The Sideline Mom

No camera, no problem. Sorta

I've sent my lovely, dearly beloved digital camera off to New Jersey. To the Canon Service center. I do this every year. This year will be it's last free service and inspection before the warranty runs out.  Then I'm on my own. Weeee.

For now I can't take pictures.  This is a hard one because I literally take hundreds of pictures every week. It's my my pulse, my life breath and at the moment I feel so completely alone. Empty, naked even. Alright, not really but someone has to be dramatic around here or there would be absolutely zero excitement within the walls of this house during this boring lazy summer month of July . Zero excitement. Trust me on this one. 

Don't you feel this way when you can't take pictures? It's just what us shutterbugs have to do. We must snap pictures. We must.

 But all is not lost. I have a camera phone. It works rather well. I'm rather surprised. Just got the thing and only because my old phone was breaking down on me. But I've been amazed.

 Surprisingly enough with this new camera phone I have been snapping away at things like this.

 

The beautiful gladiolus I found last week.

And even this. Quite lovely.

Even this.

And yes that would be a butterfly.

On a skateboard. 

Even butterfly's are skateboarding these days.

Go figure.

And then of course there is this. Which not much can be done about.

 

There is even this.

My knees and I at the pool. Normally I would not take a picture of my knees and I at the pool but I was trying to figure out how to use the darn new camera phone while laying poolside as the boys were swimming they're little selves silly and this is what I got.

 

Then there is even this. Fireworks! Really?!

To say I am amazed at the ability of my new camera phone to focus and snap clear, colorful and even sharp photos is an understatement. It's just downright stupendous. 

So not all is lost while my camera is MIA.  I'm still snapping.

Have you checked out what your camera phone can do? It's amazing. Really.

Give it a try.

Til later.

The (getting by but still can't wait to have my Canon back in my arms) Sidelinemom

The XGames are coming soon.

The fact that I know this and actually have the dates marked on my calendar is a bit humorous to me. If someone would have told me a few short years ago that I would be counting down the days until this extreme sporting event was to take place and that I might actually be looking forward to watching it I would have been concerned about their state of mind and questioned just how well they actually knew me. I just would have wondered. Cause I like flowers and stuff. Not motor cross. That's why.

But if you can believe it, I truly am looking forward to watching the 2010 XGames coverage this month with my little skate boarding punks.  I am. You wanna know why? Because it's amazing what those people can do. Absolutely spectacular. And by those people I mean the extremer's. That's what I call them. The athletes that can pull off these amazing tricks on things like motor bikes, dirt bikes and skate boards. It's mind blowing really it is.

Like this guy here. Mr. Bucky Lasek. Amazing skate boarder.

We met him Here in Nashville a month ago when he came through town with Journeys back yard BBQ tour. 

My boys think he hung the moon and he may have done just that very thing seeing that he can actually fly just about that high. To the moon I mean. Here let me show you.

See?.

He holds the XGames record for height on the vert ramp.

He also does things like this.

And this.

And this. And you just cannot seem to understand just how on earth they do this. All kidding aside.. they are inspiring to watch. 

The boys and I can't wait to watch him in the Games next week.

We feel like we know him. Ok, not actually know him.

But he did sign our stuff.

 

Took a picture with us.

 

And didn't seem to be bothered when Morgan skated the ramp a little too long. I was worried. Little pip squeak just does not know when to stop.

 

But Bucky  was cool. He's the ultimate nice guy like that. 

Also can't wait to watch Tony, Ryan,  Chris just to name a few. 

The 2010 XGames will be here soon. July 29-Aug 1

Yes, we are excited.

Tune in. You know you want to.

Over and out.

The (kinda extreme but not really ) Sideline Mom

Overly Bloomed. Not to be confused with Orlando Bloom.

My hydrangeas. I have two bushes.

One I received when my mother passed away in August of 2003. Some lovely friend brought it over. It made my heart feel better. I was so thankful to receive the the little beauty.

The other bush I actually bought for my mother while she was ill.  I took it to her in hope's of bringing her a little joy and it did indeed lift her spirits a bit. She loved it.  And after she passed I brought it home with me. 

 

I planted them side by side right outside my kitchen window and for several years nary a bloom was to be found. After a few years it finally produced around a dozen or so flowers. But not nearly enough for me to clip and give away the way I wanted to. I really wanted to clip and share the love. Pass along the beauty so to speak.

But this season... oh baby... this season was a whole different animal. I must have  at least four dozen blooms on one bush. 

I've given them to everyone I can think of. The neighbor's, grocery store clerks, our favorite YMCA staff members,  friends, countrymen, the president. Ok, not really on the  president part but you understand where I'm going.  No one is safe. If I know ya... you are gonna a bunch. It's just so much fun to pass them out. I'm going to try and catch the mailman today. He's need a bunch also. I'm sure of it.   

Please notice cute skater boy helping mom cut and hold flowers here. He actually loves to do this despite the look on his face. Of course it does not take away from his ultimate cool skate boy persona factor or whatever ya call it . In fact his mother thinks it only adds to it.

   

Anyway... this season I have been able to cut a share until my hearts content as well as keep my kitchen and home adored with the beauties.

 It's been just plain spectacular! To put it mildly.

I think skater boy possibly is getting kind of restless here. Check the facial expression.

Alright dude lets take um inside.

 

He is such a good helper. And a good skate boarder. Have I ever told you that? Okay, good.

He even put's them in the vase for me. He's kinda of useful like that. 

 

He will even go so far as to arrange them for me. But only for a moment. Then it's back to skateboarding for him.

Ahhh hydrangea's!

There really is something magically wonderful and joyful about them.

 

Yes, I do believe.

So glad they bloomed like a gushing river this season.

It's been awesome!

Til next time.

The (goofy with abundantly blooming hydrangea bushes) Sideline Mom

Hang loose. Or something like that.

Here it is. The sign.

All the cool skater dudes use it.

 

In fact they use it a lot.   See?

The funny thing is... I'm not even sure that all of the kids actually know what this hand gesture signifies.  They have simply watched other kids do it and therefore know they too must partake in the practice also.

 

The good thing... it actually means several really positive things.

It's a common greeting gesture. It can mean hello, goodbye, take care, cool and alright. And I for one think it much better than some of the other gestures out there in the world today. If ya catch my drift.  

I was just wondering one thing. If they would mind using it a tad bit less while I am photographing them. The dudes are messing up all my shots.

They're answer to that question .. "Hang loose mom"!

Alrighty then.

Until next time.

The (chillin and hangin loose) Sideline Mom

A little shredding a little flying.

Took the boys to see a skateboard tour here in  town at one of our favorite parks. They boys had  a great time. I think. Yes,  I believe they did. But it was a different crowd than we are use to being around.  But they enjoyed themselves non the less.

This is how the boys participated.

They geared up. (and took a buddy with them) Not in that particular order.

Then they decided the right thing to do was get as much air as possible.

In which MAC wasted no time in getting.

 

Mo decided that an up-rail grind was in order. So he got right to it.

And came in for quite the smooth landing.

Knee tuck! Very nice indeed.

 

They also hung out with other good buddies we met up with there.

 

Who are so fun that they make us laugh out loud.

 

And  this one squirted every one he possibly could with the water bottle. It was hot out there. And he loved every minute of it a you can tell by the devious smile upon that cute little face of his. Skateboarders are nothing but trouble makers  I tell ya. 

Then they hung out a bit more and skated a bit more till they could no longer skate any more. They plumb wore themselves out.

That's exactly what I was shooting for.  Then they are so utterly exhausted that when you get them home all you really have to do is direct them to the shower, make them a quick sandwich and throw them in the bed. Hey, it works for me. Consistently. Try it sometime.

 

And as they say.. it was a  "totally rad time."

Then personally... I sit in the lovely air conditioning,  have a cold drink and dream about flowers, having someone do my laundry and dishes forever,  pedicure treatments, numerous shopping spree's to Sephora and owning a vehicle that does not smell like sweaty skateboard pads. It's all a Sideline Mom really want's out of life.

I think.

Yes, pretty much.

I'm a simple girl. Really I am.

Over and out

The SLM

It happened again. But we survived.

Another broken tree. Front yard this time. Really, it's just getting to be hilarious. And ridiculous.

Only this time there was no storm. By storm I mean the last time we had  a tree split (just a mere thirteen months ago) there was an eight minute thunderstorm that wrecked havoc on our little old unassuming tree in the backyard. It was difficult. And sad. Several of us needed counseling. We love our trees. Love them as if they are our very own pets. Not really, but you get my drift.

But we do in fact enjoy they're beauty and shade and hope to keep them intact for as long as we own the home. 

Last time this happened it was the hurricane type winds that knocked over the sweet little ol' thing.

 

This time... there really was no visible reason why it should have fallen over except for the fact that the Bradford Pear tree is one of the weakest trees on planet earth. If not the weakest.  And of course we have never topped or thinned the trees. I think we need to do that. Like Pronto.

Luckily it did not break a window. And as you can see those tree limbs headed strait for the house to try and do so.

Then of course Mo headed strait for the tree limb to swing like a monkey. It's how he likes to do things.

 

And then two guys pulled up in a minivan and offer to dismantle the limb's and haul the thing off for next to nothing. It was deal we could not pass up. Although the fact that they were driving a mini van left me a bit perplexed. Not sure why. It just did.

It's all over and done with now. We made it through. We survived.

And really that's all you can ask for. Right?

I thought so.

Over and out.

The SLM

 

Good things.

Good morning muffins from the recipe file

of none other than Pioneer Woman. Who else right? She's my fav.

The looked delish so I decided to whip some up. They've got orange marmalade in them. OMG! Can you stand it! I can't.

The recipe made a full two dozen.

 

And I truly believed a fruit salad was needed to accompany these little honey's so I did this.

 

And this.

To make this lovely mix. Yum.

 

Then I got this out. It's a shallow gift box/bowl. And an piece of pretty fabric.

 

Then I did this. Put a nice bunch of those delish muffins in the box.

 

And wrapped it up. With the recipe enclosed of course.

Then I clipped some of my best hydrangeas. My bush bloomed triple this year. It was amazing. And still is.

 

And I took these little beauties over to the neighbor. Her dear mother had just passed away.

 

And the whole world just seemed a whole lot brighter. Really it did.

Then my precious boys gobbled down the rest of those heavenly muffin's in the sheer blink of an eye.

But it's all good.

 I love good things. How bout you?

Over and out.

The (loving my hydrangeas this year) Sideline Mom

Keeping things intact. Or not.

As mom's we naturally work our hiney's off at keeping things together, in place or preserved in their natural state.  It's just what we do as woman/mother's. We are keeper's restorer's, organizer's and again I say preservationist's. Oh and also beautifier's. We like to make thing's beautiful. Ok.. you get what I' am trying to say

That is why when I purchase one of my children  a new pair of skate shoes I take pictures of them. It's my way of holding onto their original beauty, design and form for just a bit longer.

For after today''s light has faded away forever they will never again look like this.

 

Or this.

Just look at these gorgeous new kicks. They are so lovely, crisp and fresh looking. And cost plenty much also.

But seriously after twenty minutes at the skate park they will look as if they have gone through a blender.

And I will cringe like someone watching the worst horror movie you can ever remember seeing in your life time. 

I am not even slightly kidding here folks.

That is all for now.

Over and out.

The (learning to let go of the things I cannot control or keep intact- but hating every single minute of it) Sideline Mom

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum.

The morning started like most mornings do around our house. I'm up at the crack of dawn. Austin wakes up shortly thereafter. He and I grab a bowl of cereal or some toast and plan out which skate park they will be shredding later that day. Eventually Morgan stumbles out of bed and pulls some sort of skateboard t-shirt/apparel thingy to sport for the day. Usually about ten minutes before we are headed out the door. He then grabs a quick bite and they both start grabbing boards, pads and helmets to throw in the car and were off to skate. We do this nearly everyday. And yesterday was no different.

Except  for one thing.

Yesterday of course was the 4th of July. Our country's birthday.  The day to celebrate the good ol' U S of A.  American the beautiful. The States. The U.S. Whatever your favorite name may be for this beautiful country we inhabit. But for sure it is a day to sport the beautiful red white and blue colors our country claims as our own and be darn proud that you are an American. Even if you are just going to skateboard and watch some fireworks.

That is why I nearly slammed on my breaks while cruising down the interstate at nearly 70 MPH almost causing a 20 car pile up when I spotted this.

 

I took a gander in my rear view mirror to find my precious punk donning  THIS lovely shirt.

England! Seriously Mo? And you trying to get us hung in town square?

Those skateboarders... they cause all kinds of trouble.

Needless to say we stopped at Target... um... er...America's favorite place to shop and bought something a little more appropriate for the celebration.

Then we went and did this. Like we had planned.

 

with lots of other people

In the really ultra southern/patriotic city of Franklin. With an appropriate shirt . Thank goodness.

And we had an all out great time.

And just for the record.  he's not really unpatriotic.

See?

Look at that super duper American Spitfire sticker at the tip of his board.  He placed it there nearly two week's ago. He is definitely an all American boy. No doubt!

Hope ya'll had a great 4th.  (In totally appropriate attire)

And God Bless American.

Over and out.

The Sideline Mom

The little pip-squeak won another skate contest.

Let me start off by saying that the month of June was a long one in terms of the sport of skateboarding. At least for The Sideline Mom it was. Looong. Long and somewhat exhausting. I just don't have near the energy I had when I was 29. It's just not the same anymore. What's happening to my body. Can somebody tell me? Anyone? Anyone? I may need some bee pollen or black co-hosh root or something. If anyone is aware of this information please let me in on the secret. Okay? Thanks.

Oh yeah! Skateboarding. This month was filled with skateboarding camps, skateboarding demonstrations, one National Go Skateboarding Day, (yes they have a day now) and skateboarding, skateboarding, skateboarding. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!

It's all we do. I love it. Really I do. I'm not complaining. Just sharing. Honest. (just a tiny bit tired)

To end the wonderful month of skateboarding we just experienced this (very hot and humid) June of 2010 there was this.

A memorial. A great event. Remembering a great kid in our community. More info about it here.

 

They held a few skate contests. One of which was a twelve and under contest.

Best skate trick wins. The boys entered.

The twelve and under guys stated there names and ages.

Most were right on the line at twelve years of age. With a few being eight or nine year's old. 

Like my little pip squeak.  He's eight. And if he knew I was calling him pip-squeak on my blog he would disown me. Please don't tell. Thanks!

They all got ready to lay down they're best tricks.

The little guy pulled off this stunt.

He ollied the two

 

flat

 

two

 And came in for a perfect landing.

It was the trick to beat. The announcer said "You've got to do that or better"

Then Morgan did the trick several more times.

 

It could not be beat. And he came away with the 1st place prize.

He was so excited and happy.

He won two decks and a pair of design your own Vans shoes.

 

 

I am really thankful for the guys in our community who keep skateboarding a fun and positive sport for these kids to be involved in.  They make it safe, fun and are always encouraging the kids in possible way.

 Sixth Avenue Skatepark

And Donny and Jesse Mhyre of the Franklin Skate Shop

Truly we are grateful to them. 

 

And again I am really happy for the kiddo. He and his brother work hard out there every single day trying to get better at this skateboarding thing.

Austin also did well in the contest but again had to watch his brother take home a prize. It's an interesting dynamic in our household. They are happy for each other but it's tough sometimes. Austin is not quite as agile as his pip-squeak bro. But a great skater himself.

But a fun time was had by all.

Then Mo demonstrated how to ride the bowl with the big guys. 
 

 

 

It was great day remembering a great kid.

I for one am grateful. Grateful in many ways for this sport of skateboarding.

I would have never guessed it.

Over and out.

The Sideline Mom