Good-Looking One - It's a Vivas Thing!

Sep 20 2010

Male Bonding

Yesterday was a pretty good day! Church was grand; choir went well even through the chaos and we even survived Walmart …and helped a lady in distress!

And then, we came home…and spotted a TON of baby spiders just hatched from a nest. And right at my front door, I might add!

Only, it was a nest of black widows. So my three manly men decided to take care of them.

How's that, you ask?

Well, it was decided they couldn't kill them with a shoe in the air. So, one of them was told to stay put and make sure none of them escaped into the house. The other was sent in search of a flashlight. And Dad? Well, he went in search of the torch!

Once the torch and the flashlight arrived, the son in charge of making sure no spiders entered the house asked if he should get the fire extinguisher; after all, what if dad torched too much and caught the house on fire? Same son was told to get a shoe. The mama black widow was huge and if the torch should miss her, a back up shoe was needed!

Seriously, I don't think I've ever witnessed such male bonding. So much so, that I started texting the Good Looking One thinking he might want to show up and join in with his brothers! He got a good laugh out of the whole thing, but never offered to come over.

Amazingly enough, my house survived any flames. The wooden chair smelled a little smoky, but no fire.

Vivas Men, score 1

Black Widow & babies, score 0

Aug 04 2010

New Seasons

It's funny how time flies. One day they are babies, and the next, they are all grown up; in the blink of an eye.

Friday was my nephew's end of kindergarten program. It was cute; sitting there watching him sing…and refuse to sing…and then sing again. And watching him get his little kindergarten certificate.

As I sat there, I was reminded of the last time I attended a kindergarten program. It was 1993, and my oldest son was graduating from kindergarten. He'll be graduating colleg in a little over a year.

I sat there and tried not to cry. I do that easily these days. We have so many changes going on. After a year and a half of living with us, my niece and nephew will be going home. After homeschooling for 16 years, my youngest will be entering school in a few weeks. After being home for so long, I am starting a new job.

Seasons change, and we must change with them. Sometimes it isn't easy, but we look for the joy in it all.

Aug 01 2010

Quotable Quote #10

It's not often I have a quotable quote from the Good-Looking One, but yesterday's conversation had me in stitches!

I invited him to come along to the movies with us. The following conversation took place:

Him, "Sorry, can't make the movie, going to *** beach today."

Me, "Are you going alone?"

Him, "No, gonna go with J…pray for us that she doesn't make us crash the boat."

Me, "Oh, man! I will pray!"

Him, "Pray hard. Do hail Mary's…whatever helps."

Him, "When I am with J, I pray to everyone associated with Him, to make sure He knows I survive by His grace!"

Later, I asked him if was dead. His reply?

"Almost. She almost tipped the canoe."

Jul 11 2010

My Kids

There is just nothing better than having children. Really. And a day spent with them is especially fun! We started off with the Smart One getting his long hair cut. What a shock! He looks older, and we can see his beautiful eyes again! He was at camp all week, so it was really nice to have him back and listen to him as he talked about his week; what he liked, what moved him, etc.

I spent this evening with B-boo at her dance pool party. We took along a couple of her friends and the Drama Queen. I got a kick out of watching them tumble in the grass. It brought back memories of when they used to compete together in gymnastics.

After, we went home and the Drama Queen put on a concert of us. My dearest friend was there to share it with me. It brought tears when she sang, "The Climb." When she was finished and her voice could sing no more, the Talented One lowered the lights and graced us with his music. I cannot tell you how much his music moves me. When he plays, a peace just comes over you. It is beautiful. Sitting there in silence while he played is about the best way to end a day. Even more, watching his younger brother sitting there beside him, just listening, while he plays, and his sister on the other side, again, sitting and listening.

I love how supportive my kids are of each other and their talents. We are so blessed with wonderful children!

Tomorrow I leave for camp and my blog will be shut down for a week. I love spending a week at camp with my favorite teens, but I also miss my family while I am gone.

I'll see them in a week though, for a much needed vacation with my older brother, all of my kids, and my parents.

It doesn't get much better than that, either!

Jun 10 2010

Games

I love it when I don't look forward to a week, and then, all of a sudden, God gives me little things to help make it so much nicer.

Like unexpected quiet times.

Unexpected moments with my children.

Unexpected moments with friends.

Last night we had a pre-celebration for the Talented One's birthday. One of my dear friends spends every Wednesday with us. B-boo and I used to go to her house every Wednesday while the little ones were at AWANA. Then I got sick. So she started coming to my house instead. The best things ever…because my whole family just loves her visits!

Last night, she brought brownies and ice cream…and marinara sauce. We invited some of my son's friends over and we had spaghetti and dessert. The Good-Looking one came over, too, so it made for such a nice evening! We spent the evening laughing and playing Mexican train. I was exhausted, but it was fun.

That's the kind of unexpected moments that I like...Just for the Joy of It!