

AS soon as he walked around the corner on the night of his birthday and saw it sitting there he picked it up and started to play. He entertained us all. (he also recieved a new amp along with it)

 

He sang his newest creation "Raining Hard" which he wrote a few months before recieving new guitar. (on his old guitar,  it's a beginners Peavey)

Then he performed a few Christmas songs. The 12 Days of Christmas he had taught himself and practiced the entire month of December, so it was perfect in time to play it on his new "toy". WE all enjoyed it.

 

He enjoyed it as well. Because he loves guitars. The kid likes to jam. So it was no surprise to me that when we saw the Plain W T's in concert he said "Mom, quick get a picture of those guitars"!! So I did. Cause I like to take pics. It's my thing, right?

 

 

The really amazing thing was, as each guitar was used, he could tell me what kind of guitar it was. I really did not know he knew as much as he did, and perhaps he did not have all the names correct but I was amazed that he knew the names of so many guitar's anyway.

He would say things like "Mom that's a Les Paul SG, or Mom, that one is a Firebird". To which I exclaimed "Groovy babe". Then he would say things like THAT is one of the best guitar you can get or do you KNOW how much that guitar cost's mom"!? To which I would reply "Ummm... No sweetie I don't"

 

Personally, I liked the drums myself. They were vintage and ridiculously cool.

While I rambled on and on about how amazing the band's harmonies were, he could not stop talking guitars.

Even these guys had cool guitars according to Austin. This was one of the bands that opened that night. Their name is Days Difference. They were really good. Very young with still a long way to go but fun and entertaining.

 

Austin thought they were neat because they dressed cool and were so young. And if you've seen the Hanna Montana Movie, they are the actual band  that play while Miley is singing at Lilly's Birthday party. Didn't know I knew so much about the teen scene did ya? I'm the ultimate cool mom like that. Or not.

 

Anyway, while I continued to go on and on about how amazing the Plain W T's were (till I was almost blue in the face) Austin went on about the guitars.

It also inspired him to come home and hit his guitar really hard. He's been playing  more than ever and ummm... louder than usual. And for some strange reason he usually starts this at about 10:00pm. While I sit wondering what the neighbors are thinking I just try and remind myself not to worry to terribly much cause...

the kid likes to jam. It makes him happy. And I am totally ok with that. 

 

Over and out til later.

The SLM

I don't know.

 

 I don't know what was more painful. Hearing what these little pieces of metal and wire would cost or seeing my first born baby boy get them cemented to his teeth.

Why is it again that they HAVE to grow up?  **big sigh**

 

We've had bad luck with our kids - they've all grown up. - Christopher Morley

The great cathedral space which was childhood. - Virginia Woolf

 

Until next time.

The (misty eyed, somewhat  somber) Sideline Dude -ette

Have you ever....

Have you ever been so happy you did something you thought maybe you shouldn't do? Or maybe I should say, have you ever made a decision to do something that you were not quite sure was going to be worth your while but it turned out to be one of the best things you ever done? Well for one, I hope you do get a chance to do that sometime in the near future because it's a spectacular feeling and two I'm going to make more of the gut instinct decisions myself more often because they do pay off from time to time. Really. Here's what I'm talking about.

Yesterday I was checking the skateboarding schedule at this place here for none other than the soon to be next Tony Hawk shown here below. (at least that's what he has his heart set on) Because this kid wants to skate 28 hours out of the day and drives me crazy asking when he can go to the skatepark. Lately it's been to hot to skate outdoors and Rockettown offers inside air conditioned skating.

 

So when I pulled up the Rockettown skating schedule, I noticed a large picture of the band the Plain White T's advertising that they would be playing there soon. You see, Austin loves this band and has watched they're apperance on the kids show ICarly 290,345 times. And I will admit, I myself even love they're Grammy Award nominated song Hey There Delilah and  if I'm being really honest I also love they're songs Take You There as well as Write You a Song. REALLY love those few songs I confess. But to be truthful, those 3 songs are the only songs I am familiar with that they perform and I did not know if they're other material would be worth seeing. Plus they were playing that night. (last night) Father's Day night. Like in (5 hours from now) last night. We went anyway. Small enough venue to not have to fight  to much of a crowd. So we trucked it.

Very happy boy here.

 

Actually we were both grinning from ear to ear. We were excited. I hoped it was not all for nothing.

 

It was not all for nothing.

These guys are good. No, not just good they are really, really great! And no doubt will be around for a seriously long time. Live they sound awesome and I personally don't think there was one song I did not love or relate to in some way. Very good writing. 

He is a amazing performer. Really.

 

The entire band, they're harmonies, they're sound...really, really GOOD! Have I said that already?

 

No one was more surprised than me. I thought I would take my 11 year old son to  a concert and enjoy a few of the songs myself in the process and be done, but what we got was a top notch entertainment experience.

 

Did I just say top notch? I don't even think that sums it up properly. They were just great and if you don't believe me go see them for yourself. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

 

And when it was all over, we were sad. We wanted more. They could have sung for another hour and we wouldn't have budged. Heck they could have sung for two more days and we would still be there. These guys will go the distance. But of course we had to go home. Bummer. Good Night everyone.
Don't like goodbye's. Or goodnights.

 

But thats when one of the best highlight's of the evening took place. Who would of thunk? We got in the car started to make our way home and as we rounded the building to hit the interstate, just who do you think we spotted hanging out behind the backstage doors.

This guy. Mr. Tom Higginson himself. (lead singer) We jumped out of the car and I of course grabbed my camera. Yes people, we ran over to meet him. I suppose you could call us dweebs. Nerds. Groupies perhaps? Just plain goofy really. But it was SO MUCH FUN! And I'm a firm believer that you just have to have some fun every once in awhile. Right? Right!

Austin told him "Great show". He told Austin "Thanks and I like your vest, that's a cool vest".  Austin grinned from ear to ear. needless to say

 

And so there you go. Next time you think maybe you should be spontaneous and do something out of the norm. GO FOR IT! It's just may be worth it. You'll never know unless you try.  And yes, we will be seeing these guys again. Any chance we get.

Over and out.

The SLM.

 

Gone for a short bit.

 

This little guy. This slow, confusing (at least to me) little computer is going to get some help. We all need a little help sometimes now don't we? So it will be a few days before I'm back.

Hmmmm... what should I tell you before I go.

Well, it's been really hot here lately. African hot. Can't even take a step outside without melting into gooey puddle of sweat hot. Humidity at 95% and all. But I like it better than freezing.

I have currently lost 45 pounds and quite honestly I plan on NEVER finding it ever again. Ever. Just sayin.

Happy Father's Day to this guy. Enjoy your golf game this weekend and don't forget to drink enough water! Funny how role reversal happens between parent and child the older we get.

 

And Happy Father's Day to this guy. Hope it's a great day.

Ok, so off to the computer store with ol Berta. That's what I call her. My computer. It just sounds like a slow name does it not?

Not sure when I'll be back. A day or 8. Who knows. But I will return.

Until then stay cool.

Over and out.

The Sideline Mama-cee-ta.

 

 

Photo discs. And other fun shenanagins.

Ok, so I've posted before about how I take numerous amounts of pictures while standing on the sideline of every playing field imaginable while watching my punk boys and they're sports teams play ball. And I've also posted about how I love to make things. Both are fun, exciting and what keep me sane. That's really the reason why I think I do all this except that I think it's also because these kids amaze me. My own children as well as rest of the team. I suppose I do it because energy begets energy. I love evergy. I pray all the time "Dear God please give me more energy"! And when I am watching life in motion right in front of my eyes it's amazing to me. It energizes me and I want to catch that energy. Capture it. Keep it for a moment I suppose. I also want to share it with the world.  So now I'm sharing it with you.  Here goes:

I start off the season of any sports season, any season, be it football, baseball, basketball, Tae Kwon Do, etc. etc. times a million and I set up folders for each team player like this. It's very simple to do. Really. I promise. People think I'm sooooo techy and knowledgable about the computers and software and stuff.  I laugh at this. I laugh til I nearly fall down. I'm about as technical as good ol fashioned lemonade. How's that for a bad metaphor? I'm the queen of them ya know? Bad metaphors that is. Onward now. I make folders. Very simple. I am not techy at all.

   

After every game I unload my camera and then slide the individual pics into their proper folder. The team shots I copy over X's12 or X's22 for football. And so on and so on.

Then at the end of a season I do this:

  

I make books. Or I make picture discs. What ever I have time for. And I use this system here. Memorex. If you purchase the labels there is a free dowloadable software that is super easy to use.

  

What is so wonderful about this is the disc turn out looking really cool. They print beautifully and don't have the slighest hint of a cheesy look to them. I don't care for cheesy.

Anyway, I then choose my pic to put on the label. Like so..

   

When the image pops up on the disc format it is in a little red box. You then have to use your mouse to pull and drag the photo to fit the disc frame. Very easy.

  

Once you have the image centered you can apply text to the image. I love this! I type the player name and jersey #. It looks very professional and tricky. Although, once again I am not the slighest bit professional or tricky. It looks that way. This font is called AllStar. If you ask me all the kids are AllStars. They just are.

 

Then you just print the darn thing. It comes out looking spectacular. If I do say so myself.

  

Then here may be the only tricky part of the whole operation. The sticking the lable on part. It goes like this. Wait for your disc to come out of the computer. The disc you have loaded all the player pics on. Waiting.... waiting.. I don't like waiting. Patience is a virtue ya know? A virtue I have not yet aquired so it seems.

 

Then grab your disc. That disc you have been waiting 20 years for to come out of the computer. (My computer is very slow)

 

Very, very slow. So grab your disc, like so.

Then carefully peel your label off the sheet... Like so...

 

and place it face down on your disc container. Like so.

 

Then make sure you have flipped your disc shiny side up before dropping it onto the label. Like so. Are you tired of me saying like so yet? Good. Let's continue.

  

Then when you pick it up, you have a perfectly labled disc.

 

Then you pop it into a shiny little CD case and one more time LIKE SO. And you have the perfect team gift.

  

You can also quickly and easily make a case label to put on the back. Just like the disc it is super easy to make. You can also add another picture to the back, like shown here. Super neat looking!

 

Then watch the faces of the kids and parents as you hand them out at the team party. It's more fun than you can imagine. Sharing the love that is. And that's what it comes down to. Love. Love of life and all that goes on within it.

 

 

So try these. You won't be disappointed. Perhaps you could take pics of a summer cookout with friends and family. Or a birthday party. Then make a disc for each of your guests. They will feel the love. I promise they will. No doubt about it.

Over and out.

The picture takin, disc makin, non patient Side Line Mama. (although I'm working ont he patient part- I promise)

 

Tournament Champs Bay-bee!

Well... so... our awesome little dudes won it all!(actually not all of them are so little) And we could not be any happier for them. Nope, not one bit. 

   

They set another goal. They said let's make it to the summit. And boy howdy they did! They were "not done" so to speak after winning division champs. No sir. You know what they did? Here's what they did.

They linked up again.

Everyone of them. One at a time. A solid team with another set goal.

 

They locked in.

 

Each knowing they're part. Each knowing they had to play they're best, play strong for the other 11 guys. Together. And play strong they did.

They pitched...

 

 

 

hit...

 

 

defended...

 

 

 

and hustled...

  

 

 

they're way through 4 strait wins to take the tournament trophies home.

This guy here, otherwise know as Coach Chandler, said "you guys can could do it."

 

He said each of one of you is a strong link and together we can climb to the summit. If that's what you guys want. Or something like that at least. I believe thats what the boys wanted.

 

As well as these guys here also. And several really great dads. They all told the team they could do it.

 

And they listened, believed and played really, really well.

 

And that put them right here.

Division Champs and Tournament Champs! All in one great season.

 

How sweet it all is.

 

I personally am grateful for:

teamwork

great families

spectacular kids

the gift of a healthy mind and body

dirt (I swear because you can't play baseball without it - hellooo)

baseball

oxy-clean (really I am) All baseball moms are oxy-clean laundry queens!

and lastly  goals set and accomplished. It's a great feeling!

 

Until next season. Over and out.

The happy

proud

joyful

blessed

slightly worn out (I only took,organized and edited 8,742 pics of the team this year) But I SOOOOOOO LOVED IT!

Side Line Mom.

 

 

8 minute thunderstorm.

This morning the sky turned dark the wind kicked up to 9,752 mph and the sky poured buckets of rain. For approximately 8 minutes. After all was said and done I looked out the front windows for any signs of wind damage and just as I sucked in a big sigh of relief that all was well I  heard Austin yell from the back yard window "OH MY GOSH"! 

This is what we found.

 

Our ten year old tree. Demolished. Nice!

 

I don't know if we can salvage it or not.

 

Morgan cried out in frustration " Hey that was my climbing tree"! Then he sat down and said "Take my picture".

 

Guess we can't do much about it now. Shocking how much damage can be done in an 8 minute thunderstorm.

In other news:

Austin's team is in the middle of baseball tournament games and they are doing well. For me that means I am getting picture discs done for the team. I love to do this. For football I do books. For baseball I do discs. 

They look something like this.

 

Here is one I did last year for Morgan's team.

 

I will post how to's and the label maker I use later. They are super fun to make for a class, a team or anything else you can think of. 

Later peeps.

The SLM 

 

 

Getting fit. Feeling great.

Ok, so here I am in Phoenix a week or so ago. With my Aunt's. Laurie and Judy (my cuz Christy is in the back there) Hi Christy Gayle...love ya!! 

 I am always behind the camera and so I rarely get into a pic if ever. My sweet sista Jen took my camera hostage and started dartin round the place. She got me. But I am not camera shy anyway. Never have been. If there is a camera around  I am going to pose and cheeze it up. That's just me. 

 

We are not fancied here up because...well... we were having a pool party/grill out/memorial day bash/my dad's b-day celebration.  See here my Uncle Steve is grilling burgers and stuff. He's a master at the grill. We should call him the grill master. Hey Uncle Steve... is it okay if we call you the grill master? Yes! Ok, awesome. You are the grill master then!

So we are in our swim suits. A suit I would not have been in had I not lost 35 lbs prior to this trip. I just would not have put one on had I not made the choice  to rid myself of all this unnecessary weight back in January. But I did make the choice. And it's been a good choice if I do say so myself. (*sidenote* I have lost weight in the past, but have never ever been really fit) You see back in December, I had been thinking. Thinking long and hard about how difficult it was to be overweight and unfit. How difficult it was to find clothes that fit. How difficult it was to find the energy to do the things I liked to do. How difficult it was to look in the mirror. Look in the mirror and really like (or should I say LOVE) what I was looking at. I thought about how I did not want to do that anymore. I did not want the unnecessary difficulty any longer. Life can be hard enough on its own without me adding to it's never ending abrupt surprises. So I thought about how if I had a choice between size 16 clothes or size 8. I would always chose the 8's. But yet I was not making the better choice. The choice was mine. So why did I settle. Why do any of us settle? Settle for the exact opposite of what we want? I've come to realize it's because we don't really know what we want exactly. Not really. And.... we are fearful of the spectacular. Yep. We are. Don't argue with me. You know it's true. How dare we be spectacular. That's only for the Hollywood elite and pro athletes. Right? But not us. Nooooooo. And it takes some time to actually figure that out. But one thing I knew for sure. I knew I did not want the extra weight.  So I set up a very simple plan to get back in shape.

 It went something like this.

Stop eating the bad stuff and burn up the stored calories.  

Translation to self : pay attention to what you are eating Sonja and move darnit!  

Bascially - change the way you think.

So I've made a habit of exactly those two things. It's working out pretty well. I'm a little over half way to "my personal" spectacular.

I will post more pics of moi in the future.

Which means you'll be seeing a lot less of me more often.  Hee hee ho hee ho  ha ha. I crack myself up.

Okay, I'm leaving now.

The SLM

 

A climb to the top.

Division Champions. It does not get any better. 

 

The guys worked hard for it. And they made it.  A 12-2 season makes for a really fun season. But then again the work was done on the field. Not that hard work can't be fun. It was. But the real fun came last night when they realized they had climbed their way to the top of 14 other teams. Climbed their way up with great fielding, hitting and pitching. Consistantly. It payed off. Hey, there may be something to that consistancy thing.

First off. They set a goal. The team decided early in the season that they would link up with one another as a team. Play as a team, work as a team and climb their way to the top as a team. Coach told them this meant the coaching staff would be a bit harder on them and asked if they were up for it. They said "we're up for it coach, lets do it"!

 Here are they're carabiner's. A tool used in climbing. Each player was given one. They were to individually hook them on they're gear bags. Then before each game they were to link them up together on the dugout fence. It was a symbol of they're unity.  A reminder before each game of the set goal. That they were committed. A constant focal point that said they were indeed climbing together to the top. And climb they did. To the very top.

   

They won the entire 11-12 year old age brackett. They are division champs. They reached they're goal. I think I cried. Ok maybe not but I was REAL happy for them.

This guy pitched well.

 

Fielded well.

 

And hit and ran well.

 

 

He was a strong link.

He was really happy.       I was happy for him

 

I was happy for them both.

 

Now it's onto the tourney. I think this team may want to set another goal. Tournament champs perhaps?

We will see. In the words of Miley Cyrus. "It's a climb" !

I think they're up for it. How bout you?

Over and out.

The SLM.

 

A (very random) list.

The things running through my mind at the moment.

I am all unpacked from Phoenix. Really. I kid not. It's a miracle.

I realized about a day ago that "the girls" meaning all the female cousins in AZ. only got together one night while we were there and not several like we had hoped we would. Oh well, guess I need to go back sooner right?

 

I lost 2 lbs. during my visit (apparently my "rid my body of the un-needed weight" program was not affected like my sleep was) This was uplifting. I did exercise everyday except two while there. That's the key people. You have to MOVE your body!

Baseball tourneys have begun. The season is coming to a close. What now?

 

Morgan has a cold. It does not seem to be bothering him to much.

 

I can't seem to get any yard work/summer planting done. To sluggish and lacking in ideas. Got any?

Austin's team is currently in 1st place for his division. He made the game winning catch to keep them there friday night. Way to go A-Train!

I think my days of tanning and going without sunscreen are over forever. My skin looks... um.. lets say a little saggy and aged. Where's that bottle of SPF 70?

I'm bored. And that's ok.

If loving movies and Hollywood is wrong, I never, ever want to be right again. Just saw "Up" this weekend. Great movie. And it is possible I may not make it till November when New Moon comes out. Saw the trailer last night. I am hooked. Completely. 

I missed my dog while gone last week. I'm pretty darn sure he's the most loyal and trusted friend I have.

   

What should I make for dinner?

Miss some new friends we met in AZ. Tobey here on the float. Can you tell he thinks he's King of the pool?

 

And Charlie, who we almost slipped into our suitcase and took home with us. I said almost. Well, he was small enough and too cute.

 

Should I take up golf? Or perhaps tennis?

I don't think I take enough pictures. 

My sister and profesional chef brother in law just celebrated they're 4 year anniversaryand I think it's awesome.

 

 

Ok,  so if you've stayed with me this long I'm amazed. I'm finished now with my randomness. Next post I promise will be much less chaotic.

Over and out!

The SLM