Balls and Brownies

Number Nine

The last year of single digits for our man Mason. This birthday has me more emotional than the others though. It's because I realize we're at the halfway point. Sure he'll be our son forever, but at 18 he'll venture out into the world on his own. And it's all coming too fast. These nine years have gone by in a blink and I can only imagine the next nine will be the same.

Now, nine random facts about Mason Andrew:

- had a really strange cry when he was born - sounded like a cat

- hates green beans

- could drink a gallon of milk

- very sensitive when it comes to animals

- plays football every.single.day.

- favorite song is "Cat's in the Cradle"

- loves mint chocolate chip anything

- you could drive a semi through his room at night and he still wouldn't wake up

- favorite subject is math

Gettin' Their Freak On

This is how I found Emma's dolls today: 

 

I feel dirty just looking at them. It's like action figure porn.

Biggest Burger

The parade got crossed off the bucket list during this trip, but it wasn't the only thing. For at least 10 years I've talked about going to Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, home of the world's biggest hamburger. Not because I like hamburgers ... in fact, I'm more of a hot dog girl. But I digress.

Denny's is in northern Pennsylanvia and from here it's about a five hour drive. Couldn't really justify driving for a hamburger. Well, I could ... but Chris was never on board. When I found out Denny's was on our way back from NYC? Jackpot!

We opted for the three pound challenge. Wimpy by Denny's standards.

 

The halfway point ...

  

Why yes, that IS a ketchup stain on my sweatshirt.

 

Emma conratulating Daddy on his efforts. Chris gave it the old college try, but even he was humbled by this thing. He always watches those food challenges and thinks he could do it. Now he knows better.

And this is what we left behind. We all shared one burger. And the burger won.

 

NYC: Celebrity Sighting

Other than seeing a few people in the parade, we only had one celebrity encounter during our trip.

 
Don't recognize her? Don't feel bad. Chris didn't know either. But I did. And Mason did. It's Tiffany Thornton from Disney Channel's 'Sonny with a Chance.' She popped into Planet Hollywood when we were having lunch. Very pretty girl. And you know how that Disney machine works - she's probably going to become a HUGE star.

 

The next day we spotted her in the parade. It's like she was waving right at Mason. Okay, not really. But the boy can dream, right?

NYC: Lady Liberty

WARNING: Even nerdier (is that possible?!) tourist shots coming up. Hey, my kids had never seen the Statue of Liberty before so we made the most of it.

 

The Japanese tourists thought this pose was HILARIOUS!

 

Oh yeah ... we bought the hats! $5.00 well spent, my friends.

 

NYC: Sweet Memories

The kids had so many cool experiences in New York, but there is one that definitely stands out: the trip to Dylan's Candy Bar. Oh mama! I had heard about it, read about it and knew it was a must-visit for this family of candy lovers. The place is INSANE!!

But I didn't take many pictures that night. Instead I parked myself by the fountain of flowing Belgian chocolate. Flowing. Belgian. Chocolate. Sigh ...

 

 

NYC: Toy Shopping

Shopping in New York with your kids is a lot different than shopping by yourself. Our very first stop after arriving in the city: FAO Schwarz. From there we hoofed it 15 blocks to the Toys 'R' Us flagship store in Times Square. And then there was American Girl. Oh my feet still hate me for the insane amount of walking that took place!

Emma and the Big Piano. She loved this thing.

 

The giant ferris wheel inside Toys 'R' Us. My Little Pony car. Score!

Her first American Girl doll. Read on to find out what happened to it.

 

Every girl in NYC was carrying around one of these bags!

We spent A LOT of time in Times Square.

 
 

Now back to Emma's first American Girl doll. I was so excited to take her to that store and share the "experience." I let her pick out any doll she wanted. She named her Isabella. Sweet. But one hour later Isabella was completely naked, hair pulled out of ponytails and she was covered in Hello Kitty makeup. Lesson learned by mommy: don't buy an expensive doll for a four-year-old.  

NYC: The Parade

I crossed another line off my bucket list this week: "take the kids to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade." And it was seriously one of the coolest experiences of my life. Theirs too. To see the balloons in person? Wow ... there are no words.

We had a neat spot on the corner so we were able to see the balloons turn, then come down the street and then turn the corner in front of us. And when Spiderman (the lead balloon) turned that first corner? Oh man. The looks on the kids' faces? Worth the entire trip. I'll never forget it. Chris won't either.

So many fun experiences during our NYC vacation. I plan to write a new post each day this week. But today it's all about the parade since that's the real reason we went up there.

They said three million people were there. Looks about right ;)

Spidey's back! In the parade for the first time since 1998.

It's Abby Cadabby!

To infinity and beyond ...

Girls just wanna have fun. Holy crap, it's Cyndi Lauper!

Best way to watch the parade? On daddy's shoulders.

 
 

Spongebob picture taken by Mason:

 
 

Chris told the kids that if Santa waves at you, you were good this year.

 

* There are more pictures on the right in an album called 'Macy's Parade.'

It Ain't Pretty ...

but I found this video recorded on the webcam a few months ago. It was late. Really late. I was a hot mess. And the kids were a little loopy ...

Haulin' in the Hardware

After months and months, football season officially came to an end this afternoon. We've spent countless hours at the ball fields, often six days a week. But it's all been worth it. Mason had the BEST time of his life! His team won the regular season championship, he was named to the All-Star team and then won another championship with that group. It's all been so thrilling to watch. And the kid's trophy case is filling up fast ...

 

 
 

Until next year ...

 

Perfect Pumpkin

While trying to dig out from all the fall pictures, I found this one. It was taken during Emma's class field trip and it's just too cute not to share!

Three More Reasons

We know Mason's a good kid. But it's sometimes nice to get the reassurance. As parents we don't always see the job we're doing until it manifests itself in our child's actions.

Yesterday I gave Mason money for the book fair. When he came off the bus he had several books and a big poster. Great, another poster, I thought. But the poster was for his sister. He saw a Disney Princess poster at checkout and turned in one of his books so he could get her something.

Then today I found money in his bookbag. I asked him what it was for. "Oh nothing." I pressed harder. He told me it was for a boy on the bus that didn't have any money for the book fair. He had taken the money out of his own piggy bank.

Today is also Jersey Day at school. The All-Star players are wearing their jerseys before tonight's game. Mason didn't put his on. I asked why. "Because I don't want it to look like I'm bragging."

My heart is happy and proud. But before you start thinking he's the most perfect child on the planet (okay, he is!) I'll leave you with a funny. This week he had to draw the layout of his classroom: desks, doors, teacher, etc. And in the back corner of class there are CABNUTS. Yep, CABNUTS. I was dying! My kid has a big heart ... but he can't spell a thing!

Stick People

For three out of the four years Mason has played football, I've had the privilege of being his Team Mom. But up until this year it's always been a bit more stressful than enjoyable. (I blame the old J-O-B for that). Now that I have more free time, this year was just plain fun!

For the team party I made these funky little cupcakes. They were a big hit with the kids and I wanted to share the idea because I think they would be fun for class parties, birthdays, whatevs. And they couldn't be any easier! Just snap the picture, cut it out, glue a popsicle stick on the back and jam the sucker into a cupcake.

  
 

Warning: while making these, you may find yourself compelled to have puppet shows. I had players talking to each other in my living room. Great entertainment for me. But Chris witnessed it. And then I think he finally filled out those papers for my admission to the looney bin.

(my favorite cupcake)

Trojan and Tink

 

 
 

The Patch

 

  

 
 

And the Ride Continues ...

I've mentioned before how this year has been such a roller coaster ride for our family - filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Saturday was DEFINITELY one of the highs. After months of hard work, Mason's team won the 2009 Pickerington Football Championship! They beat the Browns, 6-0 and kept their undefeated season intact. We are so incredibly proud! Our man also made the All-Star team. Way to go, Mason! 

   

 

   
 

   
 

   

   

Wild Tiger's Celebration! from Buckeye Sounds on Vimeo.

Lovin' Luther

I have a lot of pictures from the past few weeks and I plan to share them very soon. But until then, I'll share one of our favorite songs. Chris and I have always liked this, but it has definitely taken on new meaning for him. And to my own pops - I love you. XOXO

P.S. I just love watching Damon Wayans and his boys at 2:37.

Organ vs. Vegenga

It's no secret Mason loves football. He can tell you every college mascot, what conference a team is in, key players, etc. But there is one thing he doesn't know ... how to spell the team names! I found this in his binder (time well-spent at school of course) and Chris and I were in tears laughing. We had to ask Mas for a few translations:

 

Organ (Oregon)

Stafert (Stanford)

Goga Teck (Georgia Tech)

Miasada (Minnesota)

Vegenga (Virginia)

You can probably figure out the rest. Good luck to all the callige temms!

Can You Feel the Love?

 

My two angels. Aren't they just precious? They were upset with their punishment for fighting with each other. I made them sit outside and cuddle in the same chair for five minutes. They weren't allowed up until they gave the other a big hug and kiss. Good parenting, I think. Ahh ... they love their mother. Mom 1, Kids 0.

All Dolled Up

We've lived in Canal Winchester for nine years. And for nine years I have passed by signs for the Toy and Doll Museum, never considering a visit. I decided it was time to change that. I took Emma there this week ... just the girls. And I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. It was the coolest place .. with 10 different rooms and countless displays. Seriously, I was blown away!

 

The Tammy collection!

 

My mom will appreciate this one ... the Kennedy Collection.

 

In the Barbie room ...

 

My fave ... dolls from the 70's and 80's. Oh I loved my Donny and Marie dolls.

 

On the way out I said she could pick ANYTHING she wanted from the gift shop ... and she picked a Beanie Baby. Diva Lolly is the name. Not the official one, but the one Emma decided she should have.

 

We will definitely be back. There were thousands of dolls in this place. We're talking dolls from the 1800's and up. The original pieces from 'Alice in Wonderland' are in there. Shirley Temples, Madame Alexanders, old school Barbies, etc. Admission was only $3.00 for me and Emma was free!  So we decided we should spend all our extra money at lunch. Just me and my girl.

Mud Men

My dad, Chris and Roger have all talked about playing football in the mud and how much fun it is. Mason got to experience this rite of passage over the weekend ...

Heh, heh. Look who is peeking out on the right ...

   

His socks are supposed to be bright orange ...

Even in the rain, the Wild Tigers got it done, 13-0. Still undefeated!

Friday

It's Friday. It's game night. It's late. We have to be up early. So I'll be brief.

Both kids had school. I spent a nice afternoon with friends here. It was Wine Week. Funny that I went along since I don't drink wine. But I do drink martinis. And I do like to eat :)

Chris' game tonight. Hartley beat a very fast Dayton Dunbar team. And they didn't just beat 'em, they killed 'em. Final score: 59-14. The Hawks are 5-0. They're rolling. Very exciting season so far.

Mama's tired ... see ya Saturday!

Thursday

One month since Roger died. Sad. We miss him a lot. I know Chris misses talking to him. And we both wish we could have one more hug from the big guy.

 

6:30 a.m. Chris leaves for work. I'm so tired ...  can't even remember kissing him goodbye :( 

7:30 a.m. Alarm. Ugh. But I get up on the first try.

7:50 a.m. Mason's up but deciding what to wear isn't easy today.

7:50 a.m. Both kids are up now and breakfast is lame. Bananas and Pop-Tarts.

8:14 a.m. Mason gets on the bus.

9:00 a.m. Call Progressive. Where's my check? "In the mail." So I have to pay the full bill on my car until it arrives. Not happy about that.

10:50 a.m. The guy from the body shop delivers my finished car. I'm impressed by that.

11:10 a.m. Leave for Hilliard to pick up gifts I ordered from the amazingly talented Jen at Little Bean Embroidery. Check her out. She does great work.

11:40 a.m. While in Hilliard, must have Chick-fil-A.

12:15 p.m. Stop at Walgreen's to pick up a few things.

12:40 p.m. Post office.

1:30 p.m. Frustrating news awaiting me in the mailbox at home. Let's not discuss.

2:45 p.m. Mason home from school because of an early dismissal.

3:15 p.m. Studying for spelling test. 'Squirted' will definitely be misspelled tomorrow. I'm okay with him missing that one. How many times will he have to spell squirted in his life? It is funny though.

4:30 p.m. Start getting everyone ready for what will prove to be an eventful night at the ball field.

5:00 p.m. Leave for Gahanna for Mason's scrimmage. It's sprinkling. I took the picture with the cell phone. Wasn't busting out my camera in the downpour.

5:40 p.m. Arrive at the ball field and the skies open. Won't stop for another three hours. Awesome. At least she was smiling here.

8:00 p.m. Leave the ball field and we are SOAKED. It's dark, we're wet, we're cold, we're miserable.

8:30 p.m. Dinner tonight is pasta. Again, mom can't hit a homerun everyday.

8:50 p.m. Thinking we all deserve a treat after a craptastic day, I put brownies in the oven. They won't be done until 10:40 p.m. TWO hours. Not good. I'm guessing this means we'll need a new oven. Add it to the list.

9:45 p.m. Chris, Mason and Emma head to bed ... all disappointed by the brownie debacle. But Emma says "it's not your fault mommy."

10:00 p.m. Real Housewives are on. Talk to Lisa during this time.

11:00 p.m. Decide I need a brownie. Settle in on the couch. No laundry today, no dishes, no picking up. It can all wait until tomorrow. This day was a loss.

See ya on Friday!

Wednesday

I thought this may get old pretty quick -and it has. So I'll keep today's events short(er).

Take Tuesday morning and repeat. I took Mason to school again today. I love that I can finally do that! And we had to make sure he looked extra cute for picture day. Then computer, dishes, laundry ... blah, blah, blah.

12:30 p.m. Dropped Emma off at preschool. And for the third straight day, she cried and clung to me like a koala bear. We're having some serious separation issues. Chris says it's because I'm home full-time now. I think he's right.

1:07 p.m.  Lunch with my beautiful friend Arica. So nice to catch up. And yes, she knew this picture was going on the blog. She posed for it. She's a good sport. I mean, if we're going to talk about eating, I should show you some of the grub.

Oh, and Gomez, I had the nachos. Delish.

3:00 p.m. Pick Emma up from school. She's totally fine. Mrs. Kilgore assures me that she was okay two minutes after I walked out the door to drop her off. Emma's also excited because she gets the share bag. We have to load it with things that start with 'A.'

3:09 p.m. Impromptu photo session with Emma. She loves the camera. And she loves to see the pictures immediately after I take 'em. This was her favorite. Mine too.

3:58 p.m. Mason gets off the bus and we start working on spelling words. He's my kid. He WILL know how to spell if it kills me.

4:30 p.m. Everyone is dressed and ready to leave for the ball field (our second home).

8:00 p.m. Home from football practice and we sit down for another Crock-Pot dinner. I'm too stuffed from lunch so Chris and the kids enjoy the pot roast and taters.

9:20 p.m. Chris and Mason are crashed. I read a Snow White book to Emma. It's not the traditional story, but rather the story about Snow White and the Prince celebrating their anniversary. We talk about Emma's wedding. Lord help us when that day comes .... she has BIG plans. She wants diamonds on her dress.

9:40 p.m. Talk to Lisa. It's what we do.

10:05 p.m. House is quiet, but messy. Better get on it. But I'd much rather sit here and watch TV.

See ya on Thursday!

Tuesday

6:22 a.m. "It's 6:22. Chris is leaving." He thought that was funny after reading yesterday's post. 

7:30 a.m. Alarm goes off. I choose to ignore it.

7:45 a.m. I'm still ignoring you, alarm.

7:55 a.m. Screw the alarm. I decide I'll drive Mason to school instead.

8:00 a.m. Mason wakes up on my first attempt. Emma gets up too.

8:15 a.m. Both kids are dressed and eating breakfast.

8:30 a.m. Leave for Mason's school.

8:45 a.m. Home and Emma watches "her TV" while I catch up on the computer.

9:30 a.m. Shower and get ready to head out for the store.

9:45 a.m. Starbucks is a necessity at this point, no longer a luxury.

10:00 a.m. Walmart. Ugh. I go here instead of Kroger because I need a few non-food items. Bad mistake because minutes later ....

Emma is on the run and conveniently finds her way to the toy aisle. Strawberry Shortcake, Barbie, Kai Lan. A four year old girl's paradise! I bribe her with a Belle toy if she's good the rest of the trip. It works.

11:15 a.m. Home and unloading the groceries.

11:45 a.m. Hello dishes and laundry. We meet again.

1:00 p.m. Start prepping tonight's dinner. You'll understand why I have to make them ahead of time when you see the rest of the week's schedule.

1:45 p.m. Potato cheddar soup in the Crock-Pot. Man I love the Crock-Pot. Have I ever mentioned that before? ;)

2:02 p.m. Emma wants to play dolls. I'm game.

2:30 p.m. Emma goes down for a nap.

2:33 p.m. I battle the recurring spider problem on the outside of the house. Heck at this point I should just leave them for Halloween. Would save me on the decor.

4:00 p.m. Mason gets home from school.

4:10 p.m. Review homework with Mason. Snack.

4:30 p.m. Mason gets dressed for football. Emma gets dressed for ballet.

5:00 p.m. Head to the ball field.

6:25 p.m. Leave the ball field with Emma and head to ballet. Chris goes from his practice to Mason's.

7:45 p.m. Home from ballet and finish up dinner.

8:30 p.m. Chris has both kids cleaned and we finally sit down to eat.  Yep, we really eat this late. We have no choice. Mason doesn't like to eat before practice and Chris doesn't have a chance to.

9:00 p.m. Chocolate chip cookies go in the oven.

9:15 p.m. Cookies are done and we have some family down time in front of the TV.

9:30 p.m. Reading to Mason and Emma. Chris lays with him until they both fall asleep. I finally get Emma down.

10:00 p.m. She's back up. Grrr.

10:15 p.m. Catch up on the phone with Gomez.

10:47 p.m. House is finally quiet and I settle in to watch 'Chelsea Lately.'

See ya on Wednesday!

Monday

Nearly three months have passed since I've worked outside the home.  And oddly, I feel busier than ever (oh yeah right, Tammy) But it's true!  I think Chris even wonders what I do all day. So I'm documenting it. For one week. I know it doesn't make for the sexiest reading, but hey ... you're the one who visited our blog.

6:30 a.m. Chris kisses me goodbye. I roll back over and assume the fetal position.

7:30 a.m. Alarm goes off and to my own surprise .. I get up.

7:33 a.m. First attempt at waking Mason.

7:40 a.m. Second attempt at waking Mason. Success!

7:42 a.m. Mix pancake batter and get those suckers on the griddle. Chocolate chip pancakes are a fave in this house. And today I made enough so we'll have breakfast Tuesday and Wednesday. Well done, mom.

8:11 a.m. Mason gets on the bus.

8:15 a.m. Emma wakes up and eats her breakfast while I catch up on emails and Facebook.

8:30 a.m. I call Progressive and Enterprise about the rental car.

9:15 a.m. Shower.

9:40 a.m. Clean out Emma's closet. She's a good sport about trying everything on.

11:15 a.m. Braid Emma's hair (no easy task) and get her ready for school.

11:40 a.m. Make Emma's lunch. PB&J, green beans and grapes.

11:55 a.m. Enterprise guy finally shows up at our house and drives us to pick up car.

12:08 p.m. Pick up car and haul a$$ back to Pickerington to get Emma to school.

12:29 p.m. Pull in the parking lot at school with one minute to spare!

12:44 p.m. Stop at the body shop where my car is being repaired to pick up the garage door opener I had forgotten the day before. Oops.

12:52 p.m. Lunch. I got the chicken. I wanted the burger.

1:05 p.m. Home alone. But not really. My friends laundry and dishes are waiting for me. They never leave me alone!

2:45 p.m. Leave to pick up Emma at school.

3:05 p.m. Home and the princess insists I fix her a snack.

3:58 p.m. Mason gets off the bus.

4:05 p.m. Help Mason with homework. I hate math.

4:40 p.m. Load both kids in the car for a trip to the dentist.

5:00 p.m. Emma check-up. Still no cavities!

5:33 p.m. Mason check-up. Still no cavities! But the time has come for us to get the official  orthodontist referral. The white man's overbite isn't working anymore.

6:05 p.m. Arrive and eat at La Fogata (it's PYAA football night). Chris meets us there.

6:57 p.m. Mason and I sell Entertainment Books in front of La Fogata for the Big Katz. Chris and Emma head home.

8:15 p.m. Mason and I return home. Chris has already given Emma a bath and she's in her PJ's (he's a good man!) Mason hops in the shower.

9:00 p.m. I start writing this and realize it's taking a lot longer than I expected! I doubt you'll see as much detail in the coming days. You're welcome.

9:30 p.m. I read to Emma and get her to bed. Chris lays with Mason until they both fall asleep.

10:00 p.m. and on .... Mommy Time! I usually pick up the house, pack for the next day, fold some laundry, play on the computer, return calls, watch my own TV. Or none of the above and I just lay on the couch with my Snuggie (see old photo below). I love this time of day. So peaceful and quiet.

See ya on Tuesday  ...

No Rain on this Parade

Oh it tried, but the rain never came on Labor Day. And Mason and his teammates got to do this ...

  

 

 

    

The Wild Tigers got a shout-out on this website too. Just scroll down to the third picture.

Stuff I'm Diggin'

The number one thing I'm digging these days: SLEEP! I haven't been this well-rested in nine years. And seriously ... what a big difference it makes in all of our lives. Chris' motto has always been: happy wife, happy life. Maybe there's something to that.

I'm also digging Penn Station subs. We've been eating there a lot. A lot. The Italian sub is to die for. Not sure why they're so good. Maybe they sprinkle a layer of crack on the bun. I'm okay with that.

- Ten cent prints and free shipping at Kodak. Only good until Sept. 17th but it has saved me a lot of money. In the past two weeks I've printed 1,068 pictures. Yowza.

- Sun Tea. Trying to soak in the last rays of summer. I've been making it quite a bit. And I'm not the least bit worried about the whole 'bacteria' thing. It's only me who drinks it. I'll take my chances.

- This cupcake carrier. It was a gift from my mom and I absolutely love it! Can't tell you how many times I've used it this year. Actually inspires me to make cupcakes since they're so easy to transport now. And the fact that it's a square shape makes it easy to store.

- Glade Plug-Ins Hawaiian Breeze scent. Fabulous. One little plug-in makes a HUGE difference in our house. Fruity and beachy smelling ... all for less than five bucks.

- The TV show Flipping Out. I LOVE Jeff Lewis and his crew. I was hooked last year but this season is even better. It's on Bravo if you're looking for a laugh.

- All of the events of the past year and this has carried us through: The will of God will not lead you where the grace of God won't protect you.

- And finally, this song. It has been playing in my head constantly. Since Roger's funeral. I liked the song before, but now it has a whole new meaning. Just beautiful.

Pretty (and humble) Preschooler

Today was Emma's first day of preschool. And the last time we'll have a 'first day' at preschool. Sigh. But I didn't tear up in front of her. Instead I was laughing at something she said before we got out of the car. "Emma, you look beautiful today." Her response? "I know I do." Hopefully humility is one of the lessons they'll teach her this year.

                             

Playing Through Pain

Two weeks into football season and things are as hectic as ever around here. All seven days of the week are occupied by the sport, and if there were an eighth day, I'm sure it would be too :)

Both Chris and Mason's teams are off to a good start: they're both 2-0. But both played through some painful moments this weekend. Chris had a moment wishing his Dad was there. And Mason suffered an injury during the first quarter of his game (a cleat from another player went into his right elbow). True to form, they both toughed it out. Mason refused to come out of his game, and as a result he had a HUGE play in overtime - an interception that stopped the other team from scoring.

Emma and I couldn't be more proud of our two guys. They're tough stuff.

                             

                         

                                    Captains during the coin toss:

                         

                         

             After the game he finally broke down. He was in so much pain.

                  

This picture is really blurry, but I had to share. It shows the kind of man I'm married to. After Chris coached his butt off Friday, he had a moment with the team and then he turned to the stands to look for us. He always does. And I love the moments that follow ....