Keeping Out of Trouble...

So today the lumber was delivered for resurfacing the deck.

 The boys were both occupied with their own projects today

so Mike and I were fending for ourselves.

 The pile in the driveway is the "BEFORE"...

 Slowly the boards found their way to the back yard while Mike put them in place.

"AFTER"

Whew - 56 - 16' boards later and one of the pallets of Redwood are ready for their new home.

Guess I can say I had my 'upper body' workout for the day.

Soon enough I will be able to complete by BEFORE and AFTER blog.

Don't poke the Momma Bear

I've never been known to be overly very sympathetic but I do care deeply (read: throw myself down in front of danger) about my family and friends - with great emphasis right now on my family.  We raised our children to be independent thinkers, stand straight, speak up for what's right and respect others.  I've always been VERY proud of each of them.  They are all amazing adults.

Tonight we went to a high school lacrosse game to support our youngest who is part of the coaching triad with two other men.  We were joined by our new friends, his future in-laws.  All of us from the opponent side of the fence but rooting for the home team.  It seemed natural to show our support.  This wasn't our first time on the sideline. 

As we chatted before the game, I learned the opponent coach had been trash talking our youngest son - and it's been going on awhile.  Our son is an alumni of the coach's team and it apparently caused quite a stir when our son chose to coach with a different program.  Hearing these things felt like someone was poking at Momma Bear.

I think the fact this coach has made no effort to filter his feelings on the matter, and uses his status as a coach and leader to bad-mouth someone who has earned a great deal of respect in the program, is unsatisfactory.  In retrospect, I think it also adds clarity to our son's decision to NOT coach along side this man. 

Shame on you Coach.  Rather than continue with your disparaging remarks in an attempt to beat down a confident man, you could be using this opportunity to 'grow the game'.  Here you have an alumni from your team - the first League Championship team (I'm thankful he had a true leader coaching him at the time), who played on the state-wide program in national tournaments, and continued to play college lacrosse, assisting to add to the growth of the club at that level.  He has maintained close contact with many other players in the Pacific Northwest, players who have roots in this area, left and maybe even returned.

You are dissing a young man who's been active in lacrosse since 8th grade.  He's gained the respect of young upcoming players - even your future players.  He coached a Junior Varsity team to the State Championship.  He has earned the respect of his peers and adults alike. He spent the summer promoting the sport of lacrosse all over the Western States, assisting a professional player. 

You missed your opportunity Coach.  If you truly cared about the young men you are leading on the field every week, you should stop and reevaluate your own behavior.  It's not about you.  You have a very small group of minions who nod their heads in agreement and feign support.  Don't be fooled.

Fair warning Coach.  I will not go all Honey Badger on you...   I'm tired and just don't have the energy to deal with your hurt ego.  In the end - our son's reputation, honestly earned by hard work and dedication to the Valley's lacrosse program, will take him so much further in life than all of your bad mouthing and insecurities. 

Signed,
Momma Bear

Words to share with my sons - no matter what age you are today...

Borrowed from Werd-Yab blog.  http://www.werdyab.com/2012/04/20-things-mother-should-tell-her-son.html

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
*I'm proud to say you both do a great job in these departments.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.
*Both your mother and father are Veterans.  One of you is also a Veteran.  Preserve your rights and those of people around you.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
*We have one daughter-in-law and another soon to join our family.  We are so blessed with our first and look forward to welcoming the second.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.
*Please.

Bon Voyage

My recent companions are now on their way to live with our very special great-grand Ava.

My Hiatus...

No Spacebook... what does one do with their free time?

Turns out A LOT!

I found by not checking Spacebook I was also spending less time making bulletin boards and playing on-line games. Meanwhile I used the 'down time' for a walk in the neighborhood, pulling a few weeds in the yard or wrapping up an already started project around the house. Maybe my Lent season sacrifice wasn't really...

We spent lots of time with GS. He actually turned FIVE years old! Where has the time gone?

We watched our daughter play hockey in McCall. Chris is their coach. Our first time to see the newlyweds since Christmas. It was brief but so worth the drive.

We thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon matinee of the Lorax with our favorite nearly 5 year old and his folks.

We had breakfast with a 'long time' friend - AND she started a very promising job! Now we have plans for a day trip with our cameras. Way to go Randy!

We've enjoyed time with son while he was still in town. He was very creative by recycling our old deck boards into his garden bed and deck frame. He is very handy and has made good use of the lumber. Reminds me so much of my Dad.

Slowly I'm painting trim in rooms which were desperately in need of a fresh touch. Still have a few to go but it's a rainy-day project.

I created Raggedy Ann and Andy for G-GD. Regrettably the clothes are only partially complete. It will take me an hour to sit and complete but I need to either give up a sunny day project or pray for rain.

We ordered 4,000 lbs. of flagstone and sand. Two days after it was delivered we had the pile all laid out in the back yard. Matt magically appeared both afternoons and his younger back was a grateful addition to our efforts. This week the pea gravel will be delivered, shoveled and put down to fill in - followed by a tool closet and potting bench to clean up the rest of the area.

I started writing newsy emails to family and friends - again. Discovered if you write them they will answer and it's so much fun to get the updates.

In addition to our sleepovers and preschool days, we had lunch with GS and his folks after preschool.

I made chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies. And counted the points for my diet. Had to weigh the pros and cons for the value of the treat.

We visited "Heaven" (Kalaloch) with family and friends. It didn't quite go as planned but we had some quality time to recharge on the beach. Nothing better.

I took pictures - lots and lots of pictures.

I had date night with my hubby - Act of Valor. For this Navy family a great story.

Had repairman come for noisy washer. Bad bearings. $. Went shopping for new washer... discovered we purchased a five year warranty - what luck! Egg on our face - we happily shake our heads wondering how it is we DIDN'T know this.

Joined WW... at six weeks I lost my first 5%~ (and then some!)

Tried new recipes for dinner at least twice a week.

Made brownies. Had one to satisfy my chocolate craving and passed the majority off to GS in a ziploc bag.

and... I rejuvenated my blog.

I hope you all had a very blessed Easter, with time for family, reflection and relaxation.

There's a new FIVE YEAR OLD in town...

Happy Birthday Sweet 'Tater!

My Dream...

For years I recall having vivid dreams, often heart pounding, break a sweat kind of dreams, and then when I awaken and want to share absolutely NOTHING comes back to my memory. The past couple of weeks I've had a couple of doozies. So right there in your face - is it real - and I remembered them.

Last night (or was it this morning) I was dreaming about zombies. I would like to clarify I am not in the slightest bit obsessed with the recent zombie craze. I know our daughter, SIL and friends watched a TV series about zombies. I know there is a phone app my sweet coworker used to turn me into a zombie. But so far as understanding the zombie fad I remain clueless. The fact that I was dreaming about zombies made me laugh... even in my dream.

Perhaps it's a follow on to the Twilight vampire and shape shifter/werewolf craze. Or is it because of the "end of the world", Mayan calendar, apocalyptic survival undertones which circle around and leave me on the outskirts? I just don't get it. Nor do I worry.

But last night there were zombies. I was running from them. Mike was with me. We were both very fit (proof it was a dream) and able to run without pain and breathlessness. I wasn't scared. We hid in a raised doorway, sort of an alcove to a warehouse door where a delivery might be made.

Oddly enough our daughter approached. We told her to stay with us. "Come hide where it's safe!" She seemed to be painting her face with a pastry brush. I rationalized it as an explanation for her odd pallor. When I asked she got the look on her face that all of our children get when they are up to something (even now)! She said she was already 'one of them'. And then starts laughing... "Mom" she says, "they eat one another. They keep trying to get me to share their meals. They just don't get it". I look at her feeling confused. Perhaps she's not really a zombie. Instead she explains... "I can't eat that - I'm a vegetarian!!"

Always making me smile - even as a zombie - that's my girl...

PS: Honestly I am not trying to decipher my dream. I am thrilled to have remembered it. It still makes me giggle.